Holy lands & historic sites

Istanbul Jerusalem

9 nights

Departs 22 August 2024 Seven Seas Voyager

Cobblestoned streets, holy sites and majestic castles await on this nine-night cruise on Seven Seas Voyager from Istanbul to Jerusalem. Before setting sail, indulge in the heady scents of Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar in the historic Eminönü neighbourhood and buy kilim rugs and antique lanterns at the kaleidoscopic Grand Bazaar.

As you weave along the stretch of coast known as the “Turkish Riviera”, you’ll anchor in the towns of Çeșme, Alanya and Didim, where you can see crumbling ancient ruins and awe-inspiring Byzantine castles. Or take a dip in Cleopatra Beach’s deep blue waters, just like the ancient Egyptian queen was said to do.

In Cyprus, the sense of history is palpable – and it’s on full display at Limassol Archaeological Museum, which showcases artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a time warp in the UNESCO-listed city of Rhodes in Greece with its maze of medieval streets. Discover 7000 years of local history in the Archaeological Museum, housed in a 15th-century knights’ hospital.

On board, further enrich your mind with a guest lecture and soothe it with a relaxing massage at Serene Spa & Wellness. Or take in the sun-drenched Mediterranean vistas over an alfresco lunch at La Veranda, which showcases regional specialities from around the Aegean, before sipping champagne in the Observation Lounge to the melodies of a cocktail pianist.

Three days in Jerusalem allows plenty of time to explore the fabled Holy Land, including sacred sites like the 3000-year-old archaeological site City of David and the Western Wall. Here, believers of all faiths flock to kiss and behold the 2000-year-old stones, slipping pieces of paper with their prayers and wishes through cracks in the wall.