(ARA) - If you find the legends and tales of Odysseus, Marco Polo and other ancient travelers irresistible, there is an easy way to get closer to the lands they described centuries ago. And if you want to be a modern day Argonaut, but with a little more luxury, you're in luck.

Cruising isn't only about sipping fruity drinks with umbrellas. It can feed the wanderlust of the most adventurous traveler, and the abundance of ships sailing to exotic destinations shows that there are plenty of people who seek cruising adventures. The most historic lands are at your fingertips on a multitude of cruise lines, and the ports of call that you'll visit will stir your imagination and linger in your memories for years to come.

The Holy Land

For all its political and religious tumult, the Holy Land has a draw that keeps visitors coming year after year. The wonders that are found here are among the most moving anywhere in the world and it is no surprise that people feel so passionately about it. Celebrity Cruises offers the opportunity to visit the Holy Land on a number of cruise tours that take in some of the most important sites.

Jerusalem is the focal point of nearly every Holy Land tour, and visiting this complex city will leave you with indelible memories and experiences. Haifa, Israel is another port of call; while there you can visit the Stella Maris monastery, the cave of Elijah and visit Acre, the ancient Crusader port. You can also choose to add an overland tour to delve deeper into the area. Other ports of call include Alexandria, Egypt; Athens, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; and Italian ports like Sicily and Naples.

Desert lands

Nomads have been traversing the deserts of the Middle East for millennia and history is very much still alive in many of the ports on cruises offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises. The fabled city of Muscat, Oman, is a delight to explore, and tours will take you through the city's historic mosques, atmospheric souks and winding old streets, as well as a wonderful presentation of the city's history at Bait al Baranda Museum. While in Muscat, you can also dip your toes into the area's seafaring history by boarding a dhow, the traditional boat of the region, and sailing along a route that traces much of Oman's history.

Another stop on the cruise is Bahrain, where you can go ashore for excursions that will take you deep into the history of the region. Visit the Saar excavation site, which dates back to 3900 B.C. Researchers have unearthed a village here that shows what life was like so long ago - complete with roads, homes with courtyards and a marketplace. You'll also see what is believed to be one of the largest ancient cemeteries in the world, with burial mounds dating back 5,000 years. The cruise also takes in other points in the United Arab Emirates like Dubai and Fujairah, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts or even take camel rides.

Mediterranean civilizations

When you visit places mentioned in Greek epic poetry and the Bible, you can't help but be amazed that these legendary sites exist and feel a connection with the people in whose footsteps you are walking. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers cruises that take you through thousands of years of history with visits to the Greek Isles, Turkey and other sites in the Adriatic Sea. Start from Venice - in itself a city rich with history - and head to Athens, where you'll visit the Acropolis, Delphi and the National Archaeological Museum.

Next up, you'll come to port in Izmir, Turkey, and from there, travel the short and scenic distance to Ephesus, which is one of the best-preserved Greek/Roman cities to be found anywhere. Nearby is the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have lived out her final days, as well as the Basilica of St. John, in the town of Selcuk. Many more exciting sites are included on the cruise, such as the court of King Minos at Knossos, Crete, and Greek Islands like Myknonos and Santorini. To explore cruise options that will take you to places that are filled with history, visit sites like Travelocity.com and start planning your trip into the past.

Courtesy of ARAcontent