Deluxe Kabine
19 m²
2
Willkommen an Bord der Le Champlain zu einer 11-tägigen Kreuzfahrt von Akaba und den Ufern Jordaniens bis in die maltesische Hauptstadt Valletta. Lassen Sie sich bei einer Reise im östlichen Mittelmeer auf den Gewässern des Nahen Ostens von kulturellen Entdeckungen und prachtvollen Landschaften überraschen.
Nach der Einschiffung in Akaba legen Sie zunächst in Eilat in Israel an. Von Eilat aus können Sie die Stadt Massada, eine majestätische Festung, die das Tote Meer überragt, entdecken.
Die Reise geht mit einem Stopp in Ägypten in Ain Sukhna am Ende des Golfs von Suez weiter. Diese ägyptische Stadt ist der ideale Ausgangspunkt zu den Wundern des antiken Ägyptens wie die Pyramiden von Gizeh und der Koloss von Ramses II.
Sie fahren durch den weltberühmten Suezkanal, der von Ferdinand de Lesseps gebaut und vor Kurzem verbreitert wurde, um den wirtschaftlichen Austausch zu fördern. Anschließend entdecken Sie Rhodos und die mittelalterliche Altstadt der gleichnamigen Inselhaupstadt. Diese wurde von den Rittern des Ordens Sankt Johannis erbaut und ist von gewaltigen Festungsanlagen umgeben. Die größte Insel des Dodekanes barg mit ihrem berühmten Koloss eins der sieben Weltwunder.
Dann geht es weiter in die Türkei mit einem Zwischenstopp in Kusadasi. Das alte Fischerdorf in der Nähe von Ephesos, das auf 5.000 Jahre Geschichte zurückblickt, ist heute einer der beliebtesten Badeorte des Landes.
In Valletta, der Hauptstadt der Insel Malta und ehemaligen Hochburg des Ritterordens, endet die Kreuzfahrt.
Ref : EC150423
Kreuzfahrt zwischen den Küsten des Morgenlandes und der maltesischen Hauptstadt, Erkundung von sechs Ländern: Jordanien, Israel, Ägypten, Griechenland, die Türkei und Malta UNESCO-Welterbestätten:...
Kabinen
Reiseleistungen
Zusatzleistungen
Für mehr Sicherheit wählt PONANT Flüge aus und kümmert sich um Ihre Transfers für Ihre Reise sowie um Landbesuche vor und nach dem Ausschiffen.
Diese Reise könnte Ihnen auch gefallen...
*Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit und basiert auf der Auslastung des jeweiligen Schiffes. Die Kabinenkategorie, für die dieser Preis gilt, ist möglichweise nicht mehr verfügbar
Serviceleistungen
Prestige Suite auf Deck 6
Wählen Sie eine Kabinenkategorie aus
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT Aktivitäten
Einschiffung 15.04.2023 von 16:00 bis 17:00
Abfahrt 15.04.2023 um 18:00
Die am Roten Meer im gleichnamigen Golf gelegene Stadt Akaba ist der einzige Seehafen Jordaniens. Am Kreuzungspunkt der Land- und Seewege zwischen Asien, Afrika und Europa blickt die Stadt auf über 5 000 Jahre Geschichte zurück. Das warme Wasser des Roten Meers zieht heute Urlauber und Taucher in diesen Badeort; die Meeresgründe zählen mit ihren Fischen und Korallen zu den schönsten der Welt. Akaba ist auch das Tor zur faszinierenden Wüste Wadi Rum und zur wunderbaren Stadt Petra.
Ankunft 16.04.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 16.04.2023 abends
Eilat liegt im äußersten Süden des Staates Israel, am Golf von Eilat, vor den Toren der Wüste Negev, zwischen Ägypten und Jordanien. Die Stadt ist ein Kur- und Badeort von Weltrang mit herrlichen Naturschönheiten. Erstmals wurde die Stadt zur Zeit des Königs Salomo erwähnt, und ihre legendären Minen sollen unweit der modernen Stadt liegen. Von dort aus können Sie die Festung Massada besuchen und die mythische Erfahrung machen, im Toten Meer zu schwimmen.
Ankunft 17.04.2023
Abfahrt 18.04.2023 am späten Nachmittag
Genießen Sie während der Überfahrt auf See die zahlreichen Freizeitangebote an Bord. Gönnen Sie sich Entspannung im Spa oder halten Sie sich im Fitnessraum in Form. Lassen Sie sich je nach Jahreszeit zu einem Sprung in den Pool oder zu einem Sonnenbad verlocken. Dieser Reise ohne Zwischenstopp bietet auch Gelegenheit, einer Konferenz oder einer der an Bord angebotenen Vorstellungen beizuwohnen, abhängig von den angebotenen Aktivitäten, oder in der Boutique ein wenig zu shoppen oder die PONANT-Fotografen in ihrem eigenen Bereich aufzusuchen. Wer das offene Meer liebt, bewundert auf dem Oberdeck das Schauspiel der Wogen und kann mit etwas Glück Meerestiere beobachten. Eine zauberhafte kleine Auszeit mit Komfort, Entspannung und Unterhaltung.
