Explore the Historic Holy Lands with Oceania Cruises
It’s nice to find a cruise now and again that can appeal to a specific audience and offer an enriching and exciting experience, but to come across two at the same time is even better. On May 5th 2014 Oceania Cruises, Oceania Riviera shall depart Istanbul on what can only be described as a voyage to magical holy lands that are steeped in ancient and religious history. This 10-night voyage will also be mirrored by Riviera’s fleet sister Insignia. Insignia will depart on the same cruise on June 10th 2014.
The itinerary for these voyages is incredibly exciting and they both offer 2-night stays in Haifa, Israel for tours to Jerusalem.
Historic Holy Lands – cruise itinerary:
Istanbul, Turkey (overnight in port) | Ephesus (Kusadasi) Turkey | Rhodes, Greece | Limassol, Cyprus | Haifa, Israel for tours to Jerusalem (2 nights/ 3 days in port) | Alexandria, Egypt | Day at Sea | Athens (Piraeus) Greece for disembarkation.
The Best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem – FREE shore excursion
To make your visit to Israel one to remember we are even adding a unique and FREE shore excursion so you experience the very best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
This all day excursion is very exciting and perfect for those that simply want to learn more about
You will leave the port of Haifa and head through the biblical land of the Phillistines before arriving at the Garden of Gethsemane, which is said to be the place where Jesus and his disciples gathered to pray on the eve of his crucifixion. It is also believed to be the burial place of the Virgin Mary.
Your next stop shall be Dormition Abbey where it is said the Virgin Mary fell into an eternal sleep. From here you shall take a short walk to the Wailing Wall which is located in the old city of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount. The wall is remnant of the ancient wall which surrounded the Jewish Temple’s courtyard and is considered the most sacred site of the Jewish faith outside of the Temple Mount itself. Men and women are required to go to different sides of the wall and upon leaving it is polite to walk backwards away from the wall.
A short walk from here shall see you arrive at La Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus took carrying his cross to his crucifixion. As you ascend you will see the several station’s of the Cross. Lunch is next on the agenda but is not included in the excursion. Your guide will advise on local restaurants that you can try.
Once re-fuelled you shall head over the border into Bethlehem where you will visit the Church of the Nativity, birthplace of Jesus Christ. The church is one of the oldest operating churches in the world and the structure is built over a cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. It is considered sacred by Christians. Silence is expected in the church at all times.
From here you head back towards Jerusalem and continue on back to the ship in Haifa.
SPECIAL OFFER: Historic Holy Lands on Riviera
Riviera’s Historic Holy Lands voyage shall depart on May 5th 2014 and fares start at £1,769 per person for a deluxe ocean-view. This includes flights, $100 on-board credit per stateroom, free gratuities and unlimited internet usage.
To view this cruise in full please click here
SPECIAL OFFER: Historic Holy Lands on Insignia
Insignia’s Historic Holy Lands voyage shall depart on June 10th 2014 and fares start from £1,655 per person for a deluxe ocean-view. This includes flights, $200 in on-board credit per stateroom, free gratuities and unlimited internet usage.
To view this cruise in full please click here
If you would like more information regarding these voyages – or to hear more about Oceania Cruises summer 2014 schedule – please call one of our Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please take a look at our best Oceania 2014 cruise deals.
