Egypt & Aegean Cruise - Itinerary

You'll find everything you've dreamed of and more in the marvelous Mediterranean - Greek and Roman ruins that defy imagination, ancient villages set on cobalt seas, incomparable Egypt - land of the Exodus and cradle of human history & culture, exotic Istanbul, and picturesque vineyards and sun-kissed beaches. In the “Eternal City” of Rome admire the mighty Colosseum; then set sail for Egypt’s northern coast where the one-time small fishing village of Alexandria is now a thriving metropolis, complete with the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina created as a state-of-the-art translation of Alexandria’s ancient library.

 

Drink in the fragrant scent of the Greek Isles as you explore medieval villages and monasteries hidden among jasmine and wild tulips. Treat your sense to the exotic sights and sounds of Istanbul, where the Blue Mosque towers over the bustling Grand Bazaar. At Ephesus, wander among the magnificent excavations in this city founded as early as the 10th century B.C. Travel even further back in time as you visit Athens with its 7,000 years of history, and explore the Acropolis proudly standing watch over the city. Meander along Italy’s dazzling Amalfi Coast, or walk through the eerily silent ruins of Pompeii.

 

The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.

 

Day 1 - Depart USA (meals aloft)

 

Day 2 - Arrive Rome, embark PM

We arrive this morning in the "Eternal City" of Rome and transfer to the pier to board our cruise ship, the Star Princess. We sail early this evening. (B,L,D)

 

Day 3 - At Sea

Participate in your choice of on-board activities: browse the world-class art collection, shop in duty-free boutiques, relax in a hot tub, sun yourself on the deck with a book from the ship's library, exercise in a state-of-the-art gym, or pamper yourself in the spa; and at mealtimes take advantage of the ship's variety of dining options. (B,L,D)

 

Day 4 - At Sea (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 - Alexandria, arrive 7:00 a.m.

This once small fishing village is now a thriving Egyptian city. Explore its offerings - the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is designed as a state-of-the-art translation of Alexandria's ancient library; and Fort Qait Bey is built on the ruins of Faros Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (B,L,D)

 

Day 6 - Alexandria, depart 9:00p.m.

From this beautiful port city, visit Cairo, a busy metropolis of modern buildings, wide boulevards, flowering gardens and stately mosques. High-rise hotels line the Nile River while the white-sailed feluccas (ancient native boats) ply the waters. Visit the Sphinx and Great Pyramids, or take a luncheon riverboat cruise along the Nile. (B,L,D)

 

Day 7 - At Sea (B,L,D)

 

Day 8 - Khios, Greece, 8:00 a.m./5:00 p.m.

Known as a fragrant flower of the Aegean, you'll find the island's jasmine, wild tulips, and mastic tree intoxicating. And the medieval villages and monasteries still offer glimpses of a bygone era. (B,L,D)

 

Day 9 - Istanbul, Turkey, 8:00 a.m./5:00 p.m.

Truly one of the world's great cities, this metropolis spread across two continents boasts famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. (B,L,D)

 

Day 10 - Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, 12:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.

From the quaint shops and markets of the port of Kusadasi, you're bound for one of the world's greatest ancient sites - the ruins of the city of Ephesus. (B,L,D)

 

Day 11 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece, 6:00 a.m./5:45 p.m.

Few destinations can claim the 7,000 years of history that Athens can. You'll find it on display everywhere you walk, from the renowned Acropolis to the historic Plaka. (B,L,D)

 

Day 12 - At Sea (B,L,D)

 

Day 13 - Naples/Capri, Italy, 7:00 a.m./6:00 p.m.

From Naples, there are many ways to spend the day - at the ruins of Pompeii, on the arresting island of Capri, or traveling along the dazzling Amalfi Coast. (B,L,D)

 

Day 14 - Arrive Rome, disembark a.m./Return USA

Arrive in Rome. Upon arrival we transfer to the airport for our return flight home. (B, meals aloft)