MAY 11-25, 2008
EGYPT AND THE RED SEA
DUBAI TO ATHENS
The Six-Star Crystal Symphony

Itinerary

May 11 - Embark Dubai, UAE (Overnight)

May 12 - Dubai, UAE

May 13-14 - Cruising the Arabian Sea

May 15 - Salalah, Oman

May 16 - Cruising the Gulf of Aden

May 17-18 - Cruising the Red Sea

May 19 - Luxor & Karnak/Safaga, Egypt
(Valley of the Kings!)

May 20 - Aqaba, Jordan (Petra!)

May 21 - Cruising the Red Sea

May 22 - Transit the Suez Canal

May 23 - Alexandria/Cairo, Egypt
(Sphinx and the Pyramids!)

May 24 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

May 25 - Disembark Athens/Piraeus, Greece

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dubai, UAE: Tiny Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates, the cluster of prosperous sheikdoms along the Arabian Sea. Dubai grew rich on pearls and gold, but today its bread and butter is petroleum, a source of fabulous wealth. Despite the primeval desert that surrounds it, spirited Dubai has spent its oil income on modern architecture based on soaring spires. Explore the bazaars for gold and silks, Persian and Afghani rugs and more.

Salalah: Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Visit the ancient tomb of the Old Testament prophet, Job, or make an excursion to the excavation site of the Lost City of Ubar.

Luxor & Karnak/Safaga: This small city on the coast of the Red Sea offers beautiful beaches and temperate weather, combined with scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling. Excursions include a one-day exploration of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, travelling across the Nile, and visiting the largest temple ever built by man, Karnak.

Aqaba: The waterway to the Red Sea - the commercial sea port of Aqaba (Al 'Aqabah) is the only outlet to the Hashimate Kingdom of Jordan, and is situated at the top of the Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-coloured desert to the North. Its sandy beaches and coral reefs are the most pristine on the Red Sea, and Jordanians hope to preserve them through careful planning. Visit the thrilling city of Petra!

Alexandria/Cairo: With its wide stretch of beach and modern hotels located on the shores of the Mediterranean, Alexandria seems more like an ancient Egyptian city. Once the intellectual and cultural center of Greco-Roman civilization, it is the country's main port and was named after Alexander the Great. This bustling port serves as the gateway to Cairo. A must-see is a visit to the world's most famous monuments of antiquity, the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The precise majesty of the Pyramids is breathtaking, while the power of the Sphinx's presence is felt by all who visit.

Athens: Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture. Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage.