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    CRUISES TO

    CLASSICALCIVILISATIONS

    OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

    2014

    d i s c o v e r t h e h i s t o r y,

    a r t a n d c u l t u r e s o f

    t h e a n c i e n t wo r l d

    VOYAGESTO

    ANTIQUITY

    EARLY

    BOOKINGSAVINGS

    Upto1,200perstateroom

    LOWSINGLESUPPLEM

    ENTS

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    A BRIEF HISTORY

    OF THE MEDITERRANEAN4 9

    OUR PHILOSOPHY 10 15

    MV AEGEAN ODYSSEY 16 21

    MEDITERRANEAN, AEGEAN,

    ADRIATIC & BLACK SEA 22 45

    CRUISE ITINERARIES 2014

    GRAND VOYAGES 46 51

    INCLUDED HOTEL STAYS 52 53

    GENERAL INFORMATION 54 55

    FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS 55

    DECK PLAN 56 57

    SUITES, STATEROOMS & CABINS 58 59

    CRUISE FARES &

    WHATS INCLUDED60 61

    BOOKING FORM 62

    TERMS & CONDITIONS 63

    CRUISE CALENDAR 64

    2

    ITALY SICILY GREECE GREEK ISLANDS CROATIA

    M O N T E N E G R O B L A C K S E A M A L T A C Y P R U S

    YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION

    The air holiday packages in this brochure are

    ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

    Our ATOL number i s ATOL 10093.

    Please see page 54 and 63 for more details

    ABTA No.Y2206

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    3

    Historic voyagesto the cradle of western

    civilisation

    Between 200BC and 200AD, the Romans were themasters of the Mediterranean. Their commercial vesselssailed to every corner of the region and their armiesoccupied all the surrounding coastlands. Indeed, the mostcommon Latin name for the Mediterranean was marenostrum, our sea. The waters these ancient marinerssailed are today the home of Voyages to Antiquity.

    From the wonders of Minoan Crete and the classicalelegance of ancient Greek architecture to the monumentalsplendour of the Byzantine Empire and beyond, our aimis to bring to life the exciting and inspiring classicalcivilisations of the Mediterranean.

    Inside this brochure you will not only find all you needto know about our ship, MV Aegean Odyssey and our policiesand style, but also an insight into the extraordinarydestinations you will visit. The itineraries have been

    written in a way that we hope will enhance yourappreciation of the cruises on offer, and the introductory

    pages outline our philosophy and the historical andcultural background of the dazzling civilisations ofantiquity we visit.

    DALM ATIA TURKE Y

    L E B A NON E GY P T

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    a brief history of the

    mediterranean

    HISTORY,CULTURE&TREASURES

    EGYPT, THE PHOENICIANS

    AND CRETEAlthough there are many mysteries such as how the ancient Egyptians

    built the pyramids surrounding theorigins of Mediterranean civilisation,

    without doubt the first truly great cultureto evolve was that of Ancient Egypt.

    As the historian Paul Johnson tells us,the Egyptians were the first peopleon earth to create a nation-state. Thisstate served as the framework of aculture of extraordinary strength,

    assurance and durability whichlasted for 3,000 years and whichretained almost to the end its nowunmistakable purity of style. In theEgypt of antiquity state, religion andculture formed an indisputable unity.

    The period we know as Ancient Egyptbegan with the First Dynasty in around3100BC and ended with the Thirty-first Dynasty in 332BC, when Egyptianindependence was crushed by the

    invasion of Alexander the Great.

    4

    Around 4 million years ago, acataclysmic earthquake in the regionof Gibraltar split the land between thecontinents of Europe and Africa. Thisepochal geological event resulted in thecreation of the largest waterfall in thehistory of the Earth. It allowed the

    Atlantic Ocean to tumble into apreviously barren, landlocked basinand form the sea we now know asthe Mediterranean.

    With over 6,000 miles of coastlinesurrounding a relatively tranquil

    sea, numerous natural harbours andhundreds of islands to break long sea

    voyages, the Mediterranean providedthe ideal environment for the evolutionof complex patterns of trade, migrationand the communication of ideas.

    These conditions led to an unparalleledexplosion of human creativity andthe birth of the great civilisationsof antiquity.

    of Tutankhamuns death mask, theingenious construction of the Pyramids(the only one of the Seven Wondersof the Ancient World to survive) andthe monumental splendour of the

    Valley of the Kings, it is true to say thatno other ancient civilisation capturesour imagination in the same way as

    Ancient Egypt.

    Although Alexander did not linger inEgypt, he founded a new capital city at

    Alexandria and installed Greeks to nearlyall positions of power in the country.On Alexanders death in 323BC, hisgeneral, Ptolemy became ruler of Egyptand founded a dynasty that wouldlast 300 years. From our morbidfascination with mummies toour wonder at the serene beauty

    THE PARTHENON: AN EXPLOSIVE HISTORY

    The year 1687 was not a good one for the Parthenon. Ottoman Athens was under attack

    from the Venetians and the Turks decided to sequester their ammunition within the thick

    walls of the Parthenon. The Christian forces under the command of a Swedish general,

    Count Koenigsmark, subjected the temple to a prolonged bombardment and, unfortunately,

    the artillery hit the bullseye. The resulting explosion destroyed 28 columns and much

    of the internal structure, and further catastrophic damage followed as the triumphant

    Venetians botched an attempt to remove the surviving figures of the west pediment.

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    TIMELINE

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    Phoenician colonies were establishedthroughout the known world: from

    Kition in Cyprus (modern Larnaca)to Panormos (Palermo) in Sicily andLeptis Magna in Libya. The Phoenicians

    were the greatest traders of theirtime and can be considered thefirst economic super-power sourcing

    valuable commodities from as farafield as England (tin), Africa (ivory)and the Iberian Peninsula (silver).

    But the Phoenicians greatestcontribution to civilisation was theinvention of the alphabet. For thefirst time, the spoken word could berepresented by groups of letters; thissystem was a huge leap forward fromthe cumbersome hieroglyphs used bythe Egyptians. First recorded between1700 and 1500BC, the evolution ofan alphabet was an innovation asimportant to mankinds progressas the invention of the wheel orthe magnetic compass.

    The decline of Phoenicia began in

    539BC when it was conquered byCyrus the Great of Persia. It is believedthat much of the Phoenician populationfled to Carthage. The last remnantsof Phoenician culture in its Eastern

    Mediterranean homeland disappearedfollowing Alexander the Greats

    siege of Tyre in 332BC and thesubsequent domination of theregion by Hellenistic Greece.

    3000BC Founding of Egypt

    2630BC First pyramid is built at Sakkara, Egypt

    2550BC Great Pyramid at Giza

    2000BC Completion of Stonehenge, Britain

    1700BC Palace of Knossos on Crete

    1400BCMycenae conquers Crete and

    destroys the Minoans

    1200BC Downfall of the Mycenaean civilisation

    1100BC Phoenician alphabet

    1000BCPhoenician trading colonies in the

    western Mediterranean

    800- Greek colonisation of the

    500BC Mediterranean and Black Sea

    800- Main period of Phoenician

    600BC colonisation

    814BC Carthage is founded by Phoenicians

    800BCBeginning of the Etruscan

    civilisation in Italy

    750- The (semi-mythological) seven

    510BC kings of Rome

    700BC City-states in Greece and the Aegean

    700BCHomer writes the Iliadand

    the Odyssey

    550BC Cyrus founds the Persian Empire

    513BCDarius of Persia invades south-

    eastern Europe

    509BC Foundation of the Roman republic

    492BC Darius of Persia invades Greece

    490BC Greeks defeat the Persians at Marathon

    485BCBabylon is destroyed by Xerxes,

    King of Persia

    Battle of Thermopylae. 300

    480BC Spartans under King Leonidas hold

    back the Persians

    480BC Greeks halt Xerxes of Persia at Salamis

    469-Life of Socrates

    399BC

    462- Pericles introduces democratic

    458BC institutions in Athens

    457-First Peloponnesian War

    445BC

    449-Building of the Parthenon

    432BC430BC Herodotus completes his Histories

    427-

    347BCLife of Plato

    TRADE AND THE FIRST ALPHABETAlthough the artifacts of the Pharaohs

    still top the must-see list of manymodern-day travellers, the Egyptians

    were essentially an insular people andtheir cultural heritage is contained

    within the Nile area. The first greatcivilisation to emerge as a maritimepower in the Mediterranean was thatof the Phoenicians.

    Like so much of ancient history, thetrue origins of the Phoenicians are bestdescribed by that famous Churchillian

    phrase a riddle wrapped in a mysteryinside an enigma. What is known isthat their civilisation was centred inthe north of ancient Canaan, in an areacorresponding to the coastal regionsof modern-day Lebanon and taking inparts of Israel, Syria and the Palestinianterritories.

    The first records of this great seafaringpeople date from about 1550BC, withthe emergence of the ports of Byblos,

    Tyre, Sidon and Arwad. From here

    over the next 1,200 years, Phoeniciangalleys (see Maritime History onpage 6) roamed throughout theMediterranean and beyond(indeed, Herodotus recounts thatthey circumnavigated thecontinent of Africa in600BC though this wastechnically impossibleuntil the cutting ofthe Suez Canal).

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    6

    The demise of this archaic utopia isunclear. There is a theory that they

    may have been invaded by a warlikefoe, most probably Mycenae.

    Alternatively, it may be that theMinoans never recovered from thecataclysmic volcanic eruption onthe island of Thera (Santorini, some60 miles from Crete) in 1470BC.

    MYCENAEEmerging in the 2nd millennium BCand lying about 55 miles southwestof Athens in the northeasternPeloponnese, Mycenae dominatedsouthern Greece and spread itsinfluence as far as Sardinia and theBay of Naples. By about 1300BC, ithad reached the height of its economicand military powers and was ready toflex its muscles. This show of strengthculminated in every schoolchildsfavourite tale of ancient times

    Agamemnon and the Trojan War.

    ANCIENT GREECEFrom the rise of Corinth in about685BC to the fall of Sicily, the jewelof Magna Graecia, to Rome some400 years later, the Greeks wereresponsible for one of the most

    brilliant and inspiring epochs inhuman history.

    They revolutionised every aspect ofcivilised life from art, literature andarchitecture to politics, philosophyand mathematics. Their technological

    The Venetian Galleass,converted from largemerchant galleys,fought at the Battleof Lepanto.

    MARITIME HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

    contend with the capricious windsthat sweep the Mediterranean but

    they were also under constantthreat from raiders.

