Aegean Antiquities A voyage to the secret islands and ancient sites of the Aegean aboard the MS Island Sky with Stephen Phillips 8th to 20th October 2015
Istanbul Late summer in the Aegean is the perfect time for visiting unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites. During our round trip from Istanbul aboard the MS Island Sky, we will keep our distance from many of the larger, more developed ports in the region with our objective being to explore some of the lesser visited islands where 3000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet. After our exploration of the captivating city of Istanbul, our voyage continues on its path of exploring the history, culture and myths of Turkey and ancient Greece including visits to what remains of ancient Troy, the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus, the crusader stronghold on Rhodes and the famous citadel of Mycenae. In between, we will also visit the quintessential, white-washed villages of the Greek Isles and sail through some of the most stunning scenery in the Mediterranean. There will be some late departures from port, which afford the opportunity to take a stroll in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening and we have also included time at leisure on some of the islands to stroll around the villages and towns and soak up the atmosphere of the islands. Whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful scenery, this voyage has a lot to offer. Syros Guest Speaker: Stephen Phillips Stephen is Thessaloniki a writer and broadcaster GREECE who frequently Meteroa Volos lectures on historical and archaeological subjects. He studied ancient Nafplio history and classical archaeology at London and Cambridge and has taught those subjects at universities and made television programmes on Mount Athos Canakkale Dikili Pergamum AEGEAN SEA TURKEY Ephesus Syros Kusadasi Delos Simi Santorini Rhodes Istanbul a wide range of cultural subjects. Stephen has written for most of Britain s national papers as well as specialist arts magazines and the New Statesman. He made numerous programmes for the BBC for whom he also worked as a news reporter, presented the Radio 4 arts series Kaleidoscope and reviewed for the World Service. He was a founder member of Channel 4, organising and producing its arts coverage and series editing its first arts series. He was head of arts at Meridian Broadcasting, sat on the Arts Council during its peak lottery giving days and is Vice chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects Trust. His passions are the cultures of the Mediterranean and sharing that enthusiasm with the widest possible audience. From time to time Stephen has indulged another passion as a theatre producer and for a while ran London s Old Vic Theatre. The Itinerary Day 1 London or Manchester to Istanbul, Turkey. Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Island Sky where we will moor overnight. Day 2 Istanbul. Enjoy a morning of exploration on a guided excursion. See the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and visit the Basilica Cistern which was built during the reign of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Return to the vessel for lunch and either enjoy an afternoon at leisure during which you may wish to independently explore the Grand Bazaar or the spice market. Alternatively join a tour to Chora Church. Considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church, it became a museum in 1948 and the interior of the building is covered with stunning mosaics and frescoes. We sail in the early evening. Day 3 Canakkale. Today we call at Canakkale, our gateway for Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was to one of these cities, as
Ephesus Agropoli Mount Athos legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and Priam s Treasure, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. Alternatively there will be an excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula to see the World War I memorials which commemorate the famous battle of Gallipoli. Taking the local ferry over to the peninsula we will also visit Anzac Cove and North Beach. Day 4 Dikili for Pergamum. From the port of Dikili we will drive inland to Pergamum with its splendid acropolis towering above the valley of the Caicus River. This city built by Alexander s warring generals became one of the cultural capitals of antiquity, its library rivalling those of Athens and Alexandria. Today Pergamum is one of Turkey s finest archaeological sites. On a full day excursion including lunch ashore we will visit the Asclepion, a healing centre from the 4th century BC, the Temple of Asclepios and the amphitheatre. Walk through the sacred corridor and down the ancient, arcaded, marble-paved boulevard. Continue into the town of Bergama and visit the Archaeological Museum and enroute we will see the basilica which was one of the earliest of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Drive up to the Acropolis to see the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal Palace. Day 5 Kusadasi for Ephesus. Arriving at Kusadasi at breakfast time we drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. We will also admire the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 30 metres above the orchestra, St. Paul used to give his sermons. Day 6 Rhodes and Simi, Greece. Arrive this morning on the island of Rhodes. Our tour will take us to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. From here the views of the Pelagus and St Paul s Bay, where the apostle anchored during his voyage to Ephesus, are stunning. The Medieval walls which guard Lindos were constructed by the Knights of St John. Over lunch sail to Simi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island. The harbour of Gialos is particularly attractive and we have an afternoon to enjoy some time to stroll through the colourful cobbled streets. The Simians were famous boat builders and are mentioned in the Illiad as sending boats to assist the siege of Troy but are better known today for their sponge diving. Day 7 Santorini. Once a single volcanic cone, Santorini is now an island archipelago. On a morning tour we will visit two of its famous sites, Fira, its spectacular capital perched atop a 900 foot cliff and the buried prehistoric city of Akrotiri. There is evidence the site was first inhabited in the 4th millennium BC and grew to be one of the main ports of the Aegean until it was abandoned in the 17th century BC due to a series of earthquakes. The city was then enveloped by a volcanic eruption which covered the town and protected the site and contents. This is a marvellously interesting site, rivalling Herculaneum for the magnitude of its discoveries. After lunch, this afternoon will be at leisure allowing for independent exploration. Please note that today local tenders will be used to take passengers to and from the ship. Day 8 Nafplio. Looking out across the translucent water of the bay Symi