Ankunft 19.04.2023
Abfahrt 19.04.2023
Ohne diese Wasserstraße zwischen dem Mittelmeer und dem Roten Meer, würde hier wohl nur Wüste vorherrschen. Der Suezkanal durchfließt die Wüste auf 162 Kilometern und wurde 1869 im Beisein der französischen Kaiserin Eugenie eröffnet und 1956 von Ägyptens Präsident Nasser verstaatlicht.
Ankunft 20.04.2023
Abfahrt 20.04.2023
Genießen Sie während der Überfahrt auf See die zahlreichen Freizeitangebote an Bord. Gönnen Sie sich Entspannung im Spa oder halten Sie sich im Fitnessraum in Form. Lassen Sie sich je nach Jahreszeit zu einem Sprung in den Pool oder zu einem Sonnenbad verlocken. Dieser Reise ohne Zwischenstopp bietet auch Gelegenheit, einer Konferenz oder einer der an Bord angebotenen Vorstellungen beizuwohnen, abhängig von den angebotenen Aktivitäten, oder in der Boutique ein wenig zu shoppen oder die PONANT-Fotografen in ihrem eigenen Bereich aufzusuchen. Wer das offene Meer liebt, bewundert auf dem Oberdeck das Schauspiel der Wogen und kann mit etwas Glück Meerestiere beobachten. Eine zauberhafte kleine Auszeit mit Komfort, Entspannung und Unterhaltung.
Ankunft 21.04.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 21.04.2023 am Nachmittag
Die Insel Rhodos lädt mit ihrem milden Klima zum Wandern auf zahlreichen Pfaden, zum Besuch makelloser kleiner Ortschaften und der prachtvollen mittelalterlichen Stadt ein, die zum UNESCO-Welterbe gehört. Die Berge in der Mitte der Insel sind von Wald bedeckt, und an den Westhängen liegen Weinberge und Kulturen. Ihren Charme und ihren Charakter verdankt die Insel auch den Rittern des Johanniterordens, die von 1310 bis 1522 die Insel beherrschten und beeindruckende Wehrmauern mit majestätischen Toren bauten. Auf dieser malerischen Insel mit ruhigen Stränden und ausgedehnten Wanderwegen befand sich der berühmte Koloss, eine legendäre Statue, die zu den sieben Weltwundern zählte.
Ankunft 22.04.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 22.04.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Der reizvolle Badeort Kusadasi liegt an einem Golf an der türkischen Westküste. Sie können in einem glasklaren Wasser baden oder entlang der Küstenpromenade unter Palmen flanieren. Im historischen Viertel gehen Sie durch schmale Gassen, um in Ruhe die bunten Läden des Basars zu erkunden. Da die Ausgrabungsstätte von Ephesos nicht weit entfernt in den Hügeln liegt, haben Sie die Gelegenheit die bedeutenden Überreste dieser Stadt, eine der berühmtesten der Antike, zu entdecken.
Ankunft 23.04.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 23.04.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Heraklion, die Hauptstadt der Insel Kreta, ist die bevölkerungsreichste Stadt der Insel. Trubel und lebendiges Treiben sind ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Charmes dieser Hafenstadt. Sie wurde an einem Hang mit Blick auf den Hafen erbaut und ist von beeindruckenden venezianischen Festungsmauern umgeben. Auf ihrem Gipfel können Sie einen der schönsten Ausblicke auf die Stadt genießen. Die Altstadt wimmelt von kleinen Geschäften, Plätzen, Cafés und lebendigen architektonischen Zeugnissen ihrer langen Geschichte. Der Palast von Knossos veranschaulicht den Reichtum und die Macht seines legendären Herrschers, König Minos. Das archäologische Museum, das eine der größten Sammlungen minoischer Kunstobjekte besitzt, ist einen Besuch wert.
Ankunft 24.04.2023
Abfahrt 24.04.2023
Genießen Sie während der Überfahrt auf See die zahlreichen Freizeitangebote an Bord. Gönnen Sie sich Entspannung im Spa oder halten Sie sich im Fitnessraum in Form. Lassen Sie sich je nach Jahreszeit zu einem Sprung in den Pool oder zu einem Sonnenbad verlocken. Dieser Reise ohne Zwischenstopp bietet auch Gelegenheit, einer Konferenz oder einer der an Bord angebotenen Vorstellungen beizuwohnen, abhängig von den angebotenen Aktivitäten, oder in der Boutique ein wenig zu shoppen oder die PONANT-Fotografen in ihrem eigenen Bereich aufzusuchen. Wer das offene Meer liebt, bewundert auf dem Oberdeck das Schauspiel der Wogen und kann mit etwas Glück Meerestiere beobachten. Eine zauberhafte kleine Auszeit mit Komfort, Entspannung und Unterhaltung.
