Mediterranean Odyssey Cruise Book

CRUISE GUIDE

MEDITERRANEAN ODYS SEY

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

September 3 – 15, 2017 Lisbon to Rome

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.

Monte Carlo

Portofino Livorno

Sete AEG170903 2017

PORT

SEP 3

LISBON Portugal Embark Aegean Odyssey

SEP 4

CADIZ Spain

2.00pm

6.00pm

SEP 5

MALAGA Spain

7.00am

Midnight

SEP 6

At Sea

SEP 7

VALENCIA Spain

7.00am

6.00pm

SEP 8

BARCELONA Spain

8.00am

7.00pm

SEP 9

SETE France

8.00am

8.00pm

SEP 10

MARSEILLES France

7.00am

SEP 11

MARSEILLES France Cruising the French Riviera MONTE CARLO Monaco

SEP 12

MONTE CARLO Monaco

SEP 13

ARRIVE

Valencia

DEPART

LISBON

4.00pm

INTRODUCTION

O

10.00pm O

PORTOFINO Italy

3.00pm

Midnight

SEP 14

LIVORNO Italy

7.00am

7.00pm

SEP 15

ROME Italy Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Civitavecchia, the port of Rome

ROME

Malaga

O

8.00pm

Barcelona

Cadiz

8.00am

Cruising Cinque Terre

O Overnight stay in port

2

Marseilles

A cruise exploring much of the magnificent scenery and fascinating history that the Mediterranean has to offer. Your journey begins in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, before you sail to Cadiz and Malaga in Spain, from where you will travel to Granada for a guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra and its gardens.

Visit Valencia and Barcelona for more tastes of Moorish history, before cruising the Cote d’Azur to Carcassonne, Marseilles and glamourous Monte Carlo. The Italian Riviera and Florence complete this itinerary before disembarking in Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the wine cellars of Jerez for a tasting of the local produce • Full day excursion to Granada to visit the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens • Go underground in Barcelona to the Roman City of Barcino • Visit the fortified city of Carcassonne or Flaugergues Castle • A day’s excursion through the French countryside to Avignon on the River Rhone to see the Papal Palace • Leisurely day at sea cruising the length of the glittering French Riviera • Overnight stay in jet-set Monte Carlo • Cruise the spectacular coastline of Cinque Terre

Carcassonne

Valencia

Cartagena

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YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY

SEPTEMBER 3 LISBON, PORTUGAL Embark Aegean Odyssey in Lisbon early this afternoon for a 4 pm sail, with the rest of day at sea to settle in and begin enjoying the facilities of our cruise ship.

SEPTEMBER 4 CADIZ, SPAIN Morning at sea for a lunchtime arrival in Cadiz, the historic gateway to the New World. Here, the old town reflects the city’s rich history, from clusters of narrow streets opening on to charming small squares, to the Plaza Espana and the gardens where the famous monument of Las Cortes (Spanish Parliament) 1812 is located.

After docking you will have the choice of afternoon excursions.

Drive to Jerez de la Frontera for sherry tasting at the Bodega Gonzalez Byass cellars or alternatively, take a Cadiz City Sightseeing tour including the old quarter, tobacco factory, Santo Domingo Church, old Royal Prison and Cathedral, followed by the ancient Phoenician port of La Caleta and the Santa Catalina Fortress. The tour will then finish in the Plaza de Espana, before returning to Aegean Odyssey for an early evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 5 MALAGA, SPAIN

Alhambra Palace 4

4

Breakfast arrival for a choice of excursions. A morning tour of Panoramic Malaga and Picasso Museum begins with a guided drive through the town to the famous Gibralfaro Castle and the Picasso Museum, home to over 200 works by the master.

Then, don’t miss the archaeological remains of the city’s Phoenician origins in the basement.

Alternatively, take a full-day tour, including lunch, to Granada and the Alhambra Palace, the last capital of the Moors in Spain. When it fell to the Christian armies in the 15th century, they were so impressed with the splendour of the complex they could not bear to destroy it. This tour will also visit the Royal Palace and the Generalife, with its splendid gardens built for the Sultans of Granada.

The evening will then be spent in port before a midnight sailing.

SEPTEMBER 6 AT SEA

Valencia

A day at sea to enjoy the sunshine or take advantage of Aegean Odyssey’s programme of lectures and activities.

