Visiting the remnants of ancient civilizations in Egypt and Jordan have long been on my list of dream destinations. I can't think of a better way to experience the Pyramids at Giza, the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, and the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in Jordan than from a luxury cruise ship. The Silversea Silver Whisper will be sailing from Port Said, Egypt to Dubai, UAE in mid-October (voyage #4636), and I will be on the ship! I last sailed on the Silver Whisper in 2002 and found the ship and its crew exceptional, just what you would expect (and more) from a luxury cruise ship. Our cruise will start in Cairo; and, after sailing through the Suez Canal, will stop at Aqaba, Jordan for an overland trip to Petra. Can't you just picture Harrison Ford and Sean Connery riding away from that magnificent tomb in the "Indiana Jones" movie? Next, it's on to Safaga, Egypt, with an opportunity to tour Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Finally, the ship sails on to Oman and the cruise ends in one of the new "must see" cities of the world, Dubai. It should be a perfect fall cruise opportunity!
Silver Whisper Photo Courtesy of Silversea Cruises
From Cairo To Dubai, Silversea Reveals "The Glory Of The Pharaohs" On Two Exciting Fall Voyages
Highlights Include Lectures by Engaging Guest Speakers, Plus Optional Overland Adventures to Petra and Luxor
Ultra-luxury Silversea is offering a pair of exotic voyages designed for those sophisticated travelers with a passion for both the thrill of adventure and the thrill of learning. This fall guests can discover "The Glory of the Pharaohs" aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper on 14- and 15-day cruises from Cairo to Dubai. Featuring overnight port stays for longer shore excursions, and a program of enrichment presentations hosted onboard by noted scholars, these voyages are ideal for inquisitive travelers seeking in-depth cultural experiences that are entertaining and enlightening.
"Thanks to the success of the King Tut exhibitions here in the U.S., there's enormous interest in Egypt right now," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of sales and marketing for North America. "These are two of our lengthier cruises, featuring overnight calls in Aqaba and Safaga, giving our guests more time to discover these fascinating destinations. Guests on these voyages will enjoy thought-provoking lectures offering insights and perspectives on the region, plus have ample opportunity to personally explore the culture and monuments of some of the world's greatest ancient civilizations."
Silver Whisper departs October 18 on a 15-day "The Glory of the Pharaohs" voyage (#4636) from Cairo to Dubai with calls in Sharm-El-Sheikh and Safaga, Egypt; Aqaba, Jordan; Salalah and Muscat, Oman. Dr. Dieter Galler, a professor emeritus at Louisiana State University and authority on philosophy, psychology and French literature, and Dr. Scott Pearson, an expert on economic development and international trade and relations, will be on hand to discuss a range of regional topics, including the origins of dynastic Egypt, the myth and reality of King Tutankhamun, and the politics and economics of building the Suez Canal, to name a few. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,330 per person.
Silver Cloud departs November 10 on a 14-day "The Glory of the Pharaohs II" voyage (#1632) from Cairo to Dubai with calls in Sharm-El-Sheikh and Safaga, Egypt; Aqaba, Jordan; and Muscat, Oman -- plus a first-ever visit for Silversea to the secluded resort town of Khasab, Oman. Dr. Lawrence Herson, an Ohio State University professor emeritus and expert on oriental philosophy, international affairs and political science, will be on board to host a series of enrichment presentations on Egypt, its history, culture, archaeology and contributions to Western civilization, plus an overview of modern Egypt and the Suez Canal. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $6,925 per person.
Optional Overland Adventures
Silversea guests can enhance their voyage with optional overland
programs
featuring deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided
sightseeing and some meals. Highlights include:
From Aqaba, the two-day "Petra and the Dead Sea" excursion offers a unique opportunity to visit some of Jordan's most celebrated attractions. Carved from rock over 2,000 years ago by the mysterious Nabateans, the rose-red city of Petra can be entered only on foot or horseback. After journeying through a narrow pass, visitors are immediately awestruck by the magnificent façade of the Treasury of the Pharaoh, an exquisite tomb famously featured in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Overnight accommodations are provided at the Moevenpick Resort and Spa on the Dead Sea, where guests can enjoy its mineral-rich waters. Highlights of the second day include Mount Nebo and the town of Madaba, renowned for its Byzantine-era mosaics. The tour price is $445 per person, based on double occupancy. The single rate is $495.
From Safaga, on the two-day "Luxor and the Valley of the Kings" tour, guests experience an unforgettable journey through some of Egypt's most remarkable archaeological sites. On the fringes of Luxor stands the enormous temple complex of Karnak. Visitors walk the impressive processional avenue of ram-headed sphinxes leading to the First Pylon (a massive wall 372 feet wide) and the Great Court, connecting to the site's ancient temples and halls. Overnight accommodations are usually at the Sonesta Hotel in Luxor. On the second day, you cross the Nile to the famous Valley of the Kings. Here the great pharaohs were laid to rest, cleverly concealed in tombs dug into the barren cliffs. The tour price is $495 per person, based on double occupancy. The single rate is $545.
For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com
Press Release Source: Silversea Cruises
Dateline: July, 2006