Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
From the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal, and into the central Mediterranean, this voyage aboard Le Champlain devotes 13 days to exploring the iconic sites of this exceptionally culturally rich corner of the world, encompassing Egypt, Cyprus, the Turkish coast, and the Greek Islands of Rhodes and Crete.
Embark in Aqaba, Jordan, the gateway to Petra and the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
After a day at sea, an excursion to Cairo focuses on the legacy of Pharaonic Egypt, beginning with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence, and ending with a visit to the newly opened (October 2022) Grand Egyptian Museum.
During the fifth day of the voyage, Le Champlain transits the Suez Canal, which was built between 1859 and 1869 to shorten the sea route from the Indian Ocean to Western Europe by over 5,000 miles.
During two days on the island of Cyprus, you may explore the UNESCO sites of Tombs of the Kings and the ancient town of Paphos, famous for its mosaics, or you may enjoy a culinary tour providing samples of Cypriot wines, cheeses, breads, and other mezze.
The Greek island of Rhodes, known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and sculpture, today boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval towns, built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades, and a wonderful city to explore on foot.
Kusadasi on Turkey's Aegean coast is your gateway to Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaeological sites, spanning the period from the Hellenistic world through the early Christian era. The immense excavation here includes temples of several Roman emperors, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the terraced hill houses, with their splendid mosaics and frescoes, overlooking the city below.
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. From Heraklion, travel to Knossos to explore its fabled Minoan Palace, showing life as it was some 4,000 years ago. The palace is a maze of frescoed passageways and chambers that may well have inspired the myth of the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Also choose to visit the Heraklion Museum, with exhibits of Minoan finds from around the island.
The final day of this extraordinary voyage is at sea, providing an opportunity to reflect on all that you have seen and done and to prepare for disembarkation in Malta.
Ref : AV5345US - EC020424
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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Gillian Hovell
Gillian Hovell is an ancient historian and archaeologist, known professionally as ‘The Muddy Archaeologist’. Indeed, she has excavated major sites from every ancient era. Ex-BBC, she now appears on national TV & Radio and is an award-winning writer, author, public speaker, and lecturer at York University, as well as nationally and internationally, in person and online. She is accessible, engaging, and academically robust (having graduated from Exeter University in Latin and Ancient History). Her passion is to share how the ancient world and archaeological sites and finds (from the Neolithic northern isles of Shetland and Orkney to the stunning and diverse civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean) are all full of insights into our common humanity. History and archaeology are not just about the past, they add color, depth, and meaning to our lives today.
Language spoken : English
Photo credit: ARR
Adam Tanner
A writer and lecturer, who spent much of his career as a foreign correspondent, Adam Tanner has long studied the impact of colonialism, economic engagement,andglobalization, and is especially interested in the enduring impact of Europe on Asia, Latin America,and Africa.He has appeared on CNN, Bloomberg TV, NPR, and the BBC and written for publications such as Scientific America, Forbes, Fortune, Time,andMIT Technology. He is an associate at the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) at Harvard University where he has been since 2011, first as a fellow at the Nieman Foundation, then at IQSS. He is also an expert on privacy and commerce and has written two books,What Stays in VegasandOur Bodies, Our Data.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Embarkation 02/04/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 02/04/2024 at 18:00
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
Arrival 03/04/2024
Departure 04/04/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 05/04/2024
Departure 05/04/2024 early evening
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
Arrival 06/04/2024
Departure 06/04/2024
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
Arrival 07/04/2024
Departure 07/04/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 08/04/2024 early afternoon
Departure 08/04/2024 evening
Bathed by the azure waters of the Western Mediterranean, the city of Limassol enjoys a privileged natural position in southern Cyprus. Fall under its spell: nestled between lush mountains and idyllic fine sandy beaches, its history dates back to Ancient times. No wonder then that the charming city shelters many archaeological sites. Discover this rich cultural and architectural heritage, such as the emblematic 12th-century Byzantine castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre.
Arrival 09/04/2024 early morning
Departure 09/04/2024 midday
In southwest Cyprus lies Paphos, a modern town and sought-after seaside resort of this island situated in the eastern Mediterranean. The impressive Byzantine fort can be discovered during a walk around the port and provides a glimpse into the past of the Cypriot city. Occupied since the Neolithic period, the site of Paphos saw the rise of New Paphos during ancient times, which became the island’s capital until the 4th century BC, when there was a devastating earthquake. Important ruins bear witness to the cult of pre-Hellenic fertility deities and then the goddess Aphrodite, who, legend has it, was born in Paphos. By the sea in the lower town, the Kato Paphos archeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals many ruins of villas, fortresses, theatres and tombs that date back to the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine periods. On this site with its undeniable architectural and historic value, the floors of the villas are decorated with rare mosaics, among the finest in the world.
Arrival 10/04/2024 early morning
Departure 10/04/2024 late afternoon
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Arrival 11/04/2024 early morning
Departure 11/04/2024 early afternoon
The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.
Arrival 12/04/2024 early morning
Departure 12/04/2024 early afternoon
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
Arrival 13/04/2024
Departure 13/04/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 14/04/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 14/04/2024 at 08:30
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
This full-day excursion to Cairo focuses on the legacy of Pharaonic Egypt, beginning with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.
Built nearly 4,000 years ago as massive tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykiernus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity, the Pyramids of Giza, in their extraordinary geometry and sheer bulk, stand as tributes to the achievements of ancient Egypt.
