Seabourn Cruises introduced 3 new Seabourn Journeys to destinations in Portugal, Israel and Greece for 2021. Available as pre-/post-cruise extensions on select sailings, Seabourn Journeys feature in-depth, land-based cruise extensions going beyond single-day excursions available from the cruise ship.
The packages offer passengers a chance to linger and make memories amid extraordinary sites of natural and cultural wonder.
The 3 new Seabourn Journeys due to launch in 2021 include:
- Welcome to Greece (5-day pre-/post-cruise) – Athens (Piraeus), the Acropolis, the Parthenon as well as other revered spots are either the start or finish of the exploration of the birthplace of democracy, the Olympics, and much more. The Journey features historic Argolis, Epidaurus with the best-preserved ancient Greek theatre in the world, the Citadel of Mycenae, Nafplio. A drive over Rio-Antirio Bridge, one of the wonders of the modern age, heads to the Oracle of Delphi on Mt. Parnassus. A drive through the mountains of central Greece heads to Meteora (Volos) with a visit to Meteora Monasteries, considered the 8th wonder of the world, built by monks from huge pillars of stone 500+ years ago, followed by one night in Kalambaka.
- Jerusalem (Ashdod), Bethlehem, Masada & Dead Sea (4-day pre-/post-cruise) – Holy Land's high points are on the itinerary with destinations differing for pre-/post-cruise journeys. These include ancient Jaffa, modern Tel Aviv (Haifa - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity built above the site where Jesus was born, and Jerusalem featuring the Garden of Gethsemane, the Room of the Last Supper at King David’s Tomb, and the Old City with a moonlit visit to the Western Wall. The lowest point on the surface of the planet is waiting at the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert. Post-cruise passengers begin in Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, with a visit to the Church of Annunciation built over the house believed to have been Mary’s and St.Joseph’s Church over Joseph’s carpentry shop. The trip also passes the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Jesus gave his sermon, and Tabgha, the site of the miracles of the fishes and loaves.
- Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, and Douro Valley (4-day pre-/post-cruise) – the historic center is filled with monuments like Aliados Avenue and Sao Bento Train Station. The Journey also includes a wine tour of the Douro Valley, the world's oldest wine region, including a tasting in a Port Wine Cellar and a drive past renowned estates as well as a tasting experience with lunch at Quinta da Pacheca Winery. Another attraction is the narrow streets of Coimbra, home to Santa Clara Monastery and Coimbra University, as well as the popular Pastel de Tentugal pastry. In Fatima, the major religious site in Portugal, passengers can observe the devotion of many pilgrims, as well as visit the Chapel of Apparitions, and experience the Sanctuary. A drive through Lisbon reveals many sites including Belem Quarter, Liberdade Square, Rossio, Park Eduard VII.
The collection of Seabourn Journeys already comprises 18 specially crafted pre-/post-cruise land-based packages with itineraries designed to highlight local history, culture, hospitality, relaxation, and beauty in remarkable settings. The fully escorted Journeys have been curated to give travellers more time in the locations to showcase the best of the destinations via the excursions they offer over the course of a few days. Some Journeys include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites through Seabourn’s partnership with UNESCO.
Most of the Seabourn Journey packages include transportation, select meals, and guided experiences for between 2 and 10 guests, ensuring personalized exposure to the location. Luxury lodges and hotels have been selected to offer accommodations at the finest properties, with transfers between sea and land conveniently timed to the start/finish of scheduled Seabourn sailings.