2 01 8 VOYA G E S T O commencing
A n T i q u i T Y no. of days
AWA R D - WIN N ING VOYAGE S
2 0 1 8
from – to
page no.
13
athens – athens
30 – 31
may 6
ancient greece & dalmatian coast
13
athens – venice
32 – 33
may 18
classical italy & the adriatic
15
venice – rome
34 – 35
may 28
renaisance italy & historic islands
17
rome – seville
36 – 37
june 9
european connoisseur
17
seville – london
40 – 41
june 21
the norwegian fjords
17
london – london
42 – 43
july 5
iceland, faroes & shetlands i
18
london – london
44 – 45
july 20
the british isles
17
london – london
46 – 47
august 3
iceland, faroes & shetlands ii
18
london – london
48 – 49
august 18
the three rivers
17
london – lisbon
50 – 51
august 30
mediterranean odyssey
17
lisbon – rome
54 – 55
september 11
italian & adriatic highlights
15
rome – venice
56 – 57
september 25
dalmatia & ancient greece
13
venice – athens
58 – 59
october 1
the aegean experience 1
13
athens – athens
60 – 61 62 – 63
october 10
the aegean experience 1i
13
athens – athens
october 18
the aegean experience & cairo
13
athens – athens
64 – 65
october 28
a voyage through the middle sea
14
athens – malaga
66 – 67
november 10
moorish odyssey
12
malaga – tenerife
68 – 69
GREEK ISLANDS • NORWEGIAN FJORDS • BRITISH ISLES • ICELAND • MOROCCO • EGYPT
• 2 0 1 8
FLY FREE TO EUROPE WITH OUR GRAND VOYAGES – please call for brochure Contact your Travel Agent to reserve your cabin
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY AUSTRALIA Tel: 02 9959 1345 Email: info@vta.net.au
MEDITERRANEAN
A n T i q u i T Y
the aegean experience 1
VOYA G E S T O
april 26
b fo oo sa r k ve sp ea r f ec rly ar ial es
now featuring
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY NEW ZEALAND Toll Free: 0800 CRUISE (278 473) Email: info@vta.co.nz
new destinations – maiden voyages – outstanding value
2225/07.17 aus edition
the norwegian fjords
iceland
faroes
CONTENTS VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
orkneys
3 – 11
OUR PHILOSOPHY
12 – 17
MV AEGEAN ODYSSEY
18 – 27
Atlantic Ocean
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY 2018 APRIL – MAY SAILINGS
28 – 37
JUNE – AUGUST SAILINGS
38 – 51
AUGUST – NOVEMBER SAILINGS
52 – 69
INCLUDED HOTEL STAYS
70 – 71
GENERAL INFORMATION
72 – 73
DECK PLANS
74 – 75
SUITES, STATEROOMS & CABINS
76 – 77
BOOKING FORM
78
TERMS & CONDITIONS
79
CRUISE CALENDAR
80
norway
shetlands
scotland
ireland
wales
england
isles of scilly channel islands
holland
france Croatia
monaco
Corsica
portugal
spain
Strait of Gibraltar
Atlantic Ocean
morocco
Adriatic montenegro Sea albania Aegean Sea
italy
menorca Sardinia majorca
sicily
Malta
greece
crete
Mediterranean Sea
e
2
Canary Islands
o
an
Sea
Artistic treasures, coastal and river cruising, historic cities and natural wonders “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
T
his year is the most exciting in the history of Voyages to Antiquity as we are visiting more countries and cruising more seas than ever before. In 2018, we will take you from the crystal-clear Aegean to the wide-open waters of the Atlantic and from the sun-baked Greek Islands to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland. We are pleased to present our inaugural voyage to Norway and the Norwegian Fjords, as well as returning to Egypt. You can also visit the great cities of London, Dublin and Edinburgh, and the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands and Islands on a circumnavigation of the British Isles. Along with these meticulously planned itineraries, you’ll enjoy an expert guest speaker
SAINT AUGUSTINE
programme on each voyage, all of which offer outstanding value. In this brochure, you will not only find all you need to know about our ship, Aegean Odyssey, but also an insight into the excellent destinations and sites you will visit, as well as discovering the wonderful river and coastal cruising experiences on offer. The introductory pages outline our philosophy and the historical and cultural background of the countries we visit, while the itineraries have been written in a way that will enhance your appreciation of the cruises and excursions in this year’s programme. With so much included in the fare, you will also appreciate the excellent value for money these wonderful voyages offer.
egypt egypt
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AWARD-WINNING JOURNEYS ~
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES We offer voyages to the historic, cultural and artistic heart of Europe. These fantastic journeys range from Athens, Rome and the other great centres of antiquity to the Greek Islands, the glamorous Cote d’Azur and the wine regions of Portugal and France. They journey on to the romantic Cornish coast in the west of England, the highlands and islands of Scotland and the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and Norway.
Spring, Summer And Autumn in europe: A voyAge for All SeASonS Starting in the Spring sunshine of the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, moving north in the hot summer months, and sailing south for autumn warmth, these unforgettable journeys have been designed to take advantage of the seasons. Along the way, you will enjoy expertly-guided tours of the great treasures of antiquity, and social events such as sherry tasting in one
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of Spain’s top bodegas, wine tasting in France, and cocktail parties on board. You will also travel through some of the most stunning scenery in the world including Iceland’s unique landscapes, the majestic fjords of Norway, the west country of England, and the rugged coast of Scotland.
The Aegean Experience – Athens, Classical Greece and the Greek Islands In the European spring and autumn, our voyages and special in-depth land tours of ancient Greece and its islands will take you to all the key sights, and with expert guides and lecturers your visit to this truly remarkable place will bring to life this "Golden Age" of Western civilisation.
The poet John Milton called Athens "the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence," and it was here in the 5th century BC that the genius and creativity of the ancient Greek world shone with unprecedented brilliance. This was the time of the great statesman Pericles who organised the construction of the Acropolis, of the dramatists Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides and, of course, of the philosopher Socrates. After the vibrancy of Athens, you’ll head out of town to the tranquillity of the Greek countryside with visits to the elegant ruins of Delphi, Agamemnon’s ancient capital of Mycenae, and the monumental grandeur of
the amphitheatre at Epidaurus. Cruising the Greek Islands then offers a wonderful contrast and, as you sail through the sparkling waters of the Aegean, you have time to meet your fellow passengers, get to know the ship and relax into life on board. As well as stunning natural beauty, the isles of Greece offer some of the most impressive sites from this region's fascinating history. On Delos, legendary birthplace of Apollo and the paramount religious sanctuary of the ancient Greek world, you can walk along the Terrace of the Lions with its famous marble guardian lion statues and explore the classic Doric Temple of the Delians.
By contrast, nearby Mykonos offers the more sybaritic experience of vibrant tavernas and bustling shops. A visit to Crete takes you back to the time of the Minoans, one of the earliest civilisations of antiquity, and the ornate palace at Knossos. Charming Patmos, the Crusader stronghold of Rhodes, spectacular Santorini, and Volos for the unique monasteries at Meteora also feature on these in-depth journeys.
Explore Venice, the Dalmatian fjords, Roman palaces and Adriatic islands The first doge (duke) of Venice was elected in 726AD and the Venetian republic existed
for over a millennium until 1797. Often referred to as La Serenissima, the Most Serene Republic, the Venetians acquired an empire of trade and commercial interests. This wealth funded the marvellous city you see today. Unlike most cruises on larger vessels that offer a brief stop off in this wonderful place, our itineraries include an overnight stay so you have time to explore the city, shops, sites and restaurants of Venice. Furthermore, your visit will be crowned by a real treat, an exclusive visit to La Fenice Opera House. As you make your way to or from Venice, one of the great advantages of small-ship cruising becomes apparent as the size of
Aegean Odyssey means that you sail as close as possible to some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the world. Cruising in coastal waters allows you to appreciate the true magnificence of Kotor Bay. Cutting through the Dinaric Alps in Montenegro, this dramatically beautiful inlet stretches over 20 miles inland and is Europe’s southernmost fjord. Along the Croatian coast Aegean Odyssey calls at two fascinating and architecturally pleasing ports, Dubrovnik and Split. The beauty of Dubrovnik moved the writer George Bernard Shaw to describe it as “Paradise on Earth” and indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and charming people. Further up the Adriatic coast, the highlight of the visit to Split is without doubt touring the vast Palace of Diocletian. Completed in 305AD, the limestone and marble palace was built by the Emperor Diocletian for his retirement, and the complex comprised three temples, Diocletian’s massive mausoleum (now the Cathedral of St Dominus) and enough accommodation to house 9,000 people.
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exciting destinations ~
spectacular sights
Mediterranean islands, French Riviera chic and Italy’s Dolce Vita Much of Mediterranean life, culture and history revolve around its magnificent islands and our itineraries include visits to some of the most alluring. With its impressive fortifications and surroundings, it is hard to beat the drama of arriving at the Grand Harbour of Valletta, the capital of Malta. Ruled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John, Valletta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
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Nearby Sicily is also blessed with remarkable historical treasures including the Greek theatre at Taormina, the cathedral of Monreale, and the temples at Segesta. You will also cruise the beautiful waters around the Maddalena Archipelago and call at Napoleon’s place of exile, Elba,
as well as the place of his birth, the Corsican capital, Ajaccio. No other country in Europe combines the best of art, culture, gastronomy and style with quite the same panache as Italy. Here you can enjoy a scoop of the most delicious ice cream in the world as you admire some of the greatest treasures of antiquity, or sip a Campari while sitting in the sunshine on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Whether you are marvelling at Pisa’s famous tower or wandering through the extensive ruins of tragic Pompeii, the joy of Italy and its way of life will entrance you. Furthermore, from the grandeur of Imperial Rome to the Renaissance splendour of
Florence, Italy’s great cities are places of charm and wonder. Few will forget setting sight on the monumental Colosseum and the sprawling Roman Forum or the great Florentine Renaissance palaces and their numerous masterpieces of western art. Provence is an ideal place to not only explore the lavender fields and charming villages, but also for visiting some of southern France’s most interesting places. Chief among these is the medieval town of Avignon. Surrounded by well-preserved 800-year-old stone ramparts, graceful Avignon was once the seat of papal power and this honour bestowed the city with a legacy of magnificent art and architecture, none grander than the massive medieval
fortress and papal palace, Palais des Papes. Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles, and Carcassonne with its impressive fortress, also await. The natural beauty of the French Riviera including Nice and Monte Carlo, combined with its mild Mediterranean climate have made them popular destinations since the 18th century.
A taste of Spain – from Moorish palaces to river cruising Arriving in Spain, Aegean Odyssey takes you on a spectacular journey cruising up the Guadalquivir River to moor in the heart of the Andalusian city of Seville. Spain is rightly famous for its great food and wine, and a stop at Jerez allows you to sample one of the country’s most famous products. In the year 711, Moorish forces from Morocco and Algeria invaded Spain and in seven years conquered the Iberian Peninsula, eventually conquering territory that comprised most of Spain, Portugal and parts of France. Their rule lasted until 1492
and the Moors left behind a remarkable legacy of elaborate palaces, mosques and gardens. Two of the greatest treasures from this time are the Alhambra in Granada and the Great Mosque in Cordoba. In Seville, you’ll stand on the exact spot where Columbus set sail for the Americas. With its cosmopolitan lifestyle, stunning architecture, fabulous food and fascinating historical sites, Barcelona is understandably one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Highlights of your visit include the Roman sites of the city including the Temple of Apollo and Roman remains in the Gothic Quarter and, perhaps the most extraordinary of the city’s landmarks, the Sagrada Familia, the massive Catalan church designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudi.
An unforgettable pilgrimage The capital of the Spanish province of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is one of the most important places in Christendom as it is reputed to be the place where St James, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, is buried. It was in the 8th century AD that the remains were identified as those of Saint James the Great, and their acceptance as such by the Pope and Charlemagne. From then on, this settlement was not just a city, but a holy city, and one of the main centres of Christian pilgrimage.
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inaugural visits ~ River cruising, cities, chateaux and vineyards
new adventures
heAding north for europe’S Summer
Sailing along France’s Atlantic Coast, Aegean Odyssey cruises up the River Gironde to berth in the centre of Bordeaux, a city rightly regarded as the wine capital of the world, producing some of the great vintages available – and the perfect opportunity to taste and learn about the vineyards. Further up the coast you will sail into the Loire to Nantes and the picturesque Chateaux Country. You will visit the most elaborate and magnificent chateaux including Chenonceau, one of the most recognisable chateaux in the world. On our southbound journey you will also sail into the River Seine to Rouen and our base for a day in Paris or the Palace of Versailles. On France’s northern coast you can enjoy a morning stroll through the pretty harbour of Honfleur, a delightful place long sung about by poets and painted by famous artists.
England’s glorious coastline, countryside and regal capital Framed by some of England’s most beautiful countryside, the port of Falmouth is also soaked in British history. Fortified by Henry
VIII, this is the place where news of Nelson’s victory – and his death – at Trafalgar was landed. From here you will drive through the Cornish countryside to a place that can lay claim to being one of the wonders of the modern world – the Eden Project. Aegean Odyssey then sails up the estuary of the River Dart to the idyllic town of Dartmouth. Situated at the mouth of the River Dart, this small fishing port is a quintessential English seaside town. With
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its Elizabethan streets, charming harbor and unspoilt beaches, it is a truly magical place. You’ll also cruise the historic River Thames to or from one of the world’s greatest cities, London. The British capital is filled with iconic sights, from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to the Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben. All cruises beginning in London feature a two-night hotel stay including a guided panoramic drive through this incredible metropolis.
Circumnavigate the British Isles Dublin is a capital that has a great history stretching back to the 9th century. This is not a city, however, that wears its history heavily and it is equally well-known for its warm welcome and legendary pubs. As part of her first ever circumnavigation of Britain, Aegean Odyssey will also visit two new ports-of-call on the east coast of England. Tyne is close to the remains of the great wall that was begun in 122AD by Emperor Hadrian to keep out the Ancient Britons,
galleries, and evidence suggests that humans have inhabited the city for millennia. Criss-crossed by cobbled streets and narrow lanes, Edinburgh is a city that cries out to be explored. Another highlight of historic Scotland is its castles and our cruises feature visits to some of the most striking. These include the late Queen Mother’s favourite residence – the Castle of Mey, the largest and most impressive fortifications in Scotland – Stirling Castle, and the home of the Dukes of Argyll – Inveraray Castle. The Shetland Islands is an archipelago comprising roughly one hundred islands off the northeast coast of Scotland. Home to rugged landscapes and free-roaming ponies, here you will not only enjoy the magnificent scenery, including Tingwall Valley, but also have the chance to see the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof which was first uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement embracing at least 5,000 years of human history. while the Viking town of York has an immersive experience inside its newlyreopened Jorvik Centre.
Cities, castles and islands of Scotland Watched over by its imposing castle – the symbol of the city – Edinburgh combines medieval relics, Georgian grandeur and a powerful layer of modern life with contemporary avant-garde. In Edinburgh, medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, Gothic churches with amazing museums and
The Norwegian Fjords and Amsterdam This year, Aegean Odyssey will make its inaugural voyage to the beautiful and dramatic coastline of Norway on the western border of Scandinavia, a magical place that is famous for its intricate network of cliff-lined saltwater inlets (fjords) crisscrossing the landscape. This enchanting realm has long been a place of inspiration for artists and writers, including the 19thcentury Norwegian Romantic, Adelsteen Normann, whose unflinching paintings of the fjords were largely responsible for popularising the region.
Iceland: land of volcanoes, glaciers, myths and legends
this remarkable land has to offer. It takes you from the capital of Reykjavik and the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park where the European and North American tectonic plates meet to the whale-filled bays of Isafjordur on the edge of the Arctic Circle and the geo-thermal baths at Myvatn. Here you will also be able to see some of the spectacular birdlife that makes its home on Iceland.
It has been said that the problem with travelling in Iceland is that it is hard to take in what you are seeing because every five minutes you are confronted with another breathtaking, life-affirming natural spectacle. With its deep fjords, rainbowarched waterfalls, volcanic peaks, gushing geysers and creeping glaciers, Iceland puts on one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the planet. Our itinerary has been designed to ensure that you don’t miss any of the highlights
As the ship heads back to Britain, she calls at the charming harbour of Torshavn on the Faroe Islands and Kirkwall on the Orkneys, where there is plenty of prehistoric archaeology to explore, including the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a huge ceremonial stone circle dating back almost 5,000 years, as well as the most complete Neolithic village in Europe, Skara Brae.
A morning call in Amsterdam affords some time to take a relaxing stroll through the Dutch capital, where the network of canals has been compared to Venice. World renowned as a fun-loving destination, the city is also at the vanguard of the arts and has some world class museums.
The Faroes and Orkneys
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ancient cultures ~
fascinating history
AegeAn odySSey heAdS South for Autumn SunShine Having enjoyed the temperate climate of northern Europe during its high summer, Aegean Odyssey then heads south to the Mediterranean as she makes her way to the incredible civilisations of ancient Egypt and Classical Greece.
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Autumn in the Mediterranean brings more exciting and new experiences as Aegean Odyssey retraces her course back to the Aegean with a magnificent Mediterranean Odyssey – a journey from Lisbon around the coast of Spain, the French and Italian Rivieras and Italy’s great Renaissance cities – a magnificent starter to our Autumn cruise programme.
Classical Greece, Ancient Egypt & Land of the Pharaohs This year we are pleased to announce our welcome return to Egypt with a spectacular
voyage combining the great sites of Alexandria and Cairo with a land tour of Classical Greece. This features overnight hotel stays in Delphi and Nauplia, plus included sightseeing visits to the monastery at Osios Loukas, Agamemnon’s Mycenae, and the remarkably well-preserved theatre at Epidaurus (see pages 4, 5 and itinerary pages for further details). Alexander the Great gave his name to the small port of Alexandria on the coast of Egypt in 331BC, it marked the moment when the ancient period of the Pharaohs was finally over and was replaced by the
Hellenistic Era. During the next three hundred years the Ptolemies conquered the region and expanded the city, taking advantage of its perfect position between the Greek and Persian empires so that by
the time Cleopatra began her reign as the last Ptolemaic ruler in 51BC, the vast pyramidal mausoleums containing the ancient God Kings which were built alongside the mysterious Great Sphinx of Giza were already over two thousand years old. The scale of these structures places them among the true wonders of mankind, as will become apparent when you gaze upon their breathtaking size during your twonight trip to Cairo, where you will also visit the Egyptian Museum and the wonders of Memphis and Sakkara to gain more insight into this extraordinary civilisation.
Cruising the Canary Islands and exotic Morocco La Palma is one of the most verdant of the Canary Islands, offering the opportunity to experience truly unspoiled nature. From the lush forests in the north to the desert landscapes of the south and the serene Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente, La Palma is a naturalist’s dream. By contrast Lanzarote is a place unlike anywhere else, with amazing geological features that have made its National Park of Timanfaya one of the most important in Spain. Elsewhere, the Famara
Massive allows for magnificent views of the small group of islands and islets to the north known as the "Archipelago Chinijo" (the Tiny Archipelago). Morocco, with its rich culture, fascinating history and exotic atmosphere should be high on everyone’s travel list. Combining cruising with an exciting land-tour ensures that you see the very best of this wonderful country including the labyrinthine souk and the Marjorelle Gardens of Marrakesh, the medieval city of Fez and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
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voyages to antiquity ~
our philosophy WITH MANY YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN SMALL-SHIP CRUISING, VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY HAS CREATED A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE THAT COMBINES COMFORT AND SERVICE WITH METICULOUSLY PLANNED ITINERARIES TO SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING AND INTERESTING DESTINATIONS.
WITH OPEN-SEATING DINING, COCKTAIL PARTIES AND LARGE PUBLIC SPACES, THE ATMOSPHERE ON BOARD AEGEAN ODYSSEY IS BOTH RELAXED AND CONVIVIAL. COMBINE THIS WITH OUR DEDICATION TO OFFERING OUR GUESTS OUTSTANDING VALUE AND IMPECCABLE SERVICE AND THE RESULT IS ONE WE KNOW YOU WILL APPRECIATE.
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THE BENEFITS OF SMALL-SHIP CRUISING
A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE ON BOARD
In contrast to the massive vessels cruising to and from the major ports of the Mediterranean, we have a ship adapted for island and coastal cruising. This means that Aegean Odyssey can visit smaller, less crowded harbours, sail closer to the coast enabling you to really appreciate the magical views, and even cruise upriver to reach some amazing cities.
Evenings on board There will be a string trio, pianist, casual dancing before and after dinner, and occasional visiting local entertainment. No casino or disco. The officers’ introductory cocktail party is casual without the usual formalities, and there will be plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow passengers and meet the officers.
As we carry an average of 350 passengers, our ship is ideal for those who dislike travelling around with hordes of people. This boutique-style cruising tends to be more expensive to operate than larger ships, but if you like to avoid crowds, wander around beautiful islands, cruise remote inlets and rivers, visit charming villages and explore ancient sites that are inaccessible to others, then Aegean Odyssey is the ideal ship.
Dress code Suggestions for what to wear during days and evenings aboard are found in the Essential Travel Information booklet we send you with your travel documents. Resort casual is the general recommendation, however, there may be occasions where a jacket for men and cocktail attire for ladies is appropriate. Wine is included with dinner on board As we are often in the Mediterranean, we do not think it is appropriate to serve dinner without wine. Wines are from Italy, France, Spain or Greece and are included. Other vintages are available at reasonable prices. A good night’s sleep We place particular importance on the standard of bedding in cabins irrespective of category. Fine duvets, covers and sheets, ample soft pillows and quality towels can be expected and your cabin steward is always ready to make changes if you desire.
OUTSTANDING ITINERARIES Language on board The ship’s language is English and you can expect fellow passengers to be mainly from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand with a sprinkling of enthusiasts from Europe. Technology We ask that mobile phones and laptops be used discreetly in the interest of fellow passengers. The internet room is always open for those who cannot resist contact with the outside world. Children Our cruises are destination focused and not designed for children under the age of 12. Tipping Always a difficult subject. We have decided to include all tips to cabin stewards and restaurant staff. You may wish to show your appreciation to individuals offering exceptional service (totally optional).
All voyages have been meticulously planned by the Voyages to Antiquity staff in conjunction with noted historians. Plus, with frequent evening and overnight stays in port, there’s the opportunity to enjoy an after-dinner stroll ashore. This year, we are delighted to include many new and exciting destinations. As well as returning to the delightful ports on England and Scotland’s west coast, we are adding extensive land tours including mainland Greece; returning to see the treasures of pharaonic Egypt; cruising the great rivers of France; and visiting the beautiful landscapes of Norway for the first time. Central to our high summer sailings is the fascinating and beautiful island of Iceland. With its creeping glaciers, bubbling geysers and active volcanoes, this is a place that genuinely warrants the description of “unique”. Included pre- & post-cruise land stays Many departures also have pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays in Rome, Athens, Lisbon and Seville, providing guests with a wonderful chance to relax before their cruise or the perfect opportunity to explore one of these remarkable cities at the end of their journey.
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QUALITY HOTELS ASHORE
CELEBRATED GUEST SPEAKERS ON BOARD
the gateway to the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, while Sicily and Italy offer a wealth of sightseeing possibilities and, depending on your itinerary, you’ll visit the remarkable cathedral at Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. In London, you’ll see the main sights including Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, while Holyroodhouse tops the list in the Scottish capital.
Voyages to Antiquity places great emphasis on the quality of accommodation ashore. We have selected some of the best 4- and 5-star hotels for your included land stays.
Our sightseeing programmes are outstanding, but can be strenuous; a reasonable level of fitness is, therefore, required. Our Cruise Guides and onboard daily briefings will indicate the level of fitness required on any given day.
In Athens, the Grande Bretagne is a grand hotel in the finest tradition with views of the floodlit Acropolis from the roof garden. The same view can be seen from the King George, one of Athens’ most prestigious hotels located in the heart of the city.
The guest speakers who accompany you on the cruise are all first class. They have been carefully selected for their knowledge of the areas and their ability to bring to life the history of the remarkable civilisations and cultures of the regions we visit. Assisting the main speakers aboard ship and on land will be our team of young and keen graduates. They will be on hand to answer your questions and assist the guides on sightseeing trips. Listed here are just a few of the expert guest speakers you may encounter on your Voyage to Antiquity.
Individual QuietVox headsets On shore excursions from the ship, the expert guides will share their knowledge with the group using QuietVox. Through your individual headset, these devices allow you to hear the tour leader clearly even at the busiest sites. Voyages to Antiquity was one of the first cruise lines to operate this service.
In Marrakesh, the Sofitel Palais Imperial is a haven of 5-star luxury set in lush, fountained gardens full of fragrant herbs, bougainvilleas and a palm-ringed pool.
SHORE EXCURSIONS INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE Shore excursions are included in virtually every port of call – in the few cases where they are not, it’s because we feel that your time ashore is best spent exploring on your own. As well as giving you a choice of included excursions in certain places, additional visits will be offered at a supplementary cost. This is an important part of Voyages to Antiquity's philosophy as it ensures that our guests always see the most important sites and are escorted by the very best guides. In Athens, for example, you will not miss the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, and when in Rome your tour will include the Colosseum and the Basilica of St Peter in Chains. Nauplia is
We trust this means that you won’t miss a thing and your visits to these wonderful places will be as memorable and exciting as possible.
