Egypt & the Holy Land

Marmaris & Icmeler
This tour’s a great way to get to know the colourful resort of Marmaris and Icmeler. You’ll drive to Icmeler first, where you’ll get some free time to explore. After that, you’ll head back to Marmaris to explore the place at your own leisure. Check out the sights. Put your haggling to the test at a nearby bazaar. Or just laze on the beach. It’s up to you. This is a set transfer, which lets you discover these two great resorts in one morning. Just so you know... The guide will take you on a short walk through the resort of Icmeler. £21.00/£11.00 (3.5hrs)

Turkish Bath
If you've never been to a hammam, or Turkish bath, before, this is definitely one for you. Leaving Marmaris behind, you’ll head for one in the Armutalan area. These places have existed in Turkey since Medieval times and they’ve normally got separate baths for men and women. Leave your clothes in a cubicle and head, wrapped in a towel, to the gobektasi, a large heated stone, where you’ll be treated to a body scrub. Once you’ve had chance to cool down, you’ll return to the ship positively glowing, with plenty of time left to explore Marmaris. Just so you know... Please take your swimwear with you to change into and there are optional extras like massage available at an extra charge, payable in Euro or Lira. Towels are provided. £31.00/£16.00 (2.5hrs)

Shore excursions and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship

El Alamein
Heading west of Alexandria, take in gorgeous coastal scenery as you drive alongside the glittering Med. Your destination is the dinky village of El Alamein, meaning 'the two worlds' in Arabic. It was here that in 1942 the Allied forces put a halt to the advance of Nazi Africa Corps under the command of British General Montgomery. The Nazis considered El Alamein the gateway to Alexandria and their key to control of the African continent. The battle of El Alamein was one of the most violent - and important - confrontations during World War II. Your expert guide will share with you loads of interesting facts as you head for the Military Museum, where exhibits include weapons, military garb and tanks. From here, make your way to the moving Commonwealth Cemetery, before heading back to Alexandria. A poignant day out. Just so you know... Local camera/video charges apply at the Military Museum in local currency only. (10/20 EGP) £34.00/£22.00 (5 hrs).

Greek & Roman Alexandria
If you’re a fan of history, you’ll love this one. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is now the biggest port on the North African coast. Your morning starts with a visit to the National Museum, home to 40,000 relics dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. Among the treasures you’ll find the 'Tanagra' figurines, giving a nod to the hairstyles and dress of ladies during Cleopatra’s reign. Afterwards, head for the Roman Amphitheatre in Kom El Dekka. With its 12 marble terraces in a semicircle, it’s the only one of its kind in Egypt. On the drive back, you’ll see two major landmarks from the comfort of your coach. First up is Alexandria's Abu El Abass Mosque, with its tall minaret and four domes. And second is the Qait Bey Fort, built on the original site of the Pharos, Alexandria's lighthouse and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s a history-lover’s dream. Just so you know... Cameras are not permitted inside the National Museum. £36.00/£24.00 (4 hrs).

Shore excursion and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship.

Classic Egypt - Pyramids & the Cairo Museum
This full day tour will give you a glimpse into one of the greatest civilisations the world has known - the ancient Egyptians. Not only will you get to see the three enormous Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining Wonder of the World, but you’ll call in at the world famous Cairo Museum, too. It all begins with a drive to the big bustling city of Cairo. Once you arrive, you’ll make your way to the National Archaeological Museum, home to the biggest – and most important - collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Your guided tour takes in everything from the Rosetta Stone replica to treasures taken from Tutankamun’s tomb. You’ll even get the opportunity to see the mummified remains of Egypt’s pharaohs and queens. After that, stop for a buffet lunch before making your way to the Giza Plateau and Cairo’s star attraction – the pyramids. Feast your eyes on the panoramic views and capture them on camera, before heading down the valley to see the guardian of this mortuary complex - the Sphinx. Your final port of call is the Papyrus Institute for a little souvenir shopping before heading back to the ship. Just so you know... the Mummies room is an optional extra payable locally. £91.00/£51.00 (13hrs)

Pyramids, Mohamed Ali Mosque & the Nile
This tour shines the spotlight on Egypt’s chaotic capital – Cairo. Your first stop is the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. You’ll have time to look inside the famous mosque, plus you’ll get to see some superb views of Old Cairo. Your trip continues with a drive down to the dusty banks of the Nile where your boat awaits. Once onboard, sail along Egypt’s famous river and admire Cairo’s famous landmarks while you tuck into a buffet lunch. Then it’s time to head for the Giza Plateau to clap eyes on those famous pyramids, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. From the Western Plateau, you’ll get a great view of the pyramids so make sure you bring your cameras – there are plenty of snap-worthy shots to be had. After some time here, we'll drive closer to the pyramids for a second stop before heading down the valley to the Sphinx. Your next stop is the Papyrus Institute for a little souvenir shopping. £91.00/£51.00 (13hrs)