Just to the southeast of the great pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BCE. Steeped in legend and superstition, the sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion and faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day. Lunch will be served at the nearby Marriott Mena House, followed by a lecture on ancient Egypt by a faculty member from Cairo University.
Your visit to his extraordinary site concludes with a tour of the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), schedule to open in late 2023. More than twenty years in planning and construction, GEM will be the largest museum in Africa and the Middle East, housing treasures from Egypt's long history, including what will surely be one its many highlights—a massive exhibit dedicated to King Tutankhamun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cyprus’s position as a stepping-stone between East and West has left an unusually rich legacy from the many civilizations that have flourished here over the centuries. This excursion combines one of the island's most impressive ancient sites with time to explore the trendy shops and cafés of contemporary Limassol.
Begin with a short drive to the ruins at Kourion, the best-preserved ancient city on Cyprus. The site, overlooking the sea, was inhabited as early as the 16th century BCE, but the remains you see today are from the city's flourishing Greco-Roman period. Visit the magnificently restored Hellenistic theater, built in the 2nd century BCE and enlarged in the 2nd century CE. With seating for 2,000 spectators, it is still used for musical and theatrical performances. Other highlights include a visit to the House of Eustolios, a private villa of the late Roman period, with stunning mosaic floors and a unique complex of baths, as well as the nearby Sanctuary of Apollo that features stunning Corinthian columns.
Return to Limassol, where you will enjoy some time at leisure to explore the Old City, where ancient streets radiating from the harbor are lined with both ancient houses and modern boutiques, with medieval monuments and with bustling bars and restaurants.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Like their counterparts around the world, Cypriot farmers and gardeners are returning to traditional methods of agriculture and focusing on practices that are sustainable. During this excursion, visit with the owners of two small properties that are representative of this trend.
In the village of Episkopi, Chef Christo will welcome you to his house and proudly lead you on a tour of his garden of herbs (thyme, oregano, physalis, lemongrass and more), berries, and fruits. He will explain his methods of composting and mulch, his rotation of plants, and his use of select insects to assist in maintaining the garden. After the tour, Christo will be delighted to answer questions as you enjoy some herbal and fruit tea along with his homemade marmalade, the recipe for which we will share before you leave.
Next, travel into the mountains, to the tiny village—it has only about 100 residents—of Agios Georgios Silikou, where you visit a workshop engaged in making halloumi, Cyprus's famous cheese, as well as in baking sourdough breads. Your hostess will explain the steps in the cheese-making process and will demonstrate making sourdough breads with olives and cheese, and will then invite you sample them, along with fresh fruits and seasonal berries.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Travel north from Limassol to the heart of Cyprus's wine country to visit one of the best of the twenty or more wineries that dot the slopes of the Troodos Mountains. The family that owns and operates the Gerolemo Winery is part of the 500-year-old tradition of wine making of which the region is justly proud. Here you will taste four types of wine—Cyprus Riesling, Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, and a very special light and fruity Morokanella, peculiar to Cyprus. During the tasting, enjoy light snacks and perhaps an impromptu recital on piano or violin from the owner's daughter.
Before returning to Limassol and the ship, explore the nearby village of Omodos, one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross, known for its wood carvings and old icons, and stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops famous for their handmade pieces of traditional stained glass.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cyprus’s position as a stepping-stone between East and West has left an unusually rich legacy of the many civilizations that have flourished here over the centuries. This excursion combines a visit to one of the oldest sites of human habitation on the island with time to explore the charming village of Lefkara.
About 20 miles east of Limassol is the village of Choirokoitia, home to a Neolithic Archaeological Site dating to 7000 BCE that is described by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention as "one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean." Five circular dwellings with flat roofs have been reconstructed here using the same materials and methods that the original inhabitants would have used. And as excavations continue, it is becoming clear that this site may have been the first area on Cyprus successfully settled by farmers bringing their skills from the Near East mainland.
Leaving this prehistoric world, travel inland to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains and the village of Lefkara, famous for its “lefkaritika” lace work and its fine filigree silverware. The lace making tradition goes back to the medieval period, and legend has it that Leonardo Da Vinci himself visited the village during the era of Venetian control and bought an altar cloth of the traditional lace which he donated to Milan cathedral. Today, the village retains much of its original architecture and charm—a maze of winding alleys begging to be explored.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
This excursion focuses on ancient Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a veritable open air museum offering glimpses into the distant past from the Mycenean Bronze Age to the Roman Period.
Begin your tour with a visit to Petra tou Romiou, a large outcropping just offshore, popularly known as "Aphrodite's Rock." Throughout the ancient world, Cyprus was believed to be the birthplace of the goddess of fertility and love, and this site is where Aphrodite was thought to have been carried ashore by waves after being born from the foam of the sea. This legend made Cyprus the center of worship for the cult of Aphrodite and the site of innumerable temples and shrines to her throughout the island.
Returning to Paphos, visit two of the most important sites within the vast archaeological park, among the earliest sites to be added to the UNESCO list (1980). Begin at the Tombs of the Kings, a fascinating underground necropolis dating to the 3rd century BCE, with open colonnaded courts surrounded by burial chambers dug out of the rock and designed to replicate houses of the living.
