Seville, Morocco & the Canary Islands Cruise Book

CRUISE GUIDE

SEVILLE, MOROCCO & CANARY ISLANDS

Discover the lesser-known treasures of the Canary Islands and enjoy a tour of the very best of Morocco

November 9 – 20, 2017 Malaga to Tenerife

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.

AEG171109 2017

PORT

NOV 9

MALAGA Spain Embark Aegean Odyssey

DEPART

Seville Cadiz

11.00pm

NOV 10 At Sea

Rabat

Cruise the Guadalquivir River NOV 11 SEVILLE Spain NOV12

SEVILLE Spain

NOV 13

SEVILLE Spain CADIZ Spain

CASABLANCA Morocco Drive to FEZ for afternoon NOV 14 sightseeing and overnight hotel stay

3.00pm

Marrakesh

2.00am 11.00am

4.00pm

Lanzarote H

O

MARRAKESH Morocco Morning drive to Marrakesh NOV 16 for afternoon sightseeing and overnight hotel

H

NOV 17

Morning drive to TAROUDANT for lunch and sightseeing en route to Aegean Odyssey in Agadir AGADIR Morocco

TENERIFE

7.00pm

NOV 18 LANZAROTE Canary Islands

2.00pm

7.00pm

NOV 19 LA PALMA Canary Islands

2.00pm

8.00pm

TENERIFE Canary Islands NOV 20 Disembark Aegean Odyssey

7.00am

H Hotel stay ashore

Agadir

La Palma

8.00am

MALAGA

Fez Casablanca

O

CASABLANCA Morocco Morning drive to RABAT for sightseeing and lunch en route to Aegean Odyssey

NOV 15

O Overnight stay in port

2

ARRIVE

Casablanca

INTRODUCTION

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Embark Aegean Odyssey in Malaga for a cruise along the Guadalquivir River to Seville, where you will visit the Royal Alcazar in Seville and have the opportunity of visiting the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Enjoy the sights of Cadiz and sherry-tasting in Jerez, before crossing the mouth of the Mediterranean to Morocco, for a chance to explore Casablanca, Marrakesh and the historic walled city of Taroudant.

• After boarding in Malaga, you’ll enjoy a leisurely day at sea as you pass through the Strait of Gibraltar

On the islands of Lanzarote and La Palma enjoy excursions to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya, and the volcanic coastline of Los Hervideros, before arriving in Tenerife.

• Sip sherry in one of the famous cellars in Jerez

• Cruise inland along the Guadalquivir River to the heart of Andalusian Seville • Chance to visit Roman Cordoba on an optional day trip from Seville

• Explore Morocco’s greatest cities – Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat – comprehensive sightseeing, overnight hotel stays and all meals are included • See the famous Fire Mountains of Lanzarote • Call in at La Palma, one of the lesser-visited Canary Islands

Marrakesh

Lanzarote

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YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY

Cadiz

NOVEMBER 9 MALAGA, SPAIN Embark Aegean Odyssey this afternoon in Malaga, with time to settle in and enjoy dinner on board before a late evening sailing.

NOVEMBER 10 AT SEA A day at sea to enjoy the autumn sunshine as Aegean Odyssey passes through the Strait of Gibraltar. Or take advantage of our on-board facilities and programme of lectures and activities.

Seville

4

NOVEMBER 11 SEVILLE, SPAIN

NOVEMBER 13 CADIZ, SPAIN

This morning you will enter the mouth of the Guadalquivir River and cruise upstream through the Andalusian countryside to berth mid-afternoon in the heart of the beautiful and romantic city of Seville. Once docked, there will be some leisure time to explore on your own, but be sure not to miss a live Flamenco dance-show aboard Aegean Odyssey in the evening.

Leave Seville in the early hours, to cruise back down the Guadalquivir River to the Atlantic Ocean and the port of Cadiz, arriving late morning for an included afternoon sightseeing tour to Jerez de la Frontera, which is famous for the production of sherry. After a guided tour around the city you will also visit the Bodega Gonzalez Byass cellars for some sherry tasting, where you will be invited to sample various types of the fortified wine.

