AEGEAN SEA EXPLORING THE CYCLADES ISLANDS

Transcription

1 SAILING THE AEGEAN SEA EXPLORING THE CYCLADES ISLANDS aboard Running on Waves September 1524, 2016

2 MYKONOS DELOS AKROTIRI The Cyclades Islands deliver an enticing blend of history, diverse cultural influences, stunning natural beauty, and archaeological gems. HIGHLIGHTS Tour the private Goulandris Museum of Cylcadic Art in Athens, the ideal introduction to a cruise of the Cyclades. Begin in Athens with a visit to the privately-owned Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. Then set sail for a seven-night cruise around the stunning, sun-drenched Aegean islands of the Cyclades chain aboard Running on Waves. Visit the evocative, ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri on the spectacular island of Santorini. Adjacent to the lively island of Mykonos is tiny Delos, one of the greatest ancient spiritual centers and archaeological sites. Also explore the lesser-known but stunning isles of Paros, Syros, Naxos, and Milos, where the Venus de Milo was discovered. Sample regional foods and wines, plus swim in crystalclear waters from pristine beaches and Running on Waves stern marina. Enjoy the thrill of sailing aboard a thoroughly modern private sailing yacht to islands dotted with bluedomed churches, white-washed houses, and iconic windmills. On Syros, explore the historic center of Ermoupolis and meet a local family as you dine in a private home. Walk amid the sacred landscape of Delos, mythical birthplace of Apollo, and enjoy time at leisure on lively Mykonos. See the Kouros statue in Melanes and savor locally produced wines and cheeses on Naxos. Sail into the dramatic crater of Santorini and ascend to the island s hilltops to explore the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. Wander the picturesque main town of Milos and see where the Venus de Milo was unearthed. Visit a marble quarry and explore the unique archaeological museum on Paros.

3 SYROS SANTORINI ANCIENT AMPHORAE ITINERARY ThursdayFriday, September 1516 HOME / ATHENS Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel, centrally situated in the historic Plaka District, at the foot of the Acropolis. Gather this evening for a welcome orientation and rooftop reception. HOTEL ELECTRA PALACE (R) Saturday, September 17 ATHENS / EMBARK This morning, gain a deeper understanding of our island destinations at the private Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. Enjoy lunch at leisure and free time in the Plaka District before boarding Running on Waves, your home for the next seven nights. This evening, gather for the Captain s welcome reception and dinner. RUNNING ON WAVES (B,D) Sunday, September 18 SYROS Enjoy the morning at sea with sails unfurled (weather permitting) en route to Syros. On arrival at the superb natural port of Ermoupolis, the city of Hermes, stroll past the ornate churches and neo-classical mansions of the historic center before being hosted for dinner at a private home. Monday, September 19 DELOS / MYKONOS Explore the UNESCO World Heritagedesignated island of Delos, spiritual sanctuary and mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today it is a trove of marbles and mosaics among the most extensive archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean region. This afternoon, enjoy the amenities of Running on Waves: perhaps a swim off the stern marina, a dip in the hot tub, or simply a quiet interlude on the shaded deck. When evening approaches, disembark for independent exploration of the bougainvillea-draped alleyways of cosmopolitan Mykonos and dinner on your own. RUNNING ON WAVES (B,L) Tuesday, September 20 NAXOS Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades chain, noted for its citrus orchards and olive groves as well as rugged mountains and lush green valleys. Walk the marble-paved streets of Apeiranthos, a village in the island s mountainous center, and see the nearly 20-foot-long, 6th century B.C. marble Kouros statue in nearby Melanes. Continue to Naxos town where Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, was schooled, and sample wines and artisan cheeses produced on the island while enjoying a folkloric dance performance. Wednesday, September 21 PAROS Across the channel in Paros, beautiful white and translucent marble has been extracted since the 6th century BC. See the city of Parikia, built upon the ruins of the ancient capital city of Paros, and its unique archaeological museum. Then, visit a marble quarry before exploring the neighboring islet of Despotiko, where ongoing excavations are turning up exciting new artifacts. Thursday, September 22 SANTORINI The much-photographed half-moon-shaped island s spectacular landscape was forged by ancient volcanic eruptions, and was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions on record in the mid-second millennium BC. Widely believed to be the lost kingdom of Atlantis, it was colonized by the Minoans. Visit the Akrotiri archaeological site, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was preserved in volcanic ash until its discovery in the late 19th century. Get a glimpse of ancient Cycladic life at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira and continue to the dramatic cliff-side village of Oia to take in postcard-perfect views of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and the sweeping caldera. Friday, September 23 MILOS Milos is the most dramatic of the Cyclades with extraordinary rock formations, hot springs, and white villages perched on multicolored cliffs. See its iconic windmills

