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MS Europa Departures by Date
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MS Europa Departures
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Antiquity - A Journey through 4,000 years of History
- Valletta-Dubai
MS Europa - October 21 - November 7, 2012
Precious treasures of time protrude from the
vast expanses of Western Asia, marking old caravan tracks and today's heritage of humanity. The
legendary rock-carved city of Petra, for instance, is one of the "New Wonders of the World".
The Great Sphinx, on the other hand, keeps watch over the last of the ancient masterpieces. On
Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine's Monastery tells of Moses and of several millenia of biblical
history, and in Lebanon, you will be impressed by the ruins of Baalbek and Byblos. Riveting
history.
Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: the temples of
Baalbek*,
Byblos*, Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza*, the rock-carved city of
Petra* and Saint Catherine's Monastery*
• The Minoan palace of Knossos* on Crete
• Sand sculptures and mosaics - workshop on board
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
Subject to changes.
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| Date |
Destination |
| 21-Oct-12 |
Embarkation on the EUROPA in Valletta, Malta. Depart
at 18.00 hrs |
| 22-Oct-12 |
Relaxation at sea |
| 23-Oct-12 |
Agios Nikolaos, 8.00 - 18.00 hrs |
| 24-Oct-12 |
Relaxation at sea |
| 25-Oct-12 |
Beirut, arrival 6.00 hrs |
| 26-Oct-12 |
Beirut, departure 2.00 hrs. Port Said, arrival 21.00
hrs |
| 27-Oct-12 |
Port Said, departure 6.00 hrs. Daytime passage through the Suez Canal,
approx. 7.00 - 23.00 hrs |
| 28-Oct-12 |
Hurghada, 12.00 - 21.00 hrs |
| 29-Oct-12 |
Aqaba, 8.00 - 20.00 hrs |
| 30-Oct-12 |
Sharm el Sheikh, 6.00 - 18.00 hrs |
| 31 Oct - 03 Nov-12 |
Relaxation at sea |
| 4-Nov-12 |
Salalah, 10.00 - 18.00 hrs |
| 05 Nov - 06 Nov-12 |
Relaxation at sea |
| 7-Nov-12 |
Dubai/United Arab Emirates, arrival 3.00 hrs.
Disembarkation |
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Valletta/Malta
Begin your voyage on the trails of the Order of St. John -
experience the pre-cruise programme* Malta and Gozo.
Agios Nikolaos/Crete/Greece
The promenade of the port town extends along the
shore of the Gulf of Mirabello. Have a Greek coffee here or embark on a journey to the roots of
European culture - the excavation site of Knossos* is the unique legacy of the Minoans. The
palace with its 1,300 rooms was only discovered at the beginning of the 20th century - with
colourful frescoes and impressive reconstructions, it bears witness to a peaceful advanced
civilisation. On a hike from the small mountain village of Kroustas to Madrati*, you will be
captivated by magnificent views across the sea and the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.
Beirut/Lebanon
The "Paris of the East" is restored to its former glory. Through
the Bekaa Valley, you will travel to one of the mightiest temple complexes in Western Asia - visit
the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Baalbek*. With its temple ruins, the Roman theatre
and the crusader castle dating back to the 12th century, Byblos* has likewise been declared
a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Port Said/Egypt
Late in the evening, the EUROPA reaches the northern entrance
to the Suez Canal. The following day, you have the opportunity to experience the passage from
the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea or let the pharaohs entice you to the multi-million
metropolis Cairo*. There, the Pyramids of Giza tower in the desert sand, and with them the
Great Sphinx - half human, half lion. At the city's renowned Archaeological Museum, you will see
treasures such as the golden artifacts found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Hurghada/Egypt
Sunbathing, bathing, swimming, snorkelling - the popular
holiday resort on the coast of the Red Sea leaves hardly any wishes unfulfilled when it comes
to having a relaxed time. In the hinterland lies the desert*, which you will explore on an
adventurous tour across the dunes and through dried-up riverbeds. En route, a visit to a
Bedouin village grants interesting insights into the day-to-day life of the locals.
Aqaba/Jordan
It is an overwhelming sight that is revealed to you behind a
narrow ravine - the treasury of the Nabatean rock-carved city of Petra* was hewn straight
from the red sandstone more than 2,000 years ago. For centuries, the location with its impressive
facades was believed to be a legend - until a Swiss adventurer rediscovered it in 1812. Today,
Petra is one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" and one of the most significant
sightseeing attractions of the Far East. The Wadi Rum*, in which T. E. Lawrence once fought
together with the Bedouins, is a genuine natural beauty. The distinctive granite and sandstone
formations also include the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom", which are reminiscent of the British agent
and his book.
Sharm el Sheikh/Egypt
From the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, you will be
heading up to Saint Catherine's Monastery* at the foot of Mount Sinai. The site where the Burning
Bush is said to have once been located accommodates the oldest Christian monastery, which is
home to a valuable collection of ancient icons and manuscripts. A jeep tour takes you to
fascinating Coloured Canyon*, a picturesque creation of nature.
Salalah/Oman
In the land of frankincense, palm trees fringe the coastline, and
on an exciting jeep tour*, Salalah presents its magnificent hinterland. The latter is also
home to Ubar, the myth-enshrouded "Atlantis of the desert". Through barren sand landscapes, we
continue our journey to Sumhurram*. Here, above the bay of Khor Rori, the excavations of an
ancient frankincense port are taking place. Historico-cultural artifacts adorn the collection
in the little fort of Taqah*.
Dubai/United Arab Emirates
In the desert metropolis, exciting days between
Occident and Orient come to an end. Unless, of course, you join our post-cruise programme*
and simply relax beside your private pool at the Al Maha Desert Resort.
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here
are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
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5% early booking discount if booked before March 25, 2012!
²
¹ You pay only the guaranteed price for double occupancy shown here. Accommodation will be
provided in a suite of Category 1 to 7, subject to availability. If you book a combination of
several cruises in a guarantee suite we cannot promise that you will be allocated the same
suite throughout your whole stay. You will receive your exact suite number on board at the
beginning of the cruise (limited allotment).
² If you book your cruise 210 days (approx. 7 months) or earlier prior to departure, you will
receive an early booking discount of 5% on the cruise-only price (catalogue price minus
surcharge for travel arrangements to cruise departure point and from cruise arrival point).
³ US Dollar rates as of Dec. 20, 2011. Fares are based on the
current Euro to Dollar exchange rate and are subject to
change.
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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