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Venice to Cannes A grand tour to the treasures of the Mediterranean aboard Aegean Odyssey |
15 Days / 14 Nights •May 26, 2012 |
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Visiting five countries over 15 days, this meticulously planned itinerary will take you on a fascinating journey through the artistic and cultural history of Europe. The voyage echoes the idea of the Grand Tour, a practice popular in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that introduced Europeans and Americans to the art and culture of ancient Greece, France and Italy. Then, as now, Rome and Venice were not to be missed, and Florence and the ruins of Pompeii were also popular destinations.
As well as the "Grand Tour" favourites, this cruise also takes you to the magnificent Roman Palace of Diocletian in Split, the island of Corfu and the elegant Greek theater at Taormina.
Day 1 - VENICE, ITALY
Embarkation on Aegean Odyssey.
Day 2 - 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 start your trip than with a morning`s walking tour of this lovely city. After our visit to the Doge`s Palace, you`ll have free time to explore the shops and cafes around St Mark`s Square. In the afternoon, you are free to continue exploring wonderful Venice: the great modern art exhibition at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and what has been called the city's finest church, Santa Maria Gloriosa, known more simply as Frari, are two suggestions. In the evening there is an exclusive visit to St Mark`s for a private tour: not to be missed. A nighttime departure to Ravenna.
Day 3 - RAVENNA
In the 5th century, the power of Rome was in decline and in 402 the capital of the Western Roman Empire was moved to Ravenna. The city was under Byzantine control in the late 5th and the 6th centuries and today it is famous for its superb early Christian mosaics and buildings. This morning 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.
Afternoon departure for Split.
Day 4 - SPLIT, CROATIA
The morning will be spent touring the Palace of Diocletian including the Temple of Jupiter and Diocletian`s mausoleum. Born in Salona, a town a few miles to the north of Split, Diocletian became Emperor of Rome in 284. To ensure a comfortable retirement, Diocletian commissioned the construction of a massive limestone and marble palace in the town of Split. In the afternoon there is the option of visiting one of the true gems of the Dalmatian coast, the delightful island of Trogir. Overnight in Split and the opporunity to dine or have a drink in this delightful port.
Day 5 - CRUISING THE ISLANDS OF KORCULA, BRAC AND HVAR/KOTOR BAY
Leaving Split in the early morning, Aegean Odyssey spends the day cruising the clear blue waters off the Dalmatian coast. The ship will pass close to the stunning shores of the islands of Brac, Korcula and Hvar. On the way to Corfu, you will also sail to the rugged beauty of the Bay of Kotor, a remarkable fjord on the coast of Montenegro.
Day 6 - CORFU, GREEK ISLANDS
At the height of their Empire, Corfu held a special place in the heart of the Venetians. Jan Morris writes: "The Greek Island of Corfu is made for pleasure and escape Corfu was the most desirable station of the Venetian colonial service." Today, this Venetian heritage is still visible in Corfu Town as you will discover on this morning`s tour that takes in the Old Fortress built by the Venetians in between 1550-1559, the sixteenthcentury, red domed Agios Spyridon church and famous Esplanade. In the afternoon, you are free to continue enjoying Corfu Town a drink at the Liston cafe is a must. Nighttime departure for Taormina in Sicily.
Day 7 - AT SEA
A relaxing day enjoying the late spring sunshine and the on-board lectures as the ship makes its way to Sicily.
Day 8 - TAORMINA, SICILY
With its mountainous backdrop and spectacular views of Etna, the Graeco Roman theatre at Taormina will be our destination in the morning. At lunch, return to the ship for the sail to Sorrento and en route Aegean Odyssey will pass through the Straits of Messina and take you past the living volcano of Stromboli.
