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Cruise Name: Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey & Cyprus - (Limassol)
Cruise Duration: 7/8 (nights/days)
Prices From: 719GBP

Departure Port: Limassol (Cyprus)
Arrival Port: Limassol (Cyprus)

From: 26-07-2000
To: 02-08-2000

Vessel: Arion

Adults in 3rd/4th berths: £431
Children & Teenagers under 18 years old in 3rd/4th berths: £216
Children from 2 and under 4 years old in 3rd/4th berths: £72
Children under 2 years old in 3rd/4th berths: Free
Individual Supplement: +50%
Port Taxes & Gratuities (included in the prices): £70

Prices in GBP, per person in double occupancy include:
- Cabin accommodation as described
- All meals on board (except drinks)
- Daytime and Evening Entertainment
- Most Leisure Facilities
- All Port Taxes
- On board gratuities

Prices do not include:
- On Board Drinks
- Optional Shore excursions
- Travel Incurance
- Flights, TRansfers & Visas

Itinerary

Date	Day	Port	Arrival	Departure
26-07-2011	TUE	Limassol (Cyprus)	Emb.	19h00
27-07-2011	WED	Antalya (Turkey)	07h30	20h00
28-07-2011	THU	Mersin (Turkey)	12h30	19h30
29-07-2011	FRI	Tartous (Syria)	06h00	23h00
30-07-2011	SAT	Beirut (Lebanon)	06h00	13h00
31-07-2011	SUN	Port Said (Egypt)	06h00	07h30
31-07-2011	SUN	Alexandria (Egypt)	20h00
01-08-2011	MON	Alexandria (Egypt)		13h30
02-08-2011	TUE	Limassol (Cyprus)	09h30	Disb.

Tours
Click here to view available tours for this cruises

ARION EAST MED 2011 - ALEXANDRIA, Landmarks of Alexandria
A – Landmarks of Alexandria (Half-day) – approx. 4 hrs.
Alexandria is the second largest city and the main port of Egypt. It is often referred to as the
'Pearl of the Mediterranean' and has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle
Eastern. Alexandria was built by the Greek architect Dinocrates on the site of an old village,
Rhakotis, at the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, which immortalizes Alexander's name,
quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis, the
remains of which are still evident to this day. Perhaps it is best known as the setting for the
tempestuous relationship between Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
Your leisurely tour begins with a drive to Qaitbey Fort, built on the foundation of one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Pharos. A photo stop will be made
before continuing on for additional brief & photo stops at the Abou El Abbas mosque, the tomb
of the Unknown Soldier.
Visit the Alexandria Bibliotheca (the library), it was filled not only with books pertaining to Egypt
and Greece, but the entire ancient world. At one time the library even held the original works of
Euripides and Sophocles. Your coach then proceeds by way of Cornish street along the palm
tree-lined beaches and resorts of Alexandria, to Monataza Gardens. Arriving at Monataza
Gardens, time will be afforded to enjoy this lovely and peaceful setting which is also home to
the King Farouk Palace. Your tour concludes with the return drive back to the ship
Subject to minimum 30 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended.
Tour suitable for elderly and assisted wheelchair confined people.
No bags allowed inside the Library
Children under the age of 6 years old not permitted in the Library.
Note that the four front seats of the coaches are reserved for the security officer and the guide.

Price: £70

ARION EAST MED 2011 - ALEXANDRIA, El Alamein
B – El Alamein (Half-day) – approx. 5 hrs.
The Egyptian coastline stretching along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea 110 km from the
city of Alexandria is considered as one of the most beautiful areas along the coast. Set in a
broad and barren desert plain somehow too distant from the seafront, is the small village of El
Alamein. Meaning ‘two worlds” in Arabic, El Alamein’s history and geography conspire to allow
the town to live up to its name.
It was here in November 1942 when the Allied forces under the command of British General
Montgomery put a halt to the advance of Nazi Afrika Corps who considered El Alamein the
gateway to Alexandria and the key to the control of the African continent. The Allied victory in
the battle of El Alamein marked the beginning of the end for the Axis Powers in North Africa,
crushing the mystique surrounding the “Desert Fox”, German Field Marshal Rommel, whose
force of tanks had previously proved invisible. The Battle of El Alamein was one of the most
violent as well as most important confrontations during 2nd World War.
Your first stop will be at the Military Museum containing displays of weapons, military garb and
tanks. Descriptions of the actions of Montgomery, Rommel and the others participating in the
battle are also on display. Continue your tour with a visit to the burial site. A short drive west of
town, perched on a small peninsula overlooking the sea, the citadel-like Cemeteries is the final
resting place for Commonwealth, Greek, Italian and German soldiers. The neat rows of
tombstones provide a poignant scene set against the seemingly interminable desert. Within a
shaded alcove, the inscribed plaque explains the significance of the battle as well as the
diverse origins of the victims interred here.
Subject to minimum 30 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended.
Note that the four front seats of the coaches are reserved for the security officer and the guide.

