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Minerva%lt;br%gt;28 Night Grand Realms%lt;br%gt;of Antiquity%lt;br%gt;Naples to Safaga

Minerva
28 Night Grand Realms
of Antiquity
Naples to Safaga

Ship: Minerva
Cruise Line: Swan Hellenic Cruises
Departures:  24 October 2012
Duration: 28 Nights
Ports: Naples, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Rome, Alghero, Palermo, Sicily, Trapani, La Goulette, Sousse, Valletta, Malta, Piraeus, Antalya, Limassol, Tripoli, Beirut, Port Said, El Sokhna, Aqaba, Sharm-el-Sheikh, Safaga
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Athens
Airport gateway (Departure) : Cairo

Itinerary

Date Port Arrive Depart
24 Oct Naples, Italy    
25 Oct Naples, Italy   11.00pm
26 Oct Cruising the Mediterranean Sea    
27 Oct Livorno, Italy 7.00am 7.00pm
28 Oct Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 7.30am 7.00pm
29 Oct Alghero, Italy 1.00pm 7.00pm
30 Oct Cruising the Mediterranean Sea    
31 Oct Palermo, Sicily, Italy 7.00am 11.00pm
01 Nov Trapani, Italy 7.00am 7.00pm
02 Nov La Goulette, Tunisia 7.00am 7.00pm
03 Nov Sousse, Tunisia 8.00am 2.00pm
04 Nov Valletta, Malta 8.00am 2.00pm
05 Nov Cruising the Mediterranean Sea    
06 Nov Piraeus, Greece 8.00am  
07 Nov Piraeus, Greece    
08 Nov Piraeus, Greece   2.00pm
09 Nov Cruising the Mediterranean Sea    
10 Nov Antalya, Turkey 8.00am 3.00pm
11 Nov Limassol, Cyprus 8.00am 7.00pm
12 Nov Tripoli, Libya 8.00am 7.00pm
13 Nov Beirut, Lebanon 7.00am 7.00pm
14 Nov Port Said, Egypt 4.00pm 11.00pm
15 Nov Transiting the Suez Canal    
16 Nov El Sokhna, Egypt 6.00am 11.00pm
17 Nov Cruising the Red Sea    
18 Nov Aqaba, Jordan 7.00am 8.00pm
19 Nov Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 7.00am 7.00pm
20 Nov Safaga, Egypt 6.00am  
21 Nov Safaga, Egypt

* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected

 

Cabin Pricing

* All prices quoted are PER PERSON in Australian Dollars and include Port Charges and Fuel Charges (if applicable).
* All prices quoted are for the cruise departing on . Prices for alternative departure dates may vary.

Onboard credit offer
GBP100 on board credit per cabin on Category H/I on selected sailings
GBP200 on board credit per cabin on Category D on selected sailings
Sales are valid from 18NOV11-17APR12

Gratuities included

Cabin Single Twin Triple Quad + Child + Infant
Category N - Baltic Deck Inside Aft---$4710------------Book or Enquire
Category I - Baltic Deck Outside Aft Portholes---$6804------------Book or Enquire
Category G - Aegean Deck Outside Aft Window---$7849------------Book or Enquire
Category D - Sun Deck Balcony Suite---$10054------------Book or Enquire
 

Ports

Naples

Naples, vibrant and exciting, situated on its famous, truly breathtaking blue bays at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. This beautiful city offers some of Italy's best shopping and dining. Visit picturesque Sorrento and the ruins of ancient Pompeii, a city frozen in time or take a boat to the beautiful and captivating island of Capri. The lesser-known island of Ischia is also close by with great beaches, with over 100 thermal springs and a 14th century castle overlooking the water. 

Country -  Italy
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Pompeii, Isle of Capri, Sorrento

Livorno

The lovely seaport of Livorno serves as a gateway to the opulence and artistry of Florence and the quiet intimacy and history of Pisa. Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance, symbolizes the wealth and power of Italy's golden age more than any other city in Italy.

Country - Italy
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 33kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Leaning Tower of Pisa

Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is the closest port to Rome. It serves mostly as a gateway, however there are still a few points of interest in this seaside town. Most notably the Fort of Michelangelo, built in the 1500s as a major defence post. Also of interest are the ancient ruins of the Baths of Traiano, a complex of Roman Baths once used for their therapeutic benefits.


Country - Italy
Distance from port to City - 70kms
Distance from port to Airport - 100kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Fort of Michelangelo, Baths of Traiano

Rome

Civitavecchia is the closest port to the Eternal city, Rome. Rome has been the focal point for many of the world's greatest artists, architects, rulers and philosophers. See Michelangelo’s masterly ceiling, the famous Swiss Guards in the Vatican and the Imperial splendours of the Colosseum. Climb the Spanish steps. And don’t forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this sublime city.

