Viking Cruises launches new Grand Voyage through Middle East to India

Viking Ocean Cruises is offering a brand-new Grand Voyage from Barcelona in Spain to Mumbai in India, with several Middle East port calls among the destinations visited.

The 35-day cruise departs Barcelona on December 16th, 2024 and combines Viking’s Iconic Western Mediterranean sailing with their Journey to Antiquities and Passage to India itinerary to feature 20 guided tours in 12 countries.

The Middle East features prominently on the voyage, with the ship visiting Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

“Combining these itineraries back-to-back to create the India and Europe Grand Passage provides our guests with a seamless booking and travel experience in a single journey from Mumbai to Barcelona, at excellent value. Plus, it takes in the ever-popular destination of Egypt, which currently is at the top of many a travellers’ wish list,” said Michelle Black, Viking ANZ Managing Director.

The port calls in Egypt include a tour to Cairo to explore the Sakkara Step Pyramid, and Giza for the Great Pyramids and Great Sphinx. The port of Safaga is the gateway to Luxor, where passengers will see the peristyles and obelisks of the Luxor and Karnak Temples.

In Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt there’ll be a chance to discover underwater marine life or immerse yourself in Bedouin customs in the Sinai Desert, while Aqaba in Jordan will be a highlight, as this is the gateway to the lost city of Petra and the spectacular canyons of Wadi Rum.

Viking then sails the Red Sea, rich in history and legend from the ancient Egyptians to Napoleon, bound for Jeddah, a vibrant Red Sea port whose historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the next port, passengers can explore historic Salālah and learn about the legendary 13th-century frankincense route. Then in Muscat, the capital of Oman, visit the Islamic treasures of this ancient city and sail on traditional dhow fishing boats.

The European leg of the voyage features France’s South Coast and Italy and Greece’s history, with overnight calls in Barcelona, Pisa, Athens, Haifa and Mumbai at the end of the cruise.

The cruises start from $23,995 for the 35 days, 20 guided tours, and 12 countries visited. If guests book by November 30th, 2023, they can get up to $2500 flight credit per couple. The return journey from Mumbai to Barcelona departs January 19th, 2025.