Windstar’s Wonders of Arabia cruise is a step again via the traditional civilizations of Greece, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman, bringing friends to components of the world—and the world’s historical past—that few have the chance to expertise.
This distinctive voyage begins in historic Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, and after passing via the Suez Canal, take within the spectacular rose-colored metropolis cliffs of Petra. From there, benefit from the magnificence of historic Egypt’s temples and tombs, and go to the Omani fjords and houses of sultans, earlier than ending the unique journey in Dubai, the fashionable crown jewel of the Emirates. Additionally, you will have loads of sea days in between ports to take pleasure in all of the facilities that Windstar’s Star Legend has to supply.
Athens, Greece
Usually thought-about the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is without doubt one of the world’s oldest cities—relationship again 3,400 years—and the capital of Greece. With that previous comes an incredible quantity of historical past to see and expertise, from bucket checklist points of interest to world-renowned museums and world-class purchasing.
Arrive early to soak up the historic websites. The Acropolis options the stays of its many historic and architectural wonders, together with the Parthenon, the statues of the caryatids of the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theater, and the Temple of Athena Nike. You should definitely go to the modern Acropolis Museum to see one in all Athen’s most respected collections of historic Greek artwork when you are there.
Different must-see websites embrace the Temple of Poseidon and the cable automobile as much as Lycabettus Hill, plus the charming squares and bustling cafés of The Plaka.
Transiting the Suez Canal
Spend the day stress-free in any of Windstar’s public areas, just like the Yacht Membership, the Star Bar, or the pool deck—or just within the consolation of your suite balcony—as you transit this 120-mile miracle connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Crimson Sea. With Asia on one facet and Africa on the opposite, the day-long transit options two bridges, an enormous energy line crossing, and the city of Ismailia, Egypt, with its minareted mosque. You’ll have loads of time to benefit from the spa, health heart, leisure, library, and scrumptious meals aboard your floating resort.
Hurghada, Egypt
A traditional Crimson Sea resort city alongside Egypt’s shoreline, Hurghada is thought for its underwater world, with spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving, together with a bevy of watersports, together with windsurfing, kitesurfing and boating. There are additionally many pretty public seashores for sunbathing and swimming.
For one thing a bit extra unique, the close by desert options 4×4 safari outings with loads of indigenous wildlife, in addition to visits to Bedouin communities to expertise their traditions, cultures, and camel rides.
You can even stay just like the native Egyptians with a go to to one in all Hurghada’s industrial districts. Dahar is taken into account the Outdated City space, with a number of mosques and a standard bazaar. Sakala is Hurghada’s metropolis heart and options fashionable eating places and outlets, as does El Mamsha, a 2.5-mile pedestrian road with lots of the metropolis’s latest inns, eating places and outlets.
Aqaba, Jordan (Petra)
Aqaba is Jordan’s solely coastal metropolis, that includes seaside resorts, white sand seashores, and strong coral reefs, making it top-of-the-line scuba diving spots on the earth. However Aqaba is probably greatest referred to as the gateway to Petra.
Situated two hours to the north, Petra is acknowledged as probably the most well-known archaeological websites on the earth. Inhabited by the Nabataeans as early as 7,000 BC, Petra grew to become a significant incense buying and selling route for frankincense, myrrh, and spices.
The Nabataeans had been expert stone carvers who constructed Petra proper into the facet of the purple sandstone cliffs, therefore the nickname, “The Rose Metropolis.” At this time, guests arrive at Petra via the Siq, a slim gorge that winds its method for three-quarters of a mile earlier than arriving at The Treasury. Different websites to not be missed inside the remnants of this historic metropolis are the Monastery, The Excessive Place of Sacrifice, and the Royal Tombs.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula alongside the Crimson Sea, Sharm El Sheikh’s sandy seashores, calm crystal-blue water, and spectacular coral reefs make it top-of-the-line snorkeling and diving spots on the earth. Ras Mohammad Nationwide Park, which is predominantly underwater, is house to greater than 220 species of coral.
