12-night Ancient Civilizations by Sea Cruise – Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey – with Smithsonian Journeys
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.
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Itinerary
Jordan's only outlet to the sea, Aqaba is a popular holiday destination - with a superb climate and beach-edged Red Sea waters that boast some of the world's finest coral reef diving. Aqaba is the only seaport of Jordan. Visit fabled Petra, perhaps the finest archaeological site in the Middle East. The great monuments of this Nabatean 'rose-red city, half as old as time' were hewn from living sandstone some 2,000 years ago, and rediscovered only in 1812. Nearer Aqaba is the spectacular scenery of Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum, where rugged jebel mountains rise sheer from the desert sands.
Eilat's desert weather keeps the water temperature warm, making it an ideal location for enjoying water-activities (particularly scuba diving) and the calm beaches of the Red Sea. Visitors can also go bird watching, as Eilat is the headquarters for the International Birdwatching Center. Adventure seekers can trek through the desert of the Timna Valley National Park by foot, jeep, or camel. There you can view a sandstone rock formation known as the Mushroom, or possibly encounter one of the many endangered species of the region.
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Sokhna is situated in the northwestern coast of Egypt. The climate in this destination is classified as hot desert, with normal temperatures ranging in the high 90’s. The beautiful sandy turquoise water beaches bring in many tourists looking to relieve some stress and enjoy a calming yet memorable holiday. Relax and enjoy the calm waters of the red sea, or have a guide introduce you to some of the amazing pyramids Egyptian terrain has to offer.
The Suez Canal links two oceans and two seas the Atlantic and Mediterranean via Gibraltar to Port Said, and the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea via Bab Al Mandab and the Gulf of Suez to the port of Suez. It is the longest Canal that has no locks, it can be widened and deepened at any time when necessary. The Suez Canal's strategic importance lies in the fact it is essential for world trade and greatly shortens the distance between East and West. The distance between Tokyo (Japan) and Rotterdam (Holland) is shortened by 23% if it goes round Africa.
Suggested Private Excursion
Ashdod is one of Israel’s largest ports and a living museum of ancient history. It was one of the five cities of giants, and it was here the Philistines brought the captured Holy Ark, sacred to the Hebrews. Ashdod’s 23-level tel (archaeological dig) lies southeast of the modern city. Among the remains of the 10th century CE Fatimid Fortress, archaeologists discovered an early Arabic document recounting Byzantine ships once brought Muslim prisoners to Ashdod to sell back to their families.
Suggested Private Excursions
2 days/1 night shore excursion from Haifa or Ashdod - Jerusalem and Masada
Every night people celebrate events momentous and trivial. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, housed in an old mansion. Walk ten miles of beautiful beaches, known as Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. West of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain a tower surrounding living quarters, and an ancient sugar factory. Visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo.
The charming coastal town of Paphos focuses around an attractive harbor whose picturesque open air restaurants line a quayside of bright fishing boats and pleasure craft. Paphos nestles against the Western Troodos Mountains, which add another dimension of scenic beauty to this area, and combines holiday charm with history. Old-day elegance is lent to the town by classical style buildings in the upper part of town which leads to the shopping area. The lower part of town - known as Kato Pafos has a life of its own near the harbor, the fish tavernas, souvenir shops and several beautiful hotels with important archaeological sites around them. Landmarks associated with Aphrodite are the chunky, rugged rocks of her beautiful birthshore known as Aphrodite Rocks or "Petra tou Romiou", the evocative sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia Village, one-time shrine and scene of pagan festivals for thousands, the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis, supposed source of fertility and the Fountain of Love, or Fontana Amorosa.
Suggested Private Excursion
Rhodes is one of Greece’s favored vacation centers and was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such greats as Cicero and Caesar. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1310 to 1522 and left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and Knights' Hospital, which houses an Archaeological Museum with interesting exhibits of national archaeological finds. Rhodes has inspired many artists. The Old Town offers shopping opportunities and lively nightlife. At Mount Filerimos a church has been built on the site of an ancient temple. A popular excursion is to the charming village of Lindos. Its premier attraction, the ancient acropolis, stands atop sheer cliffs. Walls of a 13th-century Crusader castle enclose the site. Today, the winding path up to the acropolis is lined by stalls, where locals sell lace tablecloths and souvenirs. Mandraki Harbor's entrance is flanked by stone columns topped by figures of a stag and a hind, the town's heraldic animals.
Suggested Private Excursions
Rhodes Town & Lindos - Full day tour approx 8 hours
Rhodes Medieval town & Lindos Tour approx 5 1/2 hours
Suggested Private Excursion
Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.
Suggested Private Excursions
Kusadasi Port - The Glories of Ephesus (Full Day Tour)
Kusadasi Port - A Taste of Ephesus- (Half day tour)
Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Virgin Mary House - (Half Day Tour)
Kusadasi: Ancient Ephesus Tour - 7 hours
Kusadasi: Priene Day Tour - 7 hours
Kusadasi: The Greco-Roman City of Ephesus & the Wine-making Village of Sirince - 7 hours
Kusadasi Port - Three Ancient Cities; Didyma, Miletus & Priene (Full Day Tour)
Suggested Private Excursion
Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port, is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations.
Suggested Private Excursions
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Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.
Itinerary subject to change without notice. Please confirm itinerary at time of booking.
Cruise, meals, and more... including:
- Complimentary Open Bar including alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and fully stocked stateroom mini bar
- Complimentary Fine Cuisine Restaurants
- Complimentary 24-hour room service for all staterooms and suites
- Complimentary Unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Complimentary Gratuities
- Complimentary 24-hour butler service in suites
- Complimentary use of Wellness facilities
- Complimentary Concierge Service for all staterooms and suites
- HERMES amenities
- Open Bridge Policy
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