Ankunft 25.04.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 17.04.2023
Die vollständig zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe erklärte Hauptstadt Valletta erstreckt sich über eine Halbinsel im Nordwesten von Malta. Vom Tritonbrunnen bis zum Fort St. Elmo biete die Stadt ebenso vielen majestätischen Straßen wie treppenförmig angelegten Gassen. Die farbigen Loggien und die verzierten Erker der hohen Wohngebäude begleiten Sie bei Ihrer Entdeckungstour, die selten von Autos gestört wird. Besichtigen Sie den mit Wappen und Fresken geschmückten Großmeisterpalast. Die St.-Johannes-Kathedrale sowie die seit dem 16. Jh. die Stadt schützenden Wehrmauern gehören auch zu den bedeutendsten Bauwerken der Stadt. Die in Terrassen angelegten Gärten von Barraca verleihen Ihrem Rundgang eine grüne und blühende Note.
Ankunft 18.04.2023 nachts
Ausschiffung 25.04.2023 um 08:00
Ain Suchna, im Arabischen soviel wie „die heiße Quelle“, liegt am Golf von Suez, gut fünfzig Kilometer vom Eingang des Suez-Kanals entfernt. Der weniger als zwei Stunden von der ägyptischen Hauptstadt entfernt gelegene elegante Badeort erfreut sich großer Beliebtheit bei den wohlhabenden Kairoer Familien. Die Lage von Ain Suchna ist ideal für die Entdeckung der Wunder des antiken Ägyptens.
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 30-minute drive to Timna park.
On the way, your guide will give you information about the Rabin border, between Israel and Jordan. A stop en route will be made at an observation point to admire the neighbouring city of Aqaba.
The Timna park is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Eilat, in the middle of the Red Sea Desert. The horseshoe-shaped park was created by tectonic plate movement tens of millions of years ago. This extraordinary locale contains within it an astonishing "window" to the geology of the region.
Timna boasts the world's earliest copper mine. Copper mining began more than 6,000 years ago, at the end of the fifth millennium BC, when Egyptians established their copper mine.
During your 3-hour visit, you will discover:
- "Mines of Time" - a multimedia presentation on a revolving stage takes you on a journey to ancient Egypt. The stories of a bygone age include the origin of the copper serpent and the significance of the Egyptian Gods to the copper cult.
- The Mushroom - a natural rock formation of a perfect mushroom created from red sandstone, situated next to the work camp where the copper ore was smelted in special ovens.
- The Arches - a natural phenomenon, the stone Arch. From here, you can climb a few steps for a panoramic view of the valley.
- Solomon's Pillars and the Temple of the Goddess Hathor - incredible 50-metre-high pillars from Timna's sandstone. To the right of the pillars, stone stairs lead to an Egyptian rock carving in which we see Pharaoh Ramses III presenting an offering to the Goddess of mines and turquoise, Hathor. From the viewing platform, you can see the remains of the temple dedicated to the Goddess.
You will continue to the Timna Lake and discover the coloured sand.
After a day steeped in history, you will return to Eilat and enjoy a panoramic drive of the town before reaching your ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 120 €
From the pier, boarding your coach and travel through the Negev Desert, a 2,5-hour drive before descending 3,600 feet (over 1,000 metres) toward the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, over 1,300 feet (over 300 metres) below sea level. A refreshment stop will be made en-route.
Before arriving at the Dead Sea, enjoy a visit to Masada Fortress, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. Perched on the tip of a titanic rock face, this Jewish shrine was the last stronghold of the zealots back in the days of King Herod. A cable car will carry you to the top where you will explore the ancient ruins which include King Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns.
Your Masada exploration complete, you will rejoin your coach for a 25-minute drive to the hotel resort where you will enjoy lunch.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime: to experience the sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is claimed to be a natural health and beauty spa.
Finally, you will get back to your ship after a 2,5-hour drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 190 €
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic tour of the east coast of Rhodes Island. You will be taken around the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith, named after the English admiral Sidney Smith, who observed the movements of the Napoleonic fleet from here. From this point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Rhodes and the castles. If the weather is good, you may even catch a glimpse of the Turkish coast and the neighbouring islands.
You will reach Lindos by a route passing through the hinterland. From one promontory, you can see the whole of the famous Acropolis. Built between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, the Acropolis of Lindos is a sprawling complex of structures from various historical periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean Age, it was expanded during the Hellenistic period, before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here which they retained until the Ottoman era.
