Odyssey of the Ancient World B Class
A 23-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $5,275
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| Starting Price: | $5,275 |  |
| Tour Length: | 23 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Turkey | |
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Cities Visited: A seamless combination of cruising, coaching and sightseeing provides the perfect tempo for your tour. The intrigue and excitement of the ancient sites contrast with the serenity and endless horizons, as viewed from your cruise ship. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Climb the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon and enjoy amazing views over Athens
- Visit one of the monasteries of Metéora perched atop towering pinnacles of rock
- Enjoy an included shore excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem
- Visit the world famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see the treasure of Tutankhamun
- Visit the awe-inspiring Temples of Rameses II at Abu Simbel
- Experience the monuments of Abu Simbel lit in all their glory at the sound and light show
- Take a motorboat to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island
- Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and tombs of the Pharoahs in the Valley of the Kings
- Venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and see the enigmatic Sphinx
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Temple of Zeus in Athens
- Cross the breathtaking Corinth Canal
- Walk through the Lion Gate past the Cyclopean Stones to the 'beehive' tombs at Mycenae
- Tour the original Olympic Games site seeing the Gymnasium and Olympic Stadium
- Ascend the Sacred Way past the Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi
- Hear tales of Leonidas and his heroic Spartans at the pass of Thermopylae
- Visit the Turkish capital of Istanbul and the Greek island of Mykonos
- Visit Mohammed Ali Mosque and enjoy views over Cairo from the Citadel
- Visit the famous Khan El Khalili bazaars
- Overview Kasr Ibrim and visit the temples at Amada, Wadi El Sebou and Kalabsha
- Sail by traditional 'felucca' around the Botanical Gardens in Aswan
- Visit the Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus at Edfu
- Enjoy a visit to Luxor Temple which lay hidden beneath the sand for thousands of years
- Tour the Temple complex of Karnak with its vast Hypostyle Hall
- Photo opportunity at the towering Colossi of Memnon
- See the colossal statue of Rameses II and great alabaster sphinx in Memphis
- View the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in the world
Included First Class Services, Aegean & Nile Cruises
- Services of Insight's professional multilingual Tour Director Days 3 - 7, Insight's resident manager in Athens, Cruise Director on Aegean cruise and multi-lingual Egyptologist in Egypt
- Travel by luxury 40 seat air-conditioned coach on Days 3 - 7 and sightseeing by air-conditioned coaches elsewhere
- Athens and Cairo hotels including service charges, taxes and porterage
- 5 night Three Continent cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring outdoor pool, fitness centre, beauty salon, casino, bars & restaurants
- 3 night Lake Nasser cruise on MS Prince Abbas (or similar) and 3 night Nile cruise on MS Giselle or MS Sapphire or MS La Boheme (or similar) including all cruise boat gratuities
- Scheduled air travel Cairo/Aswan/Abu Simbel and Luxor/Cairo
- Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Arrival & departure transfers between the airports, cruise ships and your Insight tour hotels
Included Quality Dining
- Egyptian dinner and Galabea Party (HD)
- 21 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 10 Lunches (L) and 14 Dinners (D), 5 Suppers, (S) plus tea or coffee whilst cruising
Included Premium Highlights
- Climb the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon and enjoy amazing views over Athens
- Visit one of the monasteries of Metéora perched atop towering pinnacles of rock
- Enjoy an included shore excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem
- Visit the world famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see the treasure of Tutankhamun
- Visit the awe-inspiring Temples of Rameses II at Abu Simbel
- Experience the monuments of Abu Simbel lit in all their glory at the sound and light show
- Take a motorboat to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island
- Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and tombs of the Pharoahs in the Valley of the Kings
- Venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and see the enigmatic Sphinx
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of the Wingless Victory and Temple of Zeus in Athens
- Cross the breathtaking Corinth Canal
- Walk through the Lion Gate past the Cyclopean Stones to the 'beehive' tombs at Mycenae
- Tour the original Olympic Games site seeing the Gymnasium and Olympic Stadium
- Ascend the Sacred Way past the Treasury of the Athenians to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi
- Hear tales of Leonidas and his heroic Spartans at the pass of Thermopylae
- Visit the Turkish capital of Istanbul and the Greek island of Mykonos
- Visit Mohammed Ali Mosque and enjoy views over Cairo from the Citadel
- Visit the famous Khan El Khalili bazaars
- Overview Kasr Ibrim and visit the temples at Amada, Wadi El Sebou and Kalabsha
- Sail by traditional 'felucca' around the Botanical Gardens in Aswan
- Visit the Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus at Edfu
- Enjoy a visit to Luxor Temple which lay hidden beneath the sand for thousands of years
- Tour the Temple complex of Karnak with its vast Hypostyle Hall
- Photo opportunity at the towering Colossi of Memnon
- See the colossal statue of Rameses II and great alabaster sphinx in Memphis
- View the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in the world
Included First Class Services, Aegean & Nile Cruises
- Services of Insight's professional multilingual Tour Director Days 3 - 7, Insight's resident manager in Athens, Cruise Director on Aegean cruise and multi-lingual Egyptologist in Egypt
- Travel by luxury 40 seat air-conditioned coach on Days 3 - 7 and sightseeing by air-conditioned coaches elsewhere
- Athens and Cairo hotels including service charges, taxes and porterage
- 5 night Three Continent cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring outdoor pool, fitness centre, beauty salon, casino, bars & restaurants
- 3 night Lake Nasser cruise on MS Prince Abbas (or similar) and 3 night Nile cruise on MS Giselle or MS Sapphire or MS La Boheme (or similar) including all cruise boat gratuities
- Scheduled air travel Cairo/Aswan/Abu Simbel and Luxor/Cairo
- Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Arrival & departure transfers between the airports, cruise ships and your Insight tour hotels
Included Quality Dining
- Egyptian dinner and Galabea Party (HD)
- 21 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 10 Lunches (L) and 14 Dinners (D), 5 Suppers, (S) plus tea or coffee whilst cruising
Day 1 - DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight.
