In the Footsteps of St Paul
A voyage through the Aegean & Mediterranean aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker the RT Revd Graham James
- 25 March 2022
It is sometimes said that if it was not for St Paul there would have been no Christianity. It was through his missionary journeys, from about 44 AD to 60 AD that the Christian message was spread to the Gentile world. St Paul made three journeys from Antioch across the Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia, now modern day Turkey, to Thrace and finally on to Rome. In the process he founded some of the earliest Christian churches.
St Paul was born in Tarsus, around 5 AD, a time when the Eastern Mediterranean was under Roman Rule. In 33 AD, on his way to Damascus in Syria he had a religious experience, or revelation, which he believed to be of the resurrected Christ. From this moment on he became a Christian and was later known as Paul rather than Saul, his Hebrew name. The life of St Paul and the early Church was set within the context of the Roman Empire, which in turn succeeded the ancient Greek Empire. During our guided visits to the ancient sites we will see evidence of Greek, Roman and also Byzantine history and culture. The Ottomans followed the Byzantines and ever since the region has been predominantly Muslim. During this cruise and from the comfort of the MS Serenissima we will have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of St Paul from his birthplace of Tarsus to Perge, Patara and Miletus. We will visit Ephesus, which at the time of St Paul was second only to Rome in size and importance. During St Paul’s three-year stay in Ephesus he frequently preached on the steps of the Library, and whilst in Ephesus he wrote four letters, or Epistles; to the Galatians, Corinthians, Philemon and Philippians. We also visit the island of Patmos where St John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation to the Seven Churches of Asia, some of which we will be visiting.
Our journey takes us through an area steeped in history; a history of great empires, of conquest and of conflict and a history rich in cultural and religious diversity. It is an area that can lay claim to the foundation of the early Christian Church; a place where not only churches were built but where Christian doctrine was first formulated at the great Ecumenical Councils of Nicaea, Constantinople and Ephesus. While many of these early churches no longer exist, the sense of place remains and the legacy of St Paul lives on.
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. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and sail this evening.
Day 2 Mersin, Turkey.
Enjoy a morning at sea as we make our way to Mersin, the capital of Icel province which borrows its name from Myrtle, the evergreen vegetation which grows in the area. From here it is a short drive to Tarsus, the birth place of St Paul which was an important part of the trade route to the interiors of Asia Minor. We will see the well dedicated to St Paul and the church built in 1862 to his name. Walk through the narrow streets of old Tarsus with typical stone and wooden built houses, see the Roman road in the north of the city and visit the Tarsus Museum where we will see the relics from Gozlukule excavations. We end at the Ulu Mosque and Makami-sherif Mosque, both converted from ancient churches.
Day 3 Alanya & Side.
On a morning excursion drive through the town, with views of the Taurus Mountains in the east, then towards Incekum along the Turkish Riviera to the west, where we pass citrus and banana plantations and visit Damlatas Cave which is a masterpiece of nature, known for its curative effect on asthma. Continue along the beautiful Turkish Riviera towards the ancient city of Side which was one of the leading Pamphylian cities on the south coast of Anatolia. Visit the Grand Theatre, a perfect example of a Roman theatre built on vaults on flat land. Walk through the town, view the old harbour and see the remains of the Apollo Temple. From the MS Serenissima’s central berth, you can enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the town of Alanya with its Medieval fort perched on a rocky peninsula.
Day 4 Aspendos & Perge.
Over breakfast we will arrive in Antalya from where we explore the principal Roman ruins along Turkey’s southern coast. We will pass the modern city of Antalya en-route to the ancient city of Perge which dates back to 1000 BC and was founded by Mopsus and Calchas after their retreat from Troy. St Paul visited here on at least two occasions mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. See the Basilica of Perge, which played an important role in the spread of Christianity, the 2nd century AD stadium, the baths complex and the two magnificent round towers of the Greek Gate. We drive further east for our visit of Aspendos, whose amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century AD is considered the best preserved in the Mediterranean. After a local lunch continue to Antalya to visit the excellent Archaeological Museum.
Day 5 Xanthos & Patara.
From the harbour at Fethiye, we travel to the south east to discover the rich Lycian towns of the past. Drive along the Esme River to the ancient city of Xanthos, Lycia’s prominent capital city built on a great cliff overlooking the river. Xanthos boasts several significant ruins, including the Nereid Monument, an exquisite building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. Continue to Letoon, a city named after Leto, mother Goddess of Lycians. We will see the ruins of the temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo and the amphitheatre. Enjoy a local lunch before visiting Patara, located amidst sand dunes and by a long sandy beach. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great and St Paul stopped here on his way to Rome in AD 60. It was also the birthplace of St Nicholas. See the Grand Theatre and the ruins of the temples.
Please note that we may be at anchor today in which instance the vessel’s Zodiacs will be used.
Day 6 Didim, Miletus & Priene.
From the port of Didim we will drive to Priene, an ancient Greek holy city and the home of an important temple of Athena. Priene’s picturesque ruins include several columns of the Temple of Athena, much of the city wall, a well-preserved theatre and a council chamber. We will continue to Miletus, one of the most important cities in ancient Greek world which was visited by St Paul on his third missionary journey. Here were Minoans, Mycenaeans and one-time allies of the Trojans. The city foolishly led a revolt of the Ionian Greek cities against the powerful Persian Empire who ruled until the arrival of Alexander in the 4th century BC. Here is a fine theatre, well laid out chessboard street plans, two agoras (market places), baths, a council chamber, fortifications, a stadium and harbour workings. After lunch on board we will have time to explore the colossal temple and oracle to Apollo in Didim.
Please note that we may be at anchor today in which instance the vessel’s Zodiacs will be used.
Day 7 Patmos, Greece.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western; it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.
Day 8 Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey.
Arriving at Kusadasi at breakfast time we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. We will see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. St Paul used to give his sermons from this theatre which has a row of seats 30 metres above the orchestra. The afternoon is free to explore Kusadasi at your own pace.
Day 9 Pergamon.
From our berth in Dikili we will drive inland, past fertile fields and olive trees, to the present day modern town of Bergama, once known as Pergamon, a great centre of culture. Today Pergamon is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. We will visit the Asclepion, a healing centre from the 4th century BC and one of the most important sites of Pergamon. Discover the Temple of Asclepios, the amphitheatre, and walk through the sacred corridor and down the ancient, arcaded, marble-paved boulevard. Continue into the town of Bergama and visit the Archaeological Museum which houses relics discovered during the excavations of Pergamon. En-route we will see the Basilica which was one of the earliest of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Take a cable car up to the Acropolis to explore the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal Palace. Lunch will be served ashore.
Day 10 Philippi & Mount Athos, Greece.
The ancient port of Neapolis, modern day Kavala, was where St Paul first stepped on European soil following his journey from Troas in Turkey. This morning we will arrive at the port and like St Paul make our way to nearby Philippi, a Roman town where he preached and sowed the seeds of Christianity in Europe. We will visit the ruins of the ancient city, the two Basilicas, the Forum, the Octagon, St Paul’s church, the so - called jail of St Paul and the classical theatre. On our way back to the pier we will stop and visit Lydia site, the stream where Lydia, St Paul’s first European convert was baptised, as well as the modern baptistery. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea, arriving this evening off the Athos Peninsula which is dominated by the peak of Mount Athos which rises to 2033 metres. Also known as Holy Mountain, a monastic community was established here in 963 when the monk Athanasios established the monastery of Great Lavra, which is still the largest and most prominent of the 20 monasteries located here. We will use the MS Serenissima to cruise along the coastline viewing the monasteries from the sea.
Day 11 Thessaloniki.
Our final call will be in Greece’s second city of Thessaloniki where St Paul preached in 49-50 AD and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. Our morning tour will explore the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum, which displays the superb decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs. The tombs were discovered in 1977-78 by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos. Until their discovery they were covered by a protective tumulus 13 metres high and 110 metres across. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy a final afternoon at leisure.
Day 12 Thessaloniki to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 25 March to 5 April 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £5295 | £5095 |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £5595 | £5395 |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £5895 | £5695 |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £6095 | £5895 |
| 6 Junior Suite | £6495 | £6295 |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £6795 | £6595 |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £7195 | £6995 |
| 10 Standard Single | £5695 | £5495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE250322
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 • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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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.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and she is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her on top form. At the end of 2018 she underwent a refurbishment which included both of the lounges and in November 2019 further refurbishments were completed including the cabins on Decks 3 & 4, the reception area and the Venice Restaurant. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features is her unique style.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018 & 2019
Registered: St Vincent & GrenadinesAIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHEDULE
Our planned schedule may be changed at short notice due to weather conditions or technical reasons. Should there be any alterations the Captain or Cruise Director will inform you of any changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all cabins feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins/suites, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701 – 704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony.
Facilities include: • Air-conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning) • Dressing table with chair or stool • En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) • Hairdryer • Minibar (Serenissima Suites only) • Balcony (Serenissima Suites only) • Dressing gown and slippers • Safe • Flat screen television • Telephone (charges apply) • Wardrobe • Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by email at cruise@msserenissima.com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject).
The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication:
Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea Lounge.
Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a welcome and farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events. For example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin/suite and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
FIELD STAFF
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia Cruise Director/Expedition Leader and an experienced team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board.
