sign in sign up
<<
Home , Agrigento, Port of Messina, Temple F (Selinus), Tindari, Valle dei Templi

SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £200 PER PERSON Passage from the to Discover the wonders of the Ancient World on a voyage from to With Guest Speaker Dr Steve Kershaw aboard the MS Serenissima 15th to 26th April 2020 Ruins, Piazza Armerina

oin us aboard the MS Serenissima for a relaxing and informative voyage exploring the wonders of the Peloponnese and Sicily and the abundance of fascinating historical and archaeological sites on offer. The month of April, with comfortable temperatures andJ relatively crowd-free sites is the perfect time to cruise this region and we have planned a comprehensive itinerary with time to learn of the rich heritage as well as to take in the magnificent scenery. Sailing from Athens, our first calls will include visits to the picturesque port of Nafplion, the Byzantine city of Mystras and Olympia with its sporting history. Witness the tangible traces of the many civilisations which have at one point over the course of history called this region home as we visit classical temples, Mycenean palaces and Byzantine cities, and learn of the numerous myths and legends. Leaving the charms of Greece behind us we head to Sicily for a comprehensiveSAN- exploration of the island and its MARINO incredible wealth of treasures. Sicily, owing to its benevolent climate and superb strategic position, has been coveted,YUGOSLAVIA fought over and colonised numerous times with the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Byzantines and Bourbons having all made their mark on the island. During our time here we will visit timelessly beautiful Syracuse, the stunning Greek theatre at , the Norman Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel in , and the

Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale. The combined effect of the natural beauty of the islands and coast with GREECE the intriguing history and stunning architecture of the towns and cities make SICILY IONIAN Palermo SEA for a fascinating voyage and, in the company of less than 100 fellow Piazza Olympia Athens Armerina Taormina Katakolon travellers, we can be thankful that we are able to visit atmospheric Nafplion Syracuse Mystras ports and towns which the big ships cannot access. In addition, local Kalamata guides and our knowledgeable Guest Speaker will contribute greatly to Valletta MEDITERRANEAN our enjoyment and understanding of all that we will see. MALTA SEA

Guest Speaker - Dr Steve Kershaw The Itinerary Dr Steve Kershaw is a tutor in for Oxford Day 1 London to Athens, Greece. the city walls. An archaeological University Department for Continuing Education, an Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival briefing within the Treasury of accredited lecturer for The Arts Society (ex-NADFAS), transfer to the MS Serenissima Atreus (also known as the Tomb and lectures for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Early for embarkation. Enjoy Welcome of Agamemnon) will add to our Medieval: 300-1250 and The Classical World and Classical Dinner and Drinks as we sail this understanding and appreciation Revivals courses. His publications include The Penguin evening. of the sights. After lunch on board Dictionary of Classical Mythology, A Brief Guide to the you may choose to spend the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, A Brief History of the Day 2 Nafplion. Looking out afternoon in Nafplion wandering , and A Brief History of Atlantis: ’s Ideal State. He is the across the translucent water of the twisting labyrinthine streets and author and tutor for Oxford University’s online courses in the bay towards the Arcadian admiring the Venetian and Turkish and The Fall of . In 2016 he appeared as an Expert Contributor to The Mountains, Nafplion’s sheltered architecture of this charming town. History Channel’s ‘Barbarians Rising’ series, and he has travelled widely in the location below a rocky headland Alternatively, join a tour to one of world of the Greeks and Romans, both physically and intellectually. and large natural fortress crowned the most renowned of Greece’s by a Venetian castle is perhaps ancient sites. Situated on the Mystras unrivalled in Greece. After slopes of a beautiful and wooded breakfast we will head to the valley, was known famous citadel of Mycenae which is throughout the Hellenic world for located high above the confluence its unique medical facilities and of two boulder-strewn ravines healing treatments. Dedicated to and accessed by way of the Lion Aesclepius, the god of healing, the Gate. Once inside the gate, we city was filled with curative spas will explore the Royal Palace, the and baths and only priests had shaft graves and the remains of access to certain secret rites. Most www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Olympia Taormina Nafplion

