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Voyages to Antiquity: Venice, Athens and the Adriatic Coast

Program Number: 19079RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/11/2013 - 6/25/2013; 9/20/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 14 nights
Location: Italy/Croatia/Greece/Albania
Price starting at: $5,590.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 38; 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

The dramatic beauty of the Adriatic coast has long inspired writers, poets and artists. Experience sun-splashed islands, lofty mountains plunging into the sea, winding fjords and magnificent bays. Plus soak in manmade splendor from the Byzantine beauty of St. Mark’s to the classical elegance of Epidaurus.




Activity Particulars

Walking up and downhill, up to two miles per day. Standing up to four hours per day, with breaks; uneven terrain and steep stairs without railings at historic sites



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Athens (Greece), 1 night; aboard Aegean Odyssey, 12 nights.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Days 2-4: Arrival Athens (Greece) / embark Aegean Odyssey:

Discover the magnificent Acropolis of Athens and explore Plaka - the picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens with its labryinthine streets and neoclassical architecture.
Lodging: Five-star hotel.



Day 5: Nauplia:

Explore the ancient city of Mycenae, reputedly the capital of Agamemnon. Visit the best preserved of all the ancient Greek theaters in Epidaurus.



Day 6: Monemvasia:

Walk through Monemvasia’s lower town, which includes the 13th century Christós Elkómenos cathedral.



Day 7: Katakolon & Ithaca:

Visit Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC. Continue to Ithaca and spend a leisurely evening exploring the attractive port of Vathy.



Day 8: Corfu & Sarande (Albania):

Examine the Venetian heritage of Corfu as you walk on the famous Esplanade. Continue to Albania and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, a city founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus.



Days 9-10: Dubrovnik (Croatia):

Sail through the winding, fjord-like Bay of Kotor. On an expert-led excursion in Dubrovnik, discover this beautiful seaside city’s Old Town and the Baroque Church of St. Blaise.



Day 11: Split:

Step inside the magnificent Palace of Diocletian, today not a deserted ruin but a bustling warren of houses, shops and cafés.



Day 12: Zadar:

Discover fascinating monuments left behind by Romans, Byzantines and Venetians in this port city. Sail through the beautiful Kornati Islands.



Days 13-15: Venice (Italy) / disembark / departure:

Walk through incomparable Venice to marvel at the Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace.





MV Aegean Odyssey

The Aegean Odyssey is a premium class ship especially rebuilt for cruising in the coastal waters and among the islands of the Mediterranean, visiting small, uncrowded harbors that large ocean liners can't reach. Public areas include Mediterranean-influenced restaurants, a library, Internet center, sweeping sun decks, outdoor pool, gym and spa.
Meals and Lodgings
   Metropolitan Hotel
  Athens, Greece 1 night
   MV Aegean Odyssey
  MV Aegean Odyssey - At Sea, At Sea 13 nights
 Metropolitan Hotel
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: The Metropolitan Hotel, with its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, combines traditional hospitality and luxury in central Athens. With a view to both the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea, the fully renovated Metropolitan Hotel is ideally situated in front of the Faleron Olympic Coastal Park. It is only 10 minutes away from Syntagma square, the center of Athens and the port of Piraeus.
  Contact info: Leoforos Syngrou 385
Athens,  175-64 Greece
phone: +30 210 947 1000
web: www.chandris.gr
  Room amenities: Each room has individually controlled air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, high speed Internet connection, radio, mini bar, hair dryer, safe box, and laptop and fax machine outlets.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, lounge, bar, gift shop, fitness center, marble steam bath, outdoor heated swimming pool, business center, free wireless Internet access in lobby, and a hairdresser.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 MV Aegean Odyssey
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: The MV Aegean Odyssey offers boutique-style cruising at its best. In contrast to the massive vessels cruising to and from major ports, it is a midsized ship adapted for island and coastal cruising. The Aegean Odyssey can visit smaller, less crowded harbors and sail closer to the coast enabling you to really appreciate the magical views.
  Ship Information: Ship’s Tonnage: 11,563 Length: 461 feet Beam: 67 feet Draft: 20.5 feet Cruising Speed: 18 knots Passenger Decks: 7 Stabilizers: 2 Passenger Staterooms/Cabins: 198 Passengers – lower beds: 378 Classification: Lloyd’s Register Society London Ship’s Registration: Malta
  Contact info: Voyages to Antiquity
1800 SE 10th Avenue, Suite 230
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA
phone: 877-398-1460
web: www.voyagestoantiquity.com
  Room amenities: All cabins are equipped with a flat screen TV, air-conditioning, and personal safe. Particular importance is placed on the standard of bedding in cabins. Luxury bedding, including fine duvets, covers and sheets, ample soft pillows and quality towels can be expected. Also, shampoo, bath and shower gel, soap, and shower cap are provided. Your cabin steward is always available. Cabins and suites feature outlets with 220 voltage, using the “European” two round pin plug. Hair dryers are provided in your cabin and electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances can be used in your cabin. For safety reasons, travel irons are not allowed.
  Facility amenities: Dining: MV Aegean Odyssey offers many dining facilities: The Marco Polo Restaurant is the ship's more formal restaurant, providing casual country-club elegance for lunch or dinner; The Terrace Cafe offers a combination of indoor and outdoor seating where you can indulge in breakfast, lunch and dinner from the grill or the sumptuous daily buffet. In the evenings, enjoy breathtaking views over dinner at Tapas on the Terrace. *There is a complimentary choice of wine, beer, or soft drinks with your evening meal. There will be a string trio, pianist and casual dancing before and after dinner. You may also wish to partake in afternoon tea, served in the Observation Lounge. Or perhaps an evening snack and cocktail, available in the Lido and Rendezvous bars. A limited room service menu is available. Special Diets: Please advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. The ship can usually meet most general requests such as those made with an air carrier; however, this cannot always be guaranteed. Services: Library; outdoor pool; spa; health center, saunas, massage and beauty treatment rooms and early morning yoga on the Lido Deck; elevators; Internet center (open 24 hours and a charge of $18 for 4 non-consecutive hours is applied, no wireless available); beauty salon; medical center; laundry and pressing services (order form and laundry bag is provided in cabin); lecture theater and cinema and on board shop.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Athens, Greece. Meet at 5:00 PM in the hotel lobby. You will be staying at Metropolitan Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Venice, Italy. Program ends after breakfast on the last day. You will be staying at MV Aegean Odyssey the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. The Voyages to Antiquity Guest Registration Form is required.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Water bus, approx. 5 Euro.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Athens
  Transportation to site: Take a taxi from exit 3 of the arrivals level at the airport. Cost is approx. 35-40 Euros, after midnight the cost increases to 60 Euros.
  From End of Program
  Location:  MV Aegean Odyssey - At Sea
  Transportation from site: Option 1: Walk approx. 10-15 minutes, across a couple bridges, to the Zattere stop and take Alilaguna Private Shuttle (water bus) Line Blu to the airport (approx. 45 minutes, 15 Euro). Option 2: Walk approx. 5-10 minutes to the San Basilio stop and take Vaporetto line 6 to Piazzale Roma (approx. 6.50 Euro). From Piazzale Roma take either the private bus (ATVO Line, 5 Euro) or the public bus (Line 5, 1.20 Euro) to the airport.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Departures
(Friday, September 20)
   
