Ancient Empires Exploration

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

The 90 islands making up the Langkawi group lie 20 miles off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. The islands remain quiet and relatively unspoiled, with a total population of only 30,000 inhabitants.

Phuket, nestled in the balmy Andaman Sea waters, lies 536 miles south of Bangkok. Initially, Phuket derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. Located on a major trade route between India and China, Phuket was frequently mentioned in foreign trader's ship logs. Blessed with a natural heritage of stunning white-sand beaches, sapphire blue seas, exotic marine life and lushly forested hillsides, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations.

Sabang is a cozy town on the Indonesian island of Pulau Weh with a sleepy yet charming old colonial atmosphere. Many old colonial buildings are still standing, shadowed by huge trees that the Dutch once imported from Suriname. Thanks to its excellent harbor and good water supply Sabang became an important coal loading station for ships en route between Europe and Asia, and at one time was even larger than Singapore. Enjoy the local restaurants and coffee shops (don't miss the traditional Acehnese coffee), the morning market and the nearby beaches. The reefs along nearby Sabang Fair are particularly nice for snorkeling.

Cultural Cochin - ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ - is surrounded by historical towns and considered the regional centre for the arts.

As one of the wealthiest and most populous regions in Asia, Mumbai (known as Bombay until 1995) has been an inspiring tourist hotspot for years – and with its jaw-dropping architecture, culture and food, it’s easy to see why.

Boasting a sun-drenched setting, an impressive history and breathtakingly beautiful architectural gems, Muscat is sure to capture your imagination.

Doha is a city on the ascent. The Qatari capital isn’t as well-known as some of its big city neighbours on the Arabian Peninsula; the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi still hold position at the forefront of people’s minds when they think of the region. But that is all about to change, because this city is ready to be noticed.

Abu Dhabi is the culturally rich capital of the United Arab Emirates. With one foot in the past and one eye on the future, it makes for a unique and exciting place for the discerning traveller to discover.

On the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates, this exotic destination boasts world-renowned structures, enviably glamorous resorts and pioneering industry.

Salalah, Oman's ancient incense capital is an oasis with lush vegetation resulting from seasonal monsoons. The city's roads wind through groves of coconut, papaya and banana trees, and roadside stands sell fresh fruit and coconut water. The tropical atmosphere is a striking contrast to the otherwise arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Even the Queen of Sheba fell under the spell of the area's treasure far greater than gold, and sent gifts of frankincense to impress Solomon. Today, the beautiful sand beaches, cultural history, archaeology and natural diversity draw visitors to this ancient paradise.

This history-rich Jordanian city boasts impressive scuba diving and water sport options, plus nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A canal linking the Red Sea and Mediterranean is an old dream. Evidence of attempts to construct such a seaway across the desert isthmus have been detected dating from Egypt’s pharaonic era and Persia under the rule of Darius. Venetian doges plotted, and Napoleon fervently wished for one, to save ships the 4,300-nautical mile diversion around Africa. When the 120-mile canal from Suez to Port Said was opened in 1869, the seafaring map underwent its most impactful change in history. The canal is at sea level, so no locks are required. Your ship will meet other ships of every sort and size from every corner of the globe around the entry at Suez, to join the single northbound convoy allowed each day. It starts from Suez at four in the morning, proceeding at a sedate 8 knots (to reduce erosion of the banks) and passing the first of two southbound convoys in the Great Bitter Lake. The second southbound convoy leaves later, passing your ship later at the Bailah Bypass. On average, about 97 ships transit the canal each day. Sights during the transit tend toward the monotonous: the ship ahead and the one behind, and an endless bank of sand on either side, ceaselessly refreshed by dredges stationed along the shore and pumping wet sand over the berm. The town of Ismailia with its tall, minareted mosque is a welcome diversion, as are the two bridges and one massive powerline crossing the canal. The transit takes between 11 and 16 hours. At Port Said, your ship passes into the Mediterranean Sea.

Situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel, along one of the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean coast, Haifa is Israel's primary port. It also serves as an important gateway to the biblical and historical sites of this sacred land. Although the origin of Haifa is obscure, its name appears for the first time in the 3rd century A.D. in Talmudic literature. Over the years, Crusaders, Arabs, Turks and the British occupied the city. Today, this bustling city possesses the nation's largest industries, several important museums and the respected Haifa Technical Institute. It is also the world center of the Baha'i faith, symbolized by a beautiful gold-domed shrine.

Look down on the deep blue waters of the four-mile-wide lagoon from an amphitheatre of whitewashed dwellings perched atop the caldera’s precipice.

Magnificent Athens combines the fascinations of the ancient world with unique modern architecture.