Pyramids, Memphis & the Tombs of Cairo
Some of Egypt’s best sights are yours for the taking on this tour. Your day starts with a drive past the outskirts of Cairo, to Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Sights to look out for here include the ruined Temple of Ptah, the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis II. A short drive from Memphis brings you to the ancient cemetery of Sakkara, where you’ll see the world's first monumental stone building - the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. You'll even get to go inside one of the Mastabas – or tombs - built nearby. Next, make your way to Cairo for a buffe lunch. Then we’ll whisk you off to the Giza Plateau for the most spine-tingling sight of them all – the pyramids. From the Western Plateau you’ll get a great view of the three huge pyramids – it’s a photo opportunity not to be missed. After that, drive closer to the pyramids and down the valley to the Sphinx. Your final stop is at the Papyrus Institute for a little souvenir shopping, before heading back to the ship. £91.00/£51.00 (13hrs)

Shore excursions and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship

Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Jews, Christians, Muslims – they all hold this place dear. Sights here represent each of the faiths. Kicking things off is a fly-by driving tour, passing the Israeli parliament building known as the Knesset, the Museum of Israel and the Shrine of the Book. It’s the best way to see the city sights. Next you’ll drive to the top of the Mount of Olives. Named after its olive tree-planted slopes, this place is thought to be where the dead will be resurrected on Judgement Day. The views from here are epic. From here, you’ll head for the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray after the Last Supper and was betrayed by his disciple Judas. A visit to the Church of All Nations is also on the itinerary here. It’s followed by an active walk through the old city following the path Jesus took as he carried his cross to Calvary, a visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection and a glimpse of the shimmering mosques of Al-Aqsa and The Dome of the Rock. You’ll also stop off at the Western Wall, the place where Orthodox Jews nod in prayer and put prayer notes into the cracks of the wall. Finally, you’ll head to Bethlehem for lunch in a restaurant, and to see one of Christianity’s most sacred sights – the Church of the Nativity. Built on the same site as the stable where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Just so you know … Your guide for the Jerusalem part of the tour is not permitted to accompany you through to Bethlehem. Therefore, your new guide will meet you once you pass through the border. Also, more time will be spent sightseeing in Jerusalem than in Bethlehem. Finally, a visit of the cave in the Church of Nativity is not included. £83.00/£47.00 (10hrs)

Massada & Dead Sea
Kicking off with drive through the Judean Hills, you’ll wind down the mountainside to the Dead Sea. Lying at the lowest spot on earth, its waters are packed with therapeutic salt and minerals which find their way into products sold all over the globe. You’ll head into the lunar-like desert to see the arid rocks which shot to fame in 1947 when a Bedouin shepherd boy discovered the famous Dead Sea Scrolls hidden in their depths, they’re oldest biblical manuscripts known to man. Next up is the Massada Fortress. Perched on the tip of a titanic rock face, this Jewish shrine was the last stronghold of the zealots back in the days of King Herod. A cable car will carry you to the top where you’ll explore the ancient ruins, taking in Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue and the baths. Spare some time to soak up the view before we whisk you away to the Dead Sea. During a buffet lunch here, you can enjoy a swim or simply lie back. Don’t forget to take a little bit of the magic home with you, snapping up some Dead Sea products on your way. Just so you know… The drive to Masada is 2.5 hours. We recommend taking your towel from the ship & some sandals when entering the water. At the Dead Sea you can purchase mud, however, they do not accept sterling. Your time at the Dead Sea is combined with your lunch stop, which might be late in the day. £82.00/£51.00 (10.5hrs)

Panoramic Jerusalem
The Western Wall. The Gardens of Gethsemane. Mount of Olives. They’re some of the world’s most famous religious icons and just a drop in the ocean of Jerusalem’s line-up of superstar sights. In fact, there are more things to see here than you can feasibly fit into a day. But you can catch most of them on this guided tour. Kicking things off, you’ll travel from Ashdod to the Mount of Olives, where it’s said the Messiah will resurrect the dead on the day of judgment. It’s Jerusalem’s holiest cemetery and the view from the top is breathtaking, the whole city spreads out below you. From here, you’ll head to the Gardens of Gethsemane, the olive grove where Jesus prayed after the Last Supper and was betrayed by Judas the same night. Next up, is the Western Wall. Also known as the Wailing Wall, it’s the most sacred site in the Jewish world and for centuries Jewish worshipers have gathered here to pray. After a buffet lunch with time to relax, you’ll take a fly-by driving tour of the city. Highlights seen include the Knesset where Israel’s Parliament holds court and the Israel Museum where the world’s oldest-known biblical documents, the Dead Sea Scrolls, are kept. Finally, you'll head to see David's Tomb, the Dormition Church and the room of the last supper. £80.00/£42.00 (9.5hrs)




Shore excursion and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship.

