Preferred Vacations LLC

06/20/2024

Time to go to Ireland! The 10-day forecast looks nice and cool.

06/17/2024

Beat the heat dome by hopping a last minute Alaskan cruise! https://www.preferredvacations.com/.../alaska-tours-by-sea/.

04/22/2024

London is calling. https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/london

04/01/2024

Spain is part of you. https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/barcelona/

03/21/2024

Epic Santorini. https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/santorini/

03/14/2024

Adults-only cruise? With 20 inclusive dining options and inclusive tips, essential drinks, and wifi? Try Virgin Voyages! Message us for details. https://bit.ly/4aeKvM2

03/04/2024

Last minute Alaska cruises! Our cruise specialists can help you find a stateroom for the 2024 summer season. Contact us today! [email protected] or 859-229-3222.

02/26/2024

Get southern...in the Caribbean...Antigua, the land of 365 beaches.
https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/antigua/

02/13/2024

Looking for a cruise? Meet Arden, one of our cruise specialists! https://www.preferredvacations.com/curators/arden/
Message us for more info on cruising!

02/11/2024

Meet Kristen Hall, one of our family vacation experts!
https://www.preferredvacations.com/curators/kristen/

01/30/2024

Another satisfied client booked on Virgin Voyages!

01/19/2024

Hit the beach next week for $999/person all inclusive! 4 nights 5 days at the Planet Hollywood in Costa Mujeres with nonstop air from Cincinnati! Departs January 27th. Message us for details!

01/15/2024

Just booked August for a client! 11 Night Best Of Italy & Croatia on Celebrity Constellation Let us help you see the best of Europe! Message us for details.

Now booking for 2024 & 2025!

Celebrity Constellation

11 Night Best Of Italy & Croatia

1. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Uncovering authentic local finds and having experiences that make you feel like you’ve really connected with a place are important elements in ensuring an extraordinary vacation. We’re taking advantage of our partnership with Travel + Leisure to get their editors’ recommendations and insider tips on the places you will want to visit.

Must-Sees from the Editors of
Travel + Leisure
Colosseum
Though there may no longer be gladiators and staged naval battles at Rome’s iconic Colosseum, it’s still a great hive of activity in central Rome. Built by Emperor Vespasian in 72 A.D. on the site of Nero’s palace, the Colosseum entertained Romans with spectacles and contests until the fall of the empire. Since then, it’s served as a cemetery, castle, convent, and quarry.
MAXXI
The National Museum of Twenty-First Century Arts, which opened in the summer of 2010, has a resolutely contemporary agenda: solo shows from first-rate artists such as South African William Kentridge and Arte Povera movement founder Michelangelo Pistoletto share gallery space in the soaring, vibrantly elastic Zaha Hadid–designed building. The lovely alfresco café and an excellent bookshop are housed in the facing building—one Hadid preserved from the original plan of the square.
Pantheon
Dedicated to all the gods by Marcus Agrippa in 27 B.C., the iconic Pantheon in Rome’s centro storico has twice burned and been rebuilt before assuming its current appearance under the reign of Hadrian. Conversion to a church in 609 A.D. saved the building from the fate suffered by most other “pagan” buildings. Ever since, its architecture has impressed visitors including Michelangelo, who declared it “angelic and not human design.”

2. Florence/Pisa (Livorno),Italy
The beautiful Italian seaport of Livorno is the gateway to Florence, Pisa and Tuscany's vast wine country. Pisa is most noted for its famous marble bell tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has tilted 14 feet since 1370.

3.
Known as the "Pearl of the Riviera," it's hard to image a more captivating place than the cliff-lined cove of Portofino. Admire the Church of San Giorgio, the Castello Brown or simply sit back and enjoy the town’s unadulterated beauty and unique charm.

4. Naples, Capri, Italy
Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it an incredible place for you to explore. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Just 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

5. Sicily, Italy (Messina)
Located in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Walk by the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna Church, built in 1220 A.D. You’ll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.

6. CRUISING

7. Dubrovnik. Croatia
Established 1,300 years ago on the far southern tip of the Dalmatian Coast, this city once rivaled Venice in terms of its importance. Take a walking tour to the Dominican Monastery and marvel at the finest collection of Renaissance paintings, including a painting by Titian.

8. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor offers some of the most well preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city’s master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls.

