On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
From Dubai across the Mediterranean
29 days | Dubai • Oman • Saudi Arabia • Crete • Athens • Katakolon • Corfu • Sicily • Rome • Genoa • Marseille • Barcelona • MálagaWhy this trip?
- Fjords in Oman? You read that right! You go on a discovery tour in the turquoise waters and keep an eye out for dolphins.
- You sail through the breathtaking Suez Canal. A dream for every cruise fan!
- Anyone can watch the Olympic Games on television. But you can visit ancient Olympia and experience the mystical atmosphere of this special place up close!
- Experience the fascinating city of Rome! The "Eternal City" inspires with its rich history and impressive architecture.
- In Barcelona you will get an impression of what is architecturally possible, as you will visit several highlights of European architecture.
Itinerary
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai, capital of the emirate of the same name and the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, will captivate you with ultra-modern architecture. The Burj Khalifa, the world-famous 830-meter skyscraper, dominates the skyline. But also the Dubai Fountain, whose water jets show a choreography accompanied by music, or the artificial islands off the coast make the city unique. Shopping lovers are spoiled for choice thanks to the numerous malls.
Embarkation 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Kashab (Oman)
The idyllic fishing village of Kashab is known for its enchanting fjord landscape. Board a traditional dhow and embark on a discovery tour through the turquoise waters of the fjords. With a little luck, your trip will be accompanied by dolphins.
Muscat (Oman)
Walk along the promenade to the famous souk of Matrah and put your haggling skills to the test. Marvel at the ostentatiously designed capital of Oman, where the country's wealth is readily on display. From the gilded bus stop to the colossal royal palace, Muscat will leave you in awe.
Day 4
Recreation at sea.
Salalah (Oman)
Salalah forms an almost tropical oasis on the Arabian Peninsula. Besides steep cliffs and beaches like in the Caribbean, the lush vegetation shines, lined with numerous orchards. A visit to the historic district with the Al-Husn Palace, the birthplace of Sultan Qaboos, who is still very revered today, should not be missed during a visit to Salalah.
Day 6
Recreation at sea.
Day 7
Recreation at sea.
Day 8
Recreation at sea.
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
In Jeddah, a contrast of the modern and historical oriental world awaits you. Visit a traditional souk, stroll along the harbor promenade or visit unique architectural projects such as the Jeddah Tower, which is under construction. When completed, it will be the tallest building in the world.
Day 10
Recreation at sea.
Safaga (Luxor, Egypt)
Safaga has something to offer for everyone. Follow the falcon god Horus into the Valley of the Kings on an excursion to neighboring Luxor and visit the amazing Temple of the Dead of Hatshepsut, which will transport you to the realm of Osiris. Alternatively, the enchanting coral reefs at Soma Bay offer a true paradise for lovers of the underwater world.
Day 12
Passage through the Suez Canal.
Day 13
Recreation at sea.
Lindos (Rhodes)
High above the picturesque medieval village of Lindos towers the imposing ancient Acropolis. Let yourself be enchanted by the Greek flair on Rhodes with charming white houses and cobbled streets!
Heraklion (Crete)
In Heraklion, go back in time three thousand years on a visit to the Palace of Knossos and explore the legend of the Minotaur. Crete's gorgeous sandy beaches and azure waters also invite you to take a dip!
Piraeus (Athen)
Follow the footsteps of history in Athens during a visit to the imposing Acropolis and learn a lot of interesting facts about the impressive buildings in the Greek capital in the fascinating Acropolis Museum.
Day 17
Recreation at sea.
Katakolon (Olympia)
Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia: walk in the footsteps of the Olympians who competed in Olympia more than 2000 years ago. Discover historical buildings, beautiful nature and lively markets in fascinating Greece!
Corfu (Ionian Islands)
Corfu: that's rugged mountains, medieval alleys and Venetian fortresses. The popular island off the northwest coast of Greece lies in the Ionian Sea. The climate is balanced and the vegetation is Mediterranean, which is why Corfu is also called the "green island". Even Sisi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, called Corfu her "favorite island".
Syracuse (Sicily)
Tauchen Sie bei einem Besuch der sizilianischen Stadt Syrakus ein in die Geschichte, die durch die zahlreichen Ruinen lebendig wird! Im Archäologischen Park von Neapolis bestaunen Sie das römische Amphitheater, das imposante Teatro Greco und die einzigartige Kalksteinhöhle Orecchio di Dionisio.
Sorrento (Italy)
A town as if carved into a rock, with numerous colorful houses in the middle of the lush green landscape. Take a stroll through Sorrento or visit numerous beautiful villages along the famous Amalfi Coast from here.
Civitavecchia (Rome)
From Civitavecchia you will arrive in beautiful Rome. And here you will be "spoilt for choice": Admire the imposing St. Peter's Basilica in charming Rome or take a trip to Vatican City, the center of the Roman Catholic Church, and marvel at true masterpieces, such as Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy the vibrant metropolis with its highlights: the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colloseum....
Livorno (Florence/Pisa)
Immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle in Livorno and admire the picturesque Italian houses during a short city walk. Architectural masterpieces also await you during a visit to historic Florence or the charming city of Pisa.
Genoa
Follow in the footsteps of the great explorer in the birthplace of Christopher Columbus! Genoa convinces with typical Italian flair: Beautiful narrow streets, extraordinary cultural offerings and charming museums are waiting to be discovered by you.
Marseille (Provence)
Experience France with all its facets. Marseille enchants visitors with the charming old fishing port, the imposing basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, breathtaking nature and historic fortresses.
Barcelona
The Catalan city is one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean. Nine buildings in Barcelona are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cityscape is characterized by buildings of the architect Antoni Gaudí. The facade of the five-nave basilica is admirable; but he also created a stately townhouse, the Palau Güell, and the Park Güell on a ridge in the north of Barcelona. Hundreds of tapas bars with typical Spanish specialties await visitors on the amusement mile Las Ramblas.
Valencia
The impressive cathedral, home of the "Holy Grail," rises between the narrow streets of Valencia's picturesque old town. A stark contrast to this is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències - the futuristic buildings in the former riverbed of the Turia in the Spanish port city look like landed spaceships.
Day 28
Recreation at sea.
Málaga
Pure culture in Málaga! In the birthplace of Picasso on Spain's Costa del Sol, numerous diverse museums are waiting to be discovered. Let yourself be enchanted by the lively ambience of the port city with its historic monuments, modern trendy neighborhoods and charming bars with local specialties.
Disembarkation until 09:00.
Services
- Cruise in the booked cabin category
- nicko cruises full board
- nicko cruises cruise management German-speaking
- German-speaking local tour guide during the excursions (this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations, in these cases English-speaking guide)
- English-speaking service on board
- Entertainment programme and lectures on the countries visited on board
- Loving, age-appropriate childcare and large children's area
- Convenient Whisper audio system for a variety of excursions
- Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports area and spa area with sauna
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Arrival and departure
- Classic beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €980 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €1,540 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €392 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: VASCO DA GAMA
On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.