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In Rome, the Excelsior opens onto one of Rome’s prestigious streets, the Via Veneto, and the Altis Avenida in Lisbon is located on Restauradoras Square in the heart of the city. In London, the Grange City enjoys veiws over the Thames and Tower Bridge.
For a full description of the hotels we use, please see pages 70, 71.
TOM BIRKETT Dr Tom Birkett is a lecturer in Old English and Old Norse, and an expert on the mythology and literary culture of medieval Scandinavia, having lived and studied in Norway and researched in Iceland. He has a PhD from Oxford, where he taught for several years before moving to Ireland and taking up a lectureship at University College Cork. He has published widely on medieval literature and culture. NANCY GILCHRIST Nancy is one of only 356 Masters of Wine in the world. She is a regular educator at Leith's School of Food & Wine, was a wine columnist for The Boston Globe and ran Christie's Wine Education courses. Over the past two years she has become involved in the olive oil and chocolate industries as an ambassador and an International Grand Jury member.. DAVID PRICE WILLIAMS Dr David Price Williams worked for the Smithsonian Institution as an archaeological field surveyor on excavations in the Near East before directing his own field research in the same area through the early 1970s. David has just retired after thirty-seven years lecturing on the Archaeology of Western Asia (Eastern Mediterranean) at the Institute of Archaeology for the University of London Extra Mural Department. He is the author and co-author of numerous academic papers on the area.
CHRIS WHITTON Chris is a graduate of St John’s College and Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge. He has been affiliated with many other institutions, has published books with Cambridge and Oxford University Presses and writes regularly for The Times Literary Supplement. His research focuses on the literature, history and culture of the Roman Empire, but his interests and expertise extend across the ancient Mediterranean world. MICHAEL SQUIRE Michael Squire is Reader in Classical Art and Archaeology at King’s College London. His PhD was awarded the Hellenic Society prize and he has held research fellowships and visiting professorships at numerous renowned universities. His books and articles straddle the fields of Classics, archaeology, art history and aesthetics, and he has featured on programmes for BBC Radio 4, BBC television, the BBC World Service and ABC in Australia. DAVID DREWRY Professor Drewry is an environmental scientist and Honorary Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was previously Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute. He has been affiliated with many internationally renowned committees and societies, won multiple awards and has published widely on geology, glaciology and climate change. He has also lead expeditions to the Arctic (including Greenland, Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, Iceland and Nunavut) and Antarctica. JONATHAN KEATES Jonathan was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford and has written several acclaimed biographies and travel books as well as works of fiction for which he has won many prizes. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has a passion for Venice, a city he knows intimately. On retirement he took over the chair and works tirelessly for The Venice in Peril Fund. RICHARD BEACHAM Dr Beacham is Professor Emeritus at King’s College London. After majoring in History at Yale University he earned his Masters and his Doctorate of Fine
Arts before emigrating to the UK to work at an Old Masters’ gallery in Mayfair. He has published six books and frequently appears as a presenter/talking head on TV documentaries, including productions by the BBC, History, and Discovery Channels. STEFAN BUCZACKI Currently celebrating thirty years as a cruise ship lecturer, Professor Buczacki holds a huge array of Fellowships, has won many awards and published over sixty books. Among his numerous broadcasting achievements he has appeared on BBC Radio's 'Gardeners' Question Time' as panellist and chairman for a unique unbroken run of over 600 broadcasts, making him one of Britain's most experienced media gardening experts. DANIEL MUNOZ Dr Munoz is an Anglican priest, theologian and church historian. He is currently lecturer of Church History at the Protestant Faculty of Theology in Madrid and has given lectures on art history, religion and culture across the world. He is the author of “Transformed by the Beloved: a guide to spiritual formation with John of the Cross” as well as numerous articles in academic journals. ERNEST REA Ernie is a celebrated broadcaster who specialises on the history of religions. His radio programme, Beyond Belief on BBC Radio 4, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the best Speech Programme. From 1989 –2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC and spent time in the United States brokering television deals. JOHNATHAN PHILLIPS Jonathan Phillips is Professor of Crusading History at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is the author of numerous books on the crusades, including Holy Warriors: A Modern History of the Crusades which was selected as a ‘History Book of 2009’ by The Sunday Telegraph. He has also filmed a major 6-part series 'The Road from Christ to Constantine' which he presents.
PIETER VAN DER MERWE From 1974 to 2015, Dr Pieter van der Merwe MBE, DL was a member of staff at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich and is still one of its Curators Emeritus, having overseen and contributed to many of its publications. He is on the board of numerous societies and has lectured on various aspects of maritime history including medieval shipbuilding, the history of marine exploration, and Greenwich itself. ROBIN CORMACK Robin is an art historian who works on Mediterranean art, particularly from Antiquity and Byzantium, but also from the Renaissance. He teaches in the Classics Faculty, University of Cambridge, and at the Universities of California at Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Robin has published books on Byzantine Art, and co-curated the Royal Academy exhibition, Byzantium 330-1453. PETER MAWBY As an ornithologist and research ecologist, Peter has travelled widely and is a regular and highly successful cruise ship lecturer. In recent years Peter has enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with passengers on a range of cruises vising places as far flung as Polynesia, the Amazon, Central America, New England, the Atlantic Islands, Iceland and Mediterranean. When not lecturing Peter welcomes the opportunity to enhance passengers’ experiences of the wildlife around them. GILLIAN SHEPHERD Until her return to Australia to take up her position at La Trobe University, Gillian was Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the University of Birmingham. Gillian is currently Director of The Trendall Research Centre for Ancient Mediterranean Studies at La Trobe, and her research interests are the ancient Greek colonisation of Sicily and Italy, archaeology and art of Greece and Magna Graecia, and burial customs, the subject of a book she's currently completing.
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COASTAL AND RIVER CRUISING
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EVENTS
Because of its size, Aegean Odyssey has the ability to navigate the islands and smaller ports of the Mediterranean and the remote waters of Scotland and Iceland. She also has the ability to sail inland to take you to the heart of some of Europe’s great cities and Norway’s spectacular fjord’s.
An exclusive evening in Venice For cruises ending in Venice we have arranged an exclusive, private evening visit to La Fenice Opera House.
When we visit the Andalusian city of Seville, Aegean Odyssey cruises up the Guadalquivir River to berth in the heart of the city. In the South of France, we cruise close to the Cote d’Azur and dock in the glamorous resort of Nice or sophisticated Monte Carlo. In the Adriatic, we sail close to the coast of the beautiful Kornati Islands and tie up at the small harbour of Korcula. In the Ionian, we call at Corfu, and in the Aegean, we cruise the Greek Islands. In western France, you’ll sail into the Seine River to visit Paris and the Loire for a day in scenic chateaux country and taste some of the local wines. And in England we take you into the River Dart to explore the beautiful west country of Devon and Cornwall. Also in the British Isles you will cruise the rocky and dramatic shores of the Inner Hebrides and the Sound of Mull on the way to Tobermory. Further north we will cruise the magnificent and awe-inspiring fjords that cut into the Norwegian and Icelandic coasts.
Take the spectacular Flam Railway in Norway
Sicily's palatial splendour In Palermo, there will be an opportunity for a private visit to Palazzo Gangi, the magnificent Baroque palace famous for the banqueting scene in Visconti’s film of Tomasi di Lampedusa’s classic novel, The Leopard. You will need to register interest as group sizes are limited. A donation of US$55 per person towards restoration is required. Seville – river cruising and home of flamenco Aegean Odyssey can navigate the Guadalquivir River, passing through the marshy lowlands known as ‘Las Marismas,’ and berth in the heart of Seville, capital of Andalusia and home to the Spanish flamenco dance. To fully appreciate the atmosphere of this wonderful city we have included a lively flamenco performance one evening on board ship. Chateaux, vineyards and tastings In Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, Jerez and Oporto, you’ll be able to try the vintages and tour the vineyards.
Visit Palazzo Gangi, Palermo
River Nile dinner cruise Enjoy dinner and local entertainment on a serene evening cruise along the mighty River Nile during a two-day hotel stay in Cairo.
16 In-depth sightseeing on shore
OUTSTANDING VOYAGES ~
exceptional value
Special performances on board
Voyages to Antiquity prides itself on the detail and planning of these cruise holidays. Our aim is not only to offer an insight into the history of the regions you will visit, but to blend this with the incredible wealth of culture and scenic beauty. With all the benefits of small-ship cruising, and
all the inclusions featured, Voyages to Antiquity provides a unique and personal cruise holiday experience – very different from cruising on the megaliners of today! Plus, with special Early Booking Saver Fares, you will also experience extraordinary value.
ALL VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY CRUISES INCLUDE
• •
Two-night hotel stay with Nile dinner cruise in Cairo
EXPERTLY PLANNED ITINERARIES
•
PRE- & POST-CRUISE HOTEL STAYS in Athens, London, Lisbon, Seville and Rome
WELCOME COCKTAIL PARTY and other entertainment on board
•
MORE TIME TO ENJOY ASHORE with no rush to get back on board as we plan late departures from many ports
•
GRATUITIES to your cabin steward and restaurant staff
• • •
ONE LANGUAGE, English, is used on board
•
ALL MEALS ON BOARD AEGEAN ODYSSEY with a choice of two restaurants
•
OPEN-SEATING DINING so you can choose when, where and with whom to dine
•
COMPLIMENTARY WINE, beer or soft drinks, if preferred, with your evening meal on board
• •
EXPERIENCED GUEST SPEAKERS on each cruise GUIDED SIGHTSEEING in most ports of call and choice of excursions in many ports
PORT TAXES TRANSFERS AND BAGGAGE HANDLING (once you have cleared customs) for guests arriving and departing on days outlined for the cruise-tour programme as described in this brochure.
BOOK NOW
SAVE
25% OFF BROCHURE FARES
SEE SPECIAL SAVER FARES ON EACH ITINERARY PAGE
All fares are per person, based on double occupancy, cruise-tour only, Australian Dollars, valid at time of printing, July 2017. Fare includes all items detailed in the 'Cruises Include' panel. All Saver Fare offers, including any % discount offered at time of booking, are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice. Single cabins shown are limited in number, it is recommended you book early. Once these cabins are sold, a limited number of double occupancy cabins will be available for sole occupancy, with the following supplements Cat M-L 25%, K-I 30%, H-F 50% and E-A 75%.
17 River cruising for a taste of France
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aegean odyssey
mv
in a class of her own AEGEAN ODYSSEY COMBINES THE BEST OF TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE WITH ALL THE MODERN CONVENIENCES OF A FIRST-CLASS SHIP. CLASSICALLY ELEGANT, BUT FAR FROM STUFFY OR FORMAL, AEGEAN ODYSSEY ALSO PROVIDES WONDERFUL SERVICE AND AN INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE. OTHER ADVANTAGES OF THE SHIP’S SIZE ARE THAT SHE IS ABLE TO VISIT PORTS THAT ARE TOO SMALL FOR LARGER VESSELS, NAVIGATE CLOSE TO SCENIC SCOTTISH ISLANDS, AND CRUISE ALONG THE SPECTACULAR COASTLINES OF
GREECE,
DALMATIA AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA – EVEN UPRIVER INTO THE HEART OF SEVILLE AND BORDEAUX.
SHIP’S AMENITIES • 2 RESTAURANTS PLUS OUTDOOR TERRACE DINING • 3 LOUNGES • 4 BARS • LECTURE THEATRE • LIBRARY • SHOP • INTERNET CENTRE • OUTDOOR POOL • ATHENA HEALTH SPA AND GYM • BEAUTY SALON • MEDICAL CENTRE • TELEPHONE, FAX AND E-MAIL VIA SATELLITE • TV, HAIR DRYER AND PERSONAL SAFE IN EVERY CABIN
“
The ship was absolutely marvellous, the crew outstanding, accommodation, food, service, entertainment all first class, and interesting Guest Speakers B.W. - Australia made it a wonderful cruise.
”
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Experience the best of
small-ship cruising
On board Aegean Odyssey you will experience the finest traditions of cruising. She is a mid-size vessel carrying around 350 guests and features wide, teak decks and spacious public rooms. With openseating dining, inside or al fresco, several bars and lounges to relax, and the immaculate service of a friendly and attentive crew, you can be sure of a superior cruise experience. Cruise in comfort – relax in style You’ll discover an intimate and relaxed atmosphere throughout the ship. By day the spacious decks provide the perfect place to unwind as you sail to the scenic
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harbours of Scotland, Norway and Iceland, and the ancient sites of the Mediterranean. Public rooms offer an understated elegance. The Ambassador Lounge is where our speakers inform and our musicians entertain, whilst the Charleston Lounge is the perfect place to meet friends – old and new – with light music and, perhaps, a little dancing. The top deck is a wonderful spot to watch the waves go by during the day, or enjoy a nightcap looking at the stars in the evening. The well-stocked library is beautifully appointed with wood panelling, and is
regularly updated by Oxford-based bookseller Blackwells. There is an extensive range of volumes covering the history, art, culture and philosophy of the countries you will visit. In addition, there is an extensive collection of reference books, modern and classic fiction, and general interest volumes. Newspapers are delivered daily via satellite and are available in the library. You will also find a selection of board games from Monopoly to chess. For those passengers who want to keep in touch with friends, check their emails or find out what is happening in the world,
there is an internet centre. For those in need of a little shopping, there is also a well-stocked boutique. A welcome difference One of the things that sets us apart from the rest is that we plan our cruise itineraries to maximise your time in port with many late evening sailings and overnight stays. This will give you the opportunity to plan an evening on board and ashore – perhaps dinner in a harbourside taverna in one of the Mediterranean’s delightful resorts, a fino of sherry in a Malaga tasca bar, or just an after-dinner stroll and a nightcap as you watch the world go by.
21
refreshing the body as well as the mind ~
first class comforts
22
Days at sea: relax or revive
Renowned lecture programme
During days at sea you may simply wish to enjoy the sun on the Lido Deck or cool off in the outdoor pool. Perhaps borrow a book from the library and read in one of the cool lounges. Alternatively, you could start the day with an early morning yoga session or plan a visit to the Athena Health Spa and Gym. Here you will find the latest gym equipment for a serious workout, a sauna, and a good selection of therapies and treatments to refresh and renew you during your cruise. More pampering can be found in the hairdressers and beauty centre.
If you want to attend to the mind not the body, there will be a programme of lectures – held in the Ambassador Lounge – designed to not only inform and entertain but also to bring to life the wonderful sites you will visit. There will normally be a number of guest speakers on your cruise, each with a different area
of expertise. Prior to arrival in each port of call, there will be a port briefing to inform you of the sites, culture and history of your next destination. Nights to remember Start your evening with a cocktail in the Lido Bar as you watch the sun go down and meet old and new-found friends. Or enjoy an aperitif in the Charleston Lounge while being entertained by our resident trio. As well as being one of the world’s most historically interesting and naturally beautiful destinations, the Mediterranean is also home to a range of unsurpassed culinary traditions.
This gastronomic culture of using the very best fresh local ingredients cooked in a simple but delicious and healthy style is the inspiration for the restaurants on Aegean Odyssey. Your cabin comforts Your on-board comfort is one of our prime concerns. Our wide category of cabins feature flat-screen television, a personal safe and hairdryer – and all offer plush bedding for your comfort. Most outside cabins have windows rather than portholes and our balcony cabins offer additional comforts and conveniences, see panel for extra Balcony Class benefits.
BalconyCLASS As well as adding a new dimension of luxury to our cabins and staterooms, we have created a special level of accommodation entitled “Balcony Class.” In addition to the standard cabin features mentioned, guests in Balcony Class (categories A to D) will also enjoy: • STATEROOM OR SUITE WITH BALCONY • A WELCOME BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE & PETIT FOURS • REFRIGERATOR STOCKED WITH SOFT DRINKS • COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLED WATER • ROBE AND SLIPPERS • MOLTON BROWN BATHROOM AMENITIES • PRIORITY SIGHTSEEING BOARDING
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impeccable service ~
wonderful food
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The Marco Polo Restaurant (Lunch and Dinner)
The Terrace Café & Grill (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
The most elegant of the ship’s restaurants, the Marco Polo has a casual country-club ambiance and Mediterranean-influenced food. At lunchtime, you can choose from a variety of starters and three dishes of the day including grilled fish and a pasta special, plus a choice of desserts, fruit and cheese. In the evening, dinner will include appetisers, soup, salads, a choice of three or four main courses and desserts. In addition to complimentary wine, there is a full list of fine wines and champagnes to accompany your dinner.
With a combination of indoor and outdoor seating, sophisticated interior design and cooking on the open grill, the Terrace Café replicates the charm and ambiance of a trattoria. There is a large buffet with hot dishes of the day, a selection of salads, and Italian antipasti. Pasta is served with a choice of homemade Italian sauces and for dessert there is a large selection including ice cream. The day starts in the Terrace Café with breakfast where you can enjoy a healthy combination of yogurt, fruit and muesli, or indulge in eggs, bacon or an omelette.
Marco Polo restaurant Appetisers SHRIMP ROYALE Tiger prawns marinated in pink Champagne sauce on radicchio and endive
ANGUS BEEF CARPACCIO Served with porcini mushrooms, arugula lettuce and fresh parmesan flakes
SEA SCALLOPS AND CHERRY TOMATO BROCHETTE Served on gorgonzola-flavoured spinach with light tarragon foam
Soup & Salad WEST INDIAN PUMPKIN & GINGER SOUP INSALATA DI TAORMINA Mediterranean-style salad with lobster, salmon, shrimps, green beans, endive, shallots and roasted pine seeds
Main Courses CASARECCE ALLA SORRENTINA Fresh sautéed pasta with tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, parmesan and mozzarella
GRILLED FRESH SEA BREAM FILLET Served with Mediterranean herbs, almond broccoli, green asparagus, butter-sautéed Parisienne potatoes and sauvignon sauce
GLAZED BARBARIE DUCK SUPREME In Grand Marnier sauce served with red cabbage and almond potato
Tapas on the Terrace In the evenings, Tapas on the Terrace recreates the informal yet sophisticated atmosphere of a Mediterranean bistro. Here you can choose from a selection of mouthwatering appetisers – try our calamari and empanadas, or pick from the wide range of authentic Italian pizzas. Equal care has been given to the selection of included wines served with dinner; these will be served at your table by our helpful waiting staff. Afternoon Tea There is something magical about the tradition of taking tea at sea. You’ll find
a selection of freshly-prepared sandwiches, cakes and scones. Accompanying these is, of course, a choice of refreshing teas or coffee. A cup of Darjeeling, a slice of freshly baked cake and the panoramic views of the Norwegian fjords or Mediterranean: the perfect combination. Late Night Snacks For those passengers enjoying a late night discussing the excitement of the day’s sightseeing, a selection of light snacks freshly prepared by our chefs will be available in the Charleston Lounge.
LIGHT MEDIUM FRENCH LAMB RACK In thyme-ciabatta crust with vegetable ragout and lemon potato
from the vegetarian kitchen
GRILLED EGGPLANT AND BELL PEPPER MASALA Braised in yogurt with Indian spices, served with coconut-pistachio basmati rice
ASPARAGUS AND ZUCCHINI TARTAR Served with wild rice and sun-dried tomato coulees
Desserts WARM CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE Served with raspberry sorbet APRICOT & MANGO TART with mocha sauce ICE COUP “BELLINI” with peach and vanilla ice cream CHEESE TROLLEY with a selection of International cheeses SLICED FRESH FRUITS SELECTION OF ICE CREAM & SORBETS
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After all is said and done, what passengers love most about Aegean Odyssey is the warm and intimate atmosphere. Ships, like people, have personalities. Some are proper and formal. Others offer the anonymity of a large hotel. On board Aegean Odyssey you are greeted as a returning family member even if it’s your first time on board.
26
it’s our people
that make all the differeNce Home away from home
At your service
You’ll find smiles and welcomes from everyone from the Captain to your cabin steward. And unlike a vast megaliner, it is easy to socialise and meet fellow passengers whose passions and interests are similar to your own.
Ask any world traveller where they receive the best service and they will undoubtedly answer the Far East. Of all the nationalities in that part of the world, it is the Filipinos who carry the highest reputation for attention to detail. Fluent in English and always serving with a smile, our Filipino crew will win your hearts.
Your cabin steward will refresh your stateroom before you even realise you need it. Your waiter will remember whether you take tea or coffee, and the barman whether you like your Martini shaken or stirred. They, and the rest of our officers and crew, are dedicated to making your holiday a delightful experience.
Just a few comments from previous guests “We just got back from our fabulous trip on the Aegean Odyssey. It was fabulous and I WILL recommend it to everyone. It was the perfect size and all the crew were outstanding. Thank you. My husband said it was the best cruise so far. The itinerary was great and the history… amazing”. A&GK - USA “We just came back from a superior cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. One of the best – good itinerary and excellent guides”. J.T. - Wales
It is this personal approach that our guests remember and value most highly. But don’t just take our word for it, here is what recent travellers aboard Aegean Odyssey had to say.
“WOW! Wonderful in every way! I came by myself, but never felt alone. The ship was very comfortable and easy to get around. The shore excursions far exceeded my expectations! I look forward to another adventure on this intimate ship”. R.S. - USA “I would highly recommend the experience, you really should try and go. The ship is very comfortable, the food was excellent and the service was excellent as well. We are having a reunion with the group next Saturday and I am going to propose that we consider another trip together”. V.D. - Canada
“It is difficult to know where to start. From start to finish the whole thing was excellent. Lovely ship, great food and attention to detail of the staff in the restaurant was delightful. Friendly and yet unobtrusive. The Maitre’d should be congratulated on having such a marvellous team. I could go on and on… the lovely suite… layout of ship… comfort”. D.W. - UK “Everyone from the Captain, crew, cruise organiser, front office personel, cabin staff and beverage staff were extremely friendly and very helpful. They are a credit to your organisation and you can be proud of them – they are doing a great job”. G.B. - Australia “We went on the Grand Mediterranean Tour last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The ship was very comfortable and we never felt crowded; the staff were superb and the food excellent. It was a joy to set off on the excursions with experienced guides, to such a wide variety of places, covering archaeology, history, architecture and art, while not having to worry about suitcases or
checking in and out of hotels. We also relished travelling with people from many countries, who had shared interests, and we are still in touch with several of them”. E.B. - Australia “You don’t need to be a history buff – anyone with an interest in culture will enjoy this cruise. In a way it inspires you to learn more and delve deeper into the places we have visited. The ship is such a nice size – not too big and very informal – and it’s a delightful atmosphere”. P.M. - UK “It was awesome!!!!! I am very happy with the way the cruise panned out – well organised, great food and wine. Great sights to visit”. A.P. - Australia “The trip EXCEEDED all my expectations. The ship, the sites, the lectures and (especially) the company”. F.B. - Canada “We had another wonderful time on Aegean Odyssey, that being our fourth time on board and counting back to back cruises, our seventh and eighth leg. It’s still our favourite ship.” J&M.W. - Australia
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VTA UNIQUE EXCLUSIVE VOYAGES
28
Temple of Apollo, Delphi
APRIL – MAY SAILINGS IN THE
AEGEAN, ADRIATIC &
MEDITERRANEAN
RENAISSANCE CITIES, CHARMING MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS AND INLAND RIVER SAVE UP TO CRUISING TO SEVILLE
$7,122 PER CABIN
WARM SUNSHINE, LANDSCAPES PEPPERED WITH WILD FLOWERS AND SPARKLING SEAS MAKE SPRING THE PERFECT TIME TO CRUISE THESE SHORES.
ENJOY WONDERFUL ITINERARIES THAT TAKE YOU
FROM THE CLASSICAL SITES OF ANCIENT THE STUNNING ISLANDS OF
GREECE TO
ELBA, CORSICA AND THE BALEARICS,
AND ON TO THE GREAT
FOUR JOURNEYS IN EUROPE’S SPRINGTIME
MOORISH CITIES OF SPAIN.
WITH SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS INCLUDED AT VIRTUALLY ALL PORTS OF CALL, PLUS EXTENDED STAYS IN SELECTED PORTS, YOU’LL ENJOY TIME ASHORE AND HAVE MORE TIME TO TAKE IN ALL THE SIGHTS.
