At Cruise West, we shorten the distance between you and each intriguing destination you visit, with our Ultimate Explorers Experiences. Included in your cruise fare, these extraordinary experiences are designed to bring you into direct contact with fascinating peoples, cultures and natural wonders. They get you up close and personal in every destination, in ways that are authentic, engaging and meaningful. For example, in Rangoon you won’t just see the 2500-year-old Schwegadon Pagoda. You’ll walk into this ancient, holy place and deliver food offerings to the monks who live and mediate there. In Edinburgh, you won’t merely tour the magnificent 12th-century Edinburgh Castle. You’ll be our honored guest at a gala performance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland’s world-famous fife and drum celebration. While on Beqa Island, you’ll venture way off the beaten path, watching in disbelief as Sawau tribesmen walk over stones heated to a searing 1200-degrees Fahrenheit. If this is the kind of travel you prefer—genuine experiences that enlighten, enrich and touch you—Cruise West offers exactly what you’re looking for in our Ultimate Explorers Experiences.
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Chapter 1: Marco Polo - Ancient Trade Routes of the Mystic East
Voyage 3: Mumbai to Muscat
Shiraz & The Great City of Persepolis, Iran
Today you'll meet an extraordinary man: Darius I, Great King of Persia, who reigned from 549 B.C. to 486 B, C. He expanded the Persian Empire, centralized its administration, built a judicial system, was tolerant of non-Persian religions, and founded Persepolis. This glorious city was the seat of the Achaemenid dynasty and the center of Persian art, learning and religious observance.
Your adventure in this ancient capital begins with a chartered flight to Shiraz, followed by a motor coach ride to Persepolis. With your expert local guide you'll explore the remains of this spectacular city-its stately stone columns, staircases, and facades, many with splendid bas-reliefs and relief sculptures. Then it's on to Naqsh-e-Rostam, the ancient necropolis where Darius I and his successors are buried. Back in Shiraz, you'll visit the Shah Cheraq, with its ornate tile work, or Ali-ebne-Hamzeh. Our final stop is Vakil Mosque, a masterpiece of the Zandieh era.
Voyage 4: Muscat to Alexandria
Petra, Jordan: A Hidden City Carved from Rock
Nestled in the mountains along the eastern flank of the Wadi Arabah is the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. This thriving capital, which was built around 100 B.C., grew out of a complex system of dams, cisterns and water conduits that enabled the Nabataeans to harness the area's flash floods and store water for the city's inhabitants.
After a comfortable motorcoach ride, you'll arrive on the outskirts of Petra. Your guide will then lead you along a natural channel, past the remains of 2,000-year-old terra cotta pipes, into the city. You'll visit the Treasury, an imposing building hewn from a sandstone cliff; the impressive 8,000-seat Roman Amphitheatre, built around the time of Jesus Christ; and the Royal Tombs, carved out of rose-colored rock walls. According to Arab tradition, Petra is where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water poured forth. As you explore this miraculous place, you may be tempted to believe it. |
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Chapter 2: Odysseus — Mediterranean Odyssey
Voyage 5: Alexandria to Istanbul
An Exclusive Evening Concert in Ephesus, Turkey
How often does one get the chance to attend a gala event where Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and Mark Antony were once greeted with pomp and ceremony? Tonight that opportunity is yours. You'll be escorted via motor coach from Kusadasi to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you'll be greeted by modern-day Ephesians in traditional costume. Your Ephesian hosts will lead you either to the Celsus Library (built in 135 A.D.) or outside the Grand Theatre (built by the Romans in the 1st century on the site of a Greek theatre).
There, among the ancient Roman ruins, you'll be our honored guest at an invitation-only cocktail party, sampling authentic Turkish hors d'oeuvres, your favorite libation and sparkling conversation. Following the party, you'll take your seat and enjoy an evening of classical music provided by a string quartet. At the concert's conclusion, you'll be escorted back to your ship, with wonderful memories in tow.
Voyage 6: Istanbul to Venice
Tour of Delphi, Lunch in Galaxidi, Greece
How can I fulfill the will of the gods? What sacrifice will ensure my success in battle? In ancient times pious Greeks posed such questions to the Pythia, priestess at the Oracle at Delphi. Feel free to bring your questions to our expert local guide when you tour Delphi. You'll explore the Doric Temple of Apollo, where the Pythia revealed the will of the gods; the Sanctuary of Apollo; Delphi's theatre and stadium, site of the Pythian Games; the Kastalian Fountain where the Pythia washed before making her prophesies; the Sanctuary of Athena, with its imposing Tholos; and the Delphi Archeological Museum which houses an impressive collection, including the famous Charioteer.
