Day 1

ATHENS, GREECE  -  Fly to Athens and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

ATHENS  -  A full-morning’s guided tour of the ancient citadel of Athens, the Acropolis. Built during the “Golden Age” of Athens between 447-438BC under the orders of the great statesman Pericles, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture
during this remarkable era. You will also visit the recently opened Acropolis Museum. After lunch you are free to relax or continue exploring the city.

Day 3

ATHENS/PIRAEUS  -  After spending a morning in Athens when you are free to visit the
marvelous National Archaeological Museum, the ancient Agora and the magnificent Hephaisteion or simply wander through the streets of the bustling Plaka district, you check out
of your hotel and transfer to Piraeus to board the Aegean Odyssey. Nightime departure for Nauplia.

Day 4

NAUPLIA, MYCENAE AND EPIDAURUS   -  The morning will be dedicated to exploring the great Mycenaean culture that flourished in this area between 1600 and 1300BC. In the afternoon there is the option to visit Epidaurus; or, alternatively you may choose to visit the elegant town of Nauplia. Return to the Aegean Odyssey for the officers’ casual cocktail party.

Day 5

AT SEA  -  A chance to relax and enjoy the programme of lectures as the ship makes her way to Sicily.

Day 6

TAORMINA, SICILY  -  “Taormina is a landscape where you seem to find everything created on the earth to seduce the eyes, the spirit and the imagination.” Guy de Maupassant with its mountainous backdrop and spectacular views of Etna, the Graeco- Roman theatre will be our destination in the morning. At lunch you can eat at one of the many excellent restaurants and trattorias in Taormina or alternatively return to the ship. In the afternoon there is the opportunity for an optional trip to the active volcano Mount Etna. Overnight sail to Syracuse.

Day 7

SYRACUSE  -  The Greek theatre in Syracuse is one of the best examples of ancient theatre
architecture anywhere and is one of the sites we will be visiting this morning. Before lunch, you can also pay homage at the Tomb of Archimedes and be guided around the wonderful
Archaeological Museum. The afternoon will be spent on the island of Ortygia, the picturesque original heart of Syracuse. Here you will see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the cathedral
which has been built on to an original Greek Temple and the fortifications of the Castello Eurialo built by the Greeks in 402BC to defend Syracuse. Late evening departure for Valletta, Malta.

Day 8

VALLETTA, MALTA  -  Valletta is "a city of palaces built by gentlemen, for gentlemen" (Benjamin Disraeli). The capital city of Malta, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St John in 1566. Its purpose was to strengthen the Order’s position on the island following the Siege of Malta by the Turks in 1565. The morning will be spent touring the city including the Baroque St John’s Co-Cathedral (which houses Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of St John) and the magnificent Palace of the Grand Masters. A little way outside Valetta is Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina. A trip to this enchanting medieval town is another highlight of this morning’s tour. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Valletta’s wonderful palaces, gardens and museums. A visit to the 16th-century fort of St Elmo (here you will also find the recently renovated Malta War Museum, which highlights the vital role the island played in the Second World War) or the pre-historic Tarxien temples is highly recommended. Late-evening departure for Agrigento, Sicily.

Day 9

AGRIGENTO/TRAPANI, SICILY  -  An overnight sail will take the ship to Agrigento. Here the morning will be dedicated to exploring one of the most breathtaking sites in the editerranean,
the majestic Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples). This is a collection of sacred buildings, including two virtually intact Doric temples (the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Hera) of the mid- 5th century BC. Return to the ship for a lunchtime departure. The afternoon will be spent cruising the Sicilian coast, passing the stunning Eghadi Islands before arriving at Trapani.

Day 10

TRAPANI, SEGESTA & SELINUNTE, MARSALA, ERICE  -  This will be a busy but unforgettable
day. The ancient Greek city of Segesta with its majestic 36-columned, 5thcentury BC temple and stunning Greek theatre is the first site on today’s tour. Then you will head towards the coast to Segesta’s historic rival, Selinunte, which comprises no less than eight temples with colossal Doric columns and an extensive fortification system, all set against a wild and dramatic
landscape. On the way back to the Aegean Odyssey you will stop in Marsala for a wine tasting. For those who do not wish to join the full-day tour, there is the option of a morning trip to Segesta and an afternoon visit to the ancient hilltop town of Erice. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing stroll through the charming port of Trapani. Overnight sail to Palermo.