Taking the scenic route, you will arrive at Faliraki, a traditional fishing village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
On the way back to your ship, you will pass through typical villages.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 75 €
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
You will start your tour at the upper gate of Ephesus, which is also known as the Magnesium Gate. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely downhill walking tour through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing and pointing out all the historically important buildings on the way.
You will move on to the recently excavated Terrace Houses complex which are also known as the houses of the rich Ephesians. Located on the northern slope of Bulbul Mountain next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were built in the peristyle form with a courtyard surrounded by Ionic colonnades. They are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Built in the period of Augustus, they were inhabited until the 7th century AD according to evidence from excavations.
Then, you will visit one of the most impressive sites of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC by a son in homage to his father, this library is finely decorated with columns and sculptures.
Finally, after just a short walk away, you will join the Grand theatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
From the pier, embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
Residences of the town’s nobility are grouped on the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos on either side of Couretes Street, which links the town’s two districts. The site is also famous for its Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastikia baths, the Marble Street and Hadrian’s temple.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 65 €
Crete’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the earliest recorded civilizations on earth: the Minoan.
Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces and the most famous Cretan site since its discovery in 1878. Occupied for 9,000 years before present and associated with the legend of the palace of King Minos, the site was the capital of Crete during the Minoan period. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The excavations on the site were begun in 1893 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and lasted 35 years.
From the pier, you will board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Knossos.
During this tour, you will discover the Great Palace through the West Court, where one can easily understand why the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. It takes about one hour and a half to walk around the site and explore all the parts of the Palace. See the Royal Quarters’ Throne room with its antechamber and main throne, as well as the Queen’s Quarters, whose wall above the entrance door is decorated with a copy of the famous dolphin frescos. Your guide will also tell about the Minotaur legend.
You will continue your journey with a visit of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum houses archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5,500 years of the island's history. With its twenty halls, the museum presents the finds from the Minoan era, including the frescoes from the Royal Palace of Knossos.
After your visit of the museum, you will board your coach and join your ship after a 15-minute drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 85 €
From the pier, board your coach and drive across Crete and towards the Libyan Sea to Phaestos.
One of the most important centres of the Minoan civilization, Phaestos was the wealthiest and most powerful city in Southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic Age until the development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century BC. Upon arrival, proceed to a visit of the Phaestos Palace, also known as the ‘Phaistos Palace’, and commence your guided walking tour.
The Phaestos Palace’s superb architectural design and near-perfect construction is one of the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces. The ruins of the Old and New Palace are both preserved; the Old Palace is protected under a shed, with some remains dating back to Neolithic times. The New Palace consists of a central peristyle court flanked by storerooms and shrines on the west side, the royal quarters on the north and the workshops on the east. The ‘theatral area’ with the ‘processional ways’ is situated west of the storerooms, and the granaries of the Old Palace are located in the lower strata. The West Propylon, the palace’s monumental entrance, is the most impressive known structure of its kind. The artefacts from the palace are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Following your guided tour, depart the archaeological site of Phaestos for the drive back to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
From the pier, board your coach for the approximately two-and-a-half hour drive to the Dahshur area south of Sakkara, where stand the pyramids of Dahshur: the Red and the Bent pyramids.
The constructor of these pyramids is thought to have been Snefru (2575-2551 BC), the first ruler of the Fourth Dynasty. He is also thought to have built the pyramid at Maidoun. The Red Pyramid is thought to be older, and the Bent Pyramid was built out of limestone quarried locally.
Following the visit of Dahshur you will head to Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt. Founded in 3100 BC by Menes of Tanis, Memphis was once considered the largest city in the world, with a population exceeding 30,000. At its zenith, the city had many temples, palaces and gardens.
Upon arrival, you will see the Ramses colossus, an enormous limestone statue. Over 10 metres (33 feet) long, this giant lying statue depicts Ramses II, the pharaoh of Egypt from 1290 to 1224 BC. The Alabaster Sphinx and the ruins of the Temple of Ptah can also be viewed during your visit.
From Memphis, you will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.
Next, you will be taken to Sakkara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, where you will visit the famous Step Pyramid of Zoser. Built 5,000 years ago by the engineer Imhotep, the pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed to be as grand as they were unique and revolutionary. At the "cemetery city" of Sakkara, visit the inside of one of the mastabas or funerary chambers.