Lefkara
Who needs museums when you can walk the streets of Larnaca? It’s bulging at the seams with historical sites, including the Church of St Lazarus, which is the first calling point. The limestone building dates back as far as the 9th century, and was beautifully restored in the 17th. Plus, it’s one of only three Byzantine churches still left in Cyprus. It guards a very precious cache – the tomb of St Lazarus, which can be seen from inside the sanctuary. There’ll also be time to explore the town’s old quarter before moving on to Lefkara. It’s a quaint-looking maze of winding alleys where women sit in the sun working on embroidery. The village is famous for lefkaritika – lacework - and rumour has it Leonardo da Vinci was that taken by it, he had an altar cloth made for Milan cathedral. £31.00/£22.00 (4hrs)

Nicosia - Walk The Line
If you’re after a good holiday story, how about being able to say you’ve visited the last divided capital city in the world? Nicosia is a real mix of old and new. Dating back to 1665, St John’s Cathedral is the centrepiece of Archbishop Kyprianou Square, and a great place for a photo stop. As you then walk down Ledra Street, try and keep a control on your credit card – this is the heart of Nicosia’s shopping district. And at the end of the road is the UN Green Line checkpoint that divides the city. After the Turks invaded in 1974, one half of the city fell under Turkish rule, while half remained Greek. Because of the division, it’s not unusual to be walking down the street, only to find a brick wall blocking one end. Crossing into northern Nicosia is a bit like stepping back in time. Take a look at Buyuk Han – the Great Inn – which was originally a rest stop for travellers. It’s now an open-air museum of sorts, with traditional music, talks and demonstrations giving you a peek at life in old Nicosia. Just so you know… You will need to carry your passport to cross the checkpoint. £49.00/£39.00 (5hrs)

Nicosia City Tour
Culture vultures take note – this tour takes in some serious history and architecture. You’ll start with the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, a hangover from the British Empire days. It’s packed to the rafters with artefacts spanning Neolithic to early Byzantine periods. And it’s most famous resident is the statue of Aphrodite from Soli, which is now the symbol of Cyprus. You’ll also visit the Venetian walls which protect the old city and lead up to the Paphos Gate. It’s now a UN watchpost marking the divide between Turkish and Greek Nicosia. There’s also plenty of time to mooch around the city itself, whether you fancy a bit more sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Or, if all that history has worn you out, stop for meze or coffee at a taverna in the Laiki Yeitonia district. £34.00/£23.00 (4.5hrs)

Famagusta
The ancient town of Salamis is the first stop on this half-day tour. Once the capital of Cyprus, it’s a treasure trove of Roman and Byzantine remains. You’ll have an hour to look around, then, after a quick stop for a coffee, you’ll head to the Medieval centre of Famagusta. The first must-see here is the huge citadel. It’s known as Othello’s Tower, and it was built to protect the harbour from invasion. You’ll also pay a visit to St Nicholas Cathedral, which dominates the city’s main square. Under Ottoman rule, it became a mosque back in 1571, and there’ll be time to take a look inside it. After that, we’ll head back to the port via Famagusta’s “sleeping city”. This area has been closed off since the Turkish invasion of 1974, when its inhabitants fled. Since then, nothing has been touched and it’s remained empty, so it makes for a pretty eerie sight. Just so you know… We’ll be visiting a place of worship, so you’ll need to make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. Women will need a headscarf, too. £48.00/£33.00 (5hrs)

Aphrodite's Rock, Paphos Mosaics & Kourion Theatre
Up the romance factor with a trip to Petra Tou Romiou, otherwise known as Aphrodite’s Rock. This is said to be the spot where the goddess of love emerged from the sea. Legend has it that if you swim around the rock naked, it’ll bring good luck, although others claim you’ll be fertile for life – so be careful what you wish for. It’s then onto Paphos, which is all picturesque churches and Medieval monasteries, plus a postcard-pretty harbour watched over by a small castle. You’ll get to visit the house of Dionysos, where Greek myths and legend are played out on intricate mosaics that run throughout the villa. By this time, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, so lunch at a taverna is next on the menu. Last, but by no means least, you’ll visit the Acropolis of Kourion. This impressive Greco-Roman site includes a theatre built in the 2nd century, which is still used for performances. £41.00/£26.00 (7.5hrs)

