Tucson, AZ
Today is my last day at home and I am pretty well prepared for travel. My two bags are packed and only my carry-on has to be re-arranged. Because I am traveling first-class from Tucson to Newark, and business class on all the other flights, I am allowed two bags at 70 lbs each for luggage, as well as my carry-on (I will be carrying a lot less than the 70 lbs). About that first-class flight: given that Delta Airlines has radically increased the number of frequent flier miles needed even for a free domestic flight, I didn't have enough miles for Tucson to Newark. But I was able to purchase a less expensive economy ticket and then use frequent flier miles to upgrade to first class. I am also using miles to pay for the Hilton Hotel at Newark Airport. Nowadays that seems to be a better use of miles than trying to eke out a free flight.
I arrive at Newark in mid-afternoon on Friday and do not leave until after 8:00pm on Saturday evening, so I should be well-rested for the long flights to Athens. The transatlantic portion has United's Poseidon-Class seat-beds, so at least I will be able to stretch out full-length, even if sleep is questionable.
On the cruise I will be taking Seabourn shore excursions in all ports except Haifa--from where I will travel on my own to Tel Aviv; Abu Dhabi--where I will get around on my own; and Dubai, where I disembark for five days.
Seabourn Shore Excursions
Agios Nikolaos, Crete: The Minoan Palace of Knossos
Join an expedition to the Palace of King Knossos -- once the religious and administrative center of the Minoan world. You'll travel from Agios Nikolaos across the island to Heraklion to visit this renowned archaeological site.
Explore the labyrinth built to confine the fabled Minotaur, born out of the unnatural union between King Minos' queen and a bull. Legend holds that the king fed his enemies to this mythological monster until the labyrinth's secret was finally unraveled. Your guided tour takes you through the ruins of the palace complex, now excavated and partially reconstructed to give a better understanding of the complex labyrinth. You will visit the living quarters of the king and queen, the storerooms, potters' workshops and the theater.
Later, enjoy a brief stop at the main square in Heraklion before returning to the pier.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. 9:30am / 5 hours
Ashdod, Israel: Jerusalem Highlights
Depart from Ashdod and drive up the Judean Hills to Jerusalem. You will stop at the Sherover-Haas Promenade to take in the superb panoramic views of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.
Re-board your coach and continue towards the Old City. Here, you'll set out with your guide on a walking tour through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Following his official recognition of Christianity, Emperor Constantine constructed a vast sanctuary, built on what he believed was the site of Christ's resurrection. The building was destroyed in successive wars, transformed by Persians, and then rebuilt by the Crusaders. Inside the church you will see the last five Stations of the Cross.
Continue your walk through the Christian Quarter to the Roman Cardo in the Jewish Quarter, and see the remains of the ancient walls that protected Jerusalem during the 1st and 2nd Temple Period.
Descend to the Western (or Wailing) Wall -- the last vestige of the ramparts that surrounded the Holy Temple of the Jews, built by Solomon and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, rebuilt by Babylonian exiles and Herod and then burned down by Titus.
You will return to the colorful bazaar and enjoy a light lunch and some shopping before driving back to Ashdod.
7:30am / 6.25 hrs / snack
Having enjoyed a tour similar to this two years ago (as well as four days in Jerusalem in 1993), I may take some diversions during the tour to visit other less familiar places and then join the tour again for the snack and return to Ashdod.
Petra: Hidden Treasure of the Ancient World: A UNESCO Tour
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A scenic two-hour drive takes you from the pier in Aqaba to the Petra Visitor Center, located in Wadi Musa. Either on the motor coach on the drive to Petra or on the return drive to Aqaba, your experience will be enriched by an expert lecturer highly specialized in the history and culture of Petra.
Lost to the desert for centuries, Petra is one of the most spectacular sites of antiquity. This rose-hued city carved out of solid sandstone is the legacy of the Nabataeans -- an industrious Arabian people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a new Wonder of the World, enchanting visitors from all corners of the globe. The area was lost to all but nomadic Bedouins until 1812, and not until 1929 did excavation of the site begin.