    Indeed, the Romans calculated theywould lose at least 30 percent of allcargo to storms or pirate assaults. Forthe modern-day marine archaeologistthis carnage has left a rich source ofartifacts in particular amphorae (seebox on facing page) on the seabed thathas helped us to understand the scaleand scope of ancient commerce.

    The fleets of the Phoenicians, Greeks,Romans, Byzantines and Venetians,each in their time, provided the meansfor economic and territorial empire

    building. Their ships and naval battlesshaped the history of civilisation inthe Mediterranean. For those who

    wish to know more, LionelCassons Ships and Seamanshipin the Ancient World is highly

    recommended.

    THE MINOANS: PALACESAND MYTHSAs the great monuments of Egyptrose from the sand, and before thePhoenicians had become mastersof the sea, another civilisation wasemerging on the island of Crete.

    Ideally placed as a staging postbetween the Near East, Greece and

    North Africa, by 2000BC Crete hadbecome the centre of Mediterraneantrade. The culture that developed on

    Crete we now call Minoan afterthe legendary King Minos. He is

    believed to have ruled over apeaceful, prosperous and happysociety. Indeed, in his history of

    the Mediterranean, The Middle Sea,John Julius Norwich writes that theMinoans enjoyed a degree of luxuryunprecedented in history. Their life

    was easy, their climate delectable.They mistrusted all things military.They made love, not war.

    The heyday of Minoan civilisation(2000-1600BC) was marked by the

    construction of great palaces thatwere the centre of religious, politicaland economic life. The best known ofthese is at Knossos; at the height of itsglory the city is said to have containedseveral thousand inhabitants.Excavations here were begun in 1899

    by the British archaeologist Sir ArthurEvans, who controversially restoredthe palace with his own eccentricideas of Minoan interior design.

    The Greek Trireme, named afterits three banks of oars hadup to 170 oarsmen andachieved speeds upto 9 knots.

    It is hard to overestimate theimportance of the Mediterranean

    Sea in the story of the development ofthese great cultures. The driving forces

    behind any successful civilisation arecommunication, warfare and tradeand, as travelling significant distancesover land was virtually impossible inancient times, mastering the skillsof navigation and shipbuilding wereessential. The result of this imperativeto conquer the sea was that the ancientmariners of the Mediterranean wereresponsible for nearly all the major

    discoveries in pre-industrial maritimetechnology: from the arrangement ofoars in rowing galleys to the riggingof larger sailing vessels and theconstruction of increasinglysophisticated hulls.

    Even though the geography of theMediterranean allowed sailors tonavigate much of the time byhugging the coast, sea travelin ancient times was extremely

    perilous. Not only had ships to

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    384-

    322BCLife of Aristotle

    343BCAristotle becomes tutor of young

    Alexander

    336-

    323BCReign of Alexander the Great

    332BCAlexander the Great conquers Syria

    and Egypt. Alexandria is founded

    304- Rule of the Ptolemaic Dynasty

    30BC in Egypt

    275BCThe lighthouse at Alexandria is

    completed

    264- First Punic War. Carthage cedes

    241BC Sicily to Rome

    Second Punic War. Hannibal leads

    218- 50,000 foot soldiers, 9,000 cavalry,

    201BC and 37 war elephants over the

    Pyrenees and the Alps

    216BCBattle of Cannae. Worst defeat in

    Roman history, against Carthage

    Hannibal directly threatens the city

    216BC of Rome, but cannot advance due

    to lack of supplies and reinforcements

    202BC End of the Third Punic War

    146BC Rome destroys the city of Carthage

    44BC Julius Caesar is murdered

    Battle of Actium: Octavian (the later

    32-31BC Emperor Augustus) defeats

    Cleopatra of Egypt

    6BC-Life of Jesus of Nazareth

    30AD

    43ADClaudius commences the Roman

    conquest of Britain

    70-Christian gospels are written100AD

    200AD Completion of the Roman road system

    286ADThe Roman Empire is split into the

    Western and Eastern Roman empires

    313ADRoman emperor Constantine

    tolerates Christianity

    330ADConstantinople is founded as the

    new Rome

    378AD The Goths defeat Rome

    402AD Ravenna becomes the capital of the

    Western Roman Empire

    410AD Alaric of the Visigoths sacks Rome455AD Vandals sack Rome

    480ADJulius Nepos, the last Western

    Roman emperor, dies 7

    and scientific achievements were noless remarkable (among other Greek

    innovations were the first maps, geartechnology, the screw, plumbing, andeven the vending machine).

    But ancient Greece was never a unifiednation and it comprised a numberofpolis or city-states that were oftenat war with each other. Althoughessentially independent, thepolis

    would, when needed, come togetherto form military alliances.

    The most important of the city-states

    was Athens, which the poet JohnMilton called "the eye of Greece,mother of arts and eloquence."

    It was here in the 5th century BCthat the genius and creativity ofthe ancient Greek world shone withunprecedented brilliance. This wasthe time of the great statesman Pericles

    who organised the construction of theAcropolis, of the dramatists Aeschylus,Sophocles and Euripedes and, of

    course, of the philosopher Socrates.It was truly the Golden Age.

    Following Athens stellar performance,Sparta briefly took centre stage; theaction then shifted north to Macedoniaand Alexander. By the time of his deathin Babylon on June 13th 323BC aged32, Alexander was the greatestconqueror the world had ever seen.

    AMPHORA

    An amphora is a type of ceramic vase with

    two handles and a long neck narrower than

    the body. They first appeared on the Syrian coast

    around the 15th century BC and spread around the

    ancient world. The ancients used amphorae as the

    principal means for transporting and storing olive oil,

    wine, grain and a host of other goods. They were

    produced on an industrial scale from Greek times

    and used around the Mediterranean until aboutthe 7th century. They are of great benefit to

    archaeologists, as amphorae in a shipwreck can

    often indicate the age of the wreck and geographic

    origin of the cargo. They are occasionally so

    well preserved that the original contents are still

    present, providing invaluable information on the

    eating habits and trading systems of the ancient

    Mediterranean peoples.

    GREEK FIRE: THE FIRST WEAPONOF MASS DESTRUCTION

    The Byzantines used this incendiary weapon

    in naval battles to great effect as it could

    continue burning even on water. It provided a

    technological advantage, and was responsible for

    many key Byzantine military victories, most notably

    the salvation of Constantinople from two Arabsieges, thus securing the Empire's survival. The

    formula for the production of Greek fire was a

    closely guarded secret that has now been lost.

    What set the Byzantine use of incendiary

    mixtures apart, however, was their use of

    pressurised siphons such as those fitted to the

    dromons to project the liquid onto the enemy.

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    BYZANTIUM AND BEYONDConstantine the Greats capitalConstantinople was founded onthe site of the ancient Greek city ofByzantium. It was to last 1,123 years,for several centuries of which it wasthe most powerful military, economicand cultural force in the Mediterranean.During this time, the Empire was a

    bulwark of Christianity against theforces of Islam, it provided a stagingpost for the Crusaders heading offto the Holy Land and it has left

    behind some of the most beautiful

    and architecturally exciting buildingsin the world.

    them. As builders they were masters:their roads opened up the known

    world; their cities were conceived ona scale previously unimaginable inthe ancient world; and their skills asengineers (they were the first peopleto use the arch) were remarkable. Itis true to say that our present-daycivilisation is a direct descendantof the empire of the Caesars.

    From the end of the Second Punic Warin 201BC until the founding of thenew imperial capital at Constantinoplein 330AD by the first Christian

    Emperor, Constantine the Great, Romewas the centre of the known world.

    MARE NOSTRUMANDTHE RISE OF ROME

    All great civilisations, intheir early stages, are based

    on success in war. Kenneth ClarkDisciplined, organised and bellicose,in 510BC the Romans defeated theirEtruscan overlords and never looked

    back. Over the following centuries,Roman military supremacy in theMediterranean would become total.From Syria and Egypt in the East toFrance and Spain in the West, theRoman legions and galleys carriedall before them. The great empiresof Greece and Carthage would beswallowed up, and, in a customarydisplay of arrogance, the Romans

    would christen the Middle SeaMare Nostrum Our Sea.

    The Romans regarded themselves theheirs of the Greeks and, although theynever quite achieved the recognitionin the field of the arts afforded byclassicists to their Hellenistic forbears,in other spheres the Romans far exceeded

    By the end of the 5th century, theWestern Roman Empire was engulfedby the barbarians from northernEurope Vandals in North Africa,Goths in Italy and Spain, Goths andFranks in Gaul, Angles and Saxonsin Britain. Despite the efforts of theByzantine Emperor Justinian, whosereign was marked by the ambitious

    but ultimately failed renovatio imperii,or "restoration of the empire," thisconquest by the peoples of theNorth marked a fundamental shiftin power in the Mediterranean.

    THE COMING OF THEBARBARIANS

    The emergence of the "barbariankingdoms" in the 5th century and therise of Islam in the 7th century meantthat the medieval Mediterranean world

    would not be nearly as cohesive asits ancient counterpart. Amidst thischaotic background of plagues, warsand crusades emerged two remarkablecultures: the Norman Kingdom of

    Sicily and the Venetian Empire.The Kingdom of Sicily was a state thatexisted in South Italy and Sicily fromits founding by Roger II in 1130 until1194, when it was absorbed into theHoly Roman Empire. While muchof Europe was engulfed by viciousreligious wars, in Sicily the Normanspresided over a miraculous society

    8

    THE FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE

    In the spring of 1451, the Sultan Mehmed II

    succeeded his father on the throne of the

    early Ottoman Empire. Determined to

    capture Constantinople, and to finally put

    an end to the 1,000-year-old Byzantine

    Empire he prepared a huge army, well

    over 200,000 strong, which he drew up

    along the four miles of Land Walls which

    run from the shore of the Marmara to the

    upper reaches of the Golden Horn. The

    siege began on April 6th, 1453; for the next

    eight weeks his tremendous cannon kept

    up a remorseless pounding of the Walls,

    while his navy blockaded the city from

    the sea. The army finally smashed its way

    through in the early hours of May 29th.

    The Emperor Constantine XI, who was

    in command of the defences, rushed to

    where the fighting was thickest and plungedinto the fray; he was never seen again.