Price: £59

ARION EAST MED 2011 - ANTALYA, Perge, Aspendos & Side
A – Perge, Aspendos & Side (Full day with lunch) – approx. 7 ½ hrs.
Depart for Perge, whose fantastic ruins date back to around 1000 b.C. Legend has it that the
city was founded by two Trojan seers, named Mopsus and Calchas, who fled the long siege of
their home city and sought the solace of a more peaceful land. Perge was not a very large city,
but its theatre held nearly 14,000 people. Looking at the lower part of the stage, you may be
able to make out beautiful marble reliefs, friezes, statues and carvings that once decorated the
theatre’s entire stage facade.
The inhabitants of Perge, like those of Ephesus, worshipped Artemis, and the goddess
became strongly associated with the city. As Christianity gained prominence, the Virgin Mary
began to take her place, and it is thought that Perge may have played an important role in the
early spread of Christianity. Looking around the ruins of an ancient Basilica, you will see this
first-hand.
Walk around a stadium that once housed performances and gladiatorial bouts in front of a
roaring crowd of 12,000 spectators, one of the best-preserved stadiums in Anatolia. Walk
through the Roman Gate, which was the entrance to the city, into the Baths Complex, and
around the Hellenistic Gateway and walls, which are the only pre-Roman structures as yet
unearthed. You should notice the round towers which are characteristic of the town, and hover
above a horseshoe-shaped courtyard. Follow a colonnaded street which once led the ancients
from the Hellenistic gate to the Nymphaeum, and up to the Agora, built in the 4th century A.D.
when the city was enlarged. From here, it’s only a short trip to Aspendos, the next stop on our
circular tour of highlights from the ancient world.
You climb a scenic hilltop to reach Aspendos, near the Eurymedon River with the splendid
backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, which was a major port city in the Roman period. To date,
only parts of Aspendos have been excavated, but the Roman theatre here is the bestpreserved
of any on the Mediterranean coast, barely deserving the by now perhaps all-toofamiliar
label, “ruin”. The theatre was built in the 2nd century A.D. during the reign of Marcus
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 3 / 13
Aurelius. You may remember him as the pensive, brooding, and finally strangled old Emperor
in “Gladiator”, the movie. Or perhaps the more literary will recognize him as the author of
“Meditations”, the very first, and very depressing book in the Great Books series. The theatre
he had built when taking time off from morbid philosophizing is dedicated to “the gods of
country and the imperial house”, and holds over 20,000 souls. Walking around, it’s hard not to
imagine what a show here might have been like in the time of Marcus Aurelius. Ataturk,
founder of the Turkish Republic, once did so, and had his dream turned into a reality,
demanding that the theatre be used rather than converted into a museum. A performance
here, where the acoustics are so perfect that microphones are often not even used, is really an
experience not to be missed. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, take
advantage of it.
Nearby the Aspendos theatre is a marvellous aqueduct that used to supply the city, which you
will be able to see from the road.
After a busy morning of ruins-watching, you’ll probably be a little thirsty, so it’s on to lunch (incl.
one soft drink and coffee or tea) , which you will have at one of the nice local restaurants in the
area.
From lunch you move on to Side, a stunningly situated seaside village where Marc Antony and
Cleopatra played out one scene in their romantic saga, and where you can take advantage of
the chance to walk off that scrumptious dessert you just had. Side, meaning “pomegranate” in
a long-lost local language, was an important seaport at the beginning of the first Millennium.
Walk through broad colonnaded streets lined by ancient buildings and to a central Agora,
where pirates once unloaded and sold their cargo.
Passing through the Agora, you will admire Side’s 15,000-person theatre, which was built in
the 2nd century A.D. This theatre, once home to legendary gladiatorial bouts, was converted
into a massive open-air church in the 5th century. Three temples lie on the fringes of the
theatre; one of Dionysus, the god of wine, and two others dedicated to Apollo and to Artemis.
Side’s blossoming period was long ago, between the 2nd and 4th centuries A.D., when the city
prospered due to good relations with the Roman Empire. Earthquakes, Christian crusaders,
and Arab raiders all took their toll on the city, however, and it was completely abandoned by
the 10th century, left to be buried by the sands. Recently it has enjoyed a remarkable
resurrection, and is home to an eclectic but tasteful blend of ancient ruins and modern beach
side hotels, cafés, and nightclubs.
Your tour ends as you soak in the sunset across the beautiful harbour, perhaps enjoying a
drink, lounging, and sampling some fantastic fresh Turkish meze, or appetizers, before turning
in or out for the evening.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable and flat non-slippery walking shoes recommended as this tour involves walking on uneven
surfaces.

