CRUISE GUIDE
13 – 24 April 2019 Malaga to Athens
CLA S SIC CIVILISATIONS OF THE S OUTHERN MEDITERRANEAN A delightful springtime voyage exploring the fascinating islands of the Mediterranean. Trace Greek influence across the region whilst understanding the ancient civilisations of Sicily, Malta, Crete and Santorini.
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.
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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. Marvel at the Doric temple of Segesta or wander through the maze of streets in the hilltop, cobbled city of Erice. In the bustling capital of Palermo, sightseeing includes the sparkling mosaics of Monreale Cathedral as well as the magnificent Roman and Arabesque synthesis of the Benedictine cloisters. Pass through the famous Strait of Messina before continuing to Catania, for a choice between the archaeological park of Syracuse or glamorous Taormina, with its impressive Greek theatre. Be captivated by the Maltese capital of Valletta and its fascinating and varied history, before heading across to Aegean waters. Visit the Minoan settlements of Akrotiri in Santorini and the Cretan Palace of Knossos, without the heat and crowds of the busy, summer months.
Monreale
AEG190413
YOUR ITINERARY 2019
PORT
ARRIVE
DEPART
13 APR
MALAGA Spain Embark Aegean Odyssey
14 APR
At sea
15 APR
At sea
16 APR
TRAPANI Sicily
12 noon
10.00pm
17 APR
PALERMO Sicily
7.00am
5.00pm
18 APR 19 APR 20 APR
CATANIA Sicily VALLETTA Malta At sea
8.00am 7.00am
7.00pm 6.00pm
21 APR 22 APR 23 APR
CHANIA (SOUDA BAY) Crete, Greek Islands 9.00am HERAKLION Crete, Greek Islands 7.00am SANTORINI Greek Islands 8.00am
24 APR
PIRAEUS Greece Disembark Aegean Odyssey
7.00pm
• Learn about the history of Greek influence across the Middle Sea • The opportunity for an exclusive visit to the privately-owned Palazzo Gangi, one of Palermo’s most incredible secrets
11.00pm 11.59pm 6.00pm
6.00am
Ship at anchor Please note – this is the cruise itinerary. If you have booked the post-cruise Athens tour, you can find the information on page 15.
Palermo
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
• In-depth discovery of Sicily with calls at Catania, Palermo and Trapani
• Stand out on deck as Aegean Odyssey sails into Valletta’s historic and impressive Grand Harbour • Wander through the small but bustling streets of Chania’s delightful old town and enjoy free time in the market • Marvel at the complex history of the Minoans in Santorini and Crete
Santorini
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YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY
Taornina
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KEY TO SYMBOLS
EXTENSIVE WALKING
UPHILL SECTIONS
WINDING ROADS
UNEVEN SURFACES
FEATURES A BOAT RIDE
LUNCH BOX INCLUDED
ARCHAEOLOGICAL GROUND
CABLE CAR
RESPECTFUL DRESS
SIGNIFICANT STEPS
BUSTLING STREETS
PANORAMIC TOUR
Segesta
13 APRIL 2019 MALAGA, SPAIN
Embark Aegean Odyssey in Malaga, Spain in the afternoon. The ship sets sail this evening.
14 –15 APRIL AT SEA Some days at sea to familiarise yourself with the amenities aboard Aegean Odyssey and the chance to meet your enrichment team.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Jewellery classes led by our talented craft tutor Sara Withers begin and our Guest Speakers give their first talks in the Ambassador Lounge. Mark Spencer will be discussing the beautiful wildflowers that we will encounter on our voyage as well as looking back at plants in artwork throughout antiquity. Meanwhile, Michael Squire and Chris Whitton will be putting the cruise in historical focus and introducing you to some of the lecture topics in relation to the sites visited. A welcome aboard party will also be hosted by the Captain. Clifton Breach, Cape Town
16 APRIL TRAPANI, SICILY
Segesta
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 O CCLOMBO
SEGESTA (Half day, PM) 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. 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.
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Erice
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice BOLOMBO CITY
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice AOLOMBO CITY
ERICE (Half day, PM)
THE PALATINE CHAPEL & PALERMO CATHEDRAL (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.
17 APRIL 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. Palermo
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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.
Giza
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice BOLOMBO CITY
OPTIONAL EXTENSION VISIT
MONREALE (Half day, AM)
PALAZZO GANGI WITH MONREALE $55 per person
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 the inside offers visions of the divine. This tour also includes the Benedictine cloisters, a magnificent synthesis of Romanesque and Arab architecture.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice COLOMBO CITY
PALERMO PANORAMIC WITH MONTE PELLEGRINO (Half day, AM) Alternatively, sit back and relax on this panoramic sightseeing tour of Palermo which takes in Monte Pellegrino, the mountain that dominates the city and from where you gain fantastic panoramic views. After a brief stop for photographs, take in some of the highlights from the comfort of your coach including the Norman Palace and the magnificent Cathedral, built in the 12th century. Watch for the notable landmarks of the Politeama Square, Massimo Theatre and the Felice Gate.
Palermo
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 the Monreale excursion. However, as space is very limited, we recommend you register at the earliest opportunity once on board.
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Syracuse
18 APRIL 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 OLOMBO CITY
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.
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INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice BOMBO CITY
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice COMBO CITY
TAORMINA (Half day, AM)
CATANIA SIGHTSEEING (Half day, AM)
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.
Alternatively opt for a leisurely morning panoramic drive along the ‘Cyclops Riviera’ before enjoying a short walking tour to take in Catania’s architectural highlights.
Mdina
19 APRIL 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 friendliness islands in the Mediterranean.
Valletta
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INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
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.
20 APRIL AT SEA As Aegean Odyssey moves into Aegean waters, we prepare for discovering some of Greece’s best archaeological sites.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Sara Withers continues her on-board craft classes - prepare to showcase your newly acquired skills! Meanwhile Chris Whitton captivates us with tales and colourful legends of ancient Crete as we approach our calls in Chania and Heraklion. In the afternoon, Mark Spencer explores how Ancient Greek understanding of the natural world shaped the emergence of science in the Western World. More details can be found on page 19.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
PANORAMIC MALTA (Half day, AM) A scenic tour taking in some of the most wellknown highlights of the island by coach, including Vittoriosa, Marsaxlokk, Girgenti and Mosta.
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21 APRIL 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.
Chania
INCLUDED EXCURSION
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 where 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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22 APRIL HERAKLION, CRETE, GREEK ISLANDS
INCLUDED EXCURSION
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 of the monstrous Minotaur.
KNOSSOS PALACE & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (Half day, AM)
Knosso
Knossos
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At the height of its wealth and influence, the city of Knossos must have been an awe-inspiring sight. The capital of Minoan Crete and the centre of an advanced Bronze Age civilisation, it was one of the great settlements of antiquity. At its heart, the multistorey 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. 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. Further insights into Minoan life and art may also be found at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the best in Greece.
Knossos
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Santorini
23 APRIL SANTORINI, GREEK ISLANDS An island of extraordinary beauty, presenting one of the defining visions of the Mediterranean, Santorini also boasts an enthralling history as well as delicious food and wine.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
AKROTIRI & OIA (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, and visitors may explore its shops, squares and houses. It makes for a fascinating and poignant experience. We then continue to Oia, the most famous and most photographed village in Santorini. Whitewashed houses and churches cling to the cliffside, overlooking the azure sea. The old capital Pyrgos is located at the highest point of the island, where we will take in the impressive vistas before concluding our excursion in the present day capital, Fira. Here you may enjoy a stroll through the town before returning to the ship via cable car.
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INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
OIA & ARGYROS WINERY (Full day) 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 popular imagination. This alternative full day excursion presents the opportunity to wander its narrow streets while admiring handmade ceramics, paintings and semiprecious 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. Impressive vistas 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. A short drive then brings us to Fira, the lovely capital of Santorini, with free time to explore before returning to Aegean Odyssey via cable car.
24 APRIL PIRAEUS, GREECE Disembark Aegean Odyssey after breakfast, in the port of Piraeus.
24 APRIL 2019 ATHENS, GREECE
25 APRIL ATHENS, GREECE
Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to Athens and your centrally located hotel via one of the included excursions on offer.
Greece’s capital is an 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)
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
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, 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.
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - $35 per person (Half day, AM)
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 centuies; and the Kaisariani Monastery on the slopes of Mt Hymettos.
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. Within its walls are more than 11,000 exhibits, providing a panorama of Greek art from prehistory to late antiquity.
POST-CRUISE ATHENS TOUR 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 post-cruise stay in Athens.
Marvel at Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and Classical Greek masterpieces, with standout highlights including the iconic golden mask of Agamemnon, the bronze horse and jockey of Artemision, as well as vibrant Minoan frescoes from Santorini. Also on display are Egyptian and Cypriot antiquities, alongside treasures from the sea including a remarkable 1st century BC instrument for making astronomical calculations, that was uncovered from a shipwreck in Antikythera.
26 APRIL ATHENS, GREECE Transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight home.
Athens
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SHORE EXCURSION INFORMATION
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.
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.
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.
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 are able to meet the activity level.
Look for the symbols alongside each excursion description. The key to these symbols may be found on page 4. 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 16
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. 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 Englishspeaking guides with just this expertise and passion.
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.
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. Motorcoaches are deluxe, air-conditioned vehicles unless not available in that port. Wi-Fi is not generally available on coaches.
Santorini
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YOUR GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr Mark Spencer Forensic Botanist Dr Mark Spencer has always been fascinated by plants, the first plant he grew was a hyacinth when he was 4 years old. Originally a horticulturist, Mark trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew where he was particularly interested in tropical ferns and alpine plants. He later studied botany at university and did a PhD in the evolution of aquatic fungi. After university, he worked as a field botanist for a regional conservation organisation, followed by 12 years as a senior botany curator at the Natural History Museum, London. Mark now is a consultant forensic botanist, public speaker and occasional radio and TV presenter. He has also recently joined the Arts Society as an accredited lecturer.
Dr Michael Squire Professor of Classical Art and Archaeology at King's College London
Michael Squire is Reader in Classical Art and Archaeology at King’s College London. After receiving a starred first in Classics and a Master’s degree in Classical Archaeology (both at Trinity College, Cambridge), he received his PhD in 2007, with the Hellenic Society prize for best dissertation. Michael has held research fellowships and visiting professorships at Cambridge, Cologne, Munich and Stanford; he also held a Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship at Harvard University, and has worked at several Berlin institutes – including the Humboldt University, the Wissenschaftskolleg and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science.
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Dr Christopher Whitton Emmanuel College, Cambridge
Christopher Whitton is a Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge. He was educated in his home town of Lancaster, as a scholar at Eton College, and as an undergraduate and graduate student at St John’s College, Cambridge. On receiving his doctorate in 2007 he was appointed to a tenured Faculty position at Cambridge, where he teaches Greek and Latin language and literature; he is also Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Emmanuel College. Away from Cambridge, he has been affiliated with Harvard University as a John F. Kennedy Memorial Fellow, with Basel University as a guest lecturer, and with the Free University Berlin and Rostock University as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow.