Nafplio Pergamum Thessaloniki Meteroa towards the Arcadian Mountains, Nafplio s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivalled in Greece. From here we will enjoy a scenic drive through the Argos Plain, once ruled by Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy, to the famous citadel of Mycenae where we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. Alternatively join a tour to Epidaurus which was once revered as a centre of healing with visitors coming to the Sanctuary of Asclepius for treatments. Today we can see the ruins of the Sanctuary and the 3rd century theatre, one of the best preserved classical Greek structures, with seats for 14,000 people and renowned for its acoustics. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to wander the twisting labyrinthine streets and view the Venetian and Turkish architecture in Nafplio. Day 9 Delos & Syros. This morning we visit Delos, which though the smallest of the Cyclades, was once the political and religious centre for the whole Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. Explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo. Sail over lunch to Syros, which remained neutral during the Greek Revolution in the 19th century and became a haven for immigrants from the other islands. With an increasing population, the port of Ermoupoli has become the commercial centre of Greece. Today we have time to stroll through the elegant mansions and piazzas. You may wish to walk up to Ano Syros, the Medieval catholic settlement that towers above the port with a maze of narrow lanes and whitewashed houses. Please note that while in Delos we will be at anchor and will use the vessel s Zodiacs to transport passengers ashore. Day 10 Volos for Meteroa. Today on a full day tour we will discover awe-inspiring Meteora, where extraordinary monasteries are perched on a cluster of majestic soaring rock pillars; a truly spectacular and unique sight. We will visit the nunnery of Agios Stefanos and then continue to the imposing Varlaam Monastery, founded in 1518, which contains frescoes by the Theban iconographer Fragkos Katelavos. Later relax over lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the ship and sailing this evening. Day 11 Thessaloniki. This morning we will call into Thessaloniki and explore the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum, which displays the superb decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince, thought to be Alexander IV, the golden treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs. The tombs were discovered in 1977-78 by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos. Until their discovery they were covered by a protective tumulus 13 metres high and 110 metres across. In 1993 an underground building was constructed to enclose and protect them once again. After lunch onboard this afternoon, either choose to relax onboard or join a city tour including the palace of Galerius, one of the major monuments of the early 4th century Emperor Galerius, the Rotunda and the Kastra where we have panoramic views over the city below. Day 12 Mount Athos, scenic cruising. At breakfast we will arrive off the Athos Peninsula, dominated by the peak of Mount Athos which Prices per person Based on double occupancy BOOK A BALCONY SUITE AND RECEIVE a COMPLIMENTARY RETURN CLUB CLASS FLIGHT UPGRADE* Deck Magellan Magellan Columbus Marco Polo Marco Polo Erikson Explorer Magellan Columbus Suite Category Standard Forward Standard Superior Premium Corner Deluxe Balcony Owner s Balcony Standard for sole use Superior for sole use rises to 2033 metres. Also known as Holy Mountain, a monastic community was established here in 963 when the monk Athanasios established the monastery of Great Lavra, which is still the largest and most prominent of the 20 monasteries located here. We will use the MS Island Sky to cruise along the coastline from where we will see a number of monasteries whilst our onboard speaker, Stephen Phillips will provide commentary. We will continue to cruise for the rest of the day heading into the Dardanelles in the evening as we continue back to Istanbul. Day 13 Istanbul, Turkey to London or Manchester. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London or Manchester. Brochure Price 4995 5295 5595 5695 6195 6695 7195 6995 7495 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled flights from London Heathrow or Manchester, 12 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia onboard team including guest speaker, transfers, port taxes, gratuities. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas. NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. * Upgrade offer is subject to availability and only available on London to Istanbul route.
MS Island Sky The much loved MS Island Sky is one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 114, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks. Lounge Superior Suite Dining on deck Onboard there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. There will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere onboard is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, informative port briefings and presentations from our expedition team and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room, all contribute to making any voyage aboard the MS Island Sky a memorable experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship. Your Space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book. Daily newspapers and magazines are placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear sun deck, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck.
Coffee Station Staff Cabin Staff Cabin Restaurant Library Deluxe Balcony Suite Your Dining Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/CD player and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, Molton Brown toiletries, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and air-conditioning and heating. Friendly Staff Deck Plan Explorer Deck Erikson Deck Marco Polo Deck Library Columbus Deck Magellan Deck Lido Deck Restaurant The Club Lounge Buffet Galley (Forward) (For ward ) Standard Suite Suites s Superior Suite Suites s Pantry Public bathrooms Hair dresser & Beauty Center Hotel manager s office Cruise Cruise Director office Entrance Hall Reception Purser s Office Explorer Deck Erikson Deck Marco Polo Deck Columbus Deck Magellan Deck Owner s Balcony Suites 603 601 604 Owner s Balcony Suites 602 Deluxe Balcony Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Premium Suite s Deluxe Corner Balcony Suites s Owners Balcony Suite s 511 509 507 505 512 510 508 506 Chief Engineer Officer Hospital (forward) Radio Chart room room Captain Bridge Doctor Officer s Quarters Open Deck Corner Suite 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 347 345 343 341 339 Corner Suite 335 333 331 329 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 261 259 257255 262 260258 256 254 252 250 Deluxe Balcony Suites Single Suites Corner Suites Owner s Balcony Suites 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 info@noble-caledonia.co.uk noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Rhodes 050215-CC-S