Cruises Swan Helenic Cruises Example of a Tour
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| Sunday 16 November UK- Aqaba Fly from the UK to Aqaba where we join Minerva. |
| Monday 17 November - Aqaba (for Petra) Full day excursion to the legendaiy 'rose-red' city of Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital carved out of the rock cliffs of Wadi Musa some 2,000 years ago. The remains of the buildings cover two miles - a forum, baths, three market places, colonnades, gymnasia, shops and houses. We also view Wadi Rum, which served Lawrence of Arabia as a base in the desert war against the Turks. |
| Tuesday 18- Thursday 20 November - At Sea A chance to settle in, relax and enjoy Minerva's facilities and the programme of optional lectures as we cruise southwards through the Red Sea. This evening there will be a Welcome Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner. |
| Friday 21 November - Hodeidah (for Zebid) An excursion to visit the colourful fishing harbour of Hodeidah before continuing to Zebid, one of the oldest towns in Yemen, or take the supplementary full day excursion to the unique capital city of Sana'a, often referred to as the world's largest open-air museum. This city, with its distinct Yemeni style of architecture, is almost untouched by modernisation. The Medina is one of the largest and most completely preserved in the Arab world. Another supplementary full day excursion goes into the spectacular mountains to see the 'hanging villages' with a traditional lunch at Manakha, once an important market centre. |
| Saturday 22 November - At sea A chance to enjoy a good book from the extensive library, play a game of Bridge in our Card Room or relax on deck as Minerva enters the Arabian Sea. |
| Sunday 23 November - Mukalla A morning call at the old fishing town of Mukalla in Eastern Yemen, nestling between the Arabian Sea and the huge volcanic mountains. Once a prosperous and important trading port, Mukalla is home to several beautiful mosques. The decorative turquoise-coloured window surrounds of the old houses are a fascinating mixture of Arab, Indian and Yemeni influences and the Sultans' former palace, standing on the bay of Mukalla, is now the home of the local folklore and antiquities museum. |
| Monday 24-Tuesday 25 November - At Sea Enjoy the pleasures of cruising as Minerva crosses the Arabian Sea. Perhaps visit the gymnasium, massage and beauty parlour or just relax in the gentle sea breeze under the sun on the open deck. |
| Wednesday 26 November - Muscat A full day in the Omani capital and home to the country's ruler, Sultan Qaboos. There will be an opportunity to see the sights of the city and enjoy a journey through beautiful, contrasting countryside to the imposing inland fort at Rustaq, Oman's capital during the Middle Ages. |
| Thursday 27 - Friday 28 November - At Sea Relaxing days at sea and an opportunity to consider the cruise in retrospect with our on board lecturers as Minerva cruises southwards and approaches the coast of India. |
| Saturday 29 November - Bombay (Munbai) Arrive at the commercial capital of India and city of extremes. There will be a city sightseeing tour where we will have the chance to see the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach from Malabar Hill, the Parsi Towers of Silence and Prince of Wales Museum. In the afternoon travel by boat to see the frescoes and bas-reliefs on Elephanta Island. |
| Sunday 30 November Return/arrive in the UK according to flight schedules. Alternatively take advantage of the post-cruise extension and fly to Delhi for unforgettable memories in Agra and Jaipur. |
 Departure Diary |
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