19-day Cruise to from Athens (Piraeus), Greece on Norwegian Jade

The largest city in the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi also gives its name to the largest of the United Arab Emirates. Created after the British pulled out of the Persian Gulf in 1971, the Emirates consist of seven sheikdoms formerly known as the Trucial States. During the 3rd millennium BC, the climate of this area was more temperate than today’s and a flourishing Bronze Age culture developed on Abu Dhabi’s coast and in the desert oasis are of AlAin/Buraimi. The remains of this ancient civilization have fascinated archaeologists since their discovery in 1960. Today you may imitate modern-day dwellers of the desert by going for an exciting desert safari in a specially-equipped 4WD vehicle.

Dubai is the Arabian Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan city-and the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Unlike other Gulf statess, Dubai’s thriving economy is fueled not by oil, but by trade, which may explain its laissez-faire attitude. And if you like to shop this is THE PLACE, especially if you’re in search of electronics, gold, antiques and carpets. The souks in Dubai and nearby Sharjah vary from tiny stalls to covered malls. Don’t forget to haggle-it’s expected. More pastimes in Dubai are a dhow excursion on the tidal creek which winds through the city, a game of golf on the only real grass links in the Emirates, a tour of Sharjah, an evening safari inot the desert for a barbeque and traditional dancing and a thrilling demonstration of theancient Arabic art of falconing.

Fujairah is a fast-growing seaport with an international airport making it a tourist attraction for the city life and natural life including beaches, mountains scenery, fortresses . . .

Haifa (hì¢fä), city (1988 est. pop. 225,000), NW Israel, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a major industrial center, a railroad hub, and one of the main ports of Israel. Haifa is known to have existed by the 3rd century A.D. and was destroyed (1191) by Saladin. The city’s revival began in the late 18th century; development of its port in the 20th century led to its main growth. It is the world center of Baha’ism.

Muscat (mùs´kàt´) or Maskat, city (1993 pop. 329,842), capital of Oman, SE Arabia, on the Gulf of Oman. It has a fine harbor, dominated by two 15th-16th-centtury Portuguese forts, and exports dates, fish, and mother-of-pearl. Portugal held it from 1508 to 1648, and Persian princes until 1741, when it became Oman’s capital.

Port Said lies on the northeastern coast of Egypt, on the Mediterranean Sea. Join fellow passengers on an overnight excursion to Cairo, where the treasures of Tutankhames await in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Continue your Egyptian adventure with an afternoon visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza.