The Northern Daily Leader

Ancient Wonders waiting to be explored

AGE-OLD: Camels in front of Al Khazneh (The Treasury) at Petra.
AGE-OLD: Camels in front of Al Khazneh (The Treasury) at Petra.

This is sponsored content for Cruise Offers.

A new cruise visiting some of the world's ancient wonders represents great value.

The holiday, from Cruise Offers, takes in Italy, Greece, Jordan, Oman and Abu Dhabi, and is priced from an affordable $4999 per person twin share.

Travellers fly from Australia into Venice for almost three days of sightseeing - think St Mark's Square, the Grand Canal the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of sighs... perhaps visit the island of Murano renowned for its Venetian glass or relax on a gondola ride.

It's then all aboard MSC Lirica and a day at sea to explore all this beautiful liner has to offer.

First port of call is the tiny Greek seaside town of Katakolon, only 20km from the ancient site of Olympia, one of the largest ancient sites in Greece overlooked by the Hill of Kronos. You will see the ruins of a gymnasium and wrestling school and the great Doric Temple of Zeus.

The exploration continues the next day from the port of Iraklion in Crete where the group will travel to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of the mythical minotaur.

Have cameras at the ready for a daytime sailing through the Suez Canal via the Great Bitter Lake to Port Said.

BEAUTIFUL: Omani girls dressed in traditional clothing at a souk.
BEAUTIFUL: Omani girls dressed in traditional clothing at a souk.

Arriving into the port of Aqaba, Jordan, there is only one sightseeing tour: the ancient city of Petra carved from rock by the Nabateans around 300BC. Accessed by a narrow canyon, it contains tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs, which led to it being given the nickname the "Rose City, half as old as time".

After several big exploration days, it's time for three relaxing days at sea, perhaps enjoying a drink in the Beverly Hills Bar or the Lord Nelson Pub, or simply enjoying the vistas from the lounges' floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Salalah, Oman, is the next port, where you can visit the Khor Rori archaeological site and the ruins of the ancient city of Sumhuran and see the summer palace of the Queen of Sheba.

Another day's sailing follows before arriving in Muscat. Tour choices can include a trip to the city of Nizwa to visit Jabrin castle, or Nizwa Fort, the oldest in Oman, and Nizwa Souk for locally-crafted goods such as silver jewellery, copper and weaving.

In the port of Khasab, travellers can choose to take a dolphin tour, or join a city tour, take a dhow cruise or a safari drive to Jebel Harim (Mountain of Women).

WORLD HERITAGE SITE: The ruins of Philippeion in Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.
WORLD HERITAGE SITE: The ruins of Philippeion in Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

The tour winds up with three days in Dubai.

There's a day trip to Abu Dhabi to visit the amazing Louvre Museum, which features an 1800-metre dome comprised of almost 8000 metal stars that create a rain of light beneath.

This is followed by time at the state-of-the-art Falcon Hospital before boarding four-wheel drive vehicles to a location surrounded by sand dunes for diner in the desert with entertainment by traditional bellydancers.

The final day is free to explore the delights of Dubai... perhaps visit the Old Town and Gold Souk, or the Burj Al Arab for afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar about 200 metres above sea level.

The Ancient Wonders Cruise from October 26-November 17, 2020, from $4999 per person twin share (inside cabin), $5999 (oceanview cabin) and $6999 (balcony cabin).

Travellers can choose to stay longer in Europe or Dubai for minimal extra cost.

Cruise Offers, 1800-630-343, cruiseoffers.com.au

This is sponsored content for Cruise Offers.