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    489- Theodoric of the Ostrogoths

    493AD conquers Italy

    534ADByzantine Emperor Justinian conquers

    the Vandal kingdom in Africa

    536-Byzantines conquer Italy

    562AD

    570AD Prophet Muhammad is born

    638AD Arabs capture Jerusalem

    The Arabs get a foothold in Sicily

    and begin a slow process, not827AD complete till 965AD, of squeezing

    the Byzantines out of the island

    The Byzantine empire enjoys a revival,

    bringing the Slavs within the Greekc. 950AD

    Orthodox fold and winning victories

    against the Muslims

    The Turks and the Byzantines meet

    1071AD in battle at Manzikert, with victory

    going to the Turks

    Venice acquires valuable trading

    1082ADprivileges from Constantinople, her

    merchants being excused all dues

    and customs in the Byzantine Empire

    1091AD Norman king Roger I conquers Sicily

    1095AD Pope Urban II preaches the first crusade

    1130AD Roger II crowned king of Sicily

    In the cathedral on Torcello, and in

    St Mark's, Venetian mosaics are ac. 1200AD

    culmination in the west of the

    Byzantine tradition

    The crusaders of the fourth crusade

    1204AD besiege, take and destroy the Christian

    city of Constantinople

    The Byzantine Empire continues, in

    1204AD much reduced form, with a new

    capital at Nicaea

    Many of the treasures adorning the

    church of San Marco in Venice are loot1205AD

    taken from Constantinople during the

    fourth crusade

    Osman inherits the leadership of the

    c. 1285AD tribal group later known by a version

    of his name, as the Ottoman Turk

    Constantinople falls to Muslim

    conqueror, Mehmed II, bringing the

    Ottoman Turks their capital city.

    1453AD The Christian emperor Constantine XI

    dies in the fighting in Constantinople,

    as the Greek Byzantine Empire yields to

    that of the Ottoman Turks

    Mehmed II, conqueror of

    1462AD Constantinople, begins to build

    Topkapi Sarayi as his palace

    that combined Latin, Byzantine andArab culture. It was, writes John JuliusNorwich in The Middle Sea, the most

    brilliant and cultivated court of theMiddle Ages.

    THE RISE OF VENICEThe Venetian Republic existed forover a millennium, from the late 7thcentury AD until 1797. It is oftenreferred to as La Serenissima, theMost Serene Republic. Over the yearsthe Venetians acquired an overseasempire that was primarily concerned

    with protecting and developing theircommercial interests. The Venetians

    were exporting no ideology to theworld, says Jan Morris in The VenetianEmpire: A Sea Voyage. They were nothoping to found lesser states in theirown image. They had no missionaryzeal. They were not great builders likethe Romans. What they were was aneconomic superpower motivated bythe pursuit of profit.

    Theirs was an empire of coastal

    outposts and island strongholdsstretching from the Adriatic toGreece and its islands to theeastern Aegean. The great richestheir dominions brought to

    Venice not only fundedthe magnificentarchitectural andartistic achievements we

    see today, but also drove a miniindustrial revolution particularlyin the production of ships and

    armaments. The Venetian Arsenalwas the centre of this industr y andat its height developed the firstmethods of mass production thatenabled the construction of a galleyper day.

    The Venetian Empire is the lastgreat power that concerns us here,

    but during the Voyages to Antiquitycruises there will be several remindersof later events that have shaped

    the history of the Middle Sea: thetragedy of Gallipoli in World War I;the construction of the Suez Canal;and the transformation of so muchof the coast by tourism. Despite allthese upheavals, however, the worldof the ancient civilisations enduresand, as you will discover on your

    journey, is still a source of inspirationand wonder.

    9

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    voyages to

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    OUTSTANDINGITINERARIES

    All voyages have been meticulouslyplanned by the Voyages to Antiquitystaff in conjunction with notedhistorians. Plus, with frequent eveningand overnight stays in port, theres theopportunity to enjoy an after-dinnerstroll ashore.

    This year we are delighted to includesome brand new itineraries and

    destinations. The Athens to Istanbuldeparture on August 18th seepages 42/43 is our first cruise tocombine both the Greek islands andthe Black Sea. New ports of call for2014 include Bodrum in Turkey whereguests will visit the remains of theMausoleum of Halicarnassos, one ofthe Seven Wonders of the Ancient

    World as well as the beautiful Greekislands of Syros and Kos.

    Included Pre- & Post-cruisehotel stays

    Some departures also have pre- and/orpost-cruise hotel stays in Rome, Athensand Istanbul, providing guests with a

    wonderful chance to relax before theircruise or the perfect opportunity toexplore one of these remarkable citiesat the end of their journey.

    THE BENEFITS OFSMALL SHIP CRUISING

    In contrast to the massive vesselscruising to and from the major portsof the Mediterranean, we have a shipadapted for island and coastal cruising.

    This means thatAegean Odyssey canvisit smaller, less crowded harbours andsail closer to the coast enabling you toreally appreciate the magical views.

    As we carry an average of 350

    passengers, our ship is ideal for thosewho dislike travelling around withhordes of people. This boutique-stylecruising tends to be more expensive tooperate than larger ships, but if youlike to avoid crowds, wander around

    beautiful islands, cruise remote inlets,visit charming villages and exploreancient sites that are inaccessibleto others, thenAegean Odyssey isthe ideal ship.

    Choosing a vacation is a bigdecision. We understand thatbefore booking your cruise aboardAegean Odysseyyou will want toknow the philosophy behindVoyages to Antiquity. Our aim isto help you assess the meticulousplanning of our itineraries, ourpolicies aboard the ship and themany features which are includedin the price.

    We have created a cruiseexperience that is not only for theamateur or professional historianbut also for people who simplywant to understand the history,art, myths and architecture ofthe ancient world.

    A Voyages to Antiquity cruiseaims to open a window into theorigins and genius of Western

    civilisation. These journeys,however, are not only abouthistory. As well as visiting breath-taking archaeological treasuresyou will see some of the mostbeautiful scenery in the worldand experience the food andwine of the Mediterranean.

    antiquity our philosophy

    SMALL-SHIP CRUISING

    SPACIOUS PUBLIC ROOMSAND RELAXING AMBIENCE

    ON BOARD

    ITINERARIES PLANNEDBY NOTED HISTORIANS

    INCLUDED EXCURSIONSTO FAMOUS SITES AND

    HIDDEN GEMS

    DELUXE AND FIRST CLASSACCOMMODATIONS ON

    PRE- AND/OR POST-CRUISE

    HOTEL STAYS

    A TOP LECTURE ANDGUEST SPEAKER PROGRAMME

    OPEN-SEATING RESTAURANTS:CHOOSE WHEN AND WHERE

    TO DINE

    WINES INCLUDED WITHDINNER ON BOARD

    GRATUITIES ON BOARDINCLUDED

    COMBINING THE BENEFITSOF SMALL SHIP CRUISINGWITH THE VERY BEST OFCULTURAL TRAVEL

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    Kusadasi and Izmir are the gatewaysto Turkeys ancient sites of Ephesus,Pergamon and Aphrodisias whileSicily and Italy offer a wealth of sight-seeing opportunities and dependingon your itinerary youll visit themagnificent cathedral of Monrealeand explore the monumental sitesof Segesta and Selinunte.

    Our sightseeing programmes areoutstanding, but can be strenuous;a reasonable level of fitness is,therefore, required. Our shoreexcursion brochure and on-boardDaily Journal will indicate the levelof fitness required on any given day.

    Individual QuietVox headsets

    On all shore excursions, the expert

    guides will share their knowledgewith the group using QuietVox.Through your individual headset,

    these remarkable devices allow youto hear the tour leader clearly even

    at the busiest sites. Voyages toAntiquity is one of the few cruise

    lines to operate this service.

    We hope that this means thatyour visits to these wonderfulplaces will be as memorable andexciting as possible.

    EXCLUSIVE SPECIALEVENTS

    The Venice Experience For cruisesvisiting Venice we have arranged an

    exclusive, private evening visit to StMarks Basilica with special lightingilluminating the spectacular mosaics.

    Also, we have a special lecture series

    presented by members of some of thecity's oldest families. These talks will

    give a unique insight into the life,history and famous figures of this

    remarkable city and reveal the secretlife of Venice. With their in-depthknowledge of the city's past and

    present, our speakers will describewhat it is like to be a native of this

    remarkable place.

    Sicily's Palatial SplendourIn Palermo,there will be an opportunity for a

    private visit to Palazzo Gangi, themagnificent Baroque palace famousfor the banqueting scene in Viscontis

    film of Tomasi di Lampedusas classicnovel, The Leopard. You will need toregister interest as group sizes arelimited. A donation of $55 per person

    towards restoration will be required.

    Athens: A Private ViewWe havealso arranged private visits to Athens'

    fascinating Museum of Cycladic Art.The museum is home to one of the

    most spectacular collections of ancientGreek art in the world.

    THE

    12

    INCLUDED ESCORTEDSIGHTSEEING

    Shore excursions are included,except on the odd occasion whereno organised sightseeing is available.In certain places, additional visits will

    be offered at a supplementary cost.

    This is an important part of Voyagesto Antiquity's philosophy as it ensuresthat our guests always see the mostimportant sites and are escorted bythe very best guides. In Athens, forexample, you will not miss the

    Acropolis and the Acropolis Museumand when in Istanbul your tour willalways include the Hagia Sophia andthe Topkapi Palace.

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    VOYAGES TOANTIQUITY EXPERIENCE

    A private evening visit to St Marks Basilica with special illuminationof the spectacular mosaics is included on all cruises in Venice.

    In Palermo,

    you will have theopportunity toenjoy an exclusive

    visit to the PalazzoGangi, location of

    Luchino Viscontismovie, The Leopard.

    Sightseeing excursions areincluded the remarkably

    well-preserved Doric templeat Segesta is just one feature

    of our visits to Sicily.

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    Evenings on boardThere will bea string trio, pianist, casual dancing

    before and after dinner, and occasionalvisiting local entertainment. No casinoor disco. The officers introductory

    cocktail party is casual without theusual formalities.

    Dress code Suggestions for what

    to wear during nights and eveningsaboard are found in the Essential

    Travel Information booklet we sendyou with your travel documents. Resortcasual is the general recommendation,

    however, there may be occasionswhere a jacket for men and cocktail

    attire for ladies is appropriate.

    House wines included with

    dinner on boardAs we are in theMediterranean, we do not think it is

    appropriate to serve dinner withoutwine. House wines are from Italy,

    France or Greece and are included.Other vintages are available atreasonable prices.