4 and whitewashed buildings during a morning stroll of Plaka, the island s main town. In nearby Tripiti, the Venus de Milo statue was discovered by a farmer in Purchased as a gift for Louis XVIII, the statue now prominently resides at the Louvre Museum in Paris. In the afternoon, sail around the island to observe its otherworldly mineral and rock formations and stop for a swim. GREECE Athens Saturday, September 24 ATHENS (DISEMBARK) / HOME Bid farewell this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) Syros Delos Mykonos OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION Aegean Sea Paros Naxos September 1216, 2016 ATHENS / NAFPLIO Explore the Acropolis, the beautiful new Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens before traveling to visit sites and museums in Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Mycenae, Tiryns, and Nemea. Extension details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants or upon request. Milos Santorini NAXOS MYKONOS GREEK SALAD

5 RUNNING ON WAVES Launched in 2011, Running on Waves combines the look of a classic three-masted sailing vessel with contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. She is modern, high-speed, and environmentally friendly, with a High Ocean Class rating that allows her to sail anywhere around the globe. All thirteen sails are deployed hydraulically from the deck by a four-man crew in a ballet- like production. The vessel meets all current SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements for navigational and safety equipment. She boasts stabilizers, a bow thruster, a hydraulic stern marina for easy access to the sea, and a sun deck with a Jacuzzi. Much of the deck area is shaded for protection from the sun. Meals are served buffet-style in the dining room, which can accommodate all guests at one seating. In the spirit of private yachting, a full open bar is provided each day: spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are complimentary. Each of the ship s 18 cabins has efficient air-conditioning and heating along with private en suite facilities. The five Main Deck cabins have exterior access and relatively heavy sea doors for safety. Single, double, and triple accommodations are available. DINING ROOM GALLEY Tween Deck Program Rates Include All accommodations and meals as specified in the itinerary All excursions as specified in the itinerary Full program of briefings, lectures, and presentations Group transfers for all participants on group arrival and departure days Baggage handling Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides, and drivers Gratuities to shipboard personnel Entrance fees Welcome and farewell receptions Full open bar on board Running on Waves wine, beer, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea Bottled water on motorcoaches Professional tour manager throughout 4 2 Main Deck PROGRAM RATES (per person) CATEGORY C $6, SQ. FT., TWO PORTHOLES, UPPER AND LOWER TWIN BEDS, SHOWER B $8,495 $8,995 $10,995 $11,495 $12,495 $11,895 $14, SQ. FT., TWO PORTHOLES, DOUBLE BED OR TWO LOWER TWIN BEDS, SHOWER (CABIN 22 HAS TWO LOWER TWIN BEDS AND ONE UPPER TWIN BED) A 129 SQ. FT., TWO PORTHOLES, DOUBLE BED OR TWO LOWER TWIN BEDS AND ONE UPPER TWIN BED, SHOWER Premium SQ. FT., TWO LARGE WINDOWS, 1 SKYLIGHT, DOUBLE BED, SEATING AREA, SHOWER Premium SQ. FT., ONE OR TWO LARGE WINDOWS, TWO SKYLIGHTS, DOUBLE BED, SEATING AREA, SHOWER Owner s Suite DOUBLE SINGLE 215 SQ. FT., TWO LARGE WINDOWS, TWO SKYLIGHTS, DOUBLE BED, SEATING AREA WITH LARGE SOFA (CAN ACCOMMODATE A THIRD PERSON), SHOWER Triple rates for third person in cabin: category B: $5,495; category A: $5,995; Owner s Suite: $7,995 Double beds measure 71 x51 to 73 x53 and twin beds measure 71 x31.5

