Dubai, Muscat, Jeddah, Safaga, Olbia-Emerald Coast, Port Mahon, Barcelona

Stretching along the southernmost shores of the Arabian Gulf, cosmopolitan Dubai is often described as a city of contrasts. On one side, sparkling tall buildings, glitzy shops and sun-soaked beaches of a glamorous seaside destination, on the other side, a city rooted in tradition and history. Wander the narrow streets of the Al Bastakiya historic district, where you can take in the sights and sounds of bustling souks (markets) or the quiet wonder of local mosques. Dubai is a wonderful word for shopping, in the most impressive shopping malls, such ast the Mall of the Emirates that also hosts the ski centre, and the Dubai Mall, which are a tempting world of shopping opportunities.

Stretching along the southernmost shores of the Arabian Gulf, cosmopolitan Dubai is often described as a city of contrasts. On one side, sparkling tall buildings, glitzy shops and sun-soaked beaches of a glamorous seaside destination, on the other side, a city rooted in tradition and history. Wander the narrow streets of the Al Bastakiya historic district, where you can take in the sights and sounds of bustling souks (markets) or the quiet wonder of local mosques. Dubai is a wonderful word for shopping, in the most impressive shopping malls, such ast the Mall of the Emirates that also hosts the ski centre, and the Dubai Mall, which are a tempting world of shopping opportunities.

The capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat is a beautiful Middle Eastern city offering visitors diverse attractions, a low-rise gem, wedged between Arabian Gulf and scenic mountains. Once ashore witness lavish palaces, Zawawi Mosque, its pink marble crowned by a gilded dome and Muttrah Souq, a jumble of crafts and clothing perfumed with spices and frankincense. Take time and explore Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the impressive forts Al-Jalali, in the harbor of the old city of Muscat and Al Mirani, which overlooks the Sea of Oman, visit the spectacular Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, enjoy a stroll through Qurum National Park. Muscat also offers several museums and, further afield, the unique opportunity to watch camel racing and bull fights. 

Jeddah is a city in the Hijaz region of the Red Sea, which is the largest urban center in Saudi Arabia. It is considered the largest city in the province of Makkah. It is the largest seaport in the Red Sea and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. Its port was expanded to accommodate large vessels in the early 1970s, which is considered to be the largest in the world upon completion

Safaga is located 53 km south of Hurghada, on the coast of the Red Sea, Egypt. This small tourist resort, is a favourite water sports destination in the Red Sea Riviera, with several hotels and bungalows and it is famous for its pristine atmosphere, black sand-dunes and mineral springs which have acquired specific characteristics for remedy of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Though small, it has a thriving tourism industry, specialising in scuba diving and kite surfing. From here, Luxor, in the Nile Valley in central Egypt, is 3,5 hours each way.

Safaga is located 53 km south of Hurghada, on the coast of the Red Sea, Egypt. This small tourist resort, is a favourite water sports destination in the Red Sea Riviera, with several hotels and bungalows and it is famous for its pristine atmosphere, black sand-dunes and mineral springs which have acquired specific characteristics for remedy of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Though small, it has a thriving tourism industry, specialising in scuba diving and kite surfing. From here, Luxor, in the Nile Valley in central Egypt, is 3,5 hours each way.

Olbia is one of the busiest ferry ports in Sardinia, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century led by a divine hero named Aristeous who taught the Sadinians how to gather honey. In 350 BC it became the first Carthaginian settlement on the East Coast, only to be thrown out a couple of hundred years later by the Romans. Olbia remained an important Roman port until it was destroyed by the Vandals in 450AD. Olbia’s charms are discrete ones. The historical center is nice enough with a couple of nice squares, a granite romanesque church S. Simplicio, which dates from the middle ages and the 17th century church of S. Paolo.

Mahon is the capital city of Minorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands, after Majorca. It is an important commercial and industrial centre, located in the eastern part of the island and has one of the deepest natural points in the world. Due to the wealth generated by tourism the historical capital of Mahon was renovated towards the end of the 20th Century and is now famous for its architecture, fairs, festivals and fiestas and offers visitors the beautiful mix of old and new architecture.

Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures, a global capital of commerce, fashion, culture and sunshine. Cruise visitors should start with a walk down Las Ramblas, the glorious tree-shaded thoroughfare at the heart of the city, enjoy a dive in the wonderful beaches nearby, but, most of all, see what visionary architect Antoni Gaudi wrought. Seven of his creations have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell and Casa Mila. Time provided, you can also visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic, home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.