Join us aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey for a relaxing

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1 BOO and K early save up to 300 PER the isles of PERS ON greece An exploration of the Aegean aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey 28th April to 11th May 2015

2 Blue Mosque, Istanbul Join us aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey for a relaxing and informative voyage to some idyllic islands and fascinating ports of call. We start with a two-night hotel stay in Istanbul allowing you time to explore the outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman buildings of this fascinating city. Not to be missed are the glorious mosaics in the Byzantine sixth-century cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the beautiful Blue Mosque. The MV Aegean Odyssey then takes you on a journey exploring the history, culture and myths of ancient Greece and Turkey. This voyage includes visits to the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Ephesus and Pergamon, the crusader stronghold on Rhodes, the temples of sacred Delos and what remains of ancient Troy. You will also see the quintessential, white-washed villages of the Greek Isles and sail through some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Visiting a dozen ports of call in Greece and Turkey, history, legends and myths come to life as you cruise through the beautiful Aegean waters in the early spring sunshine. With shore excursions included to all the major sites, this two-week voyage promises to be an unforgettable trip. There will be some overnight moorings or late departures in some ports, which afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening. Whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful scenery, this voyage has a lot to offer. We are delighted to be working with Voyages to Antiquity on this fascinating journey which is so much more than a holiday instead it is a cultural discovery shared with like-minded travellers. Our association with their vessel the MV Aegean Odyssey dates back to the company s foundation in As cruise vessels grow ever larger and the itineraries become seemingly irrelevant, it is refreshing to work with a company like Voyages to Antiquity who, like us, place the emphasis very much on the ports of call, the integrity of the onboard lecture programme and, of course, the size of the vessel. GUEST SPEAKER Dr Richard Thomas Dr Richard Thomas has had a career in International Development working as an academic, a consultant and as a long term ( ) staff member of the UK s Department for International Development. He has travelled widely in his career, during which he has conducted research into the impact of various empires on countries and regions around the world. Whilst onboard the MV Aegean Odyssey, Dr Thomas will hold talks covering topics including the Emperor Hadrian, the Crusades, Mediterranean piracy, and the decline of Sicily as a major power. Dr Thomas has also worked in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. During the 1980s he worked extensively in India and Nepal on projects ranging from local government reform to a major Ghurkha resettlement scheme in the eastern hills of Nepal. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Istanbul, Turkey. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to your five star hotel for a two night stay. Day 2 Istanbul. On today s sightseeing tour we visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th century cathedral that is this city s most important Byzantine monument. In 325, Emperor Constantine erected the original basilica, Santa Sophia, which was rebuilt many times in the centuries to come. In 1934, Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, converted the church to a museum. Today this monument dazzles with its magnificent mosaics and frescoes, as well as its immense dome, among the largest in the world. Our next stop is Topkapi Palace which served as the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. The lavish 143-acre complex overlooks the Bosphorus with such amenities as courts, fountains, gardens and harem rooms. Admire the treasures of sultans and one of the world s richest collections of delicate Japanese and Chinese porcelain. This afternoon, explore Kavala Istanbul Canakkale Troy TURKEY Pergamon GREECE Ephesus Izmir Athens Mykonos Delos Kos Rhodes Santorini Heraklion CRETE independently, relax at your hotel or join one of the optional excursions. Day 3 Istanbul. This morning s tour begins with a drive to the old city to visit the mosque of Sultan Ahmet, considered the last great mosque from the classical period of the Ottoman Empire. The traditional Islamic architecture is massive with cascading domes and mini domes surrounded by slender minarets. While the exterior is splendid, this venerated site is renowned for its interior, which features more than 20,000 handcrafted Iznik tiles in shades of Acropolis, Athens

