A Journey Through Arabia's
Mystic Past to Venice's
Timeless Elegance

Jeddah

Sokhna

Sokhna, also known as Ain Sokhna, is a coastal town located on the western shore of the Red Sea in Egypt. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, offering pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and numerous recreational activities. With its beautiful landscape, warm climate, and proximity to Cairo, Sokhna has become a favored retreat for both locals and international visitors.

One of the main attractions of Sokhna is its stunning coastline, which stretches for approximately 60 kilometers. The beaches here are famous for their soft, golden sands and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The clear visibility in the Red Sea also allows for excellent diving opportunities, with vibrant underwater coral reefs and diverse marine life to explore.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sokhna offers a range of luxury resorts and hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences. These accommodations often come equipped with private beaches, pools, and various recreational facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors. Many of these resorts also offer spa services, water sports, and organized activities, making it a great destination for relaxation and leisure.

For those seeking adventure, there are several outdoor activities available in Sokhna. The nearby mountains provide opportunities for hiking, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also take part in desert safaris, riding camels or ATVs through the sandy dunes and exploring the striking landscapes of the Eastern Desert.

Sokhna is also known for its golf courses, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the world. The 18-hole golf courses here offer stunning views of the Red Sea and provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all levels.

When it comes to dining, Sokhna offers a variety of international and local cuisine options. Seafood is a specialty in this coastal town, with fresh catches of the day prepared in a variety of delicious ways. Visitors can enjoy meals at beachfront restaurants or indulge in international dishes at the resort's fine dining establishments.

While Sokhna is primarily a beach and leisure destination, there are also cultural and historical sites to explore in the surrounding areas. A short distance away is the ancient city of Suez, which played a significant role in history as a major hub for trade between Europe and Asia. Visitors can explore the Suez Canal and learn about its construction and importance for international shipping.

Sokhna's close proximity to Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, allows for convenient day trips to explore the famous landmarks and attractions. Visitors can marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza, explore the ancient treasures of the Egyptian Museum, and take a boat ride along the Nile River.

Overall, Sokhna offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, luxury, and adventure. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing beach getaway, as well as those interested in exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Egypt. Whether you want to unwind by the sea, indulge in fine dining, or embark on outdoor adventures, Sokhna has something for everyone.

Suez

Egypt is synonymous with Pharaohs, pyramids, temples and antiquities. Through this ancient and arid land flows the Nile, a mighty river which has shaped civilizations for centuries. Egypt lays claim to being the oldest tourist destination on earth. Greek and Roman travellers arrived as far back as 430 BC to marvel at some of the very sights that make it a beloved tourist destination today. The magnificence of the painted Valley of the Kings, exquisite temples, and the pyramids were all sought-after objects of admiration in these long-gone days, and many were already 2,500 years old.

With desert landscapes, rugged mountains that reach to the sea, dusty cities full of exotic sounds and smells, and green strips of agricultural land snaking along the banks of the Nile, Egypt has something to offer travellers from all walks of life. There is spectacular diving in the Red Sea resorts. Unique desert experiences await, whether on the back of a camel to Mount Sinai or on a jeep safari to the inner oases. The colour and chaos of Cairo is prevalent in its markets and bazaars such as Khan al Khalili. In stark contrast are the tranquil felucca cruises on the Nile River. Egypt promises an unforgettable experience of history and relaxation - a mixture of discovery and pleasure.

Suez Canal Transit

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, Crete is by far the
largest of the many Greek Islands and offers something for every
kinds of traveller.

The island has experienced thousands of years of conquest and
habitation and has a complicated and diverse heritage. Sightseers
can investigate the remains of the ancient Minoan culture that
flourished here thousands of years before Christ. Years of Roman,
Venetian and Turkish rule have also left their mark and there are
fascinating sights scattered throughout the island.

Its northern coastline is home to busy holiday resorts and a
wealth of powdery white beaches where couples and families come to
soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. The gateway to the island is
the large, modern city of Heraklion, which is not so much an island
idyll as a vital commercial centre. Other major holiday resorts in
Greece include nearby Malia, lively Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon with
its lovely old town, and Chania, to the west, which known for its
14th-century Venetian harbour and waterfront restaurants.

The wild interior of Crete offers some spectacular mountain
scenery drives and many opportunities for hikers and serious
cyclists. The White Mountains in the west soar to over 2000m, while
the more gentle mountains in the east hide the extraordinary
Lasithi plateau in their midst, which is dotted with white
windmills. The south coast of Crete is much more remote and rugged
than the north. It is crisscrossed with gorges and dotted with
unspoilt villages, pretty coves, and secluded beaches.

Dubrovnik

This unique Adriatic port has been luring
travellers for centuries, known for its luxury accommodation,
excellent cuisine and beautiful surroundings. From a turbulent
history during which it was occupied and conquered by a succession
of neighbouring European powers, Dubrovnik has emerged as a city at
peace, allowing visitors to make the most of its historic
architecture, white pebble beaches and crystal-clear ocean
waters.

