CRUISE GUIDE
30 October − 10 November 2018 Athens to Malaga
A VOYAGE THROUGH THE MIDDLE SEA A late autumnal voyage exploring the fascinating islands of the Mediterranean. Trace Greek history from the Minoan civilisation of the Aegean Islands to the colonisation of Sicily.
INTRODUCTION In this booklet, you will find useful destination information and a comprehensive guide to both included and optional shore excursions. It also introduces your guest speakers and includes an invaluable reading guide to add an extra dimension of appreciation to your cruise. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
Please note – while we will do our best to adhere to this full itinerary, there may be changes at the discretion of the captain, due to weather advisories, port traffic and other unforeseeable circumstances. 2
Palermo
Historian John Julius Norwich’s The Middle Sea has always been at the forefront of the VTA philosophy and this Mediterranean journey takes inspiration once again from his work. Visit the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri in Santorini and the Cretan Palace of Knossos, without the heat and crowds of the summer months. Be captivated by the Maltese capital of Valletta and its fascinating and varied history, before arriving in Sicily for a choice between the archaeological park of Syracuse or glamorous Taormina, with its impressive Greek theatre. Pass through the famous Strait of Messina and continue to Palermo and Trapani where sightseeing includes the sparkling mosaics of Monreale Cathedral, the hilltop cobbled city of Erice, and the Doric temple of Segesta.
Santorini
YOUR ITINERARY
AEG181030
2018
PORT
ARRIVE
DEPART
30 OCT
PIRAEUS Greece Embark Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus
31 OCT
SANTORINI Greek Islands
8.00am
6.00pm
1 NOV
HERAKLION Crete, Greek Islands
6.00am
6.00pm
2 NOV
CHANIA Crete, Greek Islands
7.00am
9.00pm
3 NOV
AT SEA
4 NOV
VALLETTA Malta
8.00am
8.00pm
5 NOV
CATANIA Sicily
8.00am
6.00pm
6 NOV
PALERMO Sicily
7.00am
8.00pm
7 NOV
TRAPANI Sicily
7.00am
6.00pm
8 NOV
AT SEA
9 NOV
AT SEA
10 NOV
MALAGA Spain Disembark Aegean Odyssey
8.00pm
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS • Marvel at the complex history of the Minoans in Santorini and Crete
• Wander through the small but bustling streets of Chania’s delightful old town and enjoy free time in the market • Stand out on deck as Aegean Odyssey sails into Valletta’s historic and impressive Grand Harbour • In-depth discovery of Sicily with calls at Catania, Palermo and Trapani • The opportunity for an exclusive visit to the privately-owned Palazzo Gangi, one of Palermo’s most incredible secrets
7.00am
Ship at anchor
Please note – this is the cruise itinerary. If you have booked a longer programme with the pre- or post-cruise hotel stay, you can find this information on pages 15-16. Valletta
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YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY
30 OCTOBER 2018 ATHENS, GREECE Embark Aegean Odyssey in Piraeus, the port of Athens, in the afternoon. The ship sets sail this evening.
31 OCTOBER SANTORINI, GREEK ISLANDS An island of extraordinary beauty, presenting one of the defining visions of the Mediterranean, also boasts an enthralling history and delicious food and wine.
Taormina
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Santorini
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
AKROTIRI AND OIA (Full day)
OIA AND ARGYROS WINERY (Full day)
A full day excursion begins with a tour of the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age Minoan settlement which grew prosperous thanks to its position on the Mediterranean’s ancient copper trading route. For its time, it was a highly sophisticated city, with paved streets, an extensive drainage system and a district of workshops including metal smelters. The volcanic eruption which obliterated the city in 1627 BC also preserved it, like Pompeii and Herculaneum, and visitors may explore its shops, squares and houses, many still displaying frescoes depicting religious events, exotic animals, flowers and everyday life in Akrotiri. It makes for a fascinating and poignant experience.
The breathtaking village of Oia, on the northernmost tip of Santorini, is one of Europe’s loveliest sights, with its blue domes and white and pastel coloured houses – the Mediterranean of the popular imagination. This alternative full day excursion presents the opportunity to wander its narrow streets, admiring the handmade ceramics, paintings and semi-precious jewellery on display in its tiny shops. Relax with a coffee at one of the characterful cafes and drink in the beautiful views of island and sea.
We then continue to Oia, the most famous and most photographed village in Santorini. This is the postcard view of the island – whitewashed houses and churches clinging to the cliffside, overlooking the azure sea. The old capital Pyrgos, with its large Venetian castle, is located at the highest point of the island and we take in the impressive panoramic vistas, before concluding our excursion in the stunning present day capital, Fira, where you may enjoy a stroll through the town before returning to the ship via cable car.
Impressive views are also the order of the day at the 18th century Monastery of Mount Profitis Ilias, an excellent example of Cycladic architecture atop Santorini’s highest peak. Our scenic drive then continues to the Argyros wine estate. Founded in 1903, this family-run vineyard combines ancient traditions with modern technology to produce some of the island’s most prestigious wines, which we are invited to taste. Then a short drive brings us to Fira, the picturesque capital of Santorini, with free time to explore before returning to Aegean Odyssey via cable car.
KEY TO SYMBOLS Extensive walking Uneven surfaces Archaeological ground Significant steps Uphill sections Features a boat ride Cable car Bustling streets Winding roads Lunch box included Respectful dress
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1 NOVEMBER HERAKLION, CRETE, GREEK ISLANDS Greece’s largest island is a magical blend of wild beauty, charming villages, ancient marvels and a rich mythology as the birthplace of Zeus and home to the monstrous Minotaur.