3 Heraklion Santorini blue and a magnificently carved marble mihrab. We continue to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5000 shops. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of exploration before we embark the MV Aegean Odyssey. Day 4 Izmir for Ephesus. The cosmopolitan city of Ephesus was, in its heyday, on a par with Athens and Rome. Once home to over 250,000 people, this site affords ancient snapshots of daily lives of the Greeks, and their conquerors, the Romans. The seaside port that fuelled the city s prosperity in antiquity has silted up, leaving the grand sites frozen in time in a state of remarkable preservation. Over the centuries, Ephesus was a sacred centre to Artemis, a Roman stronghold, and later, a centre of Christianity. There is evidence that St Paul, St John and the Virgin Mary were in this city. Highlights of our walking tour will include the Library of Celsus with its splendid columned facade, the Grand Theatre where St Paul once preached his sermons, the terraced houses and the Temple of Hadrian. Few places bring antiquity so vividly to life. Day 5 Pergamon. Pergamon rose to power as a Greek kingdom in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, but was earlier ruled by Lydians and Persians before falling to Alexander the Great in 334BC. One look at the unassailable site reveals how the city got its name: from the Greek word for citadel. Pass through the Royal Gate to explore the noted library, the 10,000-seat theatre carved into the steep slopes, and the dramatic Temple of Trajan overlooking the Selinus River below. See the base of a monumental Altar of Zeus, the shrine to Dionysus, a sanctuary of Demeter, the gymnasium and Agora. Next, tour what may be the world s first full-service health clinic: the Asclepion. Pergamon s rehabilitation centre is named after the god of health, and was a site of pilgrimage for centuries, entered by a sacred road lined with columns. Troy Day 6 Kos, Greece. The Dodecanese island of Kos is mythically linked to the Giants, the Titans and also Hercules. The lively capital, also named Kos, was founded in the 4th century BC, but destroyed by an earthquake in the 6th century. Under the Knights of St John, who built the imposing castle in the harbour, Kos began to prosper again before passing on to the Ottomans, Italians and finally the Greeks. Our tour today starts with a drive to the Asklepeion, once the Western world s most renowned medical facility. Here, emperors as well as citizens came to be treated. Noteworthy sights include the Doric Temple dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing; the altar; and the Stoa which housed the medical school of Hippocrates, who was born on Kos in 470BC. Next, drive to the Roman excavations to visit the Odeon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings on Kos with rows of marble steps. Then, at the lavishly restored Roman Villa called Casa Romana, you can admire beautiful frescoes and mosaics. Day 7 Rhodes. Leave behind the port where the Colossus once stood and discover a stunning ensemble of Gothic architecture just a short drive from the port. These World Heritage monuments testify to the role of Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese group, as a strategic crossroads. Many structures date to the era of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who lived on the island from 1309 until 1522 when the Ottoman Empire finally dislodged the Knights. We will visit the restored Grand Masters Palace. The first building of the 14thcentury Crusaders, the Palace was modelled on the great Papal Palace of Avignon. It served as a fortress in times of war, a residence for the Grand Master of the Knights, a meeting place for senior knights, and, in later times, a summer residence of both Mussolini and Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. Stroll the cobblestone Street of the Knights and admire the honey-coloured stone buildings with their giant doorways and arched windows. Step into the 15th-century Knights Hospital, now an archaeological museum that counts the Aphrodite of Rhodes in flawless Parian marble among its treasures. Alternatively you may wish to join the excursion to the Acropolis at Lindos, a destination of both historic and scenic interest. The site offers sweeping views over St Paul s Bay, where the Apostle is said to have sought shelter during a storm. Following the Acropolis, we will descend to the village with its whitewashed houses. Day 8 Heraklion. Knossos with its flamboyant decoration, courts, audience chambers and residential areas is an impressive and inspiring site. Constructed around 1900 BC, it was the administrative and religious centre of the Minoan Kingdom. Here King Minos held court and so mythology holds his wife gave birth to a half-man, half-bull creature that lurked in the palace s labyrinth. This fearsome beast was appeased only by human sacrifices. Though periodically excavated by Greek archaeologists in the late 19th century, credit for the full excavation and restoration is given to amateur Victorian archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans who poured his fortune into the effort and did a remarkable job for the time period. Our guided tour will take you through this legend-rich, entrancing complex that sprawled across five acres, where everything from throne room to royal living quarters is reconstructed with meticulous care. Day 9 Santorini. Today we will land on Santorini by a transfer from the vessel by local boat. Drive to the northern tip of the island to the village of Oia with its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and coffee shops carved in the cliffs. Stroll along the cobblestone streets where wealthy sea captains built their mansions, now converted to cafes, boutiques and art galleries. We will visit one of the Aegean s most important archaeological sites, Akrotiri which was abandoned after severe earthquakes, then covered in pumice by a volcanic eruption in about 1625 BC. Today s visit tells the tale of an affluent society who farmed, built two-story homes and indulged a taste for frescoes, furniture and jewellery. Day 10 Athens. Visit the sublime expression of Classical Greece, the Acropolis with its sweeping views of Athens. Commissioned by Pericles in the 5th century BC, the site is dominated by the majestic Parthenon: a building

