SPECIAL OFFER -SA £200VE PER PERSON

Aegean Antiquities

A voyage from Thessaloniki to aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Nigel McGilchrist 5th to 14th April 2022 Syros

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oin us aboard the 95-passenger MS Serenissima as we explore some of the unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites of the Aegean. J Istanbul This wonderful region has attracted, inspired, and fascinated travellers Thessaloniki Canakkale Meteora throughout the centuries and during this voyage we will concentrate on Volos Skyros Dikili the splendid archaeological sites of the Eastern Aegean, an incomparable GREECE region of Greek and Roman architectural treasures. Visiting some of the Kusadasi Patmos most historic and scenically beautiful places in Greece and Turkey, our Delos Syros itinerary represents small ship cruising at its best and is timed for April when, in the absence of high summer crowds, 3000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet.

During our voyage we will explore the history, culture and myths of ancient Greece and Turkey including visits to sacred Delos, the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most famous Graeco- Roman sites in the Mediterranean, and Pergamon which was one of the cultural capitals of antiquity and is one of the finest archaeological sites in Turkey. In between, we will also visit the quintessential, white-washed villages of the Greek Isles and sail through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the Mediterranean. There will be some late departures from port, which afford the opportunity to take a stroll in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening and we have also included time at leisure on some of the islands to stroll around the villages and towns and soak up the atmosphere. Whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful scenery, this voyage has much to offer.

Guest Speaker - Nigel McGilchrist The Itinerary reconstruction of the Great Mound Nigel McGilchrist has lived and worked in the Day 1 London to Thessaloniki, that originally marked the site Mediterranean – Italy, Turkey and Greece – for nearly Greece. Fly by scheduled flight. of the Royal Tombs. The tombs forty years. After graduating from Oxford with a On arrival transfer to the were discovered in 1977-78 by the starred First in English, he began teaching at the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome archaeologist Manolis Andronikos University of Rome and subsequently worked for the drinks and dinner as we moor and until their discovery they were Italian Superintendence of Fine Arts. All his spare time overnight. covered by a protective tumulus 13 was spent exploring the lands, coasts and the cultures metres high and 110 metres across. of the Mediterranean world. He has lectured for many Day 2 Thessaloniki. Spend the Return to the MS Serenissima for years on the art and history of the area for museums day in Greece’s second city of lunch and enjoy an afternoon at and institutions in Europe and America – among them, the Getty Museum Thessaloniki. During our morning leisure to explore at your own pace and the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. He has taken many specialist tour we will explore the Vergina before we sail this evening. tours to Italy, Greece, Sicily and Malta; and has been a Guest Speaker Royal Tombs Museum which for several Noble Caledonia cruises. He was formerly Dean of European displays the superb decorated Day 3 Volos for Meteora. From our Studies for a consortium of American universities. He is the author of a facades of the temple-like tombs berth in Volos we will drive through twenty-volume series of survey/guides of the archaeology, history and art of of King Philip II and a young prince the fertile plains of Thessaly towards the sixty inhabited Aegean Islands. He lived previously in Umbria, where he (thought to be Alexander IV), the Meteora (“monasteries in midair”), produced wine and oil; he now lives in Greece. treasures found within them and a one of the most extraordinary www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Old Fortress, Alanya Library of Celsus, Ephesus Thessaloniki

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sights in Greece and in all Europe. important landmarks on the island and early 20th century, created houses and Byzantine churches and Rising from Thessaly’s valley are which offers views over the Aegean through commerce and shipping, climb to the Monastery of St John gigantic rocks on top of which are and the surrounding islands. Also is reflected in the architecture with the Theologian. Return to the monasteries built by hermits some see the statue to British poet Rupert a beautiful square, town hall and MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy 600 years ago and which are now a Brooke who died on the island theatre. Overlooking Ermoupoli an afternoon and evening at leisure UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit during the First World War. stands the hill-top Ano Syros, the to explore the picturesque town of the monastery of Varlaam, originally original Medieval district with Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a founded in the 14th century and Day 5 Delos & Syros. Though the narrow lanes and whitewashed nearby beach. covered in fine frescoes and the smallest of the Cyclades, Delos houses. Please note that we will be monastery of Roussanou. We will was once the political and religious at anchor in Delos and will use the Day 7 Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey. enjoy lunch in a local restaurant centre for the whole of the Aegean. vessel’s Zodiacs to transfer ashore. Arriving at Kusadasi at breakfast before we return to the MS Birthplace of and , time we will drive to the nearby Serenissima and sail this evening. it boasted an oracle second only Day 6 Patmos. Of all the Greek ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning to that of Delphi. Explore the islands, Patmos is the most sacred and partially excavated site where Day 4 Skyros. Spend the morning magnificent archaeological site to Christians both Orthodox and digging has been taking place at sea as we cruise to Skyros, the including the marble sanctuary of Western; it was here that St John for over a century. Broad streets most remote and least developed Apollo. Sail over lunch to Syros received his revelation. This morning are lined by impressive buildings of the Sporades Islands. On an which was the largest cultural and we will make our way to the grotto including the Library of Celsus afternoon tour we will visit Chora, trade centre of the Aegean in of St John. This small cave, now and the temples of Serapis and the island’s capital and one of the the 19th century and the capital converted into the beautiful chapel, Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, most beautiful villages in Skyros. On Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal is where the Saint lived, had his St Paul preached here on his second a hill above Chora sits an imposing port. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to revelation and wrote ‘Book of the missionary journey. We will see the Byzantine castle and the monastery stroll through the town where the Apocalypse’. From here continue to Church of the Virgin Mary, the most of Saint George, one of the most prosperity