Fly from London or regional airport to Italy and transfer to Costa Cruises own cruise terminal at Savona, near Genoa. Costa Deliziosa departs at 17.30.

Arrive in Naples and perhasp take an optional excursion to the excavated Roman remains of Pompeii. In the shadow of Vesuvius, the lava eruption 2000 years ago preserved buildings and people. Maybe visit the cliffside resort of Sorrento or take a trip to the island of Capri.

Crossing the Mediterranean to Egypt there is time to explore Costa Deliziosa and the many features of this ship launched in 2009.

Arrive Port Said early morning. Situated at the entrance to the Suez Canal, this bustling city port is the gateway to Cairo and the monuments of ancient Egypt. Disembark for optional tours to Cairo and the Pyramids. The ship leaves at midnight giving time to explore the major highlights.

Today is devoted to cruising the Suez Canal, which opened in 1869. Its opening was a touchstone in navigation history by enabling a direct link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, avoiding the bypass of Africa. 173 km long, it remains one of the biggest shipping lanes in the world.

Sharm el Sheikh's main attractions are its blue water, brightly coloured fish and multicoloured coral reefs. The town offers over 60 kilometres of coastline with some 30 diving sites. Sharm el Sheikh is the starting point for excursions to Mount Sinai and the walk to the summit from St Catherine's Monastery,

Safaga attracts tourists from all over the world to its wide bay with splendid turquoise waters and long beaches. Safaga is the starting point for excursions to the famed Egyptian ruins of the Temple of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings where Egyptian rulers were buried.

Relax at sea and enjoy its facilities as Costa Deliziosa makes its way down the Red Sea.

Aden is the port gateway to the republic of Yemen. Admire elaborately decorated friezes and beautiful windows with complex fretwork and coloured glass, The minarets of the mosques rise above the houses, and everywhere are Turkish baths. The heart of the city is the Souk al-Milh, made up of around 40 small souks, each specializing in a particular product. Perhaps visit the Great Mosque (Al-Jami' Al-Kabir).

A day at sea to relax in your cabin or balcony and enjoying the restaurants and facilities of Costa Deliziosa.

Oman's second city, Salalah is a tropical city with lush vegetation, and agriculture providing plenty of fresh fruit and coconuts. It is known as the Arabian perfume capital for its many frankincense trees along the watercourses, and is a tourist destination for its beaches, markets and mountains. A ruined palace is said to have belonged to the Queen of Sheba.

Enjoy a day at sea relaxing on board.

Arrive at Mutrah harbour and explore its soukh, a labyrinth of narrow streets, or enjoy the bustling fish market. 3km away, Muscat is Oman's capital with a modern Sultan's Palace and the Grand Mosque with its marble architecture.

The youngest Emirate of the UAE, Fujairah is the starting point for exploring Oman's beautiful east coast. From Fujairah take a desert safari and explore the mysterious rugged landscapes of red dunes and rock. As you leave the port observe the hundreds of ships moored along the coast waiting for future cargoes.

Arrive in Dubai, one of the most exciting cities in the world, with its contrasts of mosques and shopping centres, sea and desert. See the famous Palm island, the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa, or the huge Dubai shopping mall. The iconic Burj al Arab hotel with its sail appearance is one of the best hotels in the world. In contrast, the ancient area around the Dubai Creek is barely changed.

Disembark Costa Deliziosa and transfer to the airport for return flight to the UK