Amazement - A Journey Through the Millennia - Rome
(Civitavecchia), Italy - Nice, France
MS Europa Voyage 1327 - November 9-19, 2013
5% early booking
discount if booked before April 13, 2013!
Mighty volcanoes and great history accompany you through the Mediterranean
region – visit ancient Pompeii, go for a hike on Mount Vesuvius, marvel at Mount Etna as the
stage setting of an old Greek theatre. The impressive traces that were discovered in Libya tell
of the days of the Romans. In Tunisia, you will be fascinated by the heritage of the
Carthaginians – and the magic of a centuries-old medina in the alleys of which trading and
bartering are the order of the day. Enthralling historic sites.
Highlights of this cruise
- UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: ancient Pompeii*, the city of Valletta*, the
ruins of Leptis Magna*, Sabratha* and Cyrene*, the historic district of Ghadames* and the
medina of Tunis*
- Vesuvius and Etna – activity tours all around the volcanoes*
- Sicilian night on board
These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. Subject to changes.
Date |
Destination |
Sat,
09-Nov-2013 |
Civitavecchia (Rome)/Italy, embarkation on the
EUROPA
and departure at 20.00
hrs |
A magnificent prelude:
Experience the pre-cruise program* Rome – the Eternal City. |
Sun,
10-Nov-2013 |
Naples/Italy, 8.00 hrs – 17.00
hrs |
The lively port city
is your starting point for an excursion to one of the most fantastic examples
of an ancient Roman city – visit the excavations of ancient Pompeii*. A hike
along the crater rib of Mount Vesuvius* takes you all the way up to the peak of
the volcano, the slopes of which look like a lunar landscape made of lava.
Unforgettable panoramic views accompany you along the spectacularly beautiful
Amalfi Coast. |
Mon,
11-Nov-2013 |
Catania/Sicily/Italy, 9.00 hrs – 24.00
hrs |
Europe’s largest
active volcano destroyed parts of the bustling port city on several occasions
in the past. Today, its fertile slopes and solidified lava streams make up a
marvelous scenery during a landscape tour to Mount Etna* including a walk to
the Silvestri crater. An activity tour* takes you to the volcano by off-road
vehicle before you set out to explore the terrain on foot. You will also enjoy
a wonderful view of “Mongibello“ at the famous Greek-Roman theatre of Taormina*
which was already mentioned in Goethe’s “Italian Journey“. |
Tue,
12-Nov-2013 |
Valletta/Malta, 7.00 hrs – 17.00
hrs |
A masterful legacy of
the Knights of St. John, Valletta proudly towers on Malta’s coast. The knights
of the order had previously opted for the silent city of Mdina* as their place
of residence, and the San Anton Gardens are the heritage of a grand master of
the order, too. One of the largest domes in the world adorns the cathedral of
Mosta* – one of the island’s gems that also awaits you on the panoramic trip*.
Breathtaking views of Malta and Gozo will be revealed to you during a
sightseeing flight by water plane*. |
Wed,
13-Nov-2013 |
Tripolis/Libya, 7.00 hrs – 21.00
hrs |
Today, you will embark
on an exciting journey to ancient Tripolitania. The UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage Site Leptis Magna* experienced its time of prosperity under Emperor
Septimius Severus, to whom the triumphal arch and the imposing Severan Forum
were dedicated. The ruins of the thermal baths which are among the largest on
African soil are attributed to Emperor Hadrian. Ancient Sabratha* is another
legacy of mankind. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it will thrill you with
the well-preserved ruins dating back to Roman times such as the theatre and the
ancient temples. A desert ambiance reminiscent of 1,001 Nights awaits you in
the oasis town Ghadames*. The home of the Berbers lies on the periphery of the
Sahara and marks the point where five caravan routes joined up in the past.
Nowadays, the largely uninhabited historic district fascinates visitors with
its houses made of mud and the labyrinth-like covered
alleyways. |
Thu,
14-Nov-2013 |
Relaxation at sea |
Fri,
15-Nov-2013 |
Bengasi/Libya, 7.00 hrs – 19.00
hrs |
From the Libyan port
city, your journey takes you to ancient Cyrene*. Here, sights such as the
Temple of Apollo and that of Zeus, the agora and the house of Jason Magnus are
reminiscent of the era of the ancient Greeks. The ruins of Ptolemais* are only
partially excavated so far. The Greeks and the Romans left behind a legacy of
which the “Villa of Columns“ remains an impressive example to the present day –
despite the destruction caused by earthquakes and by the tribe known as the
Vandals. |
Sat,
16-Nov-2013 |
Relaxation at sea |
Sun,
17-Nov-2013 |
La Goulette (Tunis)/Tunisia, 7.00 hrs – 19.00
hrs |
The enchanting medina
of Tunis* with its numerous souks has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage Site. As we explore the historic district, however, you will also be
fascinated by the Bardo Museum featuring an extensive collection of Greek and
Roman mosaics. The formerly Punic Carthage*, once the most significant city in
the Mediterranean, is famous throughout the world. The remnants of the
impressive amphitheatre, the thermal baths of Emperor Antoninus Pius and the
Punic ports provide insights into bygone days. Picturesque little white and
blue houses make up the artists’ village Sidi Bou Saïd*, where you will be
served a typical peppermint tea in a villa. |
Mon,
18-Nov-2013 |
Relaxation at sea |
Tue,
19-Nov-2013 |
Nice/France, arrival 7.00 hrs.
Disembarkation. |
|