9. Split, Croatia
Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you’ll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder – Split has it all

10.
Discover enchanting Ravenna, home of some of Italy’s most captivating hidden gems including breathtaking architecture and 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From early Christian mosaics to majestic churches and impressive palaces, this charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture. What’s more, Ravenna has a surprisingly rich history — it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for three hundred years and became a thriving hub for talented craftsmen, artists and master masons. Dedicate a couple of days to getting to know Ravenna before or after your cruise.

01/08/2024

Explore the world with Viking Cruises! We're a Viking River and Ocean Cruise Certified Agency. Message us for details!

01/03/2024

Last minute warm-weather all inclusive deal from $1,329/person for 7 nights with nonstop air included from Cincinnati! Dreams Puerto Aventuras Departs January 17th, 2024. Message us for details!

12/11/2023

Last minute Cancun deals! 7 nights all inclusive for 2 adults with nonstop air included from Cincinnati! Starts at $1,119/person! Choose from six resort options. Travel dates January 8-15th. Message me for details! Package prices are total for 2 before airport transfers and travel protection.

11/17/2023

Destination of the Day? Bora Bora!

https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/tahitian-islands/

11/13/2023

Experience Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! Luxurious and eco-friendly. The Celebrity Flora. Call or message us today for more details!

10/11/2023

All inclusive in the Bahamas! https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/the-bahamas/

09/25/2023

Pristine and plentiful for miles and miles. https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinat.../turks-caicos/

09/18/2023

Enchanting Paris. And a bucket list event. The Summer Olympics 2024. Experience the grandeur July 24th-August 11th. https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/paris/

08/04/2023

Working with a client on this amazing Secrets of Egypt & The Nile land/river experience! It's another destination we offer for 2024!