    A good nights sleepWe placeparticular importance on the standard

    of bedding in cabins irrespective ofcategory. Fine duvets, covers andsheets, ample soft pillows and quality

    towels can be expected and your cabinsteward is always ready to make

    changes if you desire.

    Language on boardThe shipslanguage is English and you can expect

    fellow passengers to be mainly fromthe US, Canada, UK and Australia

    with a sprinkling of enthusiasts

    from Europe and the Far East.

    TechnologyWe ask that mobilephones and laptops be used discreetlyin the interest of fellow passengers.

    The internet room is always open forthose who cannot resist contact with

    the outside world.

    Children Our cruises are destination

    focused and not designed for childrenunder the age of 12.

    TippingAlways a difficult subject.

    We have decided to include all tipsto cabin stewards and restaurantstaff. You may wish to show your

    appreciation to individuals offeringexceptional service (totally optional).

    A 12.5 percent gratuity isautomatically charged on drinks.

    A RELAXED ATMOSPHEREON BOARD

    On board, the lecturers and celebratedspeakers who accompany you on the

    cruises are all first class.

    They have beencarefully selected for

    their knowledge of theareas we visit and their

    ability to bring the history ofthese remarkable civilisationsto life. Their informative and

    enlightening talks will also charmand entertain you.

    In 2013, our guests enjoyed talks

    by many notable speakers includingProfessor Jonathan Phillips, who

    brought to life the brutal historyof the crusades. Last year, we also

    welcomed Raymond Asquith theEarl of Oxford, Professor Trevor Brycefrom the University of Queensland,

    Australia and Professor Ily Nagyfrom the Archaeological Institute

    of America.

    EXPERT GUEST LECTUREPROGRAMME

    14

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    QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONASHORE

    Voyages to Antiquity prides itself inthe detail and planning of these cruise

    holidays. Our aim is not only to offeran insight into the history of the regions

    you will visit, but to blend this with

    the incredible wealth of culture andscenic beauty.

    With all these inclusions featuredwith each Voyage to Antiquity, ouraim is to provide a unique holiday

    experience and with these specialEarly Booking Savings extraordinary

    value for money:

    EXCEPTIONALVALUE FOR MONEY

    15Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

    BOOK EARLY

    SAVE up to1,200*per stateroom

    15% SingleSupplement

    Look out for the individual offers onthe following itinerary pages and make

    sure you reserve your stateroom bySeptember 30, 2013 to secure a great

    value holiday.

    ALL VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITYINCLUDE:

    Expertly planned itineraries.

    Included economy class scheduled flights to

    and from your cruise.

    All meals onAegean Odysseywith a choice

    of restaurant and open-seating dining so you

    can choose when, where and with whom to dine.

    Complimentary choice of wine, beer or soft

    drinks with your evening meal on board.

    A full, included excursion programme with

    sightseeing in each port of call (where available).

    Many nighttime stays in port so you can

    choose to explore on your own.

    Experienced team of guest speakers and

    lecturers.

    Included gratuities to your cabin steward

    and restaurant staff.

    One language, English, is used on board.

    Free regional departures from selected UK

    airports, subject to connecting times.

    Flight upgrades at reasonable cost.

    Transfers and porterage of your baggage from

    the overseas airport (once you have cleared

    customs) to your cabin on arrival and vice

    versa on departure.

    Included hotel stays in Istanbul, Athens

    and Rome.

    Voyages to Antiquity places great emphasison the quality of accommodation ashore.

    We have selected some of the best 4 and5 star hotels for your included land stays.

    In Rome, the Excelsior opens on to one

    of Romes prestigious streets, the ViaVeneto, and the Cicerone is a stones

    throw from St Peters and the Vatican.

    In Athens, the Grande Bretagne is a

    grand hotel in the finest tradition withviews of the floodlit Acropolis from theroof garden. The same view can be seenfrom the King George, one of Athens

    most prestigious hotels located in theheart of the city.

    In Istanbul, the Grand Hyatt blends thetraditions of East and West and reflectsthe spirit and culture of the city. The

    Hilton overlooks the Bosporus, close toTaksim Square and the leisure district.

    For a full description of the hotels we

    use, please see pages 52 and 53.* Savings vary depending on cruise and

    cabin category selected

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    in a class of her ownmvaegean odyssey

    Classically elegant, but far fromstuffy and formal,Aegean Odysseyis a premium class small shipthat provides gracious publicrooms, a choice of restaurants,personal service and an intimateatmosphere. She also has theability to visit ports that are toosmall for larger vessels and tonavigate around the scenicislands of the Aegean, Adriaticand the southern Mediterranean.

    16

    CRUISE IN COMFORT RELAX IN STYLEAegean Odyssey has a beautifullyappointed, wood panelled and well-

    stocked library. There is an extensiverange of volumes covering the history,art, culture, architecture and philosophyof the countries you will visit. Thecollection was selected by the expertsat the famous Oxford-based bookseller,Blackwell and is regularly updated. Inaddition, there is an extensive selectionof reference books, modern and classicfiction, and general interest volumes.

    On boardAegean Odysseyyou willexperience the finest traditions ofcruising. Originally a mid-size vesselcarrying up to 570 passengers, Aegean

    Odysseys new configuration includesgenerously sized suites, junior suitesand staterooms with outside balconies,

    which means she now accommodatesan average of 350 guests. With tastefullyunderstated interiors,Aegean Odysseycombines the best of traditionalelegance with all the modernconveniences of a first-class ship.

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    BalconyCLASS

    As well as adding a new dimension of luxury to the publicrooms, we have created a special level of accommodation

    entitled Balcony Class.

    In addition to the standard cabin features such as a flat-screen

    television, safe, hair dryer and plush bedding, guests in BalconyClass (categories A to D) will also enjoy:

    STATEROOM OR SUITE WITH BALCONY

    AWELCOME BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE & PETIT FOURS

    REFRIGERATOR STOCKED WITH SOFT DRINKS

    COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLED WATER

    ROBE AND SLIPPERS

    MOLTON BROWN BATHROOM AMENITIES

    PRIORITY SIGHTSEEING BOARDING

    17

    THE ATHENA HEALTH SPATo attend to the body as well as themind, you can relax on the sweepingsun deck and cool off in the outdoor

    pool. We are delighted to announcethe opening of the Athena Health Spa.Here you will find wonderful therapiesand treatments to relax, revive andrenew you during your cruise. Inaddition to all this pamperingthere is a full fitness studio. Earlymorning yoga sessions are alsoavailable. The hairdressers and beautycentre are located on the BelvedereDeck adjacent to the Reception area.

    Newspapers are delivered via satelliteand are available in the library. Inaddition, there is a selection of boardgames from Monopoly to chess.

    For those passengers who want tokeep in touch with friends, check theiremails or find out what is happeningin the world, there is an internetroom located on Belvedere Decknext to Reception.

    During your cruise, there will be aprogramme of lectures and discussionsdesigned to not only inform andentertain you but also to bring tolife the wonderful sites you will visit.

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    THE TERRACE CAF & GRILL(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

    With a combination of indoor andoutdoor seating, sophisticated interior

    design and cooking on the open grill,the Terrace Caf replicates the charmand ambiance of a trattoria. There isa large buffet with hot dishes of theday, a selection of salads, and Italianantipasti. Pasta is served with a choiceof homemade Italian sauces andfor dessert there is a large selectionincluding ice cream. The day starts inthe Terrace Caf with breakfast where

    you can enjoy a healthy combinationof yogurt, fruit and muesli or indulgein eggs, bacon or an omelette.

    TAPAS ON THE TERRACEIn the evenings, Tapas on the Terracerecreates the informal yet sophisticatedatmosphere of a Mediterranean bistro.

    Here you can choose from a selectionof mouthwatering appetisers try ourcalamari and empanadas, or pick fromthe wide range of authentic Italianpizzas. Equal care has been given tothe selection of included wines servedat Tapas on the Terrace; these will beserved at your table by our helpful

    waiting staff.

    AFTERNOON TEA

    There is something magical about thetradition of taking tea at sea. Youll find

    THE MARCO POLO RESTAURANT(Lunch and Dinner)

    The most elegant of the shipsrestaurants, the Marco Polo has a

    casual country-club ambiance andMediterranean-influenced food. Atlunchtime, you can choose from a

    variety of starters and three dishesof the day including grilled fish, apasta special and a choice of desserts,fruit and cheese. In the evening,dinner will include appetisers, soup,salads, a choice of three or four maincourses and desserts. In addition tocomplimentary wine, there is a fulllist of fine wines and champagnes

    to accompany your dinner.

    18

    As well as being one of the worldsmost historically interesting andnaturally beautiful destinations,the Mediterranean is home to an

    unsurpassed culinary tradition.This gastronomic culture of usingthe very best fresh local ingredientscooked in a simple but deliciousand healthy style is the inspirationfor the restaurants on Aegean Odyssey.

    WONDERFUL FOOD & impeccable

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    AppetisersCHILLED TROPICAL FRUIT COCKTAIL

    with rosemary honey

    CARPACCIO OF MONKFISHwith avocados and sun-dried tomato dressing

    RAGOUT FIN OF QUAILS & LYCHEESpresented with a truffle oil flavoured potato-parsley cream

    Soup & SaladGREEN SQUASH SOUPwith toasted sesame seeds

    GADO-GADO SALADwith fresh vegetables and egg combined with coconut milk, garlic and soy sauce

    Main CoursesSMOKED SALMON & ZUCCHINI FARFALLE

    SALTIMBOCCA OF HALIBUT WITH PROSCIUTTOserved with green asparagus, lemon/sage sauce and pan-glazed potatoes

    BRAISED DUCK ORIENTAL STYLEwith Chinese cabbage, William potato and classic Asian sauce

    GRILLED MIGNONS OF BEEF TENDERLOINserved with a medley of truffle-flavoured Madeira vegetables and chateau potatoes

    from the vegetarian kitchenMUSHROOM & VEGETABLE BAKEwith lime and herb-flavoured yogurt

    RICE-FILLED VINE LEAVESwith grilled tomato, green peas and a feta cheese sauce

    DessertsCHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKEwith fruit coulis

    APPLE TART TATINwith rum raison ice cream

    LEMON TULIPwith fresh fruit

    CHEESE TROLLEY

    SLICED FRESH FRUITS

    SELECTION OF ICE CREAM & SORBETS

    Dining ChoiceSAVOUR A HOST OF FRESH

    INGREDIENTS IN THE

    MARCO POLO RESTAURANT,

    TERRACE CAF OR OUTSIDE

    AT THE TERRACE WHERE

    RELAXED, OPEN-SEATING

    DINING LETS YOU ENJOY

    A VARIETY OF INSPIRED

    MENUS.

    a selection of freshly-preparedsandwiches, cakes and scones served.

