Doha To Rome (Civitavecchia)

Doha (‘place of beautiful flowers’) lies on the small peninsula of Qatar, that juts into the Persian Gulf. This sleepy town, once a British protectorate, was a center of pearl fishing until the discovery of oil turned it into a bustling port. Nearby attractions showcase Doha’s emergence as an important cultural and commercial center. Stroll along the crescent-shaped Corniche and admire the crystal-blue waters of the bay, the Emir’s Palace, the Museum of Islamic Arts and the traditional dhows, bobbing on the waters. Further afield, venture out on a desert safari, take in picturesque forts, or choose the perfect memento in Doha City Center, the largest shopping complex in the Mideast.

The discovery of oil in 1958 transformed this rural backwater into a modern metropolis with the highest per-capita income in the world. Today, Abu Dhabi boasts extraordinary sky scrapers, shopping malls, top quality hotels, tree-lined boulevards and picturesque gardens, while still maintaining a subtle Arabian mystique. Sail the lovely Gulf waters and numerous islands surrounding the city in a traditional dhow; tour heritage Village, a living museum where artisans ply their traditional crafts; or shop the central souk area for gold and Bedouin silver jewelry.

Muscat is the capital of Oman, a sovereign country. Muscat has been important since the 6th century BC, when Persians controlled the port. It was under Portuguese domination from 1508 to 1650, and subsequently the Iranians gained control of the city. Muscat became the capital of independent Muscat and Oman in 1741- the country’s name was changed to just Oman in 1970. Muscat offers a number of exciting excursions including dolphin watching and off-road desert adventures.

Jeddah, a Saudi Arabian port city on the Red Sea, is a modern commercial hub and gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Mecca and Medina. Resort hotels, beaches and outdoor sculptures line the Corniche, a seafront promenade anchored by the iconic King Fahd’s Fountain. The city’s Al-Balad historic district dates to the 7th century and retains traditional homes built from coral.

Aqaba, in southwestern Jordan, is the only seaport of Jordan. It is also our gateway to Petra, which dates back to perhaps 7000 BC and was one of the earliest known farming communities in the Middle East. The town was built out of solid red rock and features intricate carvings. It was once the capital of the flourishing Nabataean civilization that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Enter the site through a half-mile long chasm and come face-to-face with the magnificent Treasury, Petra’s ancient masterpiece.

Cross the Nile to the famed Valley of the Kings and the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamen and the huge mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. In the evening, witness the fabulous sound and light show at Karnak. Take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement for sweet tea and flatbread and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the sunset over the sands. Buy lovely hand-painted papyrus copies of tomb paintings, mother-of-pearl inlaid boxes, alabaster trinkets, jewelry, and replicas of ancient artifacts. Enjoy sizzling lamb dishes, falafel, and myriad other Middle Eastern and Egyptian specialties.

Cross the Nile to the famed Valley of the Kings and the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamen and the huge mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. In the evening, witness the fabulous sound and light show at Karnak. Take a jeep safari into the desert to a Bedouin settlement for sweet tea and flatbread and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the sunset over the sands. Buy lovely hand-painted papyrus copies of tomb paintings, mother-of-pearl inlaid boxes, alabaster trinkets, jewelry, and replicas of ancient artifacts. Enjoy sizzling lamb dishes, falafel, and myriad other Middle Eastern and Egyptian specialties.

One of the great engineering marvels of the world. The canal stretches over 100 miles from Port Said and the Mediterranean Sea to Suez and the Red Sea. Excavation of the canal began on April 25th, 1859, and on November 17, 1869 the barrage of the Suez plains reservoir was breached and waters of the Mediterranean flowed into the Red Sea. Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal has no locks, because the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez have roughly the same water level. The passage takes between 11 and 16 hours at a speed of around 8 knots. The low speed helps prevent erosion of the canal banks by ships wakes. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

One of the great engineering marvels of the world. The canal stretches over 100 miles from Port Said and the Mediterranean Sea to Suez and the Red Sea. Excavation of the canal began on April 25th, 1859, and on November 17, 1869 the barrage of the Suez plains reservoir was breached and waters of the Mediterranean flowed into the Red Sea. Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal has no locks, because the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez have roughly the same water level. The passage takes between 11 and 16 hours at a speed of around 8 knots. The low speed helps prevent erosion of the canal banks by ships wakes. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Visit the land of miracles – Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. The Panorama Center in Central Carmel offers some of the country’s best women’s clothing stores. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Massada Street. South of Haifa, the artists’ village of Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. From French to Continental to Middle Eastern cuisine, dining choices abound. Fresh fish and grilled lamb dishes are the highlight. The best dessert is homemade kanafeh, a traditional ancient dish of baked sweet cheese, pistachio and honey.

Visit the land of miracles – Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. The Panorama Center in Central Carmel offers some of the country’s best women’s clothing stores. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Massada Street. South of Haifa, the artists’ village of Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. From French to Continental to Middle Eastern cuisine, dining choices abound. Fresh fish and grilled lamb dishes are the highlight. The best dessert is homemade kanafeh, a traditional ancient dish of baked sweet cheese, pistachio and honey.

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Sorrento is surely one of the world’s most beautiful towns, built on a coast with breathtaking views and landscapes. Yet it is far from a frivolous vacation destination. The houses, people and the entire region are filled with a history and culture so deep that it can be traced back to the 11th century BC. Overlooking the bay of Naples, the town is the key point on the Sorrentine Peninsula and is one of the most popular destinations of the entire Campania region. Make sure to plan a day trip to Capri, one of the most celebrated Italian islands, noted for its natural beauty.

Whether enjoying the street performers at the Spanish Steps and people-watching over a fine glass of wine in colorful Trastevere, or taking in the historical and architectural glory that is Rome, visitors are spoiled for choice in this truly Eternal City. St. Peter’s Basilica is a full-day outing, featuring the Sistine Chapel and panoramic city vistas for those willing to climb to the top of the dome. Other landmarks not to miss include the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill, which provides you with a grand view of the imposing remains of the Imperial Palaces and the Circus Maximus, of Ben Hur fame.