Windstar’s Wonders of Arabia cruise is a step again via the traditional civilizations of Greece, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman, bringing company to elements 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 trendy crown jewel of the Emirates. You can even 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
Often thought-about the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is without doubt one of the world’s oldest cities—courting 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 record points of interest to world-renowned museums and world-class procuring.
Arrive early to absorb 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. Be positive to go to the modern Acropolis Museum to see one in every of Athen’s most precious collections of historic Greek artwork while you’re there.
Other must-see websites embody the Temple of Poseidon and the cable automotive as much as Lycabettus Hill, plus the charming squares and bustling cafés of The Plaka.
Transiting the Suez Canal
Spend the day enjoyable in any of Windstar’s public areas, just like the Yacht Club, 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 Red 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 middle, leisure, library, and scrumptious meals aboard your floating resort.
Hurghada, Egypt
A basic Red 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 may also reside just like the native Egyptians with a go to to one in every of Hurghada’s business districts. Dahar is taken into account the Old Town space, with a number of mosques and a standard bazaar. Sakala is Hurghada’s metropolis middle and options trendy eating places and retailers, as does El Mamsha, a 2.5-mile pedestrian avenue with most of the metropolis’s latest accommodations, eating places and retailers.
Aqaba, Jordan (Petra)
Aqaba is Jordan’s solely coastal metropolis, that includes seaside resorts, white sand seashores, and sturdy coral reefs, making it among the finest scuba diving spots on the planet. But Aqaba is maybe greatest often known as the gateway to Petra.
Located two hours to the north, Petra is acknowledged as probably the most well-known archaeological websites on the planet. Inhabited by the Nabataeans as early as 7,000 BC, Petra turned a serious incense buying and selling route for frankincense, myrrh, and spices.
The Nabataeans have been expert stone carvers who constructed Petra proper into the facet of the crimson sandstone cliffs, therefore the nickname, “The Rose City.” Today, guests arrive at Petra via the Siq, a slender gorge that winds its means for three-quarters of a mile earlier than arriving at The Treasury. Other websites to not be missed throughout the remnants of this historic metropolis are the Monastery, The High Place of Sacrifice, and the Royal Tombs.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula alongside the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh’s sandy seashores, calm crystal-blue water, and spectacular coral reefs make it among the finest snorkeling and diving spots on the planet. Ras Mohammad National Park, which is predominantly underwater, is residence to greater than 220 species of coral.
Another 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 alleged to have appeared to Moses within the type of a burning bush, and it’s the oldest constantly inhabited Christian monastery on the planet.
For metropolis folks, common websites embody 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 planet. Be positive to cease by Old Market, which has loads of retailers promoting jewellery, pottery, Bedouin slippers and leather-based, in addition to cafés providing native fare.
Safaga, Egypt (Luxor)
A port metropolis alongside Egypt’s Red Sea, Safaga serves because the gateway to Luxor, a contemporary Egyptian metropolis and the positioning of the traditional metropolis of Thebes. Considered one of many world’s best open-air museums, Luxor covers greater than 160 sq. miles and options among the world’s most majestic temples, ruins, and artifacts. Fortunately, Windstar presents 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 planet, which took 2,000 years to construct), all on the jap facet of the Nile. Take a standard felucca throughout the Nile to the West Bank to discover the beautiful 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 enjoyable days at sea aboard your Windstar floating resort, arrive in “The Garden City” of Salalah.
History buffs and avid archaeologists will marvel on the ruins of the Queen of Sheba Palace, together with Al Baleed, the traditional buying and selling middle of frankincense and a UNESCO World Heritage 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 huge 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 Beach is one other high 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
Located on the tip of the Musandam Peninsula, Khasab is commonly thought-about the Norway of Arabia, due to its white limestone cliffs and spectacular fjords. Get up shut and private with the slender channels and plush surroundings by cruising on a standard Omani dhow, a one or two-lateen masted crusing vessel. You could even encounter dolphins.
Experience the historical past of Khasab via the stone turrets and towers on the seventeenth century Khasab Fort, or benefit from the beautiful 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 best way 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, probably the most populous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. With towering trendy skyscrapers, ultra-luxe procuring, and wealthy Arab tradition, there may be loads to see and do earlier than heading residence.
Don’t miss the statement tower at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest constructing, for superb views of town and past. You can decide up your remaining souvenirs with a go to to Dubai Mall, the second largest mall on the planet with greater than 1,300 shops, or take a look at the jewellery on the Gold Souk. Explore 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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