APRIL 26 THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE I p30-31 Enjoy a comprehensive overland tour to the legendary sites of ancient Greece and the ultimate in Greek Island cruising MAY 6 ATHENS TO VENICE The ancient sites of Greece combine with the natural beauty and historic cities of the Adriatic Sea
p32-33
MAY 18 VENICE TO ROME Sail around Italy through the glorious Adriatic to monumental Sicily and the mysteries of Pompeii
p34-35
MAY 28 ROME TO SEVILLE p36-37 Sail across the breadth of the Mediterranean on a 17-day journey with 10 ports of call and 11 included excursions
book early & save
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Greece
THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE I
Delphi Athens
The first of our most complete Aegean Experiences yet, beginning with a five-day tour of Athens and Classical Greece, followed by island cruising at its best.
you the very best historical and natural wonders that Greece and its islands have to offer. It has been timed to take advantage of the perfect warmth of Greece’s springtime and the blooming of the wild flowers. Your journey begins with a five-day land tour of Greece. This includes two nights in Athens featuring a guided tour of the Acropolis, the spiritual splendour of the monastery at Osios Loukas, the elegant ruins of Delphi, Agamemnon's ancient capital of Mycenae, and the monumental grandeur of the theatre at Epidaurus. Then join Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus for a cruise to the best of the Greek Islands. Along the way you will experience the fishing-village charm of Hydra, stunning Santorini, the Minoan treasures of Crete, the fascinating Crusader stronghold of Rhodes, and the sacred ruins of Delos. So there you have it: a fabulous journey through the finest achievements of Classical Greek art and the spectacular scenery of the Greek Islands.
Santorini, Greek Islands
Aegean
Sea Hydra Nauplia Mykonos Delos
APRIL 26, 2018 ATHENS BACK TO ATHENS
This new cruise-tour has been designed to show
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Mycenae Epidaurus
Santorini Heraklion
Nisyros
Rhodes Karpathos
Knossos
Crete
13-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,759pp 2018
PORT
APR 26
Arrive into ATHENS Greece Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
APR 27
ATHENS Greece (Acropolis)
overnight hotel
APR 28
ATHENS/DELPHI Greece Morning drive for sightseeing at Osios Loukas en route to Delphi for afternoon sightseeing and overnight overnight hotel
APR 29
DELPHI/NAUPLIA Greece Morning drive to Mycenae for sightseeing, then on to Nauplia for overnight overnight hotel
APR 30
NAUPLIA/PIRAEUS Greece Sightseeing in Epidaurus en route to embark Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus
MAY 1
HYDRA Greek Islands
8.00am
MAY 2
SANTORINI Greek Islands (Akrotiri)
8.00am
MAY 3
HERAKLION Crete, Greek Islands (Knossos)
8.00am
MAY 4
KARPATHOS Greek Islands
8.00am
8.00pm
MAY 5
RHODES Greek Islands
7.00am
10.00pm
MAY 6
NISYROS Greek Islands
9.00am
6.00pm
MAY 7
DELOS Greek Islands MYKONOS Greek Islands
8.00am 2.00pm
noon 8.00pm
MAY 8
PIRAEUS Greece 6.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Athens Airport
8.00pm 4.00pm 6.00pm 10.00pm
AEG180430
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 3 7 TO CA 2 BI
ANCIENT GREECE Your two-night stay in Athens includes a full-morning's guided tour of the city's ancient citadel, the Acropolis. Built during the "Golden Age" of Athens between 447438BC, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture. You will also visit the wonderful Acropolis Museum and have plenty of free time to explore the city's other remarkable sites such as the ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum. Your three-day tour of Classical Greece starts with a call at the medieval Monastery of Osios Loukas (Holy Luke). Built by the Emperor Romanos in about 1011, the monastery contains remarkable Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Then to ancient Delphi, exquisitely located in a series of terraces at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabulous remains of this great sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Temple of Apollo that dates from 330BC. Walk the Sacred Way in the steps of the thousands of teopropoi (pilgrims) who came here to purify themselves by bathing in the Castalian Spring before making their ritual sacrifice and consulting the Oracle. Next visit two of the great sites of Classical Greece: Mycenae and the magnificent theatre at Epidaurus. Mycenae was the capital of a great civilisation that dominated the eastern Mediterranean from the 16th to the 13th centuries BC. Epidaurus, sacred
Sacred Delos
to Asclepios the god of medicine, is the site of the best preserved of all Greek theatres. THE GREEK ISLANDS The next part of your cruise involves some classic Greek islands, beginning with the carless idyll of Hydra, and Santorini, where the newly reopened Minoan settlement of Akrotiri is a highlight. You will also visit several of the island’s picturesque villages, including Oia with its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. The heyday of Minoan civilisation (2000-1600BC) was marked by the construction of great palaces, the best known being Knossos on the island of Crete. Excavations here began in 1899 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who controversially “restored” the palace with his own eccentric ideas of Minoan interior design. After a tour here you will then sail to friendly Karpathos for a maiden visit to an island which has managed to maintain many of its customs and idiosyncrasies due to its remoteness. LINDOS, DELOS & MYKONOS The structures of Rhodes’ old town on the island of the same name dates from the era of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who lived here from 1309 until 1522. You will also visit the lookout Mount Smith, named after the British admiral Sir Sydney Smith, and enter the citadel of the Knight’s through the d’Amboise Gate on your way to the restored Grand Master’s Palace. There’s also the opportunity to visit the Acropolis at Lindos, for incredible views across the island, followed by the tiny volcanic island of Nisyros, after which Delos is birthplace of Achilles and one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece. Then nearby Mykonos, with its cafes and shops, provides the perfect place to relax.
N
13 DAYS FROM ATHENS TO ATHENS STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$4,795
$3,759
L
Premium Inside
5,195
4,059
K
Premium Inside
5,595
4,359
J
Standard Outside
6,050
4,700
I
Premium Outside
6,495
5,034
H
Premium Outside
6,950
5,375
G
Premium Outside
7,350
5,675
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
7,795
6,009
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,295
6,384
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,050
6,950
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,550
7,325
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
10,495
8,034
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
11,395
8,709
Monastery of Osios Loukas
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $5,075. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Two-night hotel stay in Athens with included sightseeing Three-day land tour of Classical Greece with hotel stays in Delphi and Nauplia
Temple of Knossos, Crete
The best of Greek Island cruising including maiden calls at Karpathos and Nisyros Explore the sites of Akrotiri, Knossos and Delos Time on your own in Mykonos
31 Acropolis, Lindos
Venice
ANCIENT GREECE & DALMATIAN COAST
Italy
MAY 6, 2018 ATHENS TO VENICE
Sailing from the Athenian port of Piraeus, Aegean Odyssey then takes you to some of Greece’s most legendary sites – the tomb of Agamemnon at the ancient city of Mycenae or the breathtaking amphitheatre at Epidaurus, Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics, and Delphi, the ancient home of the Oracle of Apollo. Sailing into the glorious Adriatic, you’ll enter the pristine fjord of Kotor Bay and call in at the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, and Split with its great Palace of Diocletian. Finally, our maiden call at the Italian city of Trieste precedes a grand arrival into the “Floating City” of Venice and its treasure-trove of unforgettable sights.
Cruise serene Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Croatia Split Adriatic Dubrovnik Kotor Bay Sea Montenegro Corfu Greece Itea Delphi Athens
From tranquil Kotor Bay to the GraecoRoman sites of antiquity in the Adriatic, this cruise takes you on an odyssey between two of the world’s great historical cities.
From stunning natural wonders to iconic ancient sites, this perfect sail in Europe’s spring to Italy’s Venetian Lagoon begins with a twonight hotel stay in the Greek capital, home of the world famous Acropolis and Parthenon.
32
Trieste
Olympia
Katakolon
Epidaurus
Nauplia
Mediterranean Sea
13-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,737pp 2018
PORT
MAY 6
Arrive into ATHENS Greece Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
MAY 7
ATHENS Greece (Acropolis)
overnight hotel
MAY 8
ATHENS/PIRAEUS Greece Embark Aegean Odyssey in nearby Piraeus
MAY 9
NAUPLIA Greece (Mycenae or Epidaurus)
7.00am
MAY 10
KATAKOLON Greece (Olympia)
1.00pm
MAY 11
ITEA Greece (Delphi)
7.00am
MAY 12
CORFU Greek Islands
9.00am
MAY 13
KOTOR BAY Montenegro DUBROVNIK Croatia
Cruising 5.00pm overnight
MAY 14
DUBROVNIK Croatia
MAY 15
SPLIT Croatia
8.00am
7.00pm
MAY 16
TRIESTE Italy
2.00pm
11.00pm
MAY 17
VENICE Italy
8.00am
overnight
MAY 18
VENICE Italy Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Venice Airport
6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm
7.00pm
AEG180508
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 7 2 TO CA 6 BI
ATHENS & THE ACROPOLIS Your two-night hotel stay in Athens includes a full morning's guided tour of the city's ancient citadel, the Acropolis. Built during the "Golden Age" of Athens between 447-438BC, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture. You will also visit the wonderful Acropolis Museum and have free time to explore the city's other remarkable sites such as the ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum. THE BEST OF CLASSICAL GREECE Join Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus and cruise to Nauplia for a choice of tours, either the archaeological site of Mycenae, one of the greatest cities of the highly-developed Mycenaean civilisation, or the ancient city of Epidaurus, where the astonishing theatre is still in use today. Built into the ground, rather than above it, the theatre is known for its fantastic acoustics. The small fishing village of Katakolon is approximately an hour from the mystical site of Ancient Olympia, sacred ground to the people of the Peloponnese Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC. Olympia is most familiar as the site where the first Olympic Games were held in 776BC in honour of Zeus. From here, after tendering in Itea, the ruins of ancient Delphi are on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, where one of the early companions to the Olympics, the Pythian Games, were founded in honour of Apollo in the 6th century BC. Among the archaeological relics at this large site is the temple where Apollo is said to have foretold the future through his Oracle. The capital of Corfu shares the island’s name and has an historic quarter where the Byzantine Museum is located in the
Panaghia Antivouniotissa (Our Lady Opposite the Mountain), a church that was restored by the Greek government and reopened in 1984 as a museum. Or you may journey through the island’s fertile orange and lemon groves to Achilleon Palace, one of the most renowned royal villas in Europe. THE BEAUTY OF DALMATIA After cruising in the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, Aegean Odyssey arrives in Dubrovnik for an evening of leisure ashore. Lord Byron described Dubrovnik as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, and sightseeing takes you on a walk around this walled city. Split is home to one of the greatest of all Roman sites, the Palace of Diocletian, or you may like to visit Salona for one of the most important Roman excavations in Croatia, followed by the tiny UNESCO World Heritage island of Trogir, which has a remarkable example of urban continuity starting with the Greeks in 300BC and followed by a litany of other conquerors. ITALIAN TRIESTE & VENICE Aegean Odyssey then makes her maiden call to the Italian port of Trieste, which has enjoyed a remarkable cross-pollination of culture over the centuries due to its western facing location on Italy’s narrow spit of east coast territory. Then comes the chance to see why the famous American art-collector Peggy Guggenheim said that, “to live in Venice or even visit it means you fall in love with the city itself.” After an overnight stay in the city the veracity of this remark will become clear, for there is no better way to end your cruise than with a morning’s sightseeing walk around this magnificent destination.
N
13 DAYS FROM ATHENS TO VENICE STATEROOM CATEGORY
M
Standard Inside
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
$4,750
$3,737
L
Premium Inside
5,150
4,037
K
Premium Inside
5,495
4,295
J
Standard Outside
5,995
4,670
I
Premium Outside
6,450
5,012
H
Premium Outside
6,950
5,387
G
Premium Outside
7,395
5,720
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
7,995
6,170
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,295
6,395
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,250
7,112
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,795
7,520
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
10,995
8,420
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
12,150
9,287
Theatre at Epidaurus
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $4,670. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Two days to enjoy the Greek capital, Athens
St Mark’s, Venice
Visit the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and other classical sites in the heart of Greece Cruise through serene Kotor Bay in Montenegro Walk on the walls around ancient Dubrovnik Extended stay in Venice
33 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Venice
CLASSICAL ITALY & THE ADRIATIC
Croatia Ancona Split Italy Adriatic Dubrovnik
Urbino
Rome Sea Pompeii Sorrento Brindisi albania Salerno Sarande Paestum Lecce Corfu Butrint greece
MAY 18, 2018 VENICE TO ROME
A wonderful voyage from the canals of Venice to the “Eternal City” of Rome, featuring the incredible landscapes and history of the majestic Adriatic coast.
There’s no better way to contrast the extraordinary riches to be found on the coast of Italy, Sicily and Adriatic Sea than by experiencing the contrasting cultures of two great Italian centres of civilisation, Venice and Rome. Along the way, you’ll visit Renaissance cities and ancient palaces, walk the walls of medieval Dubrovnik and explore the architectural treasures of the Roman Empire. After a day at the GraecoRoman theatre of Taormina in Sicily, you’ll cruise through the narrow Strait of Messina to Salerno on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, where legend has it that Paestum was founded by Jason of Argonauts fame, before arriving at the most famous archaeological sites in history, Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum. A two-night hotel stay in the Italian capital of Rome then offers a chance to uncover the city’s many treasures, on a host of sightseeing options.
Sicily
Taormina
Mediterranean Sea
15-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $4,534pp 2018
PORT
MAY 18
Arrive into VENICE Italy Transfer to Aegean Odyssey
ARRIVE
DEPART
MAY 19
VENICE Italy
MAY 20
URBINO Italy (from Ancona)
8.00am
8.00pm
MAY 21
SPLIT Croatia
8.00am
8.00pm
MAY 22
DUBROVNIK Croatia
8.00am
8.00pm
MAY 23
LECCE Italy (from Brindisi)
8.00am
7.00pm
MAY 24
CORFU Greek Islands SARANDE Albania (Butrint)
8.00am 2.00pm
1.00pm 9.00pm
MAY 25
At Sea
MAY 26
TAORMINA Sicily Cruise through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli
7.00am
4.00pm
MAY 27
SALERNO Italy (Paestum) Cruise Amalfi Coast & Capri SORRENTO Italy
8.00am
2.00pm
MAY 28
SORRENTO Italy (Pompeii or Herculaneum)
MAY 29
SORRENTO Italy
MAY 30
ROME Italy Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome hotel
MAY 31
ROME Italy
JUN 1
ROME Italy Transfer to Rome Airport
overnight 7.00pm
8.00pm overnight overnight 4.00pm 7.00am overnight hotel overnight hotel
AEG180518
34 Explore the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum
SA
$ VE PE 6 , UP R 9 0 TO CA 0 BI
RENAISSANCE VENICE & URBINO Your cruise begins with an overnight stay in Venice and a guided stroll through the Piazza San Marco, with some free time to enjoy around the Rialto. Alternatively, you may like to take an optional boat ride to two islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Murano of glass-making fame, and Burano with its gaily painted fishermen's houses. Perched on two hills is the walled town of Urbino, which contains some true treasures. Here you will visit the birthplace of Raphael, tour the Palazzo Ducale, Italy's most beautiful Renaissance palace, and view the magnificent Duomo. NATURAL & ANCIENT WONDERS OF THE ADRIATIC Split is home to one of the greatest of all Roman sites, the Palace of Diocletian. There will be a morning tour of this remarkable palace including the Temple of Jupiter and Diocletian’s mausoleum. In the afternoon, there’s an option of visiting Trogir, one of the gems of the Dalmatian coast. Included sightseeing in Dubrovnik then features the magnificent 10th-century city walls, the Baroque Church of St Blaise and the Cathedral. Set in the south-eastern tip of Italy's boot, Lecce is a city of architectural treasures, including the 25,000-seat Roman amphitheatre and the stunning Palazzo Tamborino with its seductive secret garden. The legacy of British rule is evident in Corfu Town as you will see during the morning tour. You will also visit the Byzantine Museum housed in the Church of Panagia Antivouniotissa, after which we will sail to the Albanian archaeological site of Butrint, which has been occupied since at least the 8th century BC.
SICILY, PAESTUM & AMALFI After a relaxing day at sea we arrive in Taormina and the island of Sicily. With its mountainous background and spectacular views of Etna, the Graeco-Roman theatre is our morning destination, before passing through the Strait of Messina to the 6th-century Greek city of Paestum with three majestic temples at its heart. Alternatively, settle back for a beautiful drive along the legendary Amalfi Coast to Ravello. Leaving Salerno in the afternoon, you’ll then enjoy a coastal cruise to Sorrento, where Aegean Odyssey anchors in the bay for our two-day visit. THE MYSTERIES OF POMPEII The town, some of which dates back to the 6th century BC, was engulfed by lava erupting from Vesuvius in August 79AD. From the casts of the bodies of its inhabitants, to the ancient surgical implements and beautiful frescoes, nowhere else gives us such an insight into the lives of the ancients. Alternatively, you may visit the nearby town of Herculaneum which perished in the same eruption. This is followed the next day with a free morning in Sorrento, with time to take a hydrofoil to the wonderful isle of Capri. ROME – THE ETERNAL CITY Your holiday ends with a two-night hotel stay in Rome, for sightseeing that includes the largest and most famous Roman amphitheatre, the Colosseum. You can also visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo. You may also like to spend an optional half-day in Tivoli, a small town on the slopes of the Apennines, for a visit to the Villa d'Este that has one of the world’s most beautiful gardens.
N
15 DAYS FROM VENICE TO ROME STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$5,795
$4,534
L
Premium Inside
6,250
4,875
K
Premium Inside
6,695
5,209
J
Standard Outside
7,250
5,625
I
Premium Outside
7,795
6,034
H
Premium Outside
8,350
6,450
G
Premium Outside
8,950
6,900
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
9,595
7,384
Corfu’s colourful Old Town
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
9,995
7,684
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
11,195
8,584
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
11,850
9,075
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
13,295
10,159
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
14,550
11,100
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $5,434. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Overnight on board in Venice Historic Dubrovnik and Split
Temples of Paestum
Cruise through the Messina Strait and past Stromboli Two nights on board in beautiful Sorrento Visit Pompeii or Herculaneum in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius
35 Two days to explore the glories of Rome
Florence Pisa
RENAISSANCE ITALY & HISTORIC ISLANDS
Livorno Lucca corsica Elba italy Ajaccio Bonifacio Rome Palma Mahon
SPAIN
MAY 28, 2018 ROME TO SEVILLE
Cordoba
Seville
Jerez
Cadiz
Malaga
A seventeen-day voyage from the Italian capital through the islands of the western Mediterranean to Moorish Spain and the tip of mainland Europe.
This cruise will take you to some of the most impressive buildings, monuments and archaeological sites in the world including the Renaissance treasures of Florence, the wonderful cathedral of Palma, Majorca and the Moorish palace and gardens of the Alhambra in Granada. You will also cruise some of the most beautiful coastlines and islands in the Mediterranean. Classicism and the Renaissance come together during a two-night hotel stay in the Italian capital of Rome. Then visit Florence and let the birthplace of artistic giants engulf your senses. In Pisa, see the iconic Leaning Tower, and in Lecce, wander through the 25,000-seat Roman amphitheatre. Walk in the footsteps of Napoleon on Elba. Cruise to Corsica, Menorca, Majorca, Cadiz, and the historic port of Malaga. Enter the mouth of the Guadalquivir River and sail through the Andalusian countryside into the heart of romantic Seville for a spectacular finale that is small-ship cruising at its best.
Mediterranean Sea
17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $4,950pp 2018
PORT
MAY 28
Arrive into ROME Italy Transfer to hotel
overnight hotel
MAY 29
ROME Italy
overnight hotel
MAY 30
ROME Italy Transfer to Civitavecchia to embark Aegean Odyssey
6.00pm
MAY 31
FLORENCE Italy (from Livorno) 8.00am
overnight
JUN 1
PISA/LUCCA Italy (from Livorno)
JUN 2
ELBA Italy
Bonifacio, Corsica
DEPART
JUN 3
6.00pm 8.00am
1.00pm
Cruise the Isles Lavezzi and Maddalena Archipelago BONIFACIO Corsica, France
1.00pm
10.00pm
JUN 4
AJACCIO Corsica, France
7.00am
1.00pm
JUN 5
MAHON Menorca, Spain
8.00am
8.00pm
JUN 6
PALMA Majorca, Spain
8.00am
6.00pm
JUN 7
At Sea
JUN 8
MALAGA Spain
8.00am
8.00pm
JUN 9
CADIZ Spain (Jerez)
1.00pm
overnight
JUN 10
CADIZ Spain River Cruising along the Guadalquivir River SEVILLE Spain
JUN 11
SEVILLE Spain Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to hotel
overnight hotel
JUN 12
SEVILLE Spain (Cordoba)
overnight hotel
JUN 13
SEVILLE Spain Transfer to Seville Airport
Optional 2-night hotel stay in Madrid available post-cruise. See page 71 for details.
36
ARRIVE
8.00am 7.00pm
overnight
AEG180530
SA
$ VE PE 7 , UP R 1 2 TO CA 2 BI
ROME – THE ETERNAL CITY Your holiday starts with a two-night hotel stay in Rome, where included sightseeing features a choice of the well-preserved archaeological site of Ostia Antica, which rivals Pompeii, or the largest and most famous Roman amphitheatre, the Colosseum. There’s also an optional visit to the sumptuous Basilica of St Peter’s in the Vatican, as well as the grounds of Villa d'Este, one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, before it’s time to board Aegean Odyssey. TUSCANY’S RENAISSANCE CITIES The fascinating city of Florence is a place to engulf the senses and stretch your mind at every turn. The birthplace of the Renaissance, many of Italy’s artistic giants left behind an astonishing legacy of art waiting to be discovered here, from the Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia to the Ponte Vecchio, or alternatively you may visit the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Basilica di Santa Croce. Enchanting Lucca is situated on the banks of the River Serchio, where the cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades make it a perfect destination to explore by foot, as is Pisa, where the city’s most famous symbol, the precarious Leaning Tower, appears before you in the Square of Miracles. ISLANDS OF THE MIDDLE SEA On Elba, the island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled, you will see the elaborate villa where he lived, or take an optional tour to Capoliveri to enjoy some local wine. After which cruise the Isles Lavezzi and Maddalena Archipelago en route to Bonifacio and Ajaccio on the island of Corsica, ancestral home of Napoleon, before continuing through what was once known as the Middle Sea
N
17 DAYS FROM ROME TO SEVILLE STATEROOM CATEGORY
Sail into the heart of Seville
to explore the capital of Menorca, Mahon, and the bustling city of Palma de Mallorca. CRUISING SOUTHERN SPAIN After a day at sea, enjoy a panoramic drive through some of the outstanding sites of Malaga to visit the Picasso Museum, or an optional full day in Granada, where the Alhambra, begun in 1238, was the last capital of the Moors in Spain. Your excursion here includes the Royal Palace and the Generalife with its splendid gardens. Passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, we will then arrive in Cadiz for an overnight stay in a city where there has been a human settlement for over 4,000 years. Highlights here include the 18th-century Baroque cathedral and the splendid Moorish-style Alameda de Apodaca gardens. You may also travel to Jerez de la Frontera, a town famous for the production of sherry where, after a tour of the city, there will be sherrytasting at the Bodega Gonzalez Byass. RIVER CRUISING TO SEVILLE Aegean Odyssey then sails inland through the Andalusian countryside along the Guadalquivir River to dock in the heart of Seville. Here you will visit the Royal Palace Alcazar, the oldest residence of Spanish royalty that is still in use today. The building amalgamates influences from the Arabic period and the late Middle Ages, through to the Renaissance, Baroque and the nineteenth century. In Cordoba, one of the world’s great destinations, you’ll also visit one of the wonders of the medieval world, the Great Mosque.
M
Standard Inside
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
$6,350
$4,950
L
Premium Inside
6,795
5,284
K
Premium Inside
7,250
5,625
J
Standard Outside
7,795
6,034
I
Premium Outside
8,350
6,450
H
Premium Outside
8,895
6,859
G
Premium Outside
9,450
7,275
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,150
7,800
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,595
8,134
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
11,950
9,150
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
12,595
9,634
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
13,995
10,684
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
14,995
11,434
Beautiful Mahon, Menorca
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $6,184. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 2-night hotel stay in Rome Entrance to the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence
Renaissance Italy
Visits to the romantic islands of the Mediterranean Enjoy river cruising through the Andalusian countryside from Cadiz to Seville A full day excursion to Cordoba
37 Napoleon’s Portoferraio, Elba
VTA UNIQUE EXCLUSIVE VOYAGES
38
Cruise the dramatic Norwegian Fjords
HEADING NORTH FOR SUMMER IN EUROPE
NORWAY BRITAIN IRELAND &
NEW FOR 2018
INAUGURAL VOYAGE TO NORWAY AND THE FJORDS PLUS CRUISES AROUND GREAT BRITAIN & ICELAND
SAVE UP TO
$9,072 PER CABIN
ICELAND
SAILING FROM THE SOUTH OF SPAIN TO THE NATURAL WONDERS OF ICELAND, OUR VOYAGES WILL ALSO TAKE YOU TO THE GREAT RIVERS OF
FRANCE, THE STUNNING SCENERY OF THE ISLES OF SCILLY AND
NORTH WALES, THE IRISH CAPITAL AND FJORDS OF NORWAY, THE FAROES PLUS THE ISLANDS AND CASTLES OF SCOTLAND.
WITH SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS INCLUDED AT VIRTUALLY ALL PORTS OF CALL, PLUS EXTENDED STAYS IN SELECTED PORTS, YOU’LL ENJOY TIME ASHORE AND HAVE MORE TIME TO TAKE IN ALL THE SIGHTS.
