CRUISING GREECE'S AEGEAN TREASURES

Transcription

1 American College of Dentists Centennial Celebration Cruise presents CRUISING GREECE'S AEGEAN TREASURES Nafplion 7-night Cyclades small ship cruise with Delos, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, Milos, Paros, Syros, Aegina Athens The stunning Cyclades are both an avid traveler s playground and a pleasure hunter s paradise and you ll experience all the joys of Greek island hopping on this swoon-worthy cruise illuminating Mediterranean history, cuisine, and art. Bask in Greece s sunny, subtropical splendor with three days in the country s prettiest port town of Nafplion before embarking on a blissful 7-night voyage to iconic Santorini and Mykonos, as well as lesser-known Cyclades gems of Naxos, Paros, Delos, Milos, and more, before your voyage ends with three nights in Athens. You ll tour antique wonders, including the ancient villages of Mycenae, Corinth, and Melanes; unveil early medical practice in Epidaurus; and explore the most famous of Greek structures: The Parthenon and its sprawling Acropolis. Contemporary Greece is spotlighted, too, as you join a home-hosted lunch with a Naxos family, tour Santorini s capital city of Fira, and revel in hedonistic Mykonos glamorous outpost of the jet set.

2 YOUR PRICE INCLUDES Purchase your airfare from Vantage and your airport transfers, fuel surcharges, and government taxes and fees are included Exclusively chartered small ship limited to just 48 travelers for an intimate Aegean cruising experience Accommodations for 13 nights: with 7 nights cruising aboard the ms Galileo; 3 nights in Nafplion at the Nafplia Palace Hotel (or similar) with guaranteed sea-view rooms; and 3 nights in Athens at the Divani Caravel Hotel (or similar) 27 sightseeing tours and Cultural Connections, with audio headsets for enhanced sightseeing 30 meals: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mycenae Archeological Site, the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, the Delos Archeological Site, and the Acropolis The services of a Vantage Cruise Director who is a historian and certified guide for Greece who will offer a six-part lecture series on the history, architecture, and archaeology of your destinations. Plus, the service of regional experts and a private motorcoach for guided sightseeing excursions All transportation while on tour All transfers and baggage handling overseas beginning with your first hotel night or night aboard ship A Vantage 5% Travel Reward, received upon your return, to use toward your next Vantage Memorable Journey

3 INCLUDED TOURS 16 Sightseeing Tours and 11 Cultural Connections Embark on a sightseeing tour of Napflion Uncover the archaeological treasures of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Discover the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Wander the ruins of ancient Corinth on a tour Explore Delos, Apollo s mythological birthplace Experience one Greece s most famous isles, Mykonos, on a walking tour that includes a stop for Greek meze and ouzo Get to know the historic isle of Naxos on a tour Set off on a tour of iconic, postcard-perfect Santorini and its towns See the island of Milos, including some of its beautiful beaches Wander through the isle of Syros, taking in its sights Walk through beautiful Paros, yet another beloved Greek island Embark on an orientation walk on the island of Aegina Visit the legendary Acropolis Explore the legendary sites and landmarks on an Athens walking tour Visit the National Archaeological and Acropolis museums in Athens Enjoy six different lectures, including Greek History, from Antiquity to Present, Greek Mythology, Architecture and Archaeology, Alexander the Great, Byzantium, and Religions in Greece Experience the art of pottery-making firsthand during a visit to a pottery workshop in Mycenae Savor some ouzo and mezes during a tasting in Mykonos Chat with locals during a home-hosted lunch in Naxos Enjoy evening performances by onboard musicians in Naxos and folk dancers in Syros 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Archaeological Site of Mycenae Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus Delos Acropolis, Athens 11 Cultural Connections