Famagusta
A real history fest, this trip starts with Salamis, the ancient capital of Cyprus. Today it’s all towering columns, statues, and an impressive amphitheatre. Next up it’s on to Othello’s Tower. It got its name from the Shakespeare play and guards the entrance to Famagusta. Head into the city’s now abandoned old quarter. It’s like time stopped when Turks invaded in 1974. It’s eerie to see department stores still with their window displays. Later, you’ll hit Ayia Napa for lunch at a harbour-side taverna, before finishing the day with a stop in Larnaca. The big draw here is the Church of St Lazarus, but you’ll have time to explore the city at your own pace before heading back to the ship. £53.00/£43.00 (7.5hrs)

Filoxenia
This trip takes you to the villages of Filoxenia. In English the name means ‘friend of strangers’, so it’s no surprise you’ll find a warm welcome here. First up is Monagri. There you’ll get to try ‘commandaria’, a traditional olive pie, as well as having a go at making it. Then it’s on to Omodhos.Taking centre-stage at one end of main cobble-stoned square is the pretty Monastery of the Holy Cross. Have a mooch through the village before finishing the day in Vouni. It’s a scenic jumble of cobbled streets and Venetian-style houses. You’ll be welcomed into one of the houses for a Cypriot aperitif and traditional meze, including the delicious local ‘souvla’. £53.00/£43.00 (7hrs)

Shore excursions and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship.

Castle, Cave & City
This tour kicks off with a visit to the Medieval castle in Alanya. Most of it was built in the 13th century by the Sultan of Seljuk, on top of earlier Byzantine and Roman fortifications. It’s setting is pretty special to say the least. It sits 250 metres high on a rocky peninsular, with the Mediterranean Sea protecting it from three sides. The area was pacified under the Ottoman Empire, so the castle stopped being purely defensive. During the 19th century, lots of villas were built within its walls. Today, it’s an impressive open-air museum, reflecting Seljuk art at its best. After some time here, you’ll stop at Dalmatas Magarasi – a small cave with beautiful calcite formations. It was discovered in 1948 by engineers building Alanya harbour, and in the 1960s Turks started coming to the cave for its alleged healing properties. The humid air is supposed to be good for asthmatic problems, and doctors prescribe treatment here regularly. Leaving the cave behind, you’ll have some free time in Alanya city centre before returning to the ship. £25.00/ £15.00 (3.5hrs)

Aspendos & Perge
Also known as the heart of ancient Pamphylia, Perge is where St Paul preached his first sermon when he began his missionary journeys. On this trip you’ll see examples of Pergian architecture and ruins that’ll give you a real insight into the importance of the city. Afterwards, make your way to Aspendos and admire what is probably the best-preserved theatre of antiquity. Big enough to hold thousands of spectators, it’s still used today for performances and festivals. The galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architect's success. The second highlight of Aspendos is its aqueducts, left behind by the Romans. Once you’ve seen those, we head back to Alanya. Cameras at the ready… Just so you know... The drive to Perge is approx 1hr45mins. £32.00/ £20.00 (5.5hrs)

Manavgat Waterfall & Side
The waterfall at Manavgat is a real beauty. It’s wide and low - so low in fact, it actually disappears under high water during any floods. Watch the white foaming water plunge powerfully over the rocks – its impressive to say the least. After some time here, you’ll head to Side to see the ruins of its ancient amphitheatre. The usual Greek method of building these theatres was to hollow out a hillside, but there weren’t any suitable in Side so they adopted the Roman method, using arches to support sheer verticals. Over time and with the shifting of the earth, one of the walls crumbled, so the Byzantines converted it into an open-air sanctuary with two chapels. After your visit here, you’ll have around an hour’s free time in Side before returning to the ship. £28.00/ £17.00 (5hrs)


Shore excursions and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship.

Marmaris & Icmeler
This tour’s a great way to get to know the colourful resort of Marmaris and Icmeler. You’ll drive to Icmeler first, where you’ll get some free time to explore. After that, you’ll head back to Marmaris to explore the place at your own leisure. Check out the sights. Put your haggling to the test at a nearby bazaar. Or just laze on the beach. It’s up to you. This is a set transfer, which lets you discover these two great resorts in one morning. Just so you know... The guide will take you on a short walk through the resort of Icmeler. £21.00/£11.00 (3.5hrs)

Turkish Bath
If you've never been to a hammam, or Turkish bath, before, this is definitely one for you. Leaving Marmaris behind, you’ll head for one in the Armutalan area. These places have existed in Turkey since Medieval times and they’ve normally got separate baths for men and women. Leave your clothes in a cubicle and head, wrapped in a towel, to the gobektasi, a large heated stone, where you’ll be treated to a body scrub. Once you’ve had chance to cool down, you’ll return to the ship positively glowing, with plenty of time left to explore Marmaris. Just so you know... Please take your swimwear with you to change into and there are optional extras like massage available at an extra charge, payable in Euro or Lira. Towels are provided. £31.00/£16.00 (2.5hrs)

Shore excursions and prices are subject to change and latest prices will be available onboard the ship