Guest of Honour 
Media 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
19 m2
2
Ancient civilisations of the Eastern Mediterranean
Valletta - Aqaba
Dates:
29/10/2022
to
8/11/2022
days
nights on board
In partnership with PARIS MATCH, with the exceptional presence of Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interior Minister.
Board Le Champlain for a brand-new 11-day cruise from Valletta, the capital of Malta to Aqaba and the Jordanian shores. As you sail along the waters of the Near East on this journey through the Eastern Mediterranean, the cultural discoveries and stunning landscapes are sure to impress you.
Your cruise will start in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Your ship will take you to the southern Aegean Sea to discover the capital of Crete, Heraklion, built on a hillside overlooking the port and encircled by formidable Venetian walls.
You will then set a course for Turkey, where you will call at Kusadasi. An old fishing village with history going back 5,000 years, not far from the Ephesus site, the town is now one of the country’s most famous seaside resorts.
In Rhodes, you will fall under the charm of the Gothic architecture in the medieval city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After sailing through the legendary Suez Canal, you will call at Ain Sokhna, the ideal starting point for a visit to the Egypt of the Pharaohs.
Le Champlain will make a brief incursion into the warm waters of the Red Sea before sailing to the other side of the Sinai Peninsula and reaching Eilat in Israel. You will be able to discover the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea.
Your journey will end in Aqaba, a Jordanian port city on the shores of the Red Sea.
Ref : C291022
Your itinerary
In partnership with PARIS MATCH, with the exceptional presence of Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interior Minister. A brand-new cruise between the Maltese...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
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10/8/2023 to the 26/8/2023
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Dominique de Villepin
Dominique de Villepin, ENA graduate, Foreign Affairs Minister, Interior Minister and Prime Minister under the Republic Presidency of Jacques Chirac, is also passionate about history. Of note among the many reference books he has written are works on Napoleon, international diplomacy and his critically acclaimed analysis of the world entitled Mémoires de paix par temps de guerre.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match
Philippe Legrand
Philippe Legrand, journalist, author, presenter and director at Paris Match of communications and editorial diversification, he presents L’Entretien at 7.45pm every Saturday on Europe 1. He also hosts Face Caméra with aplomb on France 3, be it with Charles Aznavour or Marc Levy. On the internet he has developed Web series, and is also the author behind 12 books including Mère Teresa – Ce qu’elle n’a pas dit which reached more than two million people, and Kennedy – Le roman des derniers jours.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match/E1
Marc Brincourt
Marc Brincourt, former Paris Match photographer and editor-in-chief, is an expert renowned throughout the media world for his exceptional “eye” for a good image. Curator of exhibitions and author of beautiful books on Brigitte Bardot and Les Présidents who left their mark on history, he is often consulted by TV channels to comment on images of current events.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Dominique de Villepin
Dominique de Villepin, ENA graduate, Foreign Affairs Minister, Interior Minister and Prime Minister under the Republic Presidency of Jacques Chirac, is also passionate about history. Of note among the many reference books he has written are works on Napoleon, international diplomacy and his critically acclaimed analysis of the world entitled Mémoires de paix par temps de guerre.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Paris Match
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:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
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:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
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 activities
Paris Match
For the last five years, Paris Match has been embarking on magnificent human adventures on the seven seas aboard the PONANT ships. There was the Arctic with the photographers Philip Plisson and Francis Latreille; China with the writer, media commentator and filmmaker Philippe Labro; South America with the astronaut Patrick Baudry; Indonesia with Jean-Marie Rouart from the Académie française…
Taking the form of “encounters and conferences”, these moments of discussion with a personality, led by Philippe Legrand*, are always an opportunity to travel through history and linger over new episodes.
Famous for its slogan "le poids des mots, le choc des photos” [the weight of the words, the impact of photos], Paris Match is France’s biggest selling news magazine, as well as being present in 120 countries, and occupies a special position in the media world. Its archives tell more than 60 years of history and reveal that very special link with celebrities that has been its strength and its identity.
A number of its editions are considered to be references that collectors hold on to preciously. From the assassination of John F. Kennedy to man walking on the moon, via icons, anonymous talents, or essential testimony, the major events of the century are recounted in its pages.
* Philippe Legrand is a journalist, author, radio and television presenter, director of communication and editorial diversification. He joined Paris Match in 1999.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- In partnership with PARIS MATCH, with the exceptional presence of Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interior Minister.