Knossos
Knossos
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INCLUDED EXCURSION
KNOSSOS PALACE & ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM (Half day, AM) The capital of Minoan Crete and the centre of an advanced Bronze Age civilisation, Knossos was one of the great settlements of antiquity. At its heart, the multi-storey Palace of Knossos covered an astonishing 20,000m2 and, according to legend, was the seat of King Minos, whose wife gave birth to a half-man, half-bull creature – the Minotaur – which lurked in an intricate labyrinth, feasting on an annual gift of seven young men and seven young women. Theseus, Prince of Athens, negotiated his way through the labyrinth with a golden thread in order to vanquish the monster, earning the love of Minos’ daughter Ariadne; but the tale has an unhappy ending – on his return journey Theseus abandoned Ariadne and as punishment the gods made him forget to change his sails from black to white: the signal to his homeland that he was still alive. Upon seeing the black sail approach, his distraught father King Aegeus threw himself from a cliff into the sea below. Join us in the discovery of this legendary palace, destroyed by earthquake but carefully unearthed and meticulously reconstructed to give an idea of its former grandeur. Further insights into Minoan life and art may also be found at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the best in Greece.
Knossos
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
CRETAN VILLAGE LIFE - $35 per person (Half day, PM) In the benevolent shadow of Mount Youchtas, believed by the ancients to have been the birthplace of Zeus and his place of entombment, is Archanes, its lovingly restored traditional pastel-coloured houses and tumbling bougainvillea earning it the reputation of one of the Greek Islands’ most picturesque villages. The small but fascinating Archanes Archaeological Museum, housed inside a 19th century neoclassical building that originally served as the village’s first school, exhibits finds and replicas unearthed during nearby excavations of a Minoan palace thought to have been the summer residence of an ancient king of Knossos. A guided walk then takes in the traditional houses and churches, and there is time to enjoy Greek hospitality and a few local specialities in the village tavern, before we return to Heraklion by way of another splendidly attractive village, Vathipetro.
Archanes
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2 NOVEMBER CHANIA, CRETE, GREEK ISLANDS Cruising west along the coast of Crete, arrive at the 14th century Venetian harbour city of Chania, an authentic gem renowned for its pedestrianised waterfront of restaurants and cafes.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Chania
WALKING TOUR OF CHANIA'S OLD TOWN (Half day, AM) The first destination on this tour is one of enormous national importance for the people of Crete and of Greece. At the base of the Akrotiri peninsula, on top of Profitis Ilias hill, is the tomb of the island’s national hero, Eleftherios Venizelos, who prior to becoming Prime Minster for Greece was instrumental in Chania’s struggle against the Ottomans. It was here that Cretan rebels raised the Greek flag in 1897 in defiance of the Great Powers, making it a place of pilgrimage to this day. After visiting the shrine we will transfer to the city of Chania for a look around the archaeological museum, located inside the Venetian church of San Francesco, where artefacts include western-Cretan pottery, sculpture and mosaics, and coins dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. Finally, we will enjoy a leisurely walking tour around the old town and market of Chania, where there will also be an opportunity for free time to explore.
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3 NOVEMBER AT SEA A day at sea presents the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Aegean Odyssey’s many facilities and programme of lectures and activities. Start the day at the Athena Health Spa and Gym, or in the outdoor pool. Try a cocktail in the Lido Bar, or enjoy an aperitif in the Charleston Lounge, before settling down to dinner.
4 NOVEMBER VALLETTA, MALTA A spectacular breakfast arrival into the Grand Harbour of Valletta is the perfect way to begin a day ashore on one of the friendliest islands in the Mediterranean.
Grand Master's Palace, Valletta
INCLUDED EXCURSION
VALLETTA & MDINA (Half day, AM) Valletta was founded in 1566 by Jean Parisot de Vallette, the 48th Grand Master of the Knights of St John, who was captured at the siege of Rhodes in 1522 at the age of 28, became a slave on a Turkish galley, and fought during the 1565 siege of Malta. Visit the Grand Master's Palace, designed by Gerolamo Cassar, with its luxuriously furnished State Rooms and portraits of past Grand Masters; followed by the baroque exterior of St John's Co-Cathedral. We will then drive to Mdina, where much of the architecture dates from the Middle Ages. Around 60AD, Apostle Paul was shipwrecked off the coast of the island and lived in a cave near the city, where he converted the Roman governor, Publius, to Christianity. During your stroll of Mdina's narrow streets you will visit St Paul's Cathedral, built, according to tradition, on the site where Publius once lived. Note: the interior of St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta will be closed to the public during this Sunday tour.
5 NOVEMBER CATANIA, SICILY Morning arrival in Sicily’s second largest city, where the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring superb examples of baroque architecture.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
SYRACUSE (Half day, AM) Many a conqueror set his sights on Syracuse, one of the largest and wealthiest cities of ancient Europe. At the height of its powers this great metropolis rivalled Athens, Carthage and Rome. The archaeological park has a 16,000-capacity Roman amphitheatre cut into the hillside that was originally used for gladiator fights, circuses and the staging of entertaining naval battles known as naumachia. During your tour you will also visit the Altar of Hieron, thought to have been built by Hiero II in the 3rd century BC as a table for the sacrificing of bulls to Zeus; the Greek Theatre, once the centre of the city’s political and cultural life; and the subterranean latomìe: man-made vaults supported by carved stone pillars. The most famous of these are the Rope-makers’ Cave, so called because it was used by manufacturers of string, or “cordari” as it was known – and the Orecchio di Dionisio, or Ear of Dionysius.
Mdina
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Valletta.
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INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
TAORMINA (Half day, AM)
Taormina
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Nowhere is the beauty of Sicily more apparent than in the hilltop town of Taormina. Perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, this remarkable destination has a delightful medieval character, with plenty of interesting historical sites to explore. During a stroll around the town we will see the Palazzo Corvaia, which incorporates a 10th century Saracen fortress atop Roman foundations. The resulting 15th century Moorish-Gothic style is particularly notable for its lancet windows. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre, the second largest of its kind in Sicily, dating from the 3rd century BC and still frequently used for operas and other theatrical performances. Time will also be available to stroll along the Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina, into some of the town’s smaller lanes and alleyways (or vuizze as they are known) to shop for locally made handcrafts. Then enjoy a short sightseeing drive through Via Etnea, Villa Bellini, Piazza Stesicoro and Piazza Duomo, before returning to Catania.
