Middle East Cruise - Cruises to holy Land, Ancient Egypt/Pyramids, Kusadasi/Ephesus Cruise Vacation Guide - Here you will find information on Cruise travel, sightseeing, attractions, weather, & cruise port information for the Middle East. A cruise vacation to the Middle East will promise a voyage rich in history and adventure.

This cruise vacation guide will enlighten you on the mystique of the Holy Land, the mystery of the Pyramids of Egypt and the history of the Greek Islands and Turkey. The Middle East is the birthplace of ancient civilization and major religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Visitors on these cruises are offered the chance to see the birthplace of the Apostle Paul, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Virgin Mary's Church in Ephesus. The Egyptian Pyramids are the oldest and only surviving member of the ancient wonders. Today's Jerusalem's ultimate fate is at the center of unrest in the Middle East, however amid all of the political maneuvering and religious fighting, you will find a destination unmatched for its combination of natural beauty, climate, history, attractions, and meaning. To visit Jerusalem is to be forever changed. The Middle East is a destination of history, the Middle East will educate and fascinate.

For North Americans, options to cruise the Middle East are still relatively limited. Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, Crystal, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas Cruises -- all luxury operators -- offer trips here as ships reposition between Asia and Europe. That usually means a cruise or two in the spring and then again in the fall. Holland America is the only big-ship line to sail in the Middle East at this point. Cruise lines categorize Middle East trips by the name of the region (understandable, perhaps, if the itinerary includes ports that bridge the Middle East, such as North Africa and Asia.

Greatest hits" collection of Middle Eastern ports, Dubai: One of the seven of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai's a bit like an Arabic Las Vegas (sans the gambling and over-abundant alcohol, Muscat: Just a short way south from Dubai on the Arabian coast. Aquaba: This Jordanian city on the country's southern tip is its only port (one branch of the Red Sea ends right here). What's really neat is that, from your ship, you can see three countries: Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Luxor (Safaga): This Egyptian port is a drop off-spot for overland trips to the Valley of the Kings -- where highlights include the temples of Luxor and Karnak. The Suez Canal: While not as dramatic a sight as the Panama Canal (the Suez has no locks or terribly scenic vistas aside from the desert), this canal, built in 1869, links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and is the world's most strategically important waterway.

Dress-wise, while this region is often very (very) hot, especially between May and October, western casual wear -- tank tops, midriff tops, short shorts and even short slacks -- are really a no-no. If you plan to visit a mosque, you will need a head covering for men and women, especially, can show no skin.

Ephesus, once the most important commercial center of the western Anatolia, is one of the highlights of Turkey Temple of Artemision, Virgin Mary, Basilica of St.John, Terrace Houses, Ephesus Museum, Isa Bey Mosque, Seven Sleepers and Sirince Village that awaits for the exploring tourists.

Istanbul, this historic city is twenty-five hundred years old, and the heritage of the country can be observed in the region known as Sultanahmet. Also called Old Stamboul, the architecture and park areas in this section of the city are particularly beautiful. The heart of Istanbul can be found near the Golden Horn, and everywhere you travel you will see a cultural tug of war between East and West. Traditions are being met head on by American and European influences, creating a strong cultural youth movement. This is making for an even more complex and fascinating Turkish society. In any event, a visit to this sprawling and spectacular city will be one that you will never forget.