 In Transit: Depart US/Canada on international overnight flight.

Day 2: Welcome
(Saturday, September 21)
   
 Morning: Arrival in Athens International Airport (ATH). Meet group outside of customs. Transfer to hotel.
 Afternoon: Settle in at the hotel. We gather in the hotel lobby at 5:00 PM for a welcome orientation to the program.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Metropolitan Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Athens, Greece / Embark the MV Aegean Odyssey
(Sunday, September 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: We will explore the long anticipated $200-million, 226,000-square-foot 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.
 Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Plaka.
 Afternoon: A guided excursion through the ancient citadel of Athens, the Acropolis. Built during the "Golden Age" of Athens between 447-438BC under the orders of the great statesman Pericles, the Acropolis represents the magnificent achievements of Athenian culture during this remarkable era.We transfer to Piraeus where we will embark the MV Aegean Odyssey at 4:00 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Cape Sounion
(Monday, September 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
 Morning: Enjoy an excursion to Cape Sounion.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration in Athens.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Night-time sailing to Nauplia. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Nauplia, Greece
(Tuesday, September 24)

Note: There is moderate to heavy walking over uneven surfaces in Mycenae and Epidaurus, and moderate walking in Nauplia unless you choose to climb the fortress.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: A full and very exciting day ahead. The morning will be dedicated to exploring the great Mycenaean culture that flourished in this area, known as the Argolid plain, between 1600-1300BC. At its heart is the ancient city of Mycenae, reputedly the capital of Agamemnon and the “well-built citadel” of Homer’s Iliad.
 Lunch: Road Scholar lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon we continue to Epidaurus via the charming and elegant town of Nauplia and its excellent Archaeological Museum, housed in the impressive former Venetian arsenal. Epidaurus was sacred to Asclepios, the god of medicine, and is the site of the best preserved of all ancient Greek theaters.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture. Midnight departure for Monemvasía.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Monemvasía, Greece
(Wednesday, September 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: A massive rock rising from the sea and joined to the mainland by a causeway built in the 6th century, it is easy to see how Monemvasía got its nickname "the Gibraltar of Greece." After breakfast, the morning will be spent on a walking excursion 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 Sofia church.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Lunchtime departure for Katakolon and a relaxing afternoon at sea. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Katakolon, Greece / Olympia
(Thursday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Arrive in the early morning at the port of Katakolon for a morning's excursion of Ancient Olympia. The first Olympic Games took place here in 776BC when the top athletes of Greece's city-states met to compete in sprinting, wrestling, and boxing. The site was also an important religious center as Mount Olympus, after which the site was named, was believed to be the home of Zeus. Return to the ship for a lunchtime departure for Ithaca.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Cruise the Ionian Islands en route to Ithaca. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: An evening arrival in Ithaca offers the perfect opportunity to explore the attractive port of Vathy. Late night departure for Corfu.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Corfu, Greece / Sarande/Butrint, Albania
(Friday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: 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 field trip. You will also visit the Byzantine Museum housed in the church of Panagía Antivouniótissa and the elegant Esplanade. At lunchtime, the ship makes the short sail to Sarande for the trip to Butrint.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: The Albanian archaeological site of Butrint has been occupied since at least the 8th century BC. The Roman Emperor Augustus founded a colony here, and Butrint remained a Roman port until the 6th century. Its later medieval history was turbulent as the town was involved in the power struggles between Byzantium and successive Norman, Angevin, and Venetian states. It is consequently a fascinating archaeological and historical site.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture. Evening departure for Dubrovnik.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kotor Bay / Dubrovnik, Croatia
(Saturday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Continue sailing to Dubrovnik. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: In the early afternoon, the ship cruises the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. With arrival in Dubrovnik in the early evening you will be able to have a drink or dine out in this most charming of ports.
 Dinner: Dinner on board or on your own at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: On this morning's excursion see the highlights of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Marvel at the magnificent 10th-century city walls, the Baroque Church of St. Blaise, the Cathedral of Dubrovnik and the Rector's Palace.