Palermo
6 NOVEMBER PALERMO, SICILY The island’s capital is another great celebration of the highest achievements in Western civilisation. Founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, its strategic importance has infused it with an extraordinary depth of culture.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
THE PALATINE CHAPEL & PALERMO CATHEDRAL (Half day, AM)
Palermo
During Roger II’s reign as King of Sicily in the 12th century AD, the island became a great maritime power and the channel through which Greek and Arabic is thought to have passed into Europe. The spirit of this period is gloriously expressed through many of the island’s revered historic buildings, but nowhere is this more magnificently apparent than within the superb Palatine Chapel. Built during the 1130s and 1140s, this is the king’s masterpiece – a stunning fusion of creamy marble inlaid with gold leaf in the Latin style. The palace has its origins in the 9th century AD, when the Emir of Palermo began building over a Punic Roman stronghold; but it was Roger II who crowned his palace with this jewel of a chapel. You will also see nearby San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a Norman church with Arabic domes built by Roger II in 1132; and be driven to Palermo Cathedral, site of the huge porphyry tomb of Roger II.
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Cefalu
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
MONREALE (Half day, AM) Monreale Cathedral is considered by many to be the most beautiful Norman church in Italy. The exterior may have the look of an austere fortress, but inside offers visions of the divine. This tour also includes the Benedictine cloisters, a magnificent synthesis of Romanesque and Arab architecture.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
CEFALĂ™ - $35 per person (Half day, PM) When King Roger II seemed faced with shipwreck, he is said to have vowed to build a splendid cathedral should he survive. Visit that extraordinary church, located in a charming hill-town on a headland jutting into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Your adventure begins with a brief panoramic tour of Palermo's historic centre, followed by a scenic coastal drive to CefalĂš. This ancient fishing village takes its name from the Greek word kephaloidion, meaning chief or head.
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OPTIONAL EXTENSION VISIT
PALAZZO GANGI - $55 per person (Half day, PM) Among Palermo’s most delightful secrets are the aristocratic, privately-owned residences. When the Princes Gangi decided to remodel a 15th century ancestral palace, Sicily’s leading artists were summoned to assist in creating their showcase. Today, we’ll visit the fabulous results. The palazzo is especially noted for its Sicilian Baroque ballroom where, in 1882, Wagner composed the opening bars of Parsifal and, in 1963, Luchino Visconti filmed the magnificent ball scene of The Leopard. This visit is exclusive to guests of Voyages to Antiquity. Note: Please check with the Tour Office on board for details on how to register for this programme which is operated as an extension to included excursions. However, as space is very limited, we recommend you register at the earliest opportunity once on board.
7 NOVEMBER TRAPANI, SICILY Situated on the west coast of Sicily, Trapani was founded by the ancient Elymians and originally known as Drepanon, after the Greek world for “scythe”, due to its curving harbour.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
SEGESTA (Half day, AM) Once an advanced centre of the Elymian civilisation, Segesta was founded in the 5th to 4th centuries BC by a combination of exiled Trojans, Greek Phocaeans and indigenous Sicanians. Situated on a plateau protected by two peaks, the city was extremely well poised. Yet despite careful placement it was sacked by the Vandals during the Roman era and only two major ruins remain: a Greek designed amphitheatre where plays from antiquity are still staged; and a splendidly well-preserved, thirty-six columned Doric temple that makes for a truly majestic sight amidst the rolling hills. A short, albeit steep, walk from the temple will take you up to the amphitheatre for some amazing views over the valley, but a shuttle bus is available should you struggle with the climb. The views along the way are also stunning, so if you can manage the walk, it is well worth the effort. This ancient and important town wasn’t abandoned until the Middle Ages, so Segesta also boasts the archaeological remains of many other times and cultures, including the ruins of a Norman castle, a small church and a mosque.
Segesta
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Erice
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
ERICE (Half day, AM) An exquisite hill-top Norman town and castle, the walls encircling Erice incorporate original Phoenician fortifications and there is evidence of a cult to a goddess of fertility, Venus Erycina, inside the castle, along with a sacred well and Roman bath. This tour will also include some free time to explore the tempting shops featuring local specialities such as marzipan pastries, or to enjoy the panoramic views of Trapani and the Egadi Islands.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
8/9 NOVEMBER AT SEA Enjoy Aegean Odyssey’s on-board facilities as you cruise the Mediterranean over the next two days. Lectures and activities are available.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT As we cruise to Malaga, Guest Speaker topics include ‘What is happening in the world of Islam?’ by Ernie Rea, ‘Spain: Crossroads from Africa’ by Joyce Salisbury and ‘The Hand of Zyphyros’ by David Drewry. Full details for the whole cruise can be found on Page 19.
Selinunte
SELINUNTE & MARSALA - $49* per person (Full day) A site of Hellenic antiquity blessed with a particularly dramatic setting, Selinunte provides a superb illustration of the synthesis of Greek and Phoenician culture. From here you will then be transported to Marsala for a walking tour of its quaint streets, before visiting the cellars of a 19th century wine farm that has been restored to its former splendour. Here you will learn more about the distinctions of Marsala and enjoy some tasting of local wines. *This includes a credit for the non-use of the included excursion
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10 NOVEMBER MALAGA, SPAIN Disembark Aegean Odyssey after breakfast, in the port of Malaga.
Voyages to Antiquity offers a variety of cruise packages, some of which include land touring elements before and/or after the cruise itself. In this case, a two-night stay in Athens.
28 OCTOBER ATHENS, GREECE Upon arrival in Athens, we transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
29 OCTOBER ATHENS, GREECE Greece’s capital is a unparalleled treasure-trove of ancient wonders, from the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon to temples, stadia and theatres galore. Gritty and edgy, yet warm and welcoming, modern-day Athens also captivates its visitors.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
ACROPOLIS & MUSEUM (Half day, AM) The zenith of artistic and architectural achievement in the 5th century BC Athenian ‘Golden Age’, the collection of temples atop the Acropolis is unmissable. The Parthenon takes top billing, but the Erechtheion, with its beautiful caryatid porch, the grand Propylaia gateway and the tiny, stunning Temple of Athena Nike also merit attention. Below the temple complex is the Theatre of Dionysos, where the dramas of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides were first performed. The Acropolis Museum is a grand timeline of Acropolis history and artefacts, with the original Erechtheion caryatids and Parthenon frescos on display.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
BYZANTINE ATHENS (Half day, AM) Never in the history of Christianity has a school of artists infused such a high degree of spirituality into its work than the Byzantine icon painters and mosaicists. Our alternative excursion reveals the glory of Byzantine art with a visit to the Byzantine Museum, with its extraordinary breadth of exhibits dating from the 4th to the 19th century; and the Kaisariani Monastery on the slopes of Mt Hymettos, with its Roman foundations and colourful frescoes.
