HOLY LAND AND EUROPE CRUISE ON ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS
ABOUT THE SAILING
Odyssey of The Seas
Royal Caribbean International Departing Rome, Italy on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 12-Night Eastern Mediterranean cruise visiting Rome, Italy | Haifa, Israel | Jerusalem, Israel | Cyprus | Rhodes, Greece | Ephesus, Turkey | Santorini, Greece | Crete |
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ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS by ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Introducing Odyssey of the Seas, a perception remixing, memory maxing mic drop. It’s all the greatest hits, plus revolutionary new firsts. This is the new sound of adventure.
THE WORLD'S
BOLDEST SHIPS EVER
Odyssey of the Seas, the regions first ever Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship.
EXPERIENCE THE ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS
THE WORLD'S
BOLDEST SHIPS EVER
Odyssey of the Seas, the regions first ever Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship.
EXPERIENCE THE ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS
Day 1: ROME
Departs at 5:99 pm
With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.
Day 2-3: CRUISING At Sea
Departs at 5:99 pm
With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.
Day 2-3: CRUISING At Sea
DAY 4-5: HAIFA, ISRAEL
From Day 4, 12:00 pm - Day 5, 10:00 pm
Set on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel's Mediterranean oasis. Stroll around the smart German Colony, with its restored streets settled in the 1860s lined with restaurants, cafes and art galleries. Continue toward the tropical Bah'ai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a meditative walk around the 19 different terraced gardens. Cruise to Haifa, Israel and visit the Shrine of the Bab, with its striking golden dome composed of 12,000 tiles. For even better views, climb up to the Viewing Balcony to look down on the shrine and out toward the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps it's time to relax on the beach now? Pop down to Bat Galim for windsurfing or a stroll along the boardwalk.
From Day 4, 12:00 pm - Day 5, 10:00 pm
Set on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel's Mediterranean oasis. Stroll around the smart German Colony, with its restored streets settled in the 1860s lined with restaurants, cafes and art galleries. Continue toward the tropical Bah'ai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a meditative walk around the 19 different terraced gardens. Cruise to Haifa, Israel and visit the Shrine of the Bab, with its striking golden dome composed of 12,000 tiles. For even better views, climb up to the Viewing Balcony to look down on the shrine and out toward the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps it's time to relax on the beach now? Pop down to Bat Galim for windsurfing or a stroll along the boardwalk.
DAY 6: JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
From 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
After you arrive at the port at Ashdod, it's a one-hour drive to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent — see the ferocious-looking animal carvings of the Lion's Gate or the flower rosettes carved above Herod's Gate. Cruise to Jerusalem and take in the smell of Arabian coffee, incense and spices at one of the markets of the Old City as you venture to the historic Wailing Wall. Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and see its ornate shrines and austere icons. Then, head to the nearby Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive gold dome and traditional Islamic geometric designs.
Head to the Temple Mount, an large public space sacred to all three monotheist religions. Visit the iconic gold-plated Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built in 705 AD. The plaza is surrounded by walls, including the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site. Tourists and pilgrims alike write prayers on pieces of paper and crumple them into the crevices of the wall.
From 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
After you arrive at the port at Ashdod, it's a one-hour drive to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent — see the ferocious-looking animal carvings of the Lion's Gate or the flower rosettes carved above Herod's Gate. Cruise to Jerusalem and take in the smell of Arabian coffee, incense and spices at one of the markets of the Old City as you venture to the historic Wailing Wall. Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and see its ornate shrines and austere icons. Then, head to the nearby Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive gold dome and traditional Islamic geometric designs.
Head to the Temple Mount, an large public space sacred to all three monotheist religions. Visit the iconic gold-plated Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built in 705 AD. The plaza is surrounded by walls, including the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site. Tourists and pilgrims alike write prayers on pieces of paper and crumple them into the crevices of the wall.
DAY 7: LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
From 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Limassol offers ancient history, a wide variety of cuisine, Blue Flag beaches and some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. With a story that dates back to antiquity, the castle in the historic center is where Richard the Lionheart married, and it's from here that the entire town radiates. The surrounding area is a heady mix of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops. Cruise to Cyprus to find plenty of historical and cultural sites, including museums, churches and old shuttered houses that give you a view into the past. When you're ready to dust the sand off from the beach, head to the glamorous marina to discover how Limassol is much more than sun and sea.
Considered the most impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, much of what you discover at UNESCO-protected Kourion dates back to the Romans. This includes the Theater, the Forum, he Nymphaeum, the Public Baths, the House of the Gladiators and much more. The restored Greek Roman Theater is still in use today and offers unique acoustics as well as views of the city. While there are no guided tours of the ruins, there are plenty of information boards to read along the way.
From 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Limassol offers ancient history, a wide variety of cuisine, Blue Flag beaches and some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. With a story that dates back to antiquity, the castle in the historic center is where Richard the Lionheart married, and it's from here that the entire town radiates. The surrounding area is a heady mix of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops. Cruise to Cyprus to find plenty of historical and cultural sites, including museums, churches and old shuttered houses that give you a view into the past. When you're ready to dust the sand off from the beach, head to the glamorous marina to discover how Limassol is much more than sun and sea.