Day 9 - SORRENTO/POMPEII/HERCULANEUM, ITALY
The port of Sorrento is an excellent base from which to visit two different destinations. The first is a place that, as they say, needs no introduction, Pompeii. (It is well worth picking up a copy of the recently published Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town by Mary Beard) The town, some of which dates back to the 6th century BC, was completely engulfed by the ash and lava erupting from Vesuvius in August 79AD. What was left under the pumice is the unique record of Roman life we see today. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby town of Herculaneum that also perished during the eruption and was engulfed in a sea of mud. A number of buildings survived virtually intact including the famous Villa of the Papyri. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Sorrento. Evening departure for Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.
Day 10 - CIVATAVECCHIA/ROME
This morning`s tour begins with the great monuments of ancient Rome and ends with a visit to the most important church in Christendom. Your day starts at the largest and most famous Roman amphitheatre, the Colosseum. It was constructed in 80AD by Emperor Vespasian as a means of gaining the love of the people by building a magnificent venue for gladiatorial games and it had a capacity of 50,000 spectators. Then on to the Forum Romanum, the ceremonial, social and civic centre of ancient Rome and, finally, to the sumptuous basilica of St Peter`s and the Vatican Museum. At lunch, you are free to try one of the excellent Roman trattorias and in the afternoon, there will be a walking tour to some the city`s other wonderful sites including the Pantheon. Return to the ship for an evening departure to Livorno.
Day 11 - LIVORNO/FLORENCE
A special day. In the morning, drive from Livorno to Florence for a morning visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia. Avoid the lines, thanks to your group reservation, and explore one of the most famous art collections (including, of course, Michelangelo's David) in the world. This is followed by a walking tour of this remarkable city including the Piazza del Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. At lunch, you are free to try one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants in the city. The afternoon is centred on a guided tour of the Uffizi, Italy's greatest art gallery with its remarkable collection of masterpieces including Botticelli's The Birth of Venus.
Day 12 - CRUISING THE FRENCH RIVIERA
In the morning, as the ship makes its way to Marseilles, you will pass close to the coast of Monte Carlo and then continue along the beautiful coastline of the Cote d'Azur passing Nice, St Tropez and Antibes.
Day 13 - MARSEILLES/AVIGNON/ARLES, FRANCE
Leave the port of Marseilles for a full day sightseeing in Avignon and Arles. The morning will focus on the medieval marvels of Avignon including the famous bridge and the Papal Palace. The Papal Palace in Avignon is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Founded by Pope Clement V in 1309 when he fled the violence in Rome, the major construction work was carried out between 1335 and 1364 by Pope Benedict XII and his successor Pope Clement VI. After lunch, continue on to Arles and the magnificent Roman arena. Late evening departure for Cannes.
Day 14 - CANNES
A day at leisure to enjoy the pleasures of the French Riviera. The ship is moored a short distance from La Croisette, the waterfront avenue with its palm trees, picturesque beaches, cafes and boutiques. There is also the option of visiting Monte Carlo: as well as the famous casino you might like to visit the Opera House, Monaco Cathedral, the Napoleon Museum, the Oceanographic Museum and aquarium and the Prince's Palace. Alternatively, spend the morning in the charming Provençal hill towns of Mougins, Grasse and Saint-Paul de Vence.
Day 15 - CANNES
Disembark for Nice 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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| 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 |
£ 3195 |
| I |
Premium Outside |
Belvedere |
£ 3050 |
| J |
Premium Outside |
Columbus |
£ 2850 |
| K |
Standard Outside |
Columbus |
£ 2650 |
| L |
Premium Inside |
Belvedere | Columbus |
£ 2495 |
| M |
Premium Inside |
Columbus |
£ 2295 |
| N |
Standard Inside |
Belvedere | Columbus |
£ 2095 |
| | SINGLE CABINS |
| CC |
Deluxe Stateroom, Balcony |
Lido |
£ 5050 |
| FF |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Belvedere |
£ 4195 |
| GG |
Deluxe Stateroom, Outside |
Bridge |
£ 4095 |
| JJ |
Premium Outside |
Belvedere |
£ 3350 |
| KK |
Standard Outside |
Columbus |
£ 3095 |
| NN |
Standard Inside |
Columbus |
£ 2495 |
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Third/Fourth Person Sharing |
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£ 1550 |
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 |