Next, travel to the so-called "House of Dionysos" to see the breath-taking mosaics unearthed during excavation of a Roman nobleman’s villa of the 3rd century CE. It is an extensive complex of buildings decorated with mosaic floors depicting countless scenes from Greek mythology that are, in the words of UNESCO, "among the most beautiful in the world."
The tour concludes in the Old Harbor of Paphos town, with time at leisure for shopping in the Limanaki area.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
On this excursion, visit two sites of great natural beauty, one of which inspired a community devoted to spiritual discovery while the other has been associated since antiquity with myths of love and desire.
Begin with a short drive into the hills above Paphos to the Agios Neophytos Monastery, a rustic retreat built into a rocky mountainside. Founded in the 12th century by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos, the monastery boasts not only beautiful views but also exquisite Byzantine frescoes, paintings, and icons. Its location in the mountains and its preoccupation with interior design is reminiscent of a Tibetan sanctuary.
After a guided tour of the monastery and some free time, travel along vineyard-lined roads and through the small town of Polis on the northwestern coast to reach the Baths of Aphrodite. According to Greek mythology, this idyllic spot is where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, bathed and refreshed herself, and where she met her beloved Adonis. Enjoy the scenery of the grotto and have some time at the nearby beach, with a chance to walk along one of the area’s many nature trails.
On the return to the ship, pause briefly to see the Paphos Sea Caves, a remarkable collection of natural caves, created by centuries of erosion.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
For an alternative to ancient temples and shrines, this excursion travels to the interior of the island and allows you to capture a sense of traditional rural life on Cyprus.
A 45-minute drive into the hills east of Paphos brings you to the Argonaftis Donkey Farm, close to the village of Kelokedara beside the Xeros River. The farm was established in the late 1990s to provide shelter and care for the dwindling numbers of Cyprus Donkey, a special breed of animal adapted over the centuries to serve the needs of farmers in this difficult terrain—as power for mills and transport for goods.
On arrival at the farm, you will be invited to sample some local delicacies such as halloumi cheese, village bread, olives and cucumber, all of which are produced in Kelokedara. As you walk among the friendly donkeys, learn about their central role in the life of Cypriot villages and about why this particular breed is so well-suited to it.
Board the village bus—a 1969 vintage Ford—for a tour of the surrounding area, including a stop at an abandoned monastery, restored in the 1990s by UNESCO, before returning to the farm for a festive brunch with free-flowing wine, followed by a performance of the traditional sirtaki ("Zorba's Dance") during which you will be encourage to join in.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Acropolis of Lindos, a rocky promontory that towers over the town, has been used since the 6th century B.C. as a citadel and place of worship successively by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the Knights of St. John, and the Ottomans. It is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island of Rhodes, and it is also one of the most picturesque locations, attracting artists from around the world.
Your excursion begins with a scenic drive south from Rhodes town, through orange and lemon groves, prosperous vineyards, and gnarled olive trees. As your motorcoach rounds the last bend of the road, your first views of Lindos are of the rocky cliffs of the acropolis surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Spread out below you is Lindos village, clustered with pretty whitewashed houses, its streets paved with intricately patterned black and white pebbles collected from the sea.
As you begin your climb up the footpath to the summit, the first ruins you encounter are walls built atop ancient fortifications by crusaders in the early 14th century, and when you reach the top, you pass through battlements constructed by the Knights of St. John to defend against the Ottomans and enter the acropolis complex. Here, with absolutely stunning views in all directions, you discover the ancient remains of the 4th-century B.C. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and the imposing columns of the Hellenistic Stoa, as well as a Byzantine church and additional remnants of the Knights' citadel.
After making your way back down to the modern town, you will have some time at leisure to browse the shops brimming with attractive souvenirs before returning to Rhodes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The island of Rhodes was known in the ancient world for its schools of philosophy and rhetoric. Today, it boasts one of the largest medieval towns in Europe. Discover its winding, labyrinthine streets and splendid open plazas on this guided walking tour through Rhodes Town.
Departing from the pier on foot with your guide, walk the short distance to the city walls and pass through to the narrow, cobblestone streets within. The most imposing building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters, dominates the end of the Street of the Knights. Built in the 14th century, the Palace will charm you with its unique architecture and an unrivalled patina of time. Walking down the Street of the Knights and passing by numerous colorful shops, you arrive at the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, which now houses the Archaeological Museum. The Museum contains collections of artifacts from various parts of Rhodes and the neighboring islands. Mycenaean jewelry, vases and small objects from burial ensembles, sculptures from the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and Rhodian coins from Hellenistic times are the main exhibits. One highlight is the Statue of the Crouching Aphrodite (1st century B.C.), which was inspired by a famous work of the 3rd-century B.C. sculptor Doidalsas.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may choose to linger a little longer to explore more of this charming town on your own before returning to the ship on foot.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the eastern coast of the island of Rhodes. Begin by driving to Monte Smith at the northern tip of Rhodes for panoramic views over the town and nearby islands, as well as the Turkish coast, a mere 12 miles away. Continue with a scenic drive to the Old Town of Rhodes. Set off along cobbled streets on a walking tour of the old town, passing by the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers. Originally a Byzantine citadel, it now houses Greek and Roman mosaics from the island of Kos. Continue past the Archaeological Museum, once the hospital of the Knights of St. John.