PRE-CRUISE ATHENS STAY
30 OCTOBER ATHENS, GREECE OPTIONAL EXCURSION
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - $35 per person (Half day, AM) Founded at the end of the 19th century to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece, the National Archaeological Museum is an extraordinarily rich repository of ancient art and sculpture. Marvel at Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and Classical Greek masterpieces, and standout highlights including the iconic golden mask of Agamemnon, the bronze horse and jockey of Artemisio, and vibrant Minoan frescoes from Santorini. We then transfer to the port of Piraeus to embark Aegean Odyssey.
Athens
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OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE MADRID HOTEL STAY 2-nights 10-12 November 2018
Add a stay in the Spanish capital at the end of your voyage, including a high-speed first class train journey, two nights in a centrally located Madrid hotel, and a sightseeing tour of the historic old town, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. Please call your local booking office for prices and availability.
10 NOVEMBER MADRID, SPAIN Travel by train from Malaga to Madrid, a city full of beautiful architecture with an enormous cultural legacy, having inspired artists throughout the ages, from Diego Velázquez to Francisco de Goya and Salvador Dalí. Inside the Museo Reina Sofia, Spain’s national museum of 20th century art, you will find one of the most famous compositions ever set to canvas, Pablo Picasso’s vast 1937 masterpiece, Guernica, painted in outrage following Franco’s bombing of civilians during the Spanish Civil War. The Reina Sofia is well worth a visit during your free time in Madrid, but the city also boasts an abundance of quality restaurants, bars and a vibrant nightlife, to help you relax after a day of exploration and discovery.
MELIÁ MADRID PRINCESA An emblem of Madrid, the Meliá Madrid Princesa has been carefully selected for its elegant interior, extensive facilities and superb quality of service, ensuring your stay is not just comfortable but truly luxurious. Excellently located within walking distance of the Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace, this superb hotel places you right at the centre of an unmissable city. Madrid
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11 NOVEMBER MADRID, SPAIN INCLUDED EXCURSION
HIGHLIGHTS OF MADRID (Half day, AM) During our included guided tour you will be shown around the old quarter of the city, “Madrid de las Austrias”, named after the Habsburg dynasty who ruled Spain throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, inaugurated in 1620 and one of Spain’s most popular public spaces. The 17th century Royal Palace is the official residence of His Majesty The King and, by floor space, the largest royal palace in the world. Within its majestic classical-baroque façade lies a wealth of furniture, porcelain and other objets d’art, including the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quartet, a splendid royal armoury and paintings by Juan de Flandes, Caravaggio, Velázquez and Goya. Among the other notable landmarks you will pass during your tour are the Opera House; the unmistakable Bank of Spain building; the remarkable Palacio de Cibeles, once known as the Catedral de las Comunicaciones; the Cibeles Fountain; and the neo-Gothic Almudena Cathedral, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Note: The Royal Palace may close at short notice, in which case you will visit the Prado Museum, Spain’s national gallery of art, to see works by Goya, Bosch, Titian, Rubens, El Greco and more.
12 NOVEMBER MADRID, SPAIN Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Voyages to Antiquity cruises include shore excursions in almost all ports of call. Some ports offer different sightseeing opportunities – in these instances, we may offer additional, optional alternatives at extra cost.
WHAT TO EXPECT Our sightseeing programmes are outstanding, but can be
challenging. Visits to historic sites and natural wonders often require walking over uneven surfaces, up and down multiple steps or steep paths. Therefore a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is recommended. Some passengers may decide to take a break from excursions on more strenuous days and instead explore the environs of the port. Look for the symbols alongside each excursion description. The key to these symbols may be found on page 5. These give a good idea of the level of walking involved. Tour durations are approximate and, to avoid overcrowding and ensure you enjoy the best experience, the sequence of site visits and operating times may vary. The staff on board Aegean Odyssey will brief you each evening on the plans for the following day and all departure times and meeting points will be advised in the Daily Journal. Some countries require you to carry certain documents ashore and this will be advised on board at the appropriate time. As a result of severe weather or unforeseen changes to opening/closing times, we reserve the right to alter, cancel or substitute an included excursion at any time. This happens extremely rarely and every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the advised schedules are followed. If a change is made, guests will be advised in their final documents or at the shore excursion briefings on board.
EXCURSIONS WITH THE EXTENSIVE WALKING SYMBOL Some excursions which feature in our programmes are not suitable for guests with any mobility restrictions. In accordance with our Fitness to Travel statement and in order to ensure Voyages to Antiquity can deliver a high quality land programme, the ship reserves the right to transfer you to an alternative excursion if they believe that your original choice is unsuitable. Please consider your fellow guests and only select this option if you are certain you able to meet the activity level.
THE SHORE EXCURSION TEAM Our Shore Excursion Manager and Graduate Assistants are on hand to make sure you get the most out of your excursion experience. Informative briefings will be provided on the tour options and more
generally on upcoming ports of call, and the team can field any further questions in the Reception area. During the excursions, we endeavour to have a representative on every coach, but this is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed. The role of the team ashore is to ensure the smooth running of the excursion in conjunction with the local guide and operator. This often means rotating between groups. Though always keen to assist, the team therefore cannot be responsible for providing walking support or making sure that everyone in the group is present at a particular time. Please ensure that you sign up for your preferred excursions at the embarkation desk at the start of the cruise. Some excursions may operate subject to minimum numbers, and we need to know in advance how many passengers are joining each excursion in order to book coaches and guides.