- A brand-new cruise between the Maltese capital and the shores of the Levant, to discover six Mediterranean countries: Malta, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Jordan.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Valetta (embarkation port), the historical sites of Ephesus from Kusadasi, the Pyramids of Gizeh from Ain Sokhna, the medieval city of Rhodes, from Eilat the majestic fortress of Massada looming over the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum from Aqaba (disembarkation port).
- A varied cruise, including lively cities, historic and cultural sites.
- Crossing the Suez Canal.
- After your cruise, you have the opportunity of visiting the ancient caravan city of Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum.
Ports of Call & Excursions
29 October 2022 - Valletta
Embarkation 29/10/2022 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Departure 29/10/2022 at 4:00 pm
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
30 October 2022 - At sea
Arrival 30/10/2022
Departure 30/10/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
31 October 2022 - Heraklion, Crete
Arrival 31/10/2022 early morning
Departure 31/10/2022 early afternoon
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is the island’s most populous city. The hustle and bustle of this seaport is an integral part of its charm. It is built on a hillside overlooking the port and is encircled by impressive Venetian walls. From the top of these, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city. The old town is teeming with small shops, squares, cafés and vibrant architectural evidence of the city’s long history. The Palace of Knossos illustrates the wealth and power of its legendary sovereign, King Minos. The archaeological museum houses one of the largest collections of Minoan artefacts and is worth a visit.
1 November 2022 - Kusadasi
Arrival 1/11/2022 early morning
Departure 1/11/2022 early afternoon
The attractive seaside resort of Kusadasi is located in a gulf on the western coast of Turkey. You can bathe there in clear waters or stroll along the coastal walk, in the shade of palms. In the historical district, you can take a mosey down the narrow streets and explore the colourful shops in the bazaar. Close by, the Ephesus archaeological site in the hillsides provides an opportunity to discover the ruins of one of the most famous cities of Antiquity.
2 November 2022 - Rhodes
Arrival 2/11/2022 early morning
Departure 2/11/2022 mid afternoon
With its particularly agreeable climate, the island of Rhodes invites you to walk its pathways and discover its immaculate villages and sumptuous medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of the island the mountains are covered in forest and on the western slopes we find vineyards and crops. Rhodes also owes much of its charm and its character to the Knights of St John who reigned over the island from 1310 to 1522 and built impressive defensive walls punctuated with majestic gateways. Do not miss this delightful island with its peaceful beaches and its large walkways, perpetuating the myth of the famous Colossus, the legendary statue that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
3 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 3/11/2022
Departure 3/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
4 November 2022 - Crossing the Suez Canal
Arrival 4/11/2022 late afternoon
Departure 4/11/2022 late afternoon
Without the waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean this part of the world would be an arid sandy desert inhabited by a few nomads. The Suez Canal slices through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalised by Nasser in 1956.
5 November 2022 - Ain Sukhna
Arrival 5/11/2022 at night
Departure 5/11/2022 evening
Ain Sukhna, which means “hot spring,” is located in the Gulf of Suez, facing the Red Sea. Around fifty kilometres from the entrance to the Suez Canal, and less than two hours from the Egyptian capital, it is an elegant seaside town that is popular with wealthy families from Cairo. Ain Soukhna is an ideal base for discovering the marvels of Ancient Egypt.
6 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 6/11/2022
Departure 6/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
7 November 2022 - Eilat
Arrival 7/11/2022 early morning
Departure 7/11/2022 evening
Situated in the far south of the State of Israel, on the banks of the Gulf of Eilat, on the edge of the Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat is internationally renowned as a high-end seaside resort and spa town, as well as for its magnificent natural sites. The first references to this place date back to the time of King Solomon. His legendary mines are said to be located not far from the now-modern city. It is the departure point for visiting the Masada fortress and for the incredible experience of swimming in the Dead Sea.
8 November 2022 - Aqaba
Arrival 8/11/2022
Disembarkation 8/11/2022 at 7:00 am
Located in the Red Sea within the eponymous gulf, Aqaba offers Jordan its only access to the sea. At the crossroads of the land and sea routes that linked Asia, Africa and Europe, the town is rich with more than 5,000 years of history. The warm waters of the Red Sea attract holidaymakers and divers to this seaside destination; the underwater sites home to coral and fishes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum and the marvellous site of Petra.