Re-board your coach for a short drive to a local restaurant in the New Town of Rhodes, where you will discover the secrets of working with local flavors and fresh local ingredients to create authentic Greek cuisine and prepare a typical Mediterranean meal. After your cooking lesson, enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by locally produced wines. After lunch, board your coach and return to the ship.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Set off on an exploration of the ancient city of Ephesus. Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later for Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Originally excavated in 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Recount what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans as you wander through the upper administrative section including the town hall, civil basilica, and 1400-seat Odeon. Wander through residential dwellings, shops, and even public toilets on the lower section of town. See the famous Celsius Library, the State Agora, and the ruins of the ancient Greek stadium. Explore the Terrace Houses, once luxury Roman villas located on a slope opposite Hadrian’s Temple. These villas give us information about family life during the Roman period.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
From the pier, board your coach for a picturesque 30-minute drive to reach the House of the Virgin Mary, a protected pilgrimage site. Clinging to the side of Bulbul Mountain outside of Ephesus, this house is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. According to the Vatican, Mary came here towards the end of her life in the company of St. John, around 40 AD. Every year, Christians and Muslims alike make religious pilgrimages to the site. Below the house you will find a fountain, where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors.
Then, continue to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus. Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later for Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Originally excavated in 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Recount what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans as you wander through the upper administrative section including the town hall, civil basilica, and 1400-seat Odeon. Wander through residential dwellings, shops, and even public toilets on the lower section of town. See the famous Celsius Library, the State Agora, and the ruins of the ancient Greek stadium. Explore the Terrace Houses, once luxury Roman villas located on a slope opposite Hadrian’s Temple. These villas give us information about family life during the Roman period.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive to Kirazli Village. Kirazli (meaning village of cherries) gets its name from the abundance of cherry trees dotting the hillside in and around town. Hidden amongst olive groves, cherry blossoms, and fruit wine vineyards, the village of Kirazli is one of the best to experience traditional local life, as there are approximately 350 families inhabiting the village, earning their living from farming and animal breeding.
After visiting the village, drive to a local wine estate and learn about the different stages of production of this region’s unique local wine.
Your next stop will be the village of Sirince, located on a hillside surrounded by fruit orchards. Originally settled by the Greeks, the village was inhabited by Ephesian Christians, who, displaced during the Selçuk conquests, moved up into the surrounding hills. During the Greek and Turkish exchanges of 1923, Muslims from Salonica resettled here, creating a farming community highly skilful in the making of fruit wine. Enjoy a stroll around the village and sample its sweet and delicious fruit wines.
Re-board your coach and return to the ship.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan, emerged on the island of Crete around the third millennium BCE—at roughly the same time as early Egyptian civilization arose along the Nile—and it flourished there for more than a thousand years before being overtaken by Mycenean culture from mainland Greece. Begin your discovery of Minoan culture with a drive through Crete's remarkably fertile countryside to the southern coast and the Palace of Phaestos, the most powerful Minoan city in the island's south.
Phaestos Palace’s design and near-perfect construction is considered to be the finest extant example of Minoan architecture. The New Palace, which you tour, consists of a central colonnaded courtyard, surrounded by storerooms and shrines on the west side, the royal quarters on the north and workshops on the east. A grand processional way is situated next to the storerooms, as is the theater. The Propylon, the palace’s monumental western entrance, is the largest and best-preserved Minoan structure of its kind.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan, emerged on the island of Crete around the third millennium BCE—at roughly the same time as early Egyptian civilization arose along the Nile—and it flourished there for more than a thousand years before being overtaken by Mycenean culture from mainland Greece. The Palace of Knossos, on the outskirts of the modern port city of Heraklion, was the court of the legendary King Minos. Excavated and restored by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, it is one of the best examples of a flourishing early Bronze Age civilization in the Mediterranean.
Entering the Great Palace through the West Court, one can easily understand how the legend of the labyrinth and of the Minotaur, half bull, half man, originated here. It takes about an hour and a half to walk around the site, through intricately tangled—'labyrinthine'—hallways and alleyways that lead to the various parts of the Palace. Discover the Royal Quarters, the Throne Room and its antechamber, and the Queen’s Quarters, where the wall above the entrance door is decorated with the famed fresco of dolphins cavorting with other fish.
From Knossos, return to Heraklion to visit one of the richest museums in the world, Heraklion's Archaeological Museum, exhibiting in its twenty halls almost all of the finds from the Minoan era, including the originals of the marvelous frescoes you will have seen at Knossos.
Before returning the ship, enjoy lunch at an elegant local restaurant where you will have an opportunity to sample authentic Cretan cuisine made from local vegetables, herbs, cheeses and meats, all products of nearby villages.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Crete has long been celebrated for its fertile hills and plains and for its exceptionally healthy cuisine of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, yogurt, fish and olive oil—made famous around the world in the 1990s when its benefits were touted by the World Health Organization as the "Mediterranean Diet." This excursion to a small farm in the center of the island allows you to observe, and participate in, the family-centered traditions that remain at the center of Cretan agriculture.
Begin with a drive through lush countryside to the village of Zaros, which gained international fame in 2017, when water from a nearby lake was named "Best Bottled Water in the World." Meet the family that owns and operates the farm and be introduced to the sheep, goats, geese, ducks, and other animals that live here. Learn about the herbs that grow wild, sample the fruits, and perhaps help milk the sheep. The highlight of the visit will be making fresh cheese which you then use to make traditional Cretan pies to enjoy along with the house wine and other farm-fresh snacks before returning to Heraklion.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
Not included:
Notes:
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Enjoy four days in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan discovering the ancient sites that dot the landscape between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. Begin with a night in the cosmopolitan capital, Amman, before heading south toward Petra, stopping along the way at Mount Nebo, where Moses was able to glimpse the promised land, at the ancient city of Madaba, renowned for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, and at the crusader castle of Kerak. The following morning is devoted to the exploration of Petra, the awe-inspiring city carved out of the surrounding mountains of Wadi Musa by ancient Nabateans, while the afternoon brings you to the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where a drive among the dunes ends with dinner and overnight in a Bedouin camp.
