Shore excursions in Egypt, Israel & Cyprus during the cruises of Mediterranean Classic Cruises

Egypt:	Israel:	Cyprus:
Port Said	Ashdod	Limassol

The Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum (PSD – 01)

Approx. duration: 11hrs including lunch - minimum 20 participants

Cairo Depart from Port Said in luxury a/c motor coaches en route to Africa’s largest city, the teeming metropolis of 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 at a leading 5* 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. The Sphinx 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.
REMARKS:
• This tour is suitable for elderly and assisted, physically challenged persons. Unassisted persons with walking difficulties will be inconvenienced only in the museum, but they can set their own pace within the time allocated for visiting the museum. Less taxing for them at the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended. Although there’s an elevator in the museum at times is not in operation but employees carry wheelchairs upstairs. • With the exception of the hall housing the Royal Mummies and the treasures of Tutankhamen, the Museum is not air conditioned. Natural ventilation produces cooling breezes. Visitors go through 2 security check points before they enter the Museum. • No cameras or videos allowed in the museum.

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

The Pyramids and the River Nile in Style (PSD – 02)

Approx. duration: 11hrs including lunch

Nile cruise The journey to Africa’s largest city lasts approximately 3hours, a drive through reclaimed, cultivated desert, and modern industrial towns. Arriving in Cairo, Africa’s largest city, your first stop will be the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Admire the exquisite interiors of the Mosque and view the fascinating skyline of Old Cairo from the top of the hill.
At the banks of the River Nile downtown, a luxurious cruise boat awaits to sail you on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch in cool interiors as you glide past Cairo’s waterfront landmarks. A folkloric presentation and belly dancing will be performed during lunch.
Continue to the Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza are found. A panoramic view of the three Pyramids from the Western Plateau affords great opportunities for photographs, before your coach parks near the Pyramid of Chephren where time will be allocated to explore the site on your own. Drive down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx. It is watching the passage of time and men in eons of silence its expression an enigma yet to be unraveled.
REMARKS:
• Suitable for elderly and assisted, physically challenged persons. • Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque and shoes must be removed. We supply each person with a plastic bag to store and carry their shoes.A flight of 30 stone stairs lead to the entrance grounds of the mosque at the citadel. No cameras or video fees at the Citadel. No Professional video allowed. • There are 15 marble stairs to reach the pier at Nile Crystal for the lunch cruise.

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

Ports of call in Greece & Turkey

Egypt:	Israel:	Cyprus:
Port Said	Ashdod	Limassol

Jerusalem & Bethlehem (JER – 01)

Approx. duration: 9,5-10 hrs including lunch

Jerusalem, Wailing Wall From Ashdod, which is the most important Mediterranean port of Israel after Haifa, we shall drive through the Judean Mountains to Jerusalem (60 km), one of the oldest towns In the world which has been inhabited without Interruption.
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 i s 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. 1½ 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 Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity 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 to meet the ship, passengers will have some time for souvenir-shopping in Bethlehem.
Subject to circumstances, this tour may be operated in reverse order. It will also be required to change buses in order to enter to Bethlehem but this is done in a back-to-back procedure.
For the visit of the churches discreet clothing is required.
REMARKS:
• Passengers are advised to bring a bottle of water with them - wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat with them as there is considerable walking during this tour. • As there will be entry to holy shrines appropriate dress is required.

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

The Glory of Jerusalem (JER – 02)

Approx. duration: 9hrs including lunch - minimum 20 participants

Depart Ashdod and enjoy the scenic ride eastward, ascending the Judean Hills, along the ancient route to Jerusalem. The capital of Israel, Jerusalem, is famous for its timeless beauty and was once considered the centre of the world.
Enter the city through the Old City walls, built in 1535 by Sultan Suleiman, the Magnificent. View the Valley of Kidron and the City of David before entering the Old City at Dung Gate. See the Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world as it is believed to be the spot closest to where the Ark of the Covenant once stood. Next visit the Temple Mount, Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. View Al-Kas, the place of ablution, the Sabil that was built in 1320 by Mamluk Amir Tankiz al Nasiri, and is still used today.
Continue towards the Christian Quarter and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, perched on the hill known as Golgotha. Walk along the colorful bazaars towards the Jewish Quarter. Visit the Cardo, Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare during Roman and Byzantine times. You will exit the Old City at Zion Gate.
Enjoy lunch before continuing on, and have your camera ready. At the Mount of Olives capture the breathtaking views of the walled Old City. Near the bottom of the Mount visit the Church of All Nations, in the beautiful Garden at Gethsemane.
On your way back to the vessel, you will pass the National landmarks of Hebrew University, Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book, the Knesset and the State Supreme High Court.
REMARKS:
• Walk: STRENUOUS – The Old City walking tour lasts for approx. 2 hours, with moderate walk on cobblestone. Descending to the Western Wall is by steps. Entrance fees for visiting sites are included.
• Dress Code: As we will be visiting religious sites, please dress respectfully. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Shoulders and knees must be covered! Head cover for protection from the sun and comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Meal: Buffet lunch is included. 1 litre of bottled water per person is available on the bus, complimentary

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

Ports of call in Greece & Turkey

Egypt:	Israel:	Cyprus:
Port Said	Ashdod	Limassol

Cyprus, between East & West (LIM – 01)

