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Doha to Athens

Aboard Silver Muse with Silversea

Departure Date

27 May 2025

Duration

17 Nights

Fly Cruise From

£6,200pp

Cruise Reference

ART-3DOSI17

Cruise Overview

Doha (population 700,000) is the capital of the State of Qatar, an emirate occupying the small Qatar Peninsula bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and otherwise surrounded by the Persian Gulf.

Qatar was ruled by many different powers through the centuries, in fact historians have traced human habitation dating back 5000 years.

From its earliest history, Qatar was a very important trade route connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Among its occupiers were the Portuguese, the Ottomans and finally the British during the turbulent years of the 20th century.

Qatar gained independence in 1971, and with resources from oil exportation, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad made improvements in social programmes including education, health and housing.

In 1995, his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the throne and brought with him a modern and progressive approach that quickly transformed the country.

Doha, home to 80 percent of the country’s population, was founded under the name of Al-Bida in 1850.

It became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916.

When the nation gained its independence, Doha remained the capital.

During the early 20th century, much of Qatar’s economy depended on fishing and pearling.

But after the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls, Doha and the whole region suffered a decline.

Only when oil was discovered, prosperity returned following World War II.

Today, the country produces over 800,000 barrels of oil daily.

Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula.

It is an intriguing mixture of old and new, with ultra modern architecture next to traditional souqs and historic forts.

It boasts a university and the Qatar National Museum (currently closed for renovation), which opened 1975 in what was originally the ruler’s palace.

As the country’s cultural and commercial centre, Doha enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport and telephone links.

The Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television news channel began broadcasting in 1996 with its headquarters in Doha.

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken.

Please Note: Conservative dress is required when going ashore.

As a rule, women should not wear miniskirts, shorts or sleeveless tops and men should always wear a shirt in public.

Please do not photograph people without their permission, especially women.You may not take pictures of government buildings, embassies or anything military in nature, including airports.
Rising like an oasis in the Persian Gulf, Manamah is no mirage.

The capital of Bahrain (with a population of around 150, 000), the city houses almost a quarter of all Bahranis.

At times resembling something from 1001 nights and at others like something from the set of a sci-fi futuristic drama Al Manamah is just beginning to get seen on the savvy traveller’s map.

Mentioned in Islamic chronicles since 1345 and conquered by the Portuguese in 1521, Manamah is anything except typical.

Expect to feast both your eyes and your stomachs here with the quintessence of Muslim hospitality – from delicious bowls laden with love and eons of history to the plethora of genuine, warm invitations to share tea with the locals, hospitality is taken very seriously here.

For culture vultures, the Al Fateh Mosque (one of the world’s largest and by far the largest in Bahrain), this is a sight – and site – to see.

First and foremost a place of worship that offers tours on the side, it is important to remember that this is a sacred place and traditions and cultures must be respected.

Dress modestly, remove your shoes and women should cover their heads – note that garmets will be provided if necessary.

However, as one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, visitors should expect an enthusiastic welcome, inquisitive guides and a huge library to get lost in.

Moving on, seven nominated UNESCO World Heritage sites prove the extent of Bahrain’s dedication to conservation of the past.

Although only two so far have been approved – the Ancient Harbour and the Pearling Trail that is said to date back to 2,000 BC, one really does get a feeling in Manamah that the past is all around.
Just a few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village with houses made of mud-brick and palm fronds.

Today, as a result of revenue from oil, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's richest cities, with wide, tree-lined okulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and imposing skyscrapers.

Somewhat of a dichotomy, Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arab mystique, with friendly and hospitable people offering a warm welcome to visitors.

Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle".

In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty.

The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old.

Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skyscrapers.

Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents centre.

Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition.

Cruise Itinerary

Aboard Silver Muse

Launch Year: 2017 Length: 213 Width: 26 Currency: USD Capacity: 596 Crew Count: 411 Deck Count: 8 Cabin Count: 288

Silver Muse is our inspirational work of art. With her eight dining venues, spacious outdoor areas and up-to-the-minute technology, she’s the best place between sea and sky.

Silver Muse marked a new era of ultra-luxury ocean travel for us - enhancing the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation that are our hallmarks but raising the bar in terms of luxury. Silver Muse offers a wealth of enhancements to the onboard experience while satisfying our uncompromising requirements for comfort, service, dining and quality of the world's most discerning travellers.

Silver Muse pioneered the balance between small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation. One of the larger ships in our fleet, she offers eight dining offers, plenty of onboard entertainment and a wide choice of public areas. She’s simply divine! View the deck plan here.

Silver Muse Facilities

Silver Muse Includes

Cabin Details

Silversea’s suites offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodations. All Silversea suites have ocean views, and most include a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air simply by stepping outside your door. Regardless of the ship or suite category, all guests will be pampered with the personalised services of an attentive butler.

For a truly personal experience, customise your suite with an abundance of thoughtful options and luxurious amenities from Bulgari toiletries and personalised stationery to a bar with your favourite wines and liquors. Settle in with a complimentary movie or choose instead to simply watch the ocean swim by. You can even have dinner in-suite served course by course by your butler. Then, when it’s time to retire, curl up beneath Egyptian cotton linens and a fluffy duvet, with your choice of nine different pillow types. The ultimate in luxury cruise accommodations, Silversea’s suites are your home away from home.

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