YOUR CRAFT TUTOR Jewellery Making with Sara Withers Sara Withers has been designing and making jewellery for almost all her working life. Her work concentrates on the use of beads, some selfmade, some sourced from interesting suppliers. She has taken part in numerous exhibitions and her work has sold in a selection of shops and galleries throughout the U.K., including the British Museum. She is the author of many books of bead jewellery projects. The most recent being ‘The Encyclopaedia of Wire Jewellery Techniques’ and ‘A Compendium of Jewellery Techniques’. During your cruise Sara will be running jewellery making lessons suitable for complete beginners, or for those who have done some jewellery making, with themes ranging from traditional and contemporary knotting, to bracelets and earrings, beading wire necklaces, and resin pedants.
LECTURES The Cruise in Prospect by Michael Squire and Chris Whitton: A preview of our destinations over the coming days, with some essential orientation in ancient and modern history. Plants in the Artwork of Ancient Eastern Mediterranean Civilisations by Mark Spencer: Depicting the natural world has been important in all cultures. This talk will explore the botany of this region's ancient civilisations and consider the role of plants in our society today. Wildflowers of Sicily and Greece by Mark Spencer: Spring in the Mediterranean is very beautiful with flowers abounding. Orchids and lilies jostle with wild herbs below olive trees and vines to create a short-lived burst of bloom before the summer heat scorches all.
The Art of Love: A Roman Self-Help Guide by Michael Squire and Chris Whitton: A colourful take on love and courtship with help from the Roman poet Ovid - from beauty tips and chat-up lines to some haunting tales of transformation from his Metamorphoses. Magna Graecia: The Greeks in Sicily by Michael Squire: This talk explores when and why Greek settlers arrived in Southern Italy – and introduces many of the sites we’ll be visiting over the next few days (including Segesta, Taormina and Syracuse). A Greek Anthology by Chris Whitton and Michael Squire: A selection of readings from ancient Greek literature – in English, but with a chance to hear some of the sounds of ancient Greek, too. Cretan Tales by Chris Whitton: An introduction to the fascinating history and colourful legends of ancient
Crete, from King Minos, son of Zeus and Europa, Daedalus, creator of the labyrinth, to Ariadne, saved by Theseus from the Minotaur.
Segesta
Theophrastus and Dioscorides, The Dawn of the Natural Sciences, Botany and Medicine by Mark Spencer: This talk will explore how Ancient Greek understanding of the natural world shaped the emergence of science in the Western World. Although much changed, the Mediterranean is still full of the wonders that inspired these inquiring minds. On Losing One’s Marbles: The Parthenon and its Sculptures by Michael Squire: An essential introduction to the ‘Elgin Marbles’ from antiquity to the modern-day: what do these sculptures represent – and how, where and when did they acquire their hallowed significance?
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READING GUIDE Blackwell’s has put together a selection of books that we feel would provide the perfect accompaniment to your voyage. Excellent prices are available on all of these titles at www.blackwell.co.uk. Alternatively you can order direct from our shop in Oxford on 01865 333 623 and receive 10% off when you quote “Voyages”.
