An amazing trip by all accounts. Photos can be viewed on Flickr.

By popular demand, we’re offering this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the old world. Starting at only $740* per person, this all-inclusive 10-night voyage begins in Istanbul, Turkey and takes us to Haifa & Jerusalem, Israel, and Athens, Greece . We’ll also experience the wondrous ruins of Ephesus, Turkey on our return. This expedition is organized by skeptics for skeptics. Dining will be round-robin style, allowing you to have different dinner guests each evening.

By special arrangement, private, custom tours will be available in port at prices far below what the cruise line can offer.

PDF Tour Guides are available for each port:

• Istanbul, Turkey (overnight)
• Haifa, Israel
• Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel (overnight)
• Athens, Greece
• Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Our Itinerary:

Friday, October 7, 2011: Overnight on board in Istanbul, Turkey

Saturday, October 8, 2011: Depart from Istanbul, Turkey 2:00PM (be on board by 2:00)

Sunday, October 9, 2011: At Sea – Group Activities

Monday, October 10, 2011: Haifa, Israel 9:00AM – 11:59PM

Tuesday, October 11, 2011: Overnight on board in Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel 7:00AM 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011: Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel Sailing at 7:00PM

Thursday, October 13, 2011: At Sea – Group Activities

Friday, October 14, 2011: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
7:00AM – 6:00PM

Saturday, October 15, 2011: Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey 9:00AM – 7:00PM

Sunday, October 16, 2011: At Sea – Group Activities

Monday, October 17, 2011: Istanbul, Turkey 5:00AM

Our Ship:

 

Vision of the Seas is was designed to bring ocean views in to every aspect of cruising. With literally acres of glass, you’re never far from a dazzling vista of the passing scenery. Vision features a conference center with full audio/visual capability. A lavish theater provides Vegas-style entertainment in the evenings, a funnel-side rock-climbing wall and a solarium with sliding glass roof, indoor pool, whirlpool and cafe bar as well as a video game arcade and champagne bar will keep you busy at sea. (We will designate a “gather place” on board for evening chit chats.)

Dining will be available as a group in the opulent main dining room, and other meals can be taken here or in several other locations on the ship.

In addition to the evening shows in the main theater, there is a full casino, games room, and even a generous library for the bookworms among us. Several hot tubs and pools as well as a lavish spa allow you to relax in style. Internet kiosks are available throughout the ship giving you the chance to upload a few choice photos or send your report on the day’s adventure.

Our Ports of Call:

We’ll start our journey in Istanbul, where you’ll have two days to explore Ottoman and Byzantine architecture or get dizzy with the whirling dervishes and maybe a hookah. Istanbul is renowned for it’s diverse culture and friendly atmosphere, and is a favorite of world travelers.

From there, it’s on to Haifa, Israel where the many museums and historic Mount Carmel await your exploration.

The following day, wake up in Ashdod, Israel, one of the oldest cities in the world (1800 BCE). Rather than follow the throng, we’ll join a local expert of our acquaintance for an exclusive skeptic’s-eye tour of Jerusalem. Learn why this region continues to be a hotbed of religious strife.

From there it’s on to Athens, Greece – birthplace of reason. Tour the Acropolis, visit Panathinion Stadium or the Temple of Zeus and walk on the same steps as Socrates.

After a refreshing day at sea, you’ll arrive at Kusadasi, Turkey home of the incredible Ephesus. Greek and Roman ruins will delight you as you imagine living in a time where an afternoon’s entertainment featured gladiators fighting to the death.

Your home for this expedition is Royal Caribbean’s  Vision of the Seas, an intimate vessel with modern conference space which will host our on-board activities. And continuing with our tradition of letting guests address the assembly, there will be opportunities for you to give a presentation or talk if you so desire. Contact Jeff@Skeptours.com for details.

Staterooms:

We have reserved three types of cabin. All cabins have beds that can be converted to twin beds, bathroom with shower, flat screen television, telephone, individual temperature control, chair, desk, hair dryer and 110v outlets.

Outside cabins also have a large window giving you a view of the ocean and islands throughout our journey. A window is helpful in determining the day’s weather, and it’s fun to look out and see the port each morning.

Balcony cabins have a glass door the opens to a generous balcony with chairs and a table so you can have your own private vista. This is a nice option for those who like quiet time in their cabin or are traveling with someone and would like a pleasant place to wait while their partner gets ready.

All-Inclusive Pricing Starts at $730 per person. $930 per person for an outside cabin. Balconies available, please call for details.

Includes:

• Cruise Fare
• Taxes and Fees*
• Gratuities for housekeeping and waitstaff*
• All regular meals on board
• Access to private optional tours not available to other cruisers
• On-board hosted activities and conference rooms

Does not include:

• Airfare to Istanbul (Contact us for tips on getting the lowest fare)
• Visas (these can be obtained at the airport for $20 [US citizens])
• Alcoholic beverages and soda (coffee, iced tea and some juices are provided)
• Additional tours and on-board services such as Internet and spa treatments
• Travel insurance (recommended, call for details)

*Most cruises hide these compulsory fees, which total nearly $300 for this voyage. At SkepTours, we believe in displaying the actual cost.

If you’d like assistance with arranging air travel to Istanbul, we can offer suggestions on how to get the lowest fare. (Turkish Air has a non-stop flight from Chicago’s O’Hare that seems to be among the best deals at present.)

If you’d like to extend your trip, Royal Caribbean offers “cruise tour” packages that we can arrange for you. Call for details.

PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Space is limited! Final Payment is due immediately upon booking with refunds unavailable. SkepTours recommends trip insurance. Please call for details.

If you are a single traveler and would like to find a roommate, we might be able to help. Send e-mail to jeff@skeptours.com and he’ll try to match you with another compatible traveler.

A passport is required for this voyage, and Non-US travelers may need to apply for a visa ahead of time.

Ports subject to change (Yeah, no kidding).