Discover the Ancient World with Swan Hellenic

Embark on a voyage of discovery in October with Swan Hellenic and explore some of the world’s most fascinating historical sites. Their 'Highlights of the Ancient World' cruise provides a fantastic opportunity to experience four of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, accompanied by insights from expert speakers to bring their stories to life.

Passengers will visit the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, as well as travelling to where the Lighthouse of Alexandria and Colossus of Rhodes once stood. The cruise also takes in other key historical sites across the Mediterranean, from the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete to the iconic Acropolis in Athens. 

Prices start from only £1,495 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Price includes return flights, transfers and a 13-night cruise departing from Valletta (Malta) and calling at Sousse (Tunisia), Heraklion (Greece), Alexandria (Egypt), Rhodes (Greece), Kusadasi (Turkey) and Nauplion (Greece) before arriving at Piraeus (Greece); gratuities and service charges, meals and entertainment, on board talks from a team of renowned Guest Speakers and a full programme of tailor-made shore excursions. Price is based on 28 October 2011 departure.

For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.  Subscribe to World of Cruising magazine.

Immerse Yourself In New England With Crystal

To celebrate the wonders of New England and Canada, Crystal Cruises has announced details of some fabulous Crystal Adventures focusing on the neighbouring countries’ early histories and architecture. These shore excursions span four 10- or 11-night Crystal Symphony (above) sailings between New York and Montréal in September and October, and include a dozen new historical experiences.

The Crystal Adventures excursions, which can be enjoyed as group or “Private Adventure Options,” include:

Boston

Plymouth Rock - 1627 pilgrim village life, plus the Mayflower.
American Revolution Revisited - Boston, Lexington and Concord, where America’s independence began (and authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau lived).
Marblehead and Salem - Federal architecture, Yankee Doodle painting and the Salem witch trials.

New York

Brooklyn Bridge - Construction tales of this 19th century engineering marvel animate a 1.5-mile bridge walk.

Bar Harbor

Victorian Era Stroll - Costumed guides, period “cottages” and accounts of extravagant parties from yesteryear.

Newport

Colonial Historic District - This formerly rundown neighbourhood of 18th century and Georgian houses became a model of historic preservation.
Gilded Era Mansions - Homes of the 19th century’s wealthiest Americans, including the Astors’ Beechwood and Vanderbilts’ Marble House and Breakers, with period family and staff lookalikes.

St John

Geopark by Foot - Some of Canada’s most architecturally important streetscapes, many built from ancient stone.

Halifax

Afternoon Tea at the Citadel - Victorian tea at the former seat of British control over North America.
Lighthouse and Lobsters - Lobster lunch and drive through the “Lighthouse Route” (150 lighthouses).

Montréal and Québec

Foot, Coach, or Horse-drawn Carriage Tours - Highlights include neo-Gothic structures and historically-preserved neighbourhoods.

Prices for Crystal's New England & Canada voyages start from just £3,619 per person (based on the October 14th 12-night fly/cruise from Montreal to New York) including return economy flights with British Airways, overseas transfers, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Montreal, 10 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window including all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

PS: You can also see Issue 50 of World of Cruising for a full review of a typical Crystal Canada & New England voyage by editor Simon Veness last year.