Tindari

of the ruins of Epidaurus have been houses structures including the of Ortygia at your own pace. heritage. We visit the impressive reduced to their foundations, with Temple of Zeus, one of the largest Maybe wander around the sea 12th century cathedral which the exception of the astonishing temples on the Greek mainland and promenade, see the Aretusa houses the royal tombs of Henri VI theatre. Still used for special the Archaeological Museum which Fountain or the noble houses of and King Ruggiero. Return to the performances, the theatre is in an houses some fine sculptures and the Jewish Quarter. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and this admirable state of preservation. artefacts from the site. Return to ship for dinner as we sail tonight. afternoon either enjoy some time We sail late tonight for anyone who the MS Serenissima for lunch and to explore independently or join an wishes to take an after-dinner stroll. an afternoon a sea as we begin our Day 7 Taormina & Tindari. From excursion to Cathedral, journey to Sicily. the nearby port of we said to be the most beautiful Day 3 Kalamata for Mystras. Spend will visit Taormina, a walled town Norman Church in Italy, designed the morning at sea as we sail to Day 5 Syracuse, Sicily. Syracuse lying in the shadow of Mount and completed by William the Kalamata arriving over lunch. Our was founded by the Greeks in Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. Good in 1174. With its thick walls destination today is Mystras, a 734 BC and by the 5th century The town has been a popular and powerful towers, the exterior remarkably intact Byzantine town was a political and military power tourist destination since the 19th looks like an austere fortress yet it that once housed a population of throughout the Mediterranean and century and our guided tour will is the interior of this great cathedral 20,000 people. Here we visit the rivalled Athens as the largest and include walking the characteristic which is its crowning glory. Here Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where most beautiful city in the Greek alleys before visiting the 15th the large nave, with its side aisles the two-headed eagle, which is the world. After a morning at sea we century Palazzo Corvaja and the and grey granite columns set off symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty, will arrive in our central berth over impressive Greek Theatre from the exquisite Byzantine mosaics on is carved into a plaque on the floor. lunch. This afternoon we will visit where there are marvellous views the walls above the arches. According to tradition, this is where the Archaeological Park over the town and coast. Return Constantine XII stepped when he where we find a well-preserved to the MS Serenissima for lunch Day 9 Mazara del Vallo. Founded was crowned king. Strolling through Greek theatre with seats carved and this afternoon is free to enjoy in the 9th century BC by the the narrow lanes of the dead city, from limestone. Paradise Quarry, free time in Messina or maybe Phoenicians, Mazara del Vallo we will also visit the Church of Agia now an attractive garden and join an excursion to Tindari a town was used as a strategic location Sophia, the Palace of the Despots orange grove, was the primary which was founded by Syracusan for their trans-Mediterranean and the Monastery of Pantanassa, source of that limestone and is the merchants during the war against trading interests. Mazara soon with its brilliant frescoes. Before site of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’ in 396 BC. The ruins of became part of , returning to the vessel, refreshments - a vast grotto with an amplifying the ancient city are relatively well- when it served as a port for the will be served at the picturesque resonance. We will continue to preserved and the structure that nearby city of Selinunte and by tavern located just beneath the site explore the island of Ortigia astounds above all others is the the 9th century was the island’s offering sweeping views over the where we find the Temple of 4th century Greek Theatre which is second city behind Palermo. It local terrain. , considered to be Sicily’s a marvel of acoustic engineering. is the impressive remains of the most ancient Doric temple and However the foremost attraction ancient city of Selinunte which is Day 4 Olympia. The port of the Cathedral, erected is the Sanctuary of the Madonna our destination this morning. Once Katakolon will be our base today over the remains of the Temple of Nera containing the sculpture one of the most eminent cities of for our excursion to Olympia. Minerva. We will moor overnight of the Virgin and Child, in citron Magna Graecia it was ransacked by Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s for anyone who wishes to dine wood, and which is said to have the Carthaginians, led by Hannibal, plentiful ruins are shaded by ashore or take an after-dinner stroll reached Tindari in an attempt by who sent 100,000 soldiers to attack Aleppo pines and olive trees. in this beautiful city. the faithful to keep it safe from the in 409 BC, massacring thousands of The fame of Olympia rests upon 8th century Byzantine Iconoclast the inhabitants with the remainder the Olympic Games. During the Day 6 Noto & Syracuse. After movement. After our visit we return being taken into slavery. The city celebrations that accompanied breakfast we will drive to the to Messina and sail tonight. was destroyed and forgotten the Games, competitors, while not beautiful antique town of Noto until 1823 when excavations forgetting that they were Athenians, which was built in 1703. Here we Day 8 Palermo. Arrive this morning began. Situated on a high plain Spartans or from other city states, will see numerous 18th century in the Sicilian of Palermo. overlooking the sea it is a lovely remembered that they were Greeks palaces of incredible architectural After breakfast we will explore the place to walk and our guided tour and regarded an Olympic victory value including the Duomo, the city, famous for its jumbled and will explore the , the as the highest honour. We will see Museo Civico and the Convento picturesque streets punctuated eastern temples and the ancient the gymnasium, the stadium and dei Francescani. Return to the with ornate Baroque churches, city. Return to the vessel for lunch the palestra or wrestling school. ship for lunch and enjoy a free domed Arab mosques and the and enjoy a free afternoon in the We will also explore the Altis, or afternoon to relax on board or glittering Byzantine mosaics old town to see the bustling fishing sacred precinct of Zeus, which explore Syracuse and the island that reveal a unique and diverse harbour, the picturesque Piazza del Palermo Pre-Cruise Athens Extension 13th to 15th April 2020

