Royal Caribbean Cruise - September 28 - October 9, 2009 --11 nights, 5 countries, 10 ancient towns.

Call Best World Travel - (847) 291-6500

Day Port *** Arrive Depart Activity 

28-Sep -- Piraeus (Athens), Greece 6:00 PM

29-Sep -- Cruising

30-Sep -- Limassol, Cyprus 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked 

01-Oct  -- Haifa, Israel 7:00 AM 10:00 PM Docked

02-Oct  -- Ashdod, Israel 7:00 AM 10:00 PM Docked

03-Oct  -- Port Said, Egypt 7:00 AM 10:00 PM Docked

04-Oct  -- Alexandria, Egypt 8:00 AM 10:00 PM Docked

05-Oct  -- Cruising

06-Oct  --  Rhodes, Greece 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

07-Oct  -- Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

08-Oct  -- Istanbul, Turkey 2:00 PM Docked 

09-Oct  -- Istanbul, Turkey

Vision of the Seas - Specifications

The 2,435-guest Vision of the Seas has beautiful onboard amenities too. There's the very soothing Day Spa, two pools, six whirlpools, and the Masquerade Theatre, which features nightly entertainment, like contemporary musical stage productions. And that's just the beginning of your cruise vacation.

Ship - Highlights

Rock-climbing wall -  Themed bars and lounges - Casino Royale - S M Stunning Centrum, an open atrium featuring shopping and more  - Indoor /outdoor pool in a Solarium with a sliding roof  - Outdoor pool 6 whirlpools  -  Adventure Ocean® youth facilities  -  Day Spa and Fitness Center

Ship - Facts

Maiden Voyage: May 2, 1998 - Passenger Capacity: 2,435  - Godmother: Helen Morin Stephan  - Gross Tonnage: 78,491 Length: 915' - Beam: 105.6' -  Draft: 25'  - Cruising Speed: 22 knots  - Conference Facilities 1 conference center 7 alternate rooms for use as meeting/breakout rooms TV, VCR, video camera, cassette recorder, laser pointer, CD player, overhead projector, slide projector, podium, microphone, easel, dry erase board, flipchart

Cairo, Pyramids & Tombs - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

-Depart Alexandria aboard your coach for the 2.5-hour drive towards Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon reaching the outskirts of Cairo, travel southwards to Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Ptah and see the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the second and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the second. A short drive from Memphis is the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara. View the world's first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built by the famous engineer Imhotep. After visiting the complex continue to one of the Mastabas(funeral chambers) built nearby, for an inside visit. Return to Cairo where lunch will be served in a local hotel before proceeding to the Giza Plateau to discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Stop at the Western Plateau for a unique view of the three Pyramids, which affords great photographic opportunities. Continue to the Pyramid of Chephren for some free time to enjoy the pyramids on your own. Next, travel down the valley to visit the guardian of the mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx. Finally, a stop will be at the Papyrus Institute to see demonstrations on how the ancient Egyptians made paper from reeds from the Nile. Spend some free time for souvenir shopping in the adjacent gift shop before the return drive to Alexandria. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 1/2 miles (roughly 3 1/2 hrs) over uneven, gravel, cobblestone and sandy surfaces with paved walkways and approximately 30 flat wide stairs. Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen are recommended. Conservative attire (no tank tops or shorts) is suggested for this tour. Flash camera photos are not permitted inside the Mastabas. No camera or video fees at all sites. All regulations are subject to change without prior notice. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with walkers or wheelchairs. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 45 minutes of shopping and browsing throughout the tour. The drive to/from Cairo is approximately 2.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic and local conditions. Coaches are required to travel in a police-escorted convoy and sometimes will be subjected to certain security requirements and possible delays. Tour order may vary between groups but all mentioned sites will be covered.

