Odyssey at Sea: Pearls of the Adriatic

Activity note: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Refer to your personal air itinerary for specific flight information. Transfer to the Aegean Odyssey.

Morning: Transfer from the airport to the Port of Venice. Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Afternoon: Embark the Aegean Odyssey. Complete boarding procedures, get your cabin, unpack, and freshen up. Then begin to explore this comfortable ship that will be our floating home. The ship’s courteous and friendly staff are scrupulous about hygiene and you will find numerous dispensers with hand-sanitizer we are encouraged to use. Along with everyone on board, we will meet at muster stations when called for the ship’s safety drill. Orientation: We will gather late afternoon when the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In most ports, we will have shuttle busses, or tender boats, running from/to the ship during the day for your convenience if you wish to explore independently. The extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Aboard ship, enjoy your first dinner on board in the venue of your choice: the a la carte Marco Polo restaurant, open for dinner as well as lunch on full days at sea; and the Terrace Café with its extensive buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef-prepared meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations including healthy choices. Both restaurants offer open-seating dining. All meals aboard ship are included as well as afternoon tea and late night snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages and select wines at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.

Evening: On different evenings aboard ship, there will be activities to choose from such as a guest speaker, a performance by talented musicians, and opportunities for interaction with fellow Road Scholars. There is also a well-stocked library with daily newspapers received via satellite. Each evening, a briefing memo/daily journal will be placed in our cabins with highlights of the next day’s activities. Most mornings will begin with a group stretch session. On each full day of the program, we will gather with our Group Leader for an informal “port talk” about what’s ahead.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Getting on/off water busses or vaporettos. Walking about 5 miles; flat, slippery stones, steps, no handrails; standing up to 2 hours. Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will enjoy an orientation walk in St. Mark’s Square. Piazza San Marco is the largest public space in the city, called the "drawing room of Europe" in the 19th century. It is also one of the most impressive public squares anywhere with the Basilica di San Marco (Basilica of St Mark), Campanile (bell tower), and Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace), commonly called the Doge’s Palace.

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant or on your own on shore.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of time available for independent exploration on shore. In the late afternoon, we'll gather for a port talk.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to dine on your own on shore.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off with 4-5 steps up/down. Getting on/off waterbuses or vaporettos. Walking about 1/2 mile; flat, sometimes slippery stones with steps, no handrails; standing up to 2 hours. Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will get off the ship and board a smaller boat for field trips to the islands of Torcello and Burano with a local expert. Our first stop will be Torcello, in the northern end of the lagoon. This island is the oldest settlement in the lagoon, and is believed to be where the city of Venice got its start. We’ll then move on to Burano. Burano is an archipelago of islands connected by bridges. Originally a fishing village, it is renowned for lace-making. With our local expert, we will stroll along canals lined with brightly painted boats and colorful houses while learning about the lace trade. There is an ancient legend that it began when a betrothed fisherman caught a seirene (siren) in his net. She sang her seductive song and the fisherman released her. She thumped his boat with her tail and the foam it created was transformed into a wedding veil. The fisherman gave the veil to his beloved. She was admired by all the young ladies who began making beautiful lace for their own wedding veils. In fact, lace-making began around 1500 in private homes and developed over centuries into both an industry and an art. We will return to the port after the field trip where you are welcome to enjoy free time aboard ship or stay ashore and explore independently.

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to dine on your own on shore.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle boats available for independent exploration.

Dinner: You may choose either the Marco Polo Restaurant that serves a variety of á là carte items or the Terrace Café with its buffet.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will leave Venice on our journey to Pula, Croatia.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking about 2.5 miles; standing indoors and out, several extensive flights of stairs, no elevators.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will set out from the pier by motorcoach and board a local ferry to the Brijuni Islands. These 14 small islands are situated at the western tip of the Istrian peninsula near Pula. They have been inhabited for thousands of years since the Neolithic period, with control shifting from one power to another in an area of tumultuous history. After World War II, Brijuni became the official summer residence of Yugoslavia’s leader, Marshall Tito. The islands were designated a national park in 1983, notable for their extensively varied flora including olive trees, one of which is estimated to be 1,600 years old! With our Group Leader, we will take an electric train ride around the main island with stops at several viewpoints to take in the geography of the archipelago and learn about the natural heritage of the islands and their rich flora. We will also consider cultural and historic heritage from pre-Roman times to the modern day and will explore the permanent exhibition at the Boat House Museum.