Day 11

PALERMO  -  There is much to appreciate and explore in the Sicilian capital, and this morning,
a guided walk will take you through the old centre and include a visit to the Museum of Regional Archaeology. Housed in a 17th-century monastery, the museum contains extensive
Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian and Roman collections. There will also be time to see the 15th century Palazzo Abatellis in the Piazza Marina - now the Galleria Regionale di Sicilia - and the
other historic buildings surrounding the Piazza. The afternoon is centred on the Piazza della Vittoria, one of the city’s major squares, where some of Palermo’s most remarkable buildings are to be found. The first stop is the Norman Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the perfect illustration of that miraculous Norman combination of Latin, Byzantine and Arab culture. Close by is San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a Norman church decorated with Arabic domes and an exquisite Romanesque cloister. A short walk will take you to Palermo Cathedral and the tremendous porphyry tombs of Roger II, his daughter Constance, his son-in-law the Emperor
Henry VI and his grandson the Emperor Frederick II.

Day 12

PALERMO/MONREALE  -  A gem of a morning as you will travel the small distance out of Palermo to experience the beauty and grace of Monreale Cathedral, with its glorious 12th century mosaics covering over 11/2 acres of wall space and its cloister, perhaps the most magnificent in the world. The lunchtime sailing en route to Agropoli will take you past the
beautiful Lipari Islands and the volcano of Stromboli.

Day 13

AGROPOLI, /PAESTUM & AMALFI COAST  -  The morning tour will take you to Paestum. Legend has it that Paestum was founded by Jason and the Argonauts, but this information
should be taken with a large pinch of Mediterranean salt. What is undoubted, however, is the majesty of the three ancient Greek temples that were the heart of this 6th-century Greek city. A lunchtime sail takes the ship along the spectacular Amalfi coastline and around the legendary Isle of Capri for an early evening arrival in Sorrento.

Day 14

SORRENTO/POMPEII & HERCULANEUM or NATIONAL ARCHAEoLOGICAL MUSEUM IN NAPLES  -  The port of Sorrento is an excellent base from which to visit three very different destinations. The first is a place that, as they say, needs no introduction, Pompeii. (It is well worth picking up a copy of the recently published Pompeii: The life of a Roman Town by Mary
Beard.) You can combine your trip to Pompeii with either an excursion to Herculaneum or the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Evening sailing to Civitavecchia.

Day 15

NAPLES  -  Disembark and transfer to Rome

our philosophy

Choosing a holiday is a big decision. We understand that before booking your cruise aboard the Aegean Odyssey you will want to know the philosophy behind Voyages to Antiquity.

Our aim is to help you assess the meticulous planning of our itineraries, our policies aboard ship and the many features included in the price.

We have created a cruise experience that is not only for the amateur or professional historian but also for people who simply want to understand the history, art, myths and architecture of the ancient world.

A Voyages to Antiquity cruise aims to open a window into the origins and genius of western civilisation. These journeys, however, are not only about history. As well as visiting breathtaking archaeological treasures you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and experience the food and wine of the Mediterranean.

the benefits of small ship cruising

In contrast to the massive vessels cruising to and from the major ports of the Mediterranean, we have a midsize ship adapted for island and coastal cruising. This means that the Aegean
Odyssey can visit smaller, less crowded harbours and sail closer to the coast enabling you to really appreciate the magical views. As we carry an average of 350 passengers, our ship is ideal for those who dislike travelling around with hordes of people. This boutique-style
cruising tends to be more expensive to operate than larger ships, but if you like to avoid crowds, wander around beautiful islands, cruise remote inlets, visit charming villages and explore ancient sites that are inaccessible to others, then the Aegean Odyssey is the ideal ship.

OUTSTANDING ITINERARIES

All voyages have been meticulously planned by the Voyages to Antiquity staff in conjunction with Lord Norwich and other noted historians. Plus, with frequent nighttime stays in port,
there’s the opportunity to enjoy an after-dinner stroll ashore.

Many departures also have pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays in Rome, Athens, Istanbul and Cairo providing guests with a wonderful chance to relax before their voyage or the perfect opportunity to explore one of these remarkable cities at the end of their journey.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Shore excursions are included, except on the odd occasion where no organised sightseeing is available. In certain places, additional visits will be offered at an additional cost.

