Wonders of the Red Sea From Alexandria to Petra through the Suez Canal aboard Arion 8 Days / 7 Nights • Dec. 27 2008 •Jan. 3*,10,17*,24,31* • Feb. 7,14*,21,28* • March 7,14*,21,28*, 2009 * Reverse Itinerary From Alexandria to Petra, this cruise will bring you to some of the most magnificent sites of the ancient East. A breathtaking journey across the history. from the pharaohs to the caravan cities of the desert, from Alexander the Great to Bonaparte and Ferdinand de Lesseps, the builder of the canal, you will discover their legends along with the monuments which are related to their extraordinary achievements. After the coastline to the crossing of the canal, then the Red sea and the gulf of Aqaba, you will discover four facets of this mythical region on board of the intimate and charming M/V Arion, perfectly fit to this cultural odyssey. 2009 Itinerary Day 1: Alexandria Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, was one of the most significant cultural and economic centres of the ancient world. Today, Alexandria is the second largest city of Egypt, has a new dynamism symbolized in particular by the reopening of the famous Library, known for its architectural audacity. Embarkation. Welcoming Dinner. • Day 2: Alexandria- Rosette(Excursion) – Port Said Departure by bus early in the morning by longing the cliff road. Visit of Aleandria starting by the gardens of King Farouk’s Summer Palace, then continuation to Qaitbey Fort, erected on the ruins of the ancient Pharos (lighthouse). You’ll visit after the Shawkafa catacombs, one of the most imposing funeral complex in the Middle East (2nd century). Then explore the new and futuristic Library of Alexandria, built upon the very site of its forerunner. In the afternoon, visit of Rosette (Rashid), famous for the “Rosetta Stone” deciphered by Champollion. Return to the ship which will be docked in Port Saïd on the shores of the Canal. • Day 3: Suez Canal Navigation throughout the day in the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal opened in 1869. Its opening was a touchstone in navigation history by enabling a direct connection linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea avoiding the bypass of Africa. Long of 173 km, it remains today one of the biggest shipping lanes used in the world. The crossing will last all day before reaching the town of Suez in early evening at the other end of the canal. • Day 4: Aqaba, Jordan Day at sea. Arrival in the end of the afternoon to the Jordanian port of Aqaba. Unique outlet to the sea, the city is of strategic importance to the kingdom and beyond to the entire region. • Day 5: Aqaba, Jordan - Petra (excursion) Departure to Petra, founded in the Sixth century by the Nabateans. Petra is now one of most famous archeological site, listed in the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE FOUNDATION. Lunch on the spot and back to the ship late afternoon. • Day 6: Sharm el Sheikh Located at the extreme southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Egypt. You will have the possibility to visit the Monastery of Saint Catherine (optional excursion) in the heartland of Sinai or enjoy the pleasures of the beach. • Day 7: Safaga From the Egyptian port of Safaga, you will have the opportunity to take the optional tour to the ancient city of Thebes, known now under his Arabic name : Louxor (Optional tour). You will discover the temple of Karnack and the Valley of the Kings • Day 8: Safaga After breakfast, disembarkation and transfer to the airport of Hurghada.	MORE INFO Main info Deck plan Cabin configuration Amenities Photos SHIP STATISTICS Flag: Portugal Nationality of Officers: European Nationality of Crew: European Number of Crew: 130 Official Language: English Passenger Capacity: 320 Tonnage: 5,888 GRT Length: 118m Beam: 16,50m Draught: 5,26m
DAY PORT ARRIVAL DEPARTURE 1 Alexandria EMBARK ---- 2 Alexandria/ City sightseeing Port Saïd 7:30 AM 10:00 PM 3 Crossing of the canal 2:00 AM 7:00 PM 4 Aqaba 5:00 PM ---- 5 Aqaba/Tour to Petra ---- 9:00 PM 6 Sharm el Sheikh 6:30 AM 10:00 PM 7 Safaga 6:00 AM ---- 8 Safaga ---- 10:00 AM
ARION CRUISE RATES   Cabin Description Deck Cruise only rates per person (EURO) Cat. 1 : double inside Ocean, Main & Upper 1,060 Cat. 2 : double outside port hole Ocean 1,185 Cat. 3 : double outside port hole Main 1,275 Cat. 4 : double outside window Upper 1,325 Cat. 5 : double outside window Promenade & Navigator 1,450 Cat. 6 : double outside window Navigator 1,575 Cat. Single: Cabine single outside window* Reception 1,610

FUEL SURCHARGE
Our prices are based on fuel rates at the time of brochure printing, and although we will do everything we can to maintain our rates, it may be necessary to apply a surcharge.