NOVEMBER 12 SEVILLE, SPAIN After breakfast on board ship, enjoy an included morning tour of Seville’s City Highlights, giving you a flavour of this intoxicating place. Admire the exterior of the spectacular 15thcentury Cathedral, the third largest in Europe and one of the last built in the Gothic style. Visit the Palace of Alcazar, where some of the upper quarters are still used by the royal family today. Finally, stroll through the Old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz, with its labyrinth of narrow streets and lovely Moorish courtyards, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.

Alternatively, a full day optional tour to the Highlights of Cordoba is available. A great cultural reference point in Europe, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a mixture of culturally and historically important buildings, monuments and artefacts, including the Roman Bridge and the Great Mosque. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Old Jewish Quarter and the ancient market, now transformed into an artisan market.

The evening will then be at leisure in Seville.

Alternatively, you may take a Cadiz City Sightseeing, featuring the old quarter, tobacco factory, Santo Domingo Church, old Royal Prison and Cathedral, as well as the ancient Phoenician port of La Caleta and the Santa Catalina Fortress. The tour will then finish in the Plaza de Espana, with its massive monument commemorating the meeting of the Cortes – Spain’s first representative national assembly.

Casablanca

Then return to Aegean Odyssey for a late afternoon sail.

NOVEMBER 14 CASABLANCA – FEZ, MOROCCO Arrive in Casablanca at breakfast and drive inland to the medieval marvel of Fez, with its UNESCO-listed souks and 14th-century religious schools. This walled city is at the heart of Moroccan cultural life and is famous for being home to the world’s oldest university. Founded by Idris I in 789 the city boasts the best-preserved old city in the Arab world, the sprawling, labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bal.

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DESTINATION TIP TAROUDANT This voyage visits the so called ‘Little Marrakesh’, a fortified Berber town with a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere.

After a guided walk through the souks, there will be a little free time to haggle for local crafts such as Berber and Tuareg jewellery. For those looking to gain a more youthful appearance, Taroudant is the ideal place to purchase some argan oil! Located in the fertile Souss Valley, this town is the home of the argan tree and the oil produced is now a very fashionable cosmetic worldwide.

Here you will enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon of included Fez City Highlights, featuring a visit to one of the medrasas schools (either Bou Inania or Attarine), the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts and the beautiful front entrance of the Royal Palace, after which you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay in the city.

NOVEMBER 15 FEZ – CASABLANCA, MOROCCO After breakfast at your hotel in Fez, drive to the Moroccan capital of Rabat – meaning “fortified place” – located on the Atlantic coast. The colonial architecture here is stunning, the palm-lined boulevards are well kept and the atmosphere is relaxed and cosmopolitan. This is a civilised and very pleasant place to visit. The quiet medina has an authentic feel to it, some good shops and fascinating architecture.

After lunch here, your included afternoon sightseeing tour of Rabat will feature the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Oudaya Gate, built during the Almohad dynasty, the well-preserved Hassan Tower and the Chellah from the 12th and 13th centuries; the Mohamed V Mausoleum, burial place of the present King’s father, and the façade of the Royal Palace.

Then return to Casablanca to re-join Aegean Odyssey in time for dinner.

Marrakesh

6

NOVEMBER 16 CASABLANCA – MARRAKESH, MOROCCO Breakfast on board Aegean Odyssey then enjoy a scenic drive to Marrakesh for an afternoon guided sightseeing tour in one of the city’s most interesting quarters, the old medina. Here, you will stroll along labyrinthine alleyways, catching glimpses of mosques, hammams, fondouks (old lodging houses used by the caravans) and fountains decorated with kuffic inscriptions, passing through colourful souks on your way to the Bahia Palace and Moorish-style garden, as well as the famous Djemma el-Fna Square, home to one of the masterpiece works of Islamic architecture, the famous Koutoubia Minaret.

The tour then ends with a visit to the Marjorelle Garden, a 12-acre botanical garden in the heart of Marrakesh that was once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, whose ashes were scattered here, after which you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay in the city.

NOVEMBER 17 MARRAKESH – TAROUDANT – AGADIR, MOROCCO Leave Marrakesh after breakfast for a drive through the majestic Atlas Mountains to the old trading centre and Imperial City of Taroudant, sometimes known as the “Little Marrakesh”, for lunch and an included sightseeing tour.