NON-FICTION David Abulafia The Great Sea ISBN: 9780141977164, Paperback, £14.99
Mary Beard S.P..Q.R A History of Ancient Rome ISBN: 9781846683817, Paperback, £9.99
Nigel Spivey Classical Civilization: Greek & Romans in 10 Chapters ISBN: 9781781855027, Paperback, £8.99
J. G Manning The Open Sea ISBN: 9780691151748, Hardback, £27.95
Leonie V. Hicks A Short History of the Normans ISBN: 9781780762128, Paperback, £10.99
Edith Hall Introducing the Ancient Greeks ISBN: 9780099583646, Paperback, £8.99
Jan Morris Spain ISBN: 9780571241767, Paperback, £8.99
David Gilmour The Last Leopard ISBN: 9780955010514, Paperback, £12.99
John Gill Andalucía: A Cultural history ISBN: 9781904955443, Paperback, £12.00
Peter Robb Midnight in Sicily ISBN: 9780099595809, Paperback, £10.99
Robin Lane Fox Traveling Heroes: Greeks and Their Myths in the Epic Age of Homer ISBN: 9780140244991, Paperback, £12.99
John Julius Norwich Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra ISBN: 9781848548978, Paperback, £10.99
Lawrence Durrell Sicilian Carousel ISBN: 9780571327492, Paperback, £12.99
Horatio Clare Sicily Through Writer's Eyes ISBN: 9780907871941, Paperback, £12.99 Norman Lewis The Honoured Society ISBN: 9780907871484, Paperback, £12.99
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Daphne Phelps A House in Sicily ISBN: 9781860496486, Paperback, £9.99 Bruce Ware Allen The Great Siege of Malta ISBN: 9781512601169, Paperback, £16.00
Leonard Cottrell The Bull Of Minos ISBN: 9781845119423, Paperback, £9.99 Stephen P. Kershaw The Greek Myths ISBN: 9781845295127, Paperback, £10.99 Stephen P. Kershaw A Brief History of Atlantis ISBN: 9781472136992, Paperback, £8.99
Cathy Gere Knossos ISBN: 9780226289540, Paperback, £13.50 Rodney Castleden Minoan Life in Bronze Age Crete ISBN: 9780415088336, Paperback, £27.99 Anthony Everitt The Rise of Athens ISBN: 9781445664767, Paperback, £20.00 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 Thucydides The Peloponnesian War ISBN: 9780192821911, Paperback, £10.99 Barbara Graziosi The Gods of Olympus: A History ISBN; 9781846683220, Paperback, £9.99
Sofka Zinovieff Eurydice Street ISBN: 9781862077508, Paperback, £7.99 James Davidson Courtesans and Fishcakes ISBN: 9780006863434, Paperback, £14.99 Michael Squire Image and Text in Graeco-Roman Antiquity ISBN: 9781107657540, Paperback, £25.99 (Lecturing on Board/Order Early) Pliny the Younger edited by Christopher Whitton Pliny the Younger: Epistles book 11 ISBN: 9780521187275, Paperback, £23.99 (Lecturing on board) Ingrid & Peter Schönfelder Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9781912081707, Paperback, £16.99 Paul Sterry Birds of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9780713663495, Paperback, £19.99
Lawson Wood Sea Fishes of the Mediterranean Including Marine Invertebrates ISBN: 9781472921789, Paperback, £12.99
FICTION Helen MacInnes Message from Malaga ISBN: 9781781163337, Paperback, £7.99 Giuseppe di Lampedusa Childhood Memories and other Stories ISBN: 9781847493989, Paperback, £8.99 Giuseppe di Lampedusa The Leopard ISBN: 9780099512158, Paperback, £8.99 Giuseppe di Piazza The Four Corners of Palermo ISBN: 9781590516652, Paperback, £9.99 Leonardo Sciascia The Wine Dark Sea ISBN: 9781847089281, Paperback, £8.99
Margaret Atwood The Penelopiad ISBN: 9781841957043, Paperback, £8.99
Blue Guide Sicily ISBN: 9781905131747, Paperback, £19.95
Leo Kanaris Codename Xenophon ISBN: 9781909232839, Paperback, £9.99
Marco Polo Pocket guide with Map Malta & Gozo ISBN: 9783829707732, Paperback, £7.99
Rachel Cusk Outline ISBN: 9781784702441, Paperback, £8.99
Blue Guide Crete ISBN: 9781905131297, Paperback, £14.95
MAPS & GUIDES
Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map Crete ISBN: 9783829707909, Paperback, £7.99
Freytag & Berndt Mediterranean Cruises Map ISBN: 9783707912906, £8.99 Eyewitness Guides Cruise Guide to Europe ISBN: 9781409370222, Paperback, £15.99 Footprint Malaga & Costa del Sol ISBN: 9781910120422, Paperback, £7.99
Marrakesh
Taormina
Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map Athens ISBN: 9783829707077, Paperback, £6.99 Athens: The Hidden Gems ISBN: 9781326057336, Paperback, £7.99
Eyewitness Guides Sicily ISBN: 9780241273869, Paperback, £13.99
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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.