The , Athens The Itinerary Day 1 London to Athens, Greece. Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to our centrally located hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner tonight. Day 2 Athens. After breakfast we drive to the Acropolis, a symbol of the glory of . We will see the (Wingless Victory), and the Erechtheum, with its classical Porch of Maidens, the . Stand in awe of what is considered the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world – the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. A brief walk will bring you to the new Acropolis Museum with artefacts from the site. After our visit we will make our way to Plaka for a traditional Greek lunch. This afternoon is free to explore independently. You may wish to visit the National Archaeological Museum, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Republica and take time to see Day 11 Licata for Piazza Armerina. Panathenaic Stadium or take the funicular up Mount Lycabettus. the famous bronze statue of the Founded in 280 BC, Licata has GdanskDay 3 Athens. Enjoy a morning at leisure before we transfer to the Dancing Satyr hauled up from grown into an important commercial MS Serenissima this afternoon which is moored in Piraeus. the sea by a local fisherman. centre. The main reason for this stop, however, is to drive inland Day 10 Agrigento. Although to what is regarded as the finest Prices per person handsome in its own right Roman site on Sicily, the Imperial Based on double occupancy and awash with Medieval Roman Villa of Casale, located close Twin: £665 Single: £995 atmosphere, Agrigento is not to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded Two nights hotel accommodation in Athens on a bed and our main reason for calling at this rolling countryside. This huge villa Price Includes: breakfast basis, tours as described, Tour Manager, gratuities, dinner on day 1, southern coast port. Close by was built in the 3rd century and lunch on day 2, transfer from the airport to hotel and hotel to vessel. is the Valle dei Templi, a series has some stunning floor mosaics. Travel insurance, meals not mentioned in the itinerary. of Doric temples and the most Our return drive takes us through Not Included: captivating of Sicilian Greek the province of Caltanissetta, remains and a grouping unique recognised today as one of the outside Greece. Surrounded in best winemaking regions in Italy Post-Cruise Malta Extension the greenery of olive and almond thanks above all to its production of 26th to 28th April 2020 trees, admire the Temple of high quality, prestigious red wines , the Temple of Concord, including D’Avola. We will the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple break our journey at one of these Valletta of Olympic Jove and the Temple vineyards and enjoy a chance to The Itinerary of Hercules. After lunch on board sample some wine over a Sicilian Day 1 Valletta, Malta. After breakfast the afternoon is free to explore lunch. Return to the MS Serenissima we will disembark and begin a city Agrigento and shuttles will run in the late afternoon and sail tonight tour of Valletta, the 16th century from the port to the town and to Malta. “Fortress City” built by the Knights the excellent archaeological of St John. Our morning tour will museum where you can explore Day 12 Valletta, Malta to London. include the highlights of Valletta with at your leisure. We will sail this Disembark this morning and its stunning views across the harbour evening the short distance to transfer to the airport for our from the Barakka Gardens. We will Licata where we moor overnight. scheduled flight to London. explore Merchants Street, containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. After lunch Prices per person we transfer to the hotel for check in and the remainder of the afternoon Based on double occupancy and evening are free for independent exploration. A morning tour will take us to . Originally this city SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON Day 2 Mdina. was given the name of “Citta Nobile” and is now known as the “Silent FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY City” at the heart of the island. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price fortified capital of the island, before the arrival of the Knights. Return to 2 Standard Stateroom £5195 £4995 the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Meet tonight for dinner. 3 Classic Stateroom £5495 £5295 Day 3 Malta to London. Check out after breakfast and transfer to the 4 Superior Stateroom £5795 £5595 airport for our scheduled flight to London. 5 Deluxe Stateroom £5995 £5795 6 Junior Suite £6395 £6195 7 Owner’s Suite £6695 £6495 Prices per person 8 Serenissima Suite £6995 £6795 Based on double occupancy 10 Standard Single £5395 £5195 Twin: £595 Single: £995

Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Malta on a bed and breakfast Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks basis, tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, lunch on day with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team including 1, dinner on day 2, transfer from the vessel to hotel and hotel to airport. Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Not Included: Travel insurance. ms serenissima

Harald Jarl Lounge On Deck The Restaurant

The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising. In December 2018, the vessel will once again undergo a significant refurbishment and, after a re-configuration of the deck plan will accommodate a maximum of just 95 guests.

Your Cabin/Suite Accommodating no more than 95 passengers, the cabins are and cold dishes available. Dinner is served a la carte and is four courses, attractively designed for comfort and convenience. All cabins are fully except at the Captain’s Dinner, which is a six course affair. Where possible, air conditioned with an en-suite bathroom with shower, (please note local produce is sourced for an authentic dining experience. A choice of cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) and a red or white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water is included at lunch and selection of toiletries in addition to a hairdryer, robes and slippers. All dinner. In good weather there are al fresco dining facilities available and cabins come equipped with telephone, flat screen television, safety tea and coffee are available around the clock in the Andrea Lounge. deposit box and other thoughtful appointments. Bottles of still and sparkling water are provided and replenished daily. From December Your Space 2018, there will be eight different grades of cabin arranged over five The facilities on board include two lounges – the larger Andrea Lounge decks, and all feature either windows or portholes. Because of the very is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Jarl Lounge is more nature of the ship, the cabins do vary in shape and size, adding to the intimate. There is also a small library and Wi-Fi is available at an extra vessel’s overall charm. cost throughout the vessel. The outside areas really are something special. A spacious observation deck allows 360 degree views of the Your Dining passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido area with Jacuzzi The free seating Restaurant and outside bar. The covered seating area at the back of Deck 6 is ideal accommodates all guests in one sitting and, with for relaxing with a drink in hand. Perhaps, one of the best known and its Deck 5 location, all of the tables benefit from loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During the major refit great views. The picture windows also make the in Sweden the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers restaurant wonderfully light and airy. Breakfast is to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century served buffet-style with cooked dishes available influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this and eggs to order by the ship’s accomplished vintage, providing intimacy and a classic nautical sensibility often lacking chef. Lunch is also served buffet-style with hot in larger vessels. 190918_S Junior Suite metres) (21 square oom Classic Stater metres) (14 to 19 square Serenissima Suite metres) (25 square Owner’s Suite metres) (22 square Lido Deck FITNESS ROOM FITNESS ROOM 402 302 301 401 BAR FITNESS ROOM 404 402 FITNESS ROOM 302 301 303 401