Price: £104

ARION EAST MED 2011 - ANTALYA, Antalya Sightseeing
B – Antalya Sightseeing (Half-day) – approx. 4 ½ hrs.
We will depart the pier towards the Archaeological Museum of Antalya, one of the most
interesting venues in the city.
The museum is considered a prize winning museum and one of the most notable archaeology
museums in the world. It is also the only museum in Turkey with a children’s department
exhibiting ancient monuments appealing to them. With its many halls and exhibitions / artifacts
ranging from prehistorically times through the roman ages, this museum is a must see for all
the visitors. It contains 13 display halls and open galleries where we can find an enormous
number of artifacts from different cultural phases, from the pre-Paleolithic period to the Roman
period; portraits, sculptures, tombs, emperors, coins, Gods, all to make you enjoy with this
fascinating trip to the oldest Turkish History.
While in the museum, you will enjoy a 40 minutes guided tour and 20 minutes will be at your
own leisure to discover and enjoy all the corners of this magnificent museum or to take a little
rest at the museum coffee shop before departing.
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 4 / 13
After visiting the museum you will depart towards the Antalya Old City where your guide will
show you some of the highlights of the city before you can explore the old city on your own.
Antalya is the pearl of Mediterranean Region. It's a rich land of history with its historical sites,
which had been home for several civilizations and a heaven of sea & sun with its unique
coastline and coastal towns.
Places of interest to see in Antalya are many, like the broken minaret mosque which had also
been a church, Hadrian's Gate or the antique Roman Harbor. Then you will meet your guide at
the meeting point previously arranged to go back to the pier.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable and flat non-slippery walking shoes recommended as this tour involves walking on uneven
surfaces.

Price: £48

ARION EAST MED 2011 - BEIRUT, Byblos & Panoramic
A – Byblos & Panoramic Beirut (Half-day) – approx. 5 ½ hrs.
Depart from Beirut port and proceed along the coast to the oldest Phoenician city of Byblos.
This archaeological site dates back to 7000 years. Byblos was a commercial and religious
capital of the Phoenicians, the birthplace of the first linear alphabet, ancestor of all modern
alphabets, Greek & Latin. Visit the historical Crusader castle, the church of St John, the
Roman theatre and of course the Roman medieval port. Take a short walk among souvenirs
shops lining the area for handmade articles. On the way back to Beirut port, you will tour Beirut
city centre, the city that was destroyed by the fumes of war and is now shaking off the ashes
as renovations and restorations are taking place.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable modest attire and walking shoes required.

Price: £64

ARION EAST MED 2011 - BEIRUT, Beirut City Tour
B – Beirut City Tour (Half-day) – approx. 5 hrs.
The city of Beirut is built on a rocky promontory, a site already occupied by prehistoric man.
Extensive archaeological investigations have brought to life artefacts dating from the 3rd
millennium BC. In the first millennium BC when the city states of Sidon begun declining,
Beirut’s influence and importance begun to rise becoming an important port and cultural centre
as a Roman colony in 15 BC.
The Byzantine era and influence followed the Roman period when Beirut became famous for
its law schools when professors helped draft the famous Justinian code. A devastating
earthquake in 551AD destroyed the city and the Muslim Arabs, the Crusaders and the
Mameluks conquered a century later in succession.
Beirut reached great prosperity under Ottoman rule which lasted for 400 years and with the
breakup of the Empire towards the end of the 2nd World War the city became the capital of
modern Lebanon.
Today, with its almost million inhabitants Beirut is considered the Paris of the Middle East.
Cultural and cosmopolitan, with a great array of modern boutiques, brand names, excellent
restaurants, night life, a casino, colourful souks, imposing landmarks and spacious beachfront
boulevards appeals greatly to visitors.
An orientation drive through the streets of Beirut will familiarize you with the city. See the
Martyr’s statue, Parliament building and other prominent structures before you stop at a middle
eastern souk to browse for souvenirs.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable modest attire and walking shoes required.