When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
LANGUAGE
All members of the crew speak English.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 0900. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service onboard.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that serves decks 3 to 6. Please note that, due to the layout of the ship, the following cabins are accessible by at least one flight of stairs: 417 – 421, 424 & 701 – 704.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros,British Pounds or US Dollars) • Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) • Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa) Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
As a result of Russian ownership, please note that credit/debit card payments will be charged in Russian Rubles. The debited amount shown on your bank/building society statement in British Pounds will be based on the relevant exchange rates on the day of the transaction. You may need to make your bank/building society aware that your card payment will be authorised ‘in Russia’ so that payment is not declined, and also to ascertain if any additional charges will be applied. Unfortunately, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service onboard, as this would be contravening official regulations.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore.
POST
Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route.
PUBLIC AREAS
• Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 09.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX AUDIO SYSTEM
During our excursions, we use an audio headset system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins. Beware of petty crime and pickpockets whilst ashore. A money belt worn underneath clothing is useful. Do not take all your money with you when out sightseeing. We advise utmost caution at popular tourist spots. Please do not leave any luggage unattended at any time.
SAFETY & LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SEA SICKNESS
As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon weather, season, etc. It is recommended that you bring anti-motion sickness medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. Please consult your Doctor/General Practitioner (GP) or local pharmacist regarding which medication is appropriate and its side effects. To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or lying down with their eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help. SHOP The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SHOP
The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOILETS
The ship is fitted with a sensitive vacuum system. Please do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
Previously the MS Serenissima used 200 plastic bottles of water every day. In order to help reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we are replacing plastic water bottles where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. We have chosen stainless steel bottles, made of durable, high quality stainless steel. It will keep your drink fresh and cool for longer and fit neatly into your bag or backpack. You can fill it up from the water station on board, located in Reception area, deck 5. We recommend that you do not drink nor refill your bottles from the tap in your cabin. The tap water is not potable. The bottle in your cabin is for your personal use during the cruise to take on excursions. Please leave the bottle/s in your cabin at the end of the cruise.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.6 December 2019
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Travelling with You
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The Rt Revd Graham James
The Rt Revd Graham James became Bishop of Norwich in 1999. He entered the House of Lords in 2004. Among his national responsibilities in the Church of England he was lead bishop on media issues for a long period, and has served on the Lords Select Committee on Communications. He has been a frequent presenter of Radio 4’s “Thought for the Day”. Earlier in his career he travelled widely when serving at Lambeth Palace, and has lectured on cruises for the past 20 years. His recent books “The Lent Factor” and “A Place for God” reflect the range of his interests and travels. One of his earliest publications was about Paul’s understanding of Christ and the character of his human nature. He looks forward to reflecting on the life, times and travels of Paul in the first century on this cruise, and placing Paul within the setting of his own age.
The Rt Revd Graham James will be on the following tour dates: 25 March to 5 April 2022
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the MS Serenissima we are offering a three night stay in Limassol at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel with included guided excursions.
Ancient Kourion
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Limassol, Cyprus.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time before we meet for dinner tonight. (D)
Day 2 Paphos.
We will depart for our guided excursion after breakfast and make a brief stop at the most famous landmark in Cyprus - Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. We continue to Saint Neophytos Monastery, founded by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos, which is built in what used to be a secluded location at the head of a picturesque valley. Continue to Paphos where we will visit the 13th century Chrysopolitissa Church which is shared by the Anglican and Catholic congregation, who hold regular services at the invitation of the local Orthodox priest. Saint Paul visited Paphos in 45 AD in an attempt to convert the ruler of the time to Christianity. He was successful in his efforts, but not before being tied and whipped to an otherwise unremarkable lump of stone, the Pillar of Saint Paul which we will see during our visit. After lunch and some free time in the picturesque fishing harbour of Paphos, we continue to the archaeological park, known as the House of Dionysos with the fabulously preserved mosaics which date back to the 2nd century AD and the Tombs of the Kings. Return to the hotel to relax before meeting for dinner tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Limassol.
Spend the day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or take the local bus into Limassol town centre. Alternatively, a short walk from the hotel will take you to the impressive remains of the archaeological site of Amathus, one of the ancient royal cities of Cyprus until about 300 BC. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Limassol.
Check out this morning and drive to the Temple of Apollo, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus, where Apollo was worshipped as God of the Woodlands. 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 openair musical and theatrical performances. We will also visit Kolossi Castle, which was built in the 15th century on the ruins of a former fortress dated to the beginning of the 13th century. After lunch we will transfer to the MS Serenissima and embark. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
22 to 25 March 2022 Category Price Deluxe Sea View Room £745 Deluxe Sea View Room for sole use £995 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, excursions, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000