Emperors, Conquerors & Saints: A Voyage from Istanbul to Cairo

September 15 - 28, 2024

Length: 14 days

Region(s): Africa, Europe, Middle East

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Cruise, Ocean Cruise

The shores of the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean gave birth to several of the world’s most important civilizations. On this custom-designed voyage from Istanbul to Cairo, visit the port towns, islands, and sites that played a major role in the developments of these civilizations.

Operated by Thalassa Journeys

Tour Highlights

Cruise on the new Diana, launched in May 2023, one of the world’s most advanced and environmentally-friendly cruise ships, which accommodates only 192 guests.
Attend lectures, presentations and discussions on the history and culture of the places we will visit, conducted by Professors Douglas Brookes (UC Berkeley) and Robert Gruval.
Discover the extraordinary ancient Macedonian royal tombs in Vergina, and the incredible mid-air monasteries at Meteora.
Tour the evocative houses of Ephesus, dating from the Roman period.
Enjoy lunch in Rhodes’ Mavrikos, one of the finest restaurants in the Greek islands.
Explore Egypt’s Alexandria, Cairo and the Giza Pyramids.
If you would like to receive a PDF copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the “Brochure Request Link” under Additional Resources on this webpage.

Activity Level 2

What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last 2–4 hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.