Cruise Itinerary - Ancient Voyage

Whats included?

Gratuities - no need to tip!
Top class onboard activities
and entertainment
24 hour dining
Port taxes

Cities, sights and sensational scenery... Colossal pyramids. The mighty Sphinx. The dusty banks of the Nile. Talk about getting things off to a flying start. Port Said is your springboard to Cairo, a chaotic capital you just can’t prepare for. After that, head for the history-fest that is Alexandria. All sorts of treasures wait for you here, from the Quait Bey Fort to Kom El Dekka’s ancient amphitheatre. But if you’ve had your fill of sights in Cairo, simply take it easy on the sun-bleached sands of the Corniche. Leaving Egypt behind, sail to Greece, where you’ll want to keep your camera close at hand. Sights worth saving come thick and fast in these parts. In Rhodes, capture the mighty Palace of the Grand Masters. Take snapshots of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games. And click pictures of Athens’ famous Acropolis. But it’s not all about sightseeing. On holiday you want plenty of time to relax, too. A chance to dip out of the action and watch local life drift by without you. And that’s the beauty of this cruise – you get exactly that. Sink your toes into the silky shores of Rhodes or let the sleepy vibe and sigh-inducing scenery of Santorini soothe your soul. Just remember to pack the camera.
Day 1 - Wednesday, Limassol - CYPRUS Set on Akrotiri Bay, Limassol is the island’s biggest seaside town with plenty to offer its visitors. Whether you’ve come here in search of age-old sights or bubbling bars, the town’s a mixed bag of delights that never fails to impress. Experience the old and new faces of Limassol. Stand in the shadow of the Medieval castle, then head for the modern Yermasoyia quarter and sample a few of the bars and restaurants. Come over all romantic at Petra tou Romiou, the spot where Aphrodite, goddess of love, is said to have risen from the sea on a gigantic shell. Head for Curium, a major archaeological site that was one of the old kingdoms of Cyprus. Sights to capture on film include a Greek temple and an impressive cliff-top theatre. Day 2 - At Sea Day 3 - Friday, Port Said (for Cairo) - EGYPT Time: 06:00 - 22:00
Guarding the northern entrance to the Suez Canal, Port Said is the perfect springboard from which to discover the sights and wonders of Cairo. The first thing that'll strike you about Egypt's capital is the chaos - fast-moving traffic, beeping car horns, calls to prayer, haggling merchants. Everything's a blur, albeit an exciting one. The other thing you'll notice is the fusion of old with new. Traditional bazaars hung with copper-beaten lamps rub shoulders with glitzy, neon-lit shopping malls. There's nowhere like it. Behold the magic of The Pyramids. Set at the edge of the city, where Cairo merges into desert sands, these colossal man-made mountains will leave you with one question - how on earth did they build them? Delve into Cairo's magnificent museum and marvel at age-old treasures like those plucked from Tutankhamun's tomb Get ready to haggle as you dive into the exotic bazaars that are shoe-horned into the city's labyrinthine streets Day 4 - Saturday, Alexandria - EGYPT 09:00 - 18:00
A medley of mosques, churches and monuments jostle for your attention in Alexandria. Egyptians love it here, not least because of the sun-blessed beaches of the Corniche which slide seductively into a brilliant azure sea. The city was founded by Alexander the Great and captured by the Romans after Cleopatra's death so, as you can imagine, tales of old still echo through the timeworn streets. Recall a bygone age as you stand inside Kom El Dekka amphitheatre, the only one of its kind in Egypt. Click a few snaps of the Qait Bey Fort, which was built on the original site of the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Dive into the chaos of Cairo. From the ancient pyramids to the treasures of Cairo museum, you'll wander round, utterly awe-struck. El Alamein. Its very name conjures up images of tanks lumbering across shifting desert sands. For it was here that in 1942 one of the most important Second World War battles took place. Under the command of General Montgomery, the Allied Forces halted the onslaught of the Nazi Africa Corps. For the full lowdown on the Battle of El Alamein, visit the Military Museum. The emotive Commonwealth Cemetery, meanwhile, adds a real touch of poignancy. Love history? Then you’ll love Alexandria’s National Museum. Jam packed with priceless relics, its ancient treasure trove dates as far back as the 3rd century BC. Don’t miss the famous ‘tanagra’ figurines. Like a catwalk show from the past, they show how ladies used to dress and style their hair during the reign of Cleopatra