SHORE EXCURSION INFORMATION
OUR GUIDES A good local guide, keen to share his or her knowledge and
enthusiasm for a particular attraction can transform a visit. All of our shore excursions feature qualified, highly-rated English-speaking guides with just this expertise and passion.
SHOPPING Whilst Voyages to Antiquity shore excursions focus on the history and
culture of a particular destination or attraction, some offer the chance to visit local workshops and view demonstrations of crafts and artistic techniques. Unlike other cruise operators, we have no affiliation with any shopping establishment. We do not assume responsibility for purchases made ashore and recommend insuring anything you choose to ship home.
TRANSPORTATION Various modes of transportation may be used depending on the excursion. Motor-coaches are deluxe, air-conditioned vehicles unless not available in that port. Wi-Fi is not generally available on coaches.
CLOTHING TIPS Although high summer temperatures are not expected at this
time of year, we strongly recommend the use of sun hats and sunscreen during excursions. Sturdy walking shoes are also advised, especially when visiting archaeological sites. Please dress respectfully for visits to sites of a religious nature – generally this means that shoulders and knees should be covered. Further clothing tips will be provided at the on-board briefings, along with weather forecasts for the following day.
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YOUR GUEST SPEAKERS
A quintessential element of the Voyages to Antiquity experience is our programme of on-board lectures from world-renowned guest speakers, carefully chosen for their expertise, their passion and enthusiasm for their subject, and their ability to engage with an audience. 6-9 talks per cruise, held in the Ambassador Lounge, add an extra dimension of understanding and appreciation to a destination or culture. Topics range from art and history to archaeology and architecture, food and wine to theology and the natural world.
ERNEST REA Broadcaster
Ernest Rea
David Drewry
Ernie Rea is a celebrated broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for Best Speech Programme on British Radio. For 22 years he worked in a variety of production and editorial roles for the BBC. From 1989 to 2001 he was head of the corporation’s Religious Broadcasting Department and also spent a lot of time in the United States brokering co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales. He is in wide demand as a speaker at a wide variety of events, including international interfaith conferences, literary festivals, and academic symposia. In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council for Christians and Jews, for his contribution to interfaith understanding. He has First Class Degrees in both Theology and in History and Politics, which helped fuel his passion for the study of world religions and the ways in which they affected the ancient worlds and continue to influence the modern.
PROFESSOR DAVID DREWRY Environmental Scientist
Joyce Salisbury
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David Drewry is Honorary Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University where he was previously Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute. David has research interests in glaciology/geophysics, climate change and science policy. He holds a Doctorate in Geophysics from Cambridge and has honorary professorships at London University, Krakow Academy, Poland and Xiamen University, China. David was Visiting Fellow at Green College, Oxford University (1995-98) and a member of its Centre for Environmental Policy and Understanding. Professor Drewry is Director (Natural Sciences) at the UK Commission for UNESCO and Trustee Emeritus of the Natural History Museum in London. He was Vice-President of the European University Association between 2009
and 2017. He was Vice-Chancellor of Hull University (1999-2009). He was previously Director-General of the British Council, Director of Science and Technology at UK Natural Environment Research Council and Director of the British Antarctic Survey. He served as President of the International Arctic Science Committee, Chair of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes, Vice-President of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
DR JOYCE SALISBURY Professor Emerita of History, University of Wisconsin Joyce has a PhD in Medieval History from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She is an author of more than ten books, including a best-selling western civilisation textbook, The West in the World, and other non-fiction books on history and religion. Some noteworthy books are The Blood of Martyrs: Unintended Consequences of Ancient Violence, the award-winning Perpetua’s Passion: Death and Memory of a Young Roman Woman, and The Beast Within: Animals in the Middle Ages, that explores the moment when people in the West decided they were indeed animals. Salisbury is also a lecturer for “Great Courses,” that produces educational DVDs. Her course, “History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad,” is a current best-seller, and many of the images on the DVD were taken while Salisbury was cruising with Voyages to Antiquity. A new course, “Women, Warrior, and Intellectuals: A Premodern History,” is in preparation and will be released in 2019. Joyce Salisbury was an award-winning teacher for over 25 years, even receiving the prestigious CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) Professor of the Year award. She has appeared on many radio shows and given many television interviews on her academic subjects. Since retiring in 2005, she has been teaching and lecturing around the world, including three courses on religion and medieval history with Semester at Sea while circumnavigating the globe.
LECTURES THE FORGE OF VULCAN: VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN (David Drewry) Mighty geological forces have shaped the Mediterranean basin over hundreds of millions of years and still give rise to spectacular but dangerous events such as at Santorini and Mt. Etna. IT BEGINS IN ATHENS (Joyce Salisbury) Athens is the cradle of Western Civilisation; all philosophy and theatre begins here. This lecture will look at the ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle as they struggled to study beauty and justice. We will also see how great Athenian playwrights explored the same topics on stage. THE ORTHODOX CHURCH AND SICILY (Ernie Rea) In the 11th century, the Christian Church split in two. Why did The Great Schism happen? How does Orthodoxy differ from Catholicism? What do you see when you enter an Orthodox Church? And why does Sicily, with its magnificent Palatine Chapel and the Church of St Maria in Monreale, gleam with Orthodox brilliance? NOT JUST ANOTHER CATHEDRAL (Joyce Salisbury) As Christianity grew and spread, people expressed their spiritual dreams in church buildings. This lecture will look at the architecture and art of the great Mediterranean religious buildings – Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque – revealing how religious ideas are expressed in stone and paint.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF ISLAM? (Ernie Rea) The world of Islam is engaged in a Civil War, a battle for its soul. Different versions of what it means to be a Muslim are at war with one another, bringing in their trail chaos, destruction and a large influx of migrants to Greece, Italy, Spain and the rest of Southern Europe. What are the Roots of Islamist Extremism? SPAIN: CROSSROADS FROM AFRICA (Joyce Salisbury) Southern Spain has always served as an entry-point for settlers and invaders from the south. Here we will look at two significant invasions: the Prehistoric settlements that brought the first peoples into Spain; and the Muslim invasions that introduced Muslim rule for 700 years. THE HAND OF ZYPHYROS (David Drewry) Increasing temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns and rising sea levels: we investigate their causes and effects on the Mediterranean. THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR: A CLASH OF CULTURES (Ernie Rea) The Spanish Civil War was the defining event of 20th century Spanish History. It divided families, left half a million people dead and the wounds are still evident today. This lecture explains the causes and results of the Civil War, through the lives of four iconic individuals.