SIX FASCINATING SAILINGS – JUNE TO AUGUST JUNE 9 SEVILLE TO LONDON p40-41 Two days in Seville begin this 15-day voyage to Portugal’s historic cities, France’s wine country and England JUNE 21 THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS Our exciting 17-day inaugural voyage to Norway’s historic cities and magnificent fjords
p42-43
JULY 5 ICELAND, FAROES & SHETLANDS p44-45 An 18-day voyage from London to the edge of the Arctic Circle and the amazing natural wonders of Iceland JULY 20 THE BRITISH ISLES Circumnavigate the British Isles and call in on the Irish capital on an exciting 17-day voyage
p46-47
AUGUST 3 ICELAND, FAROES & SHETLANDS p48-49 Combine a voyage to the highlights of Iceland with visits to the remote islands of the Faroes, Shetlands and Orkneys AUGUST 18 LONDON TO LISBON Cruise south to Portugal’s historic cities via France’s great rivers – the Seine, Loire and Gironde
book early & save
p50-51
39
England London Dartmouth Falmouth
EUROPEAN CONNOISSEUR
Honfleur
JUNE 9, 2018 SEVILLE TO LONDON
Sail from Seville along the Guadalquivir River and into the Atlantic on a voyage to Portugal’s historic cities, France’s Bordeaux wine region and England’s West Country.
France
Atlantic Ocean
Bordeaux
Santiago de Compostela
Vigo Portugal Oporto SPAIN Lisbon
Cordoba
Seville
From the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $5,059pp
and the immense statue of Christ the King in Lisbon to the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, this voyage highlights the central role played by Christianity in the history of Europe. Along the way, Aegean Odyssey will take you to some of the most stunning scenery including cruising the Guadalquivir River from Seville to the Atlantic and sailing up the Gironde River to Bordeaux.
2018
PORT
JUN 9
Arrive into SEVILLE Spain Transfer to hotel
overnight hotel
JUN 10
SEVILLE Spain (Cordoba)
overnight hotel
JUN 11
SEVILLE Spain 6.00pm Embark Aegean Odyssey River cruising along the Guadalquivir River
JUN 12
At Sea
JUN 13
LISBON Portugal
7.00am
6.00pm
JUN 14
OPORTO Portugal
1.00pm
8.00pm
JUN 15
VIGO Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
6.00am
The beautiful Cornish coast of England provides a unique contrast to these southern shores, as the futuristic biomes of the world-famous Eden Project simulate global climes to create a miraculous botanical wonder. There’s also plenty of history to explore, including the forgotten Heroes of D-Day or the Medieval town of Totnes and Buckfast Abbey. Then back to France and the picturesque port of Honfleur before our final destination, England’s majestic capital – London.
JUN 16
At Sea
JUN 17
River cruising along the Gironde River BORDEAUX France
JUN 18
BORDEAUX France
JUN 19
At Sea
JUN 20
FALMOUTH England (Eden Project)
8.30am
JUN 21
DARTMOUTH England
7.00am
5.00pm
JUN 22
HONFLEUR France
8.00am
noon
JUN 23
LONDON England 7.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury and transfer to hotel overnight hotel
JUN 24
LONDON England
JUN 25
LONDON England Transfer to London Airport
Optional 2-night hotel stay in Madrid available pre-cruise. See page 71 for details.
40 Plaza de Espana, Seville
ARRIVE
DEPART
8.00pm
2.00pm
overnight 7.00pm
11.00pm
overnight hotel 7.00am AEG180611
SA
$ VE PE 7 , UP R 4 0 TO CA 0 BI
CORDOBA, SEVILLE AND RIVER CRUISING During your two-night stay in Seville, you will visit the Royal Palace Alcazar, the oldest residence of Spanish royalty that is still in use today and a building that amalgamates influences starting from the Arabic period, the late Middle Ages right through to the Renaissance, Baroque and nineteenth century. The Cathedral of Seville is the third largest in Europe and its Gothic interior houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus – well worth a visit in your free time. Enjoy a full day sightseeing of Cordoba, which contains one of the wonders of the medieval world, the Great Mosque. Then set sail from Seville along the Guadalquivir River to the Atlantic Ocean. IBERIA: IDYLLIC SCENERY AND CAPTIVATING CITIES There has been a settlement on the site of Lisbon since Neolithic times and the city has played a central role in European history since Roman times. This rich past will become evident as your tour of the city includes Alfama – the oldest quarter, the monumental statue of Christ the King and the monastery of Jeronimos. In Oporto, you can visit a wine estate to sample that most famous of fortified wines, port, or join a tour of this charming city. It is believed by the faithful that St James the Apostle preached in Galicia and that, after his death in the Holy Land, his body was brought back to Santiago de Compostela. A church was built over his remains in the 11th century and ever since this has been a place of pilgrimage. Your tour of the magnificent Cathedral includes the crypt where St James is believed to be buried, the museum and medieval town.
A TASTE OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND’S WEST COUNTRY Aegean Odyssey cruises up the River Gironde to berth in the heart of Bordeaux, described as having the most beautiful streets in France thanks to the magnificent 18th-century architecture. You will visit the highlights of the city including the Palais Rohan and the 13th-century Cathedral of St Andrew before venturing out of the city to a prestigious wine estate for a tasting. The West Country of England is a charming place, steeped in history from the founding of the Royal Navy to the D-Day landings. From Falmouth, drive through the lush green countryside to the world’s largest global garden, the breathtaking Eden Project, housed in a glass dome large enough to enclose the Tower of London, or visit St Michael’s Mount where the castle is based on Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. Along the coast is Dartmouth, home to Britannia Royal Naval College. You will also have the opportunity to visit Slapton Sands, site of an unfortunate episode in the D-Day preparations, or visit a Medieval town and travel to nearby Buckfast Abbey. HONFLEUR, NORMANDY & LONDON The history of Honfleur has always been tightly bound with the sea. Today this picturesque port offers visitors a unique heritage which can best be glimpsed by a leisurely guided tour along its narrow streets lined by timber-framed houses. One of Honfleur’s major sites is St Catherine’s Church, which dates from the 15th century and has the distinction of being France’s largest timber-built church. The next day brings us to Royal London and our grand finale of a two-night hotel stay with included sightseeing and time to explore, shop, or visit the theatre.
N
17 DAYS FROM SEVILLE TO LONDON STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$6,495
$5,059
L
Premium Inside
6,950
5,400
K
Premium Inside
7,450
5,775
J
Standard Outside
7,995
6,184
I
Premium Outside
8,550
6,600
H
Premium Outside
9,150
7,050
G
Premium Outside
9,695
7,459
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,395
7,984
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,850
8,325
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
12,195
9,334
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
12,850
9,825
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
14,395
10,984
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
15,550
11,850
A taste of Bordeaux
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $5,959. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: River cruising down the Guadalquivir River A taste of Portugal in Oporto
The Great Mosque, Cordoba
A pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Cruise upriver into Bordeaux and France’s wine country England’s West Country and Royal London
41 Colourful Oporto
THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS
maiden cruise
JUNE 21, 2018 LONDON BACK TO LONDON
scotland Rosyth Edinburgh
Join our inaugural voyage to the spectacular fjords and rivers, incredible landscapes, and Scandinavian history of Norway.
The reason why so many people put Norway at the top of their travel list is simple: it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Timed to coincide with the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, you’ll begin with two nights in London, then cross the North Sea from Scotland and enter one of the largest fjords in the world, Hardangerfjord. Explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding the village of Geiranger and the port of Olden. With its whitewashed timber cottages climbing up the hillside and stunning setting, Bergen is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Then in Flam, enjoy a ride on the scenic railway and a cruise on the Sognefjord, the largest and best-known fjord in the country. With shore excursions in the cities of Stavanger and Kristiansand offering more opportunities for discovery, this Norwegian odyssey continues in the nation’s capital of Oslo, recently voted one of the best places to live in Europe.
England
Hellesylt Geiranger Olden Flam Bergen Ulvik norway Oslo Stavanger Kristiansand
North Sea Amsterdam
London
holland
17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $5,447pp 2018
PORT
JUN 21
Arrive into LONDON England Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
JUN 22
LONDON England
overnight hotel
JUN 23
LONDON England Embark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury
JUN 24
At Sea
JUN 25
ROSYTH Scotland (Edinburgh or Stirling Castle)
JUN 26
At Sea
JUN 27
ULVIK/EIDFJORD Norway (Cruise Hardangerfjord)
JUN 28
Fjord cruising OLDEN Norway
2.00pm
8.00pm
JUN 29
HELLESYLT Norway GEIRANGER Norway
8.00am noon
10.00am 6.00pm
JUN 30
BERGEN Norway
1.00pm
7.00pm
JUL 1
FLAM Norway Flam Railway excursion and cruising Sognefjord
8.00am
JUL 2
STAVANGER Norway
2.00pm
7.00pm
JUL 3
KRISTIANSAND Norway
8.00am
2.00pm
JUL 4
OSLO Norway
7.00am
4.00pm
JUL 5
At Sea
JUL 6
AMSTERDAM Holland (Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum)
JUL 7
LONDON England 6.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury and transfer to London Airport
6.00pm
8.00am 7.00pm 8.00am 7.00pm
6.00pm
7.00am 2.00pm
AEG180623
42
Magnificant Geirangerfjord
SA
$ VE PE 8 , UP R 4 7 TO CA 4 BI
ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH CAPITALS London is without doubt the most vibrant and exciting city in the world today. As well as enjoying an expertly guided sightseeing tour of London, there will be time for you to visit your favourite sites: from the treasures of the British Museum to the Tower of London. You’ll sail to Rosyth, where the morning will be spent touring Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, including the Royal Mile and the famous Palace of Holyroodhouse, the residence of The Queen when she visits Scotland. NORWAY: LAND OF FJORDS & FORESTS The mighty Hardangerfjord cuts a steepsided rocky path over 100 miles from the Atlantic into Norway's mountainous interior. Cruise this magnificent natural waterway to the picturesque port of Ulvik. From here explore one of Norway's most breathtaking regions including the impressive 300-metre deep Osafjord and lush steep-sided valleys. Eidfjord is one of the most beautifully sited towns in this part of Norway, dwarfed by sheer mountains and cascading waterfalls. It is also home to the impressive Voringsfossen waterfall that plunges nearly 200 metres down the mountainside and is widely considered to be one of the Norway's natural gems. FROM BERGEN TO KRISTIANSAND Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is a beguiling city. Flourishing by the early Middle Ages, its heritage can still be glimpsed in its beautifully preserved wooden houses of the Bryggen district. Here, a funicular will take you to the top of Mount Floyen for stunning views over the city. Other landmarks include Hakon's Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower and the Mariakirken, Bergen’s oldest building. Tucked away at the far end of Aurlandsfjord
is the tiny village of Flam, best known for its railway. The route may run for just 12 miles, but it is perhaps the most dramatic train journey in Europe and is a masterpiece of engineering, climbing to 2,845ft above sea level alongside the Sognefjord, which you will also cruise aboard Aegean Odyssey. Stavanger has a network of islands connected by quaint bridges and an historic quarter full of wooden houses as well as a medieval cathedral. The architecture of Kristiansand’s traditional Kvadraturen Quarter is also diverse and striking. During your time here, you will see the 17thcentury Christiansholm Fortress, the 11th-century Oddernes Church and the open-air Vest-Agder Museum, featuring over forty pre-20th century buildings. CITIES OF CULTURE: OSLO AND AMSTERDAM Your journey ends with visits to two of Europe's most charming, sophisticated and cosmopolitan cities. Surrounded by stunning countryside, Norway's capital Oslo is also a city of culture and history. Among the sights are the medieval Akershus Castle, the Bygdoy district with its fascinating Viking and Kon-Tiki Mueums, and the National Gallery, which houses many masterpieces including a version of Munch’s ‘The Scream’. Arriving in the Dutch city of Amsterdam, you have a fantastic choice of tours that encompass moving history and the world's greatest artistic masterpieces. The Anne Frank Museum takes you inside the places where the young girl hid from the Nazis before being discovered. Alternatively, you may like to visit the Van Gogh Museum that houses the greatest selection of the master's works or visit the national Rijksmuseum, which has masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Frans Hals.
N
17 DAYS FROM LONDON TO LONDON STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
M
Standard Inside
$6,995
SAVER FARE
$5,447
L
Premium Inside
7,550
5,863
K
Premium Inside
8,125
6,294
J
Standard Outside
8,795
6,797
I
Premium Outside
9,450
7,288
H
Premium Outside
10,150
7,813
G
Premium Outside
10,850
8,338
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
11,650
8,938
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
12,250
9,388
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
13,650
10,438
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
14,450
11,038
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
16,250
12,388
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
17,750
13,513
A day in Amsterdam
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $6,647. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Our maiden cruise to Norway
Stave Church, Borgund
Two-night hotel stay in London Stunning fjord cruising Take a scenic railway ride through the mountains from Flam Explore the Norwegian capital of Oslo Amsterdam: city of canals
Bergen’s wooden waterfront
43
Isafjordur AkureyriHusavik iceland Reykjavik Heimaey
ICELAND, FAROES & SHETLANDS
faroe islands Torshavn
JULY 5, 2018 LONDON BACK TO LONDON
shetland islands Lerwick Scrabster
Sail via the Shetland Islands to the edge of the Arctic Circle and the amazing natural wonders of Iceland, plus the remote Faroe Islands.
It is difficult to describe the dramatic and unique landscape of Iceland without resorting to clichés: this is the land of gushing geysers, rumbling volcanoes and creeping glaciers. The small volcanic island of Heimaey in the remote Westmann archipelago is your first Icelandic port of call, and it is then on to the island’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik. From here you will visit the dramatic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park. You’ll sail to the port of Isafjordur on the edge of the Arctic Circle and to Akureyri with its magnificent green pastures, waterfalls, whale-filled bays and home to the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths. Finally, a call at Husavik, a charming harbour surrounded by snowcovered mountains, which is full of colourful houses. On this trip you will also visit Scottish castles, Viking settlements in the Faroe Islands, the remote Shetland Islands, and sail into the Thames River to disembark at Tower Bridge.
Atlantic Ocean
scotland Rosyth Edinburgh
England London
18-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $5,875pp 2018
PORT
JUL 5
Arrive into LONDON England Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
JUL 6
LONDON England
overnight hotel
JUL 7
LONDON England Embark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury
JUL 8/9
At Sea
JUL 10
LERWICK Shetland Islands, Scotland
JUL 11
At Sea
JUL 12
HEIMAEY Iceland
2.00pm
7.00pm
JUL 13
REYKJAVIK Iceland
9.00am
5.00pm
JUL 14
ISAFJORDUR Iceland
10.00am
5.00pm
JUL 15
AKUREYRI Iceland
9.00am
8.00pm
JUL 16
HUSAVIK Iceland
7.00am
6.00pm
JUL 17
At Sea
JUL 18
TORSHAVN Faroe Islands
8.00am
1.00pm
JUL 19
SCRABSTER Scotland (Castle of Mey)
9.00am
JUL 20
ROSYTH Scotland (Edinburgh or Stirling Castle)
8.00am
JUL 21
At Sea
JUL 22
LONDON England Disembark Aegean Odyssey at Tower Bridge, London and transfer to London Airport
7.00pm
8.00am 1.00pm
1.00pm 1.00pm 8.30am
AEG180707
44 Iceland’s natural wonders
SA
$ VE PE 9 , UP R 0 7 TO CA 2 BI
THE REMOTE SHETLAND ISLANDS After enjoying a two-night hotel stay in London, Aegean Odyssey heads north for Scotland. With two days at sea there’s time to get to know the ship, and take in a lecture or two, before arriving in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetlands. As well as seeing the famous free roaming ponies, here you will have the opportunity to visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof, tour Scotland’s most northerly town, or visit Lerwick Castle. ICELAND: LAND OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS The tiny island of Heimaey – it is only four miles long – is your first port of call in Iceland. Heimaey was devastated by the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973, which destroyed over 400 buildings and deposited 200 million tons of ash and lava on the landscape. This catastrophic event is commemorated in the captivating museum, Eldheimar, meaning “worlds of fire”, which opened in 2014. Then on to Iceland’s vibrant capital Reykjavik and a journey along the famous “Golden Route”. This takes in the tumultuous Gullfoss waterfall and the other worldly landscapes of the Thingvellir National Park, which is also home to the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament established by the Vikings in AD930. Thingvellir is Iceland’s most important historical site and an area of outstanding natural beauty. After calling at the remote town of Isafjordur on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Aegean Odyssey sails to Akureyri on the north coast under snowcapped peaks at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. Here signs of the earth’s power – glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields and stacks of basalt – are everywhere. You can also watch Iceland’s marvellous birdlife on Lake Myvatn or relax in the
N
18 DAYS FROM LONDON TO LONDON STATEROOM CATEGORY
Myvatn hot springs
warm waters of Myvatn Nature Baths. Myvatn, with its bubbling mud pools, extraordinary lava formations and volcanic craters, is Iceland as you have always imagined it. Next, Iceland’s wildlife takes centre stage as Aegean Odyssey continues to the pretty fishing town of Husavik, the island’s whale-watching centre. THE FAROES & SCRABSTER Setting course south, we call in at the small but charming capital of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn. Torshavn means ‘Thor's Harbour’, named after the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. Founded in the 10th century, it is considered to be one of the oldest capitals in Northern Europe. Reaching Scotland, from the port of Scrabster journey to the Castle of Mey, where the Queen’s Mother fell for the isolated charms of what was then Barrogill Castle. Alternatively, learn more about the highland clearances in Bettyhill, or visit John o’Groats, the most northerly inhabited settlement on mainland Britain. SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL, EDINBURGH Arrive at the port of Rosyth in the early morning and, after breakfast, head for Edinburgh to tour Scotland’s capital, including the Royal Mile and the famous Palace of Holyroodhouse, the residence of The Queen when she visits Scotland. Alternatively, head to Stirling Castle and enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance Kings and Queens.
M
Standard Inside
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
$7,550
$5,875
L
Premium Inside
8,150
6,325
K
Premium Inside
8,750
6,775
J
Standard Outside
9,450
7,300
I
Premium Outside
10,195
7,859
H
Premium Outside
10,950
8,425
G
Premium Outside
11,650
8,950
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
12,550
9,625
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
13,195
10,109
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
14,550
11,125
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
15,395
11,759
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
17,350
13,255
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
18,995
14,459
Reykjavik, Iceland
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $7,150. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Two-night hotel stay in London Circumnavigate Iceland including five ports of call Exciting Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital Call in on the remote Shetland and Faroe Islands Sail along the Thames and disembark at Tower Bridge
45 Edinburgh Castle
Scrabster Castle of Mey
scotland
Portree
THE BRITISH ISLES
Oban
Inveraray Castle
Port of Tyne
JULY 20, 2018 LONDON BACK TO LONDON
Holyhead York
Dublin
From London’s iconic landmarks and the castles of Scotland to the Isles of Scilly, circumnavigate the British Isles and Atlantic Ireland on this fascinating summer cruise. Ocean
Escaping the summer heat of the Mediterranean, Aegean Odyssey departs Tower Bridge on its firstever circumnavigation of the British Isles. Our first port of call is St Peter Port in Guernsey before sailing back to the British mainland and the charming Cornish port of Falmouth. From here you will travel to a truly unique place: the Eden Project, the largest greenhouses in the world. Tresco in the Isles of Scilly takes us to Holyhead on Anglesey from where you can explore the rugged Celtic coastline. Next is Ireland, and with a thousand-year history, a remarkable literary legacy and a love of a good time, Dublin is a place that never disappoints. The ship then sails to Scotland where you will see historic castles, dramatic scenery and spend time in its wonderful capital, Edinburgh. Heading south again, visit Hadrian's Wall, the northernmost border of the Roman Empire and the city of York renowned for its Viking past.
Edinburgh
ireland
Hull
WALES England London
Eden Project
Tresco Isles of scilly
Falmouth Guernsey channel islands
17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $5,447pp 2018
PORT
JUL 20
Arrive into LONDON England Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
JUL 21
LONDON England
overnight hotel
JUL 22
LONDON England Embark Aegean Odyssey at Tower Bridge
JUL 23
At Sea
JUL 24
GUERNSEY Channel Islands
8.00am
JUL 25
FALMOUTH England (Eden Project)
8.00am
JUL 26
TRESCO Isles of Scilly
7.00am
JUL 27
HOLYHEAD Wales (Caernarfon Castle)
1.00pm
JUL 28
DUBLIN Ireland
7.00am
JUL 29
OBAN Scotland (Inveraray Castle)
1.00pm
JUL 30
PORTREE Isle of Skye, Scotland
8.00am
JUL 31
SCRABSTER Scotland (Castle of Mey)
8.00am
AUG 1
EDINBURGH Scotland
9.00am
AUG 2
PORT OF TYNE England (Hadrian’s Wall)
7.00am
AUG 3
HULL England (York)
8.00am
AUG 4
At Sea
AUG 5
LONDON England Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury and transfer to London Airport
9.00pm 8.00pm 8.00pm 6.00pm 8.00pm 6.00pm 8.00pm 8.00pm 1.00pm 7.00pm 6.00pm 8.00pm
7.00am
AEG180722
46
Portree, Isle of Skye
SA
$ VE PE 8 , UP R 4 7 TO CA 4 BI
FROM LONDON TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS AND ISLES OF SCILLY After a two-night hotel stay with included sightseeing in the British capital, you’ll board Aegean Odyssey at London’s iconic Tower Bridge. First port of call is St Peter Port in the capital of Guernsey and here your tour will include the stunning Candie Gardens and Castle Cornet, the impressive 13th-century fortress that guards the entrance to the harbour. Then sail to the picturesque Cornish port of Falmouth for one of the wonders of the modern world, the Eden Project. Located off the coast of Cornwall, Tresco is the second largest of the Isles of Scilly. You will spend the morning at the world-famous Abbey Gardens which hosts a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world. Holyhead in Wales is a region with a rich history of Viking, Celtic and Medieval settlers. A half-day tour here begins at the western point of the Isle of Anglesey before continuing to the town with the longest name in the world – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Alternatively, visit Caernarfon Castle, where the British sovereign’s eldest son is customarily invested as Prince of Wales. DUBLIN AND SCOTLAND A day in Ireland’s capital, Dublin, encompasses all the great sites of this fascinating and fun city, including Trinity College and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Or you may visit Malahide Castle, along with the quaint 16th-century Abbey Tavern. There’s also an optional drive through beautiful Country Wicklow. Sailing north overnight, Aegean Odyssey reaches Scotland and Inveraray Castle,
N
17 DAYS FROM LONDON TO LONDON STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$6,995
$5,447
L
Premium Inside
7,550
5,863
K
Premium Inside
8,125
6,294
J
Standard Outside
8,795
6,797
Sail from Tower Bridge, London
which has been the family seat of the Duke of Argyll since the 17th century. Alternatively, a scenic drive will take you to Loch Awe for majestic Glencoe, site of the infamous 1692 massacre. The colourful harbour of Portree in Skye has a name meaning “Port of the King” – an epithet it was given following a visit by James V in 1540. From here you may visit some of the most delightful and spectacular island countryside in the northern kingdom. There’s also the further choices of Dunvegan Castle and the Cuillins, or a trip to the rocky outcrop known as the Old Man of Storr. THE CASTLE OF MEY, EDINBURGH AND VIKING ENGLAND From the port of Scrabster journey to the Castle of Mey, where her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother fell for the isolated charms of what was then Barrogill Castle in 1952 and decided to save it from abandonment. Alternatively, visit the small coastal village of John o’ Groats, the most northerly inhabited settlement on mainland Britain. The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is dramatically situated on and around remnants of an extinct volcano, where its castle still guards Scotland’s crown jewels and the centuries-old Stone of Destiny. Your tour includes the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or there’s an optional visit to St Andrews, home of the world’s oldest golf club. Leaving Caledonia behind, in Tyne there is a visit to Hadrian's Wall before the Viking heritage of ancient York.
I
Premium Outside
9,450
7,288
H
Premium Outside
10,150
7,813
G
Premium Outside
10,850
8,338
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
11,650
8,938
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
12,250
9,388
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
13,650
10,438
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
14,450
11,038
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
16,250
12,388
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
17,750
13,513
Inveraray Castle,
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $6,647. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Two nights hotel stay in London
Visit Dublin’s fair city
Circumnavigate the British Isles including Dublin Scotland’s scenic coastline and castles Visit Hadrian’s Wall The Viking heritage of Jorvik York
Neptune’s Steps, Abbey Gardens, Tresco
47
Isafjordur AkureyriHusavik iceland Reykjavik Heimaey
ICELAND, FAROES & SHETLANDS
AUGUST 3, 2018 LONDON BACK TO LONDON
Sail from London to the edge of the Arctic Circle and the amazing natural wonders of Iceland, plus see the Shetland, Faroe and Orkney Islands.
