Gems Of The Ancient World - 7167A

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. They are usually all found together in the same areas, as a walk through the old neighbourhoods of the famous historic triangle will reveal. Read more about Athens, Greece

Ermoupolis is not only the capital of Syros Island, but also the capital of the Cyclades, and thus well-connected with Athens. It is a beautiful island off the normal tourist track. Syros is the place to visit to experience authentic Greek island culture. There are two distinct communities living on two hills on Syros. Read more about Ermoupolis, Greece

Bodrum Peninsula is located in the Aegean region of Turkey. The Aegean Coast is an extraordinary place, with its immense unspoilt coastline and warm climate which offers all year round sunshine. The place where the first Christian Church was built, and where the art of wine making was developed, it boasts astonishing historical sites and natural wonders that rival any other place in the world. The sense of history is never too far away on the Bodrum peninsula, with ancient ruins, such as Myndus Gate (Alexander's Gateway to the East), the Bodrum Amphitheatre, and beautiful Rabbit Island, to remind you of past cultures and civilisations. Read more about Bodrum, Turkey

Izmir is located along the outlying waters of the Gulf of Izmir, by the eastern side of the Aegean Sea, part of Turkey's magnificent coastline that abounds in vast pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. The city comprises a range of architecturally diverse buildings that result in distinct historic neighbourhoods such as Basmane, Alsancak and Bornova, all of which are of great interest. The beautiful marble Izmir Clock Tower surrounded by four fountains, and the Agora Open Air Museum of Izmir, with well-preserved remains of ancient Smyrna, should not be missed. Read more about Izmir, Turkey

Bozcaada is an island (triangular, just 11km by 6km) lying 6 km off the mainland of Turkey, in the NE part of the Aegean Sea. Its Greek name is Tenedos, mentioned in both the Iliad and the Aeneid, and important in ancient times in guarding the Dardanelles to the north. Historically, it came under the control of many regional powers. Today most of its 2500 population are Turks. Read more about Bozcaada, Turkey

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. The influence of Asia and Europe, the religion of Christians and Muslims, and the culture of Turks, Persians and Asians, have all found their way into the daily life of this bustling metropolis. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. The influence of Asia and Europe, the religion of Christians and Muslims, and the culture of Turks, Persians and Asians, have all found their way into the daily life of this bustling metropolis. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

Skopelos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, 130 km due north of Athens. It is one of the islands in the Northern Sporades group. Skopelos is roughly 20 km by 5 km, a hilly island with three mountains rising to 681m. Skopelos is also the name of the island’s port, a heritage town lining a small bay with a breakwater and marinas for small craft. Read more about Skopelos, Greece

Santorini is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km from Greece's mainland. It is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion some 3500 years ago, which destroyed the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and which resulted in the creation of the current geological caldera. Take the cable car to view the beautiful panorama of Santorini. The most exotic spot on Santorini is Red Beach. Read more about Santorini, Greece

Spetses is a port and small Grecian island lying about 90 km SW of Athens (and named by the Venetians for its position on a major trade route.) It lies just a few kilometres off the Corinth Peninsula facing the southern Aegean Sea. The town itself has a permanent population of just 4000, stretching from the Old Port to Dapia with its ferry terminal. The town is notable for its lack of cars – six taxis excluded. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Piraeus, the port for Athens. Read more about Spetses, Greece

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. They are usually all found together in the same areas, as a walk through the old neighbourhoods of the famous historic triangle will reveal. Read more about Athens, Greece

Agios Nikolaos stands on the shores of the beautiful Mirabello Bay, a coastal town on the eastern coast of the Greek island of Crete. It sits partly on the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara. It has three faces to the sea – the Lake and port, Kitroplatia Beach, and the Marina. It seems less Cretan in character than the island’s other main centres, partly because of its resort style and its generally modern architecture, but there’s a strong local character to Agios Nikolaos that makes it a charming and friendly place. Read more about Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

