Day 1 : Mumbai/INDIA

Few cities evoke such a wealth of sensations as Bombay. Entering the city under the Gateway of India, which commemorates the visit of King George and Queen Mary in 1911, the sounds and aromas are exotic and the level of activity from the bazaars to the street vendors is non-stop. Remnants of British rule along oceanfront Marine Drive stand alongside the thought-provoking former home of Mahatma Gandhi, and the cave temple at Elephanta with its second-century Hindu gods. Bombay also serves as the gateway for land tours to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, and Delhi, the historical center of India.

Day 2 : At Sea

Day 3 : At Sea

Day 4 : Muscat/OMAN

The town has changed in recent times, but a glimpse of Muscat's past shows in the old houses lining the Mutrah corniche above the harbor, and in the traditional market souks. See the Sultan's Palace, the National Museum and perhaps indulge in Amonage or Ubar perfumes produced here-the world's most expensive.

Day 5 : At Sea

Day 6 : At Sea

Day 7 : At Sea

Day 8 : At Sea

Day 9 : At Sea

Day 10 : At Sea

Day 11 : Luxor/EGYPT

Situated on the Red Sea along the East Coast of Egypt, Safaga serves as a gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has a history which goes back to 2000 B.C. Like Babylon and Nineveh, it was considered one of the great cities of the ancient world, but of the three it is only here that the splendor survives. Marvel at the massive columns and statues. Stroll down the Avenue of the Sphinxes to the grand ceremonial gateway of the Temple of Amun-Ra. Sail across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, sacred burial ground of the Pharaohs.

Day 12 : Luxor/EGYPT

Situated on the Red Sea along the East Coast of Egypt, Safaga serves as a gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has a history which goes back to 2000 B.C. Like Babylon and Nineveh, it was considered one of the great cities of the ancient world, but of the three it is only here that the splendor survives. Marvel at the massive columns and statues. Stroll down the Avenue of the Sphinxes to the grand ceremonial gateway of the Temple of Amun-Ra. Sail across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, sacred burial ground of the Pharaohs.

Day 13 : Aqaba/JORDAN

Day 14 : At Sea

Day 15 : Suez Canal

One of modern engineering's most celebrated achievements, the 110-mile Suez Canal links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. The first attempt to excavate a canal was recorded in 2100 B.C., and over the years Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, French and British all have tried their hand, the latter two succeeding in the late 19th century in a joint effort.

Day 16 : Alexandria/EGYPT

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria is Egypt's center of culture, learning and science. Its lighthouse, the world's first, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alexandria is also the departure point for excursions to Cairo and the Pyramids.

Day 17 : At Sea

Day 18 : Athens/GREECE

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.