Price: £59

ARION EAST MED 2011 - LIMASSOL, Nicosia North & South – Bellapais & Kyrenia
A – Nicosia North & South – Bellapais & Kyrenia (Full day with lunch) – approx. 8 ½ hrs.
Visit both the northern and southern areas of Cyprus in one day. Nicosia is the last divided
capital city in Europe, a buzzing hub of old and new. The coach will take you to Eleftheria
(Freedom) Square and you will then walk down the Ledra Street to the check point. Once in
the North you will visit Buyuk Han, the cathedral of St. Sophia and the old market place. We
then continue to the Gothic monastery of Bellapais with a breathtaking view across the rolling
countryside. At the foot of the Pentadaktylos mountain range lies the picturesque port of
Kyrenia with many hidden treasures. Here, time seems to have stood still. The medieval fort,
the small houses along the narrow streets, and the u-shaped port with its colourful fishing
boats invite you to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Subject to minimum 30 / maximum 200 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended and appropriate dress code is required to enter religious
sites.
Sun protection and sun hats for summer period and rain coat and umbrella for winter period, a bottle of
water and local currency (EUR) are also recommended.
Valid passport is compulsory to cross the check point into the occupied Turkish part of Cyprus. Only
European citizens require a valid ID Card.

Price: £117

ARION EAST MED 2011 - LIMASSOL, Paphos, Apphrodite’s Rock & Tomb of Kings
B – Paphos, Apphrodite’s Rock & Tomb of Kings (Half-day) – approx. 5 hrs.
Passing through the citrus groves and vineyards of the Phassouri plantations you will travel by
coach to Petra Tou Romiou. Legend claims that Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love was
born from the sea foam and carried by the waves to this spot. In the ancient Greek civilisation,
the cult of Aphrodite, the “cypriot” goddess was undeniably the most important. Archaeological
evidence and inscriptions throughout Cyprus bear witness to the existence of numerous
sanctuaries and temples dedicated to the goddess. Your journey continues to Paphos where
you will discover one of the most beautiful places on the island. Ancient capital of the island in
Hellenistic and roman times, Paphos today is a small harbour town and popular holiday resort,
the whole town is also a designated UNESCO world heritage site. North West of Paphos you
visit the tombs of the kings, a necropolis (burial site) dating back to the 3rd century BC, with
open peristyle courtyards surrounded by burial chambers. After your tour leads to the house of
Dionysos to see the breathtaking mosaics unearthed during the excavation of a 3rd century ad
roman nobleman’s villa. The mosaics depict roman legends with scenes from Greek mythology
and are considered to be the finest in the region. Next, the drive takes you to the northwest to
visit the underground tombs of the kings, the necropolis (cemetery) of Paphos, dating back to
the 3rd century BC, with open peristyle courts surrounded by burial chambers.
Subject to a minimum of 30 / maximum 200 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Conservative attire is recommended when visiting the religious sites. No exposed shoulders or knees;
short pants and tank tops are not acceptable.

Price: £64

ARION EAST MED 2011 - MERSIN, Corycos & Canytelis
A – Corycos & Canytelis (Half-day) – approx. 4 ½ hrs.
You will depart by coach from Mersin for a picturesque drive 50 kilometres across the rural
Turkish countryside to Kanlidivane, ancient Canytelis, a city with wonderful Hellenistic, Roman
and Byzantine relics scattered about and telling the stories of three great civilizations sharing
different epochs, but a common land. Canytelis may be one of the more remarkable sites in
appearance, the city and its ruins sitting on the sides of a very deep chasm. Tread carefully,
and you will visit ancient tombs resembling small temples, historic churches of various faiths,
and sarcophagi dating from Roman and Byzantine times.
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 6 / 13
From Canytelis continue on to Kizkalesi, ancient Corcyros, which is famous for two castles
which were once connected by a sea wall, now submerged. The first castle stands on the
peninsula over the ancient port. Opposite is Kizkalesi, the Maiden’s Castle, which, standing on
an inlet 200 metres offshore appears to float just above the waves. Looking out at the sea, you
may feel like you are in a fantasy world, with beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean Sea, and a
floating castle just in the distance.
From here, continue on to visit the remains of ancient Corycos with its monastic church, tombs,
Roman Cathedral and sarcophagi, before returning to Mersin pier.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable and flat non-slippery walking shoes recommended as this tour involves walking on uneven
surfaces.