(NOTE: Check that your cruise still visits Haifa due to current safety concerns.) Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa is situated on the Israeli Mediterranean Coastal Plain, the historic land bridge between Europe, Africa, and Asia. The city is split over three tiers. The lowest is the centre of commerce and industry including the Port of Haifa, the middle level is on the slopes of Mount Carmel consists of older residential neighbourhoods, while the upper level is known for its modern suburbs. From here there are some fascinating views. Read more about Haifa, Israel

Ashdod - aka Isdud - is a city on the Mediterranean Sea coast in the South District of Israel, approximately 70 km from Jerusalem and Beer Sheba. It is a major industrial centre and Israel’s largest and busiest cargo port, through which over 100,000 tourists visit annually. It is also one of the most ancient cities in the world, dating back to the Canaanite culture of the 17th century BC, and interestingly is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. Ashdod is a convenient jumping-off point for exploring several of Israel's most interesting cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Bethlehem. Read more about Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

Located in Egypt to the west of the Sinai Peninsula, the Suez Canal, measuring 163 km in length and 300 metres width at its narrowest point, serves as a two-way water transportation route between Europe and Asia. Almost 8 per cent of the total world's shipping is controlled by the Suez Canal. It essentially comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake that acts as a buffer to the canal, protecting it from the effects of tidal currents. A second parallel canal is planned for 2017/2019, at a cost of US$4 billion. Read more about Suez Canal - Transit, Egypt

Located in Egypt to the west of the Sinai Peninsula, the Suez Canal, measuring 163 km in length and 300 metres width at its narrowest point, serves as a two-way water transportation route between Europe and Asia. Almost 8 per cent of the total world's shipping is controlled by the Suez Canal. It essentially comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake that acts as a buffer to the canal, protecting it from the effects of tidal currents. A second parallel canal is planned for 2017/2019, at a cost of US$4 billion. Read more about Suez Canal - Transit, Egypt

Located in Egypt to the west of the Sinai Peninsula, the Suez Canal, measuring 163 km in length and 300 metres width at its narrowest point, serves as a two-way water transportation route between Europe and Asia. Almost 8 per cent of the total world's shipping is controlled by the Suez Canal. It essentially comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake that acts as a buffer to the canal, protecting it from the effects of tidal currents. A second parallel canal is planned for 2017/2019, at a cost of US$4 billion. Read more about Suez Canal - Transit, Egypt

Aqaba, in the far south of Jordan, is the country’s only port city and, due to the rich coral reefs in the Gulf, is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Cooled by a steady northerly breeze, and ringed by mountains that change in colour with the change of hours, many visitors simply just relax on the sandy beaches. Aqaba is the port for the 3800 year-old ‘hidden city’ of Petra, 100 km to the north. Expect 20 tour coaches to meet your ship for a Petra tour! Read more about Aqaba, Jordan

Muscat, lying on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman, is the capital and largest city in the Sultanate of Oman. The climate is very hot, with annual average temperatures ranging from 24C. to 33C., but it can get as high as 49C in the summer. It is, though, very dry, hence humidity is not a problem. Read more about Muscat, Oman

Sir Bani Yas Island lies in the Persian Gulf, 170km W of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. It is a nature-based destination alive with wildlife and adventure activities, and many interesting historical sites. The island is one of eight that make up the Desert Islands in Al Gharbia (Western Region). Awarded the World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination at the 2014 World Travel Awards, more than half of the island is made up of the Arabian Wildlife Park, one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves, and home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals. Read more about Sir Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, is an island city in the NE of the Persian Gulf. The climate is hot and arid, with sunny skies yearlong. Temperatures pass 40°C in April through September, but are cooler from November to March. Abu Dhabi was originally a pearling community and still maintains its traditional values of hospitality. Read more about Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, The Pride of the United Arab Emirates, is situated on the southern Arabian Gulf. The subtropical climate sees blue skies, temperatures reaching the mid-40s, and little annual rain. The city is all about contemporary shopping with more than 70 shopping malls in the city and indoor entertainment. Regarded as a shopper’s paradise, price negotiation is often acceptable, especially in the markets. Read more about Dubai, United Arab Emirates