Suez Canal passage Cruise - from Dubai - 115533

The Arabian metropolis of Dubai has a population of 674,000 - 97% of the population of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the economic centre of the union, since it has the only natural harbour at the Persian Gulf. The city is also known for its oil wells. Over the last few years, Dubai has become increasingly popular among tourists since it successfully marries the atmosphere of 'Arabian Nights' with modernity and abstract architecture. Now the historically important buildings and areas of the city are being rebuilt and the trader's district of "Bastaktia" has already been completely restored. Dubai - a city of contrasts. In addition to the traditional places of pilgrimage, this westernised city is home to the only 7-star hotel in the world, "Burj al Arab". It is the tallest, most expensive and most exclusive luxury hotel on the planet and even its immense size and breathtaking architecture are sure to impress. Due to the city's affluence there is almost no crime here. The bustling international port is also a top-class shopping destination. Holidaymakers who enjoy sports will love the excellent sports and recreational facilities in Dubai. The golf courses, watersports facilities, sunbathing on the seemingly endless (and almost deserted!) sandy beaches and desert safaris are the most popular pasttimes. Other attractions in Dubai include: Jumeirah Mosque, the World Trade Center, the royal palaces, Dubai Museum, "Goldsouk" and the spice market.

Salalah, the capital of the famous province of Dhofar, known as the land of frankincense, is a coastal town in picturesque surroundings with both historic and modern influences and bordered by tropical beaches. This is the site, for instance, of Sumhurum, the ruins of an ancient city and what is thought to have been the palace of the legendary King of Saba. Coconut palms, papaya plants, banana trees and frankincense trees line the streets, since this lively city between the mountain ranges has a tropical climate. Sights include: the gold market, the fishing villages of Mirbat and Taqa, Job's grave and the caves of Mughsail Beach.

Aqaba is the only city in Jordan located by the sea. It was once the most important port at the Red Sea and connected the region with the Middle and Far-East. For seafarers this ancient city has been the gateway to South Arabia, Egypt, India and China since time immemorial. Aqaba is famous for its pink-coloured gravestones and temples, hewn straight from the sandstone cliffs. Other sights include the 12th century fort and the region's unique underwater world.

Its harbour and the small tourist village surrounding it are what give Safaga, around 53 km South of Hurghada, its unique charm. A special feature are the black sand dunes, an excellent spot for any sun-worshipper! The very salty water here is also said to have a particularly positive effect on the skin. Safaga is also considered to be a paradise for divers. The village itself has some small but excellent fish restaurants and lovely little souvenir shops.

'The second-largest city in Egypt was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great. The city has two ports. The eastern port flourished during the Middle Ages. Sights include: the Pompeii Pillar, Cleopatra's Obelisk within the old city walls, Abul Abbas Mosque (a stylistic masterpiece of Islamic architecture), Ras el Tin Palace, Montaza Palace, the Sultan Kait Bey Fort at the port with an amazing view of Alexandria. Other attractions include the remains of Alexandria's Roman period: Kom el Dikka (the only Roman amphitheatre on African soil), and the burial grounds at Kom el Shukafa.

'The second-largest city in Egypt was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great. The city has two ports. The eastern port flourished during the Middle Ages. Sights include: the Pompeii Pillar, Cleopatra's Obelisk within the old city walls, Abul Abbas Mosque (a stylistic masterpiece of Islamic architecture), Ras el Tin Palace, Montaza Palace, the Sultan Kait Bey Fort at the port with an amazing view of Alexandria. Other attractions include the remains of Alexandria's Roman period: Kom el Dikka (the only Roman amphitheatre on African soil), and the burial grounds at Kom el Shukafa.

Piraeus, today a modern port town, has been Athens' port since ancient times and used to be connected with the capital by means of city walls. Only remnants of these wall remain. Piraeus has made a name for itself primarily on account of its appealing nightlife and the romantic fish restaruants by the sea. Sights include: the ancient harbour Zea Marina, the remnants of the long walls (5th century B.C.), the Archaeological Museum with ancient shipwrecks, statues of Apollo and Athena, the Hellenic Marine Museum and the Veakio Theatre.