Detailed Itinerary:

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Day 1 - Monday, October 30, 2023

Departure from USA

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Day 2 - Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey

Upon arrival to the Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your Istanbul Hotel.
Stay for 1 nt. in standard rooms with breakfast.

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Day 3 - Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Transportation from Hotel to Port. Norwegian Gem - Departs 7:00pm

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Day 4 - Thursday, November 2, 2023

Port: Kusadasi, Turkey - Arrives: 1:30pm  Departs: 7:30pm

​Best of Ephesus Shore Excursion Included

Admire some of the most hallowed sites in the ancient world, including a residence believed to be the Virgin Mary’s, the ruins of Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica.

 

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the countryside to the House of the Virgin. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary. A sacred spring known as the Fountain of Our Lady runs under the house, and you will be welcome to drink from it.

 

Then, it’s on to revered Ephesus, a World Heritage site that may well be the best-preserved ancient city in the region. After passing the Magnesia Gate, you will behold one excavated building after another. There is the Great Theater where St. Paul preached the Gospel, the Fountain of Trajan with its regal statue of the emperor and the Library of Celsus, a monument constructed as a mausoleum with a separate library for scrolls and codexes.

 

Continuing on, you will stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Built in the 6th century, the church stood over the spot where St. John is supposedly buried. Although a Mongol army destroyed the building and pillaged much of it, part of the basilica has been restored to show its scope.

 

A buffet lunch at a hotel in Kusadasi follows, after which you may return to the pier or stay in town for an enlightening carpet lecture or shopping.

 

Day 5 - Friday, November 3, 2023

At Sea

 

Day 6 - Saturday, November 4, 2023

Port: Alexandria, Cairo - Arrives: 6:00am  Departs: 9:00pm

 

Day 7 - Sunday, November 5, 2023

Port: Port Said, Egypt - Arrives: 07:30am  Departs: 9:00pm

Classic Cairo Shore Excursion Included

Immerse yourself in history today and see the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Cheops. You’ll also see the legendary Great Sphinx and visit the Egyptian Antiquities Museum and Papyrus Institute. You’ll drive through the Eastern Desert to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. Opened in 1902, the museum has over 107 halls displaying the world's largest collection of Egyptian antiquities, including statues, mummies and the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamen.

 

Following a buffet lunch at a local hotel, continue to the Giza Plateau. Here stands the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Cheops. See the three major pyramids built by the Pharaohs Cheops, his son Chephren and Chephern's son Mykerinus, where their mummified bodies would rest for eternity. Situated in front of the pyramids, is the guardian of this ancient complex - the legendary Great Sphinx. This statue was carved from a single piece of bedrock and is considered a national symbol of both ancient and modern Egypt. At the end of the day, you’ll stop at the Papyrus Institute to see how paper was made from reeds by the ancient Egyptians and have some time for shopping.

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Day 8 - Monday, November 6, 2023

Port: Ashdod, Israel - Arrives: 07:00am  Departs: 11:00pm

A Day in Jerusalem and Bethlehem Shore Excursion Included

Your tour begins with a beautiful scenic drive from Ashdod into the Judean Hills. As you ascend into these hauntingly stark hills, your coach will be traveling along the same route used for centuries to reach Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is famous for its timeless beauty and was once considered the center of the world. As you navigate your way through this amazing city, you will pass Israel's most notable landmarks, such as the Hebrew University, home to 2005 Nobel Prize winner Professor Emeritus Robert J. Aumann, the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) and the State Supreme High Court. After an interesting overview of the city, you'll proceed toward the Mount of Olives where time will be allowed to take photos from this highly favorable vantage point that provides an unparalleled and breathtaking panorama of the walled Old City. Near the base of the Mount, you will find the picturesque Gardens of Gethsemane, site of an ancient olive oil press yard that is surrounded by 1,000 year-old trees and visit the impressive Church of All Nations.

 

Following an unforgettable morning, you will be treated to a relaxing lunch at a local hotel before it's time to continue your exploration of this fascinating destination with a walking tour of the historical Old City. Entering via the Jaffa Gate, your walk will take you past the most sacred sites in religious history. As you make your way along a route that flanks the colorful bazaar, you'll observe the Christian Quarter, which rests beside a part of the famous Via Dolorosa, believed by many to be the route Jesus followed as he carried his cross to Calvary. Amongst the sites you will view is the golden-topped Dome of the Rock. With its stunning blue and gold ceramic tiles, this amazing shrine is considered the third holiest site in Islam. You will also view the famous Western Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world because it is believed to have been closest to where the Holy Ark once stood. A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also included. Perched on the hill known as Golgotha, the Church marks the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

 

Rejoining your coach, you'll leave the city behind and make your way through the Judean Hills to the edge of the desert, where the legendary town of Bethlehem is found. Your time here includes a visit to Manger Square and the renowned Church of the Nativity. This extraordinary church is built over a grotto that is believed to be the location of Jesus' birth. Due to time constraints and very long lines to enter the actual grotto, doing so is usually not a possibility. After what will be an undoubtedly memorable visit, you'll reboard your coach and enjoy a leisurely drive back to the ship.

 

Day 9 - Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Port: Tel-Aviv, Israel - Arrives 6:00am  Departs: 8:00pm

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Day 10 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Port: Limassol, Cyprus - Arrives 7:00am  Departs: 3:00pm

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Day 11 - Thursday, November 9, 2023

Port: Alanya, Turkey - Arrives: 7:00am  Departs: 6:00pm

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Day 12 - Friday, November 10, 2023

Port: Rhodes, Greece - Arrives: 8:00am  Departs: 4:00pm

 

Day 13 - Saturday, November 11, 2023

Port: Athens (Piraeus) Greece - Arrives 6:00am

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Upon disembarkation in Athens (Piraeus port), you will be met and transferred to a Athens Hotel.  Stay for 2 nts. in standard rooms with breakfast daily. 

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Day 14 - Sunday, November 12, 2023

You will be met in the morning for your Half Day Athens City Tour with Acropolis including entrance fees and R/T transfers to the hotel. This tour will introduce you to the most important sights of the city. You will see the temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Pan Anthaneum Stadium.

 

Day 15 - Monday, November 13, 2023

Transportation from Hotel to Airport. Arrival in USA

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*Itinerary subject to change.