DELIGHTFUL DINING
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.
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*.
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
and gym
• Library
• Beauty salon
• Shop
• Medical centre
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.
TERRACE CAFE With a mix of indoor and al fresco 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*. * Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner.
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AFTERNOON TEA AND LATE NIGHT SNACKS
AWARD-WINNING ENRICHMENT
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.
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 on-board library and a host of other enrichment elements from reading lists prepared by Blackwell’s of Oxford and on-board book clubs to exclusive private visits and local entertainment.
And, if you can manage even more gastronomic delights, hors d'oeuvres and late night snacks, from filo prawns to chocolate-dipped strawberries, are available in the Charleston Lounge at 5pm and 10.30pm.
EXPERT GUEST LECTURERS 2–3 guest speakers, pre-eminent in their profession and expert in their field, accompany every departure. 2 talks on each full day at sea plus others throughout the voyage, 45 minutes each and pre-dinner, is the norm, often focusing on history, geography, art, culture, religion, geology and wildlife. 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
voyagestoantiquity.com 23
SERVICE WITH A SMILE Always serving with a smile, our crew will win your hearts. Your cabin steward or stewardess will refresh your cabin before you even realise you need it. The waiting staff will remember whether you take tea or coffee, and the bar team whether you like your Martini shaken or stirred. They, and the rest of our officers and crew, are dedicated to making your cruise a delightful experience.
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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 Daily Journal details lectures and excursions, but also local cultural performances, musical concerts, 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.
... 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 loungers and cool off 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.
Credit/debit cards on board Aegean Odyssey When activating your on-board account with a credit or debit card, please be advised that a Pre-Authorisation (hold) will be placed on your account. Although these are not actual charges, you should be aware that authorisations (holds) reduce the amount of available credit (or available funds) on your account. Final charges are not submitted to your card issuer until the day of disembarkation, which is when we will also obtain the authorisation to take monies. Some card issuers may take 10 to 14 days or more to release the authorisation (holds) from your account and these release policies vary by issuer. Please be advised that if you choose to settle your on-board balance with a different form of payment than the one you registered at the beginning of your cruise, authorisations placed on your original registered credit/ debit card will remain until the standard release period.
Wi-Fi availability Aegean Odyssey has a dedicated internet room for the use of all passengers. The ship also has wireless “hotspots” in Reception, the Observation Lounge, and the smoking area on Deck 5 aft. Passengers should note that when the ship is at sea, connectivity in these locations may be subject to fluctuation, and also that Wi-Fi is not available in your cabin at any time.
Laundry facilities Throughout your cruise your dedicated cabin steward will be available to collect and return laundry to you within a maximum of 48 hours, subject to the fees as detailed in the form found in your cabin compendium.
Whilst we understand that some passengers would like to be able to do their own laundry, we regret to advise that due to the size of Aegean Odyssey a self-service laundry room is not available. Clothes irons are also not available, or permitted, in passenger cabins for safety reasons.
ON-BOARD ADVISORIES
Swimming pool availability We understand that the use of a swimming pool is often a valued part of a holiday experience and we will always do our best to keep the pool available to passengers during our voyages. However, there are various situations that may cause us to close the pool. These include, but are not limited to, bad weather, heavy swells, quality of seawater, and the draft required for the ship to reach certain ports, especially when approaching, or cruising up or down river.
Public room availability Please be aware that on occasion certain public rooms, deck areas and dining areas may be used by special interest groups travelling on board for private functions, lectures and other events. Whilst we will always do our best to ensure that these do not conflict with more common times of regular guest access, we appreciate your understanding that on occasion this is not always possible.
Dining reservations As we offer an open-seating dining policy in both the Marco Polo Restaurant and Terrace Café, it is not possible to make individual reservations in either restaurant. We apologise for previous brochure references which incorrectly stated otherwise.
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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
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WINNER
WINNER