Cruise From Athens to Mumbai
The Mediterranean, Red and Arabian Seas
Follow the oldest trading routes on earth, through lands of legendary tales and epic adventures. The treasures of Egypt and the Holy Land, and breathtaking surveys of India’s colorful cities and serene Moghul monuments. Oman’s rugged mountains and hidden oases. In this 18-days Empires of the Sun journey, spanning 3 continents and 6 countries, you’ll cruise the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and finally the Arabian Sea.
Start in Athens and cruise on to Agios Nikolaos, Greece, a charming village of white houses dotted on the slopes situated in the sparkling Gulf of Mirabello. The attractive Venetian harbour is surrounded by restaurants, outdoor cafes and clusters of shops. Continue on to Ashdod, the largest port in Israel and the gateway to Jerusalem - the 5’000-year-old walled city that is considered sacred to more than a third of the people on Earth. After crossing the Suez Canal, arrive in Hurghada, Egypt. You’ll enjoy the wonderful weather, the beaches and the prolific sea-life that thrives in the clear waters and offshore coral reefs. Aqaba is next, a sleepy fishing village with a long and historic past. At various times, the port was a stopover on ancient caravan routes, a garrison for Roman troops and meeting place for pilgrims en route to Mecca. Today, Aqaba is Jordan's only deep water port and the jumping-off point for excursions to Petra, the country's premier historical attraction. Back in Egypt, the boat will dock at the port of Safaga, the gateway to some of Egypt's most memorable destinations: Luxor, Karnak and Thebes. Luxor has often been called the world's greatest open-air museum, and the number and preservation of the monuments in the area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
After a few days of crossing the Red Sea - spending your time relaxing and enjoying the boat’s numerous facilities - you’ll arrive in Salalah, Oman. Salalah is an oasis with lush vegetation resulting from seasonal monsoons. The city's roads wind through groves of coconut, papaya and banana trees, and roadside stands sell fresh fruit and coconut water. The tropical atmosphere is a striking contrast to the otherwise arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Now it’s time to cross the Arabian Sea and arrive in Mumbai, India - Mumbai represents the ever-changing face of today's India: the old coupled with the dynamic new. This vibrant city is a kaleidoscopic mixture of intriguing people and incredible places, where within a block or two you can find modern skyscrapers, ornate Victorian buildings, and bustling bazaars.