Ancient Civilizations Tours & Cruises - 2009 |
 The secrets of a bygone age are revealed by Insight each day in all their majesty with a collection of fantastic itineraries including many cruising options in Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Jordan and Israel.
Marvel at the incredible wonders of Petra, ‘the rose red city - half as old as time.’ See the Valley of the Kings and the mighty temples of Karnak and Luxor. Visit ornate Mosques in Istanbul and consult the mysterious Oracle in Delphi. Enjoy fabulous cruises on the blue Aegean visiting mythical Greek islands, and on the legendary Nile as you cruise past villages that have changed little in a thousand years, and around every corner, sights and experiences await you each day. There is no better way to discover Ancient Civilisations than Insight.
Each Insight tour is a unique journey of discovery. First, Superior First and Deluxe class hotels are wonderfully complemented by a wealth of included sightseeing highlights, scenic drives, premium features and Highlight Dinners. Enjoy your smaller, more intimate group and take advantage of your Tour Director’s boundless knowledge as they bring this fascinating region’s history to life. On touring itineraries, stretch out and relax in air-conditioned comfort aboard your luxury coach with its extra legroom. |
EGYPT
Journey back in time to the lands of the bible and cradles of civilization. Explore the chambers of the great Pyramids and the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings . No other country on earth can bring you so many man-made and natural wonders.
Abu Simbel is the most beautiful and imaginative construction of the great and most whimsical Pharaoh in Egyptian history - Rameses II. The façade consists of four colossal statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne; each statue is an impressive twenty metres high. This immensely popular excursion is a highlight on any Egyptian itinerary. |
 GREECE & THE ISLANDS
Enjoy fabulous destination cruises to the idyllic Greek Islands steeped in history and legend. They possess a tranquil charm in their fishing villages, rocky coves and whitewashed houses while some of the most beautiful and ancient sights are on the mainland in Athens, Delphi and Olympia. |
ISRAEL
Highlights range from the Biblical sites, where history is brought to life before your very eyes. Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and see the 2000 year old boat recovered from its waters or find out first hand what it is like to live on a Kibbutz. You don't have to be a believer to recognise the places visited are some of the most beautiful, interesting and awe-inspiring you'll ever encounter. |
JORDAN
The most exciting highlight of any trip to Jordan is undoubtedly the visit to the lost city of Petra, hidden away in encircling mountains south of the Dead Sea. Equally impressive is the massive Crusader Castle at Kerak and the grand ruined Greco-Roman city of Jerash. |
TURKEY
Turkey is well endowed with natural wonders like the eerie moonscape of Göreme, the cascading terraces of Pamukkale and ancient Ephesus, Turkey's grandest and best preserved archaeological site. |
Insight's Cruise Ships |
Nile Cruising
There’s no better way to trace the course of ancient Egyptian history than to cruise the Nile, Egypt’s oldest and most travelled ‘road.’ Marvel as the wonders of an ancient world glide past as you cruise in comfort and style onboard Insight’s superb river cruising ships.
Enjoy first class service and delicious dining, the perfect preparation for awe-inspiring shore excursions and sightseeing visiting the world’s most famous landmarks. Or, if you wish to cruise the Nile in complete luxury, then why not join one of our three new “Elegance” itineraries sailing aboard the brand new MV Tosca, quite probably the finest ship of its class in Egypt. Truly, discovering these wonders with Insight is an unforgettable experience not to be missed. |
Greek Islands & Aegean Cruising
Louis mid size cruise ships allow you to experience the natural and cultural riches of the Aegean’s most celebrated ports, at some of which larger, more modern vessels cannot dock. At sea, relax in the fitness centre, beauty salon and health spa or on the sun deck by the pool. From breakfast to midnight snacks, skilled chefs and ell trained dining staff will serve freshly prepared regional specialties. In the evening, attend a variety show and enjoy intimate lounges then later try your luck in the casino, dance in the nightclub till early morning hours and take a romantic stroll on deck under the star-studded sky as you sail towards your next destination. |
 Greek Island & Small Boat Cruising
Ever wished you could cruise the Greek Islands onboard a private yacht? Well this is the nearest you can get to it short of a private charter!
The superb Mega Yachts, Harmony G and the recently launched Harmony V are the last word in comfort and small ship style with a high staff ratio to guests. Cabins are furnished with soft colours and natural textiles, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and well-being. Life on board centres around the Indoor/Outdoor lounge and its American bar. Spacious sun decks are perfect for sun worshippers, whilst mealtimes are exactly what you would expect when you enjoy a lifestyle experience like this. When docked, you are one of very few guests so you can slip ashore and avoid the crowds. Take pleasure in some of the hidden treasures of the Aegean. There is no better way to discover the beautiful Greek Islands than cruising with Insight. |
NEW FOR 2009 |
| The new Aegean Elegance escorted tour and cruise invites you to stretch out your sea legs in style aboard its lavish mega yacht, Harmony G (or similar), featuring comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, stylish indoor/outdoor lounge and bar area and spacious sun deck. When not cruising in comfort, guests will have the chance to explore little known ports, eye-opening islands, quaint fishing villages and historical cities. |
| Be captivated by two ancient countries, cloaked in mystery, seeped in history and set against a dramatic backdrop of time-honoured islands, crumbling ruins and vibrant cities. Easy Pace Turkey & Greece is a relaxed-paced journey and ultimate voyage of discovery that combines premium escorted touring with comfortable cruising for an in-depth exploration of Turkey and Greece - two fascinating cultures that have fought and feuded for thousands of years, to live harmoniously side by side today. |
 Prepare to stretch out your sea legs and sail the smooth waters of the Egyptian Nile in style.
The new Elegance of the Nile tour is the ultimate way to experience Egypt in luxury. This perfectly paced itinerary includes seven nights aboard the stylish MS Tosca (or similar), one of the finest ships on the Nile. This floating hotel features lavishly adorned suites, swimming pool, fully equipped gym, spa, library, hairdresser, gift shop and an elegant rooftop bar. |
| Visit the tomb of the infamous pharaoh residing in the Valley of the Kings on our new Elegance of Egypt. This relaxed and leisurely tour will take guests through Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, guided by an experienced Egyptologist and an all inclusive three-night Nile river cruise on the MS Tosca (or similar), one of the finest ships on the Nile. |
| Follow in the footsteps of Egypt’s infamous rulers on the Elegance of the Pharaohs. Feel like royalty as you explore the best of Egypt in absolute style and comfort. Staying in beautiful hotels and accompanied by your own Egyptologist guide, the secrets of this ancient land will unravel to capture your imagination. This premium tour features an all inclusive four-night Nile river cruise on the MS Tosca (or similar). |
| Described by UNESCO as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage", the ancient city of Petra lay unforgotten by Jordan for over 1000 years amongst it’s cavernous rock surrounds. The new Egypt and Jordan leisurely paced tour guides guests through the mystical and ancient lands of Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan, Amman and Petra, uncovering the best kept secrets of a well-buried world and features an all inclusive four-night Nile river cruise on the MS Medea or MS Sapphire (or similar). |
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