The setting for powerful empires of the past provide the beautiful backdrop for some relaxing moments. Amongst the palaces of antiquity and ancient amphitheatres, discover the Mediterranean landscape of the Aegean. You will get a special insight into the Holy Land as you visit some of the places featured in the Bible and get to know the Israeli cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. You will also be enchanted by the rising stars in the Stella Maris Vocal Competition, the sounds of which will round off your holiday experiences.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
Save € 600 per person when you combine cruises EUR1524 and EUR1525.
When booking this cruise, you will receive a connoisseurs’ package of 250 Euro per person for your own individual travel arrangements organized by our travel concierge.
At anchor - If the ship anchors in open water the ferrying ashore will be done with tenders or Zodiacs.
Scheduled flight from Germany to Athens
Transfer to Piraeus for embarkation on the EUROPA
Piraeus (Athens)/Greece, departure 23.00 hrs
Piraeus (Athens)/Greece
Under the starry sky, the EUROPA sets a course for the Aegean. Or join us for our pre-cruise programme* through Athens – city of the ancients.
Nauplia, 7.00 – 16.30 hrs
Nauplia/Peloponnese/Greece
A narrow passage divides the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. The seafarers of ancient Corinth* used to pull their ships overland before the canal was opened in the 19th century. You can marvel at the spectacular stone walls of the canal on a boat trip*. The legendary Mycenae* once also stood guard over the strait. Not far away, you can visit the amazingly well-preserved Theatre of Epidaurus*, where some special events still take place today. A hike along the Mycenaean trail* is steeped in history and the romantic water mills are the perfect place to take a breather.
Izmir/Turkey, 9.00 – 22.00 hrs
Izmir/Turkey
Promenades lined with palm trees, inviting boutiques and a state-of-the-art museum in the Culture Park* – Izmir has developed into a city with history. Discover the diverse city or set out for another cultural highlight: Pergamum and the Asclepion* were already world famous 2,000 years ago and have lost none of their appeal since then. Modern forms of transport will take you up to the Acropolis: enjoy the unique panoramic views from the cable car.
Kusadasi, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs
Kusadasi/Turkey
Fine beaches, a pretty marina and “pigeon island” just off the coastline make this resort a great place for individual activities. Not far away, a site of great cultural heritage awaits: Ephesus* was home to one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and brings to life evidence of its former glory in the Celsus Library, artistic reliefs and amazingly well-preserved temples. You will be able to discover some of the other treasures of Asia Minor in the ancient city of Priene, the famous theatre at Miletus and the oracle site of Didyma*.
Iraklion/Crete/Greece, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs
Iraklion/Crete/Greece
From the old port, you can walk into the old part of town to the Venetian fountain with the lions. Knossos* saw the birth of a legend: the Minoan Palace with its 1,300 rooms was like a labyrinth and its impressive frescoes and reconstructions are testament to Minoan culture. Would you like to explore Crete’s fabulous mountain scenery in an active way? A hike through the rocky gorge* will reveal the wild beauty of the island.
Rhodes/Dodecanese, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs
Rhodes/Dodecanese/Greece
Where the Colossus of Rhodes once welcomed seafarers to the island, today’s visitors will be able to see the deer statues. The walled old town is just a stone’s throw away from the harbour and is a great place to shop, admire your surroundings and enjoy some refreshment in a taverna. On the east coast, there is a sublime view of the acropolis at Lindos*, one of the most attractive towns on Rhodes. A mountain bike tour* is a sporty way to explore the woods and olive groves in the island’s hilly interior.
Antalya/Turkey, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs
Antalya/Turkey
Whether you prefer to browse in the medina or visit the landmark that is the historic Yivli Minare Mosque, Antalya promises a varied experience. Or join us on a trip to the see the Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos*. Explore the beauty of the Taurus Mountains* by all-terrain vehicle. Your trip will take you off road through woods and along sandy tracks to traditional villages, which will give you an insight into what life is like away from the main Turkish tourist centres.