SEPTEMBER 7 VALENCIA, SPAIN Breakfast arrival in Valencia, a charming old city founded by the Romans that is also home to some wonderful modern architecture, including the City of Arts and Science. A choice of included morning excursions is available here: The Valencia City Tour begins at the 14-century church of the Knights Templar, before moving to the Modernist North Station, followed by the Serranos and Quart Towers, remnants of the old wall that protected Valencia for 500 years. Afterwards, an outside visit to the Central Market is the prelude to one of the best examples of Gothic civil architecture in the world, the old silk market of La Lonja. Finally, you will visit Round Square, followed by the main Cathedral and Basilica, and the Gothic Generalitat Palace.

Valencia

Alternatively, the more relaxed Panoramic Valencia takes you past some of the city’s most outstanding buildings, including the Marina Real Juan Carlos, the Columbus market, Plaza de la Virgen, Bullring, North Station and City Hall, followed by some free time at the Cathedral. You will then be driven to La Lonja, the Central Market, the Serranos and Quart Towers, and the City of the Arts & Sciences complex.

Afternoon at leisure, before an early evening sail.

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DESTINATION TIP BARCELONA It is easy to get caught up in the modern culture of Barcelona – from the moment you take in its impressive airport-like cruise terminal to arriving at the bustling La Rambla. Barcelona is often associated with cheap holidays, football and drinking but we at VTA encourage you to look deeper into this city to discover its hidden gems. Our Destination Team recommend that you take a short walk from the port to Plaça del Vuit de Març. Here, embedded in a modern building, you will notice four arches from the Roman aqueduct that used to bring water to Barcino from the River Besos. Fascinating!

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SEPTEMBER 8 BARCELONA, SPAIN

SEPTEMBER 9 SETE, FRANCE

Breakfast arrival in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, for a choice of three included excursions:

Breakfast arrival in the port of Sete. From here a choice of included excursions are available, before an evening sail.

Barcino: the Roman City begins at Barcelona’s original city walls, towers and gates, en route to Plaza Ramon Berenguer and Plaza Nova to see the remains of a 1st-century temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus. Then descend to a unique underground museum, for a glimpse of everyday life in Roman Barcino.

A full-day tour begins with a drive through the beautiful Languedoc countryside to the fortified city of Carcassonne, which became the largest walled stronghold of the Middle Ages, with remarkable towers and ramparts that are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The miles of battlements, fifty-two towers, castle and mighty gate of Carcassonne, are followed by a visit to Narbonne, the first town founded by the Romans during the second century BC.

Alternatively, the Barcelona: Velasquez to Miro tour will take you to the National Art Museum of Catalunya (MNAC) to see the gallery’s extensive collection of masterpieces by El Greco, Velazquez, Rubens, Gaudi, Picasso and Miro.

Lastly, Panoramic Barcelona offers an immersive drive through the city to see the Columbus Monument, the Old Port, the Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park, including a photostop outside Gaudi’s masterpiece, Sagrada Familia.

There will then be some free time in the afternoon before an early evening sail, or you may take an optional tour to see Gaudi’s Golden Works, including a panoramic drive and photostop outside Sagrada Familia before arriving at Passeig de Gracia, where Gaudi’s houses of La Pedrera and Casa Batllo are located. After a tour of Casa Batllo – time permitting – you will also have the chance to admire the Olympic Stadium on a panoramic drive around Montjuic Mountain.

Alternatively, enjoy an extended morning excursion to Montpellier and Flaugergues Castle with a walking tour through the city to the 14th-century Cathedral and lookalike Arc de Triomphe. Then explore the house and gardens of the residential 17th-century Chateau de Flaugergues and sample some of the estate’s wines in the cellars.

SEPTEMBER 10 MARSEILLES, FRANCE Arrive for breakfast in the bustling port of Marseilles. From here, there will be a choice of full-day included excursions: Explore the Provençal countryside on your way to Avignon’s Papal Palace, with views of the Rhone River and the muchsung-about Pont Saint-Benezet. The highlight of your visit is a guided tour of the Pope’s Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, founded by Pope Clement V in 1309 with its long, echoing Great Audience Hall, wall paintings and Great Chapel.

Alternatively, Marseilles and Aix-en-Provence takes you around the city’s sights, including the old port, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica and the Longchamp Palace, home of the Museums of Fine Art and Natural History. Then in Aix-enProvence stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, a wide avenue packed with architectural marvels.

Overnight on board ship in Marseilles.

SEPTEMBER 11 AT SEA Leave Marseilles after breakfast for a full day of cruising along the French Riviera, before an 8pm arrival in Monte Carlo, a place synonymous with glamour and joie de vivre. The ship will overnight here, so there will be time to go ashore and start exploring the nightlife of this stunning resort.

SEPTEMBER 12 MONTE CARLO, MONACO Enjoy a morning of sightseeing in Monaco’s glamorous capital, Monte Carlo. This guided walking tour will take you past the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the Romanesque Cathedral, before continuing to part of the citiy’s famous Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and Casino Square.

SEPTEMBER 13 PORTOFINO, ITALY CRUISE VIDEOS

Morning at sea to relax on board ship as you cruise the spectacular coastline of Cinque Terre, before arriving in Portofino during the afternoon, where you will spend a fabulous evening at leisure in this jet-set resort, before sailing at midnight.

SEPTEMBER 14 LIVORNO, ITALY Breakfast arrival in Livorno for a very special day visiting the city of Florence, home to some remarkable galleries, buildings and museums, or head for Lucca and Pisa as you have a choice of full-day excursions with extensive walking throughout:

Scan the QR code below to go straight to the online video for this cruise

Discover Renaissance Florence, including Michelangelo’s statue of David, with a guided walking tour to the Accademia, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria. Then spend the afternoon in the worldrenowned Uffizi Gallery, home of Renaissance masterpieces by da Vinci, Lippi, and an entire room of Botticellis.

There is also an optional afternoon tour available to Scenic Riviera and Nice, beginning with a panoramic drive along the Riviera to Nice for a drive along the Promenade des Anglais, the old town and some free time to shop in the Cours Saleya flower and produce market.

Then return to ship for a late evening sail.

Monaco

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Or explore The Churches of Florence in more detail, beginning with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as the Duomo. Then continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political centre of the city since the 14th century, and Santa Croce, Italy’s most famous Franciscan Gothic church, where many important Italians are entombed, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli.

Pisa

Alternatively, you may visit Lucca, and Pisa’s famed Leaning Tower. Beginning in Lucca with a stroll to the Cathedral of San Martino, the Arena and the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, followed by the 6th-century Church of San Frediano. Then continue to Pisa to see the iconic tower and the city’s magnificent Cathedral.

Early evening sail.

SEPTEMBER 15 CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY Morning arrival for disembarkation from Aegean Odyssey after breakfast.

For those passengers who have opted for the pre-cruise hotel stay in Lisbon and/or the post-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.

Duomo, Florence

8

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS CADIZ

SETE

Jerez and Sherry Tasting - Half Day

Carcassonne and Narbonne - Half Day

Cadiz City Sightseeing - Half Day

Montpellier and Flaugergues Castle - Extended Half Day

MALAGA Granada and the Alhambra Palace - Full Day Panoramic Malaga and Picasso Museum - Half Day VALENCIA Valencia City Tour - Half Day Panoramic Valencia - Half Day BARCELONA Barcino: The Roman City - Half Day Barcelona: Velasquez to Miro - Half Day Panoramic Barcelona - Half Day

MARSEILLES Avignon’s Papal Palace - Full Day Marseilles and Aix-en-Provence - Full Day MONTE CARLO Monaco and Monte Carlo - Half Day LIVORNO Rennaisance Florence - Full Day The Churches of Florence - Full Day Pisa and Lucca - Full Day

For details of these excursions, please see itinerary on preceding pages or for more indepth descriptions, visit us online at: www.voyagestoantiquity.com For details of optional excursions 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 a 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.

KEY TO SYMBOLS Extensive walking Cobbled streets Archaeological ground Significant steps Uphill sections Lunch included

On this itinerary, many of the excursions visit towns with cobbled streets, often with uphill sections. The full day Granada and Alhambra Palace excursion from Malaga and Carcassonne and Narbonne excursion from Sete should be recognised as long days with lots of walking involved. Alternatives are in place on these days for that reason.

The excursions operated from Livorno are also worth careful consideration – especially the ‘Renaissance Florence’ excursion which makes for a very long day and involves at least 4 hours of walking. This excursion is not recommended for everyone.

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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS BARCELONA, Spain Gaudi’s Golden Works - Half Day - $65 Antoni Gaudi’s work is admired by architects around the World as being one of the most unique and distinctive architectural styles. His work has greatly influenced the face of Barcelona’s architecture and you will see stunning examples of Gaudi’s work all around the city centre.

as a building that embodies a unique fusion of art, architecture and design. It is celebrated for its visual solutions and its creative use of materials and colour.

Casa Batllo has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since July 2005. After your tour of the interior, you take a short walk to La Pedrera for a photo stop. Once you arrive, you will look in vain for straight lines and admire the sumptuous curves of the façade, the wrought iron balconies with forms of plants, the paintings on the ceilings of the foyers, and much more.

Before returning to the ship – time permitting – you will have the chance to admire the Olympic Stadium while enjoying a panoramic drive through the Montjuic Mountain.

Departing from the pier, you will start with a brief panoramic drive to the Sagrada Familia (outside visit), Gaudi’s most emblematic work and the greatest example of his genius. This famous structure has become a symbol of Barcelona all over the world.

Next, you will head to Passeig de Gracia, the famous boulevard where Gaudi’s houses of La Pedrera and Casa Batllo are located.

Barcelona

10

The present Casa Batllo is a result of a total refurbishment of an old previous conventional house built in 1877. Some people regard Casa Batllo

Parc Guell, Barcelona

MONTE CARLO, Monaco Scenic Riviera and Nice - Half Day - $39 Enjoy a scenic drive from the port of Monte Carlo to Nice for a panoramic tour of the city and a ride along the Promenade des Anglais.

Afterwards, leave your coach for a walk to the old town to enjoy some free time on Cours Saleya, the elegant promenade of Old Nice which is lined with shops and restaurants and the famous flower and fruit market. It’s an ideal opportunity to purchase a memento of your visit or the perfect gift for someone back home.

After this break, re-board your coach for the drive back to Monte Carlo.

Nice

Nice

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.

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Simon Chaplin Director of Culture & Society, Wellcome Trust Simon is Director of Culture & Society at the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health.

Simon leads the Trust’s grantfunding programmes for public engagement, humanities and social science research. He is also responsible for the Wellcome Collection, the Trust’s public cultural venue; the Wellcome Library, which holds one of the world’s largest collections relating to the place health and medicine have in human culture, and the Hub, an innovative interdisciplinary research centre. He was previously Head of the Wellcome Library where he led a highly successful digitisation programme and an exciting redesign of the Library’s public spaces. Before joining the Trust, Simon was Director of Museums and Special Collections at the Royal College of Surgeons.

He holds a first degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in history from King’s College London.

Simon has extensive experience in lecturing to a wide range of audiences. Many of his talks explore the history

of medicine and health and its relevance to our lives today, and he is particularly skilled at bringing medical topics to life for non-medical audiences.

His lecture topics include the history of medicine in Ancient Greece and Rome; the medical world of the Venetian Republic; the history of anatomy and the birth of modern clinical medicine; medical travellers; medical and natural history museums and collectors and cabinets of curiosity; the history of museums and the relationship between art and medicine.

He has been a guest lecturer at organisations including the Wallace Collection, Dr Johnson’s House, Gresham College, Erasmus Darwin’s House, the Hogarth Society and the Foundling Museum. He has also contributed to a number of television and radio programmes, including a series of conversations with presenter Griff Rhys Jones about curious objects from the Wellcome Collection, broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in October 2015.

Dr Thomas Mannack The Classical Art Research Centre, University of Oxford Dr Thomas Mannack is Reader in Classical Iconography at the University of Oxford where he teaches Greek and Roman Art and Architecture, and has taught Greek Art at King’s College, London.

He is an internationally known expert on Greek figure-decorated pottery and studied Classical Archaeology, Ancient History and European Archaeology in Kiel, Heidelberg and Oxford. He gained a first class doctorate at Kiel University. Dr Mannack has published books and papers in English and German on Greek pottery, Greek sculpture, and the reception of ancient art.He has been invited to present papers by many universities and academies including New York, Berlin, Tours, Brussels, Munich, Copenhagen, Vienna, Basel and Zurich. In his spare time, Dr Mannack is passionate about flat German tin figures, which his wife Sigrid hates, and on which he has published two scholarly articles, just to irk her. His daughters, Lilith and Fidelis, have rejected the refined and beautiful field of Classical Archaeology in favour of “Science”, but are occasionally willing to accompany him on cruises (and paint toy figures better than him).

Professor Jonathan Philips Royal Holloway, University of London

Did you know that:

Jonathan Phillips is Professor of Crusading History at Royal Holloway, University of London.

He is the author of numerous books on the crusades, most recently Holy Warriors: A Modern History of the Crusades which was published by the Bodley Head to very positive reviews and selected as a ‘History Book of 2009’ by The Sunday Telegraph. Phillips’ previous monograph The Second Crusade: Extending the Frontiers of Christendom, was strongly praised by reviewers in the Times Literary Supplement, The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, and his earlier The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople was shortlisted for the Hessell-Tiltman Literary Prize 2005.

His current research interests centre upon the involvement of the Italian cities of Pisa, Genoa and Venice in the crusades. This will lead to a monograph, associated articles, as well as an introduction to a translation of the texts of Caffaro of Genoa (with Martin Hall). Over the last eighteen months Phillips has given invited conference papers and lectures in Damascus, Istanbul, Malta, St Louis (USA), Cardiff and Denmark.

Cadiz was where the Combined French and Allied Fleet set off from on 19 Oct 1805 - to be defeated by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar two days later.

One of the products that the Romans made in Malaga which was exported across their empire was garum or fish paste. Many pits in which garum was made, can still be seen across the city.

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

NON-FICTION

Colin McEvedy New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History

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.

ISBN: 9780141977164, Paperback

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.

ISBN: 9781904955771, Paperback

David S H Abulafia The Great Sea Eric Newby On the Shores of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9780007367917, Paperback

David Birmingham A Concise History of Portugal ISBN: 9780521536868, Paperback

Steven Nightingale Granada ISBN: 9781857886313, Paperback

Gerald Brennan South from Granada ISBN: 9780141189321, Paperback

Granada

14

Talia Baiocchi Sherry ISBN: 9781909342989, Hardback

Robert Hughes Barcelona ISBN: 9781860468247, Paperback

Robert Holland Blue-Water Empire ISBN: 9780141036106, Paperback

Edwin Mullins Avignon of the Popes ISBN: 9781904955566, Paperback

Jonathan Sumption The Albigensian Crusade ISBN: 9780571200023, Paperback

Stephen O’Shea The Perfect Heresy ISBN: 9781861973504, Paperback

Robert Irwin The Alhambra

Mary Beard S.P.Q.R: A History of Ancient Rome

ISBN: 9781861974877, Paperback

ISBN: 9781846683817, Paperback

Christopher Hibbert The Borgias ISBN: 9781849019941, Paperback

Amanda Claridge Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide ISBN: 9780199546831, Paperback

Jonathan Phillips* Holy Warriors ISBN: 9781845950781, Paperback

Paul Sterry Birds of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9780713663495, Paperback

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

FICTION

Jose Saramago The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis

MAPS, GUIDES & REFERENCE Title

Publisher

ISBN Number

Mediterranean Cruise Map

Freytag and Berndt

9783707912906

ISBN: 9781860465024, Paperback

Cruise Guide to Europe

Eyewitness Travel Guide

9781409370222

Rebecca Mascull Song of the Sea Maid

Lisbon

Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map

9781910120422

ISBN: 9781473604360, Paperback

Andalusia

Marco Polo Handbook

9783829768252

Marc Pastor Barcelona Shadows

Barcelona

Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map

9783829706520

ISBN: 9781782270638, Hardback

French Riviera

Marco Polo Guide

9783829706735

Antonio Munoz Molina In The Night of Time

Florence

Marco Polo Guide

9783829706612

ISBN: 9781781255094, Paperback

Rome

Marco Polo Pocket Guide with Map

9783829706773

Robert Merle The Brethren ISBN: 9781782271239, Paperback

Francesca Melandri Eva Sleeps ISBN: 9781609453121, Paperback Barcelona *Lecturing on board this cruise

Irving Stone The Agony and the Ecstacy ISBN: 9780099416272, Paperback

Rome

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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

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446443

467

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738 735

448445 450449 454453

ATHENA 459 HEALTH SPA 463

555 548

733 736

443 447

459

553

737

440

540 467

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432 436 ▲

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438

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449 536 455

730

SHOP 736

434

424

442

727

734

430

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731 734

426

420

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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

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• •

813 814

527 528 529 531

417

728

•

811 812

813

524 523 524 521 522 526 ▲ 525 ▲ 526 ▲

414 ▲

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729 812 731 814 733

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723

520519 518 517

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721

• •

POOL

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

• •

706

810 •

809 •

704

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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.

Venice

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 Alhambra Palace 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 and sherry in Spain to perfumes on the French Riviera to silks in Italy, 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 Lisbon and Civitavecchia 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: Cadiz City Highlights, Valencia City Tour, Marseille and Aix en Provence, Renaissance Florence and Churches of Florence.

As a rule, this means 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