4 that includes the Parthenon SPECIAL INTEREST ACTIVE HIGHLIGHTS Get Out & Get ActiveDuring the course of your adventure, you will have opportunities for active walks and explorations of ancient ruins, including longer treks and climbs to overlooks for the spectacular views. There will also be opportunities for biking and swimming (weather dependent). Athens: Walk around the charming Plaka district, the old town at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can explore flowerbedecked streets and stop into a restaurant or café Climb the hill to the Acropolis, then enjoy a walking tour Epidaurus: Explore among the ruins of temples and hospitals at the Sanctuary of Asklepios, an ancient healing center, and marvel at the great amphitheater known as the Theatre of Epidaurus. Santorini: Follow Santorini s narrow streets and twisting staircases during our explorations of this intriguing island. Afterwards, descend by cable car to the port area. Note that you will be tendering to shore in Santorini.Mykonos: Take advantage of opportunities for swimming and biking. ART & CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS Admire a breathtaking collection of art and antiquities at the Acropolis Museum and also at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens Visit a traditional pottery studio near Mycenae, where artists demonstrate traditional ceramic-making methods and display their work Meet locals during a home-hosted lunch and learn their views on life in Greece NATURE HIGHLIGHTS Santorini: Enjoy spectacular views of the Aegean as we follow Santorini s narrow streets and twisting staircases during our explorations of this intriguing island. Afterwards, descend by cable car to the port area Mykonos: Take advantage of opportunities for swimming and biking while we are docked at this serene island

5 Naxos PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS Bring back a slice of the glittering Aegean through the photographs you ll amass on this trip. With breathtaking scenery at every turn, you won t lack for swoon-worthy landscapes, ancient buildings, sumptuous cuisine, and endless blue waters. Here are some tricks, and a few must-capture destinations: Think like a photojournalist by taking pictures that tell a story and not merely depict a place. You might even consider snapping some portraits of your fellow travelers or during your home-hosted lunch with a Greek family in While it s tempting to capture every dramatic vista of this region, don t forget to zoom in closer to capture the authentic feel of a place, such as the Parthenon Experiment with black and white a colorful area like the white architecture in cities found in the Greek Isles will appear starkly different when you change the tone UNESCO & HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mycenae; The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus; the island of Delos; and the Acropolis in Athens From the port of Nafplion, explore the ruins of Mycanae, the center of the powerful civilization that began its 300- year rule over the eastern Mediterranean 35 centuries ago On Epidaurus, explore the healing center of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, which in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC attracted seekers of cures from the gods. The site contains many masterpieces of Greek architecture, including the Theatre of Epidaurus, considered the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in Greece Explore the extensive archaeological finds on the island of Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo Discover how the inhabitants of Santorini have adapted to the terrain of this spectacularly scenic island. Your explorations take you to an archaeological site, to the island s small but busy capital, and on a cable car from the heights of the island back to the port area

6 MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS Be entertained by local musicians aboard ship Get up and dance to lively Greek music Hear musicians in Naxos and learn about Greek folklore in Syros

7 NAFPLION TO ATHENS DAY 1: DAY 2: DAY 3: DAY 4: DAY 5: DAY 6: DAY 7: DAY 8: Fly overnight to Athens Arrive in Athens, and then transfer to Nafplion Hotel Nafplia Palace or similar Tour Nafplion s gems, and visit a ceramics workshop Hotel Nafplia Palace or similar Explore Olympia on an optional tour, or explore Nafplion on your own Hotel Nafplia Palace or similar An architectural masterwork, and a stroll through ancient Corinth Cruising the Cyclades: Sacred Delos and hedonistic Mykonos Naxos village life and a homehosted lunch A walking tour of stylish Santorini DAY 8: DAY 9: DAY 10: DAY 11: DAY 12: DAY 13: DAY 14: DAY 15: A walking tour of stylish Santorini The underrated shores of Milos Touring historical hot-spots on the up-and-coming isles of Paros and Syros A day at leisure in Aegina, or set off on an optional island tour Athens icons the Parthenon and the sprawling Acropolis Divani Caravel Hotel or similar More historical and architectural marvels in Athens Divani Caravel Hotel or similar Venture to Cape Sounion, or spend afternoon at leisure in Athens Divani Caravel Hotel or similar Return home, or begin your extension to Albania

8 6/15/2020 Fly overnight to Athens Today you ll board an overnight flight to Athens, Greece. 6/16/2020 Arrive in Athens, and then transfer to Nafplion Arrive in Athens and transfer to Nafplion, where a guaranteed sea-view room awaits you in this beautiful, romantic town in the eastern Peloponnese. This evening, get acquainted with your Cruise Director and fellow passengers during a Welcome Briefing and Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Your Cruise Director will also serve as your official guide on this voyage and, in accordance with Greek law, official guides are mandated to complete a rigorous art and history curriculum before licensure by the Greek government. Think of your Cruise Director as an expert on all things Greece, which you ll soon see for yourself during myriad sightseeing excursions and an illuminating lecture series. Please note: If you purchase your airfare from Vantage, a Vantage representative will meet you outside the customs area and your transfer to Nafplion (less than two hours en route) will be included. If you plan to purchase your own airfare, ask when you reserve your trip about arranging your transfer with Vantage at a considerable savings over local fares. Included Meals: Dinner Hotel Nafplia Palace or similar 6/17/2020 Tour Nafplion s gems, and visit a ceramics workshop Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Nafplion, a charming city with a fascinating past. After lunch in a local restaurant, you'll travel inland to the ruins of Mycenae, the Bronze Age capital of one of the first great empires of the ancient Mediterranean, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Look for the massive archway with the carved lions, the symbol of the ancient citystate. Cultural Connection: While you're here, you'll visit a ceramics workshop to witness a pottery-making demonstration by skilled artisans. If you're interested, items made in the