The second of our two summer cruises to the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is a country of extremes, where Reykjavik is the world's most northern capital, yet it seldom grows colder than New York in the winter. The small volcanic island of Heimaey in the remote Westmann archipelago is your first port of call, then it’s on to the island’s cosmopolitan capital. From here you will visit the dramatic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park. Sail to Isafjordur on the edge of the Arctic Circle and call at Akureyri with its magnificent green pastures, waterfalls and whale-filled bays and home to the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths. Finally, call at Husavik, a charming harbour surrounded by snow-covered mountains, which is full of colourful houses. On this trip, you will also visit Viking settlements in the Faroe Islands, the English and Scottish capitals, and the remote Orkney and Shetland Islands.
faroe islands shetland Torshavn islands orkney Lerwick islands Kirkwall
Atlantic Ocean
scotland Newhaven Edinburgh
England London
18-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $5,875pp 2018
PORT
AUG 3
Arrive into LONDON England Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
AUG 4
LONDON England
overnight hotel
AUG 5
LONDON England Embark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury
AUG 6/7
At Sea
AUG 8
LERWICK Shetland Islands, Scotland
AUG 9
At Sea
AUG 10
HEIMAEY Iceland
2.00pm
7.00pm
AUG 11
REYKJAVIK Iceland
9.00am
5.00pm
AUG 12
ISAFJORDUR Iceland
10.00am
5.00pm
AUG 13
AKUREYRI Iceland
9.00am
8.00pm
AUG 14
HUSAVIK Iceland
7.00am
6.00pm
AUG 15
At Sea
AUG 16
TORSHAVN Faroe Islands
8.00am
1.00pm
AUG 17
KIRKWALL Orkney Islands, Scotland (Skara Brae)
9.00am
AUG 18
NEWHAVEN Scotland (Edinburgh or Stirling Castle)
8.00am
AUG 19
At Sea
AUG 20
LONDON England Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury and transfer to London Airport
7.00pm
8.00am 1.00pm
1.00pm
1.00pm 7.00am
AEG180805
48 Cruise to the remote Faroes
SA
$ VE PE 9 , UP R 0 7 TO CA 2 BI
THE REMOTE SHETLAND ISLANDS After enjoying a two-night hotel stay in London, Aegean Odyssey heads north for Scotland. With two days at sea there’s time to get to know the ship, and take in a lecture or two, before arriving in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetlands. As well as seeing the famous free roaming ponies, here you will have the opportunity to visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof, tour Scotland’s most northerly town, or visit Lerwick Castle. ICELAND: LAND OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS The tiny island of Heimaey – it is only four miles long – is your first port of call in Iceland. Heimaey was devastated by the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973, which destroyed over 400 buildings and deposited 200 million tons of ash and lava on the landscape. This catastrophic event is commemorated in the captivating museum, Eldheimar, meaning “worlds of fire”, which opened in 2014. Then on to Iceland’s vibrant capital Reykjavik and a journey along the famous “Golden Route”. This takes in the tumultuous Gullfoss waterfall and the other worldly landscapes of the Thingvellir National Park, which is also home to the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament established by the Vikings in AD930. Thingvellir is Iceland’s most important historical site and an area of outstanding natural beauty. After calling at the remote town of Isafjordur on the edge of the Arctic
Outstanding wildlife
Circle, Aegean Odyssey sails to Akureyri on the north coast under snowcapped peaks at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. Here signs of the earth’s power – glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields and stacks of basalt – are everywhere. You can also watch Iceland’s marvelous bird life on Lake Myvatn or relax in the warm waters of Myvatn Nature Baths. Myvatn, with its bubbling mud pools, extraordinary lava formations and volcanic craters, is Iceland as you have always imagined it. Next, Iceland’s wildlife takes centre stage as Aegean Odyssey continues to the pretty fishing town of Husavik, the island’s whale-watching centre. THE FAROES AND ORKNEY ISLANDS Setting course south, we call in at the small but charming capital of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn. Torshavn means ‘Thor's Harbour’, named after the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. Founded in the 10th century, it is considered to be one of the oldest capitals in Northern Europe. Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is close to many fascinating Stone Age sites. As well as visiting the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the ancient Ring of Brodgar, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel of the South Isles, or try a wee dram of Orkney’s highly acclaimed 12-year-old malt whisky at the world’s most northerly whisky distillery. EDINBURGH Arrive early morning at Newhaven, and after breakfast, head for Edinburgh to tour Scotland’s capital, including the Royal Mile and the famous Palace of Holyroodhouse, the residence to The Queen when she visits Scotland. Alternatively, head to Stirling Castle and enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance Kings and Queens.
N
18 DAYS FROM LONDON TO LONDON STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
M
Standard Inside
SAVER FARE
$7,550
$5,875
L
Premium Inside
8,150
6,325
K
Premium Inside
8,750
6,775
J
Standard Outside
9,450
7,300
I
Premium Outside
10,195
7,859
H
Premium Outside
10,950
8,425
G
Premium Outside
11,650
8,950
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
12,550
9,625
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
13,195
10,109
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
14,550
11,125
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
15,395
11,759
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
17,350
13,255
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
18,995
14,459
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $7,150. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Neolithic Skara Brae, Orkney Islands
Two-night hotel stay in London Tour the Golden Circle of Iceland Exciting Reykjavik The hot springs of Myvatn Whale watching in Husavik Neolithic ruins at Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands
49 Husavik, Iceland
England London
THE THREE RIVERS
Honfleur Rouen Paris
AUGUST 18, 2018 LONDON TO LISBON
(TROIS-RIVIÈRES DE FRANCE)
Combine ocean and river cruising and enjoy the summer sun as you sail south from England to France’s chateaux and vineyards and Portugal’s historic cities.
One of the many highlights of this new cruise to the great rivers of France is a journey along that most romantic of waterways, the Seine. Aegean Odyssey sails downriver to Rouen, the capital of Normandy and home to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral that so captivated Monet. From here you can venture further to visit the sites of Paris or the palaces and gardens at Versailles. After a two-night hotel stay in London, sail to historic Honfleur and on through the French countryside of the Loire to visit the region's majestic chateaux. The final river cruise along the Gironde takes you to Bordeaux to learn about the art of winemaking and taste some of the great vintages. Visit San Sebastian in Spain and take a trip to the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela. Then call at two of Portugal's most fascinating cities, Oporto and the capital Lisbon. Here a two-night hotel stay gives you the opportunity to fully experience this captivating destination and the idyllic scenery surrounding it.
Atlantic Ocean
Nantes
Chateaux Country
France Bordeaux San Sebastian La Coruna
Santiago de Compostela
SPAIN Oporto Portugal Lisbon
17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $5,025pp 2018
PORT
AUG 18
Arrive into LONDON England Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
AUG 19
LONDON England
overnight hotel
AUG 20
LONDON England Embark Aegean Odyssey in Tilbury
AUG 21
River cruising along the Seine ROUEN France
AUG 22
ROUEN France (Paris)
AUG 23
HONFLEUR France
AUG 24
At Sea
AUG 25
River cruising along the Loire NANTES France (Chateaux Country)
4.00pm 10.00pm
overnight midnight
8.00am
1.00pm
6.00am
7.00pm
AUG 26
River cruising along the Gironde BORDEAUX France 9.00pm (Vineyards and wine tasting)
overnight
AUG 27
BORDEAUX France
7.30pm
AUG 28
SAN SEBASTIAN Spain
AUG 29
At Sea
AUG 30
LA CORUNA Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
7.00am
AUG 31
OPORTO Portugal
1.00pm
SEP 1
LISBON Portugal Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to hotel
10.00am
SEP 2
LISBON Portugal
SEP 3
LISBON Portugal Transfer to Lisbon Airport
1.00pm
6.00pm
6.00pm 6.00pm
overnight hotel overnight hotel
AEG180820
50 France’s chateaux country
SA
$ VE PE 7 , UP R 4 2 TO CA 2 BI
HISTORIC LONDON Your cruise holiday begins with a scenic guided tour of London. This will take in all the major historical and noted sites: from Westminster Abbey to the fortifications and Crown Jewels of the Tower of London. There is plenty of free time for you to visit your favourite site or simply head for the shops. ROUEN, PARIS & HONFLEUR After boarding Aegean Odyssey at the port of Tilbury in London, you will cross the English Channel for the first of this voyage’s three great river cruises, entering the Seine estuary to sail inland to Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Here you will have the choice of a day trip to Paris, where the many sights include the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and of course, the Eiffel Tower, or you may spend the day at the Palace of Versailles, one of the largest and most ostentatious Royal residences in the world, with gardens covering some 230 acres and a French Baroque style that is a crowning achievement of 17th-century art. Returning to the mouth of the Seine, arrive in Honfleur for a leisurely guided tour through this picturesque port, including the Church of St Catherine which dates from the 15th century and has the distinction of being France’s largest timber-built church. FAIRYTALE CHATEAUX AND A TASTE OF FRANCE Entering the next of our rivers, the Loire, enjoy a day in the spectacular Chateaux Country. Once the favoured destination of the French royal family, this region boasts medieval fortresses, elaborate chateaux, Renaissance residences and impressive cathedrals. The Loire also produces some of the world’s greatest wines including Sancerre and Muscadet.
N
17 DAYS FROM LONDON TO LISBON STATEROOM CATEGORY
Inland sailing on France’s great rivers
Aegean Odyssey then cruises along the River Gironde to berth in Bordeaux, where the magnificent 18th-century architecture has led many people to describe the city as having the most beautiful streets in France. You’ll also venture out into the countryside to one of region’s most prestigious wine estates for a tour of the cellars and a tasting. Just over the Pyrenes, the coastal city of San Sebastian is a lively town with a beautiful waterfront and beaches. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA It is believed by the faithful that Santiago Apostol (St James the Apostle) preached in Galicia and that, after his death in the Holy Land, his body was brought to Spain, where a church was built over his remains in the 11th century. Today the cathedral is the final destination for thousands of Christian pilgrims who walk the “Way of St James”, as you will see on your tour of this magnificent building. CAPTIVATING PORTUGAL In Oporto, visit a wine estate to sample that most famous of fortified wines, or join a tour of this charming city which includes a visit to Porto Cathedral. In Lisbon, you will visit the historical Belem Quarter, a pleasant riverside area that has links with the 15th-century Portuguese Age of Discovery. This rich past will become evident as your tour includes the oldest Alfama quarter, the monumental statue of Christ the King, the 16th-century monastery of Jeronimos and the fascinating Maritime Museum. You may also take the opportunity to visit the fairytale-like hilltop town of Sintra.
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$6,450
$5,025
L
Premium Inside
6,895
5,359
K
Premium Inside
7,395
5,734
J
Standard Outside
7,950
6,150
I
Premium Outside
8,495
6,559
H
Premium Outside
8,995
6,934
G
Premium Outside
9,650
7,425
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,350
7,950
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,795
8,284
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
12,150
9,300
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
12,750
9,750
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
14,295
10,909
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
15,595
11,884
Honfleur Harbour
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $6,034. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Sail along the Seine to Rouen for visits to Paris or Versailles A day trip to Paris
Sail along the Loire for a full day tour of France’s Chateaux Country Sail up the Gironde River into Bordeaux for a wine tasting Make a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
51 Lisbon, city of the Discoverers
VTA UNIQUE EXCLUSIVE VOYAGES
52
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
ADRIATIC AEGEAN AUGUST – NOVEMBER SAILINGS
MEDITERRANEAN BACK IN THE MEDITERRANEAN FOR THE EUROPEAN AUTUMN SEASON,
AEGEAN ODYSSEY CRUISES THE COAST OF SPAIN TO THE
FRENCH RIVIERA, ITALY AND THE DALMATIAN COAST, MOROCCO, THE
CANARY ISLANDS AND THE AEGEAN SEA, VISITING MORE OF CLASSICAL
GREECE THAN EVER BEFORE.
WITH SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS INCLUDED AT VIRTUALLY ALL PORTS OF CALL AND EXTENDED STAYS IN SELECTED PORTS, INCLUDING A RETURN TO THE WONDERS OF ANCIENT
EGYPT,
YOU’LL ENJOY TIME ASHORE TO TAKE IN ALL THE SIGHTS.
NOW FEATURING LAND TOURS IN GREECE AND A RETURN TO ANCIENT EGYPT – HOTELS AND MEALS INCLUDED
SAVE UP TO
$7,272 PER CABIN
8 EXCITING CRUISES – AUGUST TO NOVEMBER AUGUST 30 LISBON TO ROME p54-55 A 17-day journey along the coasts of Spain, the South of France and Italy visiting 11 ports of call with 9 included excursions SEPTEMBER 11 ROME TO VENICE p56-57 Travel from the sites of ancient Rome to the canals of Venice via the ruins of Pompeii and the stunning Dalmatian coast SEPTEMBER 25 VENICE TO ATHENS p58-59 A delightful voyage between two great cities. Enjoy the charming city of Split and the scenery of Kotor Bay along the way OCTOBER 1 THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE I The ultimate Aegean Experience to the classical history of mainland Greece and the Greek Islands
p60-61
OCTOBER 10 THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE II p62-63 Explore the fascinating sites of Ancient Greece and cruise the charming islands and cities of the northern Aegean Sea OCTOBER 18 THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE & CAIRO Discover two of history’s great civilisations, Classical Greece and Ancient Egypt, on one magnificent journey
p64-65
OCTOBER 28 ATHENS TO MALAGA p66-67 A two-week cruise that takes you across the breadth of the Mediterranean, from Greece to Malta, Sicily and Spain NOVEMBER 10 MALAGA TO TENERIFE p68-69 Cruise from charming Seville to enjoy exotic Morocco and on to discover the wonderful beaches and landscapes of the Canaries
book early & save
53
France
MONACO Monte Portofino
Avignon Carlo
Sete
Carcassonne Marseilles
MEDITERRANEAN
ODYSSEY
AUGUST 30, 2018 LISBON TO ROME
Portugal Lisbon
Sail through the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean Sea as this splendid voyage takes you to iconic ports and classical cities.
This itinerary has been planned to explore the magnificent scenery and fascinating history that this remarkable sea has to offer: from the elegance of the Alhambra and the splendours of Imperial Rome to the picturesque Cote d’Azur and the treasures of Renaissance Italy. Your journey begins with a two-night-hotel stay in the charming capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of Lisbon’s colourful cityscape. From here Aegean Odyssey cruises to Cadiz and Malaga from where there’s the opportunity to visit Granada for a guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra and its gardens. Calls at Valencia, Monte Carlo and Portofino will then give you a true idea of the beauty and history of the Mediterranean. The itinerary concludes with two of the most impressive and historically fascinating cities in the world, Florence and Rome.
Barcelona SPAIN
Valencia
Jerez
Cadiz
Florence
Livorno italy Rome
Mediterranean Sea
Malaga
Strait of Gibraltar
17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $4,875pp 2018
PORT
AUG 30
Arrive into LISBON Portugal Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
AUG 31
LISBON Portugal
overnight hotel
SEP 1
LISBON Portugal Embark Aegean Odyssey
SEP 2
CADIZ Spain (Jerez)
2.00pm
6.00pm
SEP 3
MALAGA Spain
7.00am
midnight
SEP 4
At Sea
SEP 5
VALENCIA Spain
7.00am
6.00pm
SEP 6
BARCELONA Spain
8.00am
7.00pm
SEP 7
CARCASSONNE France
8.00am
4.00pm
8.00pm
(from Sete)
SEP 8
MARSEILLES France (Avignon)
SEP 9
MARSEILLES France Cruising the French Riviera MONTE CARLO Monaco
SEP 10
MONTE CARLO Monaco
SEP 11
Cruising Cinque Terre PORTOFINO Italy
8.00am 3.00pm
SEP 12
FLORENCE/PISA Italy
7.00am
(from Livorno)
7.00am overnight 8.00am 8.00pm
overnight 10.00pm 1.00pm midnight 7.00pm
SEP 13
ROME Italy 7.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia and transfer to hotel overnight hotel
SEP 14
ROME Italy
SEP 15
ROME Italy Transfer to Rome Airport
overnight hotel
AEG180901
54
Cruise the glorious Mediterranean
SA
$ VE PE 7 , UP R 2 7 TO CA 2 BI
THE CHARM AND MAGIC OF LISBON There has been a settlement on the site of Lisbon since Neolithic times and the city has played a central role in European history since Roman times. This rich past will become evident as you tour the city which includes Alfama, the oldest quarter, the monumental statue of Christ the King, the Church of Jeronimos, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece and the fascinating Maritime Museum. You may also take the opportunity to visit the fairytale-like hilltop town of Sintra, the fishing village of Cascais or the fashionable resort of Estoril. THE MOORS IN SPAIN Cadiz was the gateway to the New World and its old town reflects the city’s rich history with its cluster of narrow streets opening on to charming small squares. You will see the old town, visit the Plaza Espana and the gardens where the famous monument of Las Cortes (Spanish Parliament) of 1812 is situated. Then drive inland to Jerez de la Frontera for a visit to the Bodega Gonzalez Byass, one of the most famous wine cellars in Spain, for a tour and some sherry-tasting, after which you will sail to Malaga to enjoy a panoramic drive through some of the outstanding sites of the city on your way to the Picasso Museum, with a day in Moorish Granada another option. ROMAN SPAIN AND CATALONIA Founded by the Romans, Valencia is a charming old city and also home to wonderful modern architecture including the City of Arts and Science. Included morning sightseeing of Barcelona will be dedicated to exploring the Roman sites of the city including the Temple of Apollo
and Roman remains in the Gothic Quarter. You then have time to explore on your own. Perhaps visit Sagrada Familia, the massive Catalan church designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudi. Construction of this iconic building began in 1882 and is still ongoing. PROVENCE & THE RIVIERA The fortified city of Carcassonne became the largest walled stronghold of the Middle Ages, and its remarkable towers and ramparts are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving in the bustling port of Marseilles you will travel to a treasure in the Provençal countryside. Avignon, as well as being home to the eponymous bridge, boasts one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, the Papal Palace founded by Pope Clement V in 1309. You’ll then cruise along the French Riviera to an overnight stay in Monte Carlo, a place synonymous with glamour and joie de vivre. ITALY: NATURAL & ARTISTIC TREASURES You’ll spend a fabulous evening at leisure in the jet-set resort of Portofino. Next morning, you travel to Florence for a very special day visiting the city’s remarkable galleries, buildings and museums including the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi. Alternatively you can visit Lecce and Pisa’s famed Leaning Tower. Included sightseeing during a two-night hotel stay in Rome starts at the Colosseum. Constructed in 80AD by Emperor Vespasian, it had a capacity for 50,000 spectators. Finally, there’s a visit to the Basilica of St Peter in Chains.
N
17 DAYS FROM LISBON TO ROME STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$6,250
$4,875
L
Premium Inside
6,695
5,209
K
Premium Inside
7,150
5,550
J
Standard Outside
7,695
5,959
I
Premium Outside
8,250
6,375
H
Premium Outside
8,795
6,784
G
Premium Outside
9,350
7,200
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
9,995
7,684
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
10,450
8,025
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
11,950
9,150
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
12,595
9,634
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
13,995
10,684
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
15,295
11,659
Medieval Carcassonne
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $6,109. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Call at four of Spain’s great cities – Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia and Barcelona
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Medieval Carcassonne Overnight on board in the port at Monte Carlo Cruise Cinque Terre Renaissance Florence or Pisa Two-night hotel stays in Lisbon and Rome
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
55
Venice
ITALIAN & ADRIATIC HIGHLIGHTS
Croatia Ancona Split Italy Adriatic Dubrovnik
Urbino
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 ROME TO VENICE
Rome Sea Pompeii Sorrento Brindisi albania Salerno Sarande Paestum Lecce Corfu Butrint greece
This leisurely-paced cruise around Italy allows time to explore the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and enjoy the pleasures of beautiful Sorrento, Sicily, and glorious Adriatic coastal cities.
Start with a two-night hotel stay in Rome and then join Aegean Odyssey on this autumn cruise to Venice. From Sorrento visit the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and cruise along the marvellous Amalfi Coast and past the romantic island of Capri. Then call at the port of Salerno from where you will head to the magnificent Greek temples at Paestum. You’ll sail close to the volcanic island of Stromboli on the way to Taormina, Sicily and continue across the Ionian Sea to the Greek island of Corfu. The fascinating Graeco-Roman site of Butrint in Albania leads to the charming Croatian ports of Split and Dubrovnik before heading back to Italy and the Renaissance treasures of Urbino. Finally, to one of the world’s great destinations, Venice where an overnight stay will include an exclusive evening visit to La Fenice Opera House.
Sicily
Taormina
Mediterranean Sea
15-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $4,534pp 2018
PORT
SEP 11
Arrive into ROME Italy Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
SEP 12
ROME Italy
overnight hotel
SEP 13
ROME Italy Transfer to Civitavecchia and embark Aegean Odyssey
SEP 14
SORRENTO Italy (Pompeii & Herculaneum)
SEP 15
SORRENTO Italy
overnight
SEP 16
SORRENTO Italy Cruise along Amalfi Coast SALERNO Italy (Paestum)
7.00am 1.00pm
8.00pm
SEP 17
Cruise past Stromboli and through the Strait of Messina TAORMINA Sicily
1.00pm
8.00pm
SEP 18
At Sea
SEP 19
CORFU Greek Islands SARANDE Albania (Butrint)
7.00am 2.00pm
noon 8.00pm
SEP 20
LECCE Italy (from Brindisi)
7.00am
8.00pm
SEP 21
DUBROVNIK Croatia
8.00am
9.00pm
SEP 22
SPLIT Croatia
7.00am
8.00pm
SEP 23
URBINO Italy (from Ancona)
8.00am
8.00pm
SEP 24
VENICE Italy
8.00am
overnight
SEP 25
VENICE Italy Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Venice Airport
7.00pm 7.30am overnight
AEG180913
56 Time to explore in Venice
SA
$ VE PE 6 , UP R 9 0 TO CA 0 BI
THE GRANDEUR OF ROME & MYSTERIES OF POMPEII Begin with a two-night hotel stay in Rome, the capital of Italy, also known as the Eternal City. Included morning sightseeing starts at the Colosseum, constructed in 80AD by Emperor Vespasian as a means of gaining the love of the people by building a venue for gladiatorial games with a capacity of 50,000 spectators. It ends with a visit to the Basilica of St Peter in Chains. Embark Aegean Odyssey and cruise south to Sorrento. Included sightseeing features the magnificent remains of Pompeii. The town, some of which dates back to the 6th century BC, was engulfed by lava erupting from Vesuvius in August 79AD. From the casts of the bodies of its inhabitants, to the ancient surgical implements and beautiful frescoes, nowhere else gives us such an insight into the lives of the ancients. After lunch, we visit the nearby town of Herculaneum which perished in the same eruption. This is followed by a free day in Sorrento, with time to take the hydrofoil across the Bay of Naples to the wonderful isle of Capri or, head for Naples and the National Archaeological Museum. AMALFI COAST, PAESTUM & SICILY Leaving Sorrento around breakfast time, you’ll enjoy a cruise along the spectacular Amalfi coast to Salerno for a visit to Paestum. Legend has it that Paestum was founded by Jason of Argonaut fame. What is undoubted, however, is the majesty of the three Greek temples that were the heart of this 6th-century Greek city. During a relaxing morning at sea we pass through the Strait of Messina on the way to Taormina and the island of Sicily. With its mountainous background and spectacular
views of Etna, the Graeco-Roman theatre is our afternoon destination. NATURAL AND ANCIENT WONDERS OF THE ADRIATIC The legacy of British rule is evident in Corfu Town as you will see during the morning tour. You will also visit the Byzantine Museum housed in the Church of Panagia Antivouniotissa. The Albanian archaeological site of Butrint has been occupied since at least the 8th century BC. Set in the south-eastern tip of Italy's boot, Lecce is a city of architectural treasures. These include the 25,000-seat Roman amphitheatre and the stunning Palazzo Tamborino with its seductive secret garden. Included sightseeing in Dubrovnik features the magnificent fortifications including the 10th-century city walls, the Baroque Church of St Blaise and the Cathedral. Split is home to one of the greatest of all Roman sites, the Palace of Diocletian. There will be a morning tour of this remarkable palace including the Temple of Jupiter and Diocletian’s mausoleum. In the afternoon, there’s an option of visiting Trogir, one of the gems of the Dalmatian coast.
N
15 DAYS FROM ROME TO VENICE STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$5,795
$4,534
L
Premium Inside
6,250
4,875
K
Premium Inside
6,695
5,209
J
Standard Outside
7,250
5,625
I
Premium Outside
7,795
6,034
H
Premium Outside
8,350
6,450
G
Premium Outside
8,950
6,900
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
9,595
7,384
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
9,995
7,684
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
11,195
8,584
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
11,850
9,075
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
13,295
10,159
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
14,550
11,100
Greaco-Roman theatre, Taormina
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $5,434. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Two-night hotel stay in Rome
RENAISSANCE URBINO AND VENICE Perched on two hills, the walled town of Urbino contains some true treasures. Here you will visit the birthplace of Raphael, tour the Palazzo Ducale, Italy's most beautiful Renaissance palace, and view the magnificent Duomo. Your cruise ends with an overnight stay in Venice and a guided stroll around its heart – Piazza San Marco. Then free time to visit the stunning island of Murano or simply walk to the Rialto. As a wonderful finale, you will enjoy an exclusive visit to La Fenice Opera House: not to be missed.