One other distinctive attraction is the journey up the winding roads of Mount Sinai to St. Catherine’s Monastery. This Greek Orthodox monastery is situated on the spot the place God is claimed to have appeared to Moses within the type of a burning bush, and it’s the oldest repeatedly inhabited Christian monastery on the earth.
For metropolis folks, well-liked websites embrace the Al Mustafa Mosque, which is the largest mosque within the metropolis and the Coptic Orthodox Church, thought-about one of many ten most stunning church buildings on the earth. You should definitely cease by Outdated Market, which has loads of outlets promoting jewellery, pottery, Bedouin slippers and leather-based, in addition to cafés providing native fare.
Safaga, Egypt (Luxor)
A port metropolis alongside Egypt’s Crimson Sea, Safaga serves because the gateway to Luxor, a contemporary Egyptian metropolis and the location of the traditional metropolis of Thebes. Thought-about one of many world’s biggest open-air museums, Luxor covers greater than 160 sq. miles and options a few of the world’s most majestic temples, ruins, and artifacts. Happily, Windstar gives a two-day tour to this land of the pharaohs.
For a crash course in Egyptian historical past, begin your journey on the Luxor Museum. Then head to the Temple of Luxor and Temple of Karnak (thought-about to be the biggest sanctuary on the earth, which took 2,000 years to construct), all on the japanese facet of the Nile. Take a standard felucca throughout the Nile to the West Financial institution to discover the gorgeous structure and panorama of Hatshepsut Temple, the honeycomb of tombs on the Valley of the Kings—together with King Tutankhamun, and the tomb of Queen Nefertari and different notable queens and princesses on the Valley of the Queens.
Salalah, Oman
After 5 stress-free days at sea aboard your Windstar floating resort, arrive in “The Backyard Metropolis” of Salalah.
Historical past buffs and avid archaeologists will marvel on the ruins of the Queen of Sheba Palace, together with Al Baleed, the traditional buying and selling heart of frankincense and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Head to the Bay of Khor Rori and Sumhuram, the citadel of an historic metropolis and the epicenter of Salalah’s once-flourishing incense commerce, and cease by Al Husn Souq for souvenirs of frankincense, myrrh, incense, perfumes, and oils. Wander inside the large Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque or drive the grounds of the magnificent Al Hosn Palace, the private residence of His Majesty, the Sultan of Oman.
Mughsail Seashore is one other prime attraction, with two miles of unspoiled seashores and cliffs, together with spectacular blowholes. These sea geysers shoot water out of the rock openings, reaching heights of practically 50 toes.
Khasab, Oman
Situated on the tip of the Musandam Peninsula, Khasab is usually thought-about the Norway of Arabia, because of its white limestone cliffs and spectacular fjords. Stand up shut and private with the slim channels and plush surroundings by cruising on a standard Omani dhow, a one or two-lateen masted crusing vessel. You might even encounter dolphins.
Expertise the historical past of Khasab via the stone turrets and towers on the seventeenth century Khasab Fort, or benefit from the gorgeous views with a visit as much as Jebel Harim. At 6,260 toes, that is the best peak of the Musandam Peninsula, and after taking in views of terraced mountain villages and plush forests on the way in which up, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas from the summit.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Plan to remain for an additional day or two on this thrilling capital metropolis, essentially the most populous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. With towering fashionable skyscrapers, ultra-luxe purchasing, and wealthy Arab tradition, there’s loads to see and do earlier than heading house.
Don’t miss the statement tower at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest constructing, for wonderful views of town and past. You may decide up your closing souvenirs with a go to to Dubai Mall, the second largest mall on the earth with greater than 1,300 shops, or try the jewellery on the Gold Souk. Discover the artwork galleries, cafés, and tea homes of Bastakiya Quarter, town’s historic district, and take within the smells and colours on the Spice Souk, which is without doubt one of the hottest conventional markets in Dubai.
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