Minoan Palace & archaeological museum
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.
- This excursion involves 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & the house of Mary
From the pier, you will embark your coach for a 30-minute drive through a picturesque winding road lined with pine trees to reach the House of Virgin Mary, a protected pilgrimage site.
Clinging to the side of Bulbul Mountain outside of Ephesus, this house is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. According to the Vatican, Mary came here towards the end of her life in the company of St. John around 40 AD. Nowadays, every year, Christians and Muslims (who honour “Meryemana” as the mother of a great Prophet), make religious pilgrimages to the site. Below the house you will find a fountain, where a sacred spring feeds three fonts, each bestowing a unique blessing upon visitors.
From the house of the Virgin Mary, you will continue on to nearby Ephesus. 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.
- This tour involves two and half hours of walking on uneven ground with some steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ephesus & Roman Villas
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.
- This tour involves two and a half hours of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The visit of the Roman Villas will be guided by the archaeologist who leads the excavations. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Walking tour of Rhodes
From the ship, discover the Knights City on a guided walking tour.
Follow your guide through the cobbled streets to the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Hospitallers, which dates from the 14th century and contains some Greek and Roman mosaics originating from the island of Kos.
After visiting the palace, you will walk along the famous Avenue of the Knights lined with the old Knights’ inns from the Order’s various nationalities. It is unusually straight for a medieval street, and its sombre buildings present a majestic and forbidding face to the world, with their 15th century Gothic walls and arcades worn smooth over the centuries. Retracing an ancient route, the straight line of this street cuts through the maze of winding alleyways surrounding it.
After your guided tour, you can return directly to your ship with your guide or wander around the streets and shops at your leisure.
- This tour is only on foot and involves walking on cobblestone streets, so we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €30
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic views of Rhodes
From the pier, board your coach for a scenic drive around the east coast of Rhodes island. You will drive along the walls surrounding the city before heading up Mount Smith (named after the English Admiral Sydney Smith, who kept an eye on 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 century BC, the Lindos Acropolis is a sprawling complex of structures from various historic periods, perched dramatically above the town. A place of worship from the Mycenaean age, it was enlarged in the Hellenistic period before the Knights of the Order of Hospitallers established a fortress here, a role it retained until the Ottoman era.
Following the panoramic route, you will arrive at Faliraki, a traditional fishermen village where you will enjoy some local snacks with a glass of Greece's trademark Ouzo.
The road back to your ship goes through typical villages.
- This tour is a panoramic tour and involves few walking times. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Memphis & Sakkara
From the pier, board your coach and start your day with a drive for around two hours and half to Dahshur area, located in South Sakkara where stand the pyramids of Dahshur: The Red and the Bent Pyramids.
The constructor of these pyramids is thought to have been Snofru (2575-2551 BC), who was the first ruler of the 4th 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 which was quarried locally.
Following the visit of Dahshur you will drive toward Memphis, the 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 of over 30,000. At its zenith, the city had many temples, palaces and gardens.
Once arriving, you will see the enormous limestone statue, Colossus of Ramses. Over 33 feet (10 metres) long, this giant lying statue depicts Ramses II, the Egyptian pharaoh 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.
Then, you will be taken to Sakkara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis. You will be visiting the famous step Pyramid of Zoser built 5,000 years ago by the engineer Imhotep, the pyramid and its surrounding complex was designed to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. At the “cemetery city” of Sakkara, experience an inside visit to one of the mastabas or funerary chambers.
Finally, a quick visit will be made at a carpet school before driving back to join your ship for approximate another two hours and half.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.5 mile (2 km) of walking on sandy and flat ways with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The lunch is included on your tour.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Pyramids with an interior visit of Cheops Pyramid
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.
- Guests participating in this tour must be able to climb few rocks to get to the entrance of the Cheops Pyramid and then go up and down using the ramp and should not be claustrophobic from tight places. The ramp length is approx. 82 Feet (25 metres), and it takes 4 minutes to get in and the same to get out. There are no steps inside the Pyramid. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Cameras are permitted at the Pyramids but not inside. The lunch is included on your tour. For guests who do not wish to enter the Pyramid, they can mingle in the area while waiting rest of the group.
Total : €195
According to availability, price per passenger.
Timna park & panoramic Eilat
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.
- This tour involves approximately 0.7 mile (1 km) of walking with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Masada & Dead Sea
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.