    Accompanying these is, of course, aselection of refreshing teas or coffee.

    A cup of Darjeeling, a s lice of freshlybaked cake and the panoramic viewsof the Mediterranean: the perfectcombination.

    LATE NIGHT SNACKSFor those passengers enjoying a latenight discussing the excitement ofthe days sightseeing, a selectionof light snacks freshly prepared byour chefs will be available in theCharleston Lounge.

    19

    Marco Polorestaurant

    service

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    AT YOUR SERVICEAsk any world traveller where theyreceive the best service and they will

    undoubtedly answer the Far East. Ofall the nationalities in that part of the

    world, it is the Filipinos who carry thehighest reputation for attention todetail. Fluent in English and alwaysserving with a smile, our Filipino crewwill win your hearts.

    Your cabin steward will refresh yourstateroom before you even realise you

    OnAegean Odyssey, you are greeted asa returning family member even if itis your first time on board. Youll find

    smiles and welcomesfrom everyone from theCaptain to your cabinsteward. And unlike a

    vast mega liner, it iseasy to meet fellowpassengers whosepassions and interestsare similar to your own.

    After all is said and done, what passengers

    love most aboutAegean Odyssey is the

    warm and intimate atmosphere on board.Ships, like people, have personalities.

    Some are proper and formal. Others offer

    the anonymity of a large hotel. Still others

    recreate the raucous environment of a

    theme park or nightclub.

    our people make all the difference

    20

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    need it. Your waiter will rememberwhether you take tea or coffee, andthe barman whether you like your

    Martini shaken or stirred. They, andthe rest of our officers and crew, arededicated to making your holiday adelightful experience.

    It is this personal approach that ourguests remember and value mosthighly. But dont just take our wordfor it, here is what recent travellersaboardAegean Odyssey had to say.

    I have recently returned from TheIsles of Greece cruise and feel disposedto write and congratulate all concernedin providing me with a truly memorable

    experience. I was a single passengertaking my first ever cruise, and canhonestly say that I could not findeven the smallest fault with the wholeexperience. The ship, its facilities,the food on board, all the crew and theexcursions within the 10 day itinerarywere better than I dared to expect, andspeaking to fellow passengers who wereoften well experienced in cruising, theytoo were pleasantly surprised at thehigh standards attained throughout.

    My only complaint is that you have ofcourse spoiled me for any cruise otherthan with your Company, and I lookforward to joining you again.

    G. G. B. MBE - UK

    The cruises are itinerary driven witha strong emphasis on shore excursions(which are included in the packageprice!) that stress cultural history atports of call. And while I remember no bingo, no casino, no photographer,

    no chorus line and no Baked Alaska!Need I say more? M.R. - Canada

    Susan and l have just returned fromour fantastic Voyage to Antiquity fromRome to Venice. We had a terrific timeand wanted you to know right away!

    The ships staff was outstanding. Allin all it was a wonderful experience inall areas. R.R. - USAI chose this cruise because theitinerary was just a little bit differentfrom the other companies Ive looked at.It gave passengers the opportunity togo to places and do things you couldntdo with the other cruise lines.

    I would certainly recommend Voyagesto Antiquity its a bit intellectual,

    with some fun, relaxation, good foodand amazing people. The scenery hasbeen stunning and the places withoutdoubt I would recommend it.

    M.M. - UK

    You dont need to be a history buff anyone with an interest in culture willenjoy this cruise. In a way it inspiresyou to learn more and delve deeper intothe places we have visited. The ship issuch a nice size not too big and very

    informal. You really get to know peopleand its a delightful atmosphere.P.M. - UKEveryone from the Captain, crew,cruise organiser, front office personel,cabin staff and beverage staff wereextremely friendly and very helpful.They are a credit to your organisationand you can be proud of them theyare doing a great job! G.B. - Australia

    21

    Just a few comments from previous guests

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    VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY 2014

    22

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    ATHENS TO ISTANBULincluding Egypt March 22 - 28 days

    Ancient Greece and Sicily, plus the wonders of Egypt and Lebanon 24 25

    ISTANBUL TO ATHENS April 14, September 11 & October 16 - 17 days

    A voyage to the islands of the gods and heroes of classical Greece26 27

    ATHENS TO ISTANBULApril 26, July 5 & September 23 - 17 days

    Classical Greece and the treasures of Turkey28 29

    ISTANBUL TO ISTANBULApril 14 & September 11 - 27 days

    A Grand Voyage to the highlights of Turkey and Greece30 31

    ISTANBUL TO ROME May 8 - 17 days

    Rome, Pompeii and majestic Sicily combine with historic Turkey32 33

    ROME TO VENICE June 13 - 15 days

    Rome, the mysteries of Pompeii & Sicily and the grandeur of Venice34 35

    VENICE TO ATHENS June 27 & August 11 - 13 days

    Combine the dramatic Dalmatian coast with classical Greece36 37

    ISTANBUL TO ISTANBULJuly 17, August 31 & October 5 - 14 days

    The Black Sea from the birth of civilisation to the Crimean War38 39

    ISTANBUL TO VENICE July 28 - 15 days

    Dalmatia and the highlights of the Byzantine Empire40 41

    ATHENS TO ISTANBULincluding the Black SeaAugust 19 - 17 daysClassical Aegean and ports of the Crimea

    42 43

    ATHENS TO ATHENS including Egypt October 28 - 26 days

    A comprehensive voyage around the eastern Mediterranean44 45

    discover thehistory, artand culturesof the ancientworld

    Uniquely planned voyages all include:

    Comforts of small-ship cruising

    All meals on board with choice

    of two open-seating restaurants

    Complimentary wine, beer or softdrinks with evening meal on board

    Award-winning lecture programand guest speakers

    Gratuities for your cabin stewardand restaurant staff

    Transfers and baggage handling

    4/5-star hotel stays pre- or post-

    cruise as shown on itineraries

    23

    Istanbul

    SAVE UP TO 1 200

    Book by September 30, 2013

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    24

    Egypt

    MediterraneanSea

    Athens

    BeirutAlexandria lebanon

    Cyprus

    LimassolRhodes

    Knossos

    IzmirAntalya

    TurkeyGreece

    sicily

    maltacrete

    RethimnonValletta

    Trapani

    Syracuse

    PalermoSantorini

    Delos/Mykonos

    This Spring journey of the southern Mediterranean is acomprehensive exploration of the legacy of the Roman Empiresand Greater Greece including the sacred isle of Delos and the great

    ruins of Ephesus. It not only gives you the opportunity to visit someof the greatest sites of antiquity but also toenjoy some much needed spring sunshine.

    Your journey includes the islands of Crete,Malta and Sicily. With its superb strategicposition, Sicily has been coveted, foughtover and colonised. The Phoenicians,

    Athenians, Romans, Arabs, Normans,Byzantines and Bourbons have all madetheir mark on this astonishing island.

    It is then on to Egypt and, as you visit thePyramids, it is interesting to rememberthat the wealth this desert produced ledto the building of Alexandria, a city onceregarded as more impressive than Rome.

    This month-long cruise holiday also visitsthe glorious Greek islands and concludes

    with a two-night hotel stay in Istanbul.

    EVERYTHING IN

    ALEXANDRIAWAS SUPERLATIVE CICERO28-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM 4,195

    DEPARTS MARCH 22, 2014

    ATHENS TO ISTANBUL

    DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPARTMAR 22 Fly toATHENS Greece

    Transfer to hotel overnight hotel

    MAR 23 ATHENSGreece overnight hotel

    MAR 24 ATHENS/PIRAEUS GreeceTransfer toAegean Odyssey in Piraeus 6.00pm

    MAR 25 At Sea

    MAR 26 SYRACUSE Sicily 7.00am 1.00pmCruise the Strait of Messina

    MAR 27 PALERMO (Monreale) Sicily 7.00am overnight

    MAR 28 PALERMO Sicily 8.00pm

    MAR 29 TRAPANI (Segesta/Selinunte) Sicily 6.00am 6.00pm

    MAR 30 VALLETTAMalta 8.00am 6.00pm

    MAR 31 At Sea

    APR 1 RETHIMNON (Knossos) Crete 7.00am overnight

    APR 2 RETHIMNON (Chani) Crete 2.00pm

    APR 3 At Sea

    APR 4 ALEXANDRIA (Pyramids) Egypt 6.00am overnight

    APR 5 ALEXANDRIAEgypt 8.00pm

    APR 6 At Sea

    APR 7 BEIRUT (Byblos) Lebanon 6.00am overnight

    APR 8 BEIRUT (Baalbek) Lebanon 8.00pm

    APR 9 LIMASSOLCyprus 8.00am 2.00pm

    APR 10 ANTALYA (Aspendos)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    APR 11 RHODES Greek Islands 7.00am 6.00pm

    APR 12 SANTORINI (Akrotiri) Greek Islands 8.00am 8.00pm

    APR 13 DELOS/MYKONOS Greek Islands 7.00am 8.00pmAPR 14 IZMIR (Ephesus)Turkey 8.00am 8.00pm

    APR 15 At Sea

    APR 16 ISTANBULTurkey 6.00amDisembarkAegean Odyssey andtransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    APR 17 ISTANBUL overnight hotel

    APR 18 ISTANBULTransfer to Istanbul Airport for flight home

    28 DAYS FROM 4,195 PER PERSON

    Including 2-night hotel stays in ATHENS and

    ISTANBUL plus overnights on board in PALERMO,RETHIMNON, ALEXANDRIA and BEIRUT

    SAVE UP TO 1,200 PER STATEROOM

    SINGLE SUPPLEMENTONLY 15%

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    25

    Classical ATHENSYour hotel stay in Athens includesa full morning's guided tour of thecity's ancient citadel, the Acropolis.

    Built during the "Golden Age" ofAthens between 447-438BC, theAcropolis represents the magnificentachievements of Athenian cultureduring this remarkable era. You willalso visit the wonderful AcropolisMuseum and have plenty of free timeto explore the city's other remarkablesites. BoardingAegean Odyssey inPiraeus, you set sail for Sicily.

