ANCIENT MYSTERIES

Departures

Join us as we venture through the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Seas, visiting lands that have truly affected the way that we think and live; lands that have produced Gods and legends on which we base many of today’s Christian beliefs. From historic Athens we shall sail to exciting ports of history on one of the finest ships in the world - the ms Prinsendam. Visit
mysterious ports in Egypt , Israel and Turkey and discover a taste of Albania, plus the beautiful city of Dubrovnik on the Croatian coast. What could be better than enjoying this incredible itinerary onboard the elegant ms Prinsendam!

Read on but don’t delay. We have limited space on this cruise and our allotment is sure to fill quickly.

Itinerary

October 3, Saturday: Depart CANADA
Members from across Canada gather for the overnight flights to Athens, Greece.

October 4, Sunday: ATHENS, Greece
Arriving in Athens, we are met and transfer directly to the ms Prinsendam, our home for the next 14 nights. We will settle in to our cabins and enjoy a lovely first evening onboard.
Sail 6:00pm
[D]

October 5, Monday: AT SEA
Enjoy a completely free day to relax, explore the luxurious ms Prinsendam, meet new friends and take in some of the activities onboard.
[BLD]

October 6, Tuesday: ALEXANDRIA (Cairo), Egypt
Discover a few of the mysteries of Egypt! Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria offers museums filled with mummies, as well as access to the Pyramids and Sphinx.
Arrive 6:00am / Sail 9:00pm
[BLD]

October 7, Wednesday: PORT SAID, Egypt
Port Said marks the northern entrance to the Suez Canal and offers an interesting National Museum for students of ancient Egypt. Enjoy an optional tour or take a stroll along a quiet beach.
Arrive11:00am / Sail 6:00pm
[BLD]

October 8, Thursday: ASHDOD (Jerusalem), Israel
The largest port in Israel, Ashdod is a gateway to Jerusalem, the 5,000-year-old walled city that is considered sacred to more than a third of the people on Earth. Numerous sites exist nearby, including the Jewish sacred Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, said to be the site of Calvary and to contain a piece of the true cross.
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 11:00pm
[BLD]

October 9, Friday: HAIFA (Tel Aviv), Israel
From this port on the slopes of Mt. Carmel travel to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus, and visit the land of miracles - Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beatitudes and Tabgha.
Arrive 7:00am / Sail 11:00pm
[BLD]

October 10, Saturday: AT SEA
Today is an opportunity to enjoy some of the amenities that our beautiful ship has to offer. Relax with a good book, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, enjoy a movie or enjoy some of the wonderful entertainment on board.
[BLD]

October 11, Sunday: ANTALYA, Turkey
From the fluted minarets to the graceful arches of Hadrian's Gate, the Roman-Ottoman past is tangible everywhere here and in the towns nearby.
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 6:00pm
[BLD]

October 12, Monday: RHODES, Greece
In Old Town visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, paved with superb mosaics. Walk the Street of the Knights or enjoy a tour to Lindos for magnificent views from its Acropolis.
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 6:00pm
[BLD]

October 13, Tuesday: KUSADASI, Turkey
Ephesus, another wonderfully preserved city of the ancient world is located a short drive from Kusadasi. Walk down marble streets past magnificent ruins gleaming white in the Hellenic sun and see where St Paul preached.
[BLD]

October 14, Wednesday: AT SEA
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea; perhaps take in a movie or try your luck in the casino. Breathe in the wonderful sea air or be pampered at the spa.
[BLD]

October 15, Thursday: SARANDE, Albania
This southernmost gateway to Albania nestles against the Ionian Sea and is often said to lie along the "Albanian Riviera”. Inside the walls of this once-ancient city lie the remains of dwellings, water cisterns and an early Christian Basilica of the 5th and 6th century, containing a stunningly preserved floor mosaic. Nearby, are the impressive ruins of Butrint, the largest archeological site from the Roman era in Albania. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 6:00pm
[BLD]

October 16, Friday: DUBROVNIK, Croatia
Magnificent medieval walls protect this World Heritage Site and former naval city-state. Inside are a beautiful 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the Sponza Palace and graceful stone palazzi. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

October 17, Saturday : AT SEA
A full day at sea as we sail around the southern coast of Italy, through the Strait of Messina to our final destination, Rome.
[BLD]

October 18, Sunday: ROME / HOME
Our voyage draws to a close as we disembark and transfer to the airport for our flights to Canada.
Disembark 7:00am
[B]

Above prices are per person based on sharing the cabin category chosen and include all the applicable Inclusive Features. Prices are cruise only based on joining / leaving at the pier. See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available.

Many cabins can accommodate 3 or 4 people. Inside cabins have twin beds. In outside cabins, bedding can be configured as twin beds or one large bed. Inside cabins feature bathrooms with shower. Outside cabins have a bathtub or shower combination. (See deck plan for cabin locations). Single passengers can book to “GTE - guarantee share” accommodations in category "E" (outside) at rates indicated or pay a special single supplement rate - please call for rates.
An escort will accompany this departure with a minimum of 20 passengers travelling.

AIR ONLY (CDN$/person)

Air add-ons from other cities are available on request.

Airfares include the current cost for flights, all related taxes and fees, insurance coverage, airport transfers on arrival & departure, airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value. **Members joining from these cities may receive an overnight hotel stay en route to the ship in lieu of home city transfers. Airfares are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time you confirm your cruise reservation.

CT RATING ONE: This cruise is suitable for all passengers who meet the basic criteria for group travel.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the optional tours that will be offered in each port. Excursions will be available for purchase online or after embarkation and details will be sent to you as soon as they are available.

Your cruise cost and deposit includes comprehensive insurance coverage of $225 per person, for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to July 3, 2009 will be subject to an Administration fee of $50pp. This fee will not be covered by insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment is due July 17, 2009.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $1000 per person to Craig Travel's office.