Explore Pompeii and Herculaneum
The mysteries of Pompeii and Herculanium
Sail the beautiful Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik and Split Cruise the Amalfi Coast A full day in Venice to explore
57 Sarande, Albania
Venice Italy
DALMATIA & ANCIENT GREECE
Croatia Split Ancona Korcula Dubrovnik Adriatic Kotor Bay Sea montenegro
Urbino
SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 VENICE TO ATHENS
Cruise through the beautiful Adriatic Sea and the serene splendour of Kotor Bay en route to the classical sites of ancient Greece.
Take an unforgettable journey between two gems of art history, Venice and Athens. On the way see Renaissance masterpieces at Urbino, visit Diocletian’s massive mausoleum in Split, admire the natural wonder of Kotor Bay, and view one of Greece’s most extensive collections of Byzantine art in Corfu. In Athens, you will have plenty of time to see the city’s magnificent classical treasures including, of course, the Acropolis. This voyage also takes you to ancient Olympia and Pylos with its huge natural harbour, its castle and surrounding pine-covered hills. Then it is on to Monemvasia, the tiny rock of an island – known as the “Gibraltar of the Aegean” – that is joined to the mainland by a single causeway. Before reaching Athens there is time to call at Hydra, one of Greece’s most charming and picturesque islands.
Corfu
Greece Olympia Athens Katakolon Hydra Pylos Monemvasia
Mediterranean Sea
13-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,737pp 2018
PORT
SEP 25
Arrive into VENICE Italy Embark Aegean Odyssey
ARRIVE
DEPART
SEP 26
VENICE Italy
SEP 27
URBINO Italy (from Ancona)
8.00am
8.00pm
SEP 28
SPLIT Croatia
8.00am
10.00pm
SEP 29
KORCULA Croatia Cruising past Hvar and Brac DUBROVNIK Croatia
7.00am
1.00pm
6.00pm
overnight
SEP 30
DUBROVNIK Croatia KOTOR BAY Montenegro (Scenic cruising)
OCT 1
CORFU Greek Islands
7.00am
7.30pm
OCT 2
KATAKOLON Greece (Olympia) PYLOS Greece
7.30am
1.00pm
6.30pm
overnight
OCT 3
PYLOS Greece (Venetian Castles)
OCT 4
MONEMVASIA Greece HYDRA Greek Islands
OCT 5
PIRAEUS/ATHENS Greece 7.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to hotel in Athens overnight hotel
OCT 6
ATHENS Greece
OCT 7
ATHENS Greece Transfer to Athens Airport
overnight 7.00pm
1.00pm
8.00pm 7.00am 5.00pm
noon midnight
overnight hotel
AEG180925
58 Korcula, Croatia
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 7 2 TO CA 6 BI
VENICE AND RENAISSANCE URBINO “To live in Venice or even visit it means you fall in love with the city itself.” The veracity of this remark by the American art collector Peggy Guggenheim soon becomes clear during an overnight stay in this remarkable city. Indeed, there is no better way to begin your trip than with a morning’s sightseeing walk around this magnificent destination before sailing to the walled town of Urbino for more Renaissance treasures including the birthplace of Raphael and the Palazzo Ducale. THE BEAUTY OF DALMATIA Your first port of call along the Dalmatian coast is Split, home to one of the greatest of all Roman sites, the Palace of Diocletian. A morning tour here also includes the Temple of Jupiter and the massive octagonal mausoleum, which was converted into a cathedral in the 7th century. Said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, the pine-forested island of Korcula is home to some splendid Venetian architecture. Aegean Odyssey will then cruise past the beautiful islands of Hvar and Brac to arrive in Dubrovnik, which Lord Byron described as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for a leisurely evening ashore, followed by a morning of sightseeing before sailing south to the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. ELEGANT CORFU With cricket still played on the green, the legacy of British rule is still evident in Corfu’s capital city, but the 15th-century church of Panagia Antivouniotissa holds another surprise for all who venture inside as well: one of Greece's most extensive collections of Byzantine art. Alternatively, for a more Venetian option there is the Old Fortress surrounded by a fairy-tale moat atop a large cliff.
N
13 DAYS FROM VENICE TO ATHENS STATEROOM CATEGORY
Corfu, Greek Islands
CLASSICAL GREECE AND ITS ISLANDS Our first port of call on the Greek mainland is Katakolon for a morning tour to Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games took place in 776BC. You will then return to Aegean Odyssey for a leisurely afternoon cruising the Ionian Sea en route to a relaxing evening ashore and a morning of sightseeing in historic Pylos: either to the castle of Niokastro and the Venetian castle of Methoni, or the archaeological site of Messini which dates back to 146BC. Monemvasia has a name meaning “single entrance” and after passing through a gap in a rocky cliff here you will emerge into a uniquely beautiful medieval scene to explore, before sailing to perhaps the most charming of all Greek islands, Hydra, a popular refuge from the hustle and bustle of Greece’s capital city thanks to its ban on private motor vehicles. ATHENS AND THE ACROPOLIS Your two-night hotel stay in Athens includes a full morning's guided tour of the city's ancient citadel, the Acropolis. Built during the "Golden Age" between 447-438BC, the Acropolis embodies the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during this remarkable era. You will also visit the wonderful Acropolis Museum and have free time to explore the city's other remarkable sites such as the ancient Agora (or “gathering place”) and the National Archaeological Museum.
M
Standard Inside
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
$4,750
$3,737
L
Premium Inside
5,150
4,037
K
Premium Inside
5,495
4,295
J
Standard Outside
5,995
4,670
I
Premium Outside
6,450
5,012
H
Premium Outside
6,950
5,387
G
Premium Outside
7,395
5,720
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
7,995
6,170
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,295
6,395
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,250
7,112
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,795
7,520
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
10,995
8,420
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
12,150
9,287
Classical Athens
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79 Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $4,670. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Evening sail from Venice Evening sail from Venice
Explore the beautiful Dalmatian coast Cruise through serene Kotor Bay Explore ancient Olympia Two-night hotel stay in Athens
59 Renaissance Urbino
Greece Delphi Athens
THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE I
OCTOBER 1, 2018 ATHENS BACK TO ATHENS
show you the very best historical, archaeological and natural wonders that Greece and its islands have to offer. It is the perfect time of year for this trip as the heat of Greece’s summer is waning but the light is particularly beautiful. Your journey begins with a five-day land tour of Greece. This includes two nights in Athens including a guided tour of the Acropolis, the spiritual splendour of the monastery at Osios Loukas, the elegant ruins of Delphi set in a stunning rocky landscape, Agamemnon's ancient capital of Mycenae, and the monumental grandeur of the theatre at Epidaurus. Then join Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus for a cruise to the best of the Greek Islands. Along the way you will experience the fishing-village charm of Hydra, stunning Santorini, the Minoan treasures of Crete, the fascinating Crusader stronghold of Rhodes, and the sacred ruins of Delos. So there you have it: a fabulous journey through the finest achievements of Classical Greek art and the spectacular scenery of the Greek Islands.
60 A journey through the classical sites of ancient Greece
Rhodes Karpathos
Santorini Heraklion
The second of our most complete Aegean Experiences yet, beginning with a five-day land tour of Athens and Classical Greece, followed by Greek Island cruising at its best.
This brand-new cruise-tour has been designed to
Aegean
Sea Hydra Nauplia Mykonos Nisyros Delos
Mycenae Epidaurus
Knossos
Crete
13-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,909pp 2018
PORT
OCT 1
Arrive into ATHENS Greece Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
OCT 2
ATHENS Greece (Acropolis)
overnight hotel
OCT 3
ATHENS/DELPHI Greece Morning drive for sightseeing at Osios Loukas en route to Delphi for afternoon sightseeing and overnight overnight hotel
OCT 4
DELPHI/NAUPLIA Greece Morning drive to Mycenae for sightseeing, then on to Nauplia for overnight
OCT 5
NAUPLIA/PIRAEUS Greece Sightseeing in Epidaurus en route to embark Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus
OCT 6
HYDRA Greek Islands
8.00am
OCT 7
SANTORINI Greek Islands (Akrotiri)
8.00am
OCT 8
HERAKLION Crete, Greek Islands (Knossos)
8.00am
OCT 9
KARPATHOS Greek Islands
8.00am
8.00pm
OCT 10
RHODES Greek Islands
7.00am
10.00pm
OCT 11
NISYROS Greece
9.00am
6.00pm
OCT 12
DELOS Greek Islands MYKONOS Greek Islands
8.00am 2.00pm
noon 8.00pm
OCT 13
PIRAEUS Greece 6.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Athens Airport
overnight hotel
8.00pm 4.00pm 10.00pm 10.00pm
AEG181005
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 4 7 TO CA 2 BI
FROM CLASSICAL ATHENS TO MAGICAL EPIDAURUS Your two-night stay in Athens includes a full-morning's guided tour of the city's ancient citadel, the Acropolis. Built during the "Golden Age" of Athens between 447438BC, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture. You will also visit the wonderful Acropolis Museum and have plenty of free time to explore the city's other remarkable sites such as the ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum. Your 3-day tour of Classical Greece starts with a call at the medieval Monastery of Osios Loukas (Holy Luke). Built by the Emperor Romanos in about 1011, the monastery contains remarkable Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Then to ancient Delphi, exquisitely located in a series of terraces at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabulous remains of this great sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Temple of Apollo that dates from 330BC. Walk the Sacred Way in the steps of the thousands of teopropoi (pilgrims) who came here to purify themselves by bathing in the Castalian Spring before making their ritual sacrifice and consulting the Oracle. Next visit two of the great sites of Classical Greece: Mycenae and the magnificent theatre at Epidaurus. Mycenae was the capital of a great civilisation that dominated the eastern Mediterranean from the 16th to
Lion Gate, Mycenae
the 13th centuries BC. Epidaurus, sacred to Asclepios the god of medicine, is the site of the best preserved of all Greek theatres. CRUISING THE GREEK ISLANDS The next part of your Greek adventure involves a classic Greek island cruise on board Aegean Odyssey, beginning with the carless idyll of Hydra, and Santorini, where the newly reopened Minoan settlement of Akrotiri is a highlight. You will also visit several of the island’s picturesque villages, including Oia with its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. The heyday of Minoan civilisation (2000-1600BC) was marked by the construction of great palaces, the best known being Knossos on the island of Crete. Excavations here began in 1899 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who controversially “restored” the palace. You will then sail to friendly Karpathos for a maiden visit to an island which has managed to maintain many of its customs and idiosyncrasies due to its remoteness. LINDOS & DELOS The structures of Rhodes’ old town on the island of the same name dates from the era of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who lived here from 1309 until 1522. You will also visit the lookout Mount Smith, named after the British admiral Sir Sydney Smith, and enter the citadel of the Knights through the d’Amboise Gate on your way to the restored Grand Master’s Palace. There’s also the opportunity to visit the Acropolis at Lindos followed by the tiny volcanic island of Nisyros, after which Delos is birthplace of Achilles and one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece. Then nearby Mykonos is the perfect finale, with its cafes and shops, providing the perfect place to relax.
N
13 DAYS FROM ATHENS TO ATHENS STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$4,995
$3,909
L
Premium Inside
5,395
4,209
K
Premium Inside
5,795
4,509
J
Standard Outside
6,250
4,850
I
Premium Outside
6,695
5,184
H
Premium Outside
7,150
5,525
G
Premium Outside
7,550
5,825
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
7,995
6,159
Visit the theatre at Epidaurus
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,495
6,534
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,250
7,100
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,750
7,475
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
10,695
8,184
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
11,595
8,859
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $5,259. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Marvel at the Acropolis and stand on the stage of the theatre at Epidaurus
Treasures of an ancient world
Cruise the crystal clear Aegean to the best Greek Islands Explore Delos and Delphi Relax on the islands of Hydra and Mykonos
Karpathos, Greek Islands
61
Philippi
Thessalonica Meteora
THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE II
This fascinating voyage around the Aegean is a truly inspirational treat. Starting in Athens, you will visit some of the most inspiring classical and Byzantine monuments of the ancient world.
islands will explore the magnificent achievements of classical Athens, the exploits of Alexander the Great and the journeys of the apostle St Paul. You will see wonderful ancient temples, sparkling Byzantine mosaics and breathtaking scenery. Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, then enjoy a drive through stunning countryside to the monastery at Osios Loukas and sacred Delphi on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. At Corinth, explore one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Then board Aegean Odyssey and sail to the island of Tinos before visiting the monasteries at Meteora, one of the most remarkable sights in the Mediterranean. Other highlights include the enchanting Byzantine mosaics of Thessalonica, Mount Olympus, and cruising past Mount Athos to Philippi named after the father of Alexander the Great and where St Paul delivered his first European sermon. This exciting new cruise avoids the heat and crowds of Greece’s summer, and with tours to all major sites, it promises to be an unforgettable voyage.
Meteora, Greece
Mount Athos
Volos Aegean Greece Sea Delphi Athens Chios Corinth Tinos Patmos
OCTOBER 10, 2018 ATHENS BACK TO ATHENS
This fantastic voyage of mainland Greece and its
62
Kavala Samothraki
13-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,909pp 2018
PORT
OCT 10
Arrive into ATHENS Greece Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
OCT 11
ATHENS Greece (Acropolis)
overnight hotel
OCT 12
ATHENS/DELPHI Greece Morning drive for sightseeing at Osios Loukas en route to Delphi for sightseeing and overnight
overnight hotel
OCT 13
DELPHI/CORINTH/PIRAEUS Greece Morning drive to Corinth for sightseeing en route to Piraeus to embark Aegean Odyssey
8.00pm
OCT 14
TINOS Greek Islands
8.00am
2.00pm
OCT 15
VOLOS Greece (Monasteries at Meteora)
7.00am
OCT 16
THESSALONICA Greece
7.00am
overnight
OCT 17
THESSALONICA Greece Cruising past Mt Athos
3.00pm
5.00am 6.00pm
OCT 18
KAVALA Greece (Philippi)
6.00am
8.00pm
OCT 19
SAMOTHRAKI Greek Islands
8.00am
OCT 20
CHIOS Greek Islands
8.00am
8.00pm
OCT 21
PATMOS Greek Islands
8.00am
2.00pm
OCT 22
PIRAEUS Greece 6.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Athens Airport
7.00pm
2.00pm
AEG181013
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 6 7 TO CA 2 BI
ATHENS & CLASSICAL GREECE Your three nights on the Greek mainland start with a morning guided tour of Athens’ ancient citadel, the Acropolis. Built during the city’s "Golden Age", between 447-438BC, the Acropolis Sacred Delos represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during this remarkable era. Alternatively, our Byzantine Athens excursion combines visits to both the Byzantine Museum and the Monastery of Kaisariani with its fine frescoes and elegant gardens. A morning drive through the Greek countryside takes you to another Byzantine monastery, historic Osios Lukas, on the way to the ruins of ancient Delphi on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Among the archaeological relics at this large site is the temple where Apollo is said to have foretold the future through his oracle. Then discover the ancient city of Corinth, before boarding Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus. TINOS & THE MONASTERIES AT METEORA The shrine to Our Lady of Tinos is a major landmark dedicated to the miracle of a nun who was visited by the Virgin Mary in the 19th century and instructed to uncover an icon that had been lost for centuries. After a number of false starts Mary’s icon was successfully discovered and in celebration a shrine was built on the island, which today is one of the most important sites of pilgrimage in Greece. From the port of Volos, you travel by road to see the famous Byzantine monasteries built on the sandstone towers at Meteora. In all there are twenty-four monasteries at Meteora and although many have fallen into ruin, some of the remaining are adorned with beautiful frescoes.
BYZANTINE THESSALONICA Thessalonica is Greece’s second city and your tour here will concentrate on its Byzantine heritage, including the 5thcentury basilica Agios Dimitrios, the Rotonda, the mosaics of Agia Sofia and the Museum of Byzantine culture; or you may visit the Roman baths and Odeon of Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus. There is also a chance to explore the archaeological museum of Pella, before descending into the Royal Tombs of Vergina, where many Macedonian kings are buried including Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II. THE GREEK ISLANDS After cruising close to the spectacular peninsula of Mount Athos, you call at Kavala for a visit to Philippi where the Apostle St Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity. You will also step ashore for maiden visits to Samothraki, where the extensive ancient temple complex was a site of many important religious ceremonies, then spend the day on the island of Chios, which is notable for being the birthplace of Homer and for its 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage monastery of Nea Moni. Tiny Patmos is another significant Christian pilgrimage site where John of Patmos is said to have written the Book of Revelation in the Cave of the Apocalypse. Here you will visit the medieval village of Chora and the Monastery of St John the Theologian.
N
13 DAYS FROM ATHENS TO ATHENS STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$4,995
$3,909
L
Premium Inside
5,395
4,209
K
Premium Inside
5,795
4,509
J
Standard Outside
6,250
4,850
I
Premium Outside
6,695
5,184
H
Premium Outside
7,150
5,525
G
Premium Outside
7,550
5,825
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,125
6,257
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,495
6,534
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,350
7,175
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,850
7,550
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
10,995
8,409
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
11,995
9,159
Delphi, home of the Oracle
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $4,959. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Two-night hotel stay in Athens Visit the home of the Oracle in Delphi
Patmos, in the footsteps of St John
Greek Island cruising including Chios and Samothraki Cruising the peninsula of Mount Athos
Historic Chios
See the “monasteries in the sky” at Meteora
The monasteries of Mt Athos
63
Aegean Sea
Greece Delphi Mycenae
Athens Epidaurus
Nauplia Rhodes
THE AEGEAN EXPERIENCE & CAIRO
Heraklion Knossos
OCTOBER 18, 2018 ATHENS BACK TO ATHENS
Mediterranean Sea
A five-day land tour of Classical Greece followed by a cruise featuring three days of unmissable sights in Egypt including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx. With autumn warmth replacing Greece’s summer heat, October is the ideal month for a cruise which combines the fascinating worlds of classical Greece and ancient Egypt. After visiting the Acropolis, sacred Delphi and Minoan Crete, you arrive in Egypt for an unforgettable trip. Starting in Alexandria, the city founded by Alexander the Great, with its Graeco-Roman ruins you then head for Cairo for a two-night stay. Here you will visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the oldest and only surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the serene Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum with its Pharaonic treasures. Also explore the sites of Memphis and Sakkara, including the monumental statue of Ramesses II and the Sakkara necropolis. You’ll also enjoy an evening cruise on the Nile with dinner and bellydance show. Before returning to Athens, call at the island of Rhodes with its spectacular Crusader palace and fortifications.
Crete
Alexandria Sakkara
Cairo Giza
egypt
13-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $4,295pp 2018
PORT
OCT 18
Arrive into ATHENS Greece Transfer to hotel
ARRIVE
DEPART
overnight hotel
OCT 19
ATHENS Greece (Acropolis)
overnight hotel
OCT 20
ATHENS/DELPHI Greece Morning drive for sightseeing at Osios Loukas en route to Delphi for afternoon sightseeing and overnight overnight hotel
OCT 21
DELPHI/NAUPLIA Greece Morning drive to Mycenae for sightseeing, then on to Nauplia for overnight overnight hotel
OCT 22
NAUPLIA/PIRAEUS Greece Sightseeing in Epidaurus en route to embark Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus
OCT 23
HERAKLION Crete, Greek Islands (Knossos)
OCT 24
At Sea
OCT 25
ALEXANDRIA/CAIRO Egypt Morning sightseeing, after lunch on board transfer to Cairo hotel
overnight hotel
OCT 26
CAIRO Egypt (Memphis & Sakkara, Dinner cruise and show on the Nile)
overnight hotel
OCT 27
CAIRO/ALEXANDRIA Egypt Morning sightseeing at Pyramids at Giza followed by special lunch by the pyramids. Afternoon transfer to re-embark Aegean Odyssey in Alexandria 10.00pm
OCT 28
At Sea
OCT 29
RHODES Greek Islands
OCT 30
PIRAEUS Greece 8.00am Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Athens Airport
8.00pm 8.00am 10.00pm
6.00am
1.00pm
AEG181022
64 The Great Pyramids of Giza
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 6 5 TO CA 0 BI
ATHENS & CLASSICAL GREECE Your four nights ashore on the Greek mainland begin with a guided tour of Athens’ ancient citadel, the Acropolis. Built during the city’s "Golden Age", between 447-438BC, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during this remarkable era. Alternatively, Byzantine Athens combines visits to the Byzantine Museum and the Monastery of Kaisariani with its fine frescoes and elegant gardens. A morning drive through the Greek countryside takes you to another Byzantine monastery, historic, walled Osios Lukas, on the way to the ruins of ancient Delphi on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Among the archaeological relics of this large site is the temple where Apollo is said to have foretold the future through his oracle. A relaxing overnight in Delphi is followed by the archaeological site of Mycenae, one of the greatest cities of the highlydeveloped Mycenaean civilisation. It’s then just a short drive to the port of Nauplia for a final hotel stay before visiting Epidaurus, where the ancient theatre is still in use today, on the way to join Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus. THE ISLANDS OF CRETE & RHODES On your way to and from Egypt you will visit two very contrasting but equally fascinating islands. Your visit to Crete is dedicated to the Minoan site of Knossos. The heyday of Minoan civilisation (20001600BC) was marked by the construction of great palaces, the best known of which is Knossos. Excavations were begun in 1899 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who controversially “restored” the palace with his own eccentric ideas of Minoan interior design. On the return sailing to Athens, call at Rhodes. Here
visit Rhodes Old Town and the Citadel of the Knights of St John. Dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters, this mighty crusader fortress stood firm for over 200 years until it was overpowered in 1522 by the massive army of Suleyman the Magnificent. Alternatively, take a trip to the Acropolis at Lindos – surrounded by 13th-century crusader fortifications, the centrepiece of the acropolis is the 4thcentury BC Temple of Lindian Athena. ANCIENT EGYPT You will cross the Mediterranean Sea to the Egyptian port of Alexandria which, during the Hellenistic period, was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse or Pharos of Alexandria. The city was also home to one of the most important libraries in antiquity, which is today commemorated by the huge cultural repository of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. After included sightseeing in Alexandria, you’ll head through the Nile Delta by motorcoach to enjoy two nights at a top hotel in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Here, you’ll see all the main sights including the Giza pyramid complex, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still largely intact. You’ll also see the famous Sphinx, pay a special visit to the Egyptian Museum to see the death mask of Tutankhamen. Head out of town to visit Memphis and the necropolis at Sakkara including the monumental statue of Ramses II and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile.
N
13 DAYS FROM ATHENS BACK TO ATHENS STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$5,495
$4,295
L
Premium Inside
5,895
4,595
K
Premium Inside
6,295
4,895
J
Standard Outside
6,750
5,237
I
Premium Outside
7,195
5,570
H
Premium Outside
7,650
5,912
G
Premium Outside
7,995
6,170
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,495
6,545
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,595
6,620
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,750
7,487
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
10,250
7,862
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
11,195
8,570
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
11,995
9,170
Minoan Knossos, Crete
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $5,720. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 5-day land tour to Athens and Classical Greece
The treasures of the Egyptian Museum
Minoan Knossos in Crete 2-night hotel stay in Cairo with sightseeing at Giza, Memphis, Sakkara and the Egyptian Museum Dinner cruise on the Nile
Exotic Cairo
Crusader stronghold of Rhodes
Rhodes Harbour
65
A VOYAGE THROUGH THE MIDDLE SEA
OCTOBER 28, 2018 ATHENS TO MALAGA
See the great sights of Antiquity in Athens and sail to the fascinating islands of Santorini, Crete, Malta and Sicily.
This special voyage departs from Athens to chart a course through what was known in centuries past as the Middle Sea. Start your journey with a two-night hotel stay in the Greek capital for the very best of its ancient sights, including the Parthenon. Visit the Minoan settlements of Akrotiri in Santorini and the Cretan Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary Minotaur’s labyrinth. Sail into the Grand Harbour of Valletta in Malta and visit the fabulous island of Sicily to explore the sparkling mosaics of Monreale Cathedral. You’ll also tour the palaces of Palermo and see the ancient temples at Segesta, with an exclusive optional special event at the Palazzo Gangi, location for the filming of the movie “The Leopard”, before arriving in the Spanish city of Malaga.
spain
Mediterranean Sea
Greece Athens Trapani Palermo Segesta Catania Santorini sicily Chania Heraklion Valletta Knossos malta crete
Malaga
14-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,920pp 2018
PORT
OCT 28
Arrive into ATHENS Greece Transfer to hotel
overnight hotel
OCT 29
ATHENS Greece (Acropolis)
overnight hotel
OCT 30
ATHENS/PIRAEUS Greece Embark Aegean Odyssey in nearby Piraeus
OCT 31
SANTORINI Greek Islands (Akrotiri)
8.00am
NOV 1
HERAKLION Crete (Knossos)
6.00am
NOV 2
CHANIA Crete
7.00am
midnight
NOV 3
Segesta, Sicily
DEPART
At Sea 8.00pm
8.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm
NOV 4
VALLETTA Malta
8.00am
NOV 5
CATANIA Sicily (Syracuse or Taormina)
8.00am
NOV 6
PALERMO Sicily (Monreale)
7.00am
NOV 7
TRAPANI Sicily (Segesta)
7.00am
NOV 8/9
At Sea
NOV 10
MALAGA Spain Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Malaga Airport
Optional 2-night hotel stay in Madrid available post-cruise. See page 71 for details.