Relaxation at sea
Ashdod/Israel, 6.00 – 0.00 hrs
Ashdod/Israel
On the biblical trail in the Holy Land: in Galilee, you can explore Nazareth*, the City of the Annunciation, as well as Cana, where Jesus performed the miracle with the wine, and the Jordan Valley, where the first baptisms took place. Or follow the trail of Jesus’ life to Bethlehem and Jerusalem* – the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Wailing Wall are important sites – and not just for Christians. Would you like to get to know more about modern life in Israel? In Tel Aviv*, there will be plenty of time for you to make your own discoveries after a panoramic trip.
Haifa, 7.00 – 19.00 hrs
Haifa/Israel
From the green terraces of the Baha’i Gardens* in the heart of the city, enjoy views over cosmopolitan Haifa, before enjoying an exclusive tasting at the Carmel vineyard*. An excursion to the imperial city of Caesarea* will take you back in time to the birth of Israel. The once magnificent site was built by Herod in around 20 BCE. Follow in Jesus’s footsteps to the Sea of Galilee,* where he performed one of his miracles.
Limassol/Cyprus, arrival 6.00 hrs
Transfer to Larnaca for flight to Frankfurt**
Limassol/Cyprus
Embark on your journey home or stay on for our post-cruise programme* on “Cyprus – island of the gods”.
* The shore excursions are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to changes.
** Depending on flight schedule, it may be necessary to make changes to the departure time.
= at anchor
The Stella Maris International Vocal Competition is devoted to finding talented young singers in cooperation with famous opera houses worldwide. In this high-calibre vocal contest, world-famous opera houses recommend their up-and-coming stars, who compete against one another in three concert events on board the EUROPA. The classical headliners of tomorrow demonstrate their abilities in the categories of opera, oratorios and lieder to the star-studded jury and the rest of the audience. The audience choose their personal favourite to receive the generous audience prize.
Wednesday,11 November, Kusadasi, Turkey – Kusadasi International Golf
Two artificial lakes, 54 bunkers and a few canyons will challenge in particular players with higher handicaps on this 18-hole championship course. Enjoy a game between the mountains and the Aegean Sea.
Thursday, 12 November, Iraklion, Crete, Greece – the Crete GC
Situated in a rocky landscape with a mountain-style layout, this course is a real challenge. Keen golfers can expect treacherous ravines and other challenging obstacles.
Saturday, 14 November, Antalya, Turkey – the Montgomerie Maxx Royal... Read more
Wednesday,11 November, Kusadasi, Turkey – Kusadasi International Golf
Two artificial lakes, 54 bunkers and a few canyons will challenge in particular players with higher handicaps on this 18-hole championship course. Enjoy a game between the mountains and the Aegean Sea.
Thursday, 12 November, Iraklion, Crete, Greece – the Crete GC
Situated in a rocky landscape with a mountain-style layout, this course is a real challenge. Keen golfers can expect treacherous ravines and other challenging obstacles.
Saturday, 14 November, Antalya, Turkey – the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club (additional course)
Keen golfers can expect an unforgettable experience at this golf club. Pine and Eucalyptus trees and natural lakes define the landscape of this 18-hole championship course. Experience and enjoy the impressive panoramic views of the Taurus Mountains, which are sometimes covered with snow.
Tuesday, 17 November, Haifa, Israel – Caesarea GC
This is one of the few golf courses outside North America to have been designed by Pete Dye. Opened in 2007, it is an outstanding course with small greens. Here you can look forward to an unforgettable game.
After his time as an amateur and professional golfer, he was a full-time national trainer to the German men’s team from 1998 to 2004. His players have gained titles such as European vice-champion and have won more than 25 international championships all over Europe. He has been an instructor at Golfclub Hamburg-Ahrensburg since April 2004 and is one of the men’s co-trainers for the national Golf Team Germany. He is always pleased to share his experience with you through Golf & Cruise.
After his time as an amateur and professional golfer, he was a full-time national trainer to the German men’s team from 1998 to 2004. His players have gained titles such as European vice-champion and have won more than 25 international championships all over Europe. He has been an instructor at Golfclub Hamburg-Ahrensburg since April 2004 and is one of the men’s co-trainers for the national Golf Team Germany. He is always pleased to share his experience with you through Golf & Cruise.
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