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Istanbul to Venice
Exploring the Byzantine empire aboard Aegean Odyssey |
15 Days / 14 Nights
•Sep. 24, 2012 |
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Although he reigned only between 324 and 337, the Emperor Constantine made two decisions that place him at the center of western civilisation. The first was to decree Christianity to be the official religion of the Roman Empire and the second was to found a new imperial capital on the site of the old Greek city of Byzantium on the shores of the Bosphorus. "These two decisions and their consequences," writes John Julius Norwich in A History of Byzantium, "have given him a serious claim to be considered excepting only Jesus Christ, the Buddha and the Prophet Mohammed the most influential man in all history."
Includes 2 nights precruise stay in Istanbul
Day 1 - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Transfer to hotel.
Day 2 - ISTANBUL
Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul in this city you will find some of the greatest buildings and works of art in the world. Your first morning`s sightseeing will take in the Byzantine sixth century cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace residence of the early sultans and the Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). In the afternoon the optional tour includes the Süleymaniye mosque built for Süleyman the Magnificent and a late Byzantine masterpiece, the Church of St Saviour in Chora.
Day 3 - ISTANBUL
A morning to explore the delights of Istanbul: this is a good opportunity to haggle in the Grand Bazaar or take the optional Bosphorus boat tour. In the afternoon, transfer to the port and embark Aegean Odyssey. Depart for the Dardanelles in the late evening.
Day 4 - CRUISING THE DARDANELLES AND MOUNT ATHOS, GREECE
The ship cruises through the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles. It then takes you past the remarkable monasteries of Mount Athos. Inhabited by over 1,500 monks living in twenty monasteries, access to the holy island is restricted and only ten non-Orthodox men are allowed ashore each day. Women and all female mammals are completely forbidden. Fortunately, most of the beautiful buildings can be seen while cruising the coast.
Day 5 - THESSALONICA
Thessalonica (also known as Salonica) became part of the Byzantine Empire in 395AD and is today Greece`s second city. The morning tour will concentrate on its Byzantine heritage, including the 5th century basilica Agios Dimítrios, the Rotónda that was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Galerius in the 4th century, the mosaics of the Agía Sofía and the Museum of Byzantine culture. In the afternoon you are free to continue exploring this vibrant city. Evening departure for Volos.
Day 6 - VOLOS/METÉORA
After arriving in the morning at the port of Volos, you will travel by road to see the famous Byzantine monasteries built on the sandstone towers at Metéora. In all there are twenty four monasteries at Metéora (which means "suspended in the air") and although many have fallen into ruin, some of the remaining are adorned with beautiful frescoes. Originally people were winched up to the monasteries by a windlass, but in the 1920s, stairs were cut to make access a little easier. Lunch at Metéora. Return to the ship for an evening departure to Pátmos.
Day 7 - PÁTMOS
Pátmos has been called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean" and its religious significance dates from the arrival of St John to the island in 95AD. You arrive at lunchtime and in the afternoon you will visit the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse, where St John dictated the Book of Revelation, and the 11th century Monastery of St John in the town of Chora. Founded in 1088, the castlelike monastery dominates Chora and contains a fascinating collection of religious treasures. Evening departure for Athens.
Day 8 - PIRAEUS/ATHENS
A morning sightseeing tour of Byzantine Athens, including the Byzantine Museum and the fine frescoes and elegant gardens of Moní Kaïsarianís. You can then return to the ship for lunch or, if you wish, stay on in Athens to continue exploring the city. There will be a shuttle bus to return to the ship in time for our evening departure to Monemvasía.
Day 9 - MONEMVASÍA
A massive rock rising from the sea and joined to the mainland only by a causeway built in the 6th century, it is easy to see how Monemvasía got its nickname "the Gibraltar of Greece." After arriving at breakfast time, the morning will be spent on a walking tour of the beautiful lower town, which includes the 13th-century Christos Elkomenos cathedral with its Venetian belfry. For those who feel energetic there is a path leading to the upper town to see the Byzantine Agía Sofía church. Noon departure for Préveza.
Day 10 - PRÉVEZA/ARTA
Situated on the shore of the Channel of Cleopatra, you arrive in Préveza in the morning and depart for the fortress and 13th and 14th century churches in Arta, the former capital of the Byzantine province of Epirus. Return to the ship for lunch and in the afternoon you are free to explore the charming town of Préveza with its lively waterfront cafes and Venetian forts. Evening departure for Corfu.
Day 11 - CORFU
With cricket still played on the green, the legacy of British rule is evident in Corfu Town, as you will see during this morning`s tour. You will also visit the Byzantine Museum housed in the church of Panagía Antivouniótissa and the elegant Esplanade. At lunchtime, the ship departs for Dubrovnik.
Day 12 - DUBROVNIK, CROATIA CRUISING KORCULA & HVAR
Dubrovnik was formerly known as Ragusa, and gave us our English word "argosy". Lord Byron called it "the Pearl of the Adriatic". As you walk around the city this morning you will visit the baroque Church of St Blaise, the Cathedral that boasts Titian`s Assumption over the main altar and the Rector`s Palace that also houses the Museum of Dubrovnik. In the afternoon, the ship leaves to cruise the beautiful Pakleni Islands, passing Hvar and Korcula en route to Ravenna.