Day 2 - ATHENS AT LEISURE
Welcome to Greece - the very cradle of Western civilization. You are met at Athens airport and transferred to your tour hotel to settle in. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Metropolitan. (D)
Day 3 - ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
Your sightseeing tour this morning includes a visit to the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon, built to the honour of the goddess Athena. Then see the Temple of Zeus, Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian's Arch. This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)
Day 4 - ATHENS - OLYMPIA
Cross the breathtaking Corinth Canal and continue to the ancient ruined city of Mycenae. Walk through the Lion Gate, see the 'Cyclopean' stones and visit the Beehive Tombs. A delightful drive takes you through the mountains of Arkadia to arrive at Olympia.
Hotel: Antonios (BB,D)
Day 5 - OLYMPIA - DELPHI
See the Olympic Stadium where the original games were first held in 776BC, plus the athletes' gymnasium and the city's ancient temples. Then head north to Patras and cross the soaring Rio-Antirrio bridge to the mainland. Follow the coast road to Delphi. Ascend the Sacred Way, past the splendid Treasury of the Athenians and superb Polygonal Wall, to the legendary Temple of Apollo.
Hotel: Amalia. (BB,D)
Day 6 - DELPHI - KALAMBAKA
Drive to Kalambaka via the memorial to Leonidas and his brave Spartans at Thermopylae.
Hotel: Divani. (BB,D)
Day 7 - KALAMBAKA - ATHENS
This morning after breakfast, visit the one of the amazing monasteries known as Metéora, which means 'in the air', incredibly perched on top of pinnacles of rock. Enjoy stunning views over the Peneios Valley and Pindos Mountains before, crossing fertile Thessaly, once described as the 'bread basket of ancient Greece'. A scenic drive along the coast to returns you to Athens.
Hotel: Metropolitan. (BB)
Day 8 - ATHENS - CRUISING
Transfer to the port of Piraeus to board your cruise ship. Relax on board, settle in and enjoy your ship's facilities. (BB,D,S)
Day 9 - ISTANBUL
Enjoy a full free day in Istanbul. Optional excursions are available to visit the Blue Mosque and St. Sofia. Maybe even enjoy some Turkish belly-dancing. This evening set sail once again. (BB,L,D,S)
Day 10 - MYKONOS
Arrive at the delightful island of Mykonos, renowned for its windmills, where there is time to shop in the labyrinth of narrow alleyways or enjoy a cool drink in a taverna. (BB,L,D,S)
Day 11 - AT SEA
Time to relax and enjoy the ship's facilities. (BB,L,D,S)
Day 12 - ASHDOD - JERUSALEM EXCURSION
On arrival in Ashdod, join in an included excursion to see the sights of Jerusalem. Drive to the Mount of Olives, walk through the Old City, see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall. Drive to the small town of Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity before returning to your ship. (BB,L,D,S)
Day 13 - PORT SAID - CAIRO
Disembark your ship in Port Said and transfer to your hotel in Cairo. Relax and settle in, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Marriott (BB)
Day 14 - CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Join your Tour Director for a detailed pre-tour briefing. Then commence your sightseeing with a visit to the Citadel, for views over the city. Salah El Din started the Citadel in the 12th century, but it owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali, whose great alabaster mosque you visit next. Then test your bargaining skills in the famous Khan El Khalili bazaars. This afternoon, you visit the famous Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits on display are the fabulous artefacts recovered by archeologist Howard Carter from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. (BB)
Day 15 - CAIRO - ASWAN - ABU SIMBEL - JOIN CRUISE
Transfer to the airport for your flight via Aswan to the ancient Nubian lands near Egypt's southern border. On arrival, board your comfortable cruise boat on Lake Nasser. Get your camera ready now as you visit the Great Temple of Abu Simbel. Originally built by Rameses II, this temple was designed to impress and it still serves that purpose today. You are confronted by four towering statues of the Pharaoh himself, carved out of a single slab of rock. The smaller Temple of Hathor, built for Rameses' wife, Nefertari, is also guarded by six 10 metre statues. Spend some time exploring inside the 3,200 year old walls, depicting scenes of Rameses and the Gods. Tonight, experience the monuments lit in all their glory at the sound and light show.