Price: £82

ARION EAST MED 2011 - MERSIN, Tarsus & Adana
B – Tarsus & Adana (Half-day) – approx. 4 ½ hrs.
Depart by coach from Mersin for a picturesque drive to Tarsus. In Tarsus, you will see the
following sites: Saint Paul’s Well, Cleopatra’s Gate, Cydnos Waterfall and the Kırkkasık
Hıstorıcal Bazaar. Saint Paul’s Well, as locally known, is located 200 metres northeast of the
Ancient Road. The site has for many years been a place of pilgrimage. During the times that
Christians ruled in Tarsus the well’s water was supposed to be Holy and useful for healing.
The place is now of special interest specially to see the 30 m. deep well and the partially
excavated walls near the site. The restorations were part of a project begun by the Ministry of
Culture after it nationalized the site. After you will see Cleopatra’s Gate (or Saint Paul’s Gate)
which is the last of several that were part Tarsus’s ancient walls; it opened from the city to the
west. It was known at times as the Sea gate due to the fact that it faced the port and
alternatively, as the “Cilician Gate’, because it led to the major cities of the region. Again during
the 19th century it was noted by a traveller as being the Saint Paul’s Gate, and somewhat later
as the ‘Kancık Gate’, and finally as the ‘Cleopatra’s Gate’. Due to lack of adequate knowledge
of certain periods, but according to the materials used, it can be assumed that the present gate
is either from the Byzantine or later Abbasid period. However, evidence suggests that the
present gate it is situated on the same site as the earlier one. The present gates arch is 8.50 m
high and 5.60 m at its middle. The gate, including its arch, has in the recent past undergone a
poor restoration. Proceed to Cydnos Waterfall (Tarsus Waterfall). Today the waterfall is valued
highly by the local population, especially during the hot summer months. During the spring and
autumn months the increased water flow of the river (138 m³/ second), generates a pleasant
little lake to the west of the falls and results in stunning view of the falls. Because of its
characteristics the Arabs named the river ‘El-Baradan. The name comes to us today in the
form of Berdan. The river is supposed to bring health, however some people have developed
problems because of the river. An example of this is Alexander the Great who is said to have
bathed here, developed pneumonia and shortly afterwards died in Syria. The Caliph Memun
did the similar thing and met the same fate, he was a result buried in Tarsus.
The last stop will before returning to Mersin port will be at Kırkkasık Hıstorıcal Bazaar.
Tarsus is known to be one of the earlier settled areas in Anatolia. It’s earliest foundations date
back 7000 years and its name has changed little over that time. It’s the only living example of
the Tarsus busy trade at the intersection of the trade routes and still used a bazaar.
The bazaar was built by brahim Bey, the son of the Piri Pasa from Ramazanogulları, in 1579.
In previous periods it was used as a Muslim theological school and soup-kitchen for the poor,
and then as bazaar in Republic Period. The Bazaar that’s known ‘White Market’ in the past has
a rectangular plan. It gets its name from spoon figures on its four facades. It was built with
carved stones. There are two barrel vaulted entrances to the building from the eastern and
western facades. It covered by seven small domes and has 21 rooms. It rented by Tarsus
Municipality from Directorate of Wharfs and restored in 2004. The Bazaar won “Prize of
Project” that given by the Association of Historical Cities in 2005.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 7 / 13
Comfortable and flat non-slippery walking shoes recommended as this tour involves walking on uneven
surfaces.

Price: £82

ARION EAST MED 2011 - PORT SAID, Cairo & Nile Overland
A – Cairo & Nile Overland (Full day with lunch) – approx. 12 ½ hrs.
The journey to Cairo lasts approximately 3 hours, a drive through reclaimed,
cultivated desert, and modern industrial towns.
Arriving in Cairo, your first stop will be the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster
Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Admire the exquisite interiors of the Mosque and view the
fascinating skyline of Old Cairo from the top of the hill.
Drive down town to the banks of the River Nile where a luxurious cruise boat awaits to sail you
on the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of
years ago. Enjoy a buffet lunch (drinks included: one mineral water and tea/coffee) as you
glide past Cairo’s waterfront landmarks. For your entertainment, a folkloric presentation and
belly dancing will take place during lunch.
After the cruise drive to the Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient
World, the Great Pyramids of Giza are found. A panoramic view of the three Pyramids from the
Western Plateau affords great opportunities for photographs, before your coach parks near the
Pyramid of Chephren where time will be allocated to explore the site. Continue down the valley
to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the Mighty Sphinx.
Your next stop will be at a Papyrus Institute where the art of paper making from reeds will be
demonstrated and time for souvenir shopping will be allocated before you return to port.
Subject to minimum 60 and maximum 200 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended.
Shoulders and knees must be covered while visiting the Mosque. Shoes must be removed while in the
mosque.
Tour suitable for elderly and assisted, physically challenged persons.
Cameras and videos at the Citadel and mosque have no entrance fees but no professional video is
allowed.
Visit inside a pyramid is not included in the program, neither recommended for persons suffering from
claustrophobia, breathing, knee or back problems. For Cheops pyramid only 15 persons are allowed at
a time, maximum 150 per day on a first come basis. Inside is very narrow, low ceiling corridor where
not only people stoop, at times they have to bend their knees as well and the main chamber of the
Pyramid is totally empty, very humid and dark.
Entrance fee to Chephren’s Pyramid or any other pyramids to be paid in location.
The sequence of the tours might change depending on the arrival time to the port as well as the traffic
in Cairo.
A lot of vendors sell all sorts of souvenirs at the Pyramids, especially at the Western Plateau. What is
being sold as papyrus at extremely cheap prices are nothing but painted banana leaves, not real
papyrus. Be aware of great bargains at great prices! Please consult and seek advice of your guide
when not sure.
Note that the four front seats of the coaches are reserved for the security officer and the guide.
During the drive to and from Cairo, the coaches will travel in convoy so a comfort stop is not possible.
For that reason all coaches equipped with a toilet.
This tour will have a very early departure from the ship.