EXCLUSIVE ON THIS VOYAGE: BOOK CLUB with Gaynor Vaughan Jones The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa The Leopard is set in the middle period of the 19th century known as the Risorgimento, when the various states in the Italian peninsula moved towards unity. The plot focuses on the aristocratic Salina Family, headed by Prince Fabrizio, a great womaniser and the “Leopard” of the novel. He foresees that his family and way of life are about to be swept away by the forces of history, but feels powerless to prevent it.
Specific lecture topics are subject to change
IS THE MED DEAD? (David Drewry) We examine current threats to the Mediterranean environment: pollution and overfishing, as well as industrial and agricultural activity.
voyagestoantiquity.com 1915
READING GUIDE Oxford’s renowned bookseller Blackwell’s has designed a reading guide specifically for this outstanding cruise itinerary. Order online at blackwell.co.uk, or enjoy a 10% discount when quoting ‘voyages’ if you order directly on 01865 333623. Book descriptions may be found at voyagestoantiquity.com.
NON-FICTION Colin McEvedy New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History ISBN: 9780140513486, Paperback, £9.99 John Julius Norwich The Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9781844133086, Paperback, £14.99 Anthony Everitt The Rise of Athens ISBN: 9780812984989, Paperback, £15.20 Mary Beard The Parthenon ISBN: 9781846683497, Paperback, £9.99 Simon Price and Peter Thonemann The Birth of Classical Europe: A History from Troy to Augustine ISBN: 9780140274851, Paperback, £19.99
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Sofka Zinovieff Eurydice Street ISBN: 9781862077508, Paperback, £7.99 James Davidson Courtesans and Fishcakes ISBN: 9780006863434, Paperback, £14.99 Thucydides The Peloponnesian War ISBN: 9780192821911, Paperback, £10.99 Edith Hall Introducing the Ancient Greeks ISBN: 9780099583646, Paperback, £8.99 John Freely Crete ISBN: 9781845116927, Paperback, £11.99 Cathy Gere Knossos ISBN: 9780226289540, Paperback, £13.50 Leonard Cottrell The Bull of Minos ISBN: 9781845119423, Paperback, £9.99
Rodney Castleden Minoans: Life in Bronze Age Crete ISBN: 9780415088336, Paperback, £27.99 Bruce Ware Allen The Great Seige of Malta ISBN: 9781512601169, Paperback, £16.00 Mary Beard SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome ISBN: 9781846683817, Paperback, £9.99 John Julius Norwich Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra ISBN: 9781848548954, Hardback, £25.00 Horatio Clare Sicily Through Writer’s Eyes ISBN: 9780907871941, Paperback, £12.99 Leonie V. Hicks A Short History of the Normans ISBN: 9781780762128, Paperback, £10.99
David Gilmour The Last Leopard ISBN: 9780955010514, Paperback, £12.99 Peter Robb Midnight in Sicily ISBN: 9780099595809, Paperback, £10.99 Lawrence Durrell Sicilian Carousel ISBN: 9780571327492, Paperback, £12.99 Daphne Phelps A House in Sicily ISBN: 9781860496486, Paperback, £9.99 Jan Morris Spain ISBN: 9780571241767, Paperback, £8.99 John Gill Andalucía: A Cultural history ISBN: 9781904955443, Paperback, £12.00
Joyce E Salisbury (Lecturing On Board) Rome’s Christian Empress ISBN: 9781421417004, Hardback, £26.00 Graham Park Introducing Geology: A Guide to the World of Rocks ISBN: 9781906716219, Paperback, £9.99 Paul Sterry Birds of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9780713663495, Paperback, £19.99
FICTION Rachel Cusk Outline ISBN: 9781784702441, Paperback, £8.99
Giuseppe di Lampedusa Childhood Memories and Other Stories ISBN: 9781847493989, Paperback, £8.99 Giuseppe di Lampedusa The Leopard ISBN: 9780099512158, Paperback, £8.99 (Book Club Selection) Giuseppe di Piazza The Four Corners of Palermo ISBN: 9781590516652, Paperback, £9.99 Leonardo Sciascia The Wine Dark Sea ISBN: 9781847089281, Paperback, £8.99
MAPS & GUIDES Freytag and Berndt Mediterranean Cruise Map ISBN: 9783707912906, £8.99 Eyewitness Cruise Guide to Europe ISBN: 9781409370222, Paperback, £15.99 Marco Polo Guide with Map Athens ISBN: 9783829707077, £6.99 Helen Partovi Fraser Athens: The Hidden Gems ISBN: 9781326057336, Paperback, £7.99
Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map Crete ISBN: 9783829706827, Paperback, £6.99 Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map Malta ISBN: 9783829706711, Paperback, £6.99 Eyewitness Guide Sicily ISBN: 9780241273869, Paperback, £13.99 Footprint Malaga & Costa del Sol ISBN: 9781910120422, Paperback, £7.99
Margaret Atwood The Penelopiad ISBN: 9781841957043, Paperback, £8.99 Leo Kanaris Codename Xenophon ISBN: 9781909232839, Paperback, £9.99
Erice
voyagestoantiquity.com 21
AEGEAN ODYSSEY
Carrying an average of just 350 passengers, the premium class Aegean Odyssey is small enough to sail along rivers such as the Yangon and Guadalquivir, and into the most characterful ports of call inaccessible to the mega-ships. The service is more personal, the atmosphere more convivial and you get plenty of time to interact with the guest experts. Yet on the other hand she is large enough to offer a superb range of amenities, including a choice of dining venues and comfortable bars, a relaxing spa centre and one of the best stocked libraries at sea. Cabins and staterooms are spacious and intelligently designed, and dedicated solo cabins at a low supplement are available across almost all categories, including balcony level.
