Lead Pricing
| Interior | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request Price | Request Price | Request Price | Request Price |
Art inspires. Awakens your emotions and stimulates your thoughts.
In the quiet calm of morning, your private veranda becomes a place of true inspiration. Surrounded by the magnificence of the dawning day, at one with the vista of sea and sky, in awe of nature and the vast beauty of this world. The shoreline of the next port slides closer and closer into view, and with it an undeniable anticipation of things to come and the promise of limitless possibilities.
Silversea creates exceptional ocean journeys with unique opportunities to explore remote ports-of-call from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Discover genuine European expertise reflected in every detail, from our tranquil all-suite accommodation and uncompromising service to distinctive fine dining and a carefree all-inclusive philosophy.
Our guests hail from across the globe, yet share an appreciation for the spectrum of choice offered in Silversea’s array of exotic destinations and exclusive explorations ashore. By blending these elements together with enrichment experiences, each new port becomes more than a destination, it becomes a state of mind, transcending the traditional concepts of cruising. It is this distinction that has earned Silversea the reputation of World’s Best.
ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP An extensive selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are yours to enjoy — all courtesy of Silversea.
IN-SUITE BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every suite features a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.
COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE DINING AND 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE A formal dinner served course-by-course, a late-night snack, or a full breakfast delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.
COMPLIMENTARY SILVERSEA EXPERIENCE® A shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Namibia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus.
A FULL SPECTRUM OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT Production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances. Multi-tiered show lounge. Lectures by world affairs experts, renowned authors and destination specialists.
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION INTO TOWN Roundtrip transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call.
Silversea … The art of travel. The art of good living.
A quiet sanctuary. The sitting area of the Vista Suite has plenty of room to relax. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views.
The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed during the cruise.
Some Vista Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 312 ft² / 29 m²
Features
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Pratesi® bed linen
Down duvets
Pillow Menu
BVLGARI® bath amenities
Etro® bath robes
Slippers
Marbled bathroom with vanity, separate wet room with shower seat
Premium mattress
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest / per day
Two 42 “ / 106 cm Flat-screen HD TV
Interactive Media Library
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Large picture window
Sitting area
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
The Panorama Suite provides generous living space for voyagers. Located lower bow, the Panorama offers all the comfort and attention to detail that you can expect aboard. A generous expanse of interior comforts — elegant décor, stunning marble bathroom and ample seating area, make this a cosy home away from home. The seating area of the Panorama Suite has plenty of room to relax, while large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views.
One bedroom: 334 ft² / 31 m²
Features
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Pratesi® bed linen
Premium mattresses
Down duvets covers
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath*
BVLGARI® bath amenities
Etro® bath robes
Slippers
42 “ / 106 cm Flat screen HD TV
Interactive Media Library
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest / per day
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
The Classic Veranda Suite provides generous living space for voyagers. Located lower bow, the Classic Veranda Suite offers all the comfort and attention to detail that you can expect aboard — both inside and out. A generous expanse of interior comforts — elegant décor, stunning marble bathroom and ample seating area, make this a cosy home away from home.
But perhaps this suite’s finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private veranda, making every sunset feel as if it is yours alone.
One bedroom: 376 ft² / 35m² including veranda (64 ft² /6 m²)
Features
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Pratesi® bed linen
Premium mattress
Down duvets
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath
BVLGARI® bath amenities
Etro® bath robes
Slippers
Furnished teak veranda
Two 42 “ / 106 cm Flat-screen HD TV
Interactive Media Library
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest / per day
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Located on the upper deck, and offering spectacular sunset views, the Superior Veranda Suite has all the comforts and luxury that you can expect aboard. A comfortable living space, attention to detail and a generous expanse of amenities, this stunning suite makes for a cosy home while on the seas.
But perhaps this suite’s finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private veranda, making every sunset feel as if it is yours alone.
