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Greece

TRIP OF THE YEAR ! Cruise-Tour October 10-October 17, 2008   

ATHENS–EGYPT–ISRAEL–CYPRUS–TURKEY–SANTORINI–MYKONOS

Friday, 10 October- ATHENS & CRUISE

Morning arrival at the Athens international airport, where you will be met by your guide. Board the deluxe motor coach and head for the city, to enjoy a fascinating tour. Your sightseeing includes an overview of the modern part of town, blending in harmony with its glorious past.

Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Panathenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896). View the  Presidential Palace (ex Royal Palace), government buildings and elegant homes. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and see the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. Then onto visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Emperor Hadrian’s Arch and the crowning beauty and glory that were Athens- the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylae, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens. We also visit the Acropolis Museum.

Upon completion of this visit, drive to the nearby port-city of Piraeus, where you will meet with your on-cruise host and embark the ‘Blue Monarch’ which sails at 5 pm, for Port Said, Egypt.

Lunch upon embarkation and dinner served onboard.

Saturday, 11 October  AT SEA.   Free day for relaxing and experiencing life onboard.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served onboard.

Sunday, 12 October-  PORT SAID - CAIRO, EGYPT

7.00 am arrival at Port Said, entrance point to the famed Suez Canal, which leads into the Red Sea. Depart by deluxe motor coach towards Africa’s largest city- Cairo. Your first stop will be at Tahrir (Liberty) Square, the heart of down town Cairo. Visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint yourself with Egypt’s ancient history, spanning a period of over 50 centuries. The Museum is the repository of the world’s largest and richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities, amongst them the priceless collection of King Tutankhamen.

Enjoy a sumptuous international buffet lunch at a leading deluxe hotel near the Pyramids.

After lunch, drive to the Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza still stand. Visit the Pyramids and enjoy panoramic views from the Western Plateau, then continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx lies.  Visit a Papyrus Institute where the art of paper making from reeds, discovered by the Ancient Egyptians, will be demonstrated for you. You will also have time for souvenir shopping before you commence the return drive to Port Said.  Sailing at 9 pm for Israel.

Breakfast & Dinner served onboard; Lunch provided during the tour.

Monday, 13 October, Israel - Jerusalem and Betlehem.

7.00 am arrival at Ashdod, Israel, where you shall board your deluxe motor coach heading towards Jerusalem. On arrival we shall pass through the New City, dominated by the Knesset, Israel's Parliament building and the Monastery of the Cross, then proceed through the exclusive Rehavia, one of the oldest and most pleasant residential areas, to the Mount of Olives. It is at this spot where you will experience an unforgettable view of the old city. A quick glance at the area at the foot of the   mount, "Gethsemane",   (it is derived from the Hebrew word for oil press), which is of particular significance. It witnessed the Agony of Christ when he prayed there after learning of his betrayal. This is the site of the arrest of Christ and his prophecy of the Second Coming to the disciples Peter, James, John and Andrew. The Basilica of the Agony or the Church of all Nations commemorates these events. It contains a segment of the Garden of Gethsemane. Legend has it that the eight ancient olive trees found there are so old that they beheld Christ at prayer. The church of Mary's assumption with Virgin's Tomb is also to be found there. We shall then continue to the Old City for a tour on foot (approx. 1˝ to 2 hours), surrounded by a 12 m high and 4 km long wall, with 8 gates built in the 16th C. by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

We shall enter the city through the Jaffa Gate, from where we reach the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took to his crucifixion. The route has 14 marked stations and the last 4 are situated in the church of the Holy Sepulcher, a complex of various chapels built on the traditional site of the Crucifixion and Tomb of Jesus. It was there that Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene, who was the first to witness his resurrection. We continue to the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the location of King Solomon's Temple. There, on the site of the former Temple, the Dome of the Rock was built some time after the Moslem conquest of the Holy Land in the 7th C. Through the colorful  Arab  Bazaar,  out of the  Old City and drive to Kibbutz Ramat Rachel for Lunch., before proceeding to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the only original Byzantine church in Israel. It was built in 328 AD by the emperor Constantine and his mother St. Helene, over the very spot where the Messiah of the Christians was born. The basilica was destroyed two centuries later and rebuilt by Justinian. The church miraculously escaped destruction during the many upheavals that occurred within this area, which is presently administered by various orders: Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian. The Grotto of the Nativity is situated on the lower level of the church. Before our return to Ashdod, there will be some time for souvenir-shopping in Bethlehem.  Ship sails at 5 pm for Paphos, Cyprus.

Breakfast & Dinner served onboard; Lunch provided during the tour.

Tuesday, 14 October- PAPHOS, CYPRUS

7.00 am Arrival  at the lovely city of Paphos, visited by Apostle Paul during his first missionary journey. Some well planned Optional Tours, are at your disposal.

One tour  takes you to the capital city of Limassol, visiting the ancient city of Amathus,  and the Byzantine Castle of Limassol and the fort built by the Ottomans.

Another tour, to the Troodos Mountains offers a great experience in local heritage and nature.