Day 1 – Amman, Jordan
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Fairmont Amman Hotel, your home for the night. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and enjoy the many amenities of the resort before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening.
Day 2 – Amman | Madaba | Petra
Drive to the summit of Mount Nebo, the mountain from which Moses was allowed to see the Holy Land, and enjoy stunning views over the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and on a clear day, Jerusalem. In nearby Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics’, discover the famed 6th-century mosaic map on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Basilica of St. George, which represents Palestine and the Nile Delta, including a wonderful depiction of Jerusalem and its holy places as they were in the 6th century. After lunch at Hikayet Sitti, where hearty traditional cuisine is prepared by local women, continue to Kerak Castle, one of the finest examples of a Crusader castle in the Middle East, and which survived a siege from Saladin in the 12th century. Arrive in Petra in late afternoon and check in to Mövenpick Resort Hotel. Dinner is in the hotel.
Day 3 – Petra | Wadi Rum
Stories of Petra’s beauty and immense wealth have persisted for centuries. This "rose-red city, half as old as time," was carved into reddish sandstone hills nearly 3,000 years ago and flourished as an important stop along caravan routes from the time of the Nabateans until shipping replaced caravans as the dominant means of trade. Under the Roman Emperors Trajan, Hadrian, and Alexander Severus, the city witnessed its most impressive growth, and Petra’s architectural magnificence is in the Greco-Roman style. Explore the plentiful monuments of this ancient city, including the Treasury (famously featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), the royal tombs, and an impressive amphitheater. After lunch amid the hills of Petra, travel about 60 miles south to Wadi Rum and some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world. This is where T. E. Lawrence launched his part in the revolt against Ottoman rule in 1917, and it is also where the movie Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Board 4x4 Bedouin vehicles and head into the desert, where you pause to watch the sunset over the hills before continuing to a Bedouin camp for dinner.
Day 4 - Wadi Rum | Aqaba | Embark
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely hike through the wadi before checking out of the camp. Leave the desert behind and transfer to Aqaba for lunch and some time at leisure before continuing to the pier for embarkation on Le Champlain.
Your hotels:
The Fairmont Amman is a five-star luxury hotel with a prestigious address next to the Fifth Circle of Amman, centrally located within walking distance of the city's most affluent neighborhoods and the adjacent diplomatic area. The hotel features a contemporary design from award-winning Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) design.
The Mövenpick Resort Petra is a 5-star resort located directly at the entrance to the historic Jordanian city of Petra. This luxury resort with an oriental flair features an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood and Middle Eastern fabrics and textures.
Saraya Rum Camp is a 5-star camp of luxury tents in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert. The rooms are 525 square feet and are equipped with air-conditioning, modern showers, hot water, and toilets.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Fairmont Amman
6 Beirut Street - Fifth Circle,
P.O. Box 831370 Abdoun,
Amman 11183, Jordan
Tel +962 6 510 6000
fairmont.amman@fairmont.com
The Mövenpick Resort
Tourism Street, P.O. Box 2140
Petra, Jordan
Tel +962 3 215 7111
resort.petra.reservations@movenpick.com
Saraya Rum Camp
Tel +962 7 96 75 5600
Tel +962 7 96 84 0044
Tel +336 7 609 6400
Info@sarayarum-jo.com
Total : 1.700 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
This full-day excursion to Cairo focuses on the legacy of Pharaonic Egypt, beginning with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.
Built nearly 4,000 years ago as massive tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykiernus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity, the Pyramids of Giza, in their extraordinary geometry and sheer bulk, stand as tributes to the achievements of ancient Egypt.
Just to the southeast of the great pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2650 BCE. Steeped in legend and superstition, the sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion and faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day. Lunch will be served at the nearby Marriott Mena House, followed by a lecture on ancient Egypt by a faculty member from Cairo University.
Your visit to his extraordinary site concludes with a tour of the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), schedule to open in late 2023. More than twenty years in planning and construction, GEM will be the largest museum in Africa and the Middle East, housing treasures from Egypt's long history, including what will surely be one its many highlights—a massive exhibit dedicated to King Tutankhamun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cyprus’s position as a stepping-stone between East and West has left an unusually rich legacy from the many civilizations that have flourished here over the centuries. This excursion combines one of the island's most impressive ancient sites with time to explore the trendy shops and cafés of contemporary Limassol.
Begin with a short drive to the ruins at Kourion, the best-preserved ancient city on Cyprus. The site, overlooking the sea, was inhabited as early as the 16th century BCE, but the remains you see today are from the city's flourishing Greco-Roman period. Visit the magnificently restored Hellenistic theater, built in the 2nd century BCE and enlarged in the 2nd century CE. With seating for 2,000 spectators, it is still used for musical and theatrical performances. Other highlights include a visit to the House of Eustolios, a private villa of the late Roman period, with stunning mosaic floors and a unique complex of baths, as well as the nearby Sanctuary of Apollo that features stunning Corinthian columns.
