Day 1: ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Day 2: PERGAMUM (DIKILI), TURKEY

Ancient history meets modern cable cars in Pergamum, one of Turkey’s most important archaeological destinations. Standing on a hilltop far above modern Pergamum, you’ll have spectacular views as you tour the Acropolis, a magnificent collection of monuments including an altar likely dedicated to Zeus and Athena and a hillside theater that once accommodated 10,000. After a day spent time traveling, stop in a local restaurant for kofte – spicy meatballs – and eggplant sautéed in olive oil. You might also head south to Izmir to shop for textiles, rugs and jewelry at Kemeralti Market, or stay closer to port and enjoy the golden beaches of Dikili.

Day 3: EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY

Europe’s classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Day 4: KOS, GREECE

The island of Kos is rich in monuments and stunning scenery. You will find that the preferred way to get around the island is by bicycle and the preferred pastime is to bask on any of its beautiful beaches. Among the marquis attractions is the archaeological site of Asklepeion, thought to be the world’s first hospital built in honor of Hippocrates, the famed Greek physician. Toast to Kos by sampling the local wine at one of the many award-winning wineries or take a boat to Nisyros, famously known as the Island of the Volcano.

Day 5: ANTALYA, TURKEY

Discover this delightful ancient town and its many treasures, from the superb artifacts in the museum to Ottoman mansions, Byzantine churches and mosques, Hadrian’s Gate, and the ancient Roman harbor now restored and alive with cafés and pleasure boats. Or head for the magnificent ruins of Perge and Aspendos and imagine the history of these cities, from Alexander to St. Paul, the Romans and Arabs. Stand in awe of the huge Roman theater and the crumbling aqueduct. Look for local handicrafts in the old town including carpets, copper ware, jewelry, leather goods and textiles. Try some kebabs, stuffed grape leaves called dolmas and a local dessert called beurrek, a cheese filled pastry. Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee, a local beer or glass of wine with any of these for a delicious light meal or snack.

Day 6: LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus.View ruins, vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives, majestic mountains and scenery, and stunning beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard-the-Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders, the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque and the Museum. Take home some lovely lace, copper items, jewelry and pottery. Enjoy a selection of appetizers so extensive it can be a hearty meal as well as fresh seafood accompanied by a delicious glass of wine.

Days 7 - 9: JERUSALEM (HAIFA), ISRAEL

A remarkable destination in and of itself and a UNESCO World Heritage town, Tel Aviv has ancient roots and modern skyscrapers, with diverse offerings from shopping for local crafts at the Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall to admiring the original Bauhaus architecture along Rothschild Boulevard, savoring the local cuisine at cafes to delving into history at one of the countless museums. Tel Aviv is also a starting point for day trips to iconic historical sites as Jerusalem’s Old City, Bethlehem, Massada and Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Day 9: CAIRO (PORT SAID), EGYPT

Travel to Cairo and marvel at the Giza pyramids and Sphinx standing at the edge of the vast Sahara. Visit the fabulous Egyptian Museum and see its awesome collection of artifacts or head for Alexandria and its ancient sites and museums. Browse Cairo’s bazaar for unusual jewelry like Eye of Horus amulets, hand-painted papyrus copies of ancient tomb paintings, glass, alabaster and artifact replicas. Or find an ancient relic approved for export. Relax over a cup of sweet tea and sample delicious vegetable appetizers or some spicy lamb kebabs, a typical Middle Eastern dish.

Day 10: SUEZ CANAL TRANSIT

Day 11: AQABA, JORDAN

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.

Days 12 & 13: LUXOR (SAFAGA), EGYPT

Cross the Nile to the famed Valley of the Kings and the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamen and the huge mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. 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.

Days 14 & 15: CRUISING THE RED SEA

Day 16: CRUISING THE GULF OF ADEN

Day 17: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

Day 18: SALALAH, OMAN

The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighboring Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In 1970, the son of Sultan Said bin Taimur overthrew his father's government and renamed the nation the Sultanate of Oman. During the Persian Gulf War, Oman served as a landing base for the allied forces. Salalah is gateway for visitors to explore the site of "Jebel Qarra," fabled to be the tomb of the biblical Job.

Day 19: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

Day 20: FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Fujairah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah is the only Emirate of the U.A.E. that is almost totally mountainous, surrounded by the ruggedly majestic Hajar Mountains. Dana Plaza offers shopping in the souks, while excursions include dune drives, camel safaris and a voyage to the region’s only fjord, Musandam Fjords.

Days 21 & 22: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Located in the northeast United Arab Emirates, bustling Dubai attracts visitors with its international facilities and exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Known as the Hong Kong of Arabia, Dubai’s modern duty-free shopping malls and traditional souks offer some of the best bargains in the world on such luxury items as gold jewelry and designer creations. For a more historic outing, visitors can explore the museum at Al Fahidi Fort or venture out into the Old Quarter of Bastakia.