304 403

H BAR 406

404

402 302 301 402 302 301 STANDARD SINGLE STANDARD SERENISSIMA SUITE 303 401

401 304 403

H 408 406

BAR 306 305 404

405 BAR JACUZZI 404 STANDARD SINGLE STANDARD PRIVATE WALKWAY SERENISSIMA SUITE 303 303

304 403

408 H

406

304 403

306 305 H 405

406

JACUZZI HARALD JARL 308 307 PRIVATE WALKWAY 410 407 STANDARD SINGLE STANDARD SERENISSIMA SUITE STANDARD SINGLE STANDARD LOUNGE SERENISSIMA SUITE 408 602 601 306 305 408 405 306 305 JACUZZI HARALD JARL 405 310 308 307 JACUZZI 309 410 407 PRIVATE WALKWAY 412 409

PRIVATE WALKWAY LOUNGE 602 601 312 311 RECEPTION 310

BRIDGE HARALD JARL 414 309 308 307 Cover image: Agrigento, Sicily 410 407 HARALD JARL 412 409 308 307 LOUNGELOUNGE 410 407 604 603 602 601 314 313 602 601 312 311 RECEPTION

BRIDGE 414 310 309 310 412 409 309 VENICE 412 409 604 603 316 315 605 DARD SINGLE STAN metres) (7 to 12.5 square oom Superior Stater metres) (11.5 to 18 square RESTAURANT 314 313 312 311 312 RECEPTION 311 BRIDGE 414 RECEPTION 702 701

BRIDGE 414 VENICE 316 315 604 605 603 604 RESTAURANT DELUXE STATEROOM 603 JUNIOR SUITE OWNER’S SUITE 317 314 313 314 313 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE 702 701 318 VENICE 704 703 VENICE 501 316 315 ZODIAC ZODIAC 605 DELUXE STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE OWNER’S SUITE 316 315 605 RESTAURANT 317 RESTAURANT 319 318 701 702 702 701 704 703 320 501 503 ZODIAC ZODIAC DELUXE STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE OWNER’S SUITE DELUXE STATEROOM 319 317 JUNIOR SUITE OWNER’S SUITE 321 317 318 418 318 322 320 503 704 703

704 703 501

ZODIAC ZODIAC 501 505 ZODIAC ZODIAC 420 TENDER 417 TENDER 321 319

319

418 +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk 422 419 322

320

320

503

503 505 420 TENDER 417 TENDER

507 ANDREA LOUNGE

321 321

422 418 419 418 322 322

424 421

505

505 420 417

507 420 ANDREA LOUNGE TENDER TENDER TENDER 417 TENDER

422 422 419 419 424 421 507 ANDREA LOUNGE 507 ANDREA LOUNGE All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. available on request. and are booking conditions apply to all reservations Our current subject to availability. are All special offers COVERED SEATING AREA 424 421 424 421 STANDARD STATEROOM STANDARD CLASSIC STATEROOM SUPERIOR STATEROOM COVERED SEATING AREA STANDARD STATEROOM STANDARD CLASSIC STATEROOM SUPERIOR STATEROOM DECK 3 DECK 5 DECK 4 DECK 6 DECK 7 COVERED SEATING AREA COVERED SEATING AREA DECK 3 DECK 4 DECK 5 DECK 6 DECK 7 SUPERIOR STATEROOM STANDARD STATEROOM STANDARD CLASSIC STATEROOM STANDARD STATEROOM STANDARD CLASSIC STATEROOM SUPERIOR STATEROOM oom DARD Stater STAN metres) (10 to 11.5 square oom Deluxe Stater metres) (15 to 25 square DECK 3 DECK 4 DECK 5 DECK 6 DECK 7 NB. Please note cabin sizes vary in each category and measurements shown are approximate. shown are and measurements NB. Please note cabin sizes vary in each category MS SERENISSIMA DECK PLAN & CABINS DECK MS SERENISSIMA DECK 3 DECK 4 DECK 5 DECK 6 DECK 7