Return to Limassol, where you will enjoy some time at leisure to explore the Old City, where ancient streets radiating from the harbor are lined with both ancient houses and modern boutiques, with medieval monuments and with bustling bars and restaurants.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Like their counterparts around the world, Cypriot farmers and gardeners are returning to traditional methods of agriculture and focusing on practices that are sustainable. During this excursion, visit with the owners of two small properties that are representative of this trend.
In the village of Episkopi, Chef Christo will welcome you to his house and proudly lead you on a tour of his garden of herbs (thyme, oregano, physalis, lemongrass and more), berries, and fruits. He will explain his methods of composting and mulch, his rotation of plants, and his use of select insects to assist in maintaining the garden. After the tour, Christo will be delighted to answer questions as you enjoy some herbal and fruit tea along with his homemade marmalade, the recipe for which we will share before you leave.
Next, travel into the mountains, to the tiny village—it has only about 100 residents—of Agios Georgios Silikou, where you visit a workshop engaged in making halloumi, Cyprus's famous cheese, as well as in baking sourdough breads. Your hostess will explain the steps in the cheese-making process and will demonstrate making sourdough breads with olives and cheese, and will then invite you sample them, along with fresh fruits and seasonal berries.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Travel north from Limassol to the heart of Cyprus's wine country to visit one of the best of the twenty or more wineries that dot the slopes of the Troodos Mountains. The family that owns and operates the Gerolemo Winery is part of the 500-year-old tradition of wine making of which the region is justly proud. Here you will taste four types of wine—Cyprus Riesling, Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, and a very special light and fruity Morokanella, peculiar to Cyprus. During the tasting, enjoy light snacks and perhaps an impromptu recital on piano or violin from the owner's daughter.
Before returning to Limassol and the ship, explore the nearby village of Omodos, one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross, known for its wood carvings and old icons, and stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops famous for their handmade pieces of traditional stained glass.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cyprus’s position as a stepping-stone between East and West has left an unusually rich legacy of the many civilizations that have flourished here over the centuries. This excursion combines a visit to one of the oldest sites of human habitation on the island with time to explore the charming village of Lefkara.
About 20 miles east of Limassol is the village of Choirokoitia, home to a Neolithic Archaeological Site dating to 7000 BCE that is described by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention as "one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean." Five circular dwellings with flat roofs have been reconstructed here using the same materials and methods that the original inhabitants would have used. And as excavations continue, it is becoming clear that this site may have been the first area on Cyprus successfully settled by farmers bringing their skills from the Near East mainland.
Leaving this prehistoric world, travel inland to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains and the village of Lefkara, famous for its “lefkaritika” lace work and its fine filigree silverware. The lace making tradition goes back to the medieval period, and legend has it that Leonardo Da Vinci himself visited the village during the era of Venetian control and bought an altar cloth of the traditional lace which he donated to Milan cathedral. Today, the village retains much of its original architecture and charm—a maze of winding alleys begging to be explored.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
This excursion focuses on ancient Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a veritable open air museum offering glimpses into the distant past from the Mycenean Bronze Age to the Roman Period.
Begin your tour with a visit to Petra tou Romiou, a large outcropping just offshore, popularly known as "Aphrodite's Rock." Throughout the ancient world, Cyprus was believed to be the birthplace of the goddess of fertility and love, and this site is where Aphrodite was thought to have been carried ashore by waves after being born from the foam of the sea. This legend made Cyprus the center of worship for the cult of Aphrodite and the site of innumerable temples and shrines to her throughout the island.
Returning to Paphos, visit two of the most important sites within the vast archaeological park, among the earliest sites to be added to the UNESCO list (1980). Begin at the Tombs of the Kings, a fascinating underground necropolis dating to the 3rd century BCE, with open colonnaded courts surrounded by burial chambers dug out of the rock and designed to replicate houses of the living.
Next, travel to the so-called "House of Dionysos" to see the breath-taking mosaics unearthed during excavation of a Roman nobleman’s villa of the 3rd century CE. It is an extensive complex of buildings decorated with mosaic floors depicting countless scenes from Greek mythology that are, in the words of UNESCO, "among the most beautiful in the world."
The tour concludes in the Old Harbor of Paphos town, with time at leisure for shopping in the Limanaki area.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
On this excursion, visit two sites of great natural beauty, one of which inspired a community devoted to spiritual discovery while the other has been associated since antiquity with myths of love and desire.
Begin with a short drive into the hills above Paphos to the Agios Neophytos Monastery, a rustic retreat built into a rocky mountainside. Founded in the 12th century by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos, the monastery boasts not only beautiful views but also exquisite Byzantine frescoes, paintings, and icons. Its location in the mountains and its preoccupation with interior design is reminiscent of a Tibetan sanctuary.
After a guided tour of the monastery and some free time, travel along vineyard-lined roads and through the small town of Polis on the northwestern coast to reach the Baths of Aphrodite. According to Greek mythology, this idyllic spot is where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, bathed and refreshed herself, and where she met her beloved Adonis. Enjoy the scenery of the grotto and have some time at the nearby beach, with a chance to walk along one of the area’s many nature trails.
On the return to the ship, pause briefly to see the Paphos Sea Caves, a remarkable collection of natural caves, created by centuries of erosion.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
For an alternative to ancient temples and shrines, this excursion travels to the interior of the island and allows you to capture a sense of traditional rural life on Cyprus.
