Page 7 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – March/April 2020

TRAVEL AGENCY
By Craig Haberle, CTC
AAA
The port of Kusadasi, Turkey, provides access to Ephesus, where excavations have exposed only 20 percent of this ancient Greek city. Colonized in the 10th century B.C., Ephesus was once an important port and center of commerce, but it was left dry by river silting. Ancient daily life is well evidenced here. The city’s amphitheater could accommodate 25,000 spectators; its library was monumental and some of its towering columns remain today.
The ancient civilizations of Athens comfortably contrast with contemporary cultures and all are on full view in this vibrant city. Athens’ port of Piraeus has its own Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Maritime Museum, but touring the iconic Acropolis, Parthenon, Corinthian Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch require you visit the heart of Athens. Impressive newer structures include the Parliament building and the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The lively traditional Plaka neighborhood
is just below the Acropolis and is home to popular restaurants, shops, museums and outdoor tavernas.
Your return to Italy is via the port of Naples
where many choices await. Visit the excellent Archaeological Museum. Step back in time to 79 A.D. during a guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii, still dominated by its nemesis Mt. Vesuvius. Consider taking a guided tour to the charming Isle of Capri
or along the spectacular Amalfi Coast. All these are wonderful ways to wrap up your meaningful and memorable Mediterranean voyage with AAA aboard Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas.
TM
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
& HOLY LAND CRUISE
MEANINGFUL TRAVEL TO ICONIC SITES
Travel can move you. Not just from place to place, but truly move or influence you in meaningful and profound ways. For some travelers, a trip to the Holy Lands and other prominent
places dating from ancient times
is a moving experience with deep personal significance. Now, more than ever, “see for yourself ” may be the best reason to travel.
Following thoughtful
consideration of these reasons,
AAA and Royal Caribbean invite
you aboard a Mediterranean
cruise to the Holy Lands and further realms of antiquity. This voyage is truly a journey of discovery that takes you to historic locations in Italy, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. Travel in complete comfort aboard Royal Caribbean’s sparkling Jewel
of the Seas. Unpack just one time during this 12-night exploration of classic sites in five countries, November 13-26, 2020.
Set sail from Rome’s port at Civitavecchia and cruise to Messina, a port on the Italian island of Sicily. A leisurely walk to a hilltop church provides panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding mountains. Famous for its sometimes snow-capped Mt. Etna volcano, Sicily is proud of its fine wines and olive oils.
Arrive in Israel at the port of Ashod for your transfer to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates for guided visits including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, and Dome of The Rock. Aromas of Arabian coffee, incense and spices infuse the busy bazaars as your guide offers tastes of local pastries, cheeses and kebabs.
Your travels in Israel continue at the seaport of Haifa. German Templars established a Christian colony here in the 1800s; now cafes and galleries line its restored streets and alleyways. The Baha’i Gardens offer 19 pristine terraces for meditative walks and access to the gold domed Shrine of the Bab. Stroll
the beachside boardwalk at Bat Galim, then ride the cable car up Mount Carmel for marvelous beach and
bay views.
Cyprus’ port of Limassol showcases ancient history, diverse cuisine and
the sunny southern coastline of this Mediterranean island. Dating from
the 13th century, Kolossi Castle connects to an archaeological museum that traces Cypriot history from its prehistoric roots through to Roman occupation.
12-NIGHT EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN & HOLY LAND CRUISE
CRUISE ITINERARY: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Sicily (Messina), Italy • At Sea (2 days) Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel • Haifa, Israel • Limassol, Cyprus • Rhodes, Greece • Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • At Sea • Naples, Italy
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Jerusalem’s Old City
• Mt. Etna volcano
• Dome of the Rock and the Al-aqsa Mosque • Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Mt. Carmel cable car ride in Haifa
• Kourion archaeological site
• The burial site of John the Apostle at the
Basilica of St. John
• Mt. Vesuvius National Park
• Archaeological ruins of Pompeii
November 13, 2020
From $4,559*
per person, double occupancy (Airfare included)
For more information and to make reservations, call
888-743-2844
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 passengers. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas
Kourion is a UNESCO-protected
site renowned for its mosaics and impressive ruins dating from the 2nd century A.D. with an amphitheater, forum, public baths and House of the Gladiators.
Rhodes appeals to visitors with its harbor- front Old Town with seven ancient gates leading to a well-preserved medieval walled city. Although the Colossus of Rhodes is long gone, the Palace of the Grandmaster of the Knights Templar remains to display mosaic floors from Hellenic, Roman
and early Christian times. Explore among the maze of cobblestone streets
for remnants of the Byzantine Empire. Ascend to the city’s Acropolis for photogenic vistas over the Old Town and harbor.
MARCH/APRIL 2020 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
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