Upon arrival at this amazing site, proceed on foot to the mile-long siq -- a narrow gorge whose steeply rising sides all but obliterate the sun, providing a dramatic contrast for the magic to come. Share the amazement of travelers who have gone before you, as you reach the end of the canyon walls and catch your first glimpse of the immense and iconic Treasury building with its towering columns and intricate carvings. The Petra basin boasts more than 800 individual monuments, including buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, and colonnaded streets, that were carved from the brilliantly-colored sandstone by the technical and artistic genius of its inhabitants.
Celebrate your adventure over a buffet lunch of Arabian and Western foods at a leading hotel nearby, before returning to Aqaba.
Please note: Tour requires considerable walking. There is a strenuous walk into and out of the Petra site along an inclined path that includes slippery and unpaved surfaces. The walking at Petra itself is mostly level. Total walking distance is up to five miles with only two benches along the way. Temperatures are high. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. While there are a limited number of carriages, camels and donkeys available at Petra for transportation, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis and their use is in no way encouraged as they are not insured. If you choose to take the horse-drawn carriage, you do so at your own risk and there will be no narration during the bumpy ride that ends at the Treasury building. Your carriage driver will schedule a meeting time with you in front of the Treasury Building for the return ride. Expect delays; 20 minutes late is not considered late in Jordan. Guests wishing to arrange for a carriage ride must do so directly with their guide and pay the guide, not the carriage driver. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Participants should be in good physical condition; even if you engage a carriage or service animal, you must still travel on foot over uneven and inclined terrain in order to completely view the site.
7:30am / 9 hours / lunch
Salalah, Oman: Sultanate Heritage: A UNESCO Partner Tour
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover the contrasts between the lush vegetation of Salalah and the barren landscape of the desert, and learn the fascinating history of this region. Leaving the port, your half-day tour begins with a visit to Al Balid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a prosperous medieval-era port. Al Balid's importance started in the 10th century and lasted for about 500 years, when it was the most important harbor for the export of frankincense. In the 15th century, trade routes shifted and Al Balid gradually lost its importance. After seeing the archaeological ruins, you’ll drive to another ancient center of the frankincense trade--Taqa. Today, Taqa is a busy fishing village renowned for its traditional white-stone houses and its historic castle. Your next stop is at Samhuram, located near the great lagoon of Khor Rouri Creek. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 3000 BC and vividly illustrates the heyday of Arabia's frankincense trade with the Far East and Greece. On the return drive to Salalah, stop at the impressive Al Husn Palace and Shanfari Mosque for photos, and then continue on to the Al Husn souq (market). Stroll among colorful stalls heaped with frankincense, myrrh and perfumed oils, along with local handicrafts, jewelry and other souvenirs before returning to the pier.
Please note: Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Shorts are not allowed. The Al Balid site is closed on Thursday and Friday mornings and on statutory holidays. Minimum age is 6 years.
8:00am / 4.75 hours
Muscat, Oman: Hop-On / Hop-Off City Tour
A city rich in old Arabian charm and dominated by dramatic mountains, Muscat boasts a fascinating history and numerous lovely highlights. Explore by modern, open-top double decker bus for a sightseeing experience that offers unique perspective either from on high or at street level. A recorded commentary is available in six different languages including English, Arabic, French, German, Italian and Spanish. With eight stops to choose from, you can explore at your leisure, as you are free to hop on and off the bus for the entire day.
Frequency of the buses is every 30 minutes with the last bus departing from stop #1 at 5pm. Your tour ticket includes complimentary headphones and map. Highlights of the tour include the Muttrah Souk, Royal Opera House, natural mangroves, Qurum Beach, Qurum Park, a mountain pass, the Parliament building, marina views, the Sultan’s Palace, the Old Quarter, museums, Kalbu Corniche, Mirani Fort & Harbour, the dolphin fountain and Al Muttrah Corniche.
10:45am
Sir Bani Yas: Desert Island 4x4 Game Drive
An experienced safari guide will meet you at the pier. Take a seat in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle for a 40-minute wildlife drive. Keep an eye out for some of the animals that make their home on Sir Bani Yas Island -- free-roaming cheetah, striped hyena, giraffe, blackbuck, a variety of gazelle and the Arabian oryx.
Your guide offers a detailed explanation of the habitat and the history of the island -- it is a singular place.
Return to the pier with a whole new perspective on the culture, history and conservation efforts of Sir Bani Yas Island and within the UAE in general.
Please note: Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.
10:30ama / 1.1. hours
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