A 45-minute drive into the hills east of Paphos brings you to the Argonaftis Donkey Farm, close to the village of Kelokedara beside the Xeros River. The farm was established in the late 1990s to provide shelter and care for the dwindling numbers of Cyprus Donkey, a special breed of animal adapted over the centuries to serve the needs of farmers in this difficult terrain—as power for mills and transport for goods.
On arrival at the farm, you will be invited to sample some local delicacies such as halloumi cheese, village bread, olives and cucumber, all of which are produced in Kelokedara. As you walk among the friendly donkeys, learn about their central role in the life of Cypriot villages and about why this particular breed is so well-suited to it.
Board the village bus—a 1969 vintage Ford—for a tour of the surrounding area, including a stop at an abandoned monastery, restored in the 1990s by UNESCO, before returning to the farm for a festive brunch with free-flowing wine, followed by a performance of the traditional sirtaki ("Zorba's Dance") during which you will be encourage to join in.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Acropolis of Lindos, a rocky promontory that towers over the town, has been used since the 6th century B.C. as a citadel and place of worship successively by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the Knights of St. John, and the Ottomans. It is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island of Rhodes, and it is also one of the most picturesque locations, attracting artists from around the world.
Your excursion begins with a scenic drive south from Rhodes town, through orange and lemon groves, prosperous vineyards, and gnarled olive trees. As your motorcoach rounds the last bend of the road, your first views of Lindos are of the rocky cliffs of the acropolis surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Spread out below you is Lindos village, clustered with pretty whitewashed houses, its streets paved with intricately patterned black and white pebbles collected from the sea.
As you begin your climb up the footpath to the summit, the first ruins you encounter are walls built atop ancient fortifications by crusaders in the early 14th century, and when you reach the top, you pass through battlements constructed by the Knights of St. John to defend against the Ottomans and enter the acropolis complex. Here, with absolutely stunning views in all directions, you discover the ancient remains of the 4th-century B.C. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and the imposing columns of the Hellenistic Stoa, as well as a Byzantine church and additional remnants of the Knights' citadel.
After making your way back down to the modern town, you will have some time at leisure to browse the shops brimming with attractive souvenirs before returning to Rhodes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The island of Rhodes was known in the ancient world for its schools of philosophy and rhetoric. Today, it boasts one of the largest medieval towns in Europe. Discover its winding, labyrinthine streets and splendid open plazas on this guided walking tour through Rhodes Town.
Departing from the pier on foot with your guide, walk the short distance to the city walls and pass through to the narrow, cobblestone streets within. The most imposing building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters, dominates the end of the Street of the Knights. Built in the 14th century, the Palace will charm you with its unique architecture and an unrivalled patina of time. Walking down the Street of the Knights and passing by numerous colorful shops, you arrive at the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, which now houses the Archaeological Museum. The Museum contains collections of artifacts from various parts of Rhodes and the neighboring islands. Mycenaean jewelry, vases and small objects from burial ensembles, sculptures from the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and Rhodian coins from Hellenistic times are the main exhibits. One highlight is the Statue of the Crouching Aphrodite (1st century B.C.), which was inspired by a famous work of the 3rd-century B.C. sculptor Doidalsas.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may choose to linger a little longer to explore more of this charming town on your own before returning to the ship on foot.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the eastern coast of the island of Rhodes. Begin by driving to Monte Smith at the northern tip of Rhodes for panoramic views over the town and nearby islands, as well as the Turkish coast, a mere 12 miles away. Continue with a scenic drive to the Old Town of Rhodes. Set off along cobbled streets on a walking tour of the old town, passing by the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers. Originally a Byzantine citadel, it now houses Greek and Roman mosaics from the island of Kos. Continue past the Archaeological Museum, once the hospital of the Knights of St. John.
Re-board your coach for a short drive to a local restaurant in the New Town of Rhodes, where you will discover the secrets of working with local flavors and fresh local ingredients to create authentic Greek cuisine and prepare a typical Mediterranean meal. After your cooking lesson, enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by locally produced wines. After lunch, board your coach and return to the ship.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Set off on an exploration of the ancient city of Ephesus. Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later for Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Originally excavated in 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Recount what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans as you wander through the upper administrative section including the town hall, civil basilica, and 1400-seat Odeon. Wander through residential dwellings, shops, and even public toilets on the lower section of town. See the famous Celsius Library, the State Agora, and the ruins of the ancient Greek stadium. Explore the Terrace Houses, once luxury Roman villas located on a slope opposite Hadrian’s Temple. These villas give us information about family life during the Roman period.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
From the pier, board your coach for a picturesque 30-minute drive to reach the House of the Virgin Mary, a protected pilgrimage site. Clinging to the side of Bulbul Mountain outside of Ephesus, this house is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. According to the Vatican, Mary came here towards the end of her life in the company of St. John, around 40 AD. Every year, Christians and Muslims alike make religious pilgrimages to the site. Below the house you will find a fountain, where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors.
