Ancient Civilizations by Sea Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey NEW!

Egypt Pyramids

Highlights

• Explore the holy sites of Jerusalem’s Old City and venture to the cliff-top fortress of Masada. • Experience the legendary Pyramids of Giza and see King Tutankhamun’s treasures before transiting the historic Suez Canal. • Set out on a culinary adventure in the charming villages of western Cyprus, sampling halloumi, loukoumades, and local wines. • Trace history at the Minoan Palace of

Knossos on Crete and the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus in Turkey.

Ancient Civilizations by Sea: Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey

Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

13 days from $9,440* / Apr. 2–14, 2024

Experience an astonishing sweep of history and culture on a voyage that spans the sacred sites of the Holy Land, the Pyramids of Giza, and the archaeological wonders of Turkey and Greece—with a stop in Cyprus to discover rich culinary traditions.

Itinerary

Days 1–3 — Aqaba, Jordan and Eilat, Israel/At Sea: Board the ship in Aqaba and sail to Eilat. Explore King Herod’s fortress at Masada and enjoy a float in the Dead Sea, or visit King Solomon’s copper mines and see Red Sea marine life at an underwater aquarium. Sail around the Sinai Peninsula, enjoying talks by your Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Days 4 & 5 —Giza, Egypt and the Suez Canal: Experience the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the three main pyramids and the fabled Sphinx, then gather for lunch at the historic Mena House. After a lecture by a renowned professor, examine King Tutankhamen’s treasures at the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Spend the next day transiting the Suez Canal, enjoying lectures and time at leisure on board. Day 6 — Jerusalem, Israel and The Holy Land: Journey to the holy city of Jerusalem, stopping on the Mount of Olives to take in views of the Old City. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, then delve into the Old City on a walking tour. Stroll the Via Dolorosa, visit the Armenian and Jewish Quarters, and gain insights into the sacred sites of three faiths. Days 7 & 8— Limassol and Paphos, Cyprus: Head to the wine-producing regions of western Cyprus to discover the island’s unique culinary traditions. In the village of Letymbou, learn to make halloumi cheese and traditional sourdough bread. Enjoy a tasting at a local winery before a typical meze lunch. Visit the World Heritage site of Paphos: venture into the Tombs of Kings; see the mosaics of the House of Dionysos; and discover the Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi. Explore the charming harbor of Paphos during free time. Day 9 — Rhodes, Greece: Encounter Rhodes’ many cultural treasures on a walking tour that includes the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. Or drive to Lindos to visit the Acropolis and the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia. Instead, take a cooking class at a popular restaurant. Day 10 — Kusadasi and Ephesus, Turkey: Dock at Kusadasi to visit incomparable Ephesus. Tour the Temple of Hadrian; the Library of Celsus; and the immense theater, still in use today. Stroll the Sacred Way, and learn about at the acclaimed Terrace Houses, where wealthy Ephesians once lived. Days 11–13 — Heraklion, Crete, Greece/At Sea/Valletta, Malta: Visit the Palace of Knossos and admire the frescoes and architectural flourishes of a oncegrand Minoan city. Next, visit Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum to see the renowned Minoan collection. After a relaxing day of sailing, disembark in Valletta. Add a three-night extension in Jordan or a one-night extension in Malta. *Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise include journalist Adam Tanner. Visit our website for the additional expert.