    PALERMO and the treasuresof SICILYSicily is a celebration of the greatestachievements of Western civilisation:the superbly well-preserved Greektemples of Segesta, the NormanRoyal Palace and Palatine Chapelin Palermo, the ancient sites ofSyracuse and Selinunte, and thedazzling mosaics of MonrealeCathedral. Your visit to thisspectacular island will include allthese wonderful sites, plus a cruisethrough the dramatic Strait of

    Messina which separates Sicilyfrom the Italian mainland.

    MALTA and Minoan CRETEValletta, the capital city of Malta,was founded by the Knights of StJohn in 1566. Its purpose was tostrengthen the Orders position onthe island following the Siege ofMalta by the Turks in 1565. Themorning will be spent touring thecity including the Baroque St JohnsCo-Cathedral (which houses

    finest examples of Imperial Romanarchitecture at its apogee." This ishow UNESCO described Baalbek inits report recommending it for WorldHeritage status in 1984. A short

    journey from Limassol takes you tothe Graeco-Roman city of Kourion.

    With breathtaking views over theMediterranean, Kourion containssome remarkable monumentsincluding the vast 2nd-century ADstadium and the Sanctuary of

    Apollo Hylates.

    To Antalya in Turkey next and twogreat destinations: the Hellenisticcity of Perge and the ancient Romantrading town of Aspendos. Next is

    Rhodes and a chance to explore theOld Town and Citadel of the Knightsof St John. Then on to the Minoansite of Akritori on the island ofSantorini, the sacred ruins of Delosand the glamour of Mykonos.

    Ancient EPHESUS andISTANBULFrom the Turkish port of Izmir, ashort trip by road takes you to themagnificent ruins of Ephesus and

    its "terraced houses of the rich."Alternatively, you can visit Pergamon,founded by the Greeks in the8th century BC. Byzantium,Constantinople, Istanbul in thiscity you will find some of the greatest

    buildings and works of art in theworld. Disembarking in Istanbul fora 2-night hotel stay, your sightseeingtakes in the Byzantine 6th-centurycathedral of Hagia Sophia, the

    Topkapi Palace residence of theearly sultans and the Blue Mosque.

    BUILDING THE PYRAMIDS: HOW DID THEY DO IT?

    Some of the methods used to construct the Great Pyramid

    such as how the Egyptians achieved such precise measurements

    (the four sides of the base have a mean error of only 58mm)

    are still debated. It is generally agreed that the massive stones,

    some weighing 200 tons, were hauled into place using ramps. The

    blocks would have been levered onto sledges pulled over rolling

    timbers by teams of men. As for numbers, modern experimentshave proved that at least 25,000 men would have been needed

    to complete the Great Pyramid in the 20-year time frame.

    Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Khafre

    Caravaggios masterpiece TheBeheading of St John) and themagnificent Palace of the GrandMasters. In the afternoon, you canexplore Vallettas wonderful palaces,gardens and museums. The Cretanport of Rethimnon is home to some

    well-preserved Venetian and Ottomanarchitecture and Chani is knownfor its fortified harbour. You will also

    visit the Minoan site at Knossos.

    ALEXANDRIA and thepyramids at GIZAPerhaps the greatest monumentfrom antiquity, the Great Pyramidof Khufu (Cheops) was built over

    a period of about 20 years andfinished around 2560BC. Yourtour of Alexandria, the city founded

    by Alexander the Great, includes theRoman amphitheatre at Kom al-Dikka, the Graeco-Roman Museum,the new library and Fort Qait Bey, astronghold protecting the old harbouron the site of the ancient Pharos.

    The archaeological sites ofLEBANON to sacred DELOS

    Founded in 5000BC, Byblos is theoldest continuously inhabited cityin the world. The tour includes theancient Phoenician temples and thecrusader castle. "Baalbek, with itscolossal structures, is one of the

    VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

    IstanbulK l

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    Mediterranean Sea

    AthensGreece

    AegeanSea

    Nauplia

    Monemvasia

    crete

    Rethimnon

    Knossos

    Turkey

    Mykonos

    Delos

    Volos

    Kusadasi

    Thessalonika

    Dardanees

    Istanbul

    Skiathos

    Mount Athos

    Kavala

    Canakkale

    THE LIGHT OF GREECEOPENED MY EYES HENRY MILLER17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM 2,595

    DEPARTS APRIL 14 / SEPTEMBER 11 / OCTOBER 16, 2014

    ISTANBUL TO ATHENS

    DAY PORT ARRIVE DEPART

    DAY 1 Fly to ISTANBULTurkeyTransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    DAY 2 ISTANBULTurkey overnight hotel

    DAY 3 ISTANBULTurkeyTransfer toAegean Odyssey 7.00pm

    DAY 4 CANAKKALE (Troy)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 5KAVALA (Philippi) Greece 8.00am 1.00pmCruise past Mount Athos

    DAY 6 THESSALONIKAGreece 7.00am 7.00pm

    DAY 7 VOLOS (Meteora) Greece 7.00am midnight

    DAY 8 SKIATHOS Greek Islands 7.00am 2.00pm

    DAY 9 KUSADASI (Ephesus)Turkey 7.00am overnight

    DAY 10 KUSADASI(Aphrodisias)Turkey 8.00pm

    DAY 11 DELOS Greek Islands 7 .0 0a m n oo nMYKONOS Greek Islands 2.00pm 8.00pm

    DAY 12 RETHIMNON (Knossos) Crete 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 13 MONEMVASIAGreece 7.00am 10.00pm

    DAY 14 NAUPLIA (Mycenae) Greece 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 15 PIRAEUS/ATHENS Greece 6.00amDisembarkAegean Odyssey andtransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    DAY 16 ATHENSGreece overnight hotel

    DAY 17 ATHENSGreeceTransfer to Athens Airport for flight home

    17 DAYS FROM 2,595 PER PERSON

    Including 2-night hotel staysin ISTANBUL and ATHENS plus an

    overnight stay on board in KUSADASI

    For mouthwatering natural beauty and outstanding archaeologicalsites, there are few journeys in the world that can compare with thiscruise to Greece, its islands and the coast of Turkey. The quality of the

    light, the clear waters of the Aegean and the drama of the landscapehave inspired writers, poets and artists since the time of Homer.

    After a two-night stay in Istanbul, you willboardAegean Odyssey for a cruise visitingsome of the most inspiring monuments of theancient world: see the ancient monasteriesof Mount Athos; explore the Byzantinearchitecture of Thessalonika; visit sacredDelos, the birthplace of Achilles; enjoythe beautiful island of Crete; and have theopportunity to stand on the stage of the

    Greek theatre at Epidaurus.

    On the Turkish coast, you will visit someof the finest Hellenistic and Roman ruinsto be found anywhere. Ephesus is rightlyone of the most famous Graeco-Romansites in the Mediterranean. From the portof Canakkale, theres an included visit tothe site of that most famous of ancient cities, Troy. And what could

    be more fitting as a grand finale than a tour of the Acropolis andother wonderful monuments of Athens.

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    The wonders of ISTANBULStart your cruise holiday with a2-night hotel stay in Istanbul wheresightseeing takes in the Byzantine

    6th-century cathedral of HagiaSophia, the Topkapi Palace residence of the early sultans and the Sultan Ahmet Camii (BlueMosque). You are then free toexplore the city perhaps visitthe Church of St Saviour in Choraor the Archaeological Museum.

    A sail on the Bosphorus is alsoa popular option.

    Hellespont leads to TROYThe 13th- or 12th-century BC siege

    of Troy by Spartan and Achaeanwarriors has fired the imaginationof poets over thousands of years.

    Today little remains of the 5,000years of habitation but you cansense the history as you view themassive walls, a Roman theatre andthe reputed Palace of King Priam.

    Alternatively, take a ferry acrossthe Dardanelles to the movingmemorials of Gallipoli. From the

    beautiful port of Kavala you will

    be driven to the famous site ofPhilippi where St Paul preached.Mount Athos is dotted with sometwenty monasteries dating from the10th and 11th centuries. Fortunately,most are on or near the coast andcan be seen clearly from the ship.

    BYZANTIUM and ancientTURKEYThessalonica became part of theByzantine Empire in 395AD.

    Your tour will concentrate on its

    Byzantine heritage, includingthe 5th-century basilica AgiosDimtrios, the Rotnda that was

    built as a mausoleum for EmperorGalerius in the 4th century andthe mosaics of the Aga Sofa. Fromthe port of Volos, you will travel

    by road to see the famous Byzantinemonasteries at Meteora (whichmeans suspended in the air)and although many have fallen intoruin, some of the remaining areadorned with beautiful frescoes.Skiathos is a delightful Greek portand the perfect place to enjoy arelaxing stroll or the many tavernas.

    Ephesus was the ancient Roman

    capital of the province of Asia.It contains the largest collectionof Roman ruins in the easternMediterranean including the Libraryof Celsus and the theatre, which is

    believed to be the largest outdoortheatre in the ancient world. Thereis also the opportunity to visit

    Aphrodisias, named after theGreek goddess of love.

    Legendary GREEK ISLANDS

    The next port of call is Delos, one ofthe most interesting archaeologicalsites in Greece and the paramountreligious sanctuary of the ancientGreek world. Nearby Mykonos, withits lively cafes and shops, is theperfect contrast.

    The heyday of Minoan civilisation(2000-1600BC) was marked bythe construction of great palaces,the best known of which is Knossoson the island of Crete. Excavations

    began in 1899 by the British

    archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans,who controversially restoredthe palace with his own eccentricideas of Minoan interior design.

    Classical Greece and ATHENSA massive rock rising from thesea, Monemvasia is known asthe Gibraltar of Greece. Here you

    will see the 13th-century ChristosElkomenos Cathedral. From the portof Nauplia you have the opportunityto visit two of the great sites ofclassical Greece: Mycenae and themagnificent theatre at Epidaurus.In Piraeus, you disembark for a 2-

    night hotel stay in Athens wheresightseeing features the city'sancient citadel, the Acropolis.Built during the "Golden Age" of

    Athens between 447-438BC, theAcropolis represents the magnificentachievements of Athenian cultureduring this remarkable era. You willalso visit the wonderful AcropolisMuseum and have plenty of freetime to explore the city's otherremarkable sites such as the

    National Archaeological Museum.

    The holy monasteries of Meteora

    Aphrodisias

    VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

    Istanbul

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    Mediterranean Sea

    AthensGreece

    AegeanSea

    Syros

    Turkey

    Kos

    Santorini

    Izmir

    Dardanees

    Istanbul

    Canakkale

    RhodesFethiye

    Antalya

    Bodrum

    Istanbul stands guard at the entrance to the Black Sea and it is herethat our cruise ends with two nights in one of the city's top hotels andthe opportunity to explore the outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman

    buildings. Not to be missed are the glorious mosaics in the Byzantine6th-century cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and thebeautiful Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque).As Napoleon I exclaimed Constantinople!Constantinople! Cest lempire du monde!

    This fascinating city is the climax of thiscruise, but your starting point is no lessimpressive: you will have plenty of timeto explore and appreciate the ancient sitesof Athens before boardingAegean Odyssey.It is then on to some of the most beautiful

    and interesting Greek islands includingcharming Syros, stunning Santorini andcrusader Rhodes.

    AsAegean Odyssey makes its way alongthe coast of Turkey to Istanbul, you will

    visit some of the most important sites ofantiquity including the remains of Troyand the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos, the splendid classicalcity of Ephesus and the ruins of Patara.

    CONSTANTINOPLE...IT IS THE EMPIRE OF THE WORLDNAPOLEON I

    17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM 2,595

    DEPARTS APRIL 26 / JULY 5 / SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

    ATHENS TO ISTANBUL

    DAY PORT ARRIVE DEPART

    DAY 1 Fly toATHENSGreeceTransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    DAY 2 ATHENSGreece overnight hotel

    DAY 3 ATHENS/PIRAEUS GreeceTransfer toAegean Odyssey in Piraeus 8.00pm

    DAY 4 SYROS Greek Islands 7.00am 10.00pm

    DAY 5SANTORINI (Akrotiri)Greek Islands 7.00am 8.00pm

    DAY 6 KOS Greek Islands 8.00am 10.00pm

    DAY 7 RHODES Greek Islands 7.00am overnight

    DAY 8 RHODES (Lindos) Greek Islands 2.00pm

    DAY 9 ANTALYA (Aspendos)Turkey 7.00am 7.00pm

    DAY 10 FETHIYE (Patara)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 11 BODRUM (Halicarnassos)Turkey 8.00am 8.00pm

    DAY 12 IZMIR (Ephesus)Turkey 2.00pm overnight

    DAY 13 IZMIR (Pergamon)Turkey 6.00pm

    DAY 14 CANAKKALE (Troy)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 15 ISTANBULTurkey 6.00amDisembarkAegean Odyssey andtransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    DAY 16 ISTANBUL overnight hotel

    DAY 17 ISTANBULTransfer to Istanbul Airport for flight home

    17 DAYS FROM 2,595 PER PERSON

    Including 2-night hotel stays in ATHENS andISTANBUL plus overnight stays on board

    in RHODES and IZMIR

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    Classical ATHENSYour stay in Athens includes afull-morning's guided tour of thecity's ancient citadel, the Acropolis.Built during the "Golden Age" of

    Athens between 447-438BC, theAcropolis represents the magnificentachievements of Athenian cultureduring this remarkable era. You willalso visit the wonderful AcropolisMuseum and have plenty of freetime to explore the city's otherremarkable sites such as theancient Agora and the National

    Archaeological Museum.

    From SYROS to RHODES:

    A Greek Island odysseyWith its neoclassical villas andpicturesque villages, Syros is oneof the most charming of Greekislands. Once a hub of trade in the

    Aegean, today Syros offers a numberof memorable sites including theimpressive Cathedral of St Nicholasand the Church of the Assumptionthat contains an icon painted byEl Greco.

    One of the Aegean's most

    spectacular sights is the cliffsof Santorini rising from a greathalf-moon caldera. The island

    was also home to the Minoansettlement of Akrotiri: dating fromthe 16th century BC this ancientcity was wonderfully preservedunder volcanic ash. The mostfamous archaeological site onKos is Asklepeion. Built in the 4thcentury BC, it served as a templeto Asklepios, the god of health, and

    today its ruins are remarkably wellpreserved. The next port of call isRhodes and a chance to exploreRhodes Old Town and the Citadelof the Knights of St John. Thereis also an included visit to the

    Acropolis at Lindos.

    TROY, EPHESUS and thecoast of TurkeyFrom the port of Antalya you setoff for the Hellenistic city of Pergeand then visit the ancient Romantrading town of Aspendos withits beautifully preserved 2nd century

    AD Roman theatre. Then on toFethiye and the ruins of the ancient

    city of Patara including the impressiveagora. You will also see the greatsites of the Lycia, Xantos andLetoon. From the port of Bodrum

    you travel to see the remains of theMausoleum of Halicarnassos, oneof the Seven Wonders of the Ancient

    World and then on to the 15th-century Castle of St Peter.

    From Izmir there is the opportunityto visit some of the most spectacular

    sites of antiquity to be foundanywhere. Ephesus contains thelargest collection of Roman ruinsin the eastern Mediterraneanincluding the Library of Celsusand the theatre which is believedto be the largest outdoor theatrein the ancient world.

    Pergamon was founded by theGreeks in the 8th century BC andonce rivalled Athens and Alexandriaas a centre of culture and learning.

    The 13th or 12th century BC siegeof Troy by Spartan and Achaean

    warriors from Greece has fired theimagination of poets over thousandsof years. Today little remains of the

    5,000 years of habitation but youcan sense the history of this placeas you view the massive walls, aRoman theatre and the reputedPalace of King Priam. Alternatively,take a ferry across the Dardanellesto the moving memorials ofGallipoli.

    Byzantine ISTANBULon the BOSPHORUSEnd your cruise vacation with a 2-

    night hotel stay in Istanbul wheresightseeing takes in the Byzantine6th-century cathedral of HagiaSophia, the Topkapi Palace residence of the early sultans and the Sultan Ahmet Camii(Blue Mosque). You are then freeto explore the city perhaps visitthe amazing underground cisternsor the Archaeological Museum. Asail on the Bosphorus shows thecity from a different point of view.

    VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

    Rhodes, Greek Islands

    Blue Mosque, Istanbul

    Thessalonika

    Istanbul

    Mount Athos

    Kavala

    Canakkale

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    Mediterranean Sea

    AthensGreece

    AegeanSea

    Syros

    crete

    Turkey

    Kos

    Santorini

    Volos

    Izmir

    DardaneesSkiathos

    Mount Athos

    RhodesFethiye

    Antalya

    Bodrum

    Kusadasi

    Nauplia

    RethimnonKnossos

    Mykonos

    DelosMonemvasia

    From the rise of Corinth in about 685BC to the fall of MagnaGraecia to the Romans some four hundred years later, the Greeks

    were responsible for one of the most brilliant and inspiring epochsin

    human history. They revolutionised every aspect of civilised life fromart, literature and architecture to politics, philosophy and mathematics:in the words of the 19th-century historian Sir Henry Maine,nothing moves in this world which is notGreek in its origin.

    This month-long cruise considers thegreat legacy of Greek peoples from themainland to the islands and coastlandsof the Mediterranean. Athens, Rhodes,Nauplia, Delos and Byzantium evokemany associations with the ancient Greek

    world from the travels of Odysseus tosome of the finest achievements of Greekart, to the sometimes brutal history of

    Athenian naval power.

    You will see the ancient site of Mycenae, thefamous lions of Delos, the hilltop Acropolisof Pergamon, the remarkably well-preservedruins of Ephesus and the Minoan Palace ofKnossos in Crete. You will also enjoy calls along the Turkish coastfollowing the paths of the Romans and the Crusaders.

    THE ISLES OF GREECEwhere delos rose andphoebus spring LORD BYRON

    27-DAY GRAND VOYAGE FROM 4,295

    DEPARTS APRIL 14 / SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

    ISTANBUL TO ISTANBUL

    DAY PORT ARRIVE DEPART

    DAY 1 Fly to ISTANBULTurkeyTransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    DAY 2 ISTANBULTurkey overnight hotel

    DAY 3 ISTANBULTurkeyTransfer toAegean Odyssey 7.00pm

    DAY 4 CANAKKALE (Troy)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 5 KAVALA (Philippi) Greece 8.00am 1.00pmCruise past Mount Athos

    DAY 6 THESSALONIKAGreece 7.00am 7.00pm

    DAY 7 VOLOS (Meteora) Greece 7.00am midnight

    DAY 8 SKIATHOS Greek Islands 7.00am 2.00pm

    DAY 9/10 KUSADASI (Ephesus)Turkey 7.00am 8.00pmDAY 11 DELOS Greek Islands 7 .00am n oo n

    MYKONOS Greek Islands 2.00pm 8.00pm

    DAY 12 RETHIMNON (Knossos) Crete 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 13 MONEMVASIAGreece 7.00am 10.00pm

    DAY 14 NAUPLIA (Mycenae) Greece 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 15 PIRAEUS (Athens) Greece 6.00am 8.00pm

    DAY 16 SYROS Greek Islands 7.00am 10.00pm

    DAY 17 SANTORINI (Akrotiri) Greek Islands 7.00am 8.00pm

    DAY 18 KOS Greek Islands 2.00pm 10.00pm

    DAY 19/20 RHODES (Lindos) Greek Islands 7.00am 2.00pm

    DAY 21 ANTALYA (Aspendos)Turkey 7.00am 7.00pm

    DAY 22 FETHIYE (Patara)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 23 BODRUM (Halicarnassos)Turkey 8.00am 8.00pm

    DAY 24 IZMIRTurkey 2.00pm overnight

    DAY 25 IZMIR (Pergamon)Turkey 6.00pm

    DAY 26 CANAKKALE (Gallipoli)Turkey 8.00am 6.00pm

    DAY 27 ISTANBULTurkey 6.00amDisembarkAegean Odyssey andtransfer to Istanbul Airport for flight home

    27 DAYS FROM 4,295 PER PERSON

    Including a 2-night hotel stayin ISTANBUL plus overnight stays on board

    in KUSADASI, RHODES and IZMIR

    SAVE UP TO 1,000

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    Three days in ISTANBULBegin this month-long cruiseholiday with a 2-night hotel stay inIstanbul where included sightseeing

    takes in the Byzantine 6th-centurycathedral of Hagia Sophia, theTopkapi Palace residence of theearly sultans and the Blue Mosque.

    5,000 years of history from TROY to GALLIPOLI

    Today little remains of Troy's 5,000years of habitation but you cansense the history of the place as

    you view the reputed Palace of KingPriam. Alternatively, take a ferryacross the Dardanelles to the

    moving memorials of Gallipoli.