Day 5 - At Sea Day 6 - Monday, Rhodes Town - RHODES Time: 08:00 - 18:00 Basking in more hours of sunshine than any other Greek island, Rhodes is loved for its fascinating past, not to mention its glittering sandy beaches. Venture inside the ancient walls of Rhodes’ citadel to discover the Medieval city left behind by the Knights of St John. Marvel at the mighty Palace of the Grand Masters, a gigantic fortress which dominates the old town, and call in at the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, now a great archaeological museum. Had your fill of history? Then wander through the streets of the new town, where sleek boutiques compete for space with inviting pavement cafés. For the best view of the harbour, make your way to the Monte Smith, where you’ll be torn between soaking up the panoramic views and exploring the scattering of ancient ruins *Day 7 - Tuesday, Thira - SANTORINI**
Times: 08:00 - 18:00 Prepare to fall head over heels for this sun-blushed beauty. Santorini is the very essence of Greek charm. Sugar-cube houses cling to the cliffs. Vivid blue church domes add a splash of colour. And steep cliff-sides tumble into an impossibly clear sea. Just beautiful. Visit the cliff-top capital of Thira, which crowns the island’s crater. Set high above the sea, it offers up spectacular views. Pull up a chair in one of the café bars and enjoy the scene before you. Lose your heart to Oia, one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Dripping in beauty with a pinch of cosmopolitan allure, the town’s steeped in history and, if legend is to be believed, haunted by vampires! Day 8 - Wednesday, Piraeus (for Athens) - GREECE
Times: 08:00 - 16:00 Trip over reminders of the past in ancient Athens, where cultural treasures twinkle back at you at every turn. It’s a real gold medal winner of a city. Scale the heights of the sun-bleached Acropolis for awesome views, then take a look at the Parthenon, perched atop Athens’ most famous hill. Be in Syntagma – or Constitution - Square in time to see the skirted soldiers perform the changing-of-the-guard. Explore Plaka, the Medieval quarter at the foot of the Acropolis. The 19th-century lanes are crammed with tavernas, and twist and turn to meet the equally atmospheric Monastiraki street markets. From old to new – take a wander round the up-market Kolonaki district, which is packed with chic boutiques and ritzy restaurants. Finally, pull up a chair in a Syntagma Square pavement café and simply soak up the atmosphere of this thrilling city of contrasts. Day 9 - Thursday, Katakolon - GREECE
imes: 08:00 - 18:00 Sleepy Katakolon is little more than a tiny port with a handful of dinky shops and tavernas. But more importantly, it’s your gateway to one of the most famous landmarks in Greece - Olympia. It’s the birthplace of the Olympic Games and it all began in the days when the Greek God, Zeus, ruled the roost. Fast forward a few millennia though and people still flock here to see the ruined stadium and temples - and the sacred flame is lit here every Olympic year. Browse the archaeological museum’s collection of classical, Roman and Greek treasures. Among the most famous exhibits are the head of Hera and Hermes. Check out the remains of two Doric temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus. The Temple of Hera dates back to the 7th century BC and three of its columns are still standing. The Temple of Zeus on the other hand was once home to a giant gold statue of Zeus, considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Day 10 - Friday, Corfu Town - CORFU
Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you constantly reaching for your camera. In Corfu Town itself, stand in the shadow of two gigantic fortresses. See the 16th-century church of Ayios Spyridhon. And then wander round the interesting archaeological museum. Relax on the shimmering sands of Glyfada beach, one of the most popular sunning spots on the island. Top up your tan. Take a dip in the crystal waters. Or simply laze beneath a hot sun. Hurtle through the notorious Black Hole and drop down the crazy Kamikaze at Aqualand, Europe’s biggest waterpark. And for the best view of all, simply head for the summit of Mount Pantokrator.
We sadly say 'Good Bye' to you until next time.

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