MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Arabia - Treasure Chambers from 1,001 Nights - Roundtrip from Dubai
MS Europa -  April 6-13, 2012

The black gold changed everything. Sleepy villages along the Persian Gulf have developed to become metropolises between glittering skyscrapers and radiant mosques, some of which also open their impressive doors to non-Muslims. On lively souks in Bahrain and Oman, the scent of Oriental spices fills the air, in Qatar, locals haggle over the price of camels at the market, and in Abu Dhabi, a hotel revels in incredible luxury - days of Easter with a difference.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site: Fort Bahrain*
• Teatime at Emirates Palace*
• Royal stables and Bahrain's Formula 1 circuit*
• Jeep tour to Jebel Harim*
• Golf & Cruise voyage with comprehensive golf package*

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Dubai/United Arab Emirates
Desert safaris, camel riding, archery - join our pre-cruise programme* and enjoy a time reminiscent of 1,001 Nights at the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort.

Khasab/Musandam/Oman
The rock faces steeply jut into the air, the fjords spectacularly cut into the landscape, and with a little luck, you will catch sight of dolphins - experience the rugged beauty of the Musandam Peninsula. Via the coast road, you will travel from the little capital city Khasab* to Bukha, the old fort of which was used to guard the western flank of the exclave in bygone days and has since been elaborately restored. On your off-road jeep safari to Jebel Harim*, you will come across Bedouin tents and barren rock desert.

Muscat/Oman
Until the middle of the 20th century, cannon shots announced the closing of the town gates after sunset. Today, the shores of the Gulf of Oman accommodate an elegant capital city between modernity and 1,001 Nights, stylish villas and high minarets. The blue and golden Sultan's Palace towers over the old port, and in the Bait Al Zubair Museum, traditional weapons, jewellery and clothes take you back to bygone days. The magnificent Grand Mosque* is a masterpiece of Oriental architecture* and one of only a few houses of worship in the Arab world that is also open to non-Muslims. In the former oasis city Nizwa* at the foot of Jebel Akhdar, you will enjoy the view from the mighty fort across the historic district as well as the bustle of activity at the cattle market and stroll across the busy souk.

Mina Khalifa/Manama/Bahrain
Early in the morning, the EUROPA will arrive at the "place of tranquillity", which is how Manama translates into English. On the trails of royal Bahrain*, you will visit the national museum and the old Bahrain Fort which the Portuguese erected in 1521 on the ruins of 5,000 years of history. The awe-inspiring Grand Mosque is also well worth a visit. Gold and the scent of cardamom and aniseed lures us into the streets of the souk. In the royal stables*, you will be impressed by exquisite horses, and the desert is a mecca for horsepower, too - it is home to the Formula 1 circuit of Bahrain.

Doha/Qatar
In the Bay of Qatar, a glittering city reaches for the sky. Doha's skyline represents modernity, but there is room for tradition in the lives of the locals, too - visit a camel market* and admire Arabia's famous "ships of the desert". At the gold souk*, you have the opportunity to practise your haggling skills. Or maybe you would like to go for a walk along the elegant corniche?

Abu Dhabi/United Arab Emirates
No more than approximately 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi* was still a sleepy little town. Today, the shores of the Arabian Gulf are home to an exciting, futuristic metropolis, the heart of which pulsates on the corniche with its neat green spaces. The Emirates Palace* hotel, where you will experience a stylish teatime, is a place of pure luxury. Sand as far as the eye can see awaits you on the desert tour* - all-terrain vehicles will take you through the dunes in the hinterland. Here, Arabia's formerly so very important pack and working animals are bred at a farm: camels.