Much has avoided time’s march within Taroudant’s ramparts, including one of the city’s most famous attractions, the daily Berber market and Arab souk. Despite its medieval bazaars and squares, however, this is not simply a tourist destination, for Taroudant is still a working market town.

After being hurled back in time by this 11th-century citadel, a late afternoon drive then takes you through the fertile Souss Valley to the port of Agadir, where you will re-join Aegean Odyssey in time for dinner and an early evening sail.

NOVEMBER 18 LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS Spend the morning at sea before an afternoon arrival in the third most populous of the Canaries, Lanzarote. Although wellknown for its beaches, there is a lot more to the island, as you will discover on a choice of included afternoon excursions: Exploring Lanzarote’s Natural Wonders takes you to the National Park of Timanfaya and the famous Fire Mountains of Lanzarote. It’s hard to imagine the violence of the volcanic eruption that created this landscape, but during the tour you will enjoy the recorded testimony from a well-known priest of Yaiza who lived through an eruption in 1730 known locally as the “Big Bang”.

Agadir

After admiring the natural beauty of the park and mountains you will have the opportunity to appreciate the coastline of Los Hervideros, before your journey back to the pier, passing through the vineyards of La Geria, where you will have the chance to taste some typical Lanzarote wine.

Alternatively, visit the attractive town of Haria in Northern Lanzarote, which has some gorgeous views over the region known as “The Valley of 1,000 Palms”. You will then be taken to the village of Maguez for a view of the majestic Volcan de La Corona (Volcano of the Crown) and the town of Ye, which stands some 479m high on the top of the Famara Massive.

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Finally, there will be an unusual artistic delight conceived and decorated in the 1960s, The Jameos del Agua cave: part of a 6km long lava tube which formed some 4,000 years ago when the Montana La Corona erupted and now home to a breed of blind albino crabs.

Return to ship for an evening sail.

NOVEMBER 19 LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS

NOVEMBER 20 TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS Disembark Aegean Odyssey after breakfast in Tenerife, an island dominated by Mount Teide, one of the world’s largest volcanoes.

For those passengers who have opted for the precruise Madrid extension, please go online to www. voyagestoantiquity.com for more information.

After a morning at sea, sail into the harbour of Santa Cruz, on the island of La Palma, one of the lesser-known Canary Islands, for a choice of included afternoon sightseeing tours:

Full itinerary details will be sent with your Final Documents.

Take a guided tour around Mirador de la Cumbrecita for views over the Caldera de Taburiente, a huge volcanic crater some 8km in diameter. Your tour will also include a stop at the 17thcentury church of Santuario Virgen de Las Nieves, the Patron Saint of the island, which sits in a tranquil spot and has a fabulously ornate interior, with the Virgin Mary surrounded by a glittering altar. The viewpoint of La Concepcion then offers amazing views over the island’s stunning volcanic landscape.

Alternatively, enjoy a trip Around La Palma, beginning at the village of El Paso, situated in the Parque Nacional and surrounded by the mountains of the Caldera de Taburiente, for a visit to the Silk Museum and La Glorieta Square, which features a mosaic designed by local artist Luis Morera. Then enjoy some free time in the small town of Fuencaliente before returning to Aegean Odyssey.

La Palma

8

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS SEVILLE

LANZAROTE

Seville City Highlights - Half Day

Exploring Lanzarote’s Natural World - Half Day

CADIZ Jerez and Sherry Tasting - Half Day Cadiz City Highlights - Half Day MOROCCO Drive to Fez for afternoon sightseeing (overnight in Fez) Drive to Rabat for sightseeing (lunch and return to ship) Drive to Marrakesh for afternoon sightseeing (overnight in Marrakesh) Marrakesh to Taroudant (lunch and return to ship)

Northern Lanzarote - Half Day LA PALMA La Caldera be Taburiente - Half Day Around La Palma - Half Day For details of these excursions, please see itinerary on preceding pages or for more in-depth descriptions, visit us online at: www.voyagestoantiquity.com

strenuous than others. The symbols next to each excursion will give you an idea of specific things to be aware of. During an excursion when there is a significant amount of walking involved, 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.