ON-BOARD FACILITIES • A choice of restaurants • Internet centre • Three lounges
• Outdoor pool
• Four bars
• Athena Health Spa
• Lecture theatre
Aegean Odyssey cruising the Guadalquivir River, Seville
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and gym
• Library
• Beauty salon
• Shop
• Medical centre
DELIGHTFUL DINING Fortunately, the fascinating and beautiful regions sailed by Aegean Odyssey are also renowned for their strong culinary traditions, sublime local ingredients and delicious signature dishes. We draw on these inspirations to deliver a dining experience of sustained quality in keeping with your chosen itinerary. MARCO POLO Though the more 'formal' dining option, with full waiter service and multi-course meals, Marco Polo has a casual country club elegance appreciated by guests. Join us here for dinner (and lunch on full days at sea) and enjoy a selection of expertly prepared dishes reflecting the countries visited and accompanied by complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks*. TERRACE CAFE With a mix of indoor and alfresco seating, the informal Terrace Cafe is a charming alternative to the white glove refinement of the Marco Polo restaurant. Here, friendly staff serve up splendid breakfast buffets and mouthwatering lunch and dinner delights from a variety of stations, including sizzling grilled meats and succulent fish, crisp pizzas and indulgent pasta, fresh salads and fruit, again to the accompaniment of complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks*.
AFTERNOON TEA AND LATE NIGHT SNACKS There is something uniquely pleasurable about afternoon tea aboard a classic cruise ship, and you won't want to miss the scones, pastries and finger sandwiches served up in the Terrace Cafe most days of your cruise. And if you can manage even more gastronomic delights, hors d'oeuvres and late night snacks, from filo prawns to chocolatedipped strawberries, are available in the Charleston Lounge at 5pm and 10.30pm.
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 LIGHT MEDIUM FRENCH LAMB RACK In thyme-ciabatta crust with vegetable ragout and lemon potato
Fom the Vegetarian Kitchen
GRILLED EGGPLANT AND BELL PEPPER MASALA Braised in yogurt with Indian spices, served with coconut-pistachio basmati rice ASPARAGUS AND ZUCCHINI TARTER Served with wild rice and sun-dried tomato coulees
Desserts
WARM CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ 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
* Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner
voyagestoantiquity.com 23
AWARD-WINNING ENRICHMENT Voyages to Antiquity operates the most culturally immersive cruise programme, with internationally renowned guest speakers, a comprehensive selection of expertly-designed shore excursions in every major port of call, an extensive onboard library and a host of other enrichment elements from reading lists prepared by Blackwell’s of Oxford and onboard book clubs to exclusive private visits and local entertainment. EXPERT GUEST LECTURERS 2-3 guest speakers, pre-eminent in their profession and expert in their field, accompany every departure. 6-9 talks per cruise, 45 minutes each, is the norm, often focusing
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on history, archaeology, art and mythology, but also on more unusual subjects such as botany and viticulture. Talks are delivered in the Ambassador Lounge with a host of visual aids (music, video and high quality maps) and recorded so passengers can catch up at their leisure if they are not able to attend in person. These guest lectures are specifically designed to complement shore excursions, not simply repeat or pre-empt the insight presented by the excellent local guides. SHORE EXCURSIONS AND PRIVATE VISITS More than 90% of Voyages to Antiquity’s shore excursions are included in the cruise fare. We use the best available guides, coaches and land agents, and excursions are meticulously planned, well-paced
and guided in English. QuietVox sets are issued to all guests, enabling them to hear the guide’s commentary even as they linger to take photographs or make their own explorations. The core shore excursion programme is complemented with exclusive private visits, such as that to the Palazzo Gangi in Palermo where the sumptuous ballroom scenes of Visconti’s The Leopard were filmed. EVERYDAY ENRICHMENT Aboard or ashore, every day brings enrichment opportunities.The detailed Daily Journal details lectures and excursions, but also local cultural performances, musical concerts, wine tastings, interactive classes and fun quizzes. Aegean Odyssey’s library, surely the biggest in terms of books-to-passenger ratio, houses hundreds of volumes specially selected by Blackwell’s of Oxford to complement the itinerary programme, along with maps, guidebooks, the latest popular fiction, classics and poetry. In this guide, we provide passengers with a recommended reading list, also prepared by Blackwell’s.
with a splash in the outdoor pool; enjoy a cocktail or aperitif in one of several comfortable bars before dinner, and appreciate the music of the resident pianist or string trio afterwards. ATHENA HEALTH SPA Pampering opportunities abound at the Athena Health Spa, with its full menu of revitalising therapies and treatments including massages and facials. The adjoining fitness centre awaits those seeking to stay active, saunas and steam rooms are available, and nail and hair treatments are provided at the beauty centre.
SERVICE WITH A SMILE Ask any world traveller where they receive the best service and they will likely answer the Far East. Of all the nationalities in this part of the world, it is the Filipinos who carry the highest reputation for attention to detail. Fluent in English and always ready with a smile, our Filipino crew will win your heart.
