Group Size: Hebridean Sky can accommodate up to 92 guests for this program
Price: Starting from $11,990 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Archaeological Institute of America, Carleton Alumni Association, Penn Alumni Travel, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, World Affairs Council
Trip Overview
Experience four countries and distinct ancient cultures that span 5,000 years of history on this 14-day journey aboard the all-suite Hebridean Sky, gazing upon true modern marvels in addition to a fascinating mix of historic wonders. Begin at the ancient Spice Route outposts of Jordan’s Petra and Saudi Arabia’s Mada’in Saleh before exploring Egypt’s iconic pyramids of Giza and mysterious Sphinx, the mummies of Cairo’s National Museum, and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Continue to the Bronze Age city of Knossos on Crete, then experience the glory of Greece’s Acropolis, including the mighty Parthenon. Jump forward thousands of years while the ship transits the modern engineering marvel of the Suez Canal and be immersed in local culture with a traditional lunch at a Wadi Rum desert camp. All along the way, enjoy engaging presentations by knowledgeable local guides and a team of onboard lecturers who will bring ancient times to life and help put people and places into historical context.
Schedule by Day
- Mar 23: Depart from home city
- Mar 24: Arrive Aqaba, Jordan / Petra
- Mar 25: Petra
- Mar 26: Petra / Wadi Rum / Aqaba / Embark Hebridean Sky
- Mar 27: At Sea
- Mar 28: Mada'in Saleh, Saudi Arabia
- Mar 29: Luxor, Egypt / Overnight at hotel in Luxor
- Mar 30: Valley of the Kings
- Mar 31: Cairo
- Apr 01: Suez Canal
- Apr 02: At Sea
- Apr 03: Knossos, Greece
- Apr 04: Athens
- Apr 05: Return flights home
Pricing
Per person double occupancy:
- Category A, Standard Cabin (forward): $11,990
- Category B, Standard Cabin: $13,990
- Category C, Superior Cabin: $15,990
- Category D, Premium Cabin: $16,490
- Category E, Corner Suite: $16,990
- Category F, Deluxe Balcony Suite: $17,990
- Category G, Owner’s Balcony Suite: $18,990
- Category H, Hebridean Suite: $19,990
Per person single occupancy:
- Category A, Standard Cabin (forward): $17,990
- Category B, Standard Cabin: $19,590
- Category C, Superior Cabin: $23,990
Accommodations
- Two nights at the Movenpick Resort Petra
- Three nights on Hebridean Sky
- One night at the Sonesta St. George, Luxor
- Five nights on Hebridean Sky
- One night at Electra, Metropolis, Athens
Extensions
An optional two-night pre-tour extension will be offered to Amman which will include touring en route to Aqaba. An optional two-night post-tour extension will be offered in Athens. Details to follow.
What to Expect
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy, and requires participants to be in good health and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. In order to make the most of what each locale has to offer, pre-cruise time spent in Petra, shore excursions, and post-cruise time spent in Athens will be active, and you will often be spending much of the day off the ship. These adventure-filled days will be offset by relaxing time spent cruising at sea, with the opportunity to enjoy the passing coastal scenery, the ship’s amenities, and the full lecture program.
Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoach, with a few days with long drives to and from port, the longest on our way to Mada’in Saleh and Luxor. In order to see all of the sites in this region there will be a couple of long days off the ship complemented by days at sea to relax. Daily activities can involve up to three miles of walking, and many walking tours will take place in older quarters and historic sites, where the terrain is uneven. Many historic buildings do not have elevators, and you’ll occasionally encounter steps without handrails. March is an excellent time to visit this region, though temperatures will still likely be warm, particularly under the heat of the sun, in some stops. The Hebridean Sky has an elevator that connects all passenger decks. Aboard ship, you should feel comfortable walking on a rocking surface at times. The ship does not have facilities for wheelchair-dependent passengers. There is no chair lift on board and access to the ship is by gangway.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all of the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
