Walk Among the Ancient Wonders of Egypt and the Middle East

Your 21-night journey through antiquity departs from the dazzlingly modern city of Dubai. Spend the next few days relaxing at sea. Sample international dining, see Broadway-calibre entertainment, or relax with our signature spa treatments while you make your way to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This city-sized art gallery is home to endlessly enchanting sculptures, architecture, and beautifully maintained historic mosques. Try some of Jeddah’s most beloved dishes, like fresh deep-fried fish, saleeg chicken and milky rice, or pillow-soft khubz bread. 

Unwind during another day at sea while you journey to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. This destination on the southern tip of Sinai is home to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater scenery. On land, you’ll find historic and spiritual wonders and can journey through the desert to the foot of Mount Sinai and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, which dates back to the 6th century. The next day, you’ll arrive in Aqaba, Jordan, where the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea reveal brilliantly colored tropical fish and coral. Visit the ancient “Rose City” of Petra, an archaeological wonder where magnificent temples and tombs are carved into red sandstone cliffs.

Next, on an overnight stay in Safaga, Egypt, visit nearby Luxor, the “world’s greatest open air museum” and a gateway to the Valley of the Kings. Then spend a day in fascinating Sokhna, home to Khan al-Khalili. This giant bazaar is enjoyed by today’s shoppers as it was by the 14th century traveling traders who first haggled here. From Sokhna, you can take a tour to Cairo to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). The next two days will be spent cruising the Suez Canal, a modern-day marvel of engineering, as you make your way to Jerusalem, one of the world’s most sacred cities. A late night stay will provide plenty of time to walk along the Via Dolorosa, home to the Stations of the Cross, and see some of history’s holiest shrines, including the Western Wall. You can also venture outside the city to explore the imposing Masada Fortress overlooking the Dead Sea.

An overnight stay in Haifa, Israel gives you time to discover archaeological and biblical sites of wonder, including Nazareth, Galilee, the Jordan River, and Elijah’s Cave. While in Haifa, be sure to try its famous shawarma, made with turkey thighs layered with lamb fat and stuffed into a pita with tahini sauce, pickles, French fries, and more. Spend another day at sea before arriving in laid-back Bodrum, Turkey for a late stay. Once the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—this Aegean jewel dazzles with its mix of historical relics and contemporary pleasures. Then, on a late stay in the ancient Turkish port of Ephesus, explore architectural and historical marvels like the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

You’ll spend a final day at sea on our way to Istanbul, the city that was once the end of the Silk Road trade route. A mosaic of cultural diversity, this city lures foodies, history buffs, and sightseers alike.

This cruise is part of our 2024 World Voyage. Learn more about this immersive, 160-night voyage here. 

Azamara Onward will join the brand’s existing fleet: Azamara Pursuit®, Azamara Journey®, and Azamara Quest®. The newly purchased vessel, currently docked in Civitavecchia, will receive an extensive renovation to reflect the Azamara brand. Azamara Onward is scheduled to sail for its inaugural season around Europe in 2022.

At Azamara, we continue our efforts to be the world's top up-market cruise line.

As such, we are committed to providing you with unparalleled service; the finest dining at sea; a glorious spa and wellness retreat, and innovations such as Destination Immersion® experiences.

With our hallmark of stay longer, experience moreSM, we'll not only take you to awe-inspiring destinations, but also give you more time to fall in love with them.

INCLUSIVE AMENITIES
*Complimentary AzAmazing EveningsSM event (on most voyages)
*Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
*Gratuities
*Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
*Self-service laundry
*Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
*Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations