Italian & Adriatic Highlights Cruise Book

CRUISE GUIDE

ITALIAN & ADRIATIC HIGHLIGHTS

This leisurely-paced cruise around Italy allows time to enjoy the pleasures of beautiful Sorrento, explore the ruins of Pompeii and Sicily, and a sail along the glorious Adriatic coast to Venice

September 15 – 27, 2017 Rome to Venice

YOUR ITINERARY In response to recent feedback, we are now pleased to introduce our new dedicated cruise guides, produced individually for each Voyages to Antiquity cruise.

In this guide, you will find useful information and expert tips about the destinations you will visit, plus a comprehensive guide to both included and optional shore excursions.

There is also information on your guest speakers and an invaluable reading guide to help you discover even more.

Be sure to take this guide with you and we look forward to welcoming you on board.

VENICE

AEG170915 2017

PORT

ARRIVE

SEP 15

ROME Italy Embark Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia

SEP 16

SORRENTO Italy

SEP 17

SORRENTO Italy

7.30am

Brindisi

8.00pm

At Sea 7.00am

Noon

SARANDE Albania

2.00pm

8.00pm

SEP 22

BRINDISI Italy

7.00am

8.00pm

SEP 23

DUBROVNIK Croatia

8.00am

9.00pm

SEP 24

SPLIT Croatia

7.00am

8.00pm

SEP 25

ANCONA Italy

8.00am

8.00pm

SEP 26

VENICE Italy

8.00am Overnight O

SEP 27

VENICE Italy Disembark Aegean Odyssey

O Overnight stay in port

Ship at anchor

Dubrovnik

2

Sarande Corfu

GREECE

8.00pm

Taormina 1.00pm

ALBANIA

Salerno

7.00am

CORFU Greek Islands

SEP 21

Sorrento

Cruise past Stromboli and through the Strait of Messina TAORMINA Sicily, Italy

SEP 20

ITALY

O O

1.00pm

CROATIA Dubrovnik

7.00pm

Cruise past Capri and the Amalfi coast SALERNO Italy

SEP 19

Split

ROME

SORRENTO Italy SEP 18

Ancona

DEPART

INTRODUCTION

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Embark Aegean Odyssey in the port of Civitavecchia and cruise to Sorrento, where you will visit the famous ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Then cruise the Amalfi Coast, passing the island of Capri on the way to Salerno, from where you will visit the magical temples at Paestum. You’ll then sail close to the volcanic island of Stromboli on the way to Taormina in Sicily and Corfu in Greece.

• A chance to visit both the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum

Explore the historical sites of Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, before a return to Italy for the Renaissance treasures of Urbino, followed by an overnight stay in one of the world’s greatest destinations: Venice, including an exclusive evening visit to La Fenice.

• Two days to enjoy the magnificent Bay of Naples from the cliff-top resort of Sorrento • Cruise around the Amalfi Drive, past romantic Capri, close to volcanic Stromboli, and through the Strait of Messina to Sicily • A rare visit to the Albanian archaeological site of Butrint • The Italian hill towns of Lecce and Urbino, birthplace of Raphael • Cruise the magnificent Dalmatian coast including a full day in Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic • Overnight on board in romantic Venice including exclusive visit to La Fenice Opera house

Rome

Pompeii

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YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY

SEPTEMBER 15 CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY Embark Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, this afternoon. Settle in and start enjoying the facilities of your cruise ship before an evening sailing.

SEPTEMBER 16 SORRENTO, ITALY Breakfast arrival in Sorrento on the Bay of Naples, for an included morning sightseeing tour to the magnificent remains of Pompeii. The town, some of which dates back to the 6th century BC, was engulfed by lava erupting from Vesuvius in August 79AD. From the casts of the bodies of its inhabitants, to the ancient surgical implements and beautiful frescoes, nowhere else gives us such an insight into the intriguing lives of the ancients.

The afternoon and evening will then be at leisure in Sorrento, with regular tender service to the ship, during which time you may like to take the hydrofoil across the Bay of Naples to the wonderful isle of Capri, or head for Naples and the National Archaeological Museum, before an overnight stay aboard Aegean Odyssey.

SEPTEMBER 17 SORRENTO, ITALY On our second day in Sorrento, enjoy an included morning sightseeing tour to the nearby town of Herculaneum, which perished in the same eruption as Pompeii. Today, inlaid marble floors, paintings, mosaics and carbonised woods can all be seen, ranging from the sculpture of the Drunken Hercules to mosaics of tritons in the city baths.

Pompeii

4

Alternatively, settle back for a trip along the Amalfi coast to magnificent Ravello, which many consider the most beautiful drive in the world. Perched 1,150 feet above the Bay of Salerno, the town is a vision of antique towers, graceful arches and flowering gardens.

Then return to the ship for an evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 19 TAORMINA, SICILY, ITALY

Herculaneum

The afternoon and evening will again be at leisure in Sorrento, with regular tender service for a second night aboard ship in port.

SEPTEMBER 18 SORRENTO – SALERNO, ITALY Depart Sorrento at breakfast time and cruise across the Bay of Naples and around the Amalfi coast to Salerno, arriving at lunchtime for a choice of included afternoon excursions, featuring a visit to Paestum which, according to legend, was founded by Jason of Argonaut fame. What is indisputable, however, is the majesty of the three Greek temples at the heart of this 6th-century Greek city. We will also visit the site’s museum, where the tomb frescoes have some of the rarest surviving examples of ancient Greek painting.

During a relaxing morning at sea we pass by the volcanic island of Stromboli and through the Strait of Messina on our way to a lunchtime arrival in Taormina and the island of Sicily. With its mountainous background and spectacular views of Mount Etna, the Graeco-Roman theatre is a highlight on an afternoon excursion, a Taormina Walking Tour. Originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, the site offers heart-skipping views of the sea and Mount Etna. Also included is a stroll along the town’s pedestrian Corso Umberto.

Taormina

When seeking locations for The Godfather trilogy about the notorious Corleone family, the filmmakers felt the town of the same name was too developed and chose, instead, two remote mountain villages: Savoca and Forza d’Agro. Both are reached by a drive through Sicilian Landscapes on this alternative tour which exemplifies the sensual beauty of Italy.

After either tour you will then return to ship for an evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 20 AT SEA Enjoy Aegean Odyssey’s on-board facilities as you cruise across the Mediterranean. Lectures and activities also available.

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DESTINATION TIP DUBROVNIK A free afternoon to spend in the delightful Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik. The two main suggestions we have for your leisure time here feature in every guidebook there is on this medieval city – walking the walls and riding the cable car.

When walking the walls, we suggest starting at Pile Gate. The walls stretch for about 2km and so can take well over an hour to walk around, however there are a couple of places to come down midway.

Rivalling the views and photo opportunities gained from walking the walls, are those granted from the cable car. Located close to the Ploce Gate, the cable car takes a couple of minutes to reach the top, from where fantastic views of the old harbour (and possibly Aegean Odyssey) are afforded. Local currency (Kuna) or card payment is needed for these activities.

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SEPTEMBER 21 CORFU, GREECE & SARANDE, ALBANIA Breakfast arrival in Corfu for a choice of included morning excursions on an island of natural beauty that is renowned as a crossroads of civilisation, as you will discover during a scenic drive to the 15th-century Panaghia Antivouniotissa church and museum of Corfu Town, which features a wide selection of Byzantine icons, a form of sacred art that was a huge influence on the Italian Renaissance. A short walk then takes you to the 16th-century rococo church dedicated to St Spiridon, Corfu’s patron saint, whose bones are preserved in a gleaming casket.

Alternatively, the dream home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Achilleion Palace, is one of the most renowned royal villas in Europe and full of work inspired by Greek mythology, including Herter’s garden centrepiece, Achilles Dying.

We will then sail at noon for Albania, arriving in Sarande near the Albanian archaeological site of Butrint early in the afternoon. Here there will be an included afternoon excursion to the Archaeological Site, a rich repository of the past and a designated UNESCO World Heritage location, before we return to ship for an evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 22 BRINDISI, ITALY Breakfast arrival in the south-eastern tip of Italy’s boot for an included morning sightseeing tour of Ancient Lecce, a city of architectural treasures including the 25,000-seat Roman amphitheatre. You will also pass by the Roman column marking the end of the Appian Way, visit the Santa Croce Basilica and admire the impressive façade of the Governor’s

Butrint

Palace, as well as one of the most impressive squares in southern Italy, Piazza Duomo.

The afternoon will then be at leisure before an evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 23 DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Breakfast arrival for an included sightseeing Dubrovnik Walking Tour, featuring the magnificent fortifications, 10th-century city walls, Baroque Church of St Blaise and the Cathedral of Our Lady, originally built in the 12th century then destroyed in the 1667 earthquake and triumphantly rebuilt. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is held to be the best-preserved walled city in the Mediterranean with a seafront setting and dramatic mountain backdrop. The city skyline is a medley of bell towers and copper domes.

In the afternoon, there’s an option of visiting Salona, one of the gems of the Dalmatian coast and home to the most important Roman excavations in Croatia, the tiny island of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where archaeologists have excavated temples, a necropolis, baths and amphitheatre dating from the 1st century AD. Your tour then continues into the town, past castles built by Venetians to defend against the Turks in the Middle Ages, and the 13th-century Cathedral of St Lawrence.

Then return to Aegean Odyssey for an evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 25 ANCONA, ITALY

Following the tour there will be free time in the afternoon to explore the Old Town further, perhaps walk the walls or take the cable car for spectacular views over the old town before an evening sailing.

SEPTEMBER 24 SPLIT, CROATIA Early morning arrival in Split, home to one of the greatest of all Roman sites, The Palace of Diocletian, for an included morning sightseeing tour to this remarkable palace, including the Temple of Jupiter and Diocletian’s mausoleum that when completed held three temples, a massive mausoleum, and could accommodate 9,000 people. You’ll also tour the city museum, where 15th-century furnishings recapture the aristocratic life of the period, with free time to visit the colourful local market or explore Split on your own.

Breakfast arrival in the port of Ancona for an included full-day excursion to Renaissance Urbino. Perched on two hills, this walled town contains some true treasures. Here you will visit the birthplace of Raphael, where he lived until the age of fourteen, tour the Palazzo Ducale, Italy’s most beautiful Renaissance palace, and view the magnificent Duomo, built in 1789 on top of a 6th-century sacred site. The Duomo houses several important artworks, including a painting of the Last Supper by Federico Barocci, while the Museo Diocesano has a collection of glass, ceramics and religious items. After visiting the cathedral there will be some free time before an evening sail.

Urbino

SEPTEMBER 26 VENICE, ITALY

OPERATIONAL UPDATE

Arrive in Venice around breakfast time, where your cruise ends with an overnight stay and a guided stroll around its heart – Piazza San Marco. As a wonderful finale, you will enjoy an exclusive visit to La Fenice Opera House that is not to be missed.

Unfortunately, St Mark’s Basilica is no longer available to us for our evening visit and we have therefore substituted La Fenice Opera House.

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A choice of included morning sightseeing tours: On a Walking Tour of Venice, a knowledgeable guide will navigate the city for you, uncovering its treasures as they share their tales. Travel by boat down the beautiful Guidecca Canal to the heart of Venice, St Mark’s Square, where sights include the Campanile and the 15th-century clock tower. St Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, while the Doge’s Palace is a 14th-century Gothic masterpiece.

Venice

Alternatively, travel by boat to The Islands of Murano of glass-making fame, and Burano on the Venetian Lagoon, with its gaily painted fishermen’s houses. En route, your guide will provide information, before you enjoy some independent exploration at each destination.

The afternoon will then be at leisure before an included evening visit to the Teatro la Fenice, one of the most famous venues in the history of Italian opera, which will be exclusively reserved for Voyages to Antiquity guests as they are treated to a private tour of this prestigious building. Then enjoy an aperitif in the adjacent lounges, before returning to Aegean Odyssey via St Mark’s Square.

SEPTEMBER 27 VENICE, ITALY Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Venice after breakfast this morning.

Venice

For those passengers who have opted for the pre-cruise hotel stay in Rome, please go online to www.voyagestoantiquity.com for more information.

Full itinerary details will be sent with your Final Documents.

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INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS SORRENTO

BRINDISI

Pompeii - Half Day

Ancient Lecce - Half Day

Herculaneum - Half Day DUBROVNIK SALERNO

Dubrovnik Walking Tour

Paestum - Half Day

- Half Day

Ravello - Half Day

SPLIT

TAORMINA Taormina Walking Tour - Half Day Sicilian Landscapes - Half Day CORFU Corfu Town Highlights - Half Day Achilleion Palace - Half Day SARANDE Archaeological Site of Butrint - Half Day

The Palace of Diocletian - Half Day ANCONA Renaissance Urbino - Full Day VENICE Walking Tour of Venice - Half Day The Islands of Murano and Burano - Half Day La Fenice VTA Exclusive Visit

For details of these excursions, please see itinerary on preceding pages or for more in-depth descriptions, visit us online at: www.voyagestoantiquity.com For details of the optional excursion available on this cruise, please refer to pages 10/11. Excursions listed are half day, either morning or afternoon, depending on time in port, or full day as shown. One excursion is included in each port of call; where more than one excursion is shown, you will be able to choose.

All our excursions require a basic level of fitness, although some are more strenuous than others. The symbols next to each excursion will give you an idea of specific things to be aware of. When there is a significant amount of walking involved in an excursion, the walking symbol has been indicated. Generally, this applies when at least 1.5-2 hours of the excursion is made up of continuous walking.

Of note on this itinerary – some of the excursions take in extensive archaeological sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Butrint. Some guests may want to carefully consider before opting to participate in these excursions. The full-day Renaissance Urbino excursion from Ancona also involves extensive walking. Guests should also be advised that all excursions in Venice involve getting in and out of water transportation and that all routes into St Mark’s Square involve walking over numerous bridges with steps.

KEY TO SYMBOLS Extensive walking Cobbled streets Archaeological ground Significant steps Uphill sections Features a boat ride Lunch included Insect repellent recommended

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OPTIONAL EXCURSION SPLIT, Croatia Salona and Trogir - Half Day - $35 Drive along the Riviera of the Seven Castles to two gems of the Dalmatian coast: the town of Salona, home to the most important Roman excavations in Croatia, and the tiny island of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Leave behind busy Split for Solin, as ancient Salona is now called, and enter a world where time stands still.

Long before Split even existed this affluent Roman colony buzzed with over 40,000 inhabitants. Here archaeologists have excavated temples, a necropolis and baths dating from the 1st century AD. There is an amphitheatre where it is thought mock naval battles where held. In this arena early Christians were martyred and their relics rest in Salona’s excavated churches. Following your tour through Roman antiquity, your drive continues past the castles built

by Venetians to defend against the Turks.

Salona

10

Cross a bridge from the mainland and enter the Middle Ages on the island of Trogir. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remarkable example of urban continuity starting with the Greeks in 300BC, followed by a litany of other conquerors. In the 13th century Trogir was an artistic centre under the kings of Hungary. The 13th century Cathedral of St Lawrence dominates the town, a magnificent example of sacral architecture with three naves, three apses and a grand main portal carved by a local artist known as Master Radovan.

Enjoy an unforgettable walk along narrow stone streets whose plan dates to the Hellenistic era. Confront the past at every turn from the bright blue face of the massive Clock Tower to the mullioned windows of Cipiko Palace and Town Hall. Later you will have free time to shop for Trogir embroidery or perhaps try some palacinke (jam-filled pancakes) in a cafe.

Trogir

Salona

11

YOUR GUEST SPEAKERS A quintessential part of the Voyages to Antiquity experience is our worldclass programme of celebrated guest speakers, all of whom are carefully chosen to provide high quality lectures designed to enrich your time aboard Aegean Odyssey, adding texture and depth to your journey.

With topics ranging from art and history to archaeology and architecture, from wine and cuisine to theology and nature, you will find a Voyages to Antiquity talk informative and accessible.

Here are the experts who will be providing an array of enlightening talks during your voyage.

12

Dr Francis Broun Art Historian Dr Broun emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1967. He has a B.A. from McGill and a Ph.D. from Princeton, both in art history. For fifteen years he worked at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, teaching courses and helping to organise Old Master exhibitions like the Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis and the Holbein Drawings from the Queen’s Collection.

Spain and Rome. In the Fall of 2013, he was one of the directors of the innovative programme Writing and Painting in Magical Greece.

He now lives mostly on the Greek island of Poros where he gives lectures in support of local charities.

He is married to Pamela Jane Rogers, the well-known American painter and writer. He has made seven trips around Italy lecturing on the Aegean Odyssey.

He was also invited to join AGO trips to Florence, London and the River Danube. Since 1989 he has established himself as a popular and entertaining lecturer, most regularly at the Ontario College of Art and Design University and the Royal Conservatory of Music where he was Head of the Humanities Department. He was twice nominated by his students in TV Ontario’s Best Lecturer competition.

He has organised specialised trips for groups of art lovers to North American cities such as Ottawa, New York, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston as well as to Europe – London (three times), Vienna, Paris, northern Italy, Provence, Holland and Belgium,

Dubrovnik

Dr Gillian Shepherd La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia Gillian studied Classics and Fine Arts at the University of Melbourne before going on to complete a PhD in Classical Archaeology at Trinity College, Cambridge, followed by a research fellowship at St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Until her recent return to Australia to take up her position at La Trobe University, Gillian was Lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the University of Birmingham.

Gillian is currently Director of The Trendall Research Centre for Ancient Mediterranean Studies at La Trobe, and her research interests are the ancient Greek colonisation of Sicily and Italy, archaeology and art of Greece and Magna Graecia, and burial customs, the subject of a book she’s currently completing. She is also series editor of the IAA Interdisciplinary Series and coedited its first volume on children in the past, Children, Childhood and Society. Gillian is also Curator of the IAA Museum, a Research Associate of the Beazley Archive, University of Oxford, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.

Pompeii

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READING GUIDE There’s nothing like a good book to accompany you on your travels.

Our associates at Blackwell’s – the famous Oxford bookseller – have put together a selection of books that we feel would provide the perfect accompaniment for this magnificent voyage.

For a description of each book, please go online to www.voyagestoantiquity.com, or for a more comprehensive description, please visit Blackwell’s website www.blackwell.co.uk and enter the ISBN number shown.

NON-FICTION

14

Daphne Phelps A House in Sicily

ISBN: 9781849019941, Paperback

ISBN: 9780099595809, Paperback

Mary Beard Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town

Lawrence Durrell Prospero’s Cell

ISBN: 9781846684715, Paperback

Joseph Jay Deiss Herculaneum ISBN: 9780892361649, Paperback

Shirley Hazzard Greene on Capri ISBN: 9781860498732, Paperback

Colin McEvedy New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History

Mary Beard SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

ISBN: 9780141977164, Paperback

ISBN: 9781846683817, Paperback

David S H Abulafia The Great Sea

Brigitte Hintzen-Bohlen Rome: Art and Architecture

ISBN: 9781904955771, Paperback

ISBN: 9783848003204, Paperback

Eric Newby On the Shores of the Mediterranean

Amanda Claridge Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide

ISBN: 9780007367917, Paperback

Christopher Hibbert The Borgias

ISBN: 9780199546831, Paperback

Judith Herrin Byzantium ISBN: 9780141031026 Paperback

ISBN: 9780571201655, Paperback

Clarissa de Waal Albania ISBN: 9781780764849, Paperback

Gilbert Highet The Classical Tradition: Greek and Roman Influences on Western Literature ISBN: 9780199377695, Paperback

Robin Harris Dubrovnik ISBN: 9780863569593, Paperback

John Julius Norwich Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra

Barnaby Rogerson Croatia: Through Writer’s Eyes

ISBN: 9781848548954 Hardback

ISBN: 9780907871897, Paperback

Peter Robb Midnight in Sicily

Jan Morris Venice

ISBN: 9780099595809, Hardback

ISBN: 9780907871897, Paperback

Jan Morris and J G Links Venice for Pleasure ISBN: 9780571168972, Paperback

Paul Sterry

Birds of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9780713663495, Paperback

Lawson Wood

Sea Fishes of the Mediterranean Including Marine Invertebrates ISBN: 9781472921789, Paperback

FICTION

Dario Fo The Pope’s Daughter

Title

Publisher

ISBN Number

ISBN: 9781609452742, Paperback

Mediterranean Cruise Map

Freytag and Berndt

9783707912906

Santa Montifiore Last Voyage of the Valentina

Cruise Guide to Europe

Eyewitness Travel Guide

9781409370222

ISBN: 9781471132001, Paperback

Rome

Marco Polo Travel Handbook

9783829768245

Alessandro Baricco The Young Bride

Rome

Blue Guide Concise

9781905131303

Italy

Eyewitness Travel Guide

9780241007372

101 Places in Italy: A Private Grand Tour

-

9781908524324

Sicily

Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map

9783829706889

ISBN: 9781847089281, Paperback

Corfu

Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map

9783829706643

Marina Fiorato The Glassblower of Murano

Albania

Bradt Guide

9781841628554

ISBN: 9781848547940, Paperback

Dubrovnik & Dalmatian Coast

Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map

9783829706568

Gregory Dowling Ascension

Venice and the Veneto

Eyewitness Travel Guide

9780241199558

ISBN: 9781609453343, Hardback

Francesca Melandri Eva Sleeps ISBN: 9781609453121, Paperback

Leonardo Sciascia The Wine Dark Sea

Split

MAPS, GUIDES & REFERENCE

ISBN: 9781846973130, Paperback

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AEGEAN ODYSSEY

16

Carrying around 350 passengers, the size of our ship allows access to ports other vessels cannot reach, meaning we can offer a greater breadth of itinerary and range of destinations.

We sail up the Guadalquivir River into the heart of Seville as well as the Gironde River in France to Bordeaux, and are ideally sized to access smaller ports and islands, too.

SHIP’S SPECIFICATION Ship’s Tonnage

11,563

Length

461 Feet

Beam

67 feet

Draft

20.5 feet

Cruising Speed

16 knots

Our on-board experience is also a little different: you’ll discover an intimate and relaxed atmosphere that enables you to get to know your like-minded fellow travellers. Whether it’s over dinner, in conversation about a lecture or on shore excursions, friendships are easily formed.

Passenger Decks

7

Stabilisers

2

Passengers also appreciate our smart, casual dress code – cutting down on the amount of luggage you need.

Ship’s Registry

Passenger Staterooms/Cabins

216

Passengers, lower beds

386

Classification

Lloyd’s Register Society London Panama

ON-BOARD FACILITIES • Two restaurants

• Internet Centre

• Three lounges

• Outdoor pool

• Four bars

• Athena Spa and Gym

• Lecture theatre

• Beauty Salon

• Library

• Medical Centre

• Shop

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What passengers love most about Aegean Odyssey is the warm and intimate atmosphere. Ships, like people, have personalities. Some are proper and formal. Others offer the anonymity of a large hotel. On board Aegean Odyssey you are greeted as a returning family member even if it’s your first time on board.

DINING DELIGHTS - INDOORS OR OUT! We are very fortunate that the areas we sail to have a strong culinary tradition. The gastronomic culture of using the very best fresh local ingredients cooked in a simple but delicious style is the inspiration for the menus on board Aegean Odyssey.

THE MARCO POLO RESTAURANT: The most formal of the ship’s restaurants, the Marco Polo has full waiter service and a casual country-club elegance.

THE TERRACE CAFE: With a combination of indoor and outdoor seating, sophisticated Mediterranean interior design and cooking on the open grill, the Terrace Cafe replicates the charm and ambiance of a seaside trattoria.

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Dinner al fresco: In the evenings, the Terrace Cafe recreates the informal yet sophisticated atmosphere of a bistro, the perfect place to start your evening.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Ask any world traveller where they receive the best service and they will undoubtedly answer the Far East.

REFRESHING THE MIND - AS WELL AS THE BODY! During your cruise you will enjoy a programme of lectures and discussions held in the Ambassador Lounge, designed to bring to life the wonderful sites you visit on your journey. There will normally be a number of guest speakers on your cruise, each with different areas of expertise.

Our library is beautifully appointed and houses a well-stocked collection selected by the experts at the Oxford-based bookseller, Blackwell’s. Newspapers are delivered by satellite and are available in the library.

Relax on the sun deck and cool off in the outdoor pool. Pamper yourself at the Athena Health Spa,

where you will find wonderful therapies and treatments to revive you. Our hairdressers and beauty centre is also on hand, and there’s a full fitness studio and early morning yoga sessions to set you up for the day.

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.

Before dinner, enjoy a drink in the Charleston Lounge or watch the sun go down from The Terrace. After dinner, perhaps take in a lecture about the places you’ll visit the next day, or enjoy the string trio, pianist and vocalist performance.

In some ports we organise local entertainment to perform on board.

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Category B - Junior Stateroom with balcony

Category H - Premium Outside Cabin

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Category F - Deluxe Stateroom

DECK PLANS

KEY  Single Cabins  Third Pullman berth in these cabins 

Third/Fourth Pullman berth in these cabins

#

Cabin for guests with disabilities

Double Accomodation

Elevator 404# 403

405

707

708

714

711

716

713

718

713

718

715

720

715

720

717

722

717

722

721 723

815

815 816 817

818

819

820 822

816

537 CHARLESTON LOUNGE

CHARLESTON LOUNGE

539 543

541

531

549

429

427 ▲

▲ 530 431 435

532

535

536

537

538 539

HAIR DRESSER

545

540543 547 542549

541

INTERNET

817 819

820

739

742 739

742

TERRACE CAFE

822

741

744 741

744

823

824

823

824

743

746 743

746

826

825

826

745

748 745

748

BAR

BAR

827

828

827

828

747

750 747

750

THE TERRACE

THE TERRACE

476

478

478

• •

• •

554 556

567

560 567

560

569

562 569

562

571

564 571

564

573

566 573

566

575

568 575

568

577

570 577

570

•

476

477

552

558

460

544 477

561 554

• •

456

474

561

• •

TERRACE CAFE

454

460

475

550

556 563

456451

475

542

559 552

558 565

451

474

557 550

565

453

471

559

563

452

471

557

740

446

450

464

546

738

448

452447

464 ATHENA HEALTH 466 SPA 470

548

740 737

446443

467

546

738 735

448445 450449 454453

ATHENA 459 HEALTH SPA 463

555 548

733 736

443 447

459

553

737

440

540 467

555

735

432 436 ▲

445

455

553

SHOP

438

428

449 536 455

730

SHOP 736

434

424

442

727

734

430

444

730

731 734

426

420

442

727

LIBRARY

422

416

444

544

LIBRARY

418

439

551

732

437

414 ▲

441

551

729 732

433

413 416

418415 420 417 422 419 421 424 426 425 428423 430 429 432427 ▲ 434 ▲ 431 ▲ 436433 438 435 440437

412

441

463

INTERNET

408 409 410

412 411

534 439

538 HAIR DRESSER

408 407

••

• 423

RECEPTION

547 545

419

425

728

818

821

• •

• • 535

518 421 522

534

RECEPTION

825

821

530527 528

532 533

520

725

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813 814

527 528 529 531

417

728

•

811 812

813

524 523 524 521 522 526 ▲ 525 ▲ 526 ▲

414 ▲

413 415

725

729 812 731 814 733

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723

520519 518 517

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533

721

• •

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719

517

525 ▲

529

712 • 710 •

709

716

726 •

POOL

521

•

714

711

719

519

726 •

ION

AMBASSADOR LOUNGE

• •

LIDO BAR

•

709

•

LIDO BAR

AMBASSADOR LOUNGE

409 410

•

708

514

513 516

411

•

707

510

515514

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706

810 •

809 •

704

705

509 512 511510 509 512 513 516

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■

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511 802

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504 505 506

507508

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■

503 504 505 506

■

503 507

404#

406405

•

BRIDGE

•

403 BRIDGE

466 470

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT

M

STANDARD INSIDE

L

PREMIUM INSIDE

K

PREMIUM INSIDE

J

STANDARD OUTSIDE

I*

STANDARD OUTSIDE

H

PREMIUM OUTSIDE

G

PREMIUM OUTSIDE

F

DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE

E

DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE

D

DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY

C

DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY

B

JJUNIOR SUITE BALCONY

A

OWNER'S SUITE BALCONY

Single Accomodation MEDICAL

MEDICAL

MM

STANDARD INSIDE

JJ

STANDARD OUTSIDE

II*

STANDARD OUTSIDE

HH*

PREMIUM OUTSIDE

GG*

PREMIUM OUTSIDE

EE

DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE

CC

DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY

*Categories GG, I, II and some HH cabins

PROMENADE DECK LIDO DECKLIDO DECK BRIDGE DECK PROMENADE DECK BRIDGE DECK

MARCO POLO DECK MARCO POLO DECK BELVEDERE DECK DECK have partially restricted view BELVEDERE DECKCOLUMBUSCOLUMBUS DECK

www.voyagestoantiquity.com 21

EXCURSION INFORMATION Voyages to Antiquity’s cruises include shore excursions in most ports of call. Some ports offer multiple opportunities for sightseeing, and in these instances, Voyages to Antiquity offers carefully selected excursions – some as an alternative to the main included excursion, some at an additional cost.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOUR These sightseeing programmes are outstanding but can be challenging. Visits to archaeological sites require walking over uneven surfaces, up and down multiple steps, and therefore a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Some passengers may decide to take a break on certain days and explore the environs around the port.

Look for the symbols alongside each tour description to get a good idea of what can be expected on each excursion.

Tour durations are approximate and, to be sure you get the most out of the excursion and to avoid overcrowding, the sequence of site visits and operating times may vary. The on-board staff will brief you nightly on the expected plans for the following day.

All departure times and meeting points will be advised in the Daily Journal on board. Some countries require you to carry certain documents ashore and this will be advised on board at the appropriate time. Please note that we reserve the right to change, cancel or substitute an included excursion at any time.

Dubrovnik

22

OUR SHORE EXCURSION TEAM Our Shore Excursion Manager and Graduate Assistants are on hand to make sure you get the most out of your shoreside experience. Informative briefings will be given regarding the excursions and ports of call, and the team will be on hand at the Reception Desk to answer any further queries you might have. During the excursions, although we endeavour to have a representative on each bus as much as possible, this cannot be guaranteed. The role of our ship’s excursion staff when ashore, is primarily to ensure the smooth operation and delivery of our excursion product in conjunction with the local guide and operator. This often means rotating between groups and working with the local guides. Kindly note that, although keen to assist when required, our team are not responsible for providing walking support or making sure everyone in the group is present.

OUR GUIDES It is one thing to see the UNESCO site at Butrint in Albania and quite another to see it in the company of a good guide who speaks your language and who can share his/ her knowledge and passion for history. All of our shore excursions feature qualified English-speaking guides who seek to enlighten your visit with their expertise.

SHOPPING From ceramics in Italy to plum brandy in Croatia, the crafts of this part of the world have evolved over the centuries.

While these shore excursions focus on the history, culture

and archaeology of the area, some offer the chance to visit local workshops and observe demonstrations.

Voyages to Antiquity has no connection with any shopping establishment and does not assume responsibility for purchases made ashore. We also recommend insurance on anything you choose to ship home.

VISITS TO SITES/MUSEUMS

TRANSPORTATION

Note: For passengers on Grand Voyages, availability of included and optional excursions in Civitavecchia and Venice will be advised on board.

Various modes of transportation are used, depending on the excursion. Most motorcoaches are deluxe, air-conditioned vehicles unless unavailable in that port.

CLOTHING TIPS Sunhats and sunscreen are recommended when participating in excursions – especially when walking through towns and villages. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for most of the excursions on this itinerary.

Respectful dress is required for the following excursions as sites of a religious nature are included: Corfu Town Highlights (if wishing to go inside Agios Spyridon church), Ancient Lecce and Dubrovnik Walking Tour. As a rule, this means that shoulders and knees should be covered.

Further details will be advised in the on-board briefings, along with weather predictions.

On occasions, substitutions need to be made due to opening/ closing times of some sites/museums, but all possible is done to ensure schedules operate as described. If a change is made, guests will be advised with their final documents or at the shore excursion briefings on board.

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 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

vacation 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.

www.voyagestoantiquity.com 23

THE 2017 CRUISE COLLECTION MADEIRA,

May 3 2017

M OR O C C O & SEVILLE

Madeira’s magnificent flora begins this springtime voyage to the Canary Islands, Morocco’s great cities and the charms of Moorish Seville and Cordoba

IBERIA,

HISTORIC SPAIN, SICILY & ITALY

May 11, 2017

ICELAND,

May 25, 2017

FRENCH MOORISH

A springtime voyage combining a two-night hotel stay in Rome, visits to the islands of Sardinia, Corsica and Elba, Renaissance Florence and the French Riviera

June 29 & August 8, 2017

ENGLAND,

Enjoy the sunshine on a two-week voyage from the French Riviera down the western Mediterranean coast to Spain’s historic cities, and the tip of mainland Europe

July 13, 2017

CELTIC

FRANCE &

FAROES &

IRELAND &

S COTLAND &

ENGLAND

SHETLANDS

S COTLAND

IRELAND

Join our magnificent voyage to the edge of the Arctic Circle and the incredible landscapes and nautural wonders of Iceland

From the catles and caves of Scotland to the Isles of Scilly, get to know more about the British Isles and Ireland on this fascinating summer sailing

Two nights in Edinburgh begin this voyage from Scotland to the spectacular west of Ireland and the beautiful Isles of Scilly

Sail from Seville along the Guadalquivir River and onto the Atlantic on a voyage to Portugal’s historic cities, France’s Bordeaux wine region and England’s South Coast

THE BEST OF

August 22, 2017

FRANCE &

MEDITERRANEAN

September 1, 2017

ODYS SEY

ITALIAN &

September 13, 2017

ADRIATIC

PORTUGAL

Sail through the Strait of Gibraltar and accross the Mediterranean as this splendid voyage takes you to charming ports and historic cities

DALMATIA

July 24, 2017

September 27, 2017

& ANCIENT

HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy the summer sun as you sail south to France’s Chateaux Country and on to Portugal’s historic cities

June 6, 2017

RIVIERA & SPAIN

Moorish cities, monumental Sicily, the mysteries of Pompeii, and the grandeur of Rome - all in one magnificent journey

June 15, 2017

THE RENAIS SANCE & RIVIERA S

GREECE

This leisurely-paced cruise around Italy allows time to enjoy the pleasures of beautiful Sorrento, explore the ruins of Pompeii and Sicily, and sail along the glorius Adriatic coast to Venice

THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING CRUISE LINE

Cruise through the beautiful Adriatic Sea and the serene splendour of Kotor Bay en route to the classical sites of ancient Greece

UK CRUISERS’ CHOICE

CLA S SICAL

October 5, 2017

ANCIENT

GREECE &

GREECE,

AEGEAN

SICILY &

ISLANDS

SPAIN

This fascinating voyage around the Aegean is a true autumn treat. Starting from Athens, you will visit some of the most inspiring monuments of the ancient world

Sail across the southern Mediterranean to the fascinating island of Sicily and the sites of Moorish Spain

October 16, 2017

ANDALUSIAN

October 29, 2017

SEVILLE,

SPAIN &

MOROCCO

MOROCCO

& CANARY ISLANDS

November 9, 2017

2017

Voyages to Antiquity Aegean Odyssey Best Small Ship: Shore Excursions

WINNER Andalusia’s great cities – Seville, Cordoba and Granada – combine with exotic Morocco on this fabulous voyage

Discover the lkesser-known teasures of the canary Islands and enjoy a tour of the very best of Morocco

These Cruise Guides are available to download from our website www.voyagestoantiquity.com

AWARDS

2015 VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY BEST FOR ENRICHMENT