Crystal Serenity - April 2, 2024

Mumbai (also called Bombay), the capital of the state of Maharashtra, is the Gateway to India, signified by the Apollo Bunder, Mumbai's most famous monument and landmark. Visit the Hanging Gardens for a great panoramic view of Bombay. The ancient Mahalaxmi Temple, the shrine of the goddess of wealth, is also a popular destination.

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quara Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

It is the only Jordanian port with direct access to the Red Sea; it remains the trade entrepot to Iraq. Aqaba is also a popular winter and summer seaside resort. Since at least 1000 B.C., a port has existed continuously on the site to handle trade between Palestine and Syria.

Located in southern Israel, Elat is an extremely popular resort, especially in the wintertime. Essential to your visit here is a trip to the Coral World Underwater Observatory. Snorkel or dive alongside dolphins on one of the Eilatian beaches.

Located in southern Israel, Elat is an extremely popular resort, especially in the wintertime. Essential to your visit here is a trip to the Coral World Underwater Observatory. Snorkel or dive alongside dolphins on one of the Eilatian beaches.

The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway running across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, an arm of the Red Sea. The canal, about 101 miles long, has no locks because the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez have roughly the same water level. Most of the canal has only a single traffic lane, with several passing bays.

It is built around a magnificent lagoon in a deep blue bay on one of the most beautiful spots os the Mediterranean. The beauty here is endless with the seasons succeeding one another. There are vine-covered terrace cafes for people watching along the waterfront of this enchanting harbor. An hour and a half drive away, the majestic ruin of Knossos illuminates one of the most advanced ancient civilizations ever discovered.

Originally settled by Greece, Siracusa (Syracuse) is famous as the Greek headquarters in ancient Sicily and site of one of the world's first democratic revolutions. Much of the architecture only dates back to the early seventeenth century, due to an earthquake. Visit the island of Ortygia and the Great Harbour. See what remains from antiquity in Neapolis, including a Greek theater, a Roman amphitheatre and altar, the Euryalus fort, and the Baroque cathedral. Visit the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Montalto Palace as well.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.