One bedroom: 376 ft² / 35m² including veranda (64 ft² /6 m²)
Features
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Pratesi® bed linen
Premium mattresses
Down duvets
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath
BVLGARI® bath amenities
Etro® bath robes
Slippers
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass door
Two 42 “ / 106 cm Flat screen HD TV
Interactive Media Library
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest / per day
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
The Deluxe Veranda Suite offers a comfortable living space, close to the heart of the ship. With its preferred mid-ship location and all the comfort and attention to detail that you can expect aboard, the Deluxe Veranda Suite is the savvy traveller’s paradise— both inside and out. Elegant décor, stunning marble bathroom and ample seating area, make this a cosy home away from home.
But perhaps this suite’s finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private veranda, making every sunset feel as if it is yours alone.
One bedroom: 376 ft² / 35m² including veranda (64 ft² /6 m²)
Features
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Pratesi® bed linen
Premium mattresses
Down duvets
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath*
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Etro® bath robes
Slippers
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass door
Two 42 “ / 106 cm Flat screen HD TV
Interactive Media Library
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest / per day
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Step onto your terrace and bask in the calm feeling of the ocean breeze. Dissolve into the comfort of your king size bed. Prepare for the evening in the beautiful marble bathroom. The upper deck location gives the most spectacular of sea views, the spacious living area allows for comfortable relaxing where cosy nights in become veritable experiences in themselves. The two-bedroom configuration of this suite makes this it the ideal option for families.
One bedroom: 746 ft² / 69m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1366 ft² / 127m² including veranda
Features
Dedicated butler
Twin debs or queen-sized bed
Pratesi® bed linen
Down duvets
Premium mattresses
Pillow menu
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Etro® bath robes
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Slippers
Vanity table with hair dryer
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Separate dining area
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass door
Illy® Espresso Machine
Free WiFi
Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Interactive Media Library
One 55″ / 140 cm flat-screen HD TVs in main suite, plus one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TVs in bedroom two (if adjoined with second suite)
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Personalized stationary and umbrella
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Stately describes the Royal Suite. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining. Enough living space to roam. The pinnacle of good living. Available as a one-bedroom configuration.
One bedroom: 990 ft² / 92m² including veranda.
FEATURES:
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed;
Handmade Savoir® mattresses
Pratesi® bed linen
Down duvets
Pillow menu
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath, plus a powder room
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Etro® bath robes with horse hair topper
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Slippers
Vanity table with hair dryer
Separate dining area
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Illy® espresso machine
Free WiFi
One 55″ / 140 cm flat-screen HD TV in main suite
Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Interactive Media Library
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. Ideal for entertaining friends while you cruise or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration.
One bedroom: 1,425–1,532 ft² / 132–142m² including veranda.
FEATURES:
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or king-sized bed;
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Handmade Savoir® mattress with horse hair topper
Pratesi® fine bed linens
Down duvet covers
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath, plus a powder room;
Plush Etro® bathrobes
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Slippers
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Separate dining area
Illy® Espresso Machine
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
One 55″ / 140 cm flat-screen HD TV in main suite
Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Free WiFi
Interactive Media Library
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Enjoy a complimentary dinner for two in La Dame
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
The name Owners Suite says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. Available as a one-bedroom configuration.
One bedroom: 1,292 ft² / 120m² including veranda.
FEATURES:
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or king-sized bed;
Walk-in wardrobes with personal safe
Handmade Savoir® mattress with horse hair topper
Pratesi® fine bed linens
Down duvet covers
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower, plus a powder room;
Plush Etro® bathrobes
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Slippers
Vanity table with hair dryer
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors;
Separate dining area
Illy® Espresso Machine
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Interactive Media Library
Free WiFi
One 55″ / 140 cm and one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TV in main suite
Living room with sitting area;
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Enjoy a complimentary dinner for two in La Dame
Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Stately describes the Royal Suite. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining. Enough living space to roam. The pinnacle of good living. Available as two bedrooms by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
Two bedroom: 1366 ft² / 127m² including veranda.