4 Delos Mykonos Kavala Rhodes that embodies the stunning achievements of the Athenian Golden Age. Surrounding the great temple are the other architectural masterpieces of the citadel: the Propylaia (monumental gateway), the Erechtheion with its beautiful Karayatid Porch and the Temple of Athena Nike (Winged Victory). Then explore another marvel: the long anticipated $200-million, 226,000-squarefoot Acropolis Museum. In the dramatic Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis, ascending floors of glass literally float you above the excavations for an extraordinary perspective of the layers of Greek history that lie below. Statue of Asclepius, Kos Day 11 Delos & Mykonos. Discover the tiny, deserted isle of Delos, the religious centre of the Cyclades, where columns lie glistening in the sun, and the Lions of Delos guard the Sacred Way. As the reputed birthplace of the god Apollo, Delos was once a principal religious and commercial centre of the Eastern Mediterranean. Pilgrims, traders, politicians, and warriors alike came from all over the Mediterranean to this sanctuary. Some of the richest archaeological treasure troves in Greece await as you leave the Sacred Harbour on your guided walking tour. Imagine the merchants in the Agora and the pilgrims entering the Sanctuary of Apollo. Walk along the spectacular Avenue of the Lions. Pay homage to the guardians of the Sacred Lake where Leto gave birth to the twin gods, Artemis and Apollo. Day 12 Kavala. Today we explore the city founded by (and named after) Philip of Macedonia in 356 BC. The site is at the foot of Mount Pangeon on the border of a marsh that once covered the entire plain. Thucydides was exiled here and when the city was a Roman colony, Julius Caesar s assassins, Brutus and Cassius, met their deaths at the Battle of Philippi. Saint Paul visited several times and wrote a letter thanking the citizens for their support while he was in jail. We will tour the main archaeological site to see the extensive ruins, which include a large Roman forum, sacred gates, baths, wrestling rings and even a public latrine with marble seats. Other sights include the reputed jail of St Paul, a theatre from the classical period and two Byzantine basilicas. These testify to the town s transition to a Christian headquarters. On your return to the ship, stop at the stream where St Paul s first European convert, a merchant-woman named Lydia, was christened along with the rest of her household. Day 13 Canakkale, Turkey. Enter the world of Helen of Troy and Paris, Hektor and Achilles. The 13th or 12th century BC siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors from Greece has fired the imagination of poets over thousands of years. The site is one of the most significant demonstrations of early Prices per person Based on double occupancy contact between the civilisations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. The site s existence was long considered merely a fable invented by Homer in The Iliad. Then, in 1870, Heinrich Schliemann, an amateur archaeologist discovered the site. Today, most historians agree that Troy was one of nine civilisations that inhabited the spot. There is also evidence to support the tale of a ten-year siege, giving further weight to Homer s tales. Today little remains of the 5000 years of habitation but our lecturerguides will bring its storied past to life as you view the massive walls, a Roman theatre and the reputed Palace of King Priam. Alternatively there will be the opportunity to take a ferry across the Dardanelles to the moving memorials and battlefields of Gallipoli where during World War I, over 500,000 Allied and Turkish troops died in the eight-month campaign. Day 14 Istanbul to London. Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight. BOOK EARLY AND SAVE UP TO 300 PER PERSON Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer M Standard Inside Belvedere/Columbus L Premium Inside Columbus K Premium Inside Belvedere J Standard Outside Columbus I* Premium Outside Bridge H Premium Outside Belvedere/Columbus G Premium Outside Bridge/Lido F Deluxe Stateroom, Outside Lido/Belvedere/Bridge E Deluxe Stateroom, Outside Belvedere D Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony Belvedere C Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony Bridge/Lido B Junior Suites, Balcony Lido A Owner s Suites, Balcony Lido Single Cabins MM Standard Inside, Single Belvedere JJ Standard Outside, Single Columbus II* Premium Outside, Single Bridge HH* Premium Outside, Single Belvedere/Bridge GG* Premium Outside, Single Bridge/Lido EE Deluxe Outside, Single Belvedere CC Deluxe Balcony, Single Lido Price Includes: Economy class scheduled flights with British Airways, two nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul on a breakfast only basis, 11 nights aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey on full board basis, selected wines with dinner onboard, shore excursions as detailed, in-depth lecture programme, onboard gratuities, overseas transfers and baggage handling, port taxes and airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities ashore, visas, optional excursions. NB. Ports subject to change. Local weather conditions may affect itinerary. All special offers are subject to availability. +44 (0)