9 studio will be available for purchase. You'll then return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Hotel Nafplia Palace or similar 6/18/2020 Explore Olympia on an optional tour, or explore Nafplion on your own Set off on an optional tour to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. The tour includes a scenic drive across the Peloponnese Peninsula, entrance to the Olympia Museum, and lunch in a local taverna featuring Greek specialties. Alternatively, enjoy a day at leisure exploring Nafplion further. Included Meals: Breakfast Hotel Nafplia Palace or similar 6/19/2020 An architectural masterwork, and a stroll through ancient Corinth Discover today what UNESCO described as one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture when it named the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus a World Heritage Site. The sanctuary was dedicated to Asklepios, the god of medicine, and the valley of Epidaurus became an ancient medical center of sorts, attracting cure seekers from across the Greek Empire. Next, tour the ruins of Corinth, a city dating as far back as 400 BC and once home to 90,000 people. Later, transfer across the Corinth Canal to the port of Piraeus and embark ship. Soon, we ll cast off on our Aegean islandhopping voyage. Cultural Connection: A lecture on Greek History: From Antiquity to the Present Day will give us perspective on the wonders we ve seen, and the ones that lie ahead. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/20/2020 Cruising the Cyclades: Sacred Delos and hedonistic Mykonos Despite its status as one of the smallest of the Cyclades, Delos was once the most sacred of the islands, a place steeped in mythology as the birthplace of the Apollo the Sun God, and his twin sister, Artemis, Goddess of the Moon. As you ll discover on your visit, the entire island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ongoing work to excavate, measure, and preserve the countless treasures, including temples, monuments, and mosaics. Then, from the serene and timeless precincts of Delos, it s on to an island of very different character. Beneath the glitz and glitter of fashionable Mykonos possibly the most popular of the Greek isles you ll find a charming place filled with traditional homes and churches, shop-lined streets, and a picturesque harbor. Head out on a walking tour that includes a stop in a traditional bakery for Greek meze (small plates of food), accompanied by ouzo, Greece s eponymous anise-flavored liqueur; then enjoy some time for swimming and exploring Mykonos on your own. Cultural Connection: Back on board, hear an enlightening lecture on Greek Mythology. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/21/2020 Naxos village life and a home-hosted lunch A scenic morning cruise brings us to Naxos, largest of the Cyclades. This morning s tour takes you across the island to the village of Kournochari. From here, trek local footpaths to Melanes, an ancient village nestled among fruit groves and olive trees. In a local garden, you ll find a haunting statue depicting a guardian of Zeus, which was left unfinished. Cultural Connections: Afterward, join a local family in the village for a memorable home-hosted lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a performance by local musicians aboard ship. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/22/2020 A walking tour of stylish Santorini Cruise to the popular island retreat of Santorini, where typical whitewashed homes scaffold up cliffs overlooking the crystalline sea. Embark on a tour that will lead you to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, Profitou Iliou Mountain, and the town of Fira, the island s capital. Then, take a cable car ride down Santorini s hilly harbor and reboard the ship. This afternoon, take an optional tour to the village of Oia, which you may recognize from myriad magazines, movies, and postcards. Undoubtedly Santorini s most beautiful village, Oia (pronounced Eee-ya ) is home to charming churches and white homes, restaurants and shops, and some of the best views, seeing as how it overlooks the caldera. Because of its location, sunset lovers convene in Oia each night to witness Santorini s renowned sherbet sunsets. On this tour, you ll explore the town and savor a light lunch and wine tasting. Cultural Connection: Prior to dinner this evening, delve into more Greek history and heritage with a talk on Architecture and

