Voyages to Antiquity Offers Unique, Historical Cruise-Tour Itineraries to the Southern Mediterranean, Red Sea and Middle East in 2011

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyages to Antiquity featuring cruises to classical civilizations, will offer five unique and intriguing cruise-tour itineraries that explore the art, history and culture of ancient civilizations of the Southern Mediterranean, Red Sea and Middle East in 2011.  

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"Carthage Must Be Destroyed" – Athens to Cairo – March 25, 2011. Guests visit the extraordinary archaeological treasures in North Africa, legacies of the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans.  Highlights include Tripoli and Leptis Magna in Libya, plus Sicily, Tunisia and Malta. A one-night, post-cruise hotel stay in Cairo is included.  

"Everything in Alexandria was Superlative" – Cairo to Rome – April 4, 2011.  This journey to Egypt, Crete, Malta, Tunis and Sicily begins with a three-night, pre-cruise hotel stay in Cairo with a tour to the Pyramids of Giza. Highlights of the cruise feature tours of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, a visit to Carthage in Tunisia and Monreale Cathedral in Palermo.

"Palmyra For a While Stood Forth The Rival of Rome" – Limassol to Cairo – November 7, 2011. A sell-out in 2010, this remarkable journey visits Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, transits the Suez Canal then heads to Jordan and Egypt. Highlights include a visit to Byblos, founded in 5000 BC, Petra, the Pyramids of Giza, plus one-night in Luxor and a two-night post cruise hotel stay in Cairo.

"Man Fears Time, Time Fears the Pyramids" – Amman to Cairo –November 15, 2011. This cruise tour visits Petra, the natural beautify of Jordan, the monasteries of St. Catherine and St. Anthony and the Treasures of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids of Giza, the largest of which is the oldest and only surviving one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Includes pre-cruise hotel stays in Amman and Petra and two nights in Cairo post-cruise.

"Leptis Magna, The Most Magnificent Of all the Roman Cities"– Cairo to Valletta – November 25, 2011. Guests discover the treasures of ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman North Africa and Malta. Highlights include a visit to the ruins at Dougga (Tunis), said to be the most beautiful single Roman monument in all of North Africa, Tripoli and Leptis Magna, plus a two-night, pre-cruise hotel stay in Cairo.

All itineraries feature in depth shore excursions, included in the cruise fare, led by expert local guides and ample time for exploring. Guest lecturers and celebrated speakers continue to bring to life the art, history and culture of the Mediterranean region.

"These itineraries will deliver once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences as our guests explore some of the most magnificent and well-preserved, ancient Greco-Roman sites in the world," said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, vice president of sales and marketing for Voyages to Antiquity. "Few will forget the first time they set eyes on the Roman city of Leptis Magna, the ancient city of Petra or the Pyramids of Giza."

Each of these itineraries, plus an array of cruise-tours throughout the Aegean, Adriatic & Black Seas are now available for bookings and offer a host of new features including pre-and/or post-cruise hotel packages, shorter cruise lengths for travelers with limited time, and new destinations. Guests who book for 2011 by December 31, 2010 are eligible for FREE air from more than 70 North American gateways and a one category upgrade (double occupancy) on sailings between March 25, 2011 and August 25, 2011.  

Extraordinary value is a hallmark with cruise fares start from $3,295, including shore excursions with complimentary bottled water, gratuities to shipboard staff, wine, beer, and soft drinks at dinner.  After the Early Booking Deadline expires, air is FREE from a selection of East coast gateways and $99 & $199 ad ons apply from the Midwest and Western Regions, including transfers and porterage. For more information about Voyages To Antiquity, and to make reservations, call (877) 398-1460 or visit our website at www.voyagestoantiquity.com.  

About Voyages To Antiquity

Inspired by The Middle Sea, authored by Lord John Julius Norwich, Voyages to Antiquity was created to offer sophisticated travelers an unparalleled destination immersion and educational experience combining the very best in cultural travel in a tranquil, informal atmosphere.

SOURCE Voyages to Antiquity