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Combine your passion for ancient history and culture with a relaxing sea voyage to Egypt, Greece, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey. You'll encounter timeless wonders, sophisticated seaside ports and the diversity of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Welcome to a land of myths and legends, gods and goddesses, philosophers and politicians. Athens is your springboard to an exciting cruise adventure to three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia. In anticipation of your epic journey, spend the day exploring the sights on your own before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director on an unforgettable experience.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Marriott
Day 2
Discover Ancient Athens
Step back in time, joining a Local Specialist today for a journey into antiquity. You'll Dive Into Culture on a guided sightseeing tour of the Acropolis that will reveal the wonders of ancient Athens. View bygone treasures such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis and Agora which remain as a testament to Greece's great past. You'll have an opportunity to admire the march of the curiously clad Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later, you'll board your cruise ship for your journey across the Mediterranean.
Sail on the calm waters of the Aegean past the Greek Isles towards the North African coastline. Settle into your comfortable accommodation, stroll along the ship's expansive promenade or sit back in one of the elegant bars and lounges and watch the world float by. You'll have a full day at sea to recover from all of yesterday's sightseeing in Athens.
As the sun rises we arrive in Port Said, your gateway to Egypt's astounding pyramids and the modern capital of Cairo. Dive Into Culture on a guided excursion to the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Admire the magnificent man-made feat which saw the pyramid built in just 20 years and learn about the secrets that lie beneath its dusty limestone exterior. We exchange the desert landscape for the cacophony of Cairo where you'll see some of the city's most famous historic monuments such as the Cairo Citadel, Cairo Tower and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, before rejoining your cruise in Port Said.
Sailing east, we arrive in Ashdod, the gateway to Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Embark on an Optional Experience to Israel's most famous religious sights and cultural highlights, from trendy Tel Aviv to the ancient port city of Jaffa. Explore the holy landmarks in Jerusalem, including Temple Mountain, the Wailing Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and visit the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem. Rejoin your cruise this evening bound for Cyprus.
The sophisticated seaside port of Limassol emerges on the horizon this morning. You'll have an afternoon to explore the medieval Old Town or stroll along the seafront promenade and cobbled streets to the old fishing harbour. Consider a visit to the Prokymea Sculpture Park to admire the works of Cypriot, Greek and international artists, or sit back at one of the seaside cafés and savour a Cypriot coffee before boarding your ship for its onward journey north.
We arrive on the scenic shores of Rhodes, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece with its beautiful beaches and centuries-old history. You'll have free time to relax or choose an Optional Experience exploration of the ancient Lindos Acropolis and Citadel of the Knights perched high above the coast and the quiet village of Lindos below. Or join a walking tour through the medieval heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes. Rejoin your cruise in time for dinner.
We arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Join an included excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Stroll alongside the marble colonnades to Hadrian's Temple and the Great Theatre, carved into the side of Mt. Pion. Later consider spending some time exploring the Turkish seaside setting with a stroll along its seafront promenade, before returning to your ship this evening for dinner.
We return to the Greek capital this morning and are transferred to our hotel, after which we'll have a full day at leisure to explore on our own or simply relax. Stroll through the Plaka, spend your time watching people go by on their day-to-day activities in Syntagma Square or go in search of the city's tastiest souvlaki washed down with the local raki. This evening, why not join your fellow travel companions for a rousing celebration to toast to your three-continents journey?
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Marriott
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Farewell Athens
Our cruise adventure at its end, we bid new friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Gain insights into the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' as you embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the Acropolis, view the Parthenon and watch the curiously clad Evzone guards. (Day 2) At the Great Pyramid of Giza you'll learn about this feat of engineering and man-made wonder of the ancient world, and the history of the Egyptian dynasty that built it. (Day 4)
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Athens with a Local Specialist
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Visit the Acropolis in Athens, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus
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View the Parthenon, Hadrian's Arch and the 1896 Olympic Stadium in Athens
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Hand-picked Trip Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
3 Continents Cruise Premium Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
7th Trafalgar trip - everything went smoothly except the flight to Frankfort was 1 hour late and we missed the flight to Athens. Then on the return flight, we almost missed the connection in Frankfort again. We were told that because Frankfort is such a busy airport, extra time is needed for connecting flights. Mia was terrific!
Two nights spent at the Divani Acropolis hotel which was very pleasant and well situated to the main sights. Hotel was changed at the last minutes without notification which was a problem as we has booked pre and post accommodation. Majority of the tour was on board the Celestyal Crystal - cabins rather small but functional. Not your modern cruise liner, however, the smaller number of passengers (1150) was most welcome. Staff excellent on board.
The tour was a fantastic way to get a taste of so many different places in just one trip. Not recommended for those who want to really see everything in all the locations. This is more a sampler allowing you to discover new places & perhaps visit in depth later. Unlike coach tours, this cruise takes you to 5 different countries on a floating hotel - there's no packing & unpacking each day & checking into a new hotel. Each night you come back to your same room & enjoy the meals & drinks on board the ship.
The tour director, Mia, was outstanding. She was organised, helpful, friendly, always on hand & ready to assist in any way. I'd also like to commend Moraig who not only welcomed us to Athens, but took the time to email us before arrival to provide tips & suggestions for things to do before the tour started.
Celestyal Cruise Ship: Operating this itinerary will be Celestyal Experience or other ship from Celestyal Fleet.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip.
Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions on the Aegean Sea, ferry schedules, religious holidays or unforeseen circumstances.
Festive Meals: The 17 December departure will celebrate Christmas in Athens, the 24 December departure will celebrate Christmas and toast New Year's Eve on the cruise. A festive meal is included on these departures.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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