Passage through Antiquity
A voyage of discovery visiting Cyprus, Israel, Egypt & Jordan aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker David Price-Williams
- 21 November 2021
Here is a passage through antiquity, an incomparable journey with a wealth of sites on offer including biblical landmarks, Crusader castles, Egyptian temples and tombs as well as the magnificent Nabatean city of Petra. We have planned the journey for November when temperatures will be pleasant for exploring and with the aid of our knowledgeable local guides and excellent Guest Speaker, we will learn of some fascinating civilisations.
Our first call is the Cypriot port of Limassol from where we sail to Israel for three and a half days of exploration as we discover an extraordinary collection of both classical and Biblical sites. Following a transit of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s greatest feats of civil engineering, we spend time in Egypt exploring some of the great monuments of the Pharaohs, the divine kings of thirty dynasties who ruled Egypt for some thirty-five centuries. See the great temples of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and spend some time in Cairo’s magnificent Egyptian Museum.
We continue to Jordan where we leave the MS Serenissima and spend three nights in five star hotels. From the desert sands of Wadi Rum, to the grandeur of Petra and the mystical Dead Sea, Jordan is steeped in history and awe inspiring beauty. Petra, a city set deep in the Edom mountains and lost to Western ‘civilisation’ for hundreds of years was hewn directly from the rock by the Nabateans and is an amazing feat of engineering and construction. As you explore this vast and complex city, whose wealth came from its proximity to the ancient Middle East trade routes, you cannot help but be impressed by the industry and sophistication of this ancient civilisation.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Limassol, Cyprus.
Fly by scheduled flight to Larnaca. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima moored in Limassol. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Limassol.
Our morning tour will include the Temple of Apollo, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus where Apollo was worshipped as God of the Woodlands. It seems that the worship of Apollo on this site began as early as the 8th century BC and continued until the 4th century AD. We will continue to the ruins of Kourion, a city built in 1200 BC. Of particular interest are the public baths, the necropolis, the Fountain House, House of Gladiators and House of Achilles. The most spectacular site at Kourion is the Greco-Roman Theatre that has been completely restored and is used today for open air musical and theatrical performances. After lunch on board the afternoon is at leisure before we sail in the early evening.
Days 3 & 4 Haifa, Israel.
We arrive in Israel at the northern port of Haifa for two days of exploration including options to visit Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Called the City of Annunciation, Nazareth is revered as the spot where the Angel Gabriel appeared before Mary to tell her she was to bear the Son of God. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and visit the Church of the Annunciation, which is built where Mary is said to have lived. Maybe visit the shores of the Sea of Galilee where we find Capernaum’s ancient synagogue and Peter’s House before stopping in Tabgha, home to the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Leaves, with its 5th century mosaic floor. We will drive up Mount Carmel for a breathtaking view over the bay from the top of the city’s famous Bahai Gardens. We also plan to visit Acre, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites of the region and once the chief port of the Crusaders. Visit the underground city seeing the Crusader halls, crypt and the tunnels used as a secret route to the port. Also visit the bazaar and the UNESCO site of Kahn El Umdan (Inn of the Columns) one of the bestpreserved caravanserai in Israel. The last option is to drive to Caesarea – the impressive ruins rest on the coast halfway between Haifa and Tel Aviv. This grand ancient city and harbour were built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 BC and reigned capital over its region for almost 600 years. Named after the Roman Caesar Augustus, it had all the amenities of a splendid Roman city: baths, a hippodrome, a theatre and an aqueduct and we can explore the remains in the archaeological park.
Days 5 & 6 Ashdod.
We continue our exploration of Israel from the southern port of Ashdod where we will spend a day and a half. During our time here we will organise visits to Jaffa, the ancient port city from which Tel Aviv developed. Famous for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon and St Peter, it has a fascinating history stretching back over four thousand years. We will explore the highlights including the Clock Tower, Flea Market and the renovated alleys and buildings of the city. We will also drive inland to Jerusalem including a visit to the Mount of Olives from where we can enjoy spectacular views over the ‘Golden City’ of Jerusalem. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you walk through the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent the last moments before his arrest. Wander the streets of the Old City from Jaffa Gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and continue through the Christian Quarter to the bazaar, passing the Roman Cardo in the Jewish Quarter and the Western (or Wailing) Wall. Our last afternoon is at sea and we arrive in Port Said in the evening to prepare for our transit of the Suez Canal.
