Symphony, Ancient Passages & Modern Marvels ex Athens to Abu Dhabi
Cruise Line Crystal Cruises
Ship Crystal Symphony
Destination Africa - North & Middle East
Nights 16
Departure Date 11 Oct 2021
Description 16 Night cruise sailing from Athens to Abu Dhabi onboard Crystal Symphony.

Follow the adventures of Lawrence of Arabia on a journey to Wadi Rum, and see the Pink City of Petra. Venture to Luxor and the Valley of Kings on a quest to see King Tut’s tomb and witness the marvels of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens (Piraeus)
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.

Iraklion, Crete
The largest city and capital of Crete, and the fourth-largest city in Greece, Heraklion (also known as Iraklion) makes a convenient base for island explorations. Nearby are the ruins of Knossos, an ancient Minoan city that was destroyed by a tsunami resulting from volcanic eruption in Santorini. Phaistos in southern Crete and the ancient town of Gortyn are also within reach. These old sites reveal Crete’s the culture of a wealthy society that gradually disappeared due to wars or natural disasters. Iraklion itself merits a leisurely discovery, with remnants of its fascinating past, including the well-preserved Venetian fortress the remains of the defensive wall, on display.

Aqaba, Jordan
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. With several first-rate hotels, restaurants and shops, Aqaba caters to a tourist crowd that is tranquil and relaxed, seeking its pleasures more by day than by night.

Luxor & Karnak / Safaga, Egypt
This small city on the coast of the Red Sea offers beautiful beaches and temperate weather, combined with scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling. The resorts of this area provide perfect opportunities for visitors to enjoy all the amenities of comfort, while simultaneously basking in the relaxing sun of such a unique and tantalizing area.

Muscat, Oman
Situated on a striking cove on the Gulf of Oman, ringed by striking volcanic mountains and guarded by two ancient Portuguese forts, diminutive Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Its architecture is a picturesque blend of Arab, Indian, African and European styles. Look for the sultan's palace at the water's edge, or visit the important national museum.

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. In the offshore oil fields of Dubai are three submerged oil tanks, each twenty stories tall, which locals call “The Three Pyramids of Dubai.

Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, saw its first paved road in 1961, a few years after oil was discovered in the area. Since then, development has been at times cautious and later vigorous, resulting in today's wide modern boulevards lined with glistening towers. The city's banks, boutiques and highrises stand testament to a vital economy. Indeed, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, is not only the most prosperous Emirate, but is also considered the wealthiest city in the world. With its ongoing commitment to science, education and the arts, Abu Dhabi is also seeking to be ranked as one of the world's top cultural destinations. The groundwork has recently been laid for a 200-million-dollar Guggenheim Museum, designed by none other than Frank Gehry. Scheduled for completion in 2011, the museum will showcase a prestigious collection of modernist and contemporary art. The structure promises to be a masterpiece in and of itself, as it promises to be the largest of the Guggenheim museums.
Sailing Dates
  • 11 Oct 2021
Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

DayDateActivityArriveDepart
1 11/10 Athens (Piraeus) Greece 06:00 PM
2 12/10 Iraklion, Crete, Gr 08:00 AM 06:00 PM
3 13/10 At sea    
4 14/10 Suez Canal 01:00 AM 06:00 PM
5 15/10 Aqaba, Jordan 01:00 PM overnight
6 16/10 Aqaba, Jordan 07:00 PM
7 17/10 Luxor, Egypt 06:00 AM overnight
8 18/10 Luxor, Egypt 11:59 PM
9 19/10 At sea    
10 20/10 At sea    
11 21/10 At sea    
12 22/10 At sea    
13 23/10 At sea    
14 24/10 Muscat, Oman 08:00 AM 06:00 PM
15 25/10 Dubai, United Arab Emirates 02:00 PM overnight
16 26/10 Dubai, United Arab Emirates 08:00 PM
17 27/10 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 06:00 AM
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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