MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Orient - On the trails of the Caravans - Dubai to Istanbul
MS Europa -  April 13 - May 3, 2012

Between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mare Mediterraneum, a sea of experiences will be revealed to you. Unique legacies of the history of mankind tower along old trade routes, and places such as Damascus or the legendary rock-carved city of Petra take you with them on exciting journeys through time. The once so very precious frankincense was even known to the pharaohs, who left behind fantastic treasures in the Egyptian desert sand. A voyage brimming with Oriental poetry.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: the rock-carved city of Petra*,
  Saint Catherine's Monastery*, the city of the kings Thebes*, Cairo and
  the Pyramids of Giza*, the temple complexes of Baalbek* and
  Palmyra*, Byblos* and the historic district of Damascus*
• Fencing for everyone – "the fencing champions“ on board
• Spices from 1,001 Nights – workshop on board

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

Dubai/United Arab Emirates
Set out on your travels a little earlier and get to know Dubai - Boomtown in the Desert intensively with our pre-cruise programme*.

Khasab/Musandam/Oman
At the Strait of Hormuz, the Hajar Mountains disappear in the sea, forming a fantastic jagged coastal landscape - a sight you can enjoy during a leisurely dhow trip*. Ashore, you will be fascinated by the both barren and spectacular mountain scenery on the occasion of a rustic jeep safari*. Retracing the history of the exclave Musandam*, you have the opportunity to visit the old forts of Khasab and Bukha.

Muscat/Oman
Frankincense, gold, spices - in the 18th and 19th century, the capital of Oman was a wealthy trade town, and today, its white merchants' houses adorn the historic district of Muttrah with its bustling souk. The gorgeous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque* is a gift given by the sultan to his people to mark his 30th anniversary as the country's ruler and is also open to non-Muslims. In the hinterland, you will be thrillled by the rugged beauty of the mountaineous region on a jeep safari* to the Wadi Al Khoud.

Salalah/Oman
Frankincense is synonymous with gold on the bustling souks of Salalah*. In the immediate proximity of the city lie the mausoleum of Nabi Ayup, who is referred to as Job in the Bible, as well as the ruins of the ancient frankincense port Samhuram - history at your fingertips.

Aqaba/Jordan
At the end of a deep ravine, the sight of the "treasury of the pharaoh" will be revealed to you - one of the highlights of the impressive rock-carved city of Petra*, which was hewn from the red rock by the Nabateans more than 2,200 years ago and is one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World". Alternatively, why not join a jeep safari to the Wadi Rum*, one of the most magnificent desert landscapes in all of Jordan?

Sharm el Sheikh/Egypt
At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, a little fishing village has developed to become a wonderful beach resort on the coast of the Red Sea. Biblical history entices us up to Saint Catherine's Monastery* at the foot of Mount Sinai, upon which Mohammed himself bestowed his personal protection back in his day. Besides precious icons and manuscripts, the descendant of the Burning Bush is guarded here. The rock faces of the Coloured Canyon, the destination of an exciting jeep safari*, present a geological wonderland and could almost be perceived as expressionistic.

Safaga Port/Egypt
From the beaches of the popular seaside resort, the overland excursion takes you to the realm of the pharaohs - Luxor and Cairo* present their ancient Egyptian treasures. Ancient Thebes with the Valley of the Kings, the huge temple complex of Karnak or the Pyramids of Giza - experience the heritage of the godlike rulers and Cairo's Oriental historic district.

Beirut/Lebanon
Following the daytime passage through the Suez Canal as far as Port Said, the EUROPA reaches "Be'erot", which was already a significant city state on the eastern Mediterranean coast under the Phoenicians. It continued to thrive under the Greeks and the Romans, and so the National Museum of Beirut* contains precious art treasures from those days, while the city's modern life takes place along the lively corniche. Baalbek* also saw many peoples come and go. The ruins of the ancient cult site make up one of the most monumental temple complexes in Western Asia with the excellently preserved Temple of Bacchus of the Emperor Trajan. The old port city of Byblos* has also been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Temple ruins, mighty defensive walls and the Temple of the Obelisks bear witness to its long history as a wealthy trade and cultural centre. Very nearby lie the Jeita Grottoes* with subterranean lakes, the picture-perfect setting of which can be reached by funicular.

Tartus/Syria
Set out to visit one of the oldest cities in the world - myth-enshrouded Damascus* was already mentioned in the Bible. The bustling alleys of its historic district with their shady souks and gorgeous caravansaries are a genuine experience. The history of the desert city of Palmyra* goes back as far as the 2nd century B.C. It experienced its period of prosperity under Queen Septimia Zenobia. The holy crusaders were based at the mighty fortress Crac des Chevaliers* - until Sultan Baibars captured the stronghold in 1271.

Istanbul/Turkey
Join our post-cruise programme* and fall for the charm of Istanbul - Between Orient and Occident.