Special mention should be made regarding the Morocco overland programme which is the main highlight of this cruise. Due to the cities visited in Morocco and the distances involved, long periods of time are spent travelling by coach. Whilst VTA provides comfortable, air-conditioned coaches, these coaches do not have on-board toilet facilities. At least one scheduled comfort stop will be made between major cities.

KEY TO SYMBOLS Extensive walking Cobbled streets Significant steps Uphill sections Bustling streets Winding roads Lunch included

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. 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

Lanzarote

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OPTIONAL EXCURSION SEVILLE, Spain Highlights of Cordoba Full Day - $89 In its history, Cordoba has been both a capital of a Roman province and capital of the Arab state of AlAndalus. A great cultural reference point in Europe, this ancient city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a mixture of wonderful buildings, monuments and artefacts that are a reminder of the cultures that have settled it throughout history.

It has been estimated that in the 10th-century Cordoba was the most populous city in the world, and today it is a moderately sized city with a population of about 330,000.

Cordoba

10

The historic quarter of Cordoba is a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mezquita, which reflects the city’s prominent place in the Islamic world during medieval times. You will visit the most famous and inspiring

monuments of the city, including the Roman Bridge and the famous Great Mosque, a building that was considered a wonder of the medieval world by both Muslims and Christians. The building is most notable for its giant arches with over 1,000 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. These were made from pieces of the Roman temple that had occupied the site previously. When Cordoba was re-conquered from the Moors in 1236 by King Ferdinand III of Castile, the mosque became a Catholic church.

Another highlight is the old Jewish quarter. You will have the opportunity to visit the ancient market, now transformed to artisan market, and walk through the well known “Calle de las Flores” or “street of flowers”, a beautiful example of a typical Andalusian street decorated with plants and flowers. Before heading to lunch, you will have some time at leisure to explore the city independently.

Note: The price of this excursion already allows a credit for the unused half day excursion.

Cordoba Cathedral

Salona Cordoba

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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Michael Buerk Broadcast Journalist and Writer Michael Buerk is one of the United Kingdom’s best known broadcast journalists and writers. He has probably won more awards for international television reporting than any other British journalist.

He was main presenter (anchor) of the BBC’s flagship evening television news programme for 15 years. He continues to report for and present television and radio programmes for the BBC and other channels, write for many of Britain’s leading newspapers and magazines, lecture on current affairs issues and chair corporate and other conferences.

In his career as a foreign correspondent for the BBC he reported from nearly 70 countries. He covered more than a dozen wars on four continents. He was honoured by the British Academy for Film and Television Arts (BAFTA – the British Oscars) and twice by the Royal Television Society. He won two of the three most important American honours for journalism, the George Polk and National Headliner awards, and the European equivalent, the Monte Carlo Television

Festival Golden Nymph. He has been honoured by the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church. He won the James Cameron memorial award for coverage of the end of apartheid in South Africa that “combined moral vision with professional integrity”. He has been named Science writer of the year, and received a string of other awards for his broadcast and written journalism.

The Royal Scottish Geographical Society gave him their Mungo Park award for his work in Africa.

Michael Buerk holds an MA from the University of Bath and doctorates from the Universities of Bristol, Aston and Surrey.

Casablanca

Did you know that:

Dr Peter Cattermole Planetary Geologist/ Volcanologist

Ernest Rea Broadcaster

Peter Cattermole graduated in geology at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. He taught petrology, planetary geology and volcanology at both the Universities of Wales and Sheffield and conducted volcanological and petrological research in several countries, including Wales, Indonesia and Europe. He was a Principal Investigator with NASA’s Planetary Geology and Physics Program, working at both the Universities of Arizona and Sheffield, studying the volcanoes of Mars and Venus.

Ernie Rea is a celebrated broadcaster who specialises on the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the best Speech Programme on British Radio. He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 -2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all their television and radio programmes nationally and locally. During this time, he spent much time in the United States, brokering co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales. He is in wide demand as a speaker at a wide variety of events, including international inter faith conferences, literary festivals, and academic symposia.

He has published many books and academic papers in the fields of both geology and astronomy and has appeared regularly on BBC TV’s “Sky at Night” programme when such topics as the Moon and planets were under the spotlight. Before entering academia he spent time as a draftsman, a climbing instructor, a museum curator and a forester. He also had a short spell teaching at Gordonstoun School. He enjoys explaining modern geological ideas on cruise ships.