10 Archaeology. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/23/2020 The underrated shores of Milos Perhaps one of the most underrated of the Greek isles, Milos offers stunning beaches (more than any other Greek isle, in fact) and a fascinating landscape molded by volcanic activity. This is also the discovery site of Venus de Milo, one of the world s most famous sculptures currently on display at the Louvre. You ll discover this island on a sightseeing tour, which includes some free time at the legendary beaches here. Cultural Connection: Hear a lecture on Alexander the Great. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/24/2020 Touring historical hot-spots on the upand-coming isles of Paros and Syros This morning we call at Paros, an island renowned for its bucolic beauty, laid-back fishing port, and traditional hill villages connected by ancient footpaths. A walking tour in the unpretentious but charming capital of Parikia reveals the traditional bleached architecture so typical in this part of the Aegean. Cultural Connection: During your visit, enjoy a tasting of flavorful Loukoumi candy. After lunch on ship, arrive at Syros, once a thriving 19th-century trading port. During your sightseeing tour, you ll discover the island s rich layers of history, from ancient ruins to religious monuments to the capital Ermoupoli s medieval quarter. Cultural Connections: Learn more about the ancient empires of the Mediterranean in a lecture entitled Byzantium. Afterwards, a lively troupe of folk dancers comes aboard ship to entertain us. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/25/2020 A day at leisure in Aegina, or set off on an optional island tour This island is tantalizingly close to Athens, yet possesses its own distinct character. Enjoy an orientation walk, followed by a full tour of the island on an optional tour that also heads to the Temple of Aphaia, which hearkens back to 480 BC. Or, spend some free time on your own to soak in Aegina s charms at your own pace. Cultural Connection: Learn about Greece s spiritual side during a lecture on Religions in Greece. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 6/26/2020 Athens icons the Parthenon and the sprawling Acropolis After breakfast on board, disembark ship and enjoy the day in Athens. A panoramic tour unveils a unique city, where modern life is intertwined with 4,000 years of history. We'll climb up the iconic Acropolis, perched high on an overlook of the entire city. The Acropolis is also the architectural pinnacle of Athens, crowned by its breathtaking Parthenon. You ll also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Pan Athenian Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. We'll also stop into a Vantagerecommended shop and browse for fine Greek art, antiquities, and souvenirs. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure, with lunch on your own in the charming, flower-bedecked Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis. Included Meals: Breakfast Divani Caravel Hotel or similar 6/27/2020 More historical and architectural marvels in Athens Enjoy another day to discover the treasures in the birthplace of democracy. We ll visit the National Archaeological Museum as well as the New Acropolis Museum, adding some rich background into your historical discoveries the day prior. After lunch, spend the rest of the day at leisure in Athens. Included Meals: Breakfast Divani Caravel Hotel or similar 6/28/2020 Venture to Cape Sounion, or spend afternoon at leisure in Athens Join an optional excursion to Cape Sounion today. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Cape Sounion s sharply indented coastline is fringed with beautiful beaches. On top of a cliff from where King Aegeus threw himself into the sea that even now bears his name, you ll find the 17 remaining Doric columns of the 5th-century-BC Temple of Poseidon. Or, spend a day at leisure to enjoy more time in the Greek capital city. Your hotel is conveniently located near the upscale Kolonaki district in the center of Athens, close to many shops and restaurants, as well as some of the city's best museums. Tonight, meet up with your fellow passengers

11 one more time for a Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Divani Caravel Hotel or similar 6/29/2020 Return home, or begin your extension to Albania Transfer to the airport for your flight home or begin your post-trip extension in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Included Meals: Breakfast Important Notice: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Cruise Director or regional expert.

12 ACCOMMODATIONS M/S Galileo Renovated in 2016, the msgalileo cuts an impressive figure the charming steel-hull motor sailor primarily cruises under power with her three sails raised when the weather and sailing schedule allow. The Galileo features spacious and well-appointed interiors. On the main deck, a lounge area with an American bar leads into an elegant dining room with wood and leather finishes. There is also an outdoor shaded deck with a bar and sun deck, and a swimming platform. Three interior decks for just 48 passengers include porthole windows, double or twin beds and flexible bedding configurations with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, telephones, hair dryers, and en suite bathrooms with showers. Complimentary wireless Internet access will be available throughout the ship, although connectivity may be limited in certain locations on your itinerary. Hotel Nafplia Palace Modern luxury meets ancient history at the centrally located Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas. The five-star hotel features excellent bay views of Nafplion with two bars, three restaurants, two pools (one with a poolside bar), and a spa. Rooms each have a terrace or balcony, minibar, safe, Internet access, satellite TV, air-conditioning, private bath, and hair dryer. Enjoy the hotel's beach and outdoor pool, and stop at the Vantage Hospitality Desk to ask about nearby boating, fishing, jogging trails, and tennis. Guaranteed sea-view room! >

