The road less traveled! Ample time to explore 3 founding capitals, Athens, Jerusalem, and Cairo on one unforgettable cruise—as well as Haifa, the gateway to Christian sites surrounding the Sea of Galilee. Start and end your adventure in Athens, Greece, considered the Cradle of Western Civilization.
Then, your deluxe cruise ship, the sleek Celebrity Infinity, drops anchor in Haifa, Israel, for an entire day and is followed by two full days in Jerusalem (port of Ashod), perhaps the most holy city in the world and home to three great religions. A short drive away is Bethlehem in Palestine, as well as many other sacred sites. Then, continue to Alexandria, Egypt, where you can travel to Cairo, the most populous capital in Africa, and uncover the mysteries of the Great pyramids and Sphinx. Two full days to explore ancient Egypt! If you are interested in archaeology, religion and culture this voyage is an opportunity you can’t miss! |
Day 1: DEPART USA.
Your memorable journey begins this afternoon when you fly to Athens, Greece (fare and airline TBA).
Day 2: ATHENS, GREECE.
Arrive in Athens, capital of Greece. Transfer to your hotel for overnight. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3: ATHENS, (PIRAEUS) CRUISING.
This morning, opt to head to the Acropolis, the 7-acre rock formation that's home to the Propylaea, Erechtheum, Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum features exhibitions dedicated to these monuments. Afternoon transfer to Piraeus, Athens' primary port. Unpack on your deluxe ship and set sail at 5:00 p.m.
Day 4: CRUISING THE AEGEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN SEAS.
Enjoy your ship’s many fine amenities, from spas to casino and Wi-Fi.
Day 5: HAIFA, ISRAEL.
8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Haifa is Hebrew for "beautiful coast," and this port lives up to its name. Much of the city lies on the slopes of Mount Carmel as it plunges to the sea. A day can be well spent in Haifa, home to the Bahai Temple, Elijah's cave, the Druze villages and the artists' colonies at Ein Hod and Safad. More popular, though, are the excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. You will also be given the chance to be baptized in the Jordan River!
Day 6 & 7: JERUSALEM, (ASHDOD) ISRAEL.
8:00 a.m. Explore both religious and historical sites during your two full days in one of the most revered cities in the world, Jerusalem, central to three world religions.
As you stroll inside the walls, you'll eventually "discover" some of the city’s most magnificent, sacred shrines including the Mosque of Omar (aka the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina); the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (marking the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ); and the Western ("Wailing") Wall, once part of Solomon's Temple.
Outside the walls of the old city is the Church of All Nations, on the slope of the Mount of Olives; the church is built around the rock in the Garden of Gethsemane.
In addition to the capital, opt to visit Masada, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and other holy places of pilgrimage. After two unforgettable days here, depart Ashdod, Jerusalem’s Mediterranean port, at 10:00 p.m. on February 6.
Day 8: AT SEA. After three days in Israel, relax and enjoy the amenities of your five-star cruise ship as you sail to Egypt.
Day 9 & 10: ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT (CAIRO/GIZA).
2:00 a.m. The historic city of Alexandria is set on a strip of land separating the sea and Lake Mareotis, and serves as the gateway to Cairo and Giza. In Alexandria, a tour of the harbor and Montaza Palace or lounging on the beach are favorite activities.
A shore excursion to the ancient Pyramids of Giza—one of the Seven Wonders of the World is of course an option. You may also wish to have lunch or dinner on the Nile River in Cairo and visit the newly opened Egyptian Museum, which features mummies and King Tut’s treasures. Also recommended: the Laser Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza.Set sail for Greece on February 9 at 10:00 p.m.
Day 11: AT SEA.
Enjoy the amenities of your deluxe cruise ship on this relaxing day at sea.
Day 12: ATHENS.
6:00 a.m. Opt to take a tour of mystical Delphi, the second most important archaeological site in Greece, or take an excursion to ancient Corinth, where St. Paul preached. Overnight on your ship, Celebrity Infinity.
Day 13: ATHENS.
Transfer from the ship to the airport and fly nonstop back to LAX, arriving on the same day.
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