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Minerva%lt;br%gt;41 Night Grand%lt;br%gt;Mediterranean Spring%lt;br%gt;Aqaba to Civitavecchia

Minerva
41 Night Grand
Mediterranean Spring
Aqaba to Civitavecchia

Ship: Minerva
Cruise Line: Swan Hellenic Cruises
Departures:  27 March 2013
Duration: 41 Nights
Ports: Aqaba, El Sokhna, Suez, Alexandria, Ashdod, Haifa, Limassol, Kusadasi, Patmos, Piraeus, Volos, Thessaloniki, Yalta, Sevastopol, Odessa, Istanbul, Rhodes, Aghios Nikolaos, Delos, Itea, Porto Empedocle, Palermo, Sicily, Ponza, Civitavecchia, Rome
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Aqaba
Airport gateway (Departure) : Rome

Itinerary

Date Port Arrive Depart
27 Mar Aqaba, Jordan   Overnight
28 Mar Aqaba, Jordan   11.00pm
29 Mar At Sea    
30 Mar El Sokhna, Egypt 6.00am 10.00pm
31 Mar Suez Canal Transit 6.00am 10.00pm
01 Apr Alexandria, Egypt 12.00am 11.00pm
02 Apr Cruising the Mediterranean Sea    
03 Apr Ashdod, Israel 7.00am 7.00pm
04 Apr Haifa, Israel 7.00am 7.00pm
05 Apr Limassol, Cyprus 12.00am 7.00pm
06 Apr Cruising the Mediterranean Sea    
07 Apr Kusadasi , Turkey 8.00am 11.00pm
08 Apr Patmos, Greek Islands 8.00am 3.00pm
09 Apr Piraeus, Greece 6.00am Overnight
10 Apr Piraeus, Greece   Overnight
11 Apr Piraeus, Greece   7.00pm
12 Apr Syros, Greece 8.00am 2.00pm
13 Apr Volos, Greece 7.30am 7.00pm
14 Apr Thessaloniki, Greece 7.30am 7.00pm
15 Apr Cruising the Aegean Sea
Close Cruise Mt Athos
   
16 Apr Mudanya, Turkey 7.00am 2.00pm
  Bosphorus Transit    
17 Apr Cruising the Black Sea    
18 Apr Yalta, Ukraine 7.00am 7.00pm
19 Apr Sevastopol, Ukraine 7.00am 11.00pm
20 Apr Odessa, Ukraine   Overnight
21 Apr Odessa, Ukraine   5.00pm
22 Apr Cruising the Black Sea    
23 Apr Istanbul, Turkey 7.00am Overnight
24 Apr Istanbul, Turkey   Overnight
25 Apr Istanbul, Turkey   7.00pm
26 Apr Cruising the Aegean Sea    
27 Apr Rhodes, Greece 8.00am 7.00pm
28 Apr Aghios Nikolaos, Greece 8.00am 7.00pm
29 Apr Delos, Greek Islands 9.00am 3.00pm
30 Apr Corinth Canal, Greece Transit    
  New Corinth, Greece 1.00pm 11.00pm
01 May Itea (Delphi), Greece 7.00am 4.00pm
02 May Cruising the Ionian Sea    
03 May Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Italy 8.00am 6.00pm
04 May Palermo, Sicily, Italy 8.00am 5.00pm
05 May Ponza, Italy 12.00am 6.00pm
06 May Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 7.00am  
07 May Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

* 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.

Gratuities included

Cabin Single Twin Triple Quad + Child + Infant
Category N - Baltic Deck Inside Aft---$7105------------Book or Enquire
Category I - Baltic Deck Outside Aft Portholes---$11184------------Book or Enquire
Category G - Aegean Deck Outside Aft Window---$12639------------Book or Enquire
Category D - Sun Deck Balcony Suite---$15998------------Book or Enquire
 

Ports

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

Alexandria

Named after its founder, Alexander the Great, Alexandria stands as Egypt's largest port, and second-largest city. It is the port of exploration of Cairo and the ancient sites of Giza (pyramids), Memphis and Sakkara. Here, a Mediterranean feel mixes with centuries of history and folklore to create a unique mix of Egypt old and new.

Country - Egypt
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Places of Interest
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman Amphitheatre, Greco-Roman Museum

Haifa

From this port on the slopes of Mt. Carmel travel to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. And visit the land of miracles--Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha.