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we'll board a motorcoach and ride to the Pula Arena. Constructed over 40 years into the 1st century CE, it provided seating for more than 20,000 spectators and is considered the best-preserved of all remaining Roman amphitheaters in the world — still functioning today after numerous reconstruction efforts — in a far better state of preservation than the Colosseum in Rome. In the late afternoon, we will gather for a port talk.

Dinner: You may choose either the Marco Polo Restaurant that serves a variety of á là carte items or the Terrace Café with its buffet.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will leave Pula on our journey to Sibenik, Croatia.

Activity note: Walking up to 4.5 miles total throughout the day: about 2.5 miles at Krka National Park; approximately 2 hours; rough terrain including 500+ steps to reach waterfalls, with resting places on the way. Walking approximately 2 miles in Sibenik; periods of standing up to 1 hour; uneven, cobblestone streets. Expect crowds during high season. All routes and field trips are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: Our ship will sail to the mouth of the Krka River where it flows into the Adriatic Sea and from there, we will get off the ship to walk along a spectacular series of rugged canyons, azure lakes, and tumbling waterfalls within the spectacular Krka National Park. Led by our Group Leader, we’ll also enjoy commentary along the way.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: During our expert-led field trip in Šibenik, we will walk through the heart of the old town where jewels of history wait around every corner. We will see the four fortresses, which kept the city safe from invasion from the 15th to the 16th century, the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of St. James, and Republic Square. We will gather in the late afternoon for a port talk.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will leave Šibenik on our journey to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Activity note: Getting on/off tenders. Walking about 3 miles; flat, sometimes slippery stones with steps, no handrails; standing up to 2 hours. Extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: With our local expert, we will explore Dubrovnik, a place Lord Byron described as “the Pearl of the Adriatic” and George Bernard Shaw called “Paradise on Earth.” Even at first glance, it soon becomes apparent that with its towering stone walls, marble streets, and beautiful baroque buildings, Dubrovnik is a city that is not just aesthetically pleasing, but steeped in rich and fascinating history. We will step onto tender vessels and take a short motorcoach transfer from the Port, then cross a stone bridge and walk down the stone-paved main street known as the Stradun. It is the city's main thoroughfare, lined with graceful stone palazzi where people both work and live. We will then explore the impressive Rector's Palace before returning to the ship.

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy the activities of your choice during free time on board the ship. We will gather in the late afternoon for a port talk. The ship will leave Dubrovnik on our journey to Corfu, Greece.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow..

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 2 miles; flat, sometimes slippery stones with steps, no handrails; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: Upon early morning arrival in Corfu, we will board a bus and ride into the city for a walking field trip led by a local expert. The historic center is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “The Old Town of Corfu, on the Island of Corfu off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, is located in a strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, and has its roots in the 8th century BCE. The three forts of the town, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. In the course of time, the forts were repaired and partly rebuilt several times, more recently under British rule in the 19th century. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period, partly of later construction, notably the 19th century. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.” Next, we will drive from the port to the village of Gastouri, a listed “traditional settlement” where we will explore the renowned Achilleion Palace overlooking the Ionian Sea with our Group Leader. It was built in 1891 by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria — affectionately known as Sisi — and served as one of her favorite retreats. The design was inspired by ancient palaces and Greek mythology, in particular legends of Achilles. She said, “I want a palace pillared with colonnades and hanging gardens, protected from prying glances — a palace worthy of Achilles who despised all mortals and did not fear even the gods.” German sculptor Ernst Herter was commissioned to create the centerpiece of the palace gardens, a statue of “The Dying Achilles.” The palace and lush grounds are adorned with other statuary. Following her assassination in 1898, the palace was sold to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. It is now a museum.

