CROSSROADS OF EMPIRES: CYPRUS, , & JORDAN

The art, architecture, and archaeological wonders of the eastern Mediterranean are legacies of the world’s most celebrated empires. Over the millennia, a succession of cultures traded, conquered, and settled in these fabled lands, and we follow in their wake, piecing together the pages of the defining chapters of ancient civilization.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Larnaca, Cyprus Board your independent flight to Cyprus. Arrive in Larnaca on October 23 and check in to the Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Larnaca, Cyprus / Embark the Caledonian Sky This morning, visit the ruins of Kourion, one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity. Take a stroll through the extensive site to view the magnificent theater dating from the 2nd century BC, the Roman forum, public baths, a palace complex, stately villas with well-preserved mosaics, and an early Christian basilica. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking the Caledonian Sky in the late afternoon.

Days 3 - 4 , Israel / Sea of Galilee / Acre / Caesarea Spend two full days exploring from our anchorage in Haifa. Highlights include the Sea of Galilee for a visit to visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the site where Jesus delivered the “Sermon on the Mount.” Visit the Byzantine-style church, and admire the beautiful gold mosaics that decorate the interior. You’ll also visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes and make a stop at Capernaum, where Jesus preached and performed several miracles,

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com and view the remains of a famous 2nd-century synagogue. More history Today, board a local boat for a delightful snorkeling experience among the unfolds in Acre; a subterranean city and former capital of the Crusader colorful coral reefs. kingdom, today it is one of Israel’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While there, enjoy a tour of the British fortress. A drive along the scenic Days 9 - 10 Safaga / Luxor Mediterranean coast brings you to the ancient city of Caesarea. Originally an ancient Phoenician settlement, the city was given as a gift from Augustus Disembark in Safaga and depart overland for Luxor, the site of the ancient city Ceasar to Herod the Great in 30 BC. Explore the fascinating ruins, including of Thebes. Check in to the Hilton Luxor Resort, the ideal base from which to the Roman theater still in use today as a venue for musical performances. In explore the ancient culture of the Nile Valley. Visit the Temple of Karnak, Haifa, ascend the slopes of Mount Carmel for breathtaking views of the city. featuring the Temple of Amun and the amazing Avenue of the Sphinx. Walk Marvel at the gleaming golden dome of Baha’i Shrine and continue to the through the Great Hypostyle Hall; its expertly aligned columns, the largest of 19th-century Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, located on the slopes of which is 80 feet high with a 33-foot circumference, are an amazing sight to Mount Carmel. behold. At the striking Temple of Luxor, view the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons; the Courtyard of Ramses II behind the Days 5 - 6 / Jaffa / / Jerusalem East Tower; and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 14 papyrus-headed columns, some towering to 50 feet in height. The Temple of Hathor at From the port of Ashdod, explore some of Israel’s most famous sites. In Old Denderah is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. View its massive Jaffa, one of the world’s oldest ports, take a stroll along the winding stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages, and columns inscribed cobblestone streets lined with handicraft shops and art galleries to visit the with hieroglyphs. Return to the on November 1, arriving in time for dinner. vibrant Jaffa Flea Market. A walking tour of Tel Aviv includes city hall and the Diaspora Museum, which tells the ongoing story of the Jewish people. You’ll Day 11 Sharm el Sheikh also discover the treasures of ancient Jerusalem on a tour of the Old City, including the Dome of the Rock, the greatest monumental building from early From the coastal town of Sharm el Sheikh, take a scenic cruise to Ras Islamic history. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to see the Stations of the Cross Mohammed, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez, for a day of and follow in the traditional footsteps of Jesus to the Church of the Holy snorkeling. Sepulcher and the Resurrection Tomb, thought to be the actual site of the crucifixion. Explore the city’s Jewish Quarter, and experience Judaism’s holiest Day 12 Aqaba, Jordan / Disembark / Wadi Rum / Amman site, the Western Wall, or Wailing Wall. You’ll also take a drive up to the Mount Disembark this morning and board 4x4 vehicles for a ride through Wadi Rum, of Olives for a picturesque, panoramic view of Jerusalem and visit the Garden the majestic valley made famous by T.E. Lawrence and featured in the epic of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, Mt. Zion, and The Israel Museum to movie Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy tea with a Bedouin family before tucking in to view the Dead Sea Scrolls. a sumptuous lunch surrounded by dramatic sandstone formations that tower over the desert floor strewn with immense boulders. Continue overland along Day 7 Port Said / Suez Canal Transit the King’s Highway through the Jordanian countryside, passing the spectacular An extraordinary experience awaits as our ship slips into a convoy of vessels canyon of Wadi al-Mujib en route Amman. Check in to the Intercontinental for the southbound transit of one of the world’s greatest engineering feats: the Amman for dinner and overnight. 101-mile-long Suez Canal. Its completion in 1869 marked the severing of the African and Asian continents, providing a convenient shortcut for that Day 13 Amman formerly made the arduous and lengthy journey around the Cape of Good Board your independent homeward flight. Hope. Learn the history of the canal and the ancient trade routes that preceded it and our vantage points on deck afford us up-close views of the Please Note: contrasts in landscape: rugged terrain on one side and lush greenery on the other. Unless otherwise noted, daily excursion options are included in the cost of the trip. We do our best to adhere to the scheduled itinerary, but in the spirit of Day 8 Expedition Stop our expeditionary style of travel we may deviate slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: CALEDONIAN SKY

YOUR SHIP: Caledonian Sky

VESSEL TYPE: Luxury Expedition

LENGTH: 90 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 114 (in 57 suites)

BUILT/REFURBISHED: 1991 / refurbished 2012

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private Your Suite balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed like a second home, although there are some differences. The suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting the 'Club' on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to room area and some have private balconies. Each affords the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country out on to a lovely forward deck. The 'Club' has wonderful views style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and with ceiling to floor windows. walk-in shower and/or bath tub. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable board whether they are the vessel's crew or our own expedition electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning staff. Noble Caledonia's reputation has been built on providing and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an slippers are also provided for your comfort. excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and Your space attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided been with us for throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on minimise the ship's motion. The Captain and officers operate an the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with the ship's progress by charts and learn more from the officers internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm with technical information and estimated times of arrival and weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is restricted to outside decks only. also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with Gratuities appointments made on request. Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Your dining Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high hassle of always having to remember to have some small standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in change with you. markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is a la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com PRICING

23-Oct-2021 to 04-Nov-2021 Category 2 14990 USD pp Category 1 Special Single Rate (Limited) 15990 USD pp Category 3 17990 USD pp Category 2 Special Single Rate (Limited) 18990 USD pp Category 4 21990 USD pp Category 4 Special Single Rate (Limited) 27990 USD pp Category 5 27990 USD pp Category 6 34990 USD pp

Optional extras & upgrades Post-Trip Extension: Petra & the Dead Sea. From 5490 USD Visit the legendary ruins of Petra, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World; float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea; and discover the ancient city of Jerash on this comprehensive post-voyage extension to Jordan.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com