Country - Israel
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Israeli Sheqel (NIS)

Places of Interest
Cave of Elijah, Stella Maris, Bahai World Centre

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

Kusadasi

Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus, now known as Kusadasi. Marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or, journey to three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma, renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Country - Turkey
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 75kms
Currency - Turkish Liyra (YTL)

Places of Interest
Ephesus, St John's Basilica, The Bazaar

Patmos



Country - Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - Currency -

Places of Interest

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.

Volos

Discovery sails into the Pagasitic Gulf to call at Volos, the capital of Magnesia that nestles in the shadow of the Pelion Mountains. Beyond the popular resort town and its busy promenade lie a number of interesting archaeological sites. These include the prehistoric settlement of Dimini with its ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dating back as far as 4000 BC. Other highlights include Sesklo with the remains of the oldest Acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), or the incomparable acoustics of the theatre at ancient Dimitrias, and the amazing monasteries perched on pinnacles at Meteora.

Country - Greece
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest
Dimini, Sesklo

Thessaloniki

 

Country
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency -

Places of Interest

Yalta

Center of the Ukraine Riviera, Yalta is the home of Livadia Palace, where Churchhill, Roosevelt and Stalin decided the future of Europe in 1945; and the Swallow's Nest, a fairy tale castle all in white.

Country - Ukraine
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 90kms
Currency - Hryvnia (UAH)

Places of Interest
Livadia Palace, Roosevelt St, Nikita Botanical Garden

Sevastopol

The historic city of Sevastopol built on the tip of the Crimean peninsula with a vast natural harbour, has long been of great strategic importance. Discover more about the Charge of the Light Brigade on a full-day "Crimean War Highlights" tour; alternatively, visit the Museum of the Black Sea fleet and the Panorama, an evocative circular painting depicting the 349-day siege of Sevastopol. There will also be visits to the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus founded in 422 BC and Bakhchisaray, home to the ruling Khans in the fifteenth century.

Country - Ukraine
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Hryvnia (UAH)

Places of Interest
Museum of the Black Sea

Odessa

"Pearl of the Black Sea." From the seafront, it is 192 monumental Potemkin Steps to bustling Primorsky Boulevard. Your reward: museums, shops, and delightful open-air cafes with views of the Gulf of Odessa.

Country - Ukraine
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 27kms
Currency - Hryvnia (UAH)

Places of Interest
Old Town, Opera House

Istanbul

With its skyline aglow with the glimmer of domes and minarets, arriving in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The labyrinth of streets. Bustling bazaars. The serenity of the surrounding waters. This city offers one intriguing adventure after another. Explore Istanbul’s most famous monuments, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the old city walls. Its sheer size, wealth and beauty await you.

Country - Turkey
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 20kms
Currency - Turkish Lira (YTL)

Places of Interest
Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque

Rhodes

Known as the sun island there are hardly any days when the sun does not shine. The third largest Greek Island, Rhodes today offers its visitor an abundance of year round leisure activities. The warm hospitality of the islanders, the natural beauty of the island and the monuments from her long and turbulent history are not to be missed.

Country - Greece (Rhodes)
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 16kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest
Mandraki Harbour, Mt. Philerimos, Acropolis of Lindos

Aghios Nikolaos

Aghios Nikolaos is a cosmopolitan coastal town located on the Greek island of Crete. The lake and harbour area is the focal point of the town and legend says that the goddess Athina once bathed in the "bottomless" lake Voulismeni. Surrounded by mountains and with magnificent views of the Gulf of Mirabello, the town boasts a wide selection of traditional and contemporary reastaurants and tavernas and cafe bars around the harbour.

Country - Greece
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 65kms
Currency - Euro (EUR)

Places of Interest

Delos

An uninhabited island at 10 kilometres from Mykonos, a vast archaeological site with superb monuments drawing thousands of visitors in pilgrimage. to what was for a thousand years. Today people visit Delos for it was for a thousand years or so after the ninth century BC, the political and religious center of the Aegean. The archaeological site covers almost the entire island, starting on the west side, where the sacred harbor was. From the harbor, a majestic sacred way led to the Sanctuary of Apollo, where there were temples, altars, votive offerings and other buildings. There are ruins of four temples to Apollo, one of them known as the Temple of the Athenians.

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

Places of Interest

Terrace of the Lions, Delos Museum, Temple of the Athenians, Region of the Sacred Lake

Itea



Country -
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport -
Currency -

Places of Interest

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

Ponza



Country -
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport -
Currency -

Places of Interest

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

 

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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