66
ARRIVE
6.00pm 8.00pm 6.00pm
7.00am
AEG181030
SA
$ VE PE 6 , UP R 0 2 TO CA 6 BI
CLASSICAL ATHENS Your two-night hotel stay in Athens includes a guided tour of the capital’s ancient citadel, the Acropolis, which represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during the “Golden Age” of 447-438BC. Alternatively, Byzantine Athens combines both the Byzantine Museum and the Monastery of Kaisariani, with its fine frescoes and elegant gardens, after which there’s the option of visiting the National Archaeological Museum. THE GREEK ISLANDS OF SANTORINI & CRETE Boarding Aegean Odyssey in the Athenian port of Piraeus, you will cruise to Santorini, where the newly reopened Minoan settlement of Akrotiri is a highlight. Dating from the 16th century BC, this ancient city was wonderfully preserved under volcanic ash. Here you will also visit several of the island’s picturesque villages, including Oia with its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. The heyday of Minoan civilisation (2000-1600BC) was marked by the construction of great palaces, the best known of which is Knossos on the island of Crete. Excavations began here in 1899 by the British archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans, who controversially “restored” the palace with his own eccentric ideas of Minoan interior design. Chania, on the north coast of Crete, has a small but charming archaeological museum located inside the Venetian Church of San Francesco, where your tour will also include a visit to the tomb of the island’s national hero, Eleftherios Venizelos, who prior to becoming Prime Minister of Greece, was instrumental in the island’s struggle against the Ottomans.
MALTA & SICILY One of the most wonderful sights in the Mediterranean is an arrival into the spectacular Grand Harbour of Valletta in Malta, founded by the Knights of St John in 1566. Here your tour of the island’s capital city will include the Baroque St John’s Co-Cathedral and the magnificent Palace of the Grand Masters. Sailing onwards, Sicily is another great celebration of the highest achievements of Western civilisation where our first port-of-call will be Catania for a half day sightseeing tour to Syracuse which features the magnificent Greek theatre and the excellent archaeological museum, or visit the Greek theatre of Taormina in the shadow of Mount Etna. Next is the island’s capital, Palermo, where you will see Monreale Cathedral and the Benedictine cloisters, a magnificent synthesis of Romanesque and Arab architecture. There is then the opportunity of a very special exclusive optional visit to the Palazzo Gangi, an aristocratic, privately-owned residence that is one of Palermo’s most delightful secrets. From the port of Trapani, you can also visit the Greek temples at Segesta, or there is the choice of optional trips to the hill-top town of Erice, or a day in the ancient Greek city of Selinunte and the town of Marsala, built on the ruins of the Carthaginian city Lilybaeum. RELAXING AT SEA As you sail towards Spain, you will be able to take advantage of all Aegean Odyssey has to offer. You can start the day with an early morning yoga class or set yourself up with a leisurely breakfast. There are fascinating lectures to attend and a wellstocked library, before your arrival in the port of Malaga.
N
14 DAYS FROM ATHENS TO MALAGA STATEROOM CATEGORY
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
M
Standard Inside
$4,995
$3,920
L
Premium Inside
5,395
4,220
K
Premium Inside
5,795
4,520
J
Standard Outside
6,295
4,895
I
Premium Outside
6,850
5,312
H
Premium Outside
7,350
5,687
G
Premium Outside
7,850
6,062
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,450
6,512
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,850
6,812
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,750
7,487
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
10,295
7,895
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
11,595
8,870
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
12,750
9,737
The Caryatid, Acropolis, Athens
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $4,637. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Two-night hotel stay in Athens Discover the history of the Minoans in Santorini and Crete
Historic Malta
Sail into Malta’s historic Valletta Harbour Explore the monumental sites of Sicily
67 Monreale Cathedral, Palermo
SPAIN Seville Jerez Malaga Cadiz
Strait of Gibraltar
MOORISH ODYSSEY
Rabat
NOVEMBER 10, 2018 MALAGA TO TENERIFE
Discover the lesser-known treasures of the Canary Islands and enjoy a tour to the very best of Morocco.
Start your cruise by sailing up the Guadalquivir River to Seville in the heart of Andalucia and birthplace of flamenco. Then to the historical Spanish port of Cadiz, from where you will travel to Jerez for a memorable sherry tasting in one of Spain’s top bodegas. Afterwards head to Morocco and a chance to experience Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat and the exciting city of Taroudant. Cruising out into the Atlantic Ocean you come to the sun-blessed Canary Islands for a visit to the famous Fire Mountains of the Timanfaya National Park on the island of Lanzarote. Finally to La Palma, the greenest of the Canary Islands, and the chance to experience real, unspoiled nature. The landscape varies from the verdant forests of the north, where lush vegetation drips from the rainforest canopy, to the desertscapes of the south, where volcanic craters and twisted rock formations define the views.
Casablanca
Atlantic Ocean
Marrakesh Agadir
Canary La Palma Islands Lanzarote Tenerife
Taroudant
12-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM $3,620pp 2018
PORT
NOV 10
Arrive into MALAGA Spain Transfer to Aegean Odyssey
NOV 11
At Sea
NOV 12
River cruising along the Guadalquivir River SEVILLE Spain
NOV 13
SEVILLE Spain
NOV 14
CADIZ Spain (Jerez)
11.00am
NOV 15
CASABLANCA/FEZ Morocco Morning drive to Fez for afternoon sightseeing and overnight
8.00am
NOV 16
FEZ/RABAT/CASABLANCA Morocco Morning drive from Fez to Rabat for lunch and sightseeing en route to Casablanca to rejoin Aegean Odyssey
NOV 17
CASABLANCA/MARRAKESH Morocco Drive from Casablanca to Marrakesh for afternoon sightseeing and overnight overnight hotel
NOV 18
MARRAKESH/TAROUDANT/AGADIR Morocco Drive from Marrakesh via Taroudant to Agadir to rejoin Aegean Odyssey 7.00pm
NOV 19
LANZAROTE Canary Islands
2.00pm
7.00pm
NOV 20
LA PALMA Canary Islands
2.00pm
7.00pm
NOV 21
TENERIFE Canary Islands Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Tenerife Airport
6.00am
Optional 2-night hotel stay in Madrid available pre-cruise. See page 71 for details
68 Exploring Morocco
Fez
Morocco
ARRIVE
DEPART
11.00pm
11.30am overnight 11.30pm 4.00pm
overnight hotel
overnight
AEG181110
SA
$ VE PE 5 , UP R 6 5 TO CA 0 BI
ANDALUSIA – SEVILLE & CADIZ Join Aegean Odyssey in Malaga on the Costa del Sol, and enjoy a relaxing first day at sea. Time to settle in, take in a lecture and some late sun, and admire views of Gibraltar as we head from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic. Next day we sail up the River Guadalquivir to dock in the heart of Seville. During your stay you’ll visit the Royal Palace Alcazar, a building that amalgamates influences starting from the Arabic period right through to the Renaissance, Baroque and the nineteenth century. You’ll also have time to visit the splendid cathedral, third largest in Europe and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Aegean Odyssey then calls at the port of Cadiz from where you visit Jerez de la Frontera, a town famous for the production of sherry and, after a tour of the city, you will stop at one of the famous Bodegas for a sherry tasting. MOROCCO’S HISTORIC CITIES – FEZ, RABAT & MARRAKESH Leaving Casablanca behind, we drive to Fez. With its UNESCO-listed souks and 4th-century religious schools, Fez is a medieval marvel as you will see on our included afternoon sightseeing. Dinner and overnight in Fez. Next morning, we head for Rabat, located on the Atlantic coast. Rabat, meaning “fortified place,” is Morocco’s capital and sightseeing
Taroudant
highlights include the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Oudaya Gate, built during the Almohad dynasty, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, burial place of the present King’s father, and the façade of the Royal Palace. Enjoy a relaxing evening back on board Aegean Odyssey in Casablanca before heading inland to Marrakesh where sightseeing features a walk through the famous medina and a visit to 14th-century Ben Youssef Medrassa and 12th century Kubba El Baroudyine with its beautiful dome. Continue to the Marrakesh Museum and Kasbah, finishing in the famous Djemma el-Fna Square. Dinner and overnight in Marrakesh. After breakfast we drive south through the Atlas Mountains and visit ancient Taroudant on the way to Agadir. ATLANTIC ISLANDS – LANZAROTE, LA PALMA & TENERIFE On Lanzarote, you will discover a little known aspect of the Canary Islands as you travel to the stunning Timanfaya National Park, the famous Fire Mountains of Lanzarote. Lanzarote may be best known for its beaches but there is a lot more to the island. You will also have the opportunity to appreciate the coastline of Los Hervideros, where the lava from the eruption flowed down to the sea and, as it cooled, created some strange shapes. Sail into the harbour of Santa Cruz on La Palma island – one of the lesser-known Canary Islands – and you’ll be greeted by the island’s stunning volcanic landscape. Here you can either explore La Palma or venture inland to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Our last morning awakes to the sight of Tenerife, dominated by Mt Tiede, among the world’s largest volcanoes.
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12 DAYS FROM MALAGA TO TENERIFE STATEROOM CATEGORY
M
Standard Inside
FULL FARE
SAVER FARE
$4,595
$3,620
L
Premium Inside
4,995
3,920
K
Premium Inside
5,450
4,262
J
Standard Outside
5,950
4,637
I
Premium Outside
6,395
4,970
H
Premium Outside
6,895
5,345
G
Premium Outside
7,395
5,720
F
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
7,950
6,137
E
Deluxe Stateroom/Outside
8,395
6,470
D
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,150
7,037
C
Deluxe Stateroom/Balcony
9,650
7,412
B
Junior Suite/Balcony
10,950
8,387
A
Owner’s Suite/Balcony
11,995
9,170
Moorish Seville
Prices above are per person based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply, please see pages 78-79. Low Single Cabin Saver Fares start from $3,920. Ask for full details.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Cruise inland through Andalusian countryside to Seville Enjoy flamenco on board
Santa Cruz de La Palma
Sample sherry in Jerez Visit Morocco’s great cities and enjoy hotel stays in Marrakesh and Fez Sail to the charming Canary Islands
69 Explore Marrakesh’s kasbah
where you’ll stay ashore Our pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays are the perfect way to begin or end your cruise. Not only will you have time to relax after or before your flight, you will also have ample time to explore these wonderful cities. Balcony cabin guests (categories D and above) will stay at 5-star hotels and guests in categories E and below will be in either 4 or 5-star hotels. Guests travelling together should advise their travel agent or Voyages to Antiquity Reservations at time of booking. Pre- and post-cruise city hotels include breakfast daily, hotel taxes and service charges, a half-day escorted sightseeing tour, transfers between airports, hotels and ship and the services of our hospitality desk during your stay.
your hotels CITY
BALCONY CLASS
ATHENS
Grande Bretagne
PREMIUM CLASS
King George
CAIRO
Four Seasons
Four Seasons
DELPHI
Amalia
FEZ
Marriott Jenan Palace (Superior Rooms)
Amalia Marriott Jenan Palace
LISBON
Altis Avenida
Sana Lisboa
LONDON
Grange St Pauls
Grange City
MARRAKESH Sofitel Palais Imperial NAUPLIA
Amalia
ROME
Excelsior
SEVILLE
Gran Melia Colon
ATHENS, GREECE Grande Bretagne Elegant guest rooms with courtyard or city views and lavish public rooms decked with crystal, damask and tapestries make this a grand hotel in the finest tradition. Retreats and restaurants include the Winter Garden, Alexander’s Bar, the Pool Bar (on the seventh floor!) and floodlit views of the Acropolis from the GB Roof Garden Restaurant and bar. You can unwind at the GB Spa Athens.
DELPHI, GREECE Amalia A beautiful modernist hotel located at the foot of Mount Parnassus. All rooms are soundproofed and offer free Wi-Fi alongside the essential amenities you would expect from Amalia, with impressive views across the lush green valley to the towns of Itea and Galaxidi, a large outdoor pool, hot tub and gardens.
Grande Bretagne, Athens
FEZ, MOROCCO Marriott Jenan Palace Fully restored, extended and renovated luxury hotel set in lush large grounds with trees, flowers and plants, enclosed by its own high walls for absolute privacy and security. Large elegant rooms tastefully furnished in the finest tradition for comfort and luxury. Large swimming pool and sunbathing area, selection of dining outlets including Italian and Moroccan restaurants, an elegant retreat in the heart of Fez.
King George Situated in the heart of the city and dating back to 1930, the hotel has hosted not only legendary personalities but also some of Athens’ most prestigious events. With panoramic views over the illuminated Acropolis, the hotel transcends all expectations. The refined accommodations and the picturesque dining at the Tudor Hall Restaurant set the scene for a memorable experience.
LISBON, PORTUGAL Altis Avenida The Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel in Lisbon. Located in Restauradores Square in the heart of the city, the architecture and decor of the hotel are inspired by 1940’s glamour and revolve around the concept of urban chic. The 70 rooms of this five-star hotel provide an atmosphere that is both cosy and sophisticated.
Grand Savoy Amalia Starhotel Metropole Melia Sevilla
CAIRO, EGYPT Four Seasons This modern neoclassical hotel on the banks of the Nile has been designed to subtly trace the curve of the river, allowing for panoramic views across Gezira Island and the 12th-century citadel. With indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness centre and seven restaurants, you will find an understated elegance right in the heart of the legendary Cairo Corniche.
70
Hotel Excelsior, Rome
Four Seasons, Cairo
you’re in the midst of everything. But, set apart from the whizzing Vespas and honking horns, this is also a peaceful spot, fully refurbished to offer comfort without compromise.
Starhotel Metropole, Rome
Sana Lisboa Located in the heart of Lisbon, Sana Lisboa is a modern hotel that offers spacious rooms with contemporary decor and equipped with all conveniences. The excellent location on Fontes Pereira de Melo Avenue (next to the Marques de Pombal), a short distance from the historic centre of Lisbon makes this an excellent base in Lisbon.
LONDON, ENGLAND Grange, St Paul’s The Grange St Paul's is a luxury 5-star hotel nestled beside St. Paul's Cathedral in London’s financial district. Its contemporary glass interior houses modern guest bedrooms, an array of bars and restaurants, a stunning Ajala Spa, and a private Health and Fitness Club with gym and swimming pool. Grange, City This luxury hotel has sweeping views over the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The building incorporates the last remaining section of London’s Roman Wall. The hotel features stunning guest bedrooms and in-house facilities include several vibrant bars and restaurants, and a state-of-the-art Health and Fitness Club, swimming pool and spa.
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO Sofitel Palais Imperial Set in lush, fountained gardens of fragrant herbs, bougainvilleas and a palm-ringed pool, this 5-star palace is impressive in its majesty. Marble columns soaring to sculpted ceilings, traditional zellige tiles and the deep reds and browns of oriental tapestries induce a sense of atmosphere. The entire resort breathes relaxation and refinement, from outdoor sofas and loungers round the pool to sumptuous rooms. Grand Savoy With its splendid public spaces, magnificent outdoor pools and top-class restaurants, the Grand Savoy is an excellent base in Marrakesh. The Grand Spa is the ideal place to relax after sightseeing and shopping. The centre includes giant indoor pools, a sauna, and a Turkish
Sofitel Palais Imperial, Marrakesh
bath. Rooms are, of course, airconditioned and come with free Wi-Fi connection.
NAUPLIA, GREECE Amalia The Nauplia Amalia has a classic Mediterranean design based around an outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar, enclosed by beautiful gardens and palm trees. Boasting views of the Palamidi Fortress and the nearby town which is within walking distance, this is the perfect balance of traditional charm and comfort designed to refresh and inspire.
SEVILLE, SPAIN Gran Melia Colon Located in the historical and cultural heart of the city, the 5-star Gran Melia Colon offers a striking combination of art, culture and style. It also prides itself on its service and design. With an aesthetic of rich contrasts, the Gran Melia Colon combines intelligent historical features with contemporary touches to create a warm and elegant environment. Melia Sevilla Located in the heart of Seville, opposite the Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza Espana and very close to the University (Old Tobacco Factory), the Alcazar, the Barrio de Santa Cruz district, the Cathedral and the Archive of the Indies, the Melia Sevilla is the perfect choice thanks to its excellent location in the city centre.
ROME, ITALY Excelsior Rich in history and located on the legendary Via Veneto, the Excelsior has hosted celebrities, statesmen and artists visiting the Eternal City and is nestled between the Spanish Steps and the Borghese Gardens. Its guest rooms and indoor pool, with health and fitness centre, make this one of the most unique hotels in Rome. Starhotel Metropole Few four-star hotels capture the spirit of this dynamic city quite like the Metropole. Standing close to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma,
MADRID, SPAIN OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT STAY Melia Princesa Recently renovated to beautifully combine traditional luxury with a surprising cutting edge, the Melia Princesa is an emblem of the city of Madrid. Thanks to its excellent location in the heart of the city, the Melia Princesa is a hotel you will remember. Just a few minutes from Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and the Prado Museum, the Melia Princesa is the best option for enjoying the daytime activities and wonderful nightlife in this busy city. 2 nights: Twin/Double $850pp; Single $1,050 Includes breakfast daily, half-day city sightseeing, transfers and hi-speed train ticket between Madrid and Seville or visa versa.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OVERLAND TOURS IN MOROC CO, GREECE & EGYPT 4- and 5-star hotels as listed or similar; breakfast, lunch (when travelling between cities) and dinner daily; land transportation by luxury, air-conditioned motorcoach; entrance fees to places of interest visited; English-speaking escort/ guide throughout; baggage handling at hotels; bottled water during all meals and on included sightseeing; taxes and service charges. Please note: hotels listed are subject to change and the right is reserved to substitute hotels of a similar or superior standard. Gran Melia Colon, Seville
71
GENERAL INFORMATION THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION AND VISAS All information provided below pertains to Australian and New Zealand citizens only and is valid at the time of printing, July 2017. Specific information for your cruise and land programme will be provided at the time of booking. Please also refer to the applicable government website for any updates to this information. Requirements for other nationalities can be obtained from the consulates of the countries to be visited on the specific cruise and land programme. It is each guest’s own responsibility to ensure that they have the required documentation prior to travel. Failure to produce the required documentation at embarkation may result in denied boarding and any expenses incurred as a result are not the responsibility of Voyages to Antiquity.
PASSPORTS Full passports are required and must be valid for a minimum of six months after the last day of your holiday. Special Note: Guests on itineraries which include calls to Arab countries and that may have an Israeli visa or entry stamp in their
passport are strongly encouraged to obtain a new passport prior to travel. This is simply a recommendation and is not a requirement.
VISAS At time of printing, no visas are required for Australian and New Zealand passport holders visiting any country featured in this brochure, except as follows. Albania and Egypt Group visas are obtained by the ship on arrival. At least 90 days prior to departure, we must have the following information relating to each passenger: full name (as it appears on passport), address, nationality, date and place of birth; plus passport number, expiration date and date and place of issue. Guests cannot be included in group visas if this information is not supplied by the required time.
PRIVACY POLICY Voyages to Antiquity requires all guests to provide full passport details, including addresses and next of kin information prior to issuance of final documentation. The personal information
provided to the company is only shared as required by government regulations to the local authorities for the purposes of customs, visas, and immigration clearances. The information may also be shared with certain suppliers of your travel arrangements. It should be understood that when making your booking you agree to your personal information being passed on as described above. You may also receive marketing communications from Voyages to Antiquity unless you indicate otherwise.
SPECIAL NEEDS The cruises and land programmes featured include extensive sightseeing which may involve walking on uneven surfaces, up and down multiple stairs, and require a certain level of fitness and mobility. Some ports on the itineraries may require disembarkation of the ship with the ship’s or local tenders. Please consider these issues carefully prior to booking. There is one cabin specifically adapted for wheelchair use; however guests must bring their own collapsible wheelchair dimensions of which must not exceed 26” wide. Motorised scooters of any kind are not able to be accommodated on board Aegean Odyssey. Guests that need to travel with medical apparatus including wheelchairs, portable CPAP’s, and orthopedic devices must advise Voyages to Antiquity, in writing, at the time of deposit. A doctor’s statement of fitness may be required. All guests need to be self-sufficient and have an able-bodied guest travelling with them to take full responsibility for any assistance that is required. Important Notice: Failure to advise Voyages to Antiquity as required may result in denied boarding and no refunds are provided for such incidents.
HEALTH There is a well equipped medical centre staffed by a doctor and licensed nurse for the benefit of both the guests and the crew. The medical
72
centre is primarily intended to provide acute care for illness and accidents that may occur while on holiday and is not intended to provide long term care for patients with chronic illnesses or as a substitute for regular health care. Charges apply for consultations, prescriptions, and cabin visits. Guests that require regular treatments or testing of any kind during the cruise and land programme must advise Voyages to Antiquity at the time of deposit. Voyages to Antiquity has the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, in its judgment, is in a physical condition that is beyond the care that can be provided or made available.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS Please advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary restrictions or specific food allergies. Guests with specific food allergies must advise Voyages to Antiquity in writing at the time of deposit, and while all possible is done to meet the requirement(s), the guest is expected to exercise due caution when dining, either on board or during pre-, post-, or full-day excursions. The ship can meet most general requests such as low cholesterol, diabetic, and salt- or fat-free. While all dietary requests are provided to our local suppliers and hotels in advance Voyages to Antiquity cannot guarantee fulfillment on included meals at hotels or local restaurants on pre-, post- or full-day excursions.
SHORE EXCURSIONS AND LAND ARRANGEMENTS Shore Excursions: Included in most ports of call. Where suitable, some excursions will be available at an additional cost. Descriptions of the tours will be sent with your final documents or made available on the Voyages to Antiquity website. Lunches on full-day tours can be a picnic lunch provided by Aegean Odyssey or at a local restaurant. On some tours, where lunchtime is in a place offering a wide choice of restaurants, we
have not included lunch and left it up to you (such as in Rome, Florence and Urbino). In places such as Venice and Athens, you may wish to remain in the city at the end of the morning sightseeing rather than return to the ship and in these instances lunch will also be under your own arrangements. Please note that these programmes are planned far in advance of your visit, and we reserve the right to change, cancel, or substitute an included excursion at any time. There is no refund or credit available for non-use of an included excursion.
SMOKING Smoking is only permitted on Belvedere Deck aft. Smoking is prohibited in all other areas including cabins, balconies, and on excursion motorcoaches. All included hotel rooms are requested by Voyages to Antiquity as non-smoking; however this is not always possible and Voyages to Antiquity cannot be held responsible if the guest’s preference is not available on arrival.
CURRENCY, PAYMENTS AND GRATUITIES ON BOARD A “cashless” system is operated on board Aegean Odyssey with all purchases charged to your cabin account. The final account can be settled in UK£ or US$ at the end of the cruise. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards, and Travellers Cheques can be used for settlement; however American Express cardholders will be charged a 2% surcharge. Personal cheques and some kinds of debit cards cannot be accepted. Gratuities for the services you receive on board Aegean Odyssey from your cabin steward and dining room staff are included in your cruise fare. Naturally, guests at their own discretion may wish to show their appreciation to individuals offering exceptional service. Please note that a service charge of 12.5% is automatically added to your account for any bar service.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Cabins and suites feature European 2-pin round outlets with 220 voltage. Hair dryers are provided in your cabin and electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers, and other small appliances can be used. Adapters/converters are available on board for conversion to 110 volts if required; however, we recommend you bring your own in the event supplies are limited. For safety reasons, travel irons are not allowed.
LAUNDRY AND PRESSING Valet service is available for laundry and pressing. A laundry bag and order form are provided in your cabin.
COMMUNICATIONS Aegean Odyssey is fitted with the latest satellite communication technology and direct dial telephones in all cabins. There is also an internet centre on Belvedere Deck and charges are based on connection time.
CHILDREN Voyages to Antiquity cruise programmes are destination focused and designed for adults. There are no facilities for children on board Aegean Odyssey.
DINING ARRANGEMENTS Dining arrangements on Aegean Odyssey are flexible as both restaurants have an “open seating” policy with meal times arranged to suit the ship’s time in port and the shore excursion programmes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the Terrace Café, while lunch and dinner only are available in the Marco Polo Restaurant. On days when full-day shore excursion tours are operated, lunch will only be available in either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant. Reservations can be made for dinner in the Marco Polo Restaurant.
