Travel Back in Time with a Cruise to Egypt and Greece
After our recent trip to Greece, we find ourselves discussing our next travel adventures. One destination we all would love to visit is Egypt. The scope of planning such a trip is a bit daunting, but I recently learned about Atlas Ocean Voyages, a new luxe-adventure cruise line, offering five itineraries with 14 ports of call in Egypt and Greece – and the only cruise to Egypt this summer and fall.
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*This post was written in collaboration with Atlas Ocean Voyages. As always, opinions are 100% my own.
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A Mediterranean Cruise to the Ancient World
If your family loves history, more than half of the ports of call feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are ideal for a multigenerational family vacation with teens or young adults in the group. Everyone can learn from the expert guides on the new ship, World Navigator, as they introduce the treasures of the Ancient World to you and your family.
Ancient Monuments in Egypt
The luxurious and compact World Navigator will bring fewer than 200 passengers through Egypt and Greece on itineraries that range from range from 7 to 12 nights. Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way includes complimentary round-trip air travel, a choice of a shore excursion in every port, prepaid gratuities, travel insurance (including medical evacuation), premium wine, spirits, beers and coffees and regionally inspired cuisine. There’s no reason not to experience every port on your adventure.
The Port of Alexandria, Egypt
Imagine the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, greeting you as you arrive in port. No longer standing, it’s incredible to think about the lighthouse that once welcomed travelers to the ancient city of Alexandria. From the port, discover the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa, the largest Roman cemetery – completely undergound. The remains of a Roman theatre are among other amazing sights en route to Cairo.
Ancient Museums in Alexandria
Learn about the greatest repository of knowledge in the ancient world, the Library of Alexandria. Dating to the 3rd century BC and mysteriously destroyed, the on-site museum and the Alexandria National Museum both showcase this remarkable history.
Mystical Pyramids of Giza
Experiencing the legendary sound and light show in front of the Pyramids of Giza is a must. All ages are mesmerized by the illuminated Sphinx, who narrates the ancient history of the region.
At Sakkara, one of the largest burial grounds in Egypt, enter the impressive Step Pyramid of Zoser. At Giza, take a camel ride to the Pyramids. Consider watching the film “The Mummy” in preparation for this trip, as a visit will certainly feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of the movie.
Cairo’s King Tut Collection
No immersion in ancient civilization would be complete without a guided tour of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum and the incredible King Tut collection. You may also be the first to see the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, due to open this summer.
A Night under the Egyptian Stars
On the August 4, 2021 maiden voyage of World Navigator, all guests will also be hosted at an included celebration dinner and party on the Giza Plateau overlooking the iconic Pyramids, which will be illuminated into the evening exclusively for guests. On other departures, optional pre- or post-cruise overnight tours allow you stay overnight at a deluxe Cairo hotel to enjoy a dinner celebration, as well as traditional Egyptian Folkloric entertainment.
What Makes an Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruise Special
This cruise is unique because both Egypt and Greece have now reopened to Americans. Atlas Ocean Voyages determined these Egypt and Greece itineraries would prove safe while maintaining the upscale but adventurous spirit of small and exclusive destinations.
World Navigator also features the most modern hygiene and cleanliness measures. Health protocols include pre-boarding and pre-embarkation PCR testing for all passengers and limited capacity shore excursions to ensure social distancing.
This Cruise is Ideal for Multigenerational Families
World Navigator appeals to multigenerational groups because of its compact size, intimacy and personalized service. Cruise rates on this brand new ship are a tremendous value. These unique itineraries start at $4,419 per person for seven nights including airfare. Want to add a third person? It’s just $679 plus airfare for the third birth. Triple occupancy staterooms are ideal for cousins to share or mom and daughter trips.
On this itinerary, the ship will call on less-visited ports where only small ships can dock, such as Chania, Crete (one of our favorite destinations in Greece) and Paphos, Cyprus. Explore world-class museums or relax on spectacular beaches. Stroll the whitewashed lanes of Little Venice on Mykonos and experience the Instagrammable sunset at Oia, on Santorini.
Teens will appreciate that every itinerary includes sun-drenched Santorini, Greece with its famous beaches and blue domed churches and up to two nights in either Cairo or Mykonos. Guests will enjoy plenty of night life as well as all of the sites. Some excursions are accessible for those with physical challenges. See Atlas’ Aegean itineraries for more information.
Why Cruise to Egypt and Greece with World Navigator?
Everyone wants to support sustainable tourism. World Navigator’s summer 2021 deployment is scheduled to avoid overtourism as port calls won’t coincide with other cruise lines. As a new build ship, she’s very fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Shore excursions help support the expert local guides. Gourmet cuisine features local and regional specialties sourced in port at every meal.
Take this opportunity to de-stress your summer family adventure travels with Atlas Ocean Voyages luxe adventure expeditions. Guests are fully supported door to door by their team. Overseas you will have knowledgeable local guides who can answer any questions, whether it’s about the best local taverna or a beach you shouldn’t miss.
All you need to do to time travel to the Ancient World is book your Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise today.
About the author: Eileen Ogintz has traveled with world with her family for her nationally syndicated travel column, Taking The Kids. A big fan of family cruising, she has authored this post about Atlas Ocean Voyages for sponsor FamilyTravelConsulting.com.
