From Jordan to Greece via Egypt, PONANT brings you a new itinerary combining history and archaeology.

Over 8 days, Le Lyrial will take you to legendary places between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

From Aqaba in Jordan, you will cross the famous Suez Canal, which was built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and widened recently to facilitate trade.

The crossing will enable you to reach Egypt and the shores of Alexandria. This legendary city has fascinated visitors since it was founded 2,300 years ago by Alexander the Great, who gave it his name. Today, it is Egypt’s most cosmopolitan city and its second largest in terms of population size. Although its mythical lighthouse and ancient library are now just distant memories, Alexandria is home to many unusual sights such as its old town, its museums, Diocletian’s column (Pompey’s Pillar), and its necropolises.

Le Lyrial will then take you to Rhodes, whose old medieval town, built by the Knights of St John, is surrounded by ramparts. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and, like Alexandria, it was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: its famous Colossus.

We will then head back to the coast, to the charming town of Nafplio, the departure point for visiting the famous Epidaurus Theatre and the Mycenae site, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Your journey will end in Athens, on the edge of the Saronic Gulf. To take in all of the city’s dazzling cultural past, why not visit the National Archaeological Museum or the new Acropolis Museum inaugurated in 2009.

• Port and safety charges
• Open bar
• Gratuities
• Your cruise including all meals from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation
• Welcome aboard and captain’s cocktail parties, gala dinner
• Mineral water, tea, filter coffee, white, red and rosé wines served with meals
• 24 hour room service (selected menu)
• Evening entertainments and events, and/or organised shows
• Porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa
• English-speaking guest-speaker (when applicable)

• A cruise in partnership with LiRE;
• From Jordan to Greece via Egypt, take a deep-dive into history and discover wonderful archaeological sites;
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the gothic and medieval city of Rhodes, the Mycenae ruins and the Epidaurus theatre (from Napflio), the Acropolis in Athens (disembarkation port);
• Sailing in the Red Sea and crossing the Suez Canal;
• A new port of call: Alexandria, a mythical port since Antiquity.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Fares may be subject to a fuel adjustment.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.