Our sightseeing programmes are outstanding, but are often strenuous. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Of course, there are times throughout the voyage where some passengers
may decide to take a break on certain days. Our shore excursion brochure and onboard Daily Journal will indicate the level of walking required on any given day.

special events

For cruises visiting Venice we have arranged an exclusive evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica with special lighting illuminating the spectacular mosaics. In Palermo, there will be an pportunity for a private visit to Palazzo Gangi, the magnificent Baroque palace famous for
the banqueting scene in Visconti’s film of Tomasi di Lampedusa’s classic novel The Leopard. You will need to book early as group sizes are limited. A donation of $55 per person will be required (payable on board), which will go towards the ongoing restoration of the palazzo. Depending on the time of the visit tea, coffee, drinks and canapés will be offered.

top lecturers and celebrated guest speakers

The lecturers and celebrated speakers who accompany you on the cruise are all first class. They have been carefully selected for their knowledge of the areas we visit and their ability
to bring the history of these remarkable civilisations to life. Their informative and enlightening talks will also charm and entertain you.

Assisting the main speakers aboard ship will be our team of young classical history graduates. They will also be on hand to help the guide on sightseeing trips ashore. In 2010, our guests enjoyed talks by many notable speakers including Professor Mary Beard on Pompeii, and Robin Cormack who shared his brilliant insights into the Byzantine Empire. Representing American
Museum of Natural History Expeditions, Dr Bruce Loeffler’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the
classical world were very well received, and award-winning food writer Clarissa Hyman enlightened us on the culinary culture of the Mediterranean.

a casual and relaxed atmosphere on board

Evenings on board There will be a string trio, pianist, casual dancing before and after dinner, and an occasional visiting cabaret act or vocalist. No casino or disco. The officers’ introductory cocktail party is casual without the usual formalities.

Dress code Suggestions for what to wear during nights and evenings aboard are found in the Essential Travel Information booklet we send you prior to sailing. Resort casual is the general recommendation, however, there may be occasions where a jacket for men and cocktail attire for ladies is appropriate.

House wines included at dinner As we are in the Mediterranean, we do not think it is appropriate to serve dinner without wine. House wines are from countries we will visit and are included. Other vintages are available at reasonable prices.

A good night’s sleep We place particular importance on the standard of bedding in cabins irrespective of category. Selected duvets and fine covers and sheets, ample soft pillows
and quality towels can be expected and your cabin steward is always ready to make changes if you desire.

Language on board The ship’s language is English and you can expect fellow passengers to be mainly from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Technology We ask that mobile phones and laptops be used discreetly in the interest of fellow passengers. The internet room is always open for those who cannot resist contact with the outside world.

Children Our cruises are destination focused and not designed for children under the age of 12.

Tipping Always a difficult subject. We have decided to include all tips to cabin stewards and restaurant staff. You may wish to show your appreciation to individuals offering exceptional service (totally optional). A 12.5 per cent service is automatically charged on drinks.

quality accommodation ashore

Voyages to Antiquity places great emphasis on the quality of accommodation ashore. We have
selected some of the best 4 and 5 star hotels for your included or optional land stays.

In Athens, for example, our guests can enjoy wonderful views of the Acropolis from the terrace of the fivestar Hotel Grand Bretagne or take advantage of the wonderful I-Spa at the Athenaeum InterContinental.

In Rome, the Marriott Grand Hotel Flora opens on to the Via Veneto, and the Dei Mellini is a stone’s throw from St Peter’s and the Vatican. Other excellent hotels include the Ritz Carlton in Istanbul, the Meridien at the Pyramids outside Cairo, and the Sonesta in Luxor.

voyages to antiquity features

• Expertly planned itineraries.
• All meals on the mv Aegean Odyssey with a choice of restaurant and open-seating dining so you can choose when, where and with whom to dine.

• Included economy class scheduled flights to and from your cruise.
• Complimentary choice of wine, beer or soft drinks with your evening meal.
• A full, included excursion programme with sightseeing in each port of call (where available)
including overnight excursions to Luxor in Egypt and Palmyra in Syria.
• Many nighttime stays in port so you can choose to explore on your own if that’s your choice.
• Experienced team of guest speakers giving talks on subjects outlined on each itinerary.
• Included gratuities to your cabin steward and restaurant staff.
• One language, English, is used onboard.
• Free regional departures from selected UK airports, subject to connecting times.
• Flight upgrades at reasonable cost.
• Transfers and porterage of your baggage from the overseas airport (once you have cleared
customs) to your cabin on arrival and vice versa on departure.
• Included or optional hotel stays in Athens, Istanbul, Rome, Venice, Cairo, Luxor, Petra and Amman.