Middle East & Africa: Greece, Qatar, Egypt & Jordan

This Greek island just off the coast of Turkey exudes beauty and history. Take a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master’s Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes, a onetime Wonder of the World, once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Along the scenic coast lies the whitewashed town of Lindos with its ancient acropolis and stunning views.

A strategic garrison for Richard the Lionhearted during the Third Crusade, Limassol provides many archaeological sites, as well as an array of contemporary designer shops for exploring. The island of Cyprus is also home to two ancient kingdoms - Kourion and Amathus. Explore more of Limassol on a European cruise!

Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and a history buff’s paradise. Alexandria was the largest city in the ancient world for centuries before eventually being overtaken by Rome. It is considered the birthplace of civilization and has numerous ruins, tombs, and ancient sites to explore. The city is also a relaxed, beachside destination with a Mediterranean atmosphere and the Nile River running through it.

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Connecting Europe and Asia, this canal through the desert challenged engineers for nearly 4,000 years. Egypt’s pharaohs attempted to connect the Nile River and Red Sea but gave up, as did Napoleon Bonaparte thousands of years later. Begun in 1858, the 120-mile (193 km.) Suez Canal took 11 years to build. Unlike many other canals in the world, the Suez Canal has no locks because the terrain is so flat. The passage from one sea to the other takes only 11 to 16 hours.

Situated along the northwestern shore of the Gulf of Suez, Ain Sokhna promises relaxation, thrills and awe-inspiring historic sites for visitors. Pristine beaches and a variety of water activities beckon to those seeking a sundrenched day of relaxation. Unleash your inner explorer on a guided tour of the nearby arid mountains and otherworldly landscapes of the Eastern Desert. Journey to Cairo to experience the best of the city or tour the world-famous ancient Pyramids of Giza. However you choose to spend your day in Ain Sokhna, you can be certain it will be a memorable, picture-perfect experience.

Set on the Red Sea, Safaga is a watersports playground. Kite surfing and windsurfing rule here, but diving is also a top attraction with nearby reefs and wrecks. If sun worship is what you seek, the desert sun and black-sand beach will fast-track your sun tan. Experience the splendor of ancient Egypt on an excursion to Luxor, the Karnak Temple Complex and the 3,400-year-old Colossi of Memnon statues.

Set on the Red Sea, Safaga is a watersports playground. Kite surfing and windsurfing rule here, but diving is also a top attraction with nearby reefs and wrecks. If sun worship is what you seek, the desert sun and black-sand beach will fast-track your sun tan. Experience the splendor of ancient Egypt on an excursion to Luxor, the Karnak Temple Complex and the 3,400-year-old Colossi of Memnon statues.

This former fishing is now the premier beach resort destination in Egypt. Luxury hotels and spas, colorful shops and markets and a delicious array of restaurants await you on land. Then from the warm sand beaches, you can splash into one of the world’s most popular diving destinations. Vibrant coral reefs teeming with more than two hundred species of fish, turtles and crustaceans await your discovery on a snorkeling or diving guided tour. Or simply enjoy a dip in the warm, calm waters of the Red Sea and soak up relaxation beachside.

Aqaba’s history dates back to 4,000 BC and was once a key Roman port. With year-round sun, you can enjoy watersports and explore the coral reefs of the Red Sea that teem with brightly colored fishes. Magnificent Petra, an ancient city carved out of stone, and one of the World’s Seven Wonders, is nearby. Back in Aqaba, visit the 13th-century castle fortress, archaeological museum and mosque and enjoy a traditional lamb dish with yogurt and rice accompanied by mint tea or sweet Turkish coffee.

Jeddah is both steeped in ancient history and viewed as the modern, economic capital of Saudi Arabia. It’s Red Sea location serves as a major trading port for the Middle East region as well as the global link to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Media. Jedda is also a renowned resort town – the famed Waterfront is lined with hotels, sculptures, restaurants and more.

View Muscat from above by traveling on the Corniche and head out along the scenic Batinah coast. The medieval Nakhl Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop, offers magnificent views of the mountains and oasis below. The colorful Sultan’s palace and the Jelali and Merani forts are worth visiting, and if you seek to experience Omani culture, a stroll through the markets and narrow alleys is ideal. Exquisite local silver jewelry, exotic spices and handicrafts abound in the markets to tempt shoppers.

Whether you’re a museum wanderer, an avid shopper or a beach goer, Doha has something for you. Doha is a city on the rise and has been for many years. There’s always new architecture to marvel at and new sights to see. From beautiful mosques to waterside parks, there so much to feast your eyes on—and so many restaurants to feast in. Stop by the National Museum of Qatar to see not just marvels inside, but an intricately designed modern building. Then wrap up your day with a visit to one of many Souqs

The world’s richest city boasts a wealth of culture, history and adventure, from the emirate’s old souks, where you can sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, to the rush of the world’s fastest rollercoaster. This 5,000-year-old metropolis is a fascinating mix of modern architecture and atmospheric back streets. Put your bargaining hat on for a friendly faceoff with the merchants at the souk to get deals on handicrafts, artwork, even spices and dried fruit for the cook back home.

Experience the blending of traditional Arab culture and modern western culture in Dubai. Gaze skyward to see the tallest building in the world, the 2,722-feet-high futuristic Burj Khalifa tower, or walk over to the impressive Jumeirah Mosque. Seek out jet-set haunts or stroll through the heart of the old city, Dubai Creek, which is home to the Dubai museum as well as the labyrinth alleyways of gold, spice and textile souks, where bargaining is part of the fun and ritual.