Istanbul to Aqaba - Music Cruise on the MS Europa
The MS Europa is the highest rated cruise ship in the world. With her 204 all-suite accommodation, award-wining service and exceptional blend of luxury, spaciousness and intimacy, she is the only cruise ship ever to be presented with a Six Star Diamond Award. In November 2010 there is an opportunity to take a spectacular 9-day cruise from Istanbul, along the coast of Turkey, through the Suez Canal, and ending in Aqaba. There are many optional excursions including Beirut, Damascus, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Baalbek, Cairo and the Valley of the Kings.
2nd Stella Maris International Vocal Competition
As part of the cruise the 2nd Stella Maris International Vocal Competition 2010 will take place under the direction of one of the world’s leading Mozart tenors, Michael Schade. This unique vocal competition was established by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with the aim of promoting young singers. In this competition eight gifted up-and-coming artists from world-renowned opera houses take to the stage in front of an expert jury and, of course, the guests on board. Eight major international opera houses including the Bayerische Staatsoper, Opera National de Paris, Teatro alla Scala, the San Francisco Opera Centre and the Royal Opera House will send young artists to perform on board.
Itinerary
Istanbul/Turkey
Come aboard and look forward to a wonderful cruise with MS EUROPA
Antalya/Turkey
Surrounded by an old city wall and located on the Turkish Riviera is one of the country's most picturesque harbours. But a sightseeing tour in Antalya* also included the inviting side streets of the Old Town and the ancient Hadrian's Gate. You will get to know the country and its people* on a tour along the coast to a small village with typical Ottoman houses. Against the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains a farmer's family will give you an insight into their lives.
Paphos/Cyprus
In the place where Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was born out of the foam of the sea, the discovery of ancient Paphos* awaits you. Its greatest treasures include the magnificent Roman mosaics like those in the House of Dionysos. Or on a hike on the path from Droushia to Neochorio* you can delve into the wonderful island nature, past solitary villages, olive and almond trees.
Tartus/Syria
From the Syrian harbour town you will travel to lively Damascus*, with its fantastic Old Town that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palmyra* was even mentioned in the bible. In the middle of the desert ancient columns reach up into the sky and bear witness to a time when the Baal Temple was consecrated or Queen Septimia Zenobia reigned over today's UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most important strongholds of the crusaders was Crac des Chevaliers* - until the mighty fortress was conquered by Sultan Baibars in 1271.
Beirut/Lebanon
Following years of warlike conflict, the capital of Lebanon shines in new
splendour. On your city tour including a visit to the national museum*, you will experience colourful scenes full of contrasts: veiled Muslim women beside females in modern attire, art deco houses alongside futuristic skyscrapers and a kaleidoscope of 6,000 years of history in the museum itself. In Baalbek*, you have the opportunity to admire the place where the main Syrian idol Baal was worshipped - nowadays a significant archaeological site with excavation layers dating from mythical beginnings to the Roman imperial era.
Port Said/Egypt
At the northern gateway of the Suez Canal you can leave the EUROPA for two exciting overland excursions: visit Cairo*, "Mother of the World", with the pyramids of Gizeh, the Sphinx and the superb Egyptian Museum. Or fly to Luxor*, and marvel at another UNESCO World Heritage Site with the temple complex of Karnak and the famous Valley of the Kings. If you stay on board, you will experience the Suez Canal passage the next day and cruise with the EUROPA from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.
Hurghada/Egypt
Stroll on the beaches of the popular seaside resort - or go on an action-packed desert safari* over dunes and through dried out riverbeds to a Bedouin village. A unique experience.
Aqaba/Jordan
At the end of an eventful cruise, you will leave the ship and embark on your homebound journey.
*These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
The itinerary, timings and musical programme are subject to change. Please see Booking Conditions
stanbul to Aqaba - Music Cruise on the MS Europa
including the 2nd Stella Maris International Vocal Competition
Departure: 6 November - 15 November 2010
Price From: £3,610 per person.
For full illustrated brochure, please contact us on 01227 734407 or e-mail us on bookings@prospecttours.com
Terms and Conditions apply. Booking Conditions available on request.
This cruise is operated on our behalf by DERTOUR ATOL 5706.