Ship: MS Prince Abbas . (BB,L,D)
Day 16 - ON BOARD SHIP
Enjoy the ever changing scenery as you cruise to the ancient ruined citadel of Kasr Ibrim, still occupying its original strategic high ground. Cruise on to Amada, noted for having some of the finest carvings of any Nubian temple. Explore the temple dedicated to Amun-Re and Re-Harrakte and also visit the Tomb of Penniut, deputy of Nubia. (BB,L,D)
Day 17 - ON BOARD SHIP
This morning you visit Wadi El Sebou, - the 'Valley of the Lions', named after the great Avenue of Sphinxes which led to the Temple of Rameses II. Now time to relax and enjoy your superb cruise facilities as you continue on to exotic Aswan - where the Middle East overlaps with Africa! (BB,L,D)
Day 18 - ASWAN - ON BOARD SHIP
Visit the Temple of Kalabsha, built by the Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus and dedicated to the local fertility god Mandulis. Disembark now and cross over the Aswan High Dam. Take a motorboat to the Temples of Philae, rising from the waters of the Nile. Aswan granite was used by many of the Pharaohs to build their temples and tombs and you visit one of the quarries on your way to your second cruise ship which will transport you up the Nile.
Ship: MS Giselle or MS Saphire or MS La Boheme. (BB,L,D)
Day 19 - ON BOARD SHIP
For a change of mood embark on a traditional Nile sailing boat (felucca,) around Aswan's Botanical Gardens. Continue cruising to Kom Ombo to visit the temple dedicated to two gods - Horus the Elder and the crocodile headed Sobek. In fact, crocodiles were kept in the temple and some mummified remains are still on show. Set sail again for Edfu. Tonight celebrate in true Egyptian style at an Oriental Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)
Day 20 - ON BOARD SHIP.
In Edfu this morning, two black granite falcons guard the entrance to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. After exploring the beautifully preserved wall reliefs, continue your Nile cruise to Luxor. On arrival, visit the fabulous Luxor Temple. (BB,L,D)
Day 21 - DISEMBARK LUXOR - CAIRO
Drive over to the west bank of the Nile for a photo stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, blending into the cliff face above. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many of the New Kingdom Pharaohs. Return to Luxor to the Temple complex of Karnak. Among its splendours is the Hypostle Hall, its roof blocks supported by colossal columns 70 feet high. Later, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Cairo.
Hotel: Marriott (BB)
Day 22 - CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Drive out to Memphis, to view the colossal statue of Rameses II and great alabaster sphinx. Nearby at Sakkara, view the Step Pyramid of Zoser; dating from 2686BC, it's the oldest in the world. Your tour reaches its zenith with a guided tour of Giza where you see the enigmatic Sphinx and venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids! (BB)
Day 23 - RETURN TO USA.
Your tour comes to a close this morning with a transfer to the airport. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
8/6/2010 - 8/28/2010 |
$5,275 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/25/2010 |
$5,275 |
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9/17/2010 - 10/9/2010 |
$5,399 |
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10/1/2010 - 10/23/2010 |
$5,399 |
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10/15/2010 - 11/6/2010 |
$5,750 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Prince Abbas
The Prince Abbas, a five-star deluxe Lake Nasser cruise ship, is an extremely comfortable ship with lovely lounges, a restaurant, a library, a gym, and a sun deck with a plunge pool and Jacuzzi. The spacious staterooms have private bathrooms with showers, and offer great views of Lake Nasser.
Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image
Standard Stateroom
Standard Stateroom: 226 sq. ft
All Staterooms have views of Lake Nasser and are comfortably appointed with a private bathroom
Ship Facts:
- Inagurated: 1998
- Length: 280.5 ft. (85.5 m.)
- Width: 50.9 ft. (15.5 m.)
- Staterooms: 70
- Passenger Capacity: 140
- Voltage: 220v
Ship Amenities:
Save 7.5% on Europe Winter Travel
November to April is the perfect time to visit Europe. The climate is often surprisingly mild, and the cities belong to their inhabitants and just a few discerning visitors. There is no better, more complete way to enjoy this experience than on an Insight Vacations escorted tour. Best of all prices are substantially lower than in peak summer season!
Save 7.5% on any 2010/11 Winter Europe packaged tour if you book and pay in full by August 13th.
Click to view all Insight Winter Vacations
TERMS: Booking and full payment for land portion must be made by August 13th, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings made betweenJune 21st, 2010 and August 13th, 2010. Valid for land portion only. Travel must depart between November 1st, 2010 and April 3rd, 2011. Offer NOT valid on Select Choices departures or on Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is NOT combinable with Early Payment brochure discount or any current air promotions. Promotion is combinable with all other brochure discounts. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.