Day 13 - RAVENNA, ITALY
A morning to relax as the ship cruises to Ravenna. In the 5th century, the power of Rome was in decline and in 402AD, the capital of the Western Roman Empire was moved to Ravenna. The city was under Byzantine control in the late 5th and 6th centuries and today it is famous for its superb early Christian mosaics and buildings. This afternoon is dedicated to seeing these treasures, including the superb church of San Vitale, with its mosaics of Justinian and his wife Theodora, the Orthodox and Arian Baptisteries and loveliest of all the 5th century Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. In the evening you are free to wander around the piazzas, old streets and fine shops of Ravenna. Late departure for Venice.
Day 14 - VENICE
Spectacular arrival in Venice. Whether you are seeing the great sites of Venice such as the Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge`s Palace for the first time or revisiting them, there is no better way to end your trip than with a morning`s walking tour of this lovely city. In the afternoon, you are free to arrange a trip to the stunning island of Torcello, walk to the Rialto or the Accademia or simply indulge in a Bellini at Harry`s Bar. Return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 15 - VENICE
Disembark and transfer to the airport.
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| MORE INFO |
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| SHIP STATISTICS |
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Flag: Malta
Official Language: English
Passeng. Cap.:378
Ship Speed: 18 knots
Tonnage: 11,563 GRT
Length:461 Feet
Beam: 67 Feet
Draft: 20 Feet
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Download PDF, 1.6 MB
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| Cabins |
Deck |
Rates |
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| | BALCONY |
| A |
Owners Suite, Balcony |
Lido |
£ 5550 |
| B |
Junior Suite, Balcony |
Lido |
£ 5095 |
| C |
Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony |
Lido | Bridge |
£ 4695 |
| D |
Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony |
Belvedere |
£ 4450 |
| | PREMIUM |
| E |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Bridge |
£ 3950 |
| F |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Bridge | Belvedere |
£ 3695 |
| G |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Bridge | Belvedere |
£ 3495 |
| H* |
Premium Outside |
Bridge |
£ 3250 |
| I |
Premium Outside |
Belvedere |
£ 3095 |
| J |
Premium Outside |
Columbus |
£ 2895 |
| K |
Standard Outside |
Columbus |
£ 2695 |
| L |
Premium Inside |
Belvedere | Columbus |
£ 2595 |
| M |
Premium Inside |
Columbus |
£ 2395 |
| N |
Standard Inside |
Belvedere | Columbus |
£ 2195 |
| | SINGLE CABINS |
| CC |
Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony |
Lido |
£ 5150 |
| FF |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Belvedere |
£ 4395 |
| GG |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Bridge |
£ 4150 |
| JJ |
Premium Outside |
Belvedere |
£ 3450 |
| KK |
Standard Outside |
Columbus |
£ 3250 |
| NN |
Standard Inside |
Columbus |
£ 2695 |
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Third/Fourth Person Sharing |
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£ 1695 |
Prices for Categories A to N are per person in UK £, based on double occupancy.
Single cabin prices are for our dedicated single cabins (Categories CC - NN). As they are limited in number, it is recommended you book early.
Special Offer prices, when published, include any announced stateroom savings, are strictly capacity controlled, subject to availability, may be withdrawn at any time and are not always combinable.
* Category H cabins and cabins 720 and 722 have partially obstructed view.
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Rates include:
• Accommodation in chosen cabin with all meals onboard the Aegean Odyssey
• Selected shore excursions as detailed in your itinerary
• Lunch (except as noted) on full day excursions
• Wine with dinner (beer or soft drinks if preferred)
• Services of a cruise director
• Lecture programme featuring expert quest speaker
• Gratuities to crew
• Porterage of luggage to/from your cabin.
Rates do not include:
• Domestic and/or international flights
• Post cruise accommodation ( available on request )
• Drinks/ beverages from the ship`s bar (except those mentioned above)
• Transfer from and/or to the ship prior to embarkation and/or after disembarkation
• Gratuities ashore
• Onboard communication such as facsimile, telephone, internet
• Beauty and spa treatments
• Laundry and pressing services
• Internet charges and telephone calls
• Visas and airport taxes where these are payable locally
• Government fees, surcharges and local taxes.
ITINERARY DEVIATIONS:
Every effort will be made to adhere to the scheduled itinerary ; however, due to the schedule changes beyond organizer`s control, we reserve the right, without prior notice, to change routing or alter shore excursions.
* DELECTA Ltd.reserves the right to change the vessel provider in case of the contracted services are
not supplied according to the previously agreed standards.
BOOKING:
Bookings are on request and need to be confirmed.
30 % reservation deposit per person based on the total cost of the cruise should be paid within 7 days from our written confirmation.
Deposit is non refundable.
Final payment is required 90 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS:
Our flat rate claim to reimbursement consist of a processing fee of 30% per person ot total price
for cancellation of a reserved trip up to 89 days prior to commencement of travel.
The
following annulment fees shall arise in the event of later cancellation:
40% of the tour price for cancellation 89 - 61 days prior to commencement of travel
50% of the tour price for cancellation 60 - 61 days prior to commencement of travel
60% of the tour price for cancellation 60 - 35 days prior to commencement of travel
75% of the tour price for cancellation 35 - 15 days prior to commencement of travel
100% of the tour price for cancellation 14 - 0 days prior to commencement of travel |