Country - Italy
Distance from port to City - 70kms
Distance from port to Airport - 100kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Vatican City, The Colluseum, Trevi Fountain

Alghero

Alghero lies on the NW coast of Sardinia.  The old town hints at the Gothic quarter in Barcelona but with an Italian twist. Even in November you'll find flower filled piazzas and shops unique to this port alone. The craft shops in particular will take your fancy, with their pottery and jewellery made with local red corals.  The city walls towards the sea are still standing and you can take a nice stroll along the sea front towards the harbour and watch the various fishing boats and yachts.


Country - Italy 
Distance from port to City - 2kms
Distance from port to Airport -  135kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Old town Alghero, Grotta di Nettuno, Elephant rock

Palermo

Immerse yourself in the glorious history of this ancient city and its magnificant monuments like the imposing Norman Cathedral and the majestic 9th Century Arab palace and its breathtaking Palatine Chapel. Admire the marvelous opera house and the artifacts in the archaelogical museum

Country -  Italy
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 32kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Quattro Canti, Museo Archeologico, Gesu Church

Sicily

Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy as well as the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. This island is well known for its rich culture and history and it's diversity having been occupied by many nations throughout history. It's dense mountains and active volcanoes blend with cosmopolitan towns like Palermo and Catania to create a picturesque and intriguing destination.

Country -  Italy
Main Airports -  Palermo & Catania
Currency -  Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
 

Palermo, Messina, Taormina, Mount Etna, Siracusa

Trapani

Trapani is a coastal town in north-west Sicily which has been a fishing village since ancient times. Also known for its rich salt deposits, this town has a well preserved history. From the Annunciation Sanctuary to the Giudecca Palace and the Pepoli Museum, there is enough Romanesque, Gothic and Medieval treasure for history buffs to enjoy. In the evening, find a windmill from which to admire the gorgeous western mediterranean sunset.

Country - Italy
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 85kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
 

Annunciation Sanctuary, Giudecca Palace, Pepoli Museum

La Goulette

Stroll Tunis' spirited medina where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, carpets and other treasures at fire sale prices. Sharpen your haggling skills here—it's anticipated! At the edge of the Sahara, the Phoenician city at Carthage now lies in windswept ruins, but once was the glorious rival of Rome.

Country - Tunisia
Distance from port to City - 30kms
Distance from port to Airport - 44kms
Currency - Tunisian Dina (TND)

Places of Interest
Bardo Museum, Sidi Bou Said, Utica's Roman Ruins

Sousse


Country
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency -
Places of Interest

Valletta

Strategically located on Mount Sceberras overlooking the Grand and Marsamxett harbours is Valletta, the capital of Malta and an icon of baroque architecture. It is a city steeped in history, culture and religion with elaborate fortifications, palaces, museums and churches. Amongst the notable highlights are the Grand Co-Cathedral of St. John, the monastoic church of the knights of St. John, the Grand Master's Palace, Mdina, the famed walled city, war and archeological museums.

Country -  Malta
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Maltese Liyra (MTL)

Places of Interest
Hager Qim, Mnajdra, Mellieha

Malta

The fortifications at Malta’s Grand Harbour speak volumes about her past, indeed her reputation for valour during the Second World war earned her the George Cross and there aren’t too many islands you can say that of! Mosta and Mdina (the silent city) will vie for your attention if you want to go wandering.  

Country - Malta
Distance from port to City - N/A
Distance to Airport - N/A
Currency -

Places of Interest
Grand Harbour Fortifications

Piraeus

Piraeus is located to the south of Athens. It is the capital of the Piraeus Prefecture and belongs to the Athens urban area. It was the port of the ancient city of Athens and it was chosen to serve as the modern port when Athens was re-founded in 1834. Piraeus remains one of the busiest shipping and industrial centres of the Mediterranean.

Country - Greece
Distance from port to City -
Distance to Airport
Currency - Euro Dollar (EUR)

Places of Interest
Greek Maritime Museum and Piraeus Archaeological Museum.

Antalya

Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort in the Mediterranean region (ancient Pamphylia), is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards, a prize-winning marina on the Mediterranean. Antalya is the shining gem of the Turquoise Riviera with some of the clearest waters and most beautiful coast along the Mediterranean, the region is great for divers, swimmers and yachting types.

Country - Turkey
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 13kms
Currency - Turkish Liyra (YTL)

Places of Interest
Kaleici, Archaelogy Museum, Historic Museums

Limassol

On the island's south coast, Limassol is very much in the Greek sector of Cyprus. Nearby crusaders' castles, Greco-Roman ruins, olive groves and vineyards all speak to a lifestyle that is intrinsically Hellenic, and wizened lacemakers weave the traditions of their ancestors into their detailed work.