6 THE ACROPOLIS IN ATHENS GENERAL INFORMATION PROGRAM RATES DO NOT INCLUDE U.S. domestic and international airfare Passport/visa expenses Medical expenses and immunizations Travel insurance Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour Private or independent transfers between the airport and hotel/ ship other than arranged group transfers Excess baggage charges Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals Laundry or dry cleaning Telephone, , and fax charges Room service Other items of a personal nature AIRFARE U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Information about making flight arrangements will be sent to all participants. WHAT TO EXPECT This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Daily activities can involve one to three miles of walking, often on hilly and/ or uneven terrain. On the ship, beds measure slightly smaller than typical twins and doubles. Moving around on board requires opening relatively heavy sea doors and climbing or descending relatively TERMS & CONDITIONS RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS To reserve space, please complete the reservation form and mail it with your check or credit card information to the address at the top of the form. You may also fax the form to (650) and your reservation will be held for five working days pending receipt of your check or credit card information. If you have questions, please call (888) or res@criteriontravel.com. Final payment deadline is May 18, 2016, 120 days prior to departure. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Upon payment of a $1,000 deposit per person, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by Criterion Travel. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Final payment is due May 18, 2016 (120 days prior to departure). Cancellations within 120 days of departure are 100% nonrefundable. For this reason we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If the program is cancelled by Criterion Travel, you will receive a full refund, without further obligation on our part. No refunds will be made for any part of this program on which you choose not to participate. Note: steep stairways (with sturdy hand rails). Participants should be fit and in active good health. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Temperatures during this time of year generally range from the mid-50s to the low-80s F, with moderate humidity on the coast. GROUP SIZE The maximum number of participants on this program is 26 (up to 30 if triples are utilized), including travelers from the Archaeological Institute of America and Smithsonian Journeys. INSURANCE Travel insurance for trip cancellation and interruption, medical problems, baggage loss and delay, etc., is highly recommended, and we hope that you will obtain it for this expedition. Trip cancellation policies that apply to this expedition are included in this brochure. Please be sure to carry the details of your travel insurance coverage with you on the program. Travelers are free to purchase the travel insurance of their choice. It is recommended that travelers clearly understand the difference between primary and secondary travel insurance. Criterion Travel does not accept liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in conjunction with this tour. ITINERARY CHANGES The itinerary presented for this tour is subject to modification and change by Criterion Travel. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require the itinerary to be altered, Criterion Travel reserves the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the responsibility of the participant. RESERVATION CONTACT (888) or res@criteriontravel.com California Seller of Travel Program CST # PHOTO CREDITS: (From Dreamstime.com): Oia town Santorini Michal Bednarek; Terrace of the Lions in Delos Justin Black; Church bell in Mykonos Niradj; Greek Salad Liliya Kandrashevich; Naxos Pavle Marjanovic; Acropolis Sborisov; Mykonos windmills at sunset Cstiteler; Syros Engin Korkmaz; Ancient amphorae Miele; Akrotiri fresco Lefteris Papaulakis; Ermoupolis Freesurf69 To reserve a place on Sailing the Aegean Sea: Exploring the Cyclades Islands please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person, payable to Criterion Travel. Mail to: 145 Forest Ave. Palo Alto, CA For more information or to reserve by phone, please call (888) or (650) , or res@criteriontravel.com NAME #1 (as on passport) NAME #2 (as on passport) STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP / POSTAL CODE HOME PHONE (s) WORK PHONE BIRTHDATE BIRTHDATE PAYMENT O Enclosed is my check for $ ($1,000 per person), to reserve place(s) on Sailing the Aegean Sea: Exploring the Cyclades Islands OR O Charge the deposit to my credit card (circle one): VISA MC AMEX Diners Club Discover NAME ON CREDIT CARD CARD # EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE SIGNATURE AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD CATEGORY PREFERENCE 1st Choice 2nd Choice Bed Preference (not guaranteed): O One bed O Two beds SINGLE TRAVELERS O I prefer to have single accommodations. OR O I plan to share accommodations with: OR O I d like to know about roommates. I am a O Non-smoker O Smoker. I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final payment deadline of May 18, 2016, I will pay the single rate. O I/We have read the Terms & Conditions section of this brochure and understand and agree with them as stated herein. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE DATE DATE DATE