Eternal Jerusalem - --------------------------------------------------------------------------

------ Experience the city's major Jewish sites. Visit Yad VeShem Holocaust Museum and witness its moving Children's Memorial. Visit the Israel Museum and the model of the 2nd Temple, Rachel's Tomb and the Jewish quarter of the Old City -the Western Wall, Tomb of King David and the Cardo. This tour does not operate on Fridays/Saturdays and Jewish Holidays. This tour itinerary has been planned with special security arrangements and requirements. WHAT YOU VISIT: Yad VeShem Memorial - Created by an act of the Knesset, Yad VeShem enshrines the most traumatic event in Jewish history: the Holocaust. Encircled by the Avenue of the Righteous, the site includes an Historical Museum and the Children's Memorial. In a dark room 500 mirrors reflect the flame of candles while voices intone the names of the 1.5 million children who perished during the Holocaust. Israel Museum - the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls and visit the model of the 2nd Temple era. Rachel's Tomb - on the outskirts of Bethlehem, this religious shrine is the tomb of the matriarch Rachel dating back to the 18th century. Tradition holds that women wishing to have children come here to pray. Jewish Quarter in the Old City - Start your walking tour from Mt. Zion and visit the Tomb of King David within a 5th century synagogue. Continue to the Wailing Wall- revered as the sole remnant of the 2nd Temple that was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. The Western Wall is actually part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod The Great. It is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. From the plaza you can see the Dome of the Rock on top of the Temple Mount, sacred to the Muslim faith. Walk along the Cardo Maximus, the Roman High Street built in 135 A.D. when Jerusalem was the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina. PHOTO STOP: The panoramic views of Jerusalem dominated by the Golden Dome of the Rock from Armon HaNatziv Promenade make a perfect souvenir photo. SHOPPING: 30 minutes to browse in all the shops in the Cardo - religious items, souvenirs and art. LUNCH: Lunch accompanied with wine is served at one of Jerusalem's leading hotels.

Nazareth and Galilee - Jesus Ministry -

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Travel to The Galilee - Israel's luscious region and the scene of Christ's youth. Here Jesus was baptized, preached and performed many of His miracles. Visit these sacred sites. Visit the bank revered by the faithful as the spot where John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the waters of the Jordan. Then, continue to the Mount of Beatitudes - Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount from this hill. In 2000, Pope John-Paul II celebrated the Eucharist on its slope. From the terrace of the domed Catholic Church, founded in 1937, there are splendid views of the Sea of Galilee. Then visit Tabgha - The Church of the Multiplication is believed to occupy the site where Christ performed His miracle with two fish and five loaves. Consecrated in 1981, the current shrine protects a beautiful 5th century Byzantine mosaic floor depicting the miracle. Your tour continues to Capernaum - The "centre" of Jesus ministry in the Galilee. A guided walking tour visits the ruined synagogue where Christ preached. Nestled in a circle of cypress studded hills, Nazareth is the scene of Jesus' youth. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, consecrated in 1969, the largest Christian Church in the Middle East is said to mark the grotto where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin. After a sightseeing of the area and a photo opportunity of the Sea of Galilee, your tour will return to the ship. Note: Guests must be able to walk 2 miles over uneven terrain with some steps. Dress conservatively when visiting sacred sites. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.

Ancient Ephesus -

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kusadasi has grown from a small sleepy fishing village into a sprawling tourist center, serving the thousands of tourists who flock to the area to visit the nearby ruins of Ephesus. These ancient ruins are considered the most important in Turkey. Leaving the colorful town of Kusadasi behind, you will pass through the verdant countryside before arriving at Ephesus. Once you enter the Open Air Archeological Museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, you will enter the administrative section of ancient Ephesus. The guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsius. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. You will return to the buses through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. After the termination of the visit to Ephesus, your bus will take you to Kusadasi. Join the group for a refreshment stop and an approximately 20 - 25 minutes carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance. Participants should be aware that the site is built on a small hill, with the entrance located at the top of the hill and the exit at the bottom. Visitors will walk down the slope of the hill slowly while visiting the archeological site. Walking surfaces within the site vary, ranging from flat, gravel, even surfaces to uneven stone and cobblestone surfaces. Some steps are required at the individual sites within Ephesus, such as the Library of Celsius, but this is at the visitor's discretion. Participants visiting the site will be on their feet for approximately 2 hours. It is recommended for guests to watch their step at all times in order to avoid injuries. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines and steps. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat are recommended as the tour includes a long walk through the Ruins. Touring Ephesus requires continual standing up and/or walking under the sun for approximately 2 hours.