Pass by the Platres summer resort, a stunningly beautiful location, then onto visit to the outstanding National Park, the 11tc Century St. Nikolaos Church, and a most enjoyable  walk and free time at the charming village of Kalopetira.

Ship sails at for 5 pm for Antalya, Turkey.  

 Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served onboard.

 

Wednesday, 15 October-ANTALYA, TURKEY

7.00 arrival at the port of Antalya, which was visited, along with nearby Perga, by Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey.

Optional tour to the ancient city of Perga- dating back to 1000 BC, to  see the Stadium, the Roman Gate, the Baths and the Agora.  Then onto the Aspendos, a major port in the Roman period with an extremely well preserved theatre and aqueduct.

1.00pm sailing, heading for the Island of Santorini.

 Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served onboard.

Thursday, 16 October- SANTORINI & MYKONOS

8.30 am – Arrival at Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands and considered by many to be the lost world of Atlantis.  The view is breathtaking. Admire the whitewashed village of Fira, the capital, with its narrow streets, open-air cafes and boutiques perched on the Caldera rim, just opposite to the ancient volcano.

An Optional Tour will take you on a scenic tour of this fascinating place, including the picturesque village of Oia.

Noontime sailing, heading for Mykonos.

5.00 pm – Arrival at the Aegean’s most cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. 

Here you will find a sophisticated lifestyle combined with the simple, yet charming life of this Cycladic island. 

No Organized Tour is necessary here. You may purchase an inexpensive shuttle bus ticket taking you to the edge of town, then stroll through the maze of narrow streets with tiny chapels, whitewashed houses, dozens of cafes, art galleries, quaint shops and upstat boutiques. 

11.00pm sail for Piraeus, Athens.

 Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served onboard.

Friday, 17 October- Piraeus / Departure

7:00 am arrival at the port of Piraeus. Disembarkation after breakfast, and transfer to the Athens International airport, in time for your group flight back home!

Or extend your trip by taking one of our tours in Greece!

 Optional post-cruise package in Athens, Delphi, Argolis, etc can be arranged.

About ship

 

Built in Sainte Nazaire, France, the Blue Monarch has the elegant lines of a classic cruise ship and can host up to 500 passengers. Her vast deck space (with 7 passenger decks) and two pools are a delight to sun seekers and ideal for strolls at sea.

With her yacht-like size and personal service provided by our crew, each cruise is a unique experience. The Blue Monarch becomes home within a few short days, and thanks to our intimate surrounds, fellow guests become fast friends on this matchless voyage.

Prior to her current cruising season, the Blue Monarch underwent major refurbishment and is the ideal vessel for your 7-day cruise. Her intimate size and highly trained staff make you feel at home in no time and with all the facilities you could want, there’s plenty of time for pampering.

The Blue Monarch is air-conditioned throughout, with 24-hour cabin service and there are 2 elevators onboard. The ship complies with all the requirements of the latest International Safety Standards and is equipped with the most modern navigation and telecommunication equipment.

It has 2 swimming pools, a large lounge, a dinning room, bars, a disco night club, a beauty parlour, a spa, a boutique, a photo shop, a hospital, a library, and a children's playroom.

All the meals onboard are included (excluding beverages) and there are many Greek and international gastronomic specialties. You can also inform us of any special requirements (vegetarian meals, etc)

By day visit some of the most historically and culturally rich ports or stay on board and relax by one of the two pools. By night enjoy the diversity of International cuisine, the fun of live entertainment with programs every night with professional singers, dancers and entertainers. There will also be a “Greek night” with fun-filled celebration of Greek culture, music food & the traditional Syrtaki dance or just enjoy some quiet relaxation.

 

 

 

BLUE MONARCH DECK PLAN

 

 

 

 

We have a group rate based on minimum 15 participants.

Prices ARE IN USD!

Category Price Per Person Twin Price Per Person Triple child 2-16 years old
D - superior inside $1990 $1890 $650
B - oceanview or A special oceanview * $2185 $2050 $645

                * Note: Category B and A accommodations are run of the house only and are booked and confirmed subject to availability at time of booking.

Rates Include:

  • Athens Tour-Transfer on October 10, pickup in Athens airport, touring and dropoff in Piraeus port

  • English speaking professional tour guide for the group

  • Entrance fees to the Acropolis and it's museum

  • Departure transfer from Piraeus to the Athens airport on October 17st

  • Taxes, charges for the land-related programs

  • Cruise aboard the "Blue Monarch" of Monarch Classic Cruises including accommodations, all meals and entertainment onboard

  • Full day of Cairo including lunch at selected restaurant

  • Full day of Jerusalem and Betlehem including lunch at selected restaurant

  • Cruise related port charges and fuel surcharges

  • Services of group English speaking escort during the cruise

  • Luggage handling in Athens airport and at Piraeus

Not Included:

  • Airfare

  • Any services not specified in the itinerary

  • Beverages during meals

  • Expenses and items of personal nature

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities to Guides, drivers and ship personnel

Please inquire of terms and conditions, vary per group and individuals.

Please note: price is based on min 15 participants. If the number of participants decreased, the price will be recalculated.

Inquire for more information and reservations

Travel agents welcome!

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