Mediterranean Cruise with Stops at Suez Canal, Pyramids of Giza, Crete, and the Turkish Riviera

As far back as 1874 BC, Egyptian pharaohs began building a waterway that would open up a global trade route between the Nile and the Red Sea. It wasn't until some 4,000 years later that the Suez Canal was finally built, allowing for water transportation between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Your 9-night, 11-day tour includes a cruise on a luxury ship that takes you to some of the most well-known sites along these bodies of water, including Venice, Crete, the Turkish Riviera, and Cairo. Click here for the full trip itinerary.

Days 1–3: An overnight flight takes you to Venice, where you'll board the MSC Armonia en route to your first stop, Ancona. Aboard the ship, luxurious amenities include two outdoor pools, a gym, an on-board theatre, and two restaurants.

After cruising southward, the ship will dock in Ancona, the capital of Italy's mountainous Marche region. Check out Monte Conero Park and the park's namesake, a 1,877-foot cliff that juts dramatically into the Adriatic Sea. The eco-friendly park is also home to some exotic wildlife; falcons, kingfishers, and long-legged buzzards can often be spotted engaged in conversation on the wooded trails and beaches.

Days 4–5: As your cruise continues south through the Adriatic, you’ll have a leisurely day at sea before arriving on Crete, the largest of the Grecian islands. A visit to Crete's capitol, Heraklion, showcases rich history via 15th-century monasteries, ancient Minoan palaces, and the Morosini Fountain, an elaborate Venetian-style fountain with four lion heads spouting water.

Day 6: The water along the Turkish Riviera is so strikingly clear and blue that many refer to it as the Turquoise Coast. The resort city of Marmaris hugs a sun-kissed bay on the Riviera—by day, the action centers on several black-sand beaches. By night, visitors pack the clubs for karaoke, dancing, and drinks that flow until 4 a.m.

Days 7–9: Your scenic journey continues through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea’s Sharm el-Sheikh, which boasts picturesque scuba-diving sites. Beneath the crystalline waters, you’ll see colorful coral, rare sea turtles, and moray eels. On land, you can ride a camel or browse the Sharm old market for colorful Bedouin carpets, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs.

Days 10–11: After a short flight to Cairo (included with your air and land package), you're back on land for the last leg of your trip. Cairo's cityscape is dominated by elaborate Islamic buildings; it’s often called the City of a Thousand Minarets. Here, you’ll take an afternoon tour of the city's most famous architectural landmarks, such as the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, once ranked among the Seven Wonders of the World.

At night, you'll hunker down on the banks of the Nile at the Ramses Hilton Hotel for a restful night of sleep before heading to the Cairo airport for your return flight.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.