Grand Odyssey: Sailing the Coasts of Southern Europe

Activity note: Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN). Refer to your personal air itinerary for specific flight information. Transfer to the port for embarkation.

Morning: Transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal and board the Aegean Odyssey. Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Afternoon: Embark the Aegean Odyssey. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. Then begin to become familiar with this comfortable ship that will be our floating home for the duration of the program. The ship’s friendly and courteous 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. During succeeding 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. Please note that lecture times and dates may vary due to time in port. Check your briefing memo for the most up to date lecture schedule. 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 for an informal “port talk” about what’s ahead. 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 are always dependent 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; some pedestrian-only areas with restricted motorcoach drop off points. Walking up 2 miles and standing in Gothic quarter; cobblestones, uneven terrain

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — there are freshly made hot and cold dishes to choose from such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, fruits, breads, pastries, and a variety of healthy choices as well as milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Meals feature fresh local ingredients in tasty preparations.

Morning: We will set out from the ship by motorcoach with a local expert, then take a walking field trip through the Barri Gòtic — Gothic Quarter — that still has traces of its ancient Roman heritage. We will also walk down Las Ramblas, a colorful boulevard that runs through the heart of the city, and local markets where we will taste some of the local produce.

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

Afternoon: We will see highlights of Gaudi’s “Modernist Route” with a local expert. Modernism was the Catalan version of Art Nouveau and its most important exponent was the visionary architect and designer Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926). We will stop to view the renowned towers of the Sagrada Familia church that remains Gaudí’s most famous legacy. We will also see emblematic sites including the famous Passeig de Gràcia with idiosyncratic buildings designed by Gaudí and other Modernists before returning to ship for the evening. We will gather with our Group Leader for a port talk 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. The ship will remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; some pedestrian-only areas with restricted motorcoach drop off points. Walking up to 2 miles; cobblestones, uneven terrain; standing up to 1 hour at a time. Picasso Museum entrance times are strictly regulated and subject to change or substitution with another monument.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café.

Morning: We will depart by motorcoach for a field trip to the Picasso Museum — Fundació Museu Picasso de Barcelona — where an expert will lead our exploration as we see works produced by the artist during the artist’s formative years. Opened in 1963, the museum occupies five large houses dating from the 13th-15th centuries and has a permanent collection of more than 4,000 works displaying the genius of young Pablo Picasso. The motorcoach will return to the ship for those who wish to have lunch aboard. Those who wish to remain downtown are welcome to do so and return independently.

Lunch: Your choice of the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant. You are welcome to remain ashore and dine out on your own if you like.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There will be a motorcoach transfer back to the ship in the late afternoon, followed by our daily 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 is scheduled to leave Barcelona on our journey to Sete.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 85 miles (136.5 km), approximately 1.5 hours each way, Walking 3 miles during the day; cobblestone and uneven terrain; standing up to 1 hour at a time.

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

Morning: Travel to Narbonne via motor coach. On foot, we'll explore the historic sites and visit Les Halles. Les Halles is an indoor market featuring stalls for bakers, pastries, butchers, caterers, fishmongers, greengrocers, poultry merchants, delicatessens, and bars and wine merchants.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Carcassonne.

Afternoon: We will go by motorcoach to visit the fortified city of Carcassone. After learning about the history of this site, you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Return to the ship and gather for our 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 placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Sete on our journey to Marseilles.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach, in/out of small boats. Walking up to 4 miles; cobblestone and uneven terrain, steep steps to ascend Montée des Accoules; standing up to 1.5 hours at a time.

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

Morning: Upon arrival in Marsailles, we'll set out by motor coach to explore nearby Arles. In Arles, we will discover its ancient history, which goes back more than 2,000 years. We will visit the historic city center as well as the Roman amphitheater. Return to the ship for lunch.

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

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Marseille with an expert-led field trip and encounter the rich diversity of this city, a designated Cultural Capital of Europe. We will see highlights including the fishing village of Vallon des Auffes, the majestic seaside drive Corniche Kennedy, and the city's Old Port founded in 600 BCE by the Greeks. We'll continue exploring Marseille and venture through the winding, narrow streets of the city's oldest district, Le Panier. We will see the Town Hall overlooking the Old Port and climb the steep steps of the Montée des Accoules. We’ll also examine the austere splendor of the galleries, inner courtyard, and chapel of La Vieille Charité, a former almshouse that is now a museum before returning to the ship.