Then, continue to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus. Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later for Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Originally excavated in 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Recount what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans as you wander through the upper administrative section including the town hall, civil basilica, and 1400-seat Odeon. Wander through residential dwellings, shops, and even public toilets on the lower section of town. See the famous Celsius Library, the State Agora, and the ruins of the ancient Greek stadium. Explore the Terrace Houses, once luxury Roman villas located on a slope opposite Hadrian’s Temple. These villas give us information about family life during the Roman period.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive to Kirazli Village. Kirazli (meaning village of cherries) gets its name from the abundance of cherry trees dotting the hillside in and around town. Hidden amongst olive groves, cherry blossoms, and fruit wine vineyards, the village of Kirazli is one of the best to experience traditional local life, as there are approximately 350 families inhabiting the village, earning their living from farming and animal breeding.
After visiting the village, drive to a local wine estate and learn about the different stages of production of this region’s unique local wine.
Your next stop will be the village of Sirince, located on a hillside surrounded by fruit orchards. Originally settled by the Greeks, the village was inhabited by Ephesian Christians, who, displaced during the Selçuk conquests, moved up into the surrounding hills. During the Greek and Turkish exchanges of 1923, Muslims from Salonica resettled here, creating a farming community highly skilful in the making of fruit wine. Enjoy a stroll around the village and sample its sweet and delicious fruit wines.
Re-board your coach and return to the ship.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan, emerged on the island of Crete around the third millennium BCE—at roughly the same time as early Egyptian civilization arose along the Nile—and it flourished there for more than a thousand years before being overtaken by Mycenean culture from mainland Greece. Begin your discovery of Minoan culture with a drive through Crete's remarkably fertile countryside to the southern coast and the Palace of Phaestos, the most powerful Minoan city in the island's south.
Phaestos Palace’s design and near-perfect construction is considered to be the finest extant example of Minoan architecture. The New Palace, which you tour, consists of a central colonnaded courtyard, surrounded by storerooms and shrines on the west side, the royal quarters on the north and workshops on the east. A grand processional way is situated next to the storerooms, as is the theater. The Propylon, the palace’s monumental western entrance, is the largest and best-preserved Minoan structure of its kind.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan, emerged on the island of Crete around the third millennium BCE—at roughly the same time as early Egyptian civilization arose along the Nile—and it flourished there for more than a thousand years before being overtaken by Mycenean culture from mainland Greece. The Palace of Knossos, on the outskirts of the modern port city of Heraklion, was the court of the legendary King Minos. Excavated and restored by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, it is one of the best examples of a flourishing early Bronze Age civilization in the Mediterranean.
Entering the Great Palace through the West Court, one can easily understand how the legend of the labyrinth and of the Minotaur, half bull, half man, originated here. It takes about an hour and a half to walk around the site, through intricately tangled—'labyrinthine'—hallways and alleyways that lead to the various parts of the Palace. Discover the Royal Quarters, the Throne Room and its antechamber, and the Queen’s Quarters, where the wall above the entrance door is decorated with the famed fresco of dolphins cavorting with other fish.
From Knossos, return to Heraklion to visit one of the richest museums in the world, Heraklion's Archaeological Museum, exhibiting in its twenty halls almost all of the finds from the Minoan era, including the originals of the marvelous frescoes you will have seen at Knossos.
Before returning the ship, enjoy lunch at an elegant local restaurant where you will have an opportunity to sample authentic Cretan cuisine made from local vegetables, herbs, cheeses and meats, all products of nearby villages.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Crete has long been celebrated for its fertile hills and plains and for its exceptionally healthy cuisine of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, yogurt, fish and olive oil—made famous around the world in the 1990s when its benefits were touted by the World Health Organization as the "Mediterranean Diet." This excursion to a small farm in the center of the island allows you to observe, and participate in, the family-centered traditions that remain at the center of Cretan agriculture.
Begin with a drive through lush countryside to the village of Zaros, which gained international fame in 2017, when water from a nearby lake was named "Best Bottled Water in the World." Meet the family that owns and operates the farm and be introduced to the sheep, goats, geese, ducks, and other animals that live here. Learn about the herbs that grow wild, sample the fruits, and perhaps help milk the sheep. The highlight of the visit will be making fresh cheese which you then use to make traditional Cretan pies to enjoy along with the house wine and other farm-fresh snacks before returning to Heraklion.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed program.
Day 1 – Valletta, Malta| Disembark
After breakfast aboard disembark the ship and depart on a walking excursion of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city located on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbors. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens to enjoy panoramic views over the Grand Harbor. Proceed to the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral and view Carravaggio’s famous masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, during an inside visit. Walk to the Magisterial Palace, today serving as the office of the president of Malta. Here, visit the state rooms and the tapestry chamber.
Board your coach and drive to a local vineyard. Enjoy a wine tasting of some of the country’s most delicious wines. Proceed to a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties. The chef will speak to you about Maltese cuisine and introduce the dishes that you will eat.
After lunch, reboard your coach and drive to the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple complex dates to 3600 BC and is in a beautiful location on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Transfer to the Grand Hotel Excelsior for check-in. An independent dinner is at your leisure.
Day 2 – Valletta | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Malta International Airport for flights home.
Your hotel:
The Grand Hotel Excelsior is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems. This acclaimed Valletta Malta hotel prides itself on providing the discerning traveler with magnificent accommodation, breathtaking views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island, and an unforgettable dining experience. Its central position allows for easy travel to all parts of the Maltese islands. The hotel boasts 433 rooms and suites combining old-world elegance and a fresh style. Its modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
The Grand Hotel Excelsior
Great Siege Road
Valletta, Malta
FRN1810Malta
Telephone: +356.2125.0520
Total : 450 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.