After visiting ancient Greece, you'll travel by motorcoach to the charming seaside village of Galaxidi for a taste of small-town life and traditional Greek food with wine and ouzo. At the end of your eventful day, your motorcoach will return you to the ship.
Voyage 7: Venice to Valletta
Byzantine gems and Roman antiquities: An overland tour from Porec to Pula, Croatia
The influence of Rome and Byzantium extended well into Croatia, as you'll see during today's adventure in Porec and Pula. Traveling by motorcoach, you'll arrive first in Porec, which was founded by the Romans in around 50 B.C. Here you'll tour the 6th-century episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica, one of the finest examples of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean region. You'll also visit Marafor, the oldest section of Porec, where you'll explore the remains of two Roman temples, the House of Two Saints, the Istrian Parliament Building, as well as the Leoni and Zuccato Palaces.
After a scenic ride, you'll come to Pula. According to legend, Pula was founded by Jason and Medea. This picturesque town is filled with Roman ruins, including a magnificent 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, known locally as The Arena. It is one of the best preserved of all Roman antiquities and you'll have ample time to explore it before returning to your ship.
Voyage 8: Valletta to Rome
The ruins of Pompeii & the Amalfi Drive
Known for the iconic medieval fishing villages that cling to its rocky cliffs, its steep-sloped lemon groves, colorful-tile-roofed houses and rough-hewn natural beauty, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world's most beautiful drives. Today, you can sit back and drink in the spectacular views as you travel the coastal road by motorcoach to Pompeii with a brief stop in Sorrento.
Around 200 B.C. the Romans took control of Pompeii and established a settlement there. The community thrived until August 24, 79 A.D. when nearby Mt. Vesuvius erupted spewing clouds of poisonous gases and lava, killing approximately 2,000 people. You'll explore the excavation site, truly one of the best examples of a Roman town, and see a rich merchant's villa; the Forum (marketplace); an amphitheatre; a natatorium (swimming pool), the Temple of Vaspain, with its central altar; the Basilica (court house); and more. Then after a refreshing lunch, you'll head back along the gorgeous Amalfi Coast.
Voyage 9: Rome to Barcelona
Italy's Legacy of Art and Architecture - Tour of Florence and Pisa, Italy
After meeting your English-speaking guide, you'll visit a world-famous architectural oddity: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Even after restoration work, completed in 2001, this ornate campanile is still more than 12 feet away from being perfectly vertical. From Pisa, it's on to Florence. Located on either side of the Arno River and surrounded by the Appennine Hills, Florence is where European culture began anew in the 13th through 15th centuries.
You'll explore the Piazza del Duomo, bordered by Giotto's five-story Campanile, the Cathedral with its massive dome, and the 11th-century Baptistry whose bronze doors, dubbed "The Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo, were sculpted by Ghilberti. Our next stop will be the Piazza della Signoria where you'll walk among sculptures by Cellini and others, followed by the Piazza di Santa Croce. Then, we'll be escorted into The Accademia (no queuing up for us!), where you'll experience Michelangelo's "David" and many other Renaissance masterworks.
Voyage 10: Barcelona to Honfleur
Savoring the best of Bordeaux - Dinner and Tour of Château Kirwan, France
Founded in 1751 by Sir John Collingwood a claret-loving Englishman, the Chateau Kirwan was renovated, expanded and greatly improved by his son-in-law, Mark Kirwan, who gave the estate his own name. The wines he created were greatly admired by none other than Thomas Jefferson. In the mid 19th century Camille Godard, a town administrator and botanist, bought the estate and enlarged it with great care and excellent taste. Today Chateau Kirwan, 3éme Cru Classé de Margaux, is managed by his grandson Jean-Henri Schÿler, who lives there with his family.
You'll be welcomed to Chateau Kirwan by Nathalie Schÿler and her team. You'll then start your evening with a tour of the vat and barrel cellars. After a wine appertif tasting, you'll enter the Chateau's charming reception room to savor a sumptuous four-course dinner, with accompanying wines. At the end of a memorable evening and an authentic taste of France, you'll return to the ship. |
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Chapter 3: Leif Eriksson — The Viking Sagas
Voyage 11: Honfleur to Oslo
Delights of the Far North - Tour of Magerøy Island and The North Cape, Norway
Starting out from the little town of Honningsvåg, capital of Magerøy Island, you'll travel along the Skipsfjord to the tiny fishing village of Kammøyvaer, population: 100 inhabitants. Continuing to the top of the plateau, you can see some of the Sami people's 4,000-reindeer herd that roams freely here during the summer months. Your next stop is Skarsvåg, the northernmost fishing village in the world, where you can shop for knitwear, Christmas decorations and more at the North Cape Christmas and Winter House.