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 is scheduled to leave Marseilles on our journey to Toulon.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 1 hour each way. Walking up to 2 miles; cobblestones, uneven pavement; standing up to an hour at a time.

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

Morning: We will board a motorcoach for a field trip to the heart of Provence. On foot with our local expert we will explore the center of Aix-en-Provence. Here we will have a chance to see many historical sites such as the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, the Museum of Old Aix, the Archbishops' Palace, Town Hall, Albertas Square and the Palace of Justice. We'll walk along medieval streets and discover the city's architectural heritage ranging from the 5th to the 18th century. We will also see the Cours Mirabeau, Aix's elegant tree-lined main street, dotted with fountains of fresh spring water discovered by the Romans. We will also visit the Mazarin district with its discretely ornate 17th century private town-houses.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Provence with a visit to the Chateau la Coste Winery and Vineyard, before returning to the ship via motorcoach. We will then gather with our Group Leader for a port talk 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 placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will leave Toulon on our journey to Nice.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking about 3 miles; uneven pavement, cobblestones; standing up to 1.5 hours at a time.

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

Morning: We will set out by motorcoach and later on foot with a local expert to see and explore some of the sites of Nice. We will drive past the Russian Orthodox Church, stop at Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the city, and drive along the Promenade des Anglais before reaching the Old Town. As we walk, we will visit the local flower market and savor flavors at famed local food markets and artisan shops featuring local specialties.

Lunch: 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 in Nice or aboard the ship. Perhaps visit the Chagall Museum, where the permanent collection of the works by Marc Chagall is the biggest public collection in the world.

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 remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, gravel paths.

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

Morning: We will continue to explore Nice by motorcoach. We will ride to the hill town of St. Paul de Vence. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is notable for its picturesque winding streets, modern and contemporary art museums, and galleries.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue on to Antibes, where we will visit the Picasso Museum (formerly known as Château Grimaldi) to learn about Picasso, his work, and his time in France.

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 will leave Nice on our journey to Monte Carlo.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking about 3 miles including ship and port corridors and gangways; uneven terrain, steps without railings, cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours.

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

Morning: Upon our arrival in Monte Carlo (Monaco), we will walk to the Prince's Palace and view the Changing of the Guard and explore the beautiful city further on foot.

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

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to Cap Ferrat and the exquisitely beautiful Villa Ephrussi-de-Rothschild. Using audio guides, we will learn about of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild (1864-1934) and hear tales of her life and passions. We will enter the villa and see some of the more than 5,000 fine art treasures she collected including paintings, tapestries, antique furniture, and rare porcelain. The villa is surrounded by magnificent gardens. Returning to the ship, we will gather with our Group Leader for a port talk 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 will leave Monaco on our journey to Ajaccio.

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

Morning: After arriving in Ajaccio, Corsica, we will set out on a walking field trip to explore this imperial city and cultural capital of the French island. Led by a local expert we will walk through the old Genoese and Corsican districts, the harbor, and the historic Sanguinaires road. We’ll view a 16th-century Genoese defensive tower as well as the beautiful shoreline. We’ll return to the ship for lunch.

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

Afternoon: Free time to do and see what interests you most in port or on the ship. We will gather with our Group Leader for a port talk 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 placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will leave Ajaccio to the port of Civitavecchia & on to Rome.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving approximately 1.5 hours from Civitavecchia port to Rome.

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

Morning: After arriving in the port of Civitavecchia, we will board a motorcoach for a panoramic discovery of Rome, the Eternal City.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Rome.

Afternoon: We will return to the ship, approximately 1.5 hours from Rome. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. We will gather for a port talk at the end of the afternoon.

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. We will continue our journey to Naples.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 100 miles from Livorno to Florence; approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, uphill segments.

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

Morning: We'll board a motorcoach for a full day in the magical city of Florence. We'll begin with a walking field trip that will include a visit to the Accademia, which houses the larger than life statue of David by Michelangelo. We’ll take in more sights including the Duomo and have some time to explore independently at your own pace. You might like to climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for its spectacular views, visit a gelateria for that famous frozen treat, or marvel at the wondrous art collections housed in the city's many museums.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We'll continue our exploration of Florence with a walk to the Ponte Vecchio for views up and down the Arno River. Take a little free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. We will gather aboard ship for a port talk at the end of the day.

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 remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving approximately 160 miles (252 km) from Livorno to Siena and San Gimignano roundtip; approximately 4 hours. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with periods of standing; uneven paths, cobblestones, mostly level urban stone sidewalks, pedestrian-only roads with inclines and descents. NOTE: Due to timing and space restrictions, some groups will start in San Gimignano, rather than Siena.