DAY 1 Cairo
Hotel check-in
Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met by an AmaWaterways representative who will help you with your luggage and the customs and immigration process. With your baggage and customs taken care of and a new stamp in your passport, you will now be driven to your hotel.
DAY 2 Cairo
Egyptian Museum and King Tut's treasures
Local lunch
Alabaster Mosque
Evening Welcome Reception with tapas and drinks
A full day of captivating attractions await, beginning with the exquisite Egyptian Museum, with its 120,000 artifacts on display. Home to some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, the museum’s unique collection of Pharaonic art includes ancient mummies and the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen, the Boy King. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local and international cuisine. Then, visit the Mosque of Muhammad – also known as the Alabaster Mosque – which majestically sits on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin's courtyard. From the arcaded courtyard, enjoy the breathtaking view across the city to the Pyramids of Giza. Inside the Mosque, marvel at an ornate interior and a splendid array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling. Afterward, join an evening Welcome Reception hosted by your Cruise Manager. (B, L, WR)
DAY 3 Cairo
Pyramids of Ancient Memphis
Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. Visit the huge statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx and the necropolis of Sakkara – site of the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth. Next, enjoy a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, a historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. Afterwards, you’ll explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)
DAY 4 Cairo
Flight to Luxor
Luxor
EMBARKATION
Luxor Temple Visit
After checking out of the hotel, take an early afternoon flight south to Luxor —formerly known as Thebes, the capital city of the New Kingdom of Upper Egypt. Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to two astonishing temples — Karnak and Luxor. Be welcomed aboard the AmaDahlia to begin your Nile River Valley cruise. Relax and settle in and before dinner, meet your crew and celebrate with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 Luxor
Exclusive access to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari
Valley of the Kings and Queens
Begin the day with a visit to the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertari’s Tomb, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access. Next, visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings — one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. The spectacular rock-cut tombs located on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still here on display. Afterwards, go to Deir el-Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and the country’s first female ruler. Your day’s adventure concludes with an up-close view of the Colossi of Memnon — two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once back on board the AmaDahlia, relax on the Upper Deck and take in the amazing scenery or join the AmaDahlia chef to an informal cooking class. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 Edfu
Temple of Horus
The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypt’s most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Built in 230 BC, it is the second-largest temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with walls that display compelling details about the religion and language of the country’s Greco-Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Aswan. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 Aswan
Free Morning
OR Abu Simbel Excursion*
Felucca ride around Elephantine Island
Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be prebooked). If you purchased the optional excursion, enjoy an early morning flight over Lake Nasser to the more than 3,000-year-old Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Ramses II, one of the most active of pharaohs, along with the smaller temple dedicated to his chief wife Queen Nefertari. The front of the main temple has four gargantuan statues of Ramses II on his throne, each measuring nearly 70 feet high and discovered half buried in sand in 1813. Later in the afternoon, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, around beautiful Elephantine Island, which locals say is the home to legendary Egyptian god Khnumo. Cap the day off with an optional late afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian Palace crafted in rose granite. Delight in an authentic “high tea” experience and revel in the stunning views overlooking the Nile and Elephantine Island. After dinner tonight, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric-style belly dance on board the AmaDahlia. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 Aswan
Nubian Village Visit and Philae Temple
Kom Ombo
Great Temple of Kom Ombo
Traditional Galabeya Evening
Board a motorboat and cruise to the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, boasting some of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt. It was constructed between 380 BC and 362 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. Next head to a colorful Nubian village on Hisa Island. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. During the afternoon, cruise to the Great Temple of Kom Ombo, where its soaring columns dramatically rise above the Nile River. Unique in Egypt, this temple is dedicated to two gods — the crocodile god, Sobek, sitting on the right; and the falcon-headed Haroeris, “The Good Doctor.” After visiting Kom Ombo, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Luxor. In the evening, join your crew outside in a celebration of local customs with the chance to don a Galabeya, traditional Egyptian attire, and toast to the rich culture and history of the Nile River Valley. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 Luxor
Scenic Cruising
Karnak Temple Visit
Art of Papyrus Making
Luxor Temple Visit
Luxor Market visit
Spend a morning of scenic cruising along the glistening Nile River. Relax on the Sun Deck as you cruise from Esna back to Luxor. First, explore the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex in Egypt and one of the largest in the world, covering about 200 acres in a vast network of columns, hieroglyphics, obelisks, sphinxes and colossi — even a lake is on the grounds. The Hypostyle Hall is a great architectural marvel and filled with its roof blocks, supported by colossal 134 columns standing at 70 feet high, with 12 larger columns standing at 80 feet high lining the central aisle. This hall is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. After visiting the temple, journey to a museum and discover the art of papyrus making. Learn how the ancient Egyptians used this special plant that flourished in the Egyptian Delta and Nile River Valley. Made from the aquatic papyrus plant, also known as paper plant, this unique writing material served many purposes in ancient times from sails, cloth, food and especially paper for important documents and texts. Afterwards, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. You then have the option of heading back to the ship to relax or visiting the colorful Luxor Market, where you can find eye-catching piles of spices, jewelry and clothing as well as irresistible smells of incense and perfumes. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 Qena
Temple of Hathor
Cruise back to Luxor
Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. You’ll go to Dendara to visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Hathor – the Goddess of Love, to whom the powers of joy, feminine love and motherhood were attributed. The temple was built by Ptolemy and a group of Romans who worshipped her; so don’t miss the back of the temple where there is a relief depicting Cleopatra with Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, the Roman Emperor who brought us the months of July and August. Following your visit here, sail back to Luxor. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 Luxor
DISEMBARKATION
Flight to Cairo
Cairo
Exclusive Abdeen Palace Private Tour and Lunch
Coptic Quarter visit
Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo where you will be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The palace consists of multiple museums, including the Silver Museum; the Arms Museum; the Royal Family Museum; a Presidential Gifts Museum and a Historical Documents Museum, which is a relatively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterwards, be treated to a very special lunch at the palace. Finally, you’ll explore the old part of the city, which includes Coptic Cairo, where the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue are located. (B, L)
DAY 12 Cairo
Return flight home
*Guests can reserve the optional tour to Abu Simbel at time of booking your Nile adventure
Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home. (B)

07/20/2023

Our favorite river cruise company for Europe! http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/myagent/preferredvacations/
Message us for details!

Journey with the world's #1 river cruise line. Award-winning Viking Longships. Owned & operated fleet, with the best docking locations in Europe and across the globe.

07/03/2023

All Inclusive Deal! $1199/per adult! 7 nights all inclusive at Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya with nonstop air included from Cincinnati! Departs 7/31/23. Gated resort community located next to a dolphin experience. Message us for details.

06/19/2023

Top 5 All Inclusive Honeymoons Not In Mexico! https://www.preferredvacations.com/blog/top-5-all-inclusive-honeymoons-not-in-mexico/

06/16/2023

Contact us for your custom Hawaii getaway! https://www.preferredvacations.com/blog/customized-multi-island-hawaii-travel-packages/

06/02/2023

Amazing beaches and pristine waters! https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/turks-caicos/

05/16/2023

Choose Costa Rica for eco-adventure with an all inclusive option! https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/guanacaste-beaches/

04/12/2023

Let's Do London! https://www.preferredvacations.com/destinations/london/