41 Night Cruise sailing from Aqaba to Rome aboard Minerva.

Cruise Description:
Follow the dawning of spring as Minerva leaves the Red Sea, transits the Suez Canal and celebrates Easter in the Holy Land before sailing along the coast of Turkey around the Black Sea to the Crimea and back through the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to Civitavecchia, Gateway to Rome. A classic cruise that links civilisations ancient and modern, from the pyramids of Egypt to the melting pot of Jerusalem; from ancient Roman sites in Turkey to the battlefields of the Crimea and from the Acropolis of Athens to the Norman jewels of Palermo.

Look out for spring flowers among the ancient stones of Rhodes, Crete and the uninhabited isle of Delos. Enjoy the views of domes and minarets as Minerva berths in the heart of Ottoman Istanbul. Explore the palaces of Tsars and Sultans and transit the Corinth Canal. Consult the ancient oracle of Delphi, wander the colourful markets of Sicily and conclude your Grand Voyage amidst the frescos of the Etruscan tombs or visit the 'eternal' city of Rome.

Highlights of this cruise:

Aqaba
Aqaba leads to the remarkable Nabataean city of Petra, a former caravan city that linked Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Hidden in folds of mountains and accessed via a narrow siq, Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, a blend of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. Alternatively, a jeep ride will take you deep into the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where extraordinarily shaped mountains rise out of the rose-red desert.

El Sokhna
El Sokhna is the gateway to Cairo. Enjoy a full day visit to Giza's famed Pyramids, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the Cairo Museum, a treasure house of Egyptian Antiquities.

Alexandria
More Mediterranean in feel than African, the city retains some Belle Epoque buildings, grand squares and evidence of Roman civilisation. Officially opened in 2002 the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a striking 21st century replacement for the original founded by the first Ptolemy in the 3rd century BC. Discover the treasures of the Archaeological and Manuscript Museums.

Haifa
Sitting on the slopes of Mount Carmel, towering over Israel's third largest city is the Carmelite Monastery of Stella Maris, where the order was founded in 1150. Next door and older still is the cave where the Bible tells us Elijah hid from King Ahab. For great views of the bay and the city below, ride there and back by way of the funicular. Down in the town, explore the old Arab district of Wadi Nisnas. In its time, HAIFA has been a refuge for Jewish immigrants, a British enclave during their occupation of Palestine, and the centre of the Baha'i faith. Excursion choices take you around the Bible landmarks of Galilee and to Nazareth, where the Church of the Annunciation is said to stand where Mary and Joseph's house once stood.

Kusadasi
On a full-day call explore spectacular Ephesus, and walk down well trodden marble streets, viewing the restored façade of the Library of Celcus, Hadrian's Temple, baths and houses and the majestic 25,000 seat theatre where St Paul spoke out against the makers of silver shrines. Or discover one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the remains of the Temple of Artemis, and the great civilisations at Seljuk. Minerva sails late this evening, allowing you plenty of time to bargain for rugs or try a Hamman.

Athens
The ancient port of Piraeus is where you can visit the Acropolis of Athens and its new museum. Alternatively take a local boat cruise along the Corinth Canal, smaller than the Suez Canal but no less impressive.

Volos
Enjoy a full day call at Volos, visiting Meteora, where from the 11th century onwards, monks built monasteries on almost inaccessible pinnacles of sandstone, sculpted into fantastic shapes by wind and rain over thousands of years. Or ascend the slopes of Mount Pelion in a beautifully restored train.

Yalta
Enjoy a full day call at Volos, visiting Meteora, where from the 11th century onwards, monks built monasteries on almost inaccessible pinnacles of sandstone, sculpted into fantastic shapes by wind and rain over thousands of years. Or ascend the slopes of Mount Pelion in a beautifully restored train.

Sevastopol
See some of the most significant sites of the Crimean War, including the battlefield of Balaclava - scene of the ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade, and view the magnificent Panorama, a huge circular painted canvas and probably one of the best of its kind, celebrating the defence of Sevastopol. Alternatively, discover Bakhchisarai Palace, an excellent example of Renaissance and Muslim architecture. Minerva berths just ten minutes' walk from the city centre, ideal for exploring at leisure during your full-day in port.

Istanbul
Enjoy the penultimate day of your cruise sailing back across the Black Sea to the magnificent city of Istanbul, spanning the divide between Europe and Asia. The following day explore the heart of Old Istanbul, the lavishly decorated Aghia Sophia and the famed Blue Mosque, or Topkapi, the Ottoman Sultans' palace a fascinating complex of pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, kiosks and sleeping quarters. End the day by wandering around the Grand Bazaar.

Rhodes
Berth at Rhodes, site of another wonder of the ancient world - the Colossus of Rhodes. The double walls of the city, built by the Knights Hospitallers when they settled in Rhodes at the start of the 14th century, protect marvels such as the Street of the Knights, the Grand Master's Palace and the Archaeological Museum. Or drive to the ancient capital of Lindos and climb to the Acropolis for panoramic views over the coastline and across to St Paul's Bay, where St Paul is said to have been shipwrecked on the island.

Palermo
Europe's grandest city in the 12th century, a guided tour will reveal a treasure trove of palazzos and churches. The cathedral at Monreale is the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily with a Romanesque cloister and sparkling 12th century mosaics

Rome
Civitavecchia is the gateway to the eternal city of Rome or the fine frescoes of the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, where almost 6,000 tombs have been excavated since 1489.