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AEGEAN ODYSSEY
DECK PLAN BRIDGE BRIDGE BRIDGE BRIDGE
804 804 803 803804804 803803 806 806 805 805806806 805805
703 703704704 703703 704 704
AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR LOUNGE LOUNGE LOUNGE LOUNGE
705 705 706 706 705705 706706 707 707 708 708 707707 708708
810 •
709 709714714 714 714 709709 711 711716716 716 716 711711
• •• • • •• •
810 • 810 • 810 •
809 •
809 • 809 • 809 •
808 808 807 807808808 807807
701 701 702 701701 702 702 702
712 • 710 •
802 802 801 801802802 801801
712 • 710 • 712 • 710 • 712 • 710 •
OBSERVATION OBSERVATION OBSERVATION OBSERVATION LOUNGE LOUNGE LOUNGE LOUNGE
LIDO LIDO LIDO LIDO BARBAR BAR BAR
67 feet
Draft
20.5 feet
Cruising Speed
15 knots
Passenger Decks
7
Stabilisers
2
Passenger Staterooms/Cabins Passengers, lower beds
74
216 386 London
Ship’s Registry
Panama
724 •
• •• • • •• •
Lecture Theatre Library/Shop/Internet Centre
811 811 811811
812 812 812812
Outdoor pool
813 813 813813
814 814 814814
Athena Health Spa and Gym
815 815 815815
Beauty Salon Medical Centre Telephone, Fax and E-mail via satellite
Classification Lloyd’s Register Society
• •• • • •• •
3 Lounges/4 Bars
• • •• •• • •
Beam
TV/Hair Dryer/Personal Safe in all cabins
• •• •
461 Feet
CHARLESTON CHARLESTON CHARLESTON CHARLESTON LOUNGE LOUNGE LOUNGE LOUNGE
725 725728728 728 728 725725 727 727730730 730 730 727727
2 Restaurants plus outdoor terrace dining
• • •• •• • •
11,563
• •• •
Ship’s Tonnage Length
723 723 723723
AMENITIES
726 •
POOL POOL POOL POOL
721 721 721721
724 • 724 • 724 •
722 722 717 717722722 717717 719 719 719719
OBSERVATION OBSERVATION OBSERVATION OBSERVATION DECK DECK DECK DECK SPECIFICATION
713 713718718 718 718 713713 720 720 715 715720720 715715
726 • 726 • 726 •
LIDO LIDO LIDO LIDO BARBAR BAR BAR
816 816 816816
818 818 817 817 818818 817817 820 820 819 819 820820 819819 821 822 822 821 822 822 821 821 824 824 823 823 824824 823823 826 826 825 825 826826 825825 827 827 828 828 828 828 827827
LIDO DECK LIDO DECK LIDO DECK LIDO DECK
729 729 729729
732 732 732732
731 731 731731
734 734 734734 736 736 736736
733 733 733733
738 738 735 735 738738 735735 740 740 737 737 740740 737737 739 742 742 739 742742 739739
LIBRARY LIBRARY LIBRARY LIBRARY SHOP SHOP SHOP SHOP
TERRACE CAFE TERRACE CAFE TERRACE CAFE TERRACE CAFE
744 744 741 741 744744 741741 746 746 743 743 746746 743743 748 748 745 745 748748 745745 750 750 747 747 750750 747747
BRIDGE DECK BRIDGE DECK BRIDGE DECK BRIDGE DECK
BARBAR BAR BAR THETHE THE THE TERRACE TERRACE TERRACE TERRACE
PROMENADE DECK PROMENADE DECK PROMENADE DECK PROMENADE DECK
BD
A B
A CA E
YOUR CRUISE FARE INCLUDES
A BC DBB
Cruise on Aegean Odyssey as detailed in the itinerary of your choice
BA D AC C ECA A GB BECA
All meals on board Aegean Odyssey Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays as detailed on itinerary
DB AFB
Lunch (except as noted) on full day excursions
C B A FD CH A
All on-board gratuities for restaurant and cabin staff
F
404#
405 406 406 406
405405 405 504
534
• •
440 442
442442 442
460 464
• • • • • •
•
• • •
436 ▲
460460 460
536 538
• • • • • •
432
455
536536 536 538 538 538 539 HAIR
428
459 464 464 ATHENA ATHENA464ATHENA 459459 459ATHENA HEALTH HEALTH HEALTH HEALTH 463 463463 463 466 466 SPA466 SPASPA SPA 540 467467 467 467 470470 470
535
HAIR HAIR HAIR
424
444
537 537537 537 539539 539
DRESSER DRESSER 543 543543DRESSER 543 541 DRESSER 540540 540 541541 541 547 547547 547 INTERNET INTERNET INTERNET INTERNET 545 542 545545 545 549542 542 549549 549
420
444444 444 443 448 445 443443 448 448 448 443 445445 445 446 446 446 447 450 447447 450 450 450 447 449 452 452 452 449449 449 451 454 451451 454 454 454 451 453 456456 456 453453 453
RECEPTION RECEPTION RECEPTIONRECEPTION
535535 535
•
• • • •
439 441
• • •
•
■
439439 439 441441 441
455455 455
•
■
530
•
■
■
■
527 528 528 528 527527528 527 529 530530 530 529529 529 532 532531 532 531531532 531 533 534534 534 533533 533
■
522
•
523523524 523524 524523 524 521 521521 521 522522 522 ▲525 ▲ 526 ▲▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 526 ▲ 526 525525 526525
416
418 417 418 420420 420 422 422419 424424 424 426 426423 428428 428 430427 ▲ 430 432432 432 434 434 433 ▲ ▲436 ▲ 436 436 438 438 437 440 440 440
446 452 456
466 470
542 471471 471 475475 475
471
474474 474
474
475
476476 476
476
477
478478 478
478
551551 551
551
544544 544
544 477477 477
553553 553
553
546546 546
546
Selected shore excursions as detailed in each itinerary
DD
412
■
• • •
• •
• •• • •
518
• • •• • • •
519 518 518 518 519519 519 520 517 517517520 517520 520
• • •• • • •
418 417417 418 417 415 415415 415 422 419419 422 419 421 421421 421 426 426 423 423 423 425 425425 425 430 430 ▲ ▲427 427427 429▲ 429429 429 434434 ▲ ▲431 433 431 ▲ ▲ 433 433 431431 438438 435 437437 437 435435 435
• • •
• •
514
• •• • •
510
515 514514 514 515515 515 516 516 513 516 516513 513513
408
407 408408 408 407407 407 410 410 409 410 409409 410409 411412412 412 411411 411 ▲ ▲ 414 ▲ ▲ 413414416 416 416 413413 413 414414
508
■
503 503503 503 504504 504 506 506 505 506 506505 505505 507 508508 508 507507 507 512 509510 512 512509 509509 511512 510510 511511 511
406
•
403 404# 404# 403403 403 404#
AEEC GE C BA D AG EBC D IBF
BHFD FA B CDE D FC BEH MARCO POLO G MARCO POLOPOLO MARCO POLO MARCO C RESTAURANTJ RESTAURANT RESTAURANT RESTAURANT E CIG C EB
DD EF H A CFIG D F
C DJKD FH G H F E EH IB J DGEG
ID EAKLEG H FG FIKIJC EHFH
Selected wine with dinner (beer or soft drinks if preferred) on board
CATEGORY COLOURS DOUBLE STATEROOM/CABINS
Owner’s Suites with Balcony
CAT B
Junior Suites with Balcony
CAT C
Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony
Transfers between airports (once you have cleared customs), hotels and ship abroad^
CAT D
Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony
Porterage of luggage to/from your cabin
CAT E
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside
CAT F
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside
CAT G
Premium Outside
• •
• • • • • •
• •
• • • • • •
^Included transfers are provided only in conjunction with arrival and departure dates of cruise-tours (including optional pre- and post hotel stays) as outlined in this brochure. Provided flight details are advised to Voyages to Antiquity.
CAT H
Premium Outside
CAT I ◆
Premium Outside
NOT INCLUDED IN THE FARE
CAT J
Standard Outside
CAT K
Premium Inside
• Optional shore excursions, where offered • Beverages (other than those included at dinner) and other items of a personal nature • Beauty and Spa treatments• Laundry and pressing services • Internet charges and telephone calls• Visas and airport taxes where these are payable locally • Government fees, surcharges and local taxes..
E CAT L Premium Inside 548548 548 555555 555 I JG FH FBLM H CAT M Standard Inside K 550 557 550550 550 557557 557 MEDICAL MEDICAL MEDICAL MEDICAL GIJLDI 559 552 F GF SINGLE CABINS 559559 559 552552 552 554 561 554554 554 M 561561 561 CAT CC Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony IJ IKH GG C LE 556 563556556 556 563563 563 CAT EE Deluxe Stateroom, Outside KJ HJKM H ◆ 565558 558 565565 565 558558 CAT GG Premium Outside GG 567560 560 567567 567 560560 LIJK CAT HH ◆ Premium Outside H J H F 569562 562 DLM 569569 569 562562 CAT I I ◆ Premium Outside K IKLIH 571564 564 571571 571 564564 CAT J J Standard Outside H KL 573566 566 J 573573 573 566566 M IK CAT KK Premium Inside IE GL 575568 568 575575 575 568568 M CAT LL Premium Inside 577570 570 JLJI 577577 577 570570 M CAT MM Standard Inside IM L K JLH FJ JM * Categories I, II, GG and some HH cabins have partially obstructed views. K KM J KLM I DECK M MARCO POLO BELVEDERE COLUMBUS MARCO POLO DECK MARCO POLO DECK MARCO POLO DECK BELVEDERE DECK COLUMBUS DECK BELVEDERE DECK DECK BELVEDERE DECKDECKCOLUMBUS COLUMBUS DECKDECK K GK LLM KLJ 548
555
Lecture programme featuring expert guest speakers
CAT A
FOR CURRENT SAVER FARES PLEASE REFER TO EACH CRUISE DEPARTURE
multi award-winning
For more information email AUSTRALIA: info@vta.net.au NEW ZEALAND: info@vta.co.nz
www.voyagestoantiquity.com.au
75
MV AEGEAN ODYSSEY SUITES, STATEROOMS & CABINS All suites, staterooms and cabins have bath and/or shower, flatscreen TV, safe, hair dryer and are fully air-conditioned. Balcony Class staterooms (categories A to D) have additional amenities as detailed on page 23. Note: Cabin plans are indicative and may vary within each price grade, especially as relates to single cabins. Not all categories are shown. The sizes, layout and bed configuration will vary within a category. The areas shown are averages and include the balcony. Beds may be fixed double (queen size), fixed separate twin beds or twin beds that can be converted into double beds. All outside staterooms/cabins have windows except Category J, most of which have portholes.
Category B alt Junior Suite
Cat A - Owner’s Suite, balcony
Single cabin features include European full size beds – cabin sizes are smaller than sizes noted for double occupancy cabins. CATEGORY A: Owner’s Suites 550 sq ft staterooms located on Lido Deck. Marble bathrooms, dressing area, separate sitting area and private balcony. Convertible twin beds. CATEGORY B: Junior Balcony Suites 310 sq ft staterooms located on Lido Deck. Marble bathrooms, walk-in closet, sitting area and private balcony. Convertible twin beds.
Cat B - Junior Suite, balcony
CATEGORY C/D: Deluxe Balcony Staterooms 275 sq ft staterooms located on Lido, Bridge and Belvedere Decks. Bath/shower or walk-in shower, sitting area and private balcony. Fixed double bed, separate twins or convertible twins depending on cabin selected. Cabins 807, 808 on Lido Deck are smaller and do not have a sitting area. Cat C/D - Deluxe Stateroom, balcony
CATEGORY E: Deluxe Staterooms 215 sq ft staterooms located on Belvedere Deck. Private bath/ shower or walk-in shower. Convertible twin beds. Cabins 556 and 563 are smaller but have a fixed double bed and a balcony. CATEGORY F: Deluxe Staterooms 170-200 sq ft staterooms located on Lido, Bridge and Belvedere Decks. Bath/shower or walk-in shower. Convertible twin or fixed double beds.
Category E alt Deluxe Outside
Cat E - Deluxe Stateroom, outside
Cat F - Deluxe Stateroom, outside
CATEGORY G: Premium Outside Cabins 130-150 sq ft staterooms located on Bridge and Lido Decks. Private shower, fixed twin beds, convertible twin beds or fixed double bed. Views in some cabins partially obstructed by lifeboats. CATEGORY H/I: Premium Outside Cabins CATEGORY J: Standard Outside Cabins 130 sq ft cabins located on Bridge, Belvedere and Columbus Decks. Fixed twin beds with private shower. Category I cabins on Bridge deck have two windows with views partially obstructed by lifeboats and some cabins feature a fixed double bed. Category J: Standard Outside Cabins are similar in size and layout, but most have portholes in place of windows.
Cat G/H/I/J - Premium & Standard, outside
76
CATEGORY I: Premium Outside Cabin with fixed double
Cat K/L/M - Premium & Standard, inside
CATEGORY K/L: Premium Inside Cabins CATEGORY M: Standard Inside Cabins 130 sq ft cabins located on Belvedere and Columbus Decks. Fixed twin beds with private shower.
CATEGORY C: Deluxe Stateroom with balcony
CATEGORY L: Premium Inside Cabin
CATEGORY F: Deluxe Stateroom
CATEGORY H: Premium Outside Cabin
CATEGORY B: Junior Suite with balcony
77
BOOKING FORM
Please complete all information below to avoid booking delay
Embarkation Port
CRUISE NAME Booking Reference Number
Flight arrival details: Date
Flight No:
Time:
Australia or New Zealand Departure Date
Lead Name
PASSENGER DETAILS
2nd Passenger
Surname (as shown on passport) First Name (as shown on passport) Mr/Mrs/Miss/other Occupation Place of Birth Nationality Date of Birth Passport Number
HOW TO RESERVE
Date & Place of Issue Expiry Date Home Address
• Select your cruise and preferred cabin category.
Town/City
• To reserve your cabin contact your travel agent who can take care of your booking.
State/Postcode Telephone Number
• Once you have been given a booking reference number, complete the booking form and send it with a 10% deposit or AU$ 1,000, whichever is greater, to your travel agent. NZ$ deposit will be confirmed at time of booking.
E-mail address Emergency: Contact (not travelling) Contact Phone Number and relationship to passenger
Cabin Category & Number SPECIAL REQUESTS Dietary Other
INSURANCE All passengers must purchase a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy.
PAYMENT DETAILS I enclose DEPOSIT (non-refundble) or FULL PAYMENT (bookings within 90 days of departure)
AU$/NZ$ AU$/NZ$
SIGNATURE On behalf of the persons named above, whose authority I have to sign this agreement, I have read the information on this cruise and accept the Terms and Conditions.
• An invoice will be issued within one week of confirmation and the balance of your holiday must be received 90 days before departure. • Your documents will be sent approximately three weeks before departure once full payment has been received.
Policy issued by: Policy No: Insurance Company Worldwide 24-hour emergency telephone No:
Name (please print) Signature
Date
Travel Agent
MEDICAL DECLARATION All the above named persons are fit to travel and are not travelling contrary to medical advice. All pre-existing medical conditions which may require treatment aboard ship must be declared prior to deposit being paid or accepted.
78
NB. If there is a change in the general health of any of the above named, medical advice should be sought before taking the proposed holiday. A medical certificate may be requested.
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO YOUR TRAVEL AGENT
All fares are in Australian Dollars. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, cruise tour only. Valid at the time of printing July 2017. Fare includes all items detailed in the ‘Cruise Includes’ Panel on page 75. All Saver Fares including any % discount offered at the time of booking are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice. Single fares are limited in numbers and is recommended you book early. All information was correct at the time of printing but is subject to change without notice. 1. The contract The contract exists between you and Voyages to Antiquity (UK) Limited (the Company) once we have received your signed booking form and accepted the required deposit payment and we have sent you a confirmation/ invoice. The terms and conditions apply to all passengers named on the booking form and the person signing the booking form warrants that he or she is authorised to do so. All correspondence will be conducted with the lead person named on the booking form. 2. Deposits and final payment A deposit of AU$ 1,000 per person or 10% of the total holiday cost (whichever is the greater), along with the completed Booking Form is required to secure your reservation. NZ$ deposit amount will be confirmed at time of booking. Your Travel Agent may also add their own separate Booking Fees at time of deposit. Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Full payment must be made at time of booking if made within 90 days of departure. We reserve the right to cancel your booking and apply the relevant cancellation charges (detailed below) if we do not receive all payments at the due time. All Travel Documents are only issued after final payment has been received by the company. FLY FREE offers are subject to availability and capacity controlled and may require additional deposits and or funds to be paid to ensure air ticketing conditions are met. 3. Changes by you Should you wish to make a change to your confirmed reservation you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Whilst we will try to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. When we can, a AU$100 per person amendment fee (AU$200 within 90 days) is payable plus any other charges imposed by your Travel Agent. A change of sailing date by the passenger within 90 days prior to departure will be treated as a cancellation. Your Travel Agent may also charge administration fees separately to Voyages to Antiquity. 4. Cancellation by you You need to notify the Company in writing as soon as possible if you or any member of your party needs to cancel your cruise holiday, cancellation fees as indicated will be calculated from the date this letter is received by Voyages Antiquity. Cancellation charges payable to the company are shown here: Period before departure when written notice is received by the Company more than 90 days between 61 to 89 days between 31 to 60 days between 16 to 30 days 15 days or less
Cancellation charge per person cancelling 10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS The cancellation charge is based on the total invoice charge for all services. Your Travel Agent may also charge cancellation fees separately to Voyages to Antiquity.
any and all delays, cancellations, or changes to any part of your total travel itinerary that occur. This includes any airline or ground arrangements that you may have.
5. Travel Insurance All International passengers should have fully comprehensive travel insurance valid from the date of deposit being made. We suggest you discuss with your Travel Agent the various insurance policies available. Policies can be purchased that provide protection in the event of trip cancellation, interruption, personal illness, injury, medical and baggage protection. Verification of your travel insurance policy may be required by Voyages to Antiquity.
7. Consideration for others We expect all passengers to have consideration for other people. If in our reasonable opinion the behavior of any passenger is likely to cause damage, upset or distress to any third party or damage to property, the Company reserves the right to terminate that passenger’s cruise without prior notice. In these extreme circumstances no refunds will be made and the Company will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination of the cruise. The departure of the ship from any port will not be delayed for passengers who are not on board by the published departure time.
6. Itinerary Changes The holidays featured in this brochure are planned many months in advance. Occasionally, events can occur that will require changes (including cancellations) to be made to the published itineraries – both before and after bookings have been confirmed. Some changes are minor, but occasionally they can be a significant change. Cancellations of, or changes to, itineraries may be made for a number of reasons including (but not limited to) war, civil unrest, industrial disruption/strikes, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, adverse travel advisory warnings issued by Governmental organisations, insufficient bookings or to maintain and protect the safety of passengers, crew and the ship. A significant change with alternative arrangements, or cancellation and refund A significant change is defined as a change to either your initial embarkation port or to the disembarkation port from that in your published itinerary to a port in a different country and advised to you at least 15 days prior to your travel departure. You can choose to either accept the alternate arrangement(s) which we will advise to you, or to cancel your booking and receive a refund of moneys that you have paid to the travel agent for the services that were to be provided by Voyages to Antiquity. Please note that for any change of embarkation or disembarkation port that requires guests to change their flights and routing, compensation is limited to a maximum of AU$750 pp. Changes to any Port of call in your itinerary Changes to the order, or substitution, of any dates or times at the Ports of call in the published itinerary are not considered a significant change and do not entitle you to any refunds or compensation. Normal cancellation fees will apply should you choose to cancel when advised of these Ports of call changes prior to your travel departure. The ship’s captain is responsible for the safety of the ship, passengers and crew. The captain has absolute discretion in making any alterations during the cruise to the published itinerary as the captain considers necessary and no compensation or refunds apply. Your rights in all other situations In all other situations, neither Voyages to Antiquity nor the travel agent or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries, employees or agents have any liability to you and you will need to ensure that your travel insurance will compensate you for
8. Fitness and Eligibility The focus of the cruises featured in this brochure is on the extensive programme of included sightseeing and to fully participate in this you need to be reasonably fit and have no walking difficulties. In any event your mobility should not be an impediment to others on the guided tours. We also reserve the right to refuse to accept a booking without giving a reason. 9. Liability The liability of the Company and any other party that may be involved in providing services in connection with any of the holidays in this brochure may be limited where international conventions apply. These include the Warsaw Convention which relates to carriage by air and the Athens Convention which relates to carriage by sea. Travel on board the mv Aegean Odyssey is subject to the conditions of carriage issued by the ship operating company and travel on board aircraft to join the Aegean Odyssey is subject to the airline’s standard ticket conditions. Full details are available on request. The Company is not to be held responsible for any act, event or omission during the time passengers are not aboard the vessel. The Company acts only as an agent for the supplier of off-ship services such as airlines and other off-ship transportation carriers, meals, shore excursions, accommodations, air ambulance and shore-side physicians. These may limit or exclude liability. Claims other than for personal injury, death and illness are limited to a reasonable amount. 10. English Law The conditions form part of the contract with the Company and any disputes arising out of it are governed by English Law. All proceedings shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. 11. Independent Travel Arrangements Voyages to Antiquity is not responsible with regard to air or land travel or accommodation arrangements made using non-refundable, restricted travel or frequent flyer air tickets or frequent traveler hotel accommodations. This exclusion of liability includes the consequences of delays in the arrival at any airport, hotel, or port location that may occur when passengers who have purchased a cruise only holiday are using independently arranged air or land travel or when
changes in travel arrangements may need to be made due to changes Voyages to Antiquity may make to the embarkation or disembarkation ports and the time of embarkation and disembarkation. The Passenger Ticket/Passage Contract contains full terms and conditions for these exclusions. 12. Final Travel Documentation Travel documents including any air charter tickets are issued only after passport details have been received and final payment has been made to Voyages to Antiquity. In most cases the final documentation is sent no later than 30-21 days prior to scheduled departure. It is the responsibility of the passenger(s) and for his travel agent to verify that the full name(s) on any cruise, land, or air charter arrangements and reservations are the same as listed on his/her passport. Voyages to Antiquity is not responsible for cancellation or pre-bookable fees imposed by any supplier due to incorrect names provided by the travel agent or guest. 13. Services provided by Independent Contractors All shoreside tours and services described in this brochure or on the website including air charter, hotel, transfers and excursions are provided by independent contractors. Voyages to Antiquity acts solely as ticketing agent for all shore side activities and has no legal obligation or liability of any kind to guests for acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground/tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Voyages to Antiquity. 14. Luggage Handling All baggage must conform to and will be handled in accordance with the regulations and restrictions of airlines, government security requirements, and third party suppliers. Charges or fees relating to the carriage and the handling of luggage excluding porterage at the pier and to/from the Voyages to Antiquity vessel are the guests' responsibility. Voyages of Antiquity reserves the right to search guest luggage at any time and to refuse any items that might be considered dangerous. All hand- carried luggage and personal effects are the responsibility of the guest at all times. Voyages of Antiquity is not responsible for the loss or damage to guest luggage. Baggage insurance as part of your travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Please refer to the Passenger Ticket/Passage Contract for the full details of the Voyages to Antiquity Luggage Policy. 15. Tipping on board Please note that gratuities for cabin and restaurant staff on board Aegean Odyssey are included in your fare. However, a service charge of 12.5% is automatically added to your account for any bar service. 16. Errors & Omissions While Voyages to Antiquity makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in this brochure its promotions and as displayed on the website, Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right not to honor any published fares that it determines were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. Voyages to Antiquity is not responsible or liable for any typographical errors, omissions or misprints. 17. Ship’s Registry Mv Aegean Odyssey is registered in Panama. Printed in Australia 07/17
79
2 01 8 VOYA G E S T O commencing
A n T i q u i T Y no. of days
AWA R D - WIN N ING VOYAGE S
2 0 1 8
from – to
page no.
13
athens – athens
30 – 31
may 6
ancient greece & dalmatian coast
13
athens – venice
32 – 33
may 18
classical italy & the adriatic
15
venice – rome
34 – 35
may 28
renaisance italy & historic islands
17
rome – seville
36 – 37
june 9
european connoisseur
17
seville – london
40 – 41
june 21
the norwegian fjords
17
london – london
42 – 43
july 5
iceland, faroes & shetlands i
18
london – london
44 – 45
july 20
the british isles
17
london – london
46 – 47
august 3
iceland, faroes & shetlands ii
18
london – london
48 – 49
august 18
the three rivers
17
london – lisbon
50 – 51
august 30
mediterranean odyssey
17
lisbon – rome
54 – 55
september 11
italian & adriatic highlights
15
rome – venice
56 – 57
september 25
dalmatia & ancient greece
13
venice – athens
58 – 59
october 1
the aegean experience 1
13
athens – athens
60 – 61 62 – 63
october 10
the aegean experience 1i
13
athens – athens
october 18
the aegean experience & cairo
13
athens – athens
64 – 65
october 28
a voyage through the middle sea
14
athens – malaga
66 – 67
november 10
moorish odyssey
12
malaga – tenerife
68 – 69
GREEK ISLANDS • NORWEGIAN FJORDS • BRITISH ISLES • ICELAND • MOROCCO • EGYPT
• 2 0 1 8
FLY FREE TO EUROPE WITH OUR GRAND VOYAGES – please call for brochure Contact your Travel Agent to reserve your cabin
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY AUSTRALIA Tel: 02 9959 1345 Email: info@vta.net.au
MEDITERRANEAN
A n T i q u i T Y
the aegean experience 1
VOYA G E S T O
april 26
b fo oo sa r k ve sp ea r f ec rly ar ial es
now featuring
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY NEW ZEALAND Toll Free: 0800 CRUISE (278 473) Email: info@vta.co.nz
new destinations – maiden voyages – outstanding value
2225/07.17 aus edition
the norwegian fjords