Discovering the Ancient Empires of the Eastern Mediterranean

Name: Discovering the Ancient Empires of the Eastern Mediterranean
Brand: Newmarket Holidays
SKU: 98851
Price: 4499.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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To book this holiday please contact our Travel Experts directly on

0330 341 1927

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As you journey through the Med on a cultural, historical journey, visiting a collection of incredible cities along the way, you get to delve into influences that ancient empires and kingdoms had on this fascinating part of the world. At the very heart of this very special itinerary is a memorable visit to Israel; hallowed sites are yours to explore from Ashdod and Haifa, both ideally located for trips to Jerusalem – a pilgrimage for Jews, Muslims and Christians – and Bethlehem, where you can walk on the ground where Jesus was laid down after his birth, and see the places of significance from nativity stories. Time spent in Greece and Turkey will be highlights too. Capture a glimpse of Ancient Greece on the beautiful island of Rhodes and in Athens, amongst sites such as the Acropolis in mighty Parthenon; discover the iconic landmarks of Istanbul, such as the Hagia Sophia mosque and Topkapi Palace, home to relics from the Ottoman era; and visit the ruins of Ephesus on tour from Kusadasi.

Elsewhere in the Med, Valletta, Cartagena and Malaga will present plenty of remarkable experiences too. Behold the sight of the iconic, UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour as you sail into Valletta, where architectural treasures such as St John’s Cathedral and the Presidential Palace await; explore the Roman history of Cartagena, with its ancient fortifications; and see the centuries-old architectural gems of Malaga, including Gibralfaro Castle. You’re also in for three enriching, endlessly rewarding visits to Africa, including a call to Alexandra, from where you can uncover the Great Pyramids of Giza – the oldest ancient wonder on earth – and their unique history on tour. Meanwhile, there’s even more Roman-influenced history to immerse yourself in Tunisia, at Carthage – within reach from La Goulette; and in Algiers. Go ashore in the Algerian capital on our guided tour and you’ll see the marks left by the Romans and Ottomans in the city’s Kasbah, winding streets, palaces and architectural monuments.

1 /10

Alexandria

2 /10

Haifa

3 /10

Limassol

4 /10

Istanbul

5 /10

Istanbul

6 /10

Istanbul

7 /10

Istanbul

8 /10

Piraeus

9 /10

Lisbon

10 /10

Lisbon

What does this price include?

Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet

Your Itinerary

View a full breakdown of your holiday to help you plan your trip

Sunday 25 February 2024 - Departs Southampton

Depart: Late PM
Monday 26 February 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Tuesday 27 February 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Thursday 29 February 2024 - Málaga

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Friday 1 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Saturday 2 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Saturday 2 March 2024 - Algiers

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Monday 4 March 2024 - La Goulette

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Tuesday 5 March 2024 - Valletta

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Wednesday 6 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Thursday 7 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Friday 8 March 2024 - Alexandria

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late Night

Alexandria

Founded by Alexander the Great, this historic city was once the centre of the Hellenistic world and is now a bustling port city that preserves an air of nostalgia. During the Hellenistic period, Alexandria was home to a lighthouse that ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as a storied library, which, today, is the disc-shaped, ultramodern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Saturday 9 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Sunday 10 March 2024 - Ashdod

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Monday 11 March 2024 - Haifa

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM

Haifa

Haifa, the third-largest city in the country, is the gateway to Israel and the Holy Land. Visit the coastal resort city Tel Aviv, with its ancient neighbour Jaffa. Alternatively, travel into the Judean Hills to Jerusalem itself to discover the Wailing Wall, the labyrinthine souks of the Old City and Christianity's holiest shrine – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Tuesday 12 March 2024 - Limassol

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM

Limassol

Cyprus’ second city, Limassol, welcomes you today. Discover Limassol’s fascinating sights, excellent shopping, and compact old city – home to a picturesque fishing harbour and yachting marina. Stroll through the streets of the Turkish Quarter surrounding the castle, and don’t miss the historic Grand Mosque.
Wednesday 13 March 2024 - Rhodes

Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late PM
Thursday 14 March 2024 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Friday 15 March 2024 - Cruising Dardanelles

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late AM
Friday 15 March 2024 - Istanbul

Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late Night

Istanbul

Discover Istanbul’s extraordinary Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, and the great Byzantine church of Aya Sofya. Take in the colourful spice market, and visit the world’s largest covered bazaar, the vast Kapali Carsi. Enjoy a fascinating time here, exploring this complex city.
Saturday 16 March 2024 - Istanbul

Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late Night

Istanbul

Discover Istanbul’s extraordinary Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, and the great Byzantine church of Aya Sofya. Take in the colourful spice market, and visit the world’s largest covered bazaar, the vast Kapali Carsi. Enjoy a fascinating time here, exploring this complex city.
Sunday 17 March 2024 - Cruising Dardanelles

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early PM
Monday 18 March 2024 - Piraeus

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM

Piraeus

Dock in Piraeus for a visit to beguiling, bustling Athens. Don’t miss the chance to climb the Acropolis to the ruins of the Parthenon, one of the world’s most enduring monuments, and an awe-inspiring window onto the city’s fascinating Classical past.
Tuesday 19 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Wednesday 20 March 2024 - Cruise Strait of Messina

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early AM
Wednesday 20 March 2024 - Cruising by Stromboli

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early AM
Wednesday 20 March 2024 - Cruising by Aeolian Islands

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early PM
Thursday 21 March 2024 - Cagliari

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Friday 22 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Saturday 23 March 2024 - Cartagena

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
Sunday 24 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Monday 25 March 2024 - Lisbon

Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM

Lisbon

The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is where the great explorers sailed to the New World. Wander up through the cobbled streets of the Alfama towards Sao Jorge Castle, relax by the fountain in Rossi Square or follow the shoreline along to where the ornate battlements of the Belem Tower guard the mouth of the River Tagus.
Tuesday 26 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Wednesday 27 March 2024 - Cruising

Cruising

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the on-board amenities, meeting with new-found friends, or simply curling up with a good book as the ship heads toward the next exciting port of call.
Thursday 28 March 2024 - Arrive back at Southampton

Arrive: Early AM

Days marked above with an anchor include ports where you will be transferred to shore by landing boat. These ports may be inaccessible for customers with mobility difficulties as a result. Any days not listed will be spent at sea.

Dates & Prices

To book this holiday please contact our Travel Experts directly on

0330 341 1927

Price Per Person

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Available Cabins - Based on 2 Sharing

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Single

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Further Information

Chargeable Extras

Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.
*Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Why book with us

The smallest details are what matter the most when it comes to your holiday, and we aim to elevate every experience you encounter on each one of our award-winning tours.