Day 7 Suez Canal Transit.
Spend the day in transit of the Suez Canal and the Great Bitter Lake.
Day 8 Port Tawfiq for Cairo, Egypt.
Today is a full day tour dedicated to the capital city of Cairo. We visit the impressive Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the tombs of the great Pharaohs and their queens. After lunch we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. This complex is a cultural hub and includes one of the largest museums in the world displaying the heritage of a single civilization. The museum contains over 50,000 artefacts, reflecting Egypt’s past from prehistory until the Greek and Roman Periods. As you enter the museum, you cannot miss the colossal statue of King Ramses II, nor the 87 huge royal artefacts exhibited at the grand stairs. These stairs lead up to an impressive 28 metre high glass facade overlooking the pyramids of Giza. The museum also hosts over 5000 artefacts from the tomb of the golden Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Return to the MS Serenissima for dinner this evening.
Day 9 At Sea.
Spend the day on board as we sail through the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez. Join one of our lectures or find a spot on deck as we sail to Safaga where we arrive this evening and moor overnight.
Days 10 & 11 Safaga for Luxor, Egypt.
The port of Safaga will be our base for our overnight trip to Luxor. After driving through the desert our first call will be on the West Bank, one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in the world. See the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs for a period of 500 years. The tombs vividly depict the journey of the sun god and pharaoh through the dangers of the underworld. In the temple of Queen Hatshepsut you will discover scenes commemorating the reign of this exceptional monarch such as the ambitious voyage where she sent her ships on the Red Sea to the mysterious land of Punt. After our visit we transfer to our hotel in Luxor for some time to relax before meeting for dinner. Our second day will include the temples of Karnak, one of the most memorable and popular historical areas to visit in the world. Here you will witness the unbelievably vast array of monuments dedicated to Amun-Ra, king of the gods, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu. Just two of the highlights you will see are the great hypostyle hall with over 130 columns some 22 metres high and the obelisk of the powerful queen pharaoh Hatshepsut. We will have some time to explore the souk before continuing to the Nile for a short cruise including lunch. In the afternoon we will board our coaches and return to the MS Serenissima in Safaga.
Day 12 Aqaba, Jordan.
After a busy couple of days we will have a relaxing morning at sea arriving in Aqaba at lunchtime. This afternoon explore the old town of Aqaba including time to walk through the bustling souk. This evening we will transfer to one of the beaches in the Aqaba Marine Park for a barbeque by the sea.
Day 13 Wadi Rum & Petra.
Disembark this morning as we drive to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon where the desert landscape is mixed with awe-inspiring shapes to create an almost supernatural atmosphere. We will embark on an adventurous excursion by a Bedouin open top four-wheel drive vehicle. We begin at the visitor centre from where there is a view in the distance of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the famous landmark named after the book by T.E. Lawrence ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. During our excursion we will also see the Alameleh inscriptions which are a good example of ancient rock drawings, Siq Um Al Tawaqi, a short canyon containing a carving of the head of T.E. Lawrence and ruins of Allat (Goddess) Temple of the AAD tribe. After lunch we continue our journey to Little Petra, where a modest gorge (Siq el-Barid) leads into the area of carved tombs and monuments. See the Painted Cave which is believed to have been a shelter for a sect focused on Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, as it contains remains of Greekstyle plaster artwork, quite unique for Petra, displaying tangled vines and flowers with brightly coloured birds and cupid-like figures. After our visit transfer to our hotel and meet for dinner tonight.
Day 14 Petra.
