11-DAY GREEK ISLES: EGYPT & THE HOLY LAND - I863

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece

Alexandria, Egypt’s largest seaport, was originally founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C. Extending about 32 km along the Mediterranean coast, it has become an important tourist resort. Indeed, known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Read more about Alexandria, Egypt

(NOTE: Check that your cruise still visits Haifa due to current safety concerns.) Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa is situated on the Israeli Mediterranean Coastal Plain, the historic land bridge between Europe, Africa, and Asia. The city is split over three tiers. The lowest is the centre of commerce and industry including the Port of Haifa, the middle level is on the slopes of Mount Carmel consists of older residential neighbourhoods, while the upper level is known for its modern suburbs. Read more about Haifa, Israel

Ashdod - aka Isdud - is a city on the Mediterranean Sea coast in the South District of Israel, approximately 70 km from Jerusalem and Beer Sheba. It is a major industrial centre and Israel’s largest and busiest cargo port, through which over 100,000 tourists visit annually. It is also one of the most ancient cities in the world, dating back to the Canaanite culture of the 17th century BC, and interestingly is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. Read more about Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

Limassol, located on Akrotiri Bay on the southern coast of Cyprus, is widely known for its long cultural tradition and offers tourists a wide spectrum of activities, as well as a number of museums, and archaeological sites. A series of public sculptures, created by renowned artists from Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Germany and Egypt, are found along 1.6 km of seafront reclaimed land, and are appreciated by all visitors. If time permits, visit the ancient city kingdom of Amathus to explore the ruins and its ancient port. Read more about Limassol, Cyprus

Antalya is the 'capital' of the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. It is a sprawling modern city, but Old Antalya which surrounds the Roman harbour, with its historic museum, and the many buildings - now restored as homes, boutique hotels, inns and restaurants - that date back to Ottoman and even Roman times, give it its own distinctive atmosphere. There are numerous fascinating archaeological sites to visit, or take a day excursion to one of the wonderful National Parks, and even experience some white water rafting, or you can simply enjoy the dramatic sea and mountain views. Read more about Antalya, Turkey

Bodrum Peninsula is located in the Aegean region of Turkey. The Aegean Coast is an extraordinary place, with its immense unspoilt coastline and warm climate which offers all year round sunshine. The place where the first Christian Church was built, and where the art of wine making was developed, it boasts astonishing historical sites and natural wonders that rival any other place in the world. Read more about Bodrum, Turkey

Mykonos is the principal town of the island of the same name, which is part of the Cyclades, and could well be described as the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Visited by innumerable international celebrities - you may even see some enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk - it is not surprising that it is considered by many to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is also an island with beautiful landscapes, scores of churches, some fascinating monuments, and windmills. Read more about Mykonos, Greece

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece