Ancient Civilisations & the Med

The only one of the seven United Arab Emirates on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is mountainous, unlike the desert Emirates on the Persian Gulf, and rife with colourful markets and wonderful buildings.[ReadMoreMob] Fujairah boasts a much slower and relaxed pace compared to its UAE counterparts, you will notice its peaceful ambience when visiting its most beautiful of sights, the Al Bithnah Fort and Al Bidyah Mosque.

The local souk sells goods for local residents, such as plants, spices and textiles. Along the Corniche there is a smaller evening souk which sells items such as perfumes, watches and clothing, an ideal opportunity to pick up something unique for your loved ones back home.

Inhabited since 4000BC, Aqaba is the Jordanian port city on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba, and gateway to the world-famous stone-city of Petra. The Lost City of Petra is the impressive archaeological site carved from the sandstone hills more than 2,000 years ago, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its breath-taking tombs and ruins remained hidden to the world until their rediscovery in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. [ReadMoreMob]

The seaport of Aqaba has been strategically important for traders for centuries. The Crusaders built a fortress here, which was rebuilt by the Mamlukes in the 16th century, and it remains one of the town’s most important landmarks. The Aqaba Archaeological Museum houses Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid artefacts, an unearthed treasures from the ancient city of Aila, are also within its walls.

The small town of Aqaba itself has a relaxed vibe, and is a regular stopover for visitors heading to the diving and snorkelling clubs of the Yamanieh coral reef.

Inhabited since 4000BC, Aqaba is the Jordanian port city on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba, and gateway to the world-famous stone-city of Petra. The Lost City of Petra is the impressive archaeological site carved from the sandstone hills more than 2,000 years ago, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its breath-taking tombs and ruins remained hidden to the world until their rediscovery in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. [ReadMoreMob]

The seaport of Aqaba has been strategically important for traders for centuries. The Crusaders built a fortress here, which was rebuilt by the Mamlukes in the 16th century, and it remains one of the town’s most important landmarks. The Aqaba Archaeological Museum houses Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid artefacts, an unearthed treasures from the ancient city of Aila, are also within its walls.

The small town of Aqaba itself has a relaxed vibe, and is a regular stopover for visitors heading to the diving and snorkelling clubs of the Yamanieh coral reef.

The Egyptian town of Safaga on the Red Sea offers crystal-clear waters and black-sand beaches that are popular with divers, windsurfers and sun worshippers. For a glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past, the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the historic Valley of the Kings, are in easy reach.

Safaga’s clear serene waters hypnotise with its multitude of tuna, sharks and manta rays often seen around the towering reefs of Abu Qifan. The sea here is very saline, rich in minerals and is said to have curative properties.

Safaga is the popular gateway for exploration of the Eastern Desert and the granite quarries of Mons Claudianus. The network of tombs at the captivating Valley of the Kings, and all the mystique of the Pharaohs, await on tours from this sultry port.

The Canal crosses the Isthmus of Suez dividing the Mediterranean from the Red Sea, and is one of the world’s most impressive man made waterways, 101 miles in length. Opened in 1869 it remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

The Canal crosses the Isthmus of Suez dividing the Mediterranean from the Red Sea, and is one of the world’s most impressive man made waterways, 101 miles in length. Opened in 1869 it remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

The magnificent Egyptian city of Alexandria is home to the site of the great Pharos Lighthouse – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alexandria’s Roman amphitheatre, ancient storied library and catacombs recall distant glories of this great Hellenic city, while the 19th century Montazah Palace Gardens and seafront boulevards reflect a more recent era.

Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is a sparkling gem on the Mediterranean coastline.[ReadMoreMob] The birthplace of Cleopatra VII, the city is the cultural hub of the region, and gateway to the Giza pyramids and the River Nile. A short venture along the coast will uncover the fortress Citadel of Qaitbay teetering on the coast.

This sultry, bustling city has both ancient and modern history intertwined in every street. French-style parks and the occasional French street sign have survived as part of Napoleon’s legacy, and, as one of Alexandria's many conquerors, Greek restaurants and cafés still dominate the cultural scene.

When taking a cruise holiday that visits Ashdod, the first and best, place to begin exploring is at Givat Yonah; the traditional site of the tomb of sea-faring Jonah the Prophet, who was said to be swallowed by a whale. 

With white-washed Mediterranean style buildings and its many beaches, it is easy to see why it is such a popular city for visitors. [ReadMoreMob] Take time to sample some of the local food here, which includes traditional falafel, hummus, pitta breads; washed down with a good strong coffee, whilst people watching.

The new glass-roofed ‘winged’ Ashdod Art Museum and the Corinne Maman Museum are both worth visiting, the latter has a unique interior design which echoes the city’s ancient history. 

When taking a cruise holiday that visits Ashdod, the first and best, place to begin exploring is at Givat Yonah; the traditional site of the tomb of sea-faring Jonah the Prophet, who was said to be swallowed by a whale. 

With white-washed Mediterranean style buildings and its many beaches, it is easy to see why it is such a popular city for visitors. [ReadMoreMob] Take time to sample some of the local food here, which includes traditional falafel, hummus, pitta breads; washed down with a good strong coffee, whilst people watching.

The new glass-roofed ‘winged’ Ashdod Art Museum and the Corinne Maman Museum are both worth visiting, the latter has a unique interior design which echoes the city’s ancient history. 