Price: £106

ARION EAST MED 2011 - PORT SAID, Cairo Overland
B – Cairo Overland (Full day with lunch) – approx. 13 hrs.
Leaving the port in a convoy of a/c coaches en route to Africa’s largest city, the
metropolis of Cairo – approx. 3hrs drive.
Your first stop will be Tahrir Square, the heart of down town Cairo.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint yourself with Egypt’s
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 8 / 13
ancient history, spanning a period of over 50 centuries. The Museum has the world’s largest
and richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities. Continue to the Hotel where an International
Buffet Lunch (drinks included: one mineral water and tea/coffee) will be served.
After lunch, drive to Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the
Pyramids of Giza still stand. Visit the Pyramids and enjoy panoramic views from the Western
Plateau, then continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the
mighty Sphinx lies. Leaving the Pyramids and the Sphinx behind, drive amongst them the
priceless collection of King Tut. You will also have time for souvenir shopping before you
commence the return drive to the port.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended.
Tour suitable for elderly and assisted, physically challenged persons.
Unassisted persons with walking difficulties will be inconvenienced only in the museum, but they can
set their own pace within the time allocated for visiting the museum.
With the exception of the hall housing the Royal Mummies and the treasures of Tut Ank Amun, the
Museum is not air conditioned. Entrance to the Mummies room is not included.
Visitors go through 2 security check points before they enter the Museum. No cameras allowed in the
museum and inside the pyramids. For the museum video cameras carry a fee as well and natural light
in the Museum may not be sufficient for videoing.
Visit inside a pyramid is not included in the program, neither recommended for persons suffering from
claustrophobia, breathing, knee or back problems. For Cheops pyramid only 15 persons are allowed at
a time, maximum 150 per day on a first come basis. Inside is very narrow, low ceiling corridor where
not only people stoop, at times they have to bend their knees as well and the main chamber of the
Pyramid is totally empty, very humid and dark.
Entrance fee to Chephren’s Pyramid or any other pyramids to be paid in location.
The sequence of the tours might change depending on the arrival time to the port as well as the traffic
in Cairo.
A lot of vendors sell all sorts of souvenirs at the Pyramids, especially at the Western Plateau. What is
being sold as papyrus at extremely cheap prices are nothing but painted banana leaves, not real
papyrus. Be aware of great bargains at great prices! Please consult and seek advice of your guide
when not sure.
Note that the four front seats of the coaches are reserved for the security officer and the guide.
During the drive to and from Cairo, the coaches will travel in convoy so a comfort stop is not possible.
For that reason all coaches equipped with a toilet.
This tour will have a very early departure from the ship.