Morocco is roughly the same size as the state of California.

The well-known French actor Jean Reno, was born in Casablanca in 1948. He moved to France when he was seven.

Cadiz was frequently attacked by English pirates. In 1587, Francis Drake attacked Cadiz and captured or destroyed so many ships that the Spanish Armada was delayed for a year.

In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council for Christians and Jews for his contribution to Inter Faith understanding.

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

NON-FICTION

Jan Morris Spain

Titus Burckhardt Fez

ISBN: 9780571241767, Paperback

ISBN: 9780946621170, Paperback

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.

John Gill Andalucia: A Cultural History

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.

Brigitte Hintzen-Bohlen Andalucia: Art and Architecture

ISBN: 9781904955443, Paperback

ISBN: 9783848003266, Paperback

Norman Lewis The Tomb in Seville ISBN: 9781780600086, Paperback

Barnaby Rogerson North Africa

Seville

14

Tahir Shah In Arabian Nights ISBN: 9780553818765, Paperback

Elias Canetti The Voices of Marrakesh ISBN: 9780141195629, Paperback

Karen Armstrong Islam: A Short History ISBN: 9781842125830, Paperback,

Tahir Shah The Caliph’s House

ISBN: 9780715643068, Paperback

ISBN: 9780553816808, Paperback

Edith Wharton In Morocco

Susan Gilson Miller A History of Modern Morocco

ISBN: 9781909612594, Paperback

ISBN: 9780521008990, Paperback

Walter M Weiss Morocco

Peter Stone The Canary Islands

ISBN: 9781909961258, Paperback

ISBN: 9781908493996, Paperback

FICTION

Tahar Ben Jelloun The Burning Absence of Light

Title

Publisher

ISBN Number

Mediterranean Cruise Map

Freytag and Berndt

9783707912906

Cruise Guide to Europe

Eyewitness Travel Guide

9781409370222

ISBN: 9780141042732, Paperback

Malaga & Costa del Sol

Footprint Pocket Guide

9783829706674

Douglas Kennedy The Heat of Betrayal

Morocco

Eyewitness Travel Guide

9781409329770

ISBN: 9780091953720, Paperback

Marrakesh

Cadogan Guides

9781860114328

Arturo Perez-Reverte The Seville Communion*

Lanzarote

Marco Polo Pocket Guide

9783829706674

Gran Canaria

Marco Polo Travel Handbook

9783829768207

ISBN: 9780141022826, Paperback

Laila Lalami Secret Son

Marrakesh

Graham Park Introducing Geology ISBN: 9781906716219, Paperback

Paul Sterry

ISBN: 9780099453963, Paperback

Tariq Ali Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree ISBN: 9780860916765, Paperback

Birds of the Mediterranean ISBN: 9780713663495, Paperback

Michael Buerk(Lecturing on Board) The Road Taken ISBN: 9780099461371, Paperback

MAPS, GUIDES & REFERENCE

Lanzarote

*THE ON-BOARD BOOK CLUB featuring The Seville Communion and led by Gaynor Vaughan-Jones Murderous goings-on in a tiny church draw the Vatican into the dark heart of Seville.

A hacker gets into the Pope’s personal computer to leave a warning about mysterious deaths in a small church in Seville that is threatened with demolition. Father Quart, a suave Vatican troubleshooter is sent to investigate.

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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

20

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

• •

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

523

533

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

705

509 512 511510 509 512 513 516

702

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■

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801

• •

511 802

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504 505 506

507508

406

■

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.

Casablanca

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 Alcazar in Seville and quite another to see it in the company of a good guide 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 Spanish lace to Moroccan leather and argan oil, 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.

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

VISITS TO SITES/MUSEUMS 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.

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

CLOTHING TIPS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Sunhats and sunscreen are recommended when participating in excursions. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for most of our excursions. For the excursions in the Canary Islands, closed toe shoes are also suggested due to the volcanic ground.

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.

When visiting Morocco, respectful dress is required throughout the country. As a rule, passengers are encouraged to respect religious and cultural sensitivities.

This means shoulders and knees should be covered.

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

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