Country - Cyprus
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 60kms
Currency - Cypriot Pound (CYP)

Places of Interest
Temple of Apollo, Omodos Village, Aphrodite's Rock

Tripoli

More than 1,700 years ago, Tripoli was formed by the union of three cities-Sabrata, Ouia and Liptes. Before that, it was one of the four most powerful Phoenician cities in the Mediterranean. 130 km east of the city is the ancient Roman ruins of Leptis Magna. Today, Tripoli is a capital of absolutely beautiful architecture, with a dash of Ottoman and Spanish influences subtly evident in the streets and faces

Country - Libya
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 34kms
Currency - Libyan Dinar (LYD)

Places of Interest
Arch of Marcus Aurelius, National Museum, Roman ruins of Leptis Magna

Beirut

Lebanon's capital city is a vibrant, stylish metropolis, with all of the fun, fashion, and flair that a city lover could look for. All over the city, sleek, modern buildings are springing up, alongside arabesque Ottoman and French-style buildings, giving Beirut a unique style that is all its own. Beirut has a balmy, mild climate that is perfect for year round visits. From sipping coffee at an open air café, to shopping for cutting edge fashions at a boutique shop, to exploring the treasures of the country's National Museum, to dancing the night away at a trendy club, Beirut has something to offer for everyone.

Country - Lebanon
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 12kms
Currency - Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Places of Interest
Jeita Caverns, Roman Baths, Al-Omari Mosque, The Corniche, Beirut National Museum

Port Said

While youthful Port Said is often overlooked for Egypt’s legendary capital of Cairo, it’s well worth a look, especially the outstanding beaches north of town. Of course, don’t miss nearby Cairo, which has been the nation’s heart and soul for more than 1,000 years. Rarely is the dichotomy of modern and medieval sensibilities more apparent—skyscrapers tower over earthen houses, and fast cars dart around donkey-drawn carts, as this teeming city of 16 million residents live harmoniously.

Country - Egypt
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to airport - 160kms
Currency - Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Places of Interest
National Museum, Cairo, Pyramids of Giza

Aqaba

The waterway to the Red Sea - the commercial sea port of Aqaba (Al 'Aqabah) is the only outlet to the Hashimate Kingdom of Jordan, and is situated at the top of the Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-coloured desert to the North.

Country - Jordan
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Places of Interest
Aqaba Fort

Sharm-el-Sheikh

With its unique location, in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt is considered the strategic passageway, the meeting point between Asia and Africa, and the cradle of great civilizations. With its diverse features of environment that combine together history, tourism, industry and agriculture, it has become a main attraction for tourists, travelers and businessmen.

Country - Egypt
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - 1.5kms
Currency - Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Places of Interest
Coral Reef, Ras Mohammed National Park, Mount Moses

Safaga

Safaga was for many years a merchant port – now the town, with its wide azure bay, long sandy beaches and pretty islands, is a favourite sports destination in the Red Sea Riviera. Safaga is especially popular among windsurfers, and was the host of the 1993 Red Sea World Windsurfing Championships.

Country - Egypt
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 50kms
Currency - Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Places of Interest
Windsurfing in Safaga Bay

 

Map

Minerva Cabin Info

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Cruise line info

Swan Hellenic Cruises

Swan Hellenic Cruises

With over 50 years experience in discovery cruising, Swan Hellenic know all the ingredients for the perfect cruise. From the onboard environment to inspiring itineraries, and from our knowledgeable reservations team to our European ship's officers and attentive crew, we are committed to providing you with the ultimate discovery cruise experience.

 

Ship info

Minerva

PLEASE NOTE:

From November 2011 to March 2012, Minerva will be embarking on a visionary multi-million pound upgrade to take Swan Hellenic and Minerva forward into the next era.
New specifications will feature an increase in balcony cabins, taking the total number to 44 balcony cabins, or 23% of passenger accommodation. There will also be an upgrade for all cabin ensuites and added space and comfort in public areas.
Please visit
here for more information on this exciting new development.


 
No matter which corner of the globe you choose to discover, after exploring ashore, you will always appreciate Minerva’s stately comforts: a relaxed lounge with entertainment, well-stocked library, restaurants, gym, Wheeler bar and Shackleton's bar. An elegant environment in which polished wood and gleaming brass are complemented by works of art and fresh flowers.



Dining

This ship has 2 restaurants

  • Main Dining Restaurant
  • Veranda Dining Room

Entertainment

  • Darwin Lounge / Lecture Hall
  • Wheeler Bar
  • Shackleton's Bar
  • Cinema

Onboard Activities

  • Swimming Pool
  • Gymnasium
  • Sauna & Spa Services 
  • Beauty Salon
  • Library / Card Room 
  • Smoking Room
  • Boutique and Gift Shop
  • Photography Services 

Ship facts

Ship Details
Gross Tonnage 12,500 Tonnes
Star Rating TBA
Size/Style of Ship Mid-Size
Entered Service 29/04/1996
Registry The Bahamas
Former Name N/A
Length 132.9 metres
Beam 20.1 metres
Draft 5.8 Metres
Propulsion/Propellers NA
Maximum Cruising Speed (knots) 15
Passenger Capacity (twin) 350
Crew 160
Nationality of Officers British/European
Nationality of Crew International
Total Cabins TBA
Total Inside cabins  
Total Outside cabins  
Cabin/Suites with Balcony  
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins  
Passenger Decks 6
Cabin Electricity 110v
Elevators 2
Self-Service Laundry Yes
Onboard Currency (subject to change)  

Minerva Deck plans

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