Price: £117

ARION EAST MED 2011 - PORT SAID, Rosetta & Alexandria
C – Rosetta & Alexandria (Full day with lunch) – approx. 13 ½ hrs.
Rosetta (Rashid), a port city on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt. It is located 65 km (40
miles) east of Alexandria, and was founded around 800 A.D. With the decline of Alexandria
following the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in the 16th century, Rashid boomed, only to wane in
importance after Alexandria's revival. During the 19th century it was a popular British tourist
destination, known for its charming Ottoman mansions, citrus groves and cleanliness. The
town of Rashid came to be known in the West as Rosetta, the name by which it was referred to
by the French during Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt. It is famous as the site where
the Rosetta stone was found by French soldiers.
Each house of Rosetta consists of 3 or 4 floors, with multi-level, wooden corbel ceilings for
added strength. They were built of moulded, grouted bricks, and in the façade, for decoration
purposes, these bricks were alternatively painted red and black. Also the Mashrapiyas and
windows, of a different type of turned wood whether Sahrili or Maymouni, also decorate the
façade. After the visit you will drive to Alexandria.
Alexandria is the second largest city and the main port of Egypt. It is often referred to as the
'Pearl of the Mediterranean' and has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle
Eastern. Alexandria was built by the Greek architect Dinocrates on the site of an old village,
Rhakotis, at the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, which immortalizes Alexander's name,
quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis, the
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 9 / 13
remains of which are still evident to this day. Perhaps it is best known as the setting for the
tempestuous relationship between Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
Upon arrival to Alexandria and before visiting the catacombs, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
(drinks included: mineral water, tea or coffee).
Located near the Port of Alexandria at Kom Shokafa area, these catacombs consist of three
tiers of burial chambers dating from the 2nd century b.C. carved into the rock 100 feet below
ground. A winding staircase descends to the chambers of the first floor and sculptures and
relieves of Egyptian gods can be seen; however, they look distinctly Romanesque. In fact, one
statue of Anubis is even wearing Roman armour. Then a short drive from the Catacombs
brings you to proceeds by way of Cornish street along the palm tree-lined beaches and resorts
of Alexandria. The library was first commissioned in 295 b.C by the Egyptian ruler, Ptolemy I
Soter and was one of the cultural wonders of the ancient world. Representatives of Ptolemy
travelled the world collecting books for the library and it was filled not only with books
pertaining to Egypt and Greece, but the entire ancient world. At one time the library even held
the original works of Euripides and Sophocles. Unfortunately, in 48 b.C, the city fell under
attack from Julius Caesar and a massive fire engulfed the library, destroying at least 40,000
scrolls. One would think this would have been the end of this legendary library, but nearly
2,000 years later, the Egyptian government and UNESCO joined forces and brought the library
back to life as a cultural centre for the world. You will now continue to Montaza to see the
Gardens. Arriving at Montaza Gardens, time will be afforded to enjoy this lovely and peaceful
setting which is also home to the King Farouk Palace. On the way back to the port a photo
stop will be made by the Qait Bey fort, built on the foundation of one of the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Pharos; by Abou El Abbas mosque and by the tomb of
the Unknown Soldier. Return to the ship that will be waiting in Alexandria port.
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun hat recommended.
The streets in Rosetta where the renovated Ottoman houses and mosque are situated are relatively flat
and clean, but the town itself being a rural outpost is rather neglected. Attempts are made to complete
the restoration of the town being the only Ottoman town in Egypt.
A spiral staircase of approximately 100 flat low steps leads from ground level to the bottom of the
catacombs. It is humid and musty inside, it might not be suitable for persons suffering from asthma or
claustrophobia. No photographs allowed.
Inside Scrolls museum visit will be done by the Library guide’s.
No bags allowed inside the Library
Children under the age of 6 years old not permitted in the Library
This tour will have an early departure and a late arrival at the ship. Dinner will be served late on board.
Note that the four front seats of the coaches are reserved for security officer and the guide.

Price: £93

ARION EAST MED 2011 - TARTOUS, Damascus
A – Damascus (Full day with lunch) – approx. 11 hrs.
You will depart from the pier by coach and after approx. 3 hours drive (258 km) you
will reach Damascus which is considered as the oldest inhabited city in the world.
The settlement of the oasis dates back to the fourth millennium. Records of
Damascus are in the Mari tablets (2500 b.C) and Egyptian Tell Amarna archives (14th
Century b.C). The city is associated with the earliest phase of Christianity and the mission of St
Paul. Under Roman Empire Hadrian gave it the rank of metropolis (117). Between 661 and
750 Damascus was the capital of the Omayyad Empire ruling a vast area from China western
borders to France. Under Saladin’s dynasty rule Damascus again became a political centre
and the city was even larger than Paris or Florence and many philosophers and poets settled
in Damascus. In 1400 the Mongol invaded the Damascus and the city was devastated. In 1516
ARION Antalya & Limassol / Optional Excursions – Programme subject to change 10 / 13
the Ottomans conquered Syria and occupied Damascus. The Ottoman rule lasted till the
beginning of the 20th century. After a very short independence Syria was occupied by France
till 1945 when it became the capital of Modern Syria.
You will start visiting the souk Al-Hamidyeh and then Omeyad Mosque, one of the main
centres of interest of the old Damascus. Omeyad Mosque was built in 714-715 and survived
1200 years keeping most of the original buildings. Azem Palace will be your next stop. Built in
1749 by Asaad Pasha Al Azem, governor of Damascus, this building is now the museum of
popular arts and tradition. Lunch (incl. mineral water) will be served in the old town of
Damascus. After lunch you will continue the visit of Bab Charqui (East Gate) and Anania’s
House: a chapel said to be one of the places where St Paul, converted on his "road to
Damascus" was hidden. Some free time will be given before starting your way back to Tartous
(approx. 3 hours drive).
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Flat and comfortable walking shoes recommended as this tour involves some walking.