You will then rejoin your coach for a two-and-a-half hour drive to Ain Sukhna.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 150 €
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant site of Egypt. You will discover the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and even have the chance to visit the interior of the pyramid of Cheops.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
You will enter the pyramid of Cheops through a hole on the north face of the pyramid. To get up to the King’s Chamber, you will walk up a ramp through the Grand Gallery until you reach the King’s Chamber. In this dark, hot room is the empty granite sarcophagus.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2 650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After lunch you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 220 €
Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
The Pyramids with an interior visit of Cheops Pyramid
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 220 €
Details13.04.2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + BEAUTIFUL WADI RUM AND PETRA 2N (PRE) + VISIT OF MDINA AND PALAZZO PARISIO (POST)
2.370 €
Details11.04.2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + TREASURES OF JORDAN 4N (PRE) + VISIT OF MDINA AND PALAZZO PARISIO (POST)
3.490 €
Details
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days to discover the treasures of Jordan, between breath-taking landscapes and ancient sites. Go into the desert to meet the Bedouins and explore a forgotten city. This program rich in emotions will be an ideal prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 - Aqaba/Petra
Meet at Aqaba airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea Hotel 5*.
Check-in.
Overnight in Aqaba.
Day 2 - Aqaba/Wadi Rum/Petra
After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Wadi Rum (1-hour drive). Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, you will board four-wheel drive Bedouin truck driven by a local Bedouin, then start a 2 hours'drive inside the beautiful desert. The landscape of Wadi Rum, also known as "Valley of the Moon, with its immensity, colours and awe-inspiring shapes, creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. The place has been the setting for the film "Lawrence of Arabia", as well as the actual location where T. E. Lawrence set his camp, whose book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was named after the seven natural columns varying in height located in route to Wadi Rum. Bedouin camps are evident in the Wadi, which is still home to many Bedouin families, who welcome visitors with the hospitality and generosity that Bedouins are so famous for.
Proceed to a Bedouin camp for some rest and lunch.
You will then have a 2-hour drive to reach Petra.
Late afternoon check-in at the hotel Mövenpick Resort Petra 5*.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - Petra/Aqaba
After breakfast and check-out, you will depart your hotel on foot and tour the ancient rose-red city of Petra, which was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In these times, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks, in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.
From the entrance, it is an 800 meter ( 1/2 mi.) walk to the entrance of the old city. Then continue your walk on foot along the « Siq » to visit the rose-red city of Petra. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km (38 sq. mi.), where over 800 monuments can be found.
When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled ; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time".
The Khazneh (Treasury) of Petra stared in the famous movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".
At the end of your visit, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant inside the site.
In the early afternoon it will be time to proceed to Aqaba (2-hour drive) before reaching the port in time for embarkation aboard your ship.
Your hotels:
Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea 5* Hotel is gracefully situated on the sandy beaches and azure waters of the Red Sea, in a city embedded with fusion of history, nature, and city life surrounded by picturesque mountains and blue sea. All Rooms has spacious rooms and dramatic sea views. Cutting edge modern fittings and luxurious bathrooms.
Mövenpick Resort Petra 5* Hotel is located directly at the entrance to the historic city of Petra. This resort with an oriental flair features an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood and luxurious Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. With 183 newly renovated rooms and suites and a wide variety of restaurants for your culinary cravings, the Mövenpick Resort Petra will certainly provide long lasting memories. Enjoy your time spent in one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotels:
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
King Hussein Street
O Box 1441 77110
Aqaba Jordan
Phone : +962 3 2090888
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Tourism Street
Petra
71810 Jordan
Telephone : +962 3 215 71 11
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent ; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 1.280 €
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of five unforgettable days to discover the treasures of Jordan, between holy places, ancient sites and breath-taking landscapes. Visit sacred sites, explore a forgotten city and go into the desert to meet the Bedouins. This program rich in emotions will be an ideal prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Amman
Meet at Amman Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the The St. Regis Amman Hotel 5*.
Check-in.
Overnight.
Day 2 - Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea
After check out, proceed to the Citadel Of Amman. The Citadel which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala'a is a good place to begin a tour of the city. The Citadel is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon and excavations here have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains. The most impressive building of the Citadel, known simply as al-Qasr (the Palace) dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. A colonnaded street also runs through the complex. To the north and northeast are the ruins of Umayyad palace grounds. Downhill from the Citadel, the Roman is the most obvious and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theatre, which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (AD 138-161), is cut into the northern side of a hill, it can accommodate 6,000 spectators. Beautifully restored, the theatre is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events. Afterwards, free time will be allocated for you to purchase souvenirs.
Proceed then to Jerash (a 1-hour drive). Nestled in the hills of Gilead is the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, where archaeological remains from the Neolithic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad eras, amongst others, have been found. Jerash's golden age, however, arrived with the Roman era. Today, Jerash is known as one of the best-preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Jerash was also a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of ten Greco-Roman cities which were grouped together because of their language, culture, location and political status, wherein each functioned as an autonomous city-state.
After your visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Board your coach and head to your hotel Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* (a 1,5 hour drive).
Check-in at the hotel.
Time at leisure to enjoy the Dead Sea.
Dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 3 - Dead Sea/Madaba/Mount Nebo/Petra
After check-out, embark your coach for the one-hour drive to Madaba, one of the most memorable places in the holy land, located south of Amman. Dubbed "the city of mosaics," Madaba offers many sites to explore. Amongst them the main attraction - in the contemporary Greek Orthodox church of St George - is a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map, showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. With two million pieces of coloured stone and a full 25 x 25 meters (82 ft) in its original state - most of which can still be seen today - the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns, as far away as the Nile Delta. This masterpiece is unrivalled in Jordan, but there are literally dozens of other mosaics from the 5th through the 7th centuries scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Then proceed to Mount Nebo. According to the Bible, Mount Nebo is the mountain where Moses was allowed to see the Holy Land. Nowadays, the mountain is a memorial site where you can find the "Church of Moses," built by the first Christians, which displays a large number of beautiful mosaics. Ever since the first days of Christianity, this mountain has been a holy place and a destination for pilgrimage. Like Moses, you can have a great view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. When the weather is clear, you should even be able to see Jerusalem, which is about 60 kilometres (37 mi.) away.
Board your coach in the mid-afternoon for 3 hours transfer to the hotel Movenpick Petra 5*.
Day 4 - Petra/Wadi Rum
Depart your hotel on foot and tour the ancient rose-red city of Petra was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In these times, Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks, in an area which was virtually inaccessible. In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.
From the entrance, it is an 800 meter (½ mi.) walk to the entrance of the old city. Then continue your walk on foot along the « Siq » to visit the rose-red city of Petra. Petra covers an area of about 100 square km (38 sq. mi.), where over 800 monuments can be found.
When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart. Nowadays, Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time".
At the end of your visit, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant inside the site.
Board your coach for 2,5 hours drive to your Bedouin camp Saraya Camp 4*, in the desert of Wadi Rum to enjoy a privilege evening under the stars.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - Wadi Rum/Petra
Otherwise known as Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is the largest - and most magnificent - of Jordan's desert landscapes and has been virtually untouched by humans. A maze of monolithic rock formations rises up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 meters (5,740 feet), creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. However, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917 -18. In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Wadi Rum was named "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" after Lawrence's book penned in the aftermath of the war, although the 'Seven Pillars' referred to in the book have no connection with Rum.
Enjoy a four-hour excursion of Wadi Rum in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Please note that this excursion is conducted on board a simple vehicle which is operated by a local charity foundation. The revenue generated through these tours helps support the livelihood of the local Bedouins.
Lunch will be served during the course of the tour under a Bedouin tent.
Continue to the port of Aqaba to embark onboard your ship.
Your hotels:
Located in the south of Amman, in the residential area of Abdoun, The St. Regis Amman 5* is faithful to the tradition of luxury and refinement of the Saint Regis brand. Its design is inspired by contemporary codes and local tradition, including an art collection composed of local artists. Its 258 rooms are fully equiped with sophisticated amenities. Its restaurants offer eclectic cuisine and an invitation to travel.
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea 5* is ideally located on the edge of the Dead Sea. It features 9 outdoor swimming pools offering magnificient views of the the Dead Sea, Spa facilities and several restaurants and bars.
Mövenpick Resort Petra 5* Hotel is located directly at the entrance to the historic city of Petra. This resort with an oriental flair features an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood and luxurious Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. With 183 newly renovated rooms and suites and a wide variety of restaurants for your culinary cravings, the Mövenpick Resort Petra will certainly provide long lasting memories. Enjoy your time spent in one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Saraya Rum Camp Wadi Rum 4* is located off the beaten path in the desert of Wadi Rum. This Bedouin camp was selected to experience the Bedouin culture and gastronomy while stargazing in a privileged environment. The bungalows feature a true Bedouin decoration inside and outside out, a small and private patio, a fully equipped bathroom and mostly a two-sided panorama on the Wadi Rum.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotels:
The St. Regis Amman
5th Circle, Shafiq Al-Hayek St., Amman 11185, Jordanie
Téléphone : +962 6 400 0500
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea
Swaimeh
Dead Sea 11194 Jordan
Telephone: +962 5 356 8888
Mövenpick Resort Petra
P.O. Box 214, 71810 Petra, Jordan
Telephone: +962 3 215 7111
Saraya Rum Camp
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Wadi Rum Camp
Telephone: +962 7 9966 1007
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 2.400 €
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 30-minute drive to Timna park.
On the way, your guide will give you information about the Rabin border, between Israel and Jordan. A stop en route will be made at an observation point to admire the neighbouring city of Aqaba.
The Timna park is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Eilat, in the middle of the Red Sea Desert. The horseshoe-shaped park was created by tectonic plate movement tens of millions of years ago. This extraordinary locale contains within it an astonishing "window" to the geology of the region.
Timna boasts the world's earliest copper mine. Copper mining began more than 6,000 years ago, at the end of the fifth millennium BC, when Egyptians established their copper mine.
