28 Night Cruise sailing from Colombo to Aqaba aboard Minerva.

Cruise Description:
Join Minerva on an Indian and Arabian adventure as she cruises from the elegant isle of Sri Lanka along the West Indian coast, around the Arabian Peninsula and up the Red Sea to Egypt. Follow ancient trade routes, discovering vibrant Indian cities, the daily lives of local communities as well as quiet backwaters.

Visit countries and towns still little frequented by western travellers and explore the fabled sites of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, and the Nabataean city of Petra in Jordan. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of modern cities such as Mumbai and Muscat and, by contast, discover the hidden gems of Indian Tuticorin and Porbandar as well as Massawa in Eritrea. Explore the ancient cities of Dhofar, Luxor and Petra and absorb the stunning landscapes of the Haggar Mountains near Fujairah and the beauty of the Sinai Peninsula where remote St Catherine's Monastery nestles in the shadow of Mt Sinai.

Highlights of this cruise:

Colombo
The former capital of Sri Lanka. Drive inland to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, or visit Kandy and the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth or the rich Botanical Gardens.

Kochi
Discover the riverine life of rural India by exploring its restful backwaters on an unforgettable river cruise or stroll through the lanes of the former Portuguese and Dutch colonial trading post of Kochi. An evening in port allows you to enjoy a display of the local Kathakali dance.

Mumbai
The city's elaborate Victorian Raj architecture reveals colonial treasures such as the Gateway of India and Victoria train station, whereas a visit to Elephanta Island will uncover a towering Shiva sculpture at the centre of a labyrinth of cave temples.

Fujairah
Fujairah, the only United Arab Emirate on the Gulf of Oman, boasts impressive mountainous scenery and palm fringed coasts. Explore the Haggar mountains or visit a heritage village showcasing the traditional way of life.

Muscat
Muscat has long been the arrival point into Oman for goods and people and is still a 'very elegant town with very fine houses', as observed by Portuguese admiral Alfonso de Alburqueque in the 16th century. Discover this pristine city on a guided tour viewing the Sultan Qaboos Palace and the famous twin forts guarding the city. Travel inland to explore traditional fish markets and visit Nakhl Fort at the foot of the Hajar Mountains.

Salalah
Dhofar's 'perfume city' of Salalah is so named because of its plantations of bananas, papayas and, of course, frankincense trees. Dhofar's trading history can be discovered on a visit to the ruined city of Samhuram, the most important pre-Islamic settlement in the region, while on the outskirts of Salalah you can visit Job's tomb, sheltered in a small house near a mosque.

Massawa
Explore the alleyways and streets of the old town, flanked by low, whitewashed buildings, porticoes and arcades. Many of the buildings were destroyed during the struggle for independence but are now being restored; a unique opportunity to explore a town little visited by travellers from the west.

Safaga
Is the gateway to Luxor on the banks of the river Nile. Discover magnificent Karnak Temple, visit the pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings or visit the less frequented Valley of the Queens and the fascinating Deir El Medineh workers' tombs.

Aqaba
Aqaba leads to the remarkable Nabataean city of Petra, a former caravan city that linked Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Hidden in folds of mountains and accessed via a narrow siq, Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, a blend of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. Alternatively, a jeep ride will take you deep into the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where extraordinarily shaped mountains rise out of the rose-red desert.