SEATTLE — With COVID-19 vaccinations underway and the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel growing ever so brighter, perhaps your thoughts are turning once again to the delights of travel.
The Regent Seven Seas Explorer is sailing out for their Delights of Greece and Turkey adventure package in May … of 2022.
“Plenty of time for that planning, getting excited, getting ready to go,” said AAA Travel Expert Lisa Anciaux, who will be co-hosting the cruise. “I want people to join us and just have a great time.”
The all-inclusive package features a flight to Athens for some sightseeing before boarding the Seven Seas Explorer, a 735-foot-long ship with space for a maximum of 750 guests, and setting sail for a bucket-list-worthy trip to various ports of call, starting in Athens, Greece.
“We actually spend an overnight there in a hotel prior to getting on the ship so people can visit. I recommend going even earlier and spending a few more days there."
The first land excursion is the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey. Lisa recommends taking in the view from the ship deck as it approaches the port.
“You come down the Bosporus and it's an 18-mile narrow channel that separates Europe and Asia. As you come down that channel and come into the harbor, it's mystical. It's magical.”
Istanbul is home to the oldest covered marketplace in the world, featuring more than 4,000 shops, as well as ancient historical sights.
Santorini, Cyprus, and the ancient city of Ephesus – which in its heyday during the 10th century B.C. had paved roads and running water – are the next ports. But the real showstopper is Jerusalem.
“I've been to this part of the world, but I've never been to Jerusalem and that's on my bucket list,” Anciaux said. “Very exciting. We've got some great ports of call.”
The ship itself is an attraction, featuring a spa, an infinity pool, all-suite lodging and six full restaurants you can sample at no extra charge. Same for booze and wine, soda and water.
“What's wonderful about Regent Seven Seas is it's all-inclusive, so when you're going and you purchase it the price might seem a little high at first,” Anciaux said. “But you got to remember it includes round-trip business-class air on intercontinental flights. It includes all your gratuities; it includes free shore excursions in every port.”
Contact your AAA travel agent for more information.
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