Silversea Red Sea: 17 nights from Bombay with Silver Muse
Apr 1, 2027

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.

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).

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.

Safaga

Safaga, also known as Port Safaga, is a city in Egypt located on the coast of the Red Sea where natural beauty, historical depth, and modern attractions are perfectly mixed together making the city a multifaceted destination for visitors. Safaga's economy benefits from its port activities. It has always played an important role for the city thanks to its import and export of goods. Historically, Safaga has served as an important port city since ancient times. It has been a trading hub, linking the African interior with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The ancient port of Myos Hormos, which was a vital center for trade between the Roman Empire and India, is located nearby.

Not only is the port important for its economy but it is also important for tourism. Safaga is an important hub for both regional and non-regional cruise tourism. The port is a departure point for ships traveling to Saudi Arabia, making it a key link in regional transportation. It also serves as a gateway to various inland destinations in Egypt, including Luxor. Safaga is a popular destination for tourists who love the sea and the beach, in fact the city is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. The black sand of Safaga's beaches is reputed to have healing properties, particularly for those suffering from conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. This has led to the development of health tourism in the area.

Safaga is a popular destination for those interested in water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving. The city is famous among divers for sites such as Panorama Reef, Middle Reef, and Abu Kafan. These spots offer breathtaking underwater landscapes, teeming with diverse marine species, making them popular for both beginner and advanced divers.

Safaga

Safaga, also known as Port Safaga, is a city in Egypt located on the coast of the Red Sea where natural beauty, historical depth, and modern attractions are perfectly mixed together making the city a multifaceted destination for visitors. Safaga's economy benefits from its port activities. It has always played an important role for the city thanks to its import and export of goods. Historically, Safaga has served as an important port city since ancient times. It has been a trading hub, linking the African interior with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The ancient port of Myos Hormos, which was a vital center for trade between the Roman Empire and India, is located nearby.

Not only is the port important for its economy but it is also important for tourism. Safaga is an important hub for both regional and non-regional cruise tourism. The port is a departure point for ships traveling to Saudi Arabia, making it a key link in regional transportation. It also serves as a gateway to various inland destinations in Egypt, including Luxor. Safaga is a popular destination for tourists who love the sea and the beach, in fact the city is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. The black sand of Safaga's beaches is reputed to have healing properties, particularly for those suffering from conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. This has led to the development of health tourism in the area.

Safaga is a popular destination for those interested in water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving. The city is famous among divers for sites such as Panorama Reef, Middle Reef, and Abu Kafan. These spots offer breathtaking underwater landscapes, teeming with diverse marine species, making them popular for both beginner and advanced divers.

Sokhna

Set sail on an enchanting cruise from Sokhna, Egypt, a modern port on the Red Sea coast, offering convenient access to Cairo and the ancient wonders of Egypt. From this strategic departure point, you can explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before embarking on a voyage filled with historical intrigue and serene sea days. Prepare for a journey that seamlessly blends ancient discoveries with relaxing oceanic travel.

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.

Athens

For many, Athens is a city lived two thousand five hundred years ago. Symbol is the mighty Acropolis which dominates almost every view and itinerary of every visitor, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, stands above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis in evolution.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture blend in a unique way. Everyone knows that the name of the city derives from the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and justice. However, few people actually know the legend behind this event. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon, the God of the seas, vied for the right to name the city. Poseidon, to impress the inhabitants, gave them water, while Athena gave them an olive branch.

At first the choice fell on Poseidon, since the citizens considered water the most precious gift. When, once they tasted the water, they discovered that it was salty and not drinkable, they changed their minds and recognized Athena as their patron. One of the most famous historical sites in the city is the Acropolis, a majestic hill topped by ancient Doric temples, including the Parthenon, built in 477 BC. and the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC. Climbing the Acropolis, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. However, Athens is not only history, but also a lively cultural capital. In the Plaka district, located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is possible to stroll through the welcoming streets, visit the traditional Greek taverns and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

Then there are the numerous cultural activities offered by the numerous museums, galleries and theaters present in the city. Athens is an important port for cruise ships that offer trips to the Mediterranean and beyond. Cruises from Athens allow guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece, including the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, where you can admire the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and a coast of white houses.

In addition to the Greek islands, cruises from Athens also offer the opportunity to visit other exciting Mediterranean destinations, including historic cities in Italy, Croatia and Turkey. Athens is therefore not only the historical and cultural center of Greece, but also an important starting point for cruises in the Mediterranean, which offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great history and splendid landscapes of this unique region.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.