Considered the most impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, much of what you discover at UNESCO-protected Kourion dates back to the Romans. This includes the Theater, the Forum, he Nymphaeum, the Public Baths, the House of the Gladiators and much more. The restored Greek Roman Theater is still in use today and offers unique acoustics as well as views of the city. While there are no guided tours of the ruins, there are plenty of information boards to read along the way.
DAY 8: RHODES, GREECE
From 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Colossus might not be standing anymore, but the Greek island of Rhodes still delivers beauty and allure on a giant scale. The island instantly greets you with serene white-sand beaches and wide-open blue skies. See the site in the harbor where the now-destroyed wonder of the ancient world once stood. Then, head to the Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls and seven ancient gates. Don't miss the Palace of the Grandmaster, with its mosaic floors dating from Hellenic, Roman and early Christian times. Shop for a colorful menagerie of seashells by the shoreline — and don't forget to spend some time relaxing beside the translucent blue waves with your Greece cruise.
From 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Colossus might not be standing anymore, but the Greek island of Rhodes still delivers beauty and allure on a giant scale. The island instantly greets you with serene white-sand beaches and wide-open blue skies. See the site in the harbor where the now-destroyed wonder of the ancient world once stood. Then, head to the Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls and seven ancient gates. Don't miss the Palace of the Grandmaster, with its mosaic floors dating from Hellenic, Roman and early Christian times. Shop for a colorful menagerie of seashells by the shoreline — and don't forget to spend some time relaxing beside the translucent blue waves with your Greece cruise.
DAY 9: EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY
From 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.
Walk from Ephesus' Lower Gate to the village of Selcuk, where you can visit what's said to be the burial site of John the Apostle at the Basilica of St. John. You'll also find the remains of the Temple of Artemis. About five miles from here lies the House of the Virgin Mary, which traditions holds as the last place she lived.
From 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.
Walk from Ephesus' Lower Gate to the village of Selcuk, where you can visit what's said to be the burial site of John the Apostle at the Basilica of St. John. You'll also find the remains of the Temple of Artemis. About five miles from here lies the House of the Virgin Mary, which traditions holds as the last place she lived.
DAY 10: SANTORINI, GREECE
Tendered from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.
Explore the volcanic history and geology of Santorini, site of an immense eruption 3,500 years ago. Trek the rocky landscape of Nea Kameni, an island in the center of the Santorini caldera, to see its smoking craters. Then soak in the soothing hot springs of Palea Kameni.
Tendered from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.
Explore the volcanic history and geology of Santorini, site of an immense eruption 3,500 years ago. Trek the rocky landscape of Nea Kameni, an island in the center of the Santorini caldera, to see its smoking craters. Then soak in the soothing hot springs of Palea Kameni.
DAY 11: CHANIA, SOUDA, CRETE
From 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Chania is rich in remnants of the past. Start your adventure in Crete's second-largest city at Venetian Harbor, the entry to the old port. Soak in the vibe while wandering the narrow streets lined with shops and waterfront restaurants serving local fare like zucchini fritters and sardines stuffed with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Then head to Souda Bay, a strategic commercial and military harbor since ancient times, where you'll find the Aptera Fortress and the oldest Ottoman building in Crete. Cruise to Crete and stop into Archeological Museum of Chania, with artifacts from neolithic to Roman times. Or splash around in the translucent waters of Fallasarna, a beach surrounded by olive groves.
One of ancient Crete's most important city-states, Aptera sits on a hill just south of the bay, with two seaports at the entrance to Souda Bay. Check out this active archaeological site to learn about new discoveries that shed light on the most powerful city of western Crete during Minoan times.
DAY 12: CRUISING - At Sea
From 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Chania is rich in remnants of the past. Start your adventure in Crete's second-largest city at Venetian Harbor, the entry to the old port. Soak in the vibe while wandering the narrow streets lined with shops and waterfront restaurants serving local fare like zucchini fritters and sardines stuffed with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Then head to Souda Bay, a strategic commercial and military harbor since ancient times, where you'll find the Aptera Fortress and the oldest Ottoman building in Crete. Cruise to Crete and stop into Archeological Museum of Chania, with artifacts from neolithic to Roman times. Or splash around in the translucent waters of Fallasarna, a beach surrounded by olive groves.
One of ancient Crete's most important city-states, Aptera sits on a hill just south of the bay, with two seaports at the entrance to Souda Bay. Check out this active archaeological site to learn about new discoveries that shed light on the most powerful city of western Crete during Minoan times.
DAY 12: CRUISING - At Sea
DAY 13: ROME, CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY
Arrives at 5:00 am
With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill— and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
Perfect place to end your cruise and prepare for your journey home.
Arrives at 5:00 am
With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill— and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
Perfect place to end your cruise and prepare for your journey home.