Cruise Itinerary

Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.

The past maintains a vibrant presence in the cradle of Western civilization. Atop the Acropolis, the serene Parthenon sails above the commotion of the modern city. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were performed in the Theater of Dionysus at the foot of the Acropolis. On Pnyx Hill, citizens of a fledgling democracy gathered to cast their votes on Athens' destiny. Then there is the hustle and bustle of the modern city, a metropolis of 4.5 million that spreads out from the foot of Mt. Lycabettus and across the plain. Packed with busy shops and lively tavernas, modern Athens is a colorful counterpoint to classical Greece. Piraeus is the port city for Athens and has been Athens' port of entry for over two millennia.

From the port of Kusadasi on Turkey's Anatolian Coast, one travels into the past. Nearby stand the ruins of ancient Ephesus, a major site of archeological excavation. The city was once a Roman provincial capital and trading center. Ephesus is also home to several of Christendom's holiest sites. St. Paul preached at the Great Theater and the ruins of Ephesus' Basilica cover the tomb of Christ's most beloved disciple, St. John the Apostle. In Kusadasi, whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district. The palm-lined esplanade is the center of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

Transiting through the Suez Canal is sure to be one of the lifelong memories of your cruise. The thought of a canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Sea extends back in history as far as 2100 B.C. Napoleon Bonaparte, pursuing his dreams of conquest, entertained the notion in 1798. But it was French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps who finally proved that a canal across the Suez was practicable. Work on the canal began in 1858. Eleven years later the opening of the Suez Canal was an international event. The world had acquired a quicker route to Asia-as well as a Verdi opera called Aida. Of course the Suez Canal was a source of immediate controversy. The British wrested control of the canal from Egypt in 1882. Egypt regained control during its revolution of 1952. In 1956, the British, allied with the French and Israelis, nearly took the canal back. The Arab-Israeli Six Day War of 1967 closed the canal until 1973, when another war and intense international negotiations led to its return to Egyptian control.

Transiting through the Suez Canal is sure to be one of the lifelong memories of your cruise. The thought of a canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Sea extends back in history as far as 2100 B.C. Napoleon Bonaparte, pursuing his dreams of conquest, entertained the notion in 1798. But it was French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps who finally proved that a canal across the Suez was practicable. Work on the canal began in 1858. Eleven years later the opening of the Suez Canal was an international event. The world had acquired a quicker route to Asia-as well as a Verdi opera called Aida. Of course the Suez Canal was a source of immediate controversy. The British wrested control of the canal from Egypt in 1882. Egypt regained control during its revolution of 1952. In 1956, the British, allied with the French and Israelis, nearly took the canal back. The Arab-Israeli Six Day War of 1967 closed the canal until 1973, when another war and intense international negotiations led to its return to Egyptian control.

Welcome Middle Eastern culture with a splash of adventure. Jordan’s sun-kissed centre reels in distinct Islamic architecture with access to lunar-like landscapes and ancient archaeological wonders. Visit the stunning rock-hewn Petra and take a four-wheel-foray to the rust-coloured sands and towering rocks of UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum. Flock to observe migratory birds, dive through underwater wonders, or crack Arabian cooking inland. Support local artisans on a spice-scented stroll through colourful souks and dress to worship at stark white mosques. This movie-set region teems with elegant Arabic charm.

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.

Seek out a sun-soaked city of luxurious excess, thrilling innovation and impressive landmarks. So cosmopolitan it hurts. Ski through snow, watch choreographed waterworks, listen to ship-shape opera, behold another Lamborghini, sail an abra and gasp at the floral universe. Delve into Old Dubai’s forgotten past, get the picture at the lofty Dubai Frame and head downtown to the iconic Burj Khalifa and uber-extravagant Mall. Rotate on the cosmical wheel and fine dine in the sky. Like a shimmering mirage, Dubai’s diversity lights up Arabian skies with its ability to evolve and astound.