Kourion Beach for Swimming - Enjoy some time on one of Cyprus' beaches. Tour provides transportation to Kourion Beach, a 30-min drive & allows approx 3 hrs on beach. Limited facilities on beach, sunscreen, hat & towels should be brought. Remember to wear swimsuit. Spend time relaxing on beach (2 sun beds & 1 umbrella per family/couple provided on first-come/first-served basis). Note: must walk approx 200 yards over flat surfaces with 4 to 5 steps. Guests have access to the facilities of the restaurant (sun-beds, umbrellas, toilets and showers). Please take a towel from ship, wear swim suit & sunscreen. Tour includes roundtrip transportation to Kourion Beach & 1 drink (soft drink, beer or wine) at designated restaurant. Ready to reserve this excursion?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If sun and sand is what you desire, enjoy some time on one of the beaches of Cyprus. This tour provides transportation to Kourion Beach, a short 30-minute drive from the pier and allows you to enjoy approximately 3 hours on the beach. There are very few facilities available on the beach, so items such as sunscreen, hat and towels should be brought with you. Please remember to wear your swimsuit. Spend your time relaxing on the beach (sun beds and umbrellas provided on a first-come, first-served basis), having a swim or just sitting under the shadow of the typical Taverna with your drink. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 100 yards over flat surfaces with 4 to 5 steps. Guests have access to the facilities of the restaurant (sun-beds, umbrellas, toilets and showers). Please take a towel from the ship and wear your bathing suit and plenty of sunscreen. The tour includes roundtrip transportation to Kourion Beach and one drink (soft drink, beer or wine) at the designated restaurant.

Historic Rhodes Walking Tour - Begin at ship, guide escorts to Old Town entrance, pass thru gateway & by Agora & Collachium, where Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived & worked. Old Town houses churches, marble Knights' coat of arms, Jewish quarter, Inns of Knights, & Palace of Grand Masters. Tour palace interior as guide points out highlights. Continue down Street of Knights, its paths paved with marble & mosaics, past towers & facades. Visit Hospital of Knights, now a museum. Note: must walk approx 2 miles over even, uneven surfaces, inclines & 80+ steps. Guests have approx 30 mins for shopping on Sokrate's Street before going to Marine Gate to return to ship. Flash photos not permitted in Grand Masters Palace. Ready to reserve this excursion? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Best explored by foot, the Old Town of Rhodes is an eclectic collection of historic influences that can be best discovered at a slow pace. Starting from the ship, your guide will escort you to the entrance to the Old Town. You'll pass through one of the turreted gateways and by the Agora and the Collachium, where the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived and worked, building a stronghold of Christendom in the Eastern Mediterranean. Remaining remarkably intact, the Old Town houses the churches, marble coat of arms of the Knights, canon balls, Jewish quarter, the Inns of the Knights, and most impressive, the restored Palace of the Grand Masters. You'll tour the interior of the palace as your guide points out the 14th century beginnings of the Central Courtyard and chambers decoratively built with colonnades and adorned with Hellenistic and early Christian mosaics. You'll continue down the Street of the Knights, its paths paved with colorful marble and superb mosaics, past medieval towers and emblazoned facades. You will visit the Hospital of the Knights which is now a museum. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over even and uneven surfaces with some inclines and more than 80+ steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 30 minutes of free time for shopping and browsing along Sokrate's Street before assembling back at the Marine Gate where your guide will escort you back to the ship. Flash photography is not permitted in the Palace of the Grand Masters.