Ocean Cruises: Spring in the Holy Land Tour & Cruise 612(JD) Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus 28 Mar-13 Apr 2024, 17 days Fares from �4220 Cruise 612 Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus 30 Mar-13 Apr 2024, 15 days Fares from �3725	Fares Cabin Grade: Price per adult (�):   612JD 612 Owner's Suite 7845 7350 Suite 7450 6955 Deluxe 6470 5975 Superior 5885 5390 Standard two bed: twin occupancy A Deck outside 5395 4900 A Deck outside aft 5200 4705 B Deck outside 5000 4505 B Deck outside aft 4710 4215 A Deck inside 4315 3820 B Deck inside 4220 3725 Standard two bed: single occupancy A Deck outside 7410 6860 A Deck outside aft 7137 6587 B Deck outside 6857 6307 B Deck outside aft 6451 5901 A Deck inside 5516 4966 B Deck inside 5393 4843 Minerva deck plans for location of cabins SPEAKER'S CORNER: Oliver Miles CMG Entered the Diplomatic Services in 1969 and in the Arab World has worked in Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and UAE. He was the last serving Ambassador to Libya in 1984. International diplomacy and politics are his speciality. Delia Pemberton Currently working as a Special Assistant in the Education Service of the British Museum, author of "Traveller's Architectural Guide: Ancient Egypt" and NADFAS lecturer, she will talk about ancient Egyptian art and architecture. Canon Robin Protheroe CMG One-time Director of Education for the Diocese of Bristol and senior lecturer in Religions studies, he will introduce the rich variety of cultures and beliefs which will be encountered on this cruise, and comment on some current issues facing the countries of the region. Richard Wallace Head of the University of Keele's Classics department and National Treasurer of the Classical Association of England and Wales. His talks will range from Egypt under the Greeks and Romans to crusader influences in Palestine.
Spectacular Petra, a desert safari and the Valley of the Kings are early highlights on this fascinating springtime cruise. In Egypt see the pyramids and Alexandria before you reach the Holy Land to explore Jerusalem and sail across the beautiful Sea of Galilee.
612(JD) Tour & Cruise Pre-Cruise Tour Jordan Thu 28 Mar    London - Amman 'Tour & Cruise' passengers fly from London to Amman and transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel. Fri 29 Mar    Amman - Jerash Enjoy city sightseeing of historical Amman before travelling north to visit Jerash, one of the richest and most luxurious of Roman provincial cities, which remains remarkably well-preserved. Sat 30 Mar    Amman - Aqaba Visit Madaba, famous for its 6th century mosaic map of Palestine. Continue to Mount Nebo to view the memorial to Moses and the impressive Crusader Castle at Kerak before joining Minerva in Aqaba.   612 Cruise Itinerary Sat 30 Mar    London - Aqaba 'Cruise Only' passengers fly from London to Aqaba to join Minerva. Sun 31 Mar-Mon 1 Apr    Aqaba (for Petra and Wadi Rum) Drive to the 'rose-red' city of Petra for one of the grandest, most awe-inspiring sights in the world. Tucked behind a twisting wadi, the remains of this remarkable city cover over two miles. You can also explore the stunning lunar landscape of Wadi Rum or join our supplementary full-day tour to the Dead Sea. Spend two days exploring Petra on oursupplementary overnight excursion. Tue 2 Apr    At Sea - Sharm el Sheik Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, spending time to settle into your new surroundings. You arrive at Sharm el Sheik early evening. Wed 3 Apr    Sharm el Sheik Your desert safari takes us inland across the wild Sinai landscape to discover this region's unique environment. Alternatively, swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea. You may prefer to take our supplementary full-day excursion to St Catherine's Monastery. Thu 4 Apr    Safaga (for Luxor) Our full-day excursion travels to Luxor on the banks of the River Nile. Explore the Valley of the Kings, the site of Howard Carter's most famous discovery, and the Temple of Karnak with its magnificent peristyle hall. If you wish, you can remain on the coast and relax at one of the nearby beaches. Fri 5 Apr    At Sea - Suez (Port Tewfig) During our day at sea you can browse in the well-stocked Library, sip cocktails on deck or try out the gymnasium. Minerva anchors at the southern tip of the Suez Canal overnight. Sat 6 Apr    Suez Canal - Port Said Minerva commences her transit of the Suez Canal this morning. There will be informative deck talks explaining the development and importance of this strategic stretch of water. Sun 7 Apr    Port Said (for Cairo) Enjoy a full-day excursion to Cairo, the bustling modern-day capital of Egypt. You can visit Cairo's greatest treasures including the Pyramids, the Sphinx at Giza and the National Museum, housing the finds of Tutankhamun's tomb. Alternatively, discover Islamic and Coptic Cairo. We will also be offering a supplementary 2-day excursion to Cairo, rejoining Minerva in Alexandria. We will see Memphis, Sakkara and old Christian Coptic Cairo as well as the famous sights of Giza. Mon 8 Apr    Alexandria A relaxing morning at sea before arriving in Alexandria, the sprawling city of Alexander the Great. Our scenic drive takes in Fort Qait Bay and the site of Pharos� lighthouse before visiting the Graeco-Roman Museum. Or explore the site of El Alamein, to see the Allied War Cemetery. Tue 9 Apr    At Sea - Ashdod As you sail across the Eastern Mediterranean, lose yourself in a good book, basking in the warmth of the sun. Arrive in Ashdod early evening. Wed 10 Apr    Ashdod (for Jerusalem) Your full-day excursion travels to the Holy City of Jerusalem, venerated by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. You can see the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and retrace Christ's footsteps through the Via Dolorosa. There is also a 2-day supplementary excursion travelling to Jerusalem and the fortress citadel of Masada. Thu 11 Apr    Haifa (for Galilee or Acre and Caesarea) From Haifa, travel to the beautiful Galilee region and cross by boat to Tiberias where Christ commenced his ministry. You may prefer to explore Acre in the morning and Caesarea, the former capital of Roman Judea, in the afternoon. Fri 12 Apr    At Sea - Larnaca Listen to our Guest Speakers' sum up shared experiences as you sail towards Cyprus. Take advantage of our early evening arrival in Larnaca to dine ashore. Sat 13 Apr    Larnaca - London Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London.

In the event of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advising against our proposed call to Israel, an alternative itinerary including Syria and Lebanon will be implemented. Swan Hellenic will advise passengers of any such itinerary change as soon as reasonably possible.