Middle East: Turkey, Egypt & Jordan

There’s a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this centre of the Ottoman empire has become one the world’s focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there’s always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you’ll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on a European cruise!

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants.

Alanya will quickly become one of your favourite places with its irresistible combination of beaches and history. The Red Tower was built in the 13th-century and is considered the symbol of the city. High above the coast you’ll find Alanya Castle, which is home to an open-air museum. Then head to the coast to swim on Cleopatra Beach, where the famous Egyptian queen is said to have swam, or go diving in the naturally-lit Phosphorus Cave. Explore more of Alayna on a European cruise!

Considered one of the Middle East’s most picturesque cities, Haifa offers incredible sights everywhere you turn. It is also close to holy sites – travel to Galilee, Nazareth or Jerusalem. The views from Bahai Gardens on Mount Carmel, the largest hanging gardens in the world, are incredible, and make for a superb picture spot. Peruse the boutiques on Massada Street or go to the artists’ village of Ein Hod for hand-blown glass and crafts. Explore more of Haifa on a European cruise!

Dating back to 17th-century BC, Ashdod is one of the most ancient cities in the world. It’s almost hard to believe when looking at today’s modern port with its wide boulevards and meticulous planning. Don’t miss the Ashdod Art Museum, Corinne Maman Museum, Beit Guvrin National Park and the pastoral setting of Tel Lachish. Explore more of Ashdod on a European cruise!

Port Said Governorate is one of the Canal Zone governorates of Egypt. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Mediterranean Sea at the northern gate of the Suez Canal, making it the second most important harbor in Egypt.

Rapidly emerging as the go-to spot on the Red Sea Riviera, at Sharm El Sheikh tourism meshes with the ancient traditions of the Sinai. Its clear, calm waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving. More than 250 reefs and 1,000 species of fish inhabit local waters. If you prefer to stay dry, shop at the souk in Old Sharm, where stalls are filled with collectibles such as rugs and tapestries. Savour a traditional meal in one of the open-air seaside restaurants and take in the amazing view.

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 coloured 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.

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 coloured 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.

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.

View Muscat from above by travelling 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 colourful 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 jewellery, exotic spices and handicrafts abound in the markets to tempt shoppers.

View Muscat from above by travelling 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 colourful 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 jewellery, exotic spices and handicrafts abound in the markets to tempt shoppers.

The only emirate on the Gulf of Oman rather than the Persian Gulf, Fujairah boasts beautiful, unspoiled beaches. The Hagar mountain range looms majestically behind the port and separates it from the rest of the country. Get a sense of Fujairah’s past at the archeological museum or its beautifully restored fort overlooking the old village and date palm oasis. Browse the souks for carpets and pottery and sample local delicacies such as salt-crusted hammour fish, a type of grouper.

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.