During your 3-hour visit, you will discover:
- "Mines of Time" - a multimedia presentation on a revolving stage takes you on a journey to ancient Egypt. The stories of a bygone age include the origin of the copper serpent and the significance of the Egyptian Gods to the copper cult.
- The Mushroom - a natural rock formation of a perfect mushroom created from red sandstone, situated next to the work camp where the copper ore was smelted in special ovens.
- The Arches - a natural phenomenon, the stone Arch. From here, you can climb a few steps for a panoramic view of the valley.
- Solomon's Pillars and the Temple of the Goddess Hathor - incredible 50-metre-high pillars from Timna's sandstone. To the right of the pillars, stone stairs lead to an Egyptian rock carving in which we see Pharaoh Ramses III presenting an offering to the Goddess of mines and turquoise, Hathor. From the viewing platform, you can see the remains of the temple dedicated to the Goddess.
You will continue to the Timna Lake and discover the coloured sand.
After a day steeped in history, you will return to Eilat and enjoy a panoramic drive of the town before reaching your ship.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 120 €
From the pier, boarding your coach and travel through the Negev Desert, a 2,5-hour drive before descending 3,600 feet (over 1,000 metres) toward the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, over 1,300 feet (over 300 metres) below sea level. A refreshment stop will be made en-route.
Before arriving at the Dead Sea, enjoy a visit to Masada Fortress, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. Perched on the tip of a titanic rock face, this Jewish shrine was the last stronghold of the zealots back in the days of King Herod. A cable car will carry you to the top where you will explore the ancient ruins which include King Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns.
Your Masada exploration complete, you will rejoin your coach for a 25-minute drive to the hotel resort where you will enjoy lunch.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime: to experience the sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is claimed to be a natural health and beauty spa.
Finally, you will get back to your ship after a 2,5-hour drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 190 €
From the pier, board your coach for the approximately two-and-a-half hour drive to the Dahshur area south of Sakkara, where stand the pyramids of Dahshur: the Red and the Bent pyramids.
The constructor of these pyramids is thought to have been Snefru (2575-2551 BC), the first ruler of the Fourth Dynasty. He is also thought to have built the pyramid at Maidoun. The Red Pyramid is thought to be older, and the Bent Pyramid was built out of limestone quarried locally.
Following the visit of Dahshur you will head to Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt. Founded in 3100 BC by Menes of Tanis, Memphis was once considered the largest city in the world, with a population exceeding 30,000. At its zenith, the city had many temples, palaces and gardens.
Upon arrival, you will see the Ramses colossus, an enormous limestone statue. Over 10 metres (33 feet) long, this giant lying statue depicts Ramses II, the pharaoh of Egypt from 1290 to 1224 BC. The Alabaster Sphinx and the ruins of the Temple of Ptah can also be viewed during your visit.
From Memphis, you will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.
Next, you will be taken to Sakkara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, where you will visit the famous Step Pyramid of Zoser. Built 5,000 years ago by the engineer Imhotep, the pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed to be as grand as they were unique and revolutionary. At the "cemetery city" of Sakkara, visit the inside of one of the mastabas or funerary chambers.
You will then rejoin your coach for a two-and-a-half hour drive to Ain Sukhna.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 150 €
This full day excursion provides a visit of the most important and significant site of Egypt. You will discover the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and even have the chance to visit the interior of the pyramid of Cheops.
From the pier of Ain Sukhna, board your coach for a 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Cairo, via the desert road. During your journey, your guide will provide interesting facts about the sites you will be visiting.
Once arriving, you will visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramids are considered the most famous of Egypt’s attractions and the only monuments left of the Ancient Wonders. The three main Pyramids at Giza were built as tombs by Cheops, his son Chephren, and Chephren’s son Mykerinus to preserve each of the pharaohs’ mummified body for eternity. For centuries, these unique structures have intrigued the world while surviving the rise and fall of great dynasties.
You will enter the pyramid of Cheops through a hole on the north face of the pyramid. To get up to the King’s Chamber, you will walk up a ramp through the Grand Gallery until you reach the King’s Chamber. In this dark, hot room is the empty granite sarcophagus.
Southeast of the Great Pyramids stands the Sphinx, carved out of solid rock around 2 650 BC. Steeped in legend and superstition, the Sphinx was a monument either to the sun god Ra or to Pharaoh Chephren. It has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The monument faces east, probably to greet the rising sun and the return of life each day.
After lunch you will drive back to Ain Sukhna where your ship is docked.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 220 €
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic tour of the east coast of Rhodes Island. You will be taken around the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith, named after the English admiral Sidney Smith, who observed the movements of the Napoleonic fleet from here. From this point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Rhodes and the castles. If the weather is good, you may even catch a glimpse of the Turkish coast and the neighbouring islands.