13 Divani Caravel Hotel Ideally located just minutes away from Constitution Square in the heart of Athens, the Deluxe Divani Caravel Hotel offers convenient access to the key attractions of this historic city. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this stunning property offers luxury accommodations and excellent service in an unbeatable location. The hotel s guest rooms offer a harmonious blend of modern amenities and classical charm, decorated with soft colors and tasteful furnishings. For your comfort and convenience, each guest room features a pillow menu, air-conditioning, LCD TV, in-room safe, and... InterContinental Sofia Relax in stylish comfort during your stay in the InterContinental Sofia, located conveniently in the historic heart of the city. With incredible views of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, this iconic hotel in Sofia opens onto the vibrant yellow pavement of Narodno Sabranie Square, home to a variety of trendy boutiques and mouthwatering restaurants. Mak Albania Hotel Superbly located in the heart of the Albanian capital, the Mak Albania Hotel is a brief walk from the Presidential Palace and the Congress Building, as well as a range of shopping and entertainment options. Inside, prepare for a deluxe experience: the 151 spacious rooms feature a flat-screen TV, minibar, refrigerator, air-conditioning, stylish wood floors, and private bathroom. Throughout the property, you ll find features you d expect from such an esteemed hotel: fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, piano bar, and restaurant.

14 EXPLORE MORE Sofia, Bulgaria FROM $999 PER PERSON 4 DAYS $249 PER DAY With a history reaching back over seven millennia, Sofia is one of Europe s youngest capitals but oldest cities. Modern Sofia is full of cobblestone boulevards, domed churches, and vast parks, but behind this eclectic city is a history as rich as any capital. The city s full heritage was only recently brought to light when bulldozers broke ground to dig a path for the city s new metro only a decade ago, they unearthed an ancient world with intact Roman streets, houses, churches, and baths dating back 2,000 years. On visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Boyana Church and Rila Monastery), you'll find that Sofia is the perfect balance of history and culture, and is also home to some of Bulgaria s finest museums and restaurants, too. Your Price Includes: 3 nights accommodations at the InterContinental Sofia (or similar) 6 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners 2 included tours, 1 Cultural Connection 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boyana Church, and Rila Monastery All transfers and baggage handling (where permitted) Services of a City Host Tipping for drivers and local guides (excluding City Host) Services of the Vantage Worldwide Concierge, to plan celebrations, activities, or provide regional expertise. Log in to My Portfolio and submit a request, or send an any time up to two weeks prior to your departure at Concierge@vantagetravel.com.

15 Tirana, Albania, with Kosovo FROM $949 PER PERSON 4 DAYS $237 PER DAY At the end of the Communist era, Albania's compact capital Tirana blossomed into a cheerful city of parks, fountains, and cafés. The first thing that might strike you is the city's famous painted buildings, which are colorfully, vibrantly bedecked in all hues and even geometric designs an artistic mandate from Tirana's former mayor. During this extension, you ll explore Tirana's architecture on panoramic and walking tours. You'll also trek across the border to Prizren, in Kosovo, the world's newest country, where you'll learn about the differences and similarities between the two cultures and their intertwined histories. You'll also visit Medieval Monuments of Kosovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This extension is a superb opportunity to become acquainted with yet another destination in the endlessly fascinating Balkan region. Your Price Includes: 3 nights accommodations at the Mak Albania Hotel (or similar) 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Panoramic and walking tour of Tirana Full-day tour to Prizren, Kosovo 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medieval Monuments of Kosovo All transfers and baggage handling (where possible) Services of a City Host Tipping for drivers and local guides (excluding City Host) Services of the Vantage Worldwide Concierge, to plan celebrations, activities, or provide regional expertise. Log in to My Portfolio and submit a request, or send an any time up to two weeks prior to your departure at Concierge@vantagetravel.com.

16 Time Differences Country Greece Bulgaria* Albania* Time Difference +7 hours +7 hours +7 hours * Extension only Note: The above times are based on Eastern Standard Time. Climate Use the chart below to get an overview of the average temperatures at your destination. Average High/Low Temperature (Fahrenheit) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Sofia* Nafplion Mykonos Santorini Athens Tirana* H L H L H L H L H L H L *Extension only