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, dating from the 7th century. Its 13-century walls enclose
well-preserved buildings representing a cross-section of Baroque,
Gothic and Renaissance architecture, while Onofrio's Fountain is
one of Dubrovnik's most famous landmarks, found just inside the
main entrance to the old city at Pile Gate.

The centre of the Old Town is its main
street called the Stradun, which was originally a channel
separating an island from the mainland. It was filled in to join
two towns into the merged city of Dubrovnik.

There are many churches, monasteries and
museums to explore, while the Old Town boasts plenty of
restaurants, bars and shops. The coastal belt is awash with pretty
marinas, coves and promenades, while most hotels and the best
beaches are located northwest of the Old Town, at Lapad, or in
Ploce to the northeast.

Dubrovnik is a favourite on European cruise
itineraries and many tourists arrive by sea, ferrying in to the
charming old port. Although Dubrovnik will delight cruise
passengers with only a few hours to kill, it's incredibly rich in
history and culture and can easily occupy travellers for days. The
city is also well situated as a travel hub for exploring the
villages and islands dotted along the dramatic Dalmatian Coast of
Croatia.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a city located in the north-eastern part of Italy, in the Emilia Romagna region. This city is famous for its countless stunning mosaics that are scattered throughout its historical centre, and its transformation into the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. With its rich history and heritage, Ravenna has become one of Italy's most visited places, attracting tourists from all over the world.

The city’s history dates back to the Etruscan era, with the origins of the city being shrouded in ancient mystery. However, the city first gained widespread attention during the Roman Empire's decline, which Ravenna played a significant role in. During this time, the city was an essential cultural and political center, and in 402 AD, the Emperor, Honorius, transferred the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Milan to Ravenna.

One of the most notable features of Ravenna is its larger-than-life mosaic art. This art form was first introduced to the city in the 5th and 6th centuries, during the Byzantine Empire era. Ravenna is home to dozens of churches, chapels, and cathedrals, many of which are perfect examples of the mosaic art that the city is famous for. It is believed that Ravenna's mosaics were the one inspiration for the famous Italian Renaissance painter, Giotto.

The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most famous churches adorned with mosaic artwork in the city. This beautiful basilica was built in the 6th century and features mosaic art from both Western and Byzantine traditions. The circular dome of the apse has a stunning image of Jesus with two angels, one of which is thought to be the Archangel Michael. The basilica's beauty comes not only from its perfectly preserved mosaic work but also from its unique architectural features.

The Mausoleum of Theodoric is another significant landmark in Ravenna. This impressive Gothic-style tomb was built-in 520 AD, and although it was built for the Ostrogoth king Theodoric, it was never used, and it was converted into a Christian church. The exterior of the building is impressive, with a sixteen-sided base that leads up to a 36-meter dome decorated with intricate Romanesque and Gothic ornamentation. The Mausoleum of Theodoric is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit.

Another iconic attraction that Ravenna has to offer is the Palace of Theoderic, located in the heart of the city's historical centre. This palace was built for King Theoderic in 493 AD and is one of the finest examples of Ostrogothic architectural art that survived to this day. Today, the palace now houses the city's Archaeological Museum, which has a rich collection of artefacts ranging from ancient Roman to Byzantine times.

In conclusion, Ravenna is a city that is rich with history, art, and culture, and it has played a vital role in shaping Italian history. With its numerous churches, chapels, and cathedrals, all adorned with breathtaking mosaics, it's no wonder that Ravenna has become a favourite destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you are an art lover, history buff or simply looking for a tranquil getaway, Ravenna is a city that should be on your travel list.

Fusina

Venice is unique, its elegant buildings and
palaces peering over an ancient maze of narrow streets and
labyrinth of canals. Tourists here wake up to the morning calls of
gondoliers before venturing out to lose themselves among the twists
and turns of this famously romantic haven.

The city rests on one of 117 islands
distributed throughout the Venetian lagoon. The aptly named Grand
Canal splits the city, running from the Santa Lucia railway station
past the famous Rialto Bridge to Piazza San Marco, home to the
cathedral of Basilica di San Marco which is adorned with endless
mosaics that sparkle at sunset.

The historic centre is divided into six
quarters: San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio
and Castello. Countless waterways wind their way through the city.
While some choose to pick their way over the more than 400 bridges,
by far the most popular way to get around is to cruise the
waterways onboard vaporetto boats or iconic gondola.

Known for its inventive cuisine, lavish
spreads of cicheti (Venetian tapas) can be found in bars around the
city while canalside bistros offer spectacular fine dining
experiences. Venice's penchant for outlandish fashion gave the
world eyeglasses, dresses without corsets and platform shoes, and
the annual carnival is renowned for the elaborate masks on
display.

Venice extends beyond its six sestieri to
the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. These are known for
glass and lace-making respectively, and Torcello is noted for the
magnificent Byzantine Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta resting on
its soil. Trips by boat to the islands provide a pleasant escape
from the busier historic quarters.