You will reach Lindos by a route passing through the hinterland. From one promontory, you can see the whole of the famous Acropolis. Built between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, the Acropolis of Lindos is a sprawling complex of structures from various historical periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean Age, it was expanded during the Hellenistic period, before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here which they retained until the Ottoman era.
Taking the scenic route, you will arrive at Faliraki, a traditional fishing village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
On the way back to your ship, you will pass through typical villages.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 75 €
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
You will start your tour at the upper gate of Ephesus, which is also known as the Magnesium Gate. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely downhill walking tour through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing and pointing out all the historically important buildings on the way.
You will move on to the recently excavated Terrace Houses complex which are also known as the houses of the rich Ephesians. Located on the northern slope of Bulbul Mountain next to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian, these houses were built in the peristyle form with a courtyard surrounded by Ionic colonnades. They are finely decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Built in the period of Augustus, they were inhabited until the 7th century AD according to evidence from excavations.
Then, you will visit one of the most impressive sites of Ephesus, the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 BC by a son in homage to his father, this library is finely decorated with columns and sculptures.
Finally, after just a short walk away, you will join the Grand theatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians, imploring them to give up their worship of Artemis and embrace the Christian faith.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
From the pier, embark your coach for a 30-minute drive to the Ephesus site, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean basin.
Originally dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility, during the prehistoric times, the city was claimed by the Ionians for Artemis and later to Diana by the Romans.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites of the ancient world in the whole Mediterranean. Excavated since 1869, most of the main streets and public buildings have been unearthed and opened for visitors. Everything is here: town hall, dwellings, shops and even public toilets. A town of white marble dazzling in the sunshine, Ephesus is like a stone history book recounting the story of what daily life must have been like in the time of the Greeks and Romans.
During your tour, you will discover the Roman Ephesus. Most of the monuments were built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Due to its location, the city was developed into two sections: the upper part of the city was the administrative sector with the town hall, a civil basilica and the Odeon aligned on the north side of the State Agora. The lower section facing the port houses religious, commercial and cultural buildings, such as the famous Celsius Library, Roman Villas, commercial agora and its theatre, which accommodated up to 24,000 spectators, and the stadium.
Residences of the town’s nobility are grouped on the slopes of Mount Pion and Mount Coressos on either side of Couretes Street, which links the town’s two districts. The site is also famous for its Hercules Gate, the ancient Scholastikia baths, the Marble Street and Hadrian’s temple.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 65 €
Crete’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the earliest recorded civilizations on earth: the Minoan.
Knossos is the most important of the Minoan palaces and the most famous Cretan site since its discovery in 1878. Occupied for 9,000 years before present and associated with the legend of the palace of King Minos, the site was the capital of Crete during the Minoan period. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The excavations on the site were begun in 1893 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and lasted 35 years.
From the pier, you will board your coach for the 30-minute drive to Knossos.
During this tour, you will discover the Great Palace through the West Court, where one can easily understand why the legend of the labyrinth grew up here. It takes about one hour and a half to walk around the site and explore all the parts of the Palace. See the Royal Quarters’ Throne room with its antechamber and main throne, as well as the Queen’s Quarters, whose wall above the entrance door is decorated with a copy of the famous dolphin frescos. Your guide will also tell about the Minotaur legend.
You will continue your journey with a visit of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum houses archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5,500 years of the island's history. With its twenty halls, the museum presents the finds from the Minoan era, including the frescoes from the Royal Palace of Knossos.
After your visit of the museum, you will board your coach and join your ship after a 15-minute drive.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 85 €
From the pier, board your coach and drive across Crete and towards the Libyan Sea to Phaestos.
One of the most important centres of the Minoan civilization, Phaestos was the wealthiest and most powerful city in Southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic Age until the development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century BC. Upon arrival, proceed to a visit of the Phaestos Palace, also known as the ‘Phaistos Palace’, and commence your guided walking tour.
The Phaestos Palace’s superb architectural design and near-perfect construction is one of the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces. The ruins of the Old and New Palace are both preserved; the Old Palace is protected under a shed, with some remains dating back to Neolithic times. The New Palace consists of a central peristyle court flanked by storerooms and shrines on the west side, the royal quarters on the north and the workshops on the east. The ‘theatral area’ with the ‘processional ways’ is situated west of the storerooms, and the granaries of the Old Palace are located in the lower strata. The West Propylon, the palace’s monumental entrance, is the most impressive known structure of its kind. The artefacts from the palace are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Following your guided tour, depart the archaeological site of Phaestos for the drive back to the pier.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 70 €
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between airport and embarkation port.
Valletta
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.
Then, proceed to Mdina - Malta's Old Capital, one of the locations used by the film "Black Eagle" featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and by "Game of Thrones" series. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city, with its extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture.
Transfer to Malta Airport on time for the flight selected by PONANT.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 60 €
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 2.370 €
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 3.490 €