Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of history, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum remind us of the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, hosts St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
A pleasant guided drive through the Italian countryside and a private walking tour of Florence is a great way to be introduced to Tuscany. As we are guided through the cobblestone streets and piazzas of Florence hear about the Renaissance era and the lives of famous artists, In-between the famous landmarks (like the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral), stroll streets and alleys paved with original stones from ancient times. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping before we drive to Tuscany's most famous building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Get your camera's ready for the photo of you keeping the tower from falling.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a beautiful and renowned stretch of mountainous coastline south of Naples, in Campania. The Amalfi coast is a mixture of history and nature, with lots to discover: the Cathedral of Amalfi, the villas in Ravello and the many churches built during the period of the republic of Amalfi. Mount Vesuvius, a volcano near the Bay of Naples in Italy, is hundreds of thousands of years old and has erupted more than 50 times. Its most famous eruption took place in the year 79 A.D., when the volcano buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash.
Pompeii was a sprawling metropolis of shops and residences, restaurants and brothels, stroll the streets of Pompeii as the Romans did – the stones are still worn with tracks from the carriages that used them nearly 2,000 years ago. As our guide leads us from mosaic to monument, temple to theater, imagine daily life in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kusadasi is a beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. A jumping-off point for visiting the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus, it’s also a major cruise ship destination. Its seafront promenade, marina, and harbor are lined with hotels and restaurants. Just offshore on Pigeon Island is a walled Byzantine castle that once guarded the town, connected to the mainland via causeway.
Cruise Day 7: Istanbul, Turkey (Thursday: December 7, 2023 / 9:00am - 6:00pm) 
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Included Shore Excursion: Enjoy a full day tour of Istanbul -
Hagia Sophia/Aya Sofya is a truly awe-inspiring, 1,400-year-old Byzantine cathedral which houses mosaics, relics and iron work. It is one of Turkey's most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, architecture, mosaics and art. Built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD.
Cruise Day 8: Patmos, Greece (Friday: December 8, 2023 / 2:00pm - 9:00pm)
Patmos, an Aegean island in the north of Greece’s Dodecanese island group, is a significant Christian pilgrimage site. Its Cave of the Apocalypse is where John of Patmos (St. John the Theologian) is said to have written the Book of Revelations. A fortresslike, 11th-century monastery dedicated to the saint overlooks the whitewashed houses of the hilltop capital, Hora (also known as Chora).
Included Shore Excursion: Enjoy a half-day tour of Patmos - One of the mose beautiful islands in Greece - Enjoy beautiful nature and beaches, visiting Panagia Chora (the capital), Agios Ioannis Beach and exploring the beautiful surrounding areas.
Cruise Day 9: Rhodes, Greece (Saturday: December 9, 2023 / 8:00am - 5:00pm)
Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is known for its beach resorts, ancient ruins and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. The city of Rhodes has an Old Town featuring the medieval Street of the Knights and the castle-like Palace of the Grand Masters. Captured by the Ottomans and then held by the Italians, the palace is now a history museum.
Included Shore Excursions: Lindos and Rhodes town combined -
You will walk up to the summit, or subject to availability, you may hire a donkey to take you most of the way, to discover the magnificent remains of past civilizations. Located at the summit you will find the 4th century B.C. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, a double-winged portico, a Byzantine church and the fortifications of the Knights, including the remains of the Governor's quarters. The view is truly panoramic and at the very foot of the Acropolis is St. Paul's Bay, where the Apostle is said to have sought shelter during a storm. Below the Acropolis are the clustered, old whitewashed houses and narrow streets of this most delightful village. A haunt of artists and writers for many years, it also contains many tiny shops full of attractive souvenirs. Next you travel back to the city where you will enter the Old Town from D’Amboise Gate, which is the closest point to the rebuilt Grand Master's Palace. This palace was constructed as a reflection of the Papal Palace in Avignon, France. It was built to serve as a fortress in times of war, a peacetime residence for the Grand Master and a meeting place for senior knights. Time is allowed for a visit of the Palace with your private guide. After visiting the Palace, you enjoy a short walking tour and then you will have free time before you are transferred back to the pier, or you may choose to stay in the old town to explore further and return to the ship.