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

Morning: This morning, we'll board a motorcoach for a showcase of the Middle Ages on display in the Tuscan hill towns of Sienna and San Gimignano. Siena, where the medieval tradition of bareback horseback riding was practiced in its main square Piazza Del Campo, is today noted by UNESCO for its unique heritage. Our local expert will explain this rich history on our walking field trip.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: San Gimignano, originally an Etruscan town, retains much of its medieval aspects. The city walls and medieval towers adorn its skyline visible for everyone to admire. At one time 77 towers were standing in the city. They were used by rivaling families in order to gain the advantage of higher ground. At the heart of San Gimignano lies Piazza della Cisterna. Here, led by our local expert, we will learn about this ancient town.

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 Livorno on our journey to Naples.

Activity note: Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.

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

Morning: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship as we sail from Naples to Livorno. Our course will take us past the islands of Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.

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

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. We will gather for a port talk at the end of the 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. We will continue our journey to Naples.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles; varied terrain, stairs in archaeology park.

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

Morning: We will set out on a field trip, via motorcoach, to the doomed ancient resort town of Herculaneum. Mount Vesuvius erupted on the 24th of August in the year 79 CE. The town of Herculaneum was overwhelmed by a massive mudflow 16 meters deep. The depth of the ash left much of Herculaneum very well preserved, including wooden structures and food! This UNESCO World Heritage site offers an in depth view into the daily lives of ancient Romans. We will return to port at the end of 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.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics related to the program, or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration.

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 Naples on our journey to Sicily.

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles; varied terrain.

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

Morning: Upon arrival at the port of Messina, we will board a motorcoach to explore Sicily's hill top town of Taormina. Taormina nestels a myriad of hidden gems dating back to the Roman era and bearing witness to where the Romans simulated historical battles. With our local expert we will climb the cable car to the top and explore the winding streets to admire various structures of civil and military architecture.

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

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. At the end of the afternoon, we will gather with our Group Leader 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/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship is scheduled to leave Messina on our journey to Taranto.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Walking up to 3 miles; variable terrain.

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

Morning: After arriving and docking at Taranto, we'll board a motorcoach and ride to the Trulli of Alberobello. Located in the Puglia region of Southern Italy, these are mortarless, drywall dwellings made with limestone and topped with white-tipped, cone-shaped roofs. Here, we will learn about the UNESCO-recognized, prehistoric building technique still in use and habitable today. This example of architecture so typical of this region that it offers the opportunity to learn how simplicity of design stands the test of time. After this field trip, we will return to the ship.

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

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship. Late afternoon, we will gather for a port talk. The ship is scheduled to leave Taranto on our journey to Kotor, Montenegro.

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 tenders. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day; elective climb to ascend the City Walls 1,000+ steps.

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

Morning: After stepping off the ship and boarding tender vessels, our Group Leader or a local expert will lead our exploration of Kotor’s old town — small, but one of the best preserved on the Adriatic. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for exceptional architecture in a stunning natural setting. Founded by the Romans, Kotor developed into an important center of commerce and the arts. Traded back and forth between empires, its history is tempestuous. It was a prized city in the Venetian empire, and Venetian influence is apparent everywhere including the impressive city wall. At the end of the field trip, we will return to the ship.

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

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. We will gather for a port talk at the end of the 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 Kotor on our journey to Venice, Italy.

Activity note: Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.

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

Morning: Free time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, pick up a good book in the library, or just relax to the rhythm of the waves.

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

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program. In the late afternoon, we will gather for our first 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/daily bulletin placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. We will continue our journey to Venice.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. 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 choose to dine ashore on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy activities of your choice aboard ship, or take advantage of this time to explore independently.

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 remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down, driving approximately an hour and a half each way.

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

Morning: Today we will board a motorcoach for a day trip to Verona.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue our exploration of Verona before returning to Venice.

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 remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down.

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

Morning: This morning, we will enjoy a walking lecture with a local expert and a visit to Teatro La Fenice, Venice's world famous opera house.The current opera house is the fourth iteration since 1774, and was rebuilt following a devastating fire in 1996.

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

Afternoon: Free time to do and see what interests you most in port or on the ship. We will gather with our Group Leader for a port talk 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 placed in our cabins with highlights for tomorrow. The ship will leave Ajaccio to Monte Carlo as we continue our journey along the French Rivera.

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: 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 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 or on your own in port.

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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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.

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!