5 MV Aegean Odyssey T he MV Aegean Odyssey is a premium class ship that was rebuilt to cater for cruising in the coastal waters of the central and southern Mediterranean. Originally a mid-size vessel carrying up to 570 passengers, the new configuration includes generously sized suites, junior suites and staterooms with and without balconies, which means she now accommodates an average of 350 guests. The vessel provides the best features of a mid-size ship such as passenger space, a choice of restaurants and stability in inclement weather. She also has the personal service and intimate surroundings of a small ship. Your Suite/Stateroom/Cabin All suites, staterooms and cabins are en suite and feature a bath and/or shower, flat screen TV, safe, hair dryer and are fully air-conditioned. Guests in Balcony Class (categories A to D) will also enjoy: a stateroom or suite with balcony, a welcome bottle of Champagne, a fridge stocked with soft drinks, complimentary bottled water, robe and slippers, Molton Brown bathroom amenities and priority sightseeing boarding. The sizes, layout and bed configuration will vary within a category. Beds may be fixed double (queen size), fixed separate twin beds or twin beds that can be converted into double beds. All outside staterooms and cabins have windows except Category J, most of which have portholes. Your Space Onboard you will find two restaurants; the Marco Polo Restaurant on the Marco Polo deck and the Terrace Café on the Promenade Deck which has a beautiful outdoor seating area so passengers can enjoy dining al fresco in warm weather. There are four bars on board and three lounges so there will always be space for relaxation and quiet when desired, as well as ample room for socialising with new found friends. There is also a lecture theatre, a library, shop and internet centre. The on-board library features an extensive range of volumes covering classical history, literature, art, architecture and philosophy. To attend to the body as well as the mind, you can relax on the sweeping sun decks and cool off in the outdoor pool. There is also a fully-equipped gym with lockers and showers, sauna, massage and beauty treatment rooms and early morning yoga. The hairdressers and beauty centre are located on the Belvedere Deck adjacent to the reception area. Dining The MV Aegean Odyssey offers numerous dining spaces and a varied, sumptuous cuisine. As well as being one of the world s most historically interesting and naturally beautiful destinations, the Mediterranean is home to an unsurpassed culinary tradition. The gastronomic culture of using the very best fresh local ingredients cooked in a simple but delicious and healthy style is the inspiration for the restaurants aboard the Aegean Odyssey. The Terrace Cafe appetisers, soup, salads, a choice of three or four main courses and desserts. The complimentary house wines are carefully sourced from Italy, France and Greece. There is also a full wine list of alternative vintages available. With a combination of indoor and outdoor seating, sophisticated Mediterranean interior design and cooking on the open grill, the Terrace Café replicates the charm and ambience of a trattoria. As well as the grill, there is a large buffet. The day starts in the Terrace Café with breakfast where you can enjoy a healthy combination of yogurt, fruit and muesli or indulge in eggs, bacon or an omelette. Every afternoon you will find a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes and scones served in the Terrace Cafe or the Observation Lounge. Cat GG Cabin The most elegant of the ship s restaurants, the Marco Polo has a casual country-club ambience and Mediterranean influenced food. At lunch, you can choose from a variety of starters, three dishes of the day and a choice of desserts, fruit and cheese. In the evening, dinner will include In the evenings, Tapas on the Terrace recreates the informal yet sophisticated atmosphere of a Mediterranean bistro. Equal care has been given to the selection of included wines served at Tapas on the Terrace; these will be served at your table by our helpful waiting staff. For those passengers

6 Library Aft deck Charleston Lounge Cat E Cabin Lido enjoying a late night discussing the excitements of the day s sightseeing, a selection of light snacks freshly prepared by the onboard chefs will be available in the Charleston Lounge. BRIDGE # 406 Life Onboard Classically elegant but far from stuffy and formal, the MV Aegean Odyssey has been designed to offer the sophisticated traveller every comfort at sea. During your cruise, there will be a programme of lectures and discussions designed to not only inform and entertain you, but also to bring to life the wonderful sites you will visit. For your Comfort, Safety and Security Ask any world traveller where they receive the best service and they will undoubtedly answer the Far East. Of all the nationalities in that part of the world, it is the Filipinos who carry the highest reputation for attention to detail. Fluent in English and always serving with a smile, the Filipino crew will win your hearts. They, and the rest of the officers and crew, are dedicated to making your holiday a delightful experience throughout. Valet service is available for laundry and pressing. OBSERVATION LOUNGE LIDO BAR OBSERVATION DECK LIDO BAR POOL AMBASSADOR LOUNGE CHARLESTON LOUNGE LIBRARY SHOP TERRACE CAFE BAR THE TERRACE RECEPTION HAIR 543 DRESSER INTERNET ATHENA 464 HEALTH 463 SPA MEDICAL MARCO POLO RESTAURANT The MV Aegean Odyssey is fitted with the latest satellite communication technology with direct dial telephones in all cabins. There is also an internet centre on Belvedere Deck for which there is a charge based on time connected. There is a doctor onboard for the duration of your trip and the Medical Centre is located on the Columbus Deck. A B C D E LIDO DECK BRIDGE DECK Owner s Suites, Balcony Junior Suites, Balcony Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony Deluxe Stateroom, Outside PROMENADE DECK BELVEDERE DECK F Deluxe Stateroom, Outside G Premium Outside H Premium Outside I* Premium Outside J Standard Outside COLUMBUS DECK MARCO POLO DECK K Premium Inside L Premium Inside M Standard Inside 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Ephasus NC_007_060814_K