 Lunch: Lunch on board or on your own at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, you are free to continue exploring the many sites of Dubrovnik.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Overnight sail to Split. Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Split, Croatia
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: The morning will be spent at 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 284AD. To ensure a comfortable retirement, Diocletian commissioned the construction of a massive limestone and marble palace in the town of Split. When it was completed in 305AD, Diocletian abdicated, the first Roman Emperor to do so. His palace complex included three temples, Diocletian's massive mausoleum (now the Cathedral of St. Dominus) and could house around 9,000 people. Today the palace is no deserted ruin but a shell containing a bustling warren of houses, shops and cafés.
 Lunch: Lunch on board or on your own at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Free time. This afternoon you may choose to continue to explore Split on your own, or visit the delightful island of Trogir (additional cost, bookable on board).
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture. Late night departure for Zadar.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Zadar, Croatia
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: The Romans, Byzantines and Venetians all coveted the port of Zadar and as a result it is rich in fascinating monuments. The morning walking excursion of the town will include the Roman forum, the Romanesque jewel that is the Cathedral of St. Anastasia and the Byzantine masterpiece the Church of St. Donat.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: The ship departs at lunchtime and winds it way through the breathtaking beauty of the Kornati Islands and past Losinj on its way to Venice. Enjoy a late afternoon Road Scholar cocktail party.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Attend a shipboard guest lecture.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Venice, Italy
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning walking excursion of the magnificent sites of Venice. We will see the Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs, and visit the Doge's Palace.
 Lunch: Road Scholar lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Road Scholar walking excursion.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Venice, Italy
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Enjoy some free time to take a gondola ride through ancient canals or explore the legendary Peggy Guggenheim collection.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, you are free to explore Venice on your own - walk to the Rialto or the Accademia or simply indulge in a Bellini in Harry's Bar.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: In the evening, there is an exclusive visit to St. Mark's.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Disembark / Departures
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: Disembark and transfer to the Venice Marco-Polo Airport (VCE) for the flight home.
   
Accommodations: MV Aegean Odyssey
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Athens Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum is made up of many buildings, which offer an in-depth look into Greek history and culture. An array of artwork and artifacts illustrate the character of the Greek world from ancient times to the 20th century. For additional information, visit www.benaki.gr/index.asp
  Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art illustrates the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus. The three major subjects on display are Cycladic Art, Ancient Greek Art, and Ancient Cypriot Art. For additional information, visit www.cycladic.gr
  Venice Ca’ Rezzonico
A museum of eighteenth century art. The palace on the Grand Canal was designed by a Baroque architect of Venice, Baldassare Longhena, for the aristocratic Bon family. For additional information, visit www.museiciviciveneziani.it
  Galleria Belle Arti
Spanning five centuries, the Galleria Belle Arti's matchless collection of paintings provides a complete spectrum of the Venetian school, from the Byzantine period through the Renaissance to the Baroque and later. Masterpieces of Titian, Veronese, Bellini, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and more all await you here.
  Glass Museum of Murano
A museum of Venetian glassmaking. The Murano Glass Museum was founded in 1861 when the darkest period in the history of Murano glassmaking had been overcome, following the fall of the Republic of San Marco (1797) and the subsequent years of foreign rule. The museum’s collection was expanded by the addition of the Correr, Cicogna and Molin Collections which include, among other things, the most beautiful Renaissance pieces in the museum. For additional information, visit www.museiciviciveneziani.it
  Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A modern art collection in an 18th century Venetian palace, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the most important museum in Italy for European and American art from the first half of the 20th century. It is located in Peggy Guggenheim's former home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal in Venice. The museum was inaugurated in 1980 and it presents Peggy Guggenheim's personal collection of 20th century art, masterpieces from the Gianni Mattioli Collection, the Nasher Sculpture Garden, as well as temporary exhibitions. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is owned and operated by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, which also operates the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Deutsche Guggenheim, Berlin, and the Guggenheim-Hermitage, Las Vegas. For additional information, visit www.guggenheim-venice.it
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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