... AND REFRESHMENT FOR BODY AS WELL AS MIND Small ship though she is, Aegean Odyssey offers plenty of other amenities to enhance your time aboard and occupy relaxing days at sea. Unwind on the sun deck's padded wooden loungers and cool off
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DECK PLANS M
STANDARD INSIDE
L
PREMIUM INSIDE
K
PREMIUM INSIDE
J
STANDARD OUTSIDE
HH* GG*
PREMIUM OUTSIDE PREMIUM OUTSIDE
EE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
CC
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY
• • • •
• •
• •
• •
• •
■
• • • •• • • • ■
429429 ▲ ▲ 431431
442442
439439 441441
444444
449449
447447 450450
452452
713 713
718 718
453453
451451 454454
456456
715 715
720 720
717 717
722 722
RECEPTION RECEPTION
536536
535535 539539
538538
• •
CHARLESTON CHARLESTON LOUNGE LOUNGE
537537
HAIRHAIR
DRESSER 543543 DRESSER 540540 541541 547547 INTERNET 542542 545545 549549 INTERNET
544544
725 725
728 728
551551
727 727
730 730
553553
546546
555555
548548
557557
550550
729 729
732 732
731 731
734 734
733 733
736 736
LIBRARY LIBRARY
559559
552552
561561
554554
SHOP SHOP
563563
• • • •
716 716
• • • •
• •
425425
455455 459459 463463
MARCO POLO MARCO POLO RESTAURANT RESTAURANT
DOU DOUBLE
C CAT
460460
ATHENA ATHENA HEALTH HEALTH SPASPA
735 735
738 738
565565
817 817
818 818
737 737
740 740
819 819
820 820
739 739
742 742
821 821
822 822
741 741
744 744
823 823
824 824
743 743
746 746
825 825
826 826
745 745
748 748
BAR BAR
827 827
828 828
747 747
750 750
THE THE TERRACE TERRACE
TERRACE CAFE TERRACE CAFE
CATE CATEGO
C CAT
464464
C CAT
466466
467467
470470
C CAT
471471
474474
C CAT
475475
476476
C CAT
477477
478478
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
MEDICAL MEDICAL
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
556556
SINGC SINGLE
558558
C CAT
567567
560560
C CAT
569569
562562
C CAT
571571
564564
C CAT
573573
566566
C CAT
575575
568568
C CAT
577577
570570
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
*Categories GG, I, II and some HH cabins have partially restricted view
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816 816
815 815
814 814
416416
• •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
• •
• •
II*
• •
STANDARD OUTSIDE
813 813
• •
JJ
812 812
421421
435435 534534
533533
412412
417417 418418 420420 419419 422422 424424 426 423423 426 428428 430430 ▲ ▲ 427427 432432 434434 433 ▲ ▲ 433 436436 438438 437437 440440
446446
723 723
811 811
530530
531531 532532
413413 415415
408408
▲ ▲ 414414
• • • •
POOL POOL
527527528528
529529
522522
406406
409409410410
411411
443443 448448
721 721
Single Accomodation
PREMIUM INSIDE
711 711
523523 524524 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 526526 525525
518518
407407
445445
719 719
OWNER'S SUITE BALCONY
KK
714 714
• •
LIDO LIDO BAR BAR
DECK DECK JUNIOR SUITE BALCONY
PREMIUM INSIDE
709 709
517517 520520
521521
708 708
514514
516516 513513
■
808 808
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY OBSERVATION OBSERVATION
LL
706 706
519519
712 • 710 • 712 • 710 •
807 807
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY
STANDARD INSIDE
704 704
705 705 707 707
LIDO LIDO BAR BAR
MM
703 703
510510
• • • •
806 806
508508
512512 509509
• • • •
804 804
805 805
AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR LOUNGE LOUNGE
• •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
803 803
702 702
724 • 724 •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
701 701
515515
726 • 726 •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
802 802
• • • •
801 801
506506 505505
■
511511
OBSERVATION OBSERVATION LOUNGE LOUNGE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
A
507507
504504
• •• •
503503
E
B
404# 404#
403403 405405
BRIDGE BRIDGE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
C
Cabin for guests with disabilities Elevator
F
D
Third/Fourth Pullman berth in these cabins
#
810 • 810 •
G
809 • 809 •
H
Single Cabins Third Pullman berth in these cabins
Double Accomodation
I*
KEY
LIDODECK DECK LIDO
BRIDGEDECK DECK BRIDGE
PROMENADEDECK DECK PROMENADE
BELVEDEREDECK DECK BELVEDERE
COLUMBUSDECK DECK COLUMBUS
MARCOPOLO POLODECK DECK MARCO
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Itinerary changes The cruise and tour programmes featured in this brochure are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes have to be made to the itineraries due to circumstances beyond the control of Voyages to Antiquity.
Responsibility Category B - Junior Stateroom with balcony
Category H - Premium Outside Cabin
Category F - Deluxe Stateroom
The responsibility of Voyages to Antiquity and the operator of the vessel is strictly limited according to the Terms and Conditions set forth in the Passage Contract that you receive prior to embarkation. You are urged to read the Passage Contract carefully. A sample is available to be mailed on request or can be viewed and printed from the Voyages to Antiquity website at any time. Transportation on board the ship is provided solely by the ship operator and pursuant to the Passage Contract. Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a guest for any reason. Voyages to Antiquity shall not be responsible for any act, event or omission during the time passengers are not aboard the Voyages to Antiquity vessel. Voyages to Antiquity 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 shoreside physicians. Guests agree not to hold Voyages to Antiquity, its owners, agents or representatives liable for any loss, injury, expense or damage which results directly or indirectly from any act or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, of any third party person or firm which is to, or does, provide goods or services in connection with the trip or any available option. Without limiting the foregoing, Voyages to Antiquity shall have no liability to passengers for the quality of services at, and the condition, cleanliness or safety of a hotel, housing facility, or conveyance, or for any transportation delay, including but not limited to liability for inconvenience, shortened holiday time, additional expenses,
or any other kind of damage. Voyages to Antiquity expressly disclaims all responsibility of any nature whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury to property or person resulting from air, rail, motorcoach or any other form of transportation other than that actually provided by the Voyages to Antiquity vessel.
Services provided by independent contractors
All shoreside tours and services described in this brochure or on the website are provided by independent contractors. Voyages to Antiquity acts solely as ticketing agent for all shoreside 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.
Guests with special needs
The tour programmes featured in this brochure include extensive sightseeing and to fully participate each guest must be reasonably fit and have no walking difficulties. Whenever possible Voyages to Antiquity will try to accommodate guests with special needs as long as the mobility issues are not an impediment to others on the guided tours. For further details, refer to the Essential Travel Information leaflet or to that section of the Voyages to Antiquity website.
Errors & omissions
While Voyages to Antiquity makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in this booklet, its promotions and as displayed on the website, Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right not to honour 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.
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THE 2018/19 CRUISE COLLECTION
Cruise guides are available to download from our website voyagestoantiquity.com approximately 90 days prior to departure
WINNER