FEATURES:
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Handmade Savoir® mattresses
Pratesi® bed linen
Down duvets
Pillow menu
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Etro® bath robes with horse hair topper
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Slippers
Vanity table with hair dryer
Separate dining area
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Illy® espresso machine
Unlimited Premium Wifi
One 55″ / 140 cm and one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TVs in main suite, plus one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TVs in bedroom two (if adjoined with second suite)
Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Interactive Media Library
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. Ideal for entertaining friends while you cruise or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”. Available as two-bedrooms by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
Two bedroom: 1,772–1,879 ft² / 165–175m² including veranda.
FEATURES:
Dedicated butler
Twin beds or king-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Handmade Savoir® mattress with horse hair topper
Pratesi® fine bed linens
Down duvet covers
Pillow Menu
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bath, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Plush Etro® bathrobes
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands
Slippers
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Separate dining area
Illy® Espresso Machine
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
One 55″ / 140 cm and one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TVs, plus one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TVs in bedroom two
Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Interactive Media Library
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Enjoy a complimentary dinner for two in La Dame
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
The name Owners Suite says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms by adjoining with Panorama Suite.
Two bedroom: 1,668 ft² / 150m² including veranda.
FEATURES: Dedicated butler Twin beds or king-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed Walk-in wardrobes with personal safe Handmade Savoir® mattress with horse hair topper Pratesi® fine bed linens Down duvet covers Pillow Menu Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower Plush Etro® bathrobes BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European Brands Slippers Vanity table with hair dryer Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two- bedroom has additional large picture window Separate dining area Illy® Espresso Machine Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences Interactive Media Library Free WiFi One 55″ / 140 cm and one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TV in main suite, plus one 42″ / 106 cm flat-screen HD TVs in bedroom two Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery Enjoy a complimentary dinner for two in La Dame Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers Laundry service throughout the voyage Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage Special chocolate welcome Afternoon canapés upon request Dinner at officer’s table Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
The all-new Silver Spirit has never looked better, nor felt cosier. Fully refurbished for a superlative onboard adventure, she retains our world famous standards of service and home away from home feel.
With one of the highest space to guest ratios in the business and eight superlative luxury dining options, Silver Spirit offers its guests one of the most complete cruise experiences available. Spacious decks leave plenty of room for relaxation, yet the cosy niches make sure that there is something for everyone. Meet like-minded friends; enjoy first class dining and relax in what is possibly the best place between sea and sky.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 691 ft
- Tonnage: 36,000 tonnes
- Maiden Voyage: Dec 2009
- Refurbished: May 2018
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 608
- Crew Nationality: International
- Officer Nationality: European
- Dining Staff Nationality: International
- Ship Registration: Bahamas
Ship Facilities
- La Dame
- Dolce Vita
- Venetian Lounge
- Conference Room
- Restaurant 2
- Seishin
- Beauty Salon
- Fitness Centre
- Zagara Spa
- Internet Cafe
- The Library
- Restaurant 1
- La Terrazza
- Stars Supper Club
- The Connoisseur’s Corner
- Shopping Boutiques
- The Casino
- Swimming Pool
- Whirlpools
- The Grill
- Pool Bar & Grill
- Panorama Lounge
- Jogging Track
- Card Room
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Mar '21 | Mumbai (Bombay), India |
07:00 PM | |
| 28 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 29 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 30 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 31 Mar '21 | Salalah, Oman |
07:00 AM | 04:00 PM |
| 01 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 02 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 03 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 04 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 05 Apr '21 | Aqaba, Jordan |
07:00 AM | 06:00 PM |
| 06 Apr '21 | Safaga (Luxor) |
06:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 07 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 08 Apr '21 | Suez Canal |
04:00 AM | 06:30 PM |
| 09 Apr '21 | Haifa, Israel |
09:30 AM | overnight |
| 10 Apr '21 | Haifa, Israel |
10:00 PM | |
| 11 Apr '21 | At sea | ||
| 12 Apr '21 | Athens (Piraeus) Greece |
02:00 PM | overnight |
| 13 Apr '21 | Athens (Piraeus) Greece |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
17 Night Cruise sailing from Mumbai to Athens aboard Silver Spirit.
Join us for an allegorical journey that weaves astonishing cities, days at sea and ancient treasures. Starting in the happy cacophony of Mumbai, recharge your batteries with three sea days before the opulence of Oman opens itself to you. Then it’s on to Petra’s gorgeous sandstone city and Luxor’s Valley of the Kings. Enjoy overnights in both Nazareth and Athens to bring an extra layer of understanding to your trip.