Cruise Day 10: Limassol, Cyprus (Sunday: December 10, 2023 / 9:00am - 6:00pm)
Limassol is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus. It’s known for the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and its collection of pottery and tombstones. On the seafront is the Prokymea (Molos) Sculpture Park, with sculptures by Cypriot, Greek and international artists. To the northeast is the Limassol Archaeological Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods.
Included Shore Excursion: A Day in Nicosia - Travel by coach to Nicosia, the largest city in Cyprus and the capital of the island since the 11th century A.D. Begin your exploration of the city with a visit to St. John's Cathedral. Built in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos, the interiors have colorful 18th century frescoes that depict biblical scenes. Next, discover the magnificent collection of Cypriot antiquities at the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. Originally built in 1908 as a tribute to Queen Victoria - Treasures include ceramics, tomb monuments, bronze statues and coins that span more than 5000 years of the island’s history. Featured is the statue of Aphrodite from Soli, the symbol of Cyprus. Continue to the Green Line* Checkpoint at Ledra Street from where you can view the occupied half of Nicosia and northern territory of Cyprus. Your guide will lead you through the impressive Venetian Walls which circle the old city at Paphos Gate. Arriving in the old town, there will be independent time for shopping in the restored 19th century neighborhood "Laiki Yitonia".
Cruise Day 11: Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel (Monday: December 11, 2023 / 6:00am - 11:00pm) 
Sacred to three of the world's major religions, Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities, with a history dating back to 4000 BC. Ashdod is the sixth-largest city and the largest port in Israel accounting for 60% of the country's imported goods.
Included Shore Excursion: Dead Sea & Masada Day Tour - We meet our local guide and embark on a two-hour drive, passing through Jerusalem and start to descend through the Judean Desert into the Valley of the Dead Sea. On a clear day enjoy the superb view that stretches well into Jordan. After about an hour drive, we enter the great plateau of the Dead Sea and will officially be in the lowest place on earth.
Our first stop will be the Fortress of Masada, built by King Herod in 31 BCE and now considered a 
World Heritage Site. We will take the cable car to the top of Masada and walk through its magnificent ruins, the last stronghold of Jewish warriors and their families during the great Roman rebellion. After a long siege, the Romans built a ramp up the mountain, and the battle was lost. The Jewish rebels made a communal decision to commit suicide and not fall to the Romans’ sword.
From Masada, we will continue to the Dead Sea, where there will be time for lunch and a float. The Dead Sea's famously hyper-saline water makes floating easy, and its mineral-rich black mud is used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments. Enjoy the floating sensation of the sea and the mud upon your skin. After our refreshing time at the beach, we travel back to Ashdod port, passing by Jericho, the oldest city in the world.
Cruise Day 12: Haifa, Israel (Tuesday: December 12, 2023 / 6:00am )
Our cruise ship docks early this morning. Time for breakfast before saying goodbye to all your new friends. You will want to arrange your flight home from the Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) airport no earlier than 1pm. Have a safe flight.
Singles Cruise Pricing
Inside Cabin
Interior staterooms are an excellent value. These spacious staterooms have no window which is great if you like to sleep late!
Studio
Perfect for solo travelers - small inside cabin that includes exclusive access to the Studio Lounge.
Private Balcony
Enjoy the scenic views from your own private balcony. Most balcony staterooms also have a separate sitting area.
I will share a cabin with a friend or use the Singles Cruise Match Program
| Cabin Type | Deposit | Full Payment |
|---|---|---|
|
Inside |
$350 | $3175.26 |
|
Balcony |
$350 | $3937.26 |
| Best Single Travel provides roommate matching to our clients who confirm their reservations at least 70 days before departure. Prices are in US Dollars and Include Shore Excursions, Taxes and Surcharges - Onboard Gratuities are Not Included |
||
I want my own cabin
| Cabin Type | Deposit | Full Payment |
|---|---|---|
|
Studio |
$350 | $3963.26 |
|
Inside |
$600 | $4175.26 |
|
Balcony |
$600 | $5378.26 |
| Prices are in US Dollars and Include Shore Excursions, Taxes and Surcharges - Onboard Gratuities are Not Included | ||
*Prices are Not Guaranteed Until Booked.
Pre-Cruise Package
airport transfer - One Night Hotel - Breakfast - Rome half day tour - Transfer to ship
(roommate matching not guaranteed on pre-nights)