After breakfast in the hotel we will explore the breathtaking Nabatean city of Petra which was carved out of the rose-red sandstone about 2000 years ago and has been voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk past the Obelisk Tomb and then through the Siq, the narrow 1.2 kilometre gorge that leads to Petra’s most impressive monument, the Treasury which was carved out of the pale reddish sandstone in the 1st century BC. Pass by the dozens of classical Nabatean ruins and tombs known as the Street of Facades, the remarkable 3000 seat Theatre, the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, the Byzantine Church, the Temple, the Monumental Arch and the mighty Qasr el-Bint Faroun. After lunch amidst the ruins of Petra you will have the option to return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure or stay and explore the site further independently. Those feeling active may choose to climb about 900 steps up to the large, 1st century AD monument known as the Monastery with its remarkable views over Wadi Araba. Meet tonight for dinner.
Day 15 Madaba & Dead Sea.
After breakfast drive to Madaba, home of the most famous Byzantine mosaics. Visit the greatest and most significant of all the city’s treasures, the wonderful mosaic map of ancient Palestine, which is located on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The 6th century AD map, hailed as the oldest in existence, was depicted for the benefit of the pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land, as it represented the surrounding regions as well. After lunch we will continue to our hotel in the Dead Sea. This afternoon is free to swim or float here which, at 423 metres below sea level is the lowest spot on earth. The high salt content prevents the existence of any life forms but is also believed to provide healing properties with the mud on the sea bed being rich in minerals. Meet tonight for dinner in the hotel.
Day 16 Amman to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to Amman airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
21 November to 6 December 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £6995 | £6795 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £7195 | £6995 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £7595 | £7395 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £8095 | £7895 |
6 Junior Suite | £8595 | £8395 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £9295 | £9095 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £9695 | £9495 |
10 Standard Single | £7995 | £7795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE211121
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Overnight hotel accommodation in Luxor with breakfast • Three nights hotel accommodation in Jordan with breakfast • Lunch & dinner daily • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Egyptian visa, Jordanian visa.
-
Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Travelling with You
-
Dr David Price-Williams
David Price-Williams has a first degree from the University of Wales in Ancient Near Eastern languages with a subsidiary in Attic and Koine Greek. His postgraduate work and his doctorate, from the University of London, is in Near Eastern archaeology. His first overseas archaeological field work in the eastern Mediterranean was in 1969 as a field surveyor at the classical site of Knidos in Turkey. He then worked for the Smithsonian Institution as an archaeological field surveyor on excavations in the Near East before directing his own field research in the same area through the early 1970s.
David has just retired after almost forty years lecturing on the Archaeology of Western Asia (Eastern Mediterranean) at the Institute of Archaeology for the University of London Extra Mural Department. He is the author and co-author of numerous academic papers on the area and several books. David has designed and lectured on many tours to Greece, Turkey and the Near East and is very familiar with the archaeological sites of Turkey. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an elected life member of the Society for Old Testament Studies as well as the Southern African Quaternary Research Association.
Dr David Price-Williams will be on the following tour dates: 21 November to 6 December 2021
Also of Interest
Mediterranean Island Odyssey
A late summer voyage from Mallorca to Livorno with Guest Speaker Professor Jeremy Black aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Palma de Mallorca/ Mahon /Alghero /Bonifacio / Ajaccio / Ile Rousse / Calvi / Bastia / Portoferraio / Livorno
Voyage from Mallorca to Malta
A journey of discovery from Mallorca to Malta including an exploration of Sicily on MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Palma / Mahon /Alghero / L'Ile Rousse / Calvi / POrtoferraio / Bonifacio / Naples / Trapani / Palermo / Taormina / Syracuse / Not / Ragusa / Agrigento / Valley of the Temples / Piazza Armerina / Malta
Wonders of Antiquity
A journey from Limassol to Luxor aboard the MS Island Sky with Guest Speaker Chris Bradley
Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Limassol / Haifa / Ashdod / Suez Canal / Cairo / Sharm el Sheik / Luxor
Passage through the Levant
Spend Christmas discovering the wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Ernie Rea
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Antalya / Limassol / Haifa / Ashdod / Suez Canal / Cairo / Luxor / Aqaba
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000