Explora Journeys Middle East: 15 nights from Il Pireo with Explora II
Nov 29, 2026

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Cray. It is the largest port and economic center of the island and the third largest city in Greece. This city hosts the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church and has religious buildings of great interest.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek Islands. With more than 100,00 inhabitants, the city is the capital of Crete, a Venetian fortress during the Middle Ages. The ancient city, with its squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies with wonderful view on the sea, mantains numerous fortifications. In particular there are important and magnificent monuments such as the Church of Agia Ekaterini, dated back to 1555, where the Museum of Sacred Art is hosted. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewellery and frescoes on the Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only exhibited work of the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (The Greek), and where you can have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of St Mena, the patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895 is one of the largest buildings in the area.

Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine and hides. It has ferry boats and ships with regular itineraries to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos and Syros. There are also several daily ferry bgoats to Piraeus, south-west of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.

The large combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Herklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destination in the Mediterranean. Great beaches, lively nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine and the strange "interplay" between the old and the new, guarantees to tourists an unforgettable holiday.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek island. With more than 100,000 inhabitants, the locality is the capital and largest city of Crete, a Venetian stronghold during the Middle Ages.
The ancient city, between squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies overlooking the sea, preserves numerous fortifications. Particular importance and beauty are its magnificent monuments such as: the church of Agia Ekaterini, dating back to 1555, is where the museum of Sacred Art is housed. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewelry, and frescoes on Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only work on display by the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (El Greco), and where it is possible to have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of Saint Mena, patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895, is one of the largest buildings in the area.
Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine, and hides. It has ferries and boats with regular routes to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos, and Syros. There are also several daily ferries to Piraeus, southwest of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.
The great combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Heraklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Large beaches, intense nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine, and the strange "game" between the old and the new, assures tourists an unforgettable vacation.

Port Said

Suez

Jeddah

During the stop in Jeddah, a must-see visit is the Corniche, the promenade that extends for several kilometers along the Red Sea. This place offers a pleasant walk among palm trees, manicured gardens and modern sculptures, with a breathtaking view of the sea. Not to be missed is the King Fahd Fountain, the tallest in the world, which shoots water jets up to 312 meters high: a fascinating evening show, especially at sunset when the colored lights give life to a unique atmosphere.

For an immersion in local culture, Souq Al-Alawi is an essential stop. It is one of the oldest markets in the city, where you can buy spices, perfumes, fabrics and traditional crafts. Located in the historic Old Town of Jeddah, the souq is surrounded by ancient buildings decorated with the typical mashrabiya, the carved wooden lattice windows. Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the opportunity to breathe the history and traditions of this fascinating city.

Jeddah

During the stop in Jeddah, a must-see visit is the Corniche, the promenade that extends for several kilometers along the Red Sea. This place offers a pleasant walk among palm trees, manicured gardens and modern sculptures, with a breathtaking view of the sea. Not to be missed is the King Fahd Fountain, the tallest in the world, which shoots water jets up to 312 meters high: a fascinating evening show, especially at sunset when the colored lights give life to a unique atmosphere.

For an immersion in local culture, Souq Al-Alawi is an essential stop. It is one of the oldest markets in the city, where you can buy spices, perfumes, fabrics and traditional crafts. Located in the historic Old Town of Jeddah, the souq is surrounded by ancient buildings decorated with the typical mashrabiya, the carved wooden lattice windows. Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the opportunity to breathe the history and traditions of this fascinating city.

Salalah

The second-largest city in Oman and the capital of the Dhofar region, located on the Arabian Sea, Salalah is rich in cultural assets. Natural sites and frankincense production attract many tourists all year round. Appearing on the world economic map after the construction of its port in the late 1990s, it remains one of the main ports on the Arabian Peninsula. The port will be completed by other industrial and tourist projects. The city of Salalah is simply incredible! Before arriving in this exotic country, you cross the Dhofar desert, but what will make you appreciate the scenery offered by the city even more will be the palm trees, tropical fruits, white sandy beaches, where you can get lost in a unique atmosphere in Africa. Blessed with lush vegetation made of coconuts and bananas, the city, as well as being a tropical paradise, abounds with various historical sites, such as the ruins of Al Balid, the old historical site of Zafar, the ancient city of Samhuram and the renowned Souk, all truly unmissable places. But the main attraction of the city of Salalah is the 15 km of white and deserted sandy beaches with very clear and crystalline waters. From mid-June to mid-September, the region receives rains from the Indian monsoon and the surrounding mountains, streams flowing down the slopes, turn into waterfalls. In that seasonal period, the sun is only visible through the mist, but from mid-July, the famous Khareef festival is still celebrated, its duration is six weeks. In this festival, they offer many events related to the traditions of the region (dance, handicrafts, and gastronomy).

Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is one of the oldest cities in the entire Middle East. Its history dates back to the 2nd century AD and its worldwide fame is mainly linked to the strategic position of the port which has made trade the main source of income for the country.

In addition to trade, the port has played a crucial role in another sector: tourism. Thanks to its geographical position, the city allows you to explore both the coastal and the internal area of ​​the country. One of the best ways to reach the city is on a cruise ship. Choosing a cruise that starts from Muscat or has this city as a stop is the ideal choice if you want to explore the Middle Eastern coasts and the internal areas. There are numerous attractions to visit in Muscat. The wide range of things to see makes the city the ideal destination for every type of visitor. Places of worship, residences of the sultans, large parks, local markets and wonderful beaches are just some of the places that deserve to be visited and immortalized.

A visit to the mosque of Sultan Qaboos is a must, the third largest mosque in the world and the third most important place of worship in the country. Its architecture, with sumptuous walls made of white Carrara marble, renowned all over the world for its high quality, and the enormous Swarovski crystal chandelier that cascades from the golden dome, always leave visitors breathless and make it one of the ideal subjects for the various posts to share with friends.

For history and culture lovers, a visit to the National Museum of the Sultan of Oman is undoubtedly an unmissable experience. Inside are fourteen permanent galleries that tell the story in chronological and thematic order in an attempt to promote the traditional values ​​of the country and accompany visitors on a long journey through the history of the city. If you love long walks in the open air and admiring the beauties that surround you, the Mutrah district is what you are looking for.

Ideal to visit not only during the day for its buildings of unique elegance and great places of worship, but also at sunset to enjoy breathtaking views. If, on the other hand, you are looking for some relaxation and want to enjoy a day at the sea, Muscat offers wonderful beaches, such as Qurum Beach, where it is possible to admire the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Oman up close and relax under the large palm trees that distinguish the area.

Khasab

Dubai

Dubai is the capital of one of the seven Emirates that compose the United Arab Emirates. Between 2004 and 2006 the city has been subjected to a real booming urbanization, becoming an authentic metropolis. Even today the city is constantly under construction: the desert areas are still being built. Among the many projects, the International City, the Sport City and Dubailand, the biggest amusement park in the world. Dubai is rich of resources and tourism increases the richness of this city. In the area surrounding Dubai there are various archipelagos, some of which have become symbols of the city, such as Palm Islands, artificial peninsulas in the Persian Gulf and rich of activities and residential complexes. The material used for the construction of the Islands arrives from the Emirates themselves. The islands host luxury hotels and countless attractions for the visitors. Significant, is the archipelago called The World, 300 artificial islands visible also from a plane or a satellite! Dubai is the city of excess and offers the visitors a limitless richness.
Visit Jumeirah and you’ll remain speechless for its splendor. It is a residential area where the hotel chain built luxurious and worth-a-visit hotels. One of the most famous structures is Burj al-Arab, the Tower of the Arabs, become the symbol of Dubai: a luxurious 5-stars hotel, with wide dream suites entirely surrounded by windows and, from the highest floor, you enjoy a breathtaking view, considered its 321 m. height. Dubai is the ideal destination for any kind of traveler. The sport lovers can freshen up skiing at the Ski Dubai inside a huge shopping mall, while those who love typical markets and negotiations can bargain over jewels at the Gold Suq in the Old City, surrounded by local merchants offering them anything you can imagine in their back shops. The shopping addicted will feel like in heaven once step foot in the Mall of the Emirates, a shopping mall with more than 630 outlets, more than 100 restaurants and bars and many luxury shops. Everyone can find something, a simple souvenir to the high-value product that you’ll keep with you forever. The attractions in Dubai are many and all different one from the other so that they encounter the tastes of everyone: the fashionistas, the sportsman, the passionate for the local culture will love this rich place full of entertainment activities. Everyone will feel united while trying the delicious typical dishes and in the nightlife. Dubai is famous for its explosive nightlife and you never know… you’ll bump into Kim Kardashian or George Clooney!

The best way to visit the Arab Emirates and getting the best of this place is going on a cruise departing from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are many companies offering these cities as destinations: MSC Cruises, Costa Crociere, Royal Caribbean are just a few of the companies with this itinerary and give you the best comfort of cruise combined with the luxury of the Arab Emirates. Pamper yourself with a cruise to modernity! On our website you can find deals and low-costs! Take advantage of the last-minutes and promotions of the moment to plunge into the future on dream ships!