Sail back into antiquity
Voyages to Antiquity is renowned for delivering the best of small-ship cruising, incorporating an experience that displays a passion for the historical, cultural and natural wonders of the destinations they travel to.
With a maximum of just 350 passengers on board, guests can enjoy a comfortable journey into the ancient past, with the intimate, inspiring and immersive itinerary.
Fine cuisine and impeccable service, Mediterranean island hopping and sightseeing excursions to some of the world’s most iconic historical and modern attractions is just a brief description of the experience that awaits you on the Voyages to Antiquity Renaissance Italy and Historic Islands, aboard the small-ship, Aegean Odyssey.
Departing in May 2018, the 16-night cruise, from Italy to Spain, includes two nights in Rome pre-cruise and two nights in Seville post-cruise. Guests can enjoy a choice of luxurious hotels in both Rome and Seville, in central locations, with full services and amenities.
The incredible itinerary will engage all passengers, whether they be lovers of the arts and culture, archeology, history, maritime activity or simply relaxing.
The Italian leg of the itinerary includes Rome, Florence, Pisa and Lucca, the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, galleries, museums and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
A half day in Elba, will allow passengers to see and sample local produce, just like Napoleon when he was living there in exile in the early 19th century.
The cruise will meander through the Lavezzi Isles and the Maddalena Archipelago to Corsica, Spanish Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Gibraltar, Cadiz and the historic southern port of Malaga in Spain.
The south of Spain, is particularly famous for the Moorish influence in architecture. The 13th century Alhambra Palace provides a mesmerizing example of this, which is included in an optional day trip to Granada.
The final leg of the cruise loops around to the south east of Spain, entering the Guadalquivir River, to journey to the capital of Spain’s Andalusian region, Seville.
Seville is famous for flamenco dancing, the Alcazar castle complex, Gothic architecture and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Apart from enjoying the elegant and congenial services and facilities onboard and the daily excursions, there are also lectures by experts in Mediterranean cultural and maritime history. Both speakers will share their wealth of knowledge on sites, attractions, culture, languages and destinations along the way with particular focus in their areas of academic expertise.
Dr. David Price-Williams from the University of London, will provide a comprehensive insight into Near Eastern languages and archeology.
Dr. Pieter Van Der Merwe, the general editor at the National Maritime Museum will lecture on various aspects of maritime history.
Voyages to Antiquity Renaissance Italy and Historic Islands departs May 27, 2018 from Rome. As a bonus, if you are flying out of Vancouver, your airfare is free. Contact your local travel agent for more details.