Price: £110

ARION EAST MED 2011 - TARTOUS, Palmyra
B – Palmyra (Full day with lunch) – approx. 11 hrs.
Depart from Tartous eastward to Homs and continue forward to Palmyra. The
distance is 250 km and the journey takes 3 ½ hours.
Palmyra, the city of queen Zenobia, is the dream that came true in the middle of
the desert. An entire antic city with its colonnades and its temples surrounded by
sand. On the second century a general of the roman legion, Odeinat, kicked out
the Persians out of Syria. He was thanked by the Emperor "Aurelien" who named him governor
of Palmyra. The very wealthy city, as it dominated the trade route between the Persian Orient
and the Western Rome, was collecting large amounts for the protection of caravans transiting
the Syrian Desert. "Odeinat" was married to the gorgeous "Zenobia", so beautiful that all men
who laid eyes on her deeply fell in love with her. But her beauty was fatal to him! He died
mysteriously drowned in the Euphrates waters. The beautiful Zenobia immediately seized the
power. The new queen entertained dreams of expansion of domination. She dreamed of
making her middle of the desert city the world's most beautiful. She headed her armies with
generals blindly devoted to her to the conquest of Mesopotamia and Egypt. At the top of her
glory, she named herself, O blasphemy, Augusts, the exclusive title of Roman Emperors,
instead of the "Augusts". Aurelien, who was unable to do anything at the beginning of the
beautiful Bedouin ascension, gathered his armies and lead them personally to the meeting of
usurper. The battle took place near "Homs". He shattered the Palmyrian armies and captured
the beautiful rebellious. His armies continued to Palmyra and burned it down the sands
destroying it and its beautiful story. You will visit the superb city and will see along with its
magnificent colonnades and temples rejected in the middle of the desert, the Tetrapylon, the
temples of Baal Shamin and Nebo, the Roman Bath, the amphitheatre. Your lunch (incl.
mineral water) will be served within the visit in Palmyra in a deluxe hotel. At the end of the visit
you will start your way back to Tartous via the same way (approx. 3 ½ hours drive).
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Comfortable and flat non-slippery walking shoes recommended as this tour involves walking on uneven
surfaces.
Please note that Palmyra visit will be arranged in a way to avoid people to be overcrowded in small
spaces such as the tombs. A small group of coaches will be dispatched to a different site in Palmyra.

Price: £117

ARION EAST MED 2011 - TARTOUS, Krak des Chevaliers & St George Monastery
C – Krak des Chevaliers & St George Monastery (Half-day) – approx. 4 ¾ hrs.
You will board your coach for 1-hour drive (approx. 45 km) to Krak des Chevaliers
and begin your visit. Krak des Chavaliers is one of the most impressive crusaders'
fortress. Taken in 1110 from the Emir of Homs by Tancred, Regent of Antioch, the
Castle was enfiefed to the Count of Tripoli. In 1114, Raymond II, the count of Tripoli
transferred the Krak along with his other dependent castles to the Knights Hospitaller. The
order massively expanded the existing fortress after 1170. The Krak survived 2 major Muslim
challenges. The Mamelukes under the sultan Baibars invested the Krak on 21 February 1271.
You will then depart to St George Monastery. Here starts your visit to the Greek orthodox
Monastery built on several levels, the oldest one dates back to the Byzantine era. The
Monastery boasts one of the best 17th century icons from the Syrian School. After the visit
starts your way back to the ship (approx. 1hour drive).
Subject to a minimum of 30 participants.
Flat and comfortable walking shoes recommended as this tour involves some walking.

Price: £82

Prices

CAT	Description	View	Decks	Total Cab.	GBP
1		Inside	Reception; Upper; Ocean	16	719£
2		Outside	Ocean	18	839£
3		Outside	Reception	43	899£
4	Superior	Outside	Upper	49	949£
5	Premium	Outside	Promenade; Navigators	25	1029£
6	Deluxe	Outside	Navigators; Upper	7	1159£
Sgl	One low bed	Outside	Reception	4	1109£

Display prices in: British Pounds / Libra

On board the range of facilities include: Restaurant, Deck buffet, Show lounge, Two bars, Disco, Two winter gardens, Swimming pool, Medical centre, Casino, Card room / library / internet cafe , Beauty salon, Photo shop, Gift shop, Laundry service, Lift, Satellite communications service (telephone, fax and internet). All cabins are equipped with telephone, hairdryer, music, air conditioning, safe, satellite TV and en suite facilities. All Deluxe Cabins are equipped with mini-bar.

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