    From Kavala you will visit thefamous site of Philippi where St Paulpreached. Mount Athos is dotted

    with some twenty monasteries datingfrom the 10th and 11th centuries.Fortunately, most are on or near thecoast and can be seen clearly fromthe ship.

    Thessalonica became part ofthe Byzantine Empire in 395ADand your tour will concentrate on

    its Byzantine heritage including theMuseum of Byzantine culture. Fromthe port of Volos, you will travel byroad to see the famous Byzantinemonasteries built on the sandstonetowers at Meteora. Skiathos is theperfect Greek island to enjoy arelaxing stroll or a drink in oneof the many tavernas.

    Classical treasures ofTURKEY & GREECEFrom Kusadasi and Izmir there isthe opportunity to visit some of themost spectacular sites of antiquityto be found anywhere. Ephesus

    was the ancient Roman capital ofthe province of Asia and today is

    rightly celebrated for its remarkablywell-preserved ruins. Pergamon wasfounded by the Greeks in the 8thcentury BC and once rivalled Athensand Alexandria as a centre of cultureand learning. Theres also a chanceto visit Aphrodisias, named after theGreek goddess of love.

    Delos was the paramount religioussanctuary of the ancient Greek

    world. You can relax in shops andcafes of vibrant Mykonos. Minoan

    civilisation flourished on Cretebetween 2000 and 1600BC and wasmarked by the construction of greatpalaces, the best known of which isKnossos.

    A massive rock rising from thesea, Monemvasia is known as the"Gibraltar of Greece." From Nauplia

    you can visit two of the great sitesof classical Greece: Mycenae and themagnificent theatre at Epidaurus.

    In Athens, a full-morning's guided

    tour of the city features the ancient

    citadel, the Acropolis, and thewonderful Acropolis Museum.

    SYROS to RHODES: visitthe best of the Greek IslandsSyros, one of the most charmingof Greek islands, is followed by oneof the Aegean's most spectacularsights the cliffs of Santorini risingfrom a great half-moon caldera.

    The most famous archaeologicalsite on Kos is Asklepeion. Built inthe 4th century BC, it served as atemple to Asklepios, the god ofhealth. The next port of call isRhodes and a chance to exploreRhodes Old Town and the Citadel

    of the Knights of St John.

    PERGE, LYCIA and thecoast of TurkeyFrom Antalya you set off for theHellenistic city of Perge and theancient Roman trading town of

    Aspendos with its beautifullypreserved 2nd century AD Romantheatre. Fethiye and the ruins ofthe ancient city of Patara are next,including the impressive agora.

    You will also see the great sites ofthe Lycia, Xantos and Letoon. FromBodrum you travel to the remainsof the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos,one of the Seven Wonders of the

    Ancient World and on to the15th-century Castle of St Peter.Near to Izmir is one of the mostspectacular sites of antiquity to

    be found anywhere: Pergamon.

    For more Grand Voyages,please see pages 46-51.

    Golden Mask of Agamemnon foundin Mycenae, now housed

    in the New AcropolisMuseum, Athens.

    VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

    APHRODISIAS

    Two and a half times the size of Pompeii, Aphrodisias is named after

    Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Lying as it does immediately below

    one of the finest marble quarries in the ancient world, the city was a centre

    for Greek and Hellenistic sculpture for close on seven centuries. Quite

    apart from its surviving monuments including a magnificent theatre,

    a vast stadium and the remains of the great Temple to the goddess the

    ongoing excavations on the site reveal more superb sculpture each year

    than any other classical site in the Mediterranean. Moreover, thanks toits remoteness in the hills surrounding the valley of the Meander, it is

    relatively free of tourists and utterly unspoilt.

    Santorini

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    Mediterranean Sea

    AthensGreece

    NaupliaTaormina

    Palermo

    Sicily

    Italy

    TyrrhenianSea

    Sorrento

    Civitavecchia

    Rome

    Delos

    Mykonos

    Izmir

    TURKEYLemnos

    Istanbul

    AegeanSea

    The Phoenicians, Athenians, Romans, Arabs, Normans,Byzantines and Bourbons have all made their mark on the islandof Sicily. The architectural and artistic legacies left behind by these

    great civilisations have left Sicily with a legacy of unique buildingsand archaeological sites. Sicily is also one of the most picturesqueislands in the Mediterranean and many of thesites are set against breathtaking landscapes.

    This cruise will also take you to someof the most impressive and memorableancient Greek and Roman monuments inthe world including the ruins of Pompeiiand Herculaneum, the Colosseum in Rome,sacred Delos, the treasures of classical

    Athens and the magnificent city of

    Ephesus in Turkey.No other city has played a moreimportant role in the fortunes of theeastern Mediterranean than Istanbul andit is here, most fittingly, that this journey

    begins. A two-night stay in a top hotelgives you the perfect opportunity to visitsome of the greatest buildings and worksof art in the world including the Byzantine 6th-century cathedralof Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace residence of the early sultansand the Basilica cistern.

    SICILYIS THE KEYTO EVERYTHINGJOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE17-DAY CRUISE-TOUR FROM 2,750

    DEPARTS MAY 8, 2014

    ISTANBUL TO ROME

    DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART

    MAY 8 Fly to ISTANBULTurkeyTransfer to hotel overnight hotel

    MAY 9 ISTANBULTurkey overnight hotel

    MAY 10 ISTANBULTurkeyTransfer toAegean Odyssey 5.00pm

    MAY 11 Cruising the Dardanelles

    LEMNOS Greek Islands n oo n 5 .0 0p mMAY 12 IZMIR (Ephesus)Turkey 7.00am 7.00pm

    MAY 13 DELOS Greek Islands 7.00am 1.00pmMYKONOS Greek Islands 2.00pm 8.00pm

    MAY 14 PIRAEUS (Athens)Greece 7.00am 10.00pm

    MAY 15 NAUPLIA (Mycenae) Greece 7.00am 8.00pm

    MAY 16 At Sea

    MAY 17 TAORMINASicily 7.00am 6.00pm

    MAY 18 PALERMO(Monreale) Sicily 7.00am overnight

    MAY 19 PALERMO Sicily 1.00pmCruising past Stromboli

    MAY 20 SORRENTO Italy(Pompeii & Herculaneum) 7.00am overnight

    MAY 21 SORRENTO Italy 5.00pmMAY 22 CIVITAVECCHIA/ROME Italy 7.00am

    Disembark and transfer to Rome hotel overnight hotel

    MAY 23 ROME Italy overnight hotel

    MAY 24 ROME ItalyTransfer to Rome Airport for flight home

    17 DAYS FROM 2,750 PER PERSON

    Including 2-night hotel stays in ISTANBULand ROME plus overnight stays on board

    in PALERMO and SORRENTO

    SINGLE SUPPLEMENTONLY 15%

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    Byzantine ISTANBUL andhistoric DARDANELLES

    A 2-night hotel stay in Istanbulstarts this memorable cruiseholiday. Your sightseeing will takein the Hagia Sophia, the TopkapiPalace and the Sultan Ahmet Camii(Blue Mosque). In free time, headfor the Sleymaniy Mosque builtfor Sleyman the Magnificent.

    Our ship Aegean Odyssey leavesIstanbul and cruises through the Seaof Marmara and the Dardanelles onits way to Lemnos. This volcanicisland controls the approaches to theDardanelles and its capital, Myrina,is home to an impressive kastro that

    was fought over by the Byzantines,Venetians and Ottomans.

    TURKEY: Ephesusor PergamonFrom the port of Izmir there is theopportunity to visit some of themost spectacular sites of antiquityto be found anywhere. Ephesus

    was the ancient Roman capitalof the province of Asia. Ephesuscontains the largest collection

    of Roman ruins in the easternMediterranean including the Libraryof Celsus and the theatre which is

    believed to be the largest outdoortheatre in the ancient world.

    Alternatively, you can visit Pergamonwhich was founded by the Greeks inthe 8th century BC and once rivalled

    Athens and Alexandria as a centre ofculture and learning.

    GREEK ISLANDS andClassical GREECENext is Delos, one of the mostinteresting archaeological sites inGreece and the paramount religioussanctuary of the ancient Greek

    world. The tour explores the islandstemples and, of course, the famouslions. Nearby Mykonos, with livelycafes and shops, is the perfectcontrast for a leisure afternoon.

    Leaving from the port of Piraeus, youtake the short drive to Athens for aguided tour of the city's ancient sitesincluding the Acropolis. Built duringthe "Golden Age" of Athens between447-438BC, the Acropolis represents

    the magnificent achievementsof Athenian culture during thisremarkable era. You will also visit the

    wonderful Acropolis Museum andthen have free time to explore thecity's other remarkable sites such asthe National Archaeological Museum.

    The next port of call is Nauplia andthe opportunity to visit two of thegreat sites of classical Greece:Mycenae and the magnificenttheatre at Epidaurus.

    The treasures of SICILY andwonders of POMPEIISicily is a celebration of the greatestachievements of Western civilisation:the magnificent Greek theatre at

    Taormina with its breathtakingviews of Mt Etna is followed by theNorman Royal Palace and PalatineChapel in Palermo, and the dazzlingmosaics of Monreale Cathedral.

    The port of Sorrento is an excellentbase from which to visit Pompeii,which was engulfed by lava eruptingfrom Mt Vesuvius in August 79AD.

    You will also visit the nearby townof Herculaneum that also perishedduring the eruption and was engulfed

    by a sea of mud. There will also betime to explore this beautiful areaand the opportunity to visit the

    wonderful island of Capri.

    Eternal ROMEBack on land, enjoy a two-nightstay in a central Rome hotel. Yourstay includes a tour beginning withthe largest and most famous Romanamphitheatre, the Colosseum. It wasconstructed in 80AD by Emperor

    Vespasian. Then a glimpse of theForum Romanum, the ceremonial,social and civic centre of ancientRome. Finally, to the sumptuous

    basilica of St Peters in the Vatican.In the afternoon you are free to

    visit Romes many wonders thePantheon, Trevi Fountain, PiazzaNavona and Sistine Chapel should

    be top of your list.

    Forum Romanum

    VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

    I found Rome a

    city of bricks and

    left it a city of marbleEmperor Augustus

    Croatia

    VeniceSAVE UP TO 600 PER STATEROOM

    ONLY 15%

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    Italy

    Taormina

    Palermo

    sicily

    Valletta

    Civitavecchia

    Rome

    Mediterranean Sea

    TyrrhenianSea

    malta

    Sorrento

    Dubrovnik

    Split Korcula

    AdriaticSea

    This cruise will take you to some of


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