Highlights of this cruise:
Mumbai, India
Delhi may be the capital city, but it’s Mumbai that encapsulates all the dynamic, chaotic parts that make up modern India. This is where you’ll find everything from succulent street food to haute cuisine, bargain-basement bazaars to the finest haute couture, humbling poverty to staggering wealth, sacred temples to hedonist nightclubs. Mumbai is India—vibrant, hectic, frustrating, enervating, and exhilarating, warts and all. Mumbai is a city of extremes, where slum-dwelling strivers making dollars a day serve Bollywood stars and industrial billionaires.
Salalah
Combining thrilling history with gorgeous beaches and luxury spas, Oman’s second-biggest city is cradled by tempting ocean waters and the soaring Dhofar Mountains. A refreshing rainy season waters down the intense heat of the Gulf region, painting a rich green hue across the land and separating it from the barren desert elsewhere. Banana plantations sprawl out, and dense gatherings of coconut palms rustle together, before Salalah’s cherished powdery white beaches. Sweet fragrances linger in Salalah’s souqs, where exotic incenses, perfumes and spices are traded. Set in Dhofar province, the desert staging is smudged with greenery and life during the downpours and misty rains of Khareef season. The clouds tame the heat and fuel stunning waterfall torrents, with a local festival celebrating the arrival of this monsoon each year. Even in drier months, the earlier deluges ensure that there is an added vibrancy to the ravines and wadis nearby. Enjoy the sunshine and settle into the sandy embrace of luxury beaches, before indulging in stress-relieving massages. Head to popular spots like Al Mughsail beach, where explosive blowholes boom with frothing spray, as the waters collide with coastal rock formations. Travel back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed ancient city of Dhufa – which has been reclaimed from the rusty desert soil at Al Baleed Archeological Park. An ancient centre of frankincense trade, the on-site museum explains the history of this precious ingredient, extracted from the region’s fragrant Boswellia trees and exported far and wide.
Safaga
Unravel the mysteries, and marvel at the artistry and scale, of some of Ancient Egypt’s most important and impressive monuments, which rise from the fertile plains and palm groves of the River Nile. Safaga’s port sits on the Red Sea’s dazzling coastline, where gorgeous beaches and super waters for diving and snorkelling await. Unwind here, amid the colourful fish life, or lie back to soak in ever-reliable sunshine. Most will choose to head inland to the banks of one of the world’s longest and most storied rivers – where the immense treasures of Ancient Egypt loom in the desert’s haze. Modern Luxor rests beside the Nile, and is set amid an unparalleled archaeological site of swirling legend and ancient beauty. This vast, open-air museum sprawls out below the burning sun, and you’ll discover preserved ancient tombs, momentous statues like the Colossi of Memnon, and vast columned temples with rows of statues, such as the Temple of Karnak. Soak in the surroundings on boats, which meander up and down the river, or head out to tick off as many of the remarkable ruins as you can. Cultural treasures like the World Heritage Site listed Valley of the Kings – carved into the copper rock of the desert – provided elaborate resting places for Ancient Egypt’s revered Pharaohs. Built between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, no fewer than 63 temples have been discovered here so far. Head into incredibly preserved tombs, decorated with majestic and mystical symbols and colourful artworks. See famous sites like the cursed tomb of King Tutankhamun, and the imposing rise of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple, amid the countless highlights and wonders.
Athens
A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece’s capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus’ giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens’ urban area. From there it’s a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon – which date back to the 5th century BC – stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens’ best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city’s enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it’s an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry – try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.