Approx. duration: 7hrs - minimum 30 participants

The port of Paphos This tour will take you to the beautiful city of Paphos which is the ancient capital of Cyprus, and a favourite destination for those seeking a cultural break set against the stunning backdrop of the Troodos Mountains. Among the most ancient and beautiful towns in Cyprus, Paphos was in Hellenistic and Roman times the island's capital. So rich is it in ancient architectural and archaeological treasures, dating back thousands of years, that UNESCO has added virtually the entire town to its list of World Cultural Heritage sites. Also, legend has it that, the goddess Aphrodite was born here. Along this way, we will drive through the lemon, orange and grapefruit groves of Fasouri Plantations - a lush, tropical countryside.
Then, we will be in the footsteps of the Crusaders as we pass the Kolossi Castle (15th century A.D). This medieval castle was built in the late 13th century and subsequently rebuilt after a number of attacks in the middle of the 15th century. Within its walls are the ruins of an ancient sugar factory. Our first stop will be at the ancient city of Kourion, the introduction point of the Greek Culture in Cyprus. This extraordinary, ancient city-kingdom dates back to the 12th century BC and is an important archaeological site. You will be confronted with an impressive Roman amphitheatre which has been fully restored and is now used for concerts and theatrical events. Don't miss the stadium, the beautiful mosaics, and the maze of old baths, chambers and villas.
The views from the theatre are magnificent and extend across the Akrotiri Peninsula. We continue with a short coffee break to meet Aphrodite. We will see Aphrodite’s Rock, the Birth Place of the Love and Beauty Goddess. You will then continue to the famous and stunning mosaics depicting Greek mythology – the Pahos Mosaics. Originally laid as floors for the Roman nobility (3rd – 5th century AD) and dedicated to Dionysus, Aion, Theseus and Orpheus, the mosaics remained hidden until 1962; since then almost 1000 square feet have been unearthed and restored.
This is a true World Heritage Site. Lunch is served at Paphos. Our final visit will be at the Hellenistic cemetery of monumental Tombs of the Kings, dating back to the 4th century BC, the Egyptian introduction point.
REMARKS:
• Entrance fees to Kolossi Castle, Kourion, Pafos Mosaics, Tombs of the Kings, lunch and 1 litre of bottled water per person are included in the price.

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

Limassol, a Cosmopolitan City (LIM – 02)

Approx. duration: 4hrs - minimum 30 participants

The ancient theatre in Curium / Kourion Drive along the east end of Limassol towards a cradle of mythology and archaeology. Your first stop and visit is at the Ancient City Kingdom of Amathus. This ancient royal city was built on a coastal cliff with a magnificent view of the azure seas.
The remains of the city date from the Roman and Christian periods. The pre-history of Amathus mixes myth and archaeology, tracing human activity from 1100 BC. It is also believed that here, a temple was built in honour of Aphrodite and Adonis, who named the city after his mother - Amathous.
Your next stop is at the medieval Castle of Limassol which was built by the Byzantines in 1000 A.D. In its chapel Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria of Navarre when she accompanied him on his 3rd Crusade. The museum houses a variety of antiquities dating from 400 to 1870 A.D.
Following the complete conquest of the island in 1576 by the Ottomans, the ruins of the old castle or parts of it were incorporated into the new fort built by the Ottomans in 1590. A 2-metre thick wall and the specially tailored ground floor cells used as a prison until 1950 have proved to be two particularly important features.
Before returning to the vessel, you will have approx. 90 minutes leisure time to browse in the local shops.
REMARKS:
• Entrance fees to the Ancient City of Amathus and Medieval Castle of Limassol are included in the price • 0.5 litre of bottled water per person is included in the price.

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

Troodos Mountains (LIM – 03)

Approx. duration: 7hrs - minimum 30 participants

The statueof the Aphrodite of Soli at the archaeological museum of Nicosia This tour provides you with an unforgettable nature and heritage experience. On the way to the mountains, you will pass by Platres Summer resort. This is a stunningly beautiful location due to the mountain valley views that stretch out towards the coast. The altitude makes the temperature slightly cooler than you'd find elsewhere on Cyprus.
Our first stop will be at The Troodos Interpretation Centre. You will visit this site and have a short coffee break. Here you can learn about the Troodos National Park and its geological importance in the regional development. We then continue the drive to Kakopetria via Prodromos and Pinewood.
You can visit the Church of Agios Nicolaos tis Stegis, a Byzantine Church that is UNESCO listed (11 th– 15th cent). Walk through the protected village of Kakopetira, enjoy lunch and some free time at the village, before we head back to the port.
REMARKS:
• 1 litre of bottled water per person and lunch are included in the price.

Above shore excursion is available during the:

7-Day
3 Continents 5 Countries cruise

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Land Tours in Egypt, Israel & Cyprus during the cruises of Mediterranean Classic Cruises

Egypt:

Israel:

Cyprus:

The Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum (PSD – 01)

Approx. duration: 11hrs including lunch - minimum 20 participants

Above shore excursion is available during the:

The Pyramids and the River Nile in Style (PSD – 02)

Approx. duration: 11hrs including lunch

Above shore excursion is available during the:

Ports of call in Greece & Turkey

Egypt:

Israel:

Cyprus:

Jerusalem & Bethlehem (JER – 01)

Approx. duration: 9,5-10 hrs including lunch

Above shore excursion is available during the:

The Glory of Jerusalem (JER – 02)

Approx. duration: 9hrs including lunch - minimum 20 participants

Above shore excursion is available during the:

Ports of call in Greece & Turkey

Egypt:

Israel:

Cyprus:

Cyprus, between East & West (LIM – 01)

Approx. duration: 7hrs - minimum 30 participants

Above shore excursion is available during the:

Limassol, a Cosmopolitan City (LIM – 02)

Approx. duration: 4hrs - minimum 30 participants

Above shore excursion is available during the:

Troodos Mountains (LIM – 03)

Approx. duration: 7hrs - minimum 30 participants

Above shore excursion is available during the:

Egypt:

Israel:

Cyprus:

Ports of call in Greece & Turkey