The city of Haifa is said to be one of the prettiest in Israel, and is surrounded by nature sites, churches and mosques, mountains and sea.

The Bahai Gardens here are not to be missed when on your cruise holiday. The site is where members of the Bahai faith have established their shrine – this building is stunning, with a golden dome, marbled walls and nine sides representing the nine major religions in the world. It is surrounded by several other unique buildings, and set amongst some of the most spectacular gardens in the world, which are designed in nine concentric circles and look like waves extending out from the shrine at the centre.

Other interesting places to visit in Haifa include the National Maritime Museum, the Railway Museum and the Khai-Bar Wildlife Preserve.

A holiday resort with an excellent family reputation, Limassol has some great beaches and lots of tavernas, cafés and restaurants. But there’s plenty else to see and do here. Limassol Castle was built in 1228 by Frederick II of Germany, but largely rebuilt by the Ottoman rulers during the 19th century. It now houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. The Limassol Archaeological Museum has many fascinating objects from the island’s history, especially from the Ottoman period.

Further afield, the Amathus site, about 11km east of the city, has the ruins of a Temple of Aphrodite and tombs from the early Iron Age era.[ReadMoreMob] In the other direction is the village of Kolossi; the splendid castle overlooks vineyards where the Cypriot Commandaria wine is produced.

Kuşadasi is a beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast, and a gateway for the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus, one of the nation’s best preserved ancient cities.

Numerous attractive cafes and restaurants scattered along palm-lined boulevards serving a variety of fresh seafood and local specialities add to the lively atmosphere of the town. For a slice of tranquillity many visit Kuşadasi’s various steam baths and the natural spas.

Seen as the place where East meets West, Istanbul has a cultural diversity that's lasted for centuries, stemming from the multitude of rulers it's had in history. 

Among Istanbul's great wealth of monuments and landmarks are the ethereal Blue Mosque,[ReadMoreMob] glittering Topkapi Palace (once home of the sultans) vast Kapali Carsi (the world's largest covered bazaar) and the aromatic Egyptian Spice Market. Food is an important part of Istanbul's culture and particular highlights include çay bahçesis (tea gardens) kahvehans (coffeehouses) meyhanes (Turkish taverns) and kebapçıs (kebab restaurants) which the locals will welcome you into readily.

The port city of Piraeus has a vast, interesting history that extends back to the Ancient Greeks. From its beginnings in the 5th Century BC handling the country’s growing import trade to one of the most important passenger ports in Europe today, Piraeus has long served as a gateway to Athens.

The biggest port in the Mediterranean, the most attractive quarter of Piraeus lies around Zea Marina and Mikrolimano harbour.[ReadMoreMob] The latter is lined with welcoming cafes, restaurants and bars. Most visitors’ experience of the port, however, is when briefly passing through for the Greek capital.

Athens – one of the world’s oldest cities, is mystical and engrossing, a city that’s steeped in ancient history and antiquity. Over 3000 years old, the city serves as the world centre for archaeological research. Its ancient alleyways and winding streets lead to an impressive array of must-visit museums, ancient churches and some the world’s most significant historic sites.

Athen’s landmarks include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel stood proudly above the city and topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon Temple. This iconic temple was built in dedication to the Greek goddess of strategy and tactics, Athena, and is over 2500 years old. The National Archaeological and Acropolis Museums preserve priceless sculptures, vases and jewellery from the site.

Below, in the heart of the city, lies the ancient Plaka District. A popular tourist spot, Plaka is home to some fine examples of neoclassical architecture, pretty pedestrianised streets and charming shops and cafes. There are also a number of historic Roman ruins here, as well as the Agias Apostoli – one of the oldest churches in Athens, and the Temple of Hephaestus from 5BC.

Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.

Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John".[ReadMoreMob] Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.

The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.

Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar and is often regarded as Europe’s gateway to Africa.[ReadMoreMob] Its status as an ‘International Zone’ from the 1920s until 1956 attracted an eclectic group of millionaires, writers, artists and even spies. Modern Tangier is far from its wild heyday with rapid development to modernise the city, while retaining its historic charm. The city’s labyrinthine Medina sits inside the walls of a 15th-century Portuguese fortress and can be accessed via the Grand Socco – a lively palm tree-lined market square that makes way for numerous cafés, shops and restaurants that line the narrow, winding alleyways. Inside the Medina is Little Socco, a slice of authentic Tangier with pretty buildings surrounding a small market square.

Café Hafa is an icon of Tangier, dating back to 1921, having hosted a roster of stars including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Paul Bowles. This open air café is as known for its celebrity clientele as it is its unmissable sea views, with multiple terraces cascading down the hillside.

A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River. Don’t forget to visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the tipple named after the city, Port. On the ground floor of the Museu Romantico is the Port Wine Institute, where port is served with great ceremony. 

Oporto sits deep in the gorge of the River Douro and on the riverside – dominated by the two-level Luis I bridge – it’s possible to look up at the narrow old town streets climbing out of the valley.[ReadMoreMob] Pastel-fronted houses with red-tiled roofs line the streets, mixed with neo-classical buildings and wonderful baroque churches. Dominating the centre of the city is the fortress-like Cathedral, which is worth visiting for the views alone.

Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns. Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.

This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.