Lunch: Late lunch onboard in your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. We will gather for a port talk in the late afternoon.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Corfu on our journey to Katakolon, Greece.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 3 miles from motorcoach parking area including an unpaved winding trail with steps, no handrails; uneven, rough footpath; standing up to 2 hours exposed to sun, no shade. Extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will step off the ship, walk to a motorcoach, and ride to Ancient Olympia where our Group Leader or a local expert will lead our field trip. The chronicles of Olympia are intertwined with Greek mythology and actual ancient history. From the 2nd millennium BCE or earlier, people believed in a pantheon of gods residing in and around Mount Olympus. Olympia grew over time with the establishment of numerous oracles, temples, and treasuries for offerings. Its fame increased with the original Olympic Games that began in 776 BCE. According to one authority on ancient Greek history, “At its heart the Ancient Olympic Games was a religious festival held in a religious sanctuary.” Victory wreaths were made from the sacred olive tree of Zeus. Today, the archaeological site includes ruins from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine era.

Lunch: Lunch in your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant or on your own in port.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of time available for independent exploration. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk in the late afternoon.

Dinner: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Katakolon on our journey to Kalamata, Greece.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 3 miles from motorcoach parking area including an unpaved winding trail with steps, no handrails; uneven, rough footpath; standing up to 2 hours exposed to sun, no shade. Extent and duration of elective walking and other free time activities depends on personal choice.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will step off the ship and transfer by motorcoach to Ancient Messene where we will explore the ruins of one of the most well-preserved sites in Greece. The area known as Messenia — named for the legendary Queen Messini, daughter of King Triopios of Argos — rose to significance during the Bronze Age but was later dominated by Sparta. The city we call Ancient Messene was founded in 369 BCE after Spartan military power was broken. It was designed and built in accordance with classical city planning in a setting surrounded by the Mediterranean on one side and the Arcadian Mountains on the other. From the UNESCO World Heritate Site inscription: “In size, form and preservation, Messene is one of the most important cities of antiquity, and one which still has a great deal to offer. It boasts not only religious and public buildings, but also imposing fortifications, houses and funerary monuments."

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk in the late afternoon.

Dinner: You may choose either the Marco Polo Restaurant that serves a variety of á là carte items or the Terrace Café with its buffet.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the briefing memo/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking up to 4 miles up/down a winding trail with many well-worn steps to Acropolis; no handrails; uneven, rocky sometimes slippery surfaces; standing up to 2 hours. At Acropolis Museum, walking and standing for more than an hour. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods. NOTE: The “On Your Feet” activity level group will not climb to the Acropolis and will see it from the motorcoach followed by a slower paced visit to the museum.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café or on the Lido Deck in nice weather.

Morning: We will disembark from the ship and then we'll board the motorcoach for a field trip to the city’s most iconic symbol, the Acropolis. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription: “The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world.” We will climb to the top of the rocky crag and stand in awe before ruins of the Parthenon and other temples. Built between 447-432 BCE, the Parthenon — named for the city’s patron goddess, Athena Parthenos — has been called “the supreme effort of genius in pursuit of beauty” and “the most perfect Doric temple ever built.” Its architectural proportions symbolize the ideals of Greek thought at the height of Greek civilization.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: The long-awaited Acropolis Museum was completed in 2007. Your Group Leader, or a local expert, will lead this exploration in the dramatic Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis. We will ascend floors of glass that seem to float above the excavations for an extraordinary perspective of the layers of Greek history that lie below. In addition to irreplaceable masterpieces, the exceptional collection includes items from everyday life and all historic periods. A recreation of the Parthenon’s frieze was based on existing original blocks as well as copies from museums in London and Paris. Late afternoon, we'll transfer to the hotel and check in.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy local fare. You Group Leader is happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Disembarkation and transfer to the airport. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and transfer to the Athens airport. This completes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!