The North Cape plateau sits 1000 feet above sea level and just 1300 miles south of the North Pole. While you're here, you'll have lunch at the Kompasset Restaurant, taking in the view of the Arctic Ocean, then drop by the North Cape Town Hall to see a short film about Lapland. There will be plenty of time to shoot photos, before boarding your motorcoach and heading back to the ship.
Voyage 12: Oslo to London
The Treasures of Imperial Russia - Tour of The Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress and Spilled Blood Cathedral
Today you'll explore St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, it's one of the largest and oldest museums in the world with collections comprising nearly three million works. They include the largest collection of paintings in the world-from Dutch masters and Renaissance treasures to Spanish Golden Age and Impressionist gems. You'll savor many of your own favorite masterpieces as you tour the museum's Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage and New Hermitage.
Your adventure continues with a short bus ride to the Peter and Paul Fortress, built by Peter the Great in 1703. Within the walls of this historic structure, you'll visit the St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral, ornate and imposing burial place of the tsars. Your final stop is one of the most beautiful buildings in St. Petersburg: the Church on the Spilled Blood, a marvelous Russian-style, multi-colored, onion-domed church, built on the site of Emperor Alexander II's assassination.
Voyage 13: London to St. John's
DAY 4:
A Celebration of Scottish Tradition and Culture: The Military Tattoo, Edinburgh, Scotland
Tonight you'll board your motorcoach and set out for a memorable evening in Edinburgh. Upon arrival, you'll walk up Castle Hill to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, where you'll be our guest at a performance of the annual Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's proudest cultural events.
First staged in 1950, this dramatic spectacle combines the traditional sounds of the bagpipes and drums with military marching drills. It features massed bands and other performers from all over the world in a unique blend of traditional Scottish music, patriotic ceremony and entertainment set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The stirring sights and sounds of the Scottish regiments will stay with you always. Wear your clan's tartan proudly and enjoy the celebration! |
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Chapter 4: Christopher Columbus — The New World
In a chapter that takes you from St. John's to Easter Island, your adventures are certain to be rich in diversity. You'll explore meticulously restored Colonial Williamsburg, capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. While in Savannah, you'll take a walking tour of our nation's largest historic district. With its cobblestone streets, wrought-iron fences and moss-draped oaks, Savannah is the epitome of southern charm. At Port Canaveral, our included excursion — hosted by an astronaut — takes you to the Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
In Panama, you'll journey into the heart of the Darién Jungle, where the Emberá people will welcome you into their homes and hearts. We'll also visit Cocos Island, one of the national parks of Costa Rica. A favorite of snorkelers, it boasts the world's largest populations of hammerhead sharks, as well as dolphins, rays and other large marine mammals. The island's flora are just as impressive, with over 235 known species, 70 of which are endemic.
| SELECT ONE OF OUR CHAPTER 4 VOYAGES FOR MORE DETAILS: |
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Chapter 5: James Cook — Idylls of the South Pacific
On the journey from Easter Island to Darwin, you'll undertake a true voyage of discovery. You'll encounter Polynesian culture in the warmth and welcome of a flower lei greeting. You'll watch in disbelief when Sawau tribesmen walk over searing hot stones in a firewalking ceremony. And you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of the islands as our Zodiacs convey you to the most pristine beaches for snorkeling, nature walks and swimming in caves.
During your New Zealand adventures, you'll encounter Maori crafts and cultural demonstrations, dine on traditional dishes, visit bubbling hot springs and sample some of New Zealand's finest vintages at a local winery. In Australia, you'll take a fast-boat excursion to a remote floating pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef, where you'll have ample time for snorkeling and swimming. A combination train and cable car excursion will bring you deep into the Kuranda Rain Forest where our Exploration Leaders will lead you on natural history walks and you'll enjoy an Aboriginal dance performance. In short, you'll have authentic experiences in every destination, all of them included in your fare.
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Chapters 6: Ferdinand Magellan — In Search of the Spice Islands
The final chapter — and voyage — in our circumnavigation of the globe takes us from Darwin to Singapore with our host, Chairman Dick West. Upon reaching Java, we'll travel inland for an included tour of Borobudur, a spectacular 9th-century Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Komodo Island, you'll view the indigenous monitor lizards known as the Komodo Dragons. And in Kumai, we'll travel to an orangutan sanctuary. Throughout our final voyage, we'll put our Zodiac boats to work, so you can enjoy the finest locations for snorkeling, swimming, wildlife viewing and exploring.
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