Bucketeer Hosted Israel, Egypt and Turkey Cruise October 2024
We are thrilled to announce our return to Israel and Egypt in 2024.
Sail with Tony and Nancy Cassano of Go Bucket List Travel onboard the beautiful Celebrity Silhouette, roundtrip Athens, Greece, departing October 1, 2024.
We will have three days in Israel, two in Egypt and a special port visit at Ephesus, Turkey. This 10-night voyage of discovery will certainly sell-out, but we have early access to group rates and 16 excellent Concierge Class staterooms with our favorite extra-large balconies.
Please call us today at 804-557-3006 to learn more and to hold your spot.
Concierge Stateroom: $3,489.99 per person, double occupancy
A refundable deposit of $450 per person holds your stateroom.
Your price includes:
Free Classic Drink Passage
All port charges, taxes and fees
Free gratuities
Free search/email internet
Concierge service to arrange special dinner reservations, excursions, and other activities.
Early boarding
Plus, an additional $200 per person cruise discount and $200 per person shipboard credit if booked by July 1, 2023
We will arrange special excursions so you can experience the impact of the Holy Lands as we first did some years ago. Imagine: being in the cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem, looking back at Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, praying in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at the scene of Christ’s crucifixion, viewing the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of the Beatitudes, visiting the Jordan River, sitting in the ancient synagogue at Capernaum, and much more.
At Alexandria, Egypt, head off to see the mighty Pyramids of Giza and spend time at the new Great Egyptian Museum, schedule to open in 2023.
When we are at Ephesus, Turkey, be sure to stand in the theatre where St Paul preached, or head into the hills for the house of Mary.
Opportunities will abound to extend your vacation at Athens and into Greece and the rest of Europe.
Our Itinerary:
Sunday, 1 October 2024: Depart Athens, Greece, 5pm.
Monday, 2 October: Enjoy a day at sea. Get ready for your adventure to come.
Tuesday, 3 October: Haifa, Israel, 6am – 7pm. The largest city in northern Israel has an incredible history. This spectacular city rises dramatically from the Mediterranean on terraced hillsides, which culminate with Mount Carmel. From that viewpoint on a cruise to Haifa, all the world seems to lie at your feet. On a clear day you can see north all the way to the Lebanese border, as well as the snowcapped Mount Hermon to the east. We’ll travel to Galilee—Israel’s luscious region and the scene of Christ’s youth. Here Jesus was baptized and preached, stand at the banks of the River Jordan, visit where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount, get close to the grotto in Nazareth where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary — plus take in panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee.
Wednesday, 4 October: Ashdod, Israel. Arrive 7am. This is our gateway to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Sacred to three of the world’s major religions, Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history dating back to 4000 BC, the ravages of time and generational conflicts have not crumbled its fascinating architecture. Pray at the Western Wall, which is all that’s left of the fabled Second Temple, watch the sunlight bounce off the golden-roofed Dome of the Rock or the shimmering silver al-Aqsa Mosque. You’ll be swept up by the magnitude and beauty of this treasured city. Wander the Old City and you’re sure to find a kaleidoscope of local artisan and merchant shops for handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Then, head over to the modern part of the city on your cruise to Jerusalem and sample delicious Middle Eastern classics like falafel, hummus, and shawarma.
Thursday, 5 October: Ashdod, Israel. Depart 10pm. Today we will continue our exploration of Jerusalem with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the scene of Christ’s crucifixion and burial. We also hope to continue into the Palestinian Territories to Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity.
Friday, 6 October: Day at Sea. While at sea, take the time to recharge for Egypt. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, enjoy a meal at a specialty restaurant or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive tomorrow at Alexandria, Egypt.
Saturday, 7 October: Alexandria, Egypt. Arrive 2pm. On a cruise to Egypt, explore the incredible history of Alexandria and its surroundings. Only a few hours away from bustling Cairo, this coastal city has a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Founded by Alexander the Great, its famed former residents include Cleopatra, Caesar, and Mark Antony, who lived storied lives here. Stroll the Corniche, Alexandria’s 10-mile long waterfront promenade, taking in the sea air, the local sights, street vendors, and music. Explore the National Museum to learn about Alexandria’s illustrious history and see amazing artifacts. Visit ancient temples, an amphitheater, and catacombs. The charming seaside walkway and fascinating architecture make Alexandria an exotic, romantic destination.
Sunday, 8 October:Alexandria, Egypt. Depart 10pm. This is our perfect day to travel south to Cairo and the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the new Great Egyptian Museum housing artifacts from 5,000 years of Egyptian history, including the wealth of King Tut’s tomb.
Monday, 9 October: Day at Sea. This is a good day to rest your feet and enjoy all the pleasures the Celebrity Silhouette has to offer.
Tuesday, 10 October: Ephesus [Kusadasi], Turkey. 7am – 4pm. Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. 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. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Check out the Celsus Library built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. History says that Saint Paul preached here to his growing flock and the Apostle John brought Mary here as well. East of Ephesus you’ll find the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic shrine located on Mt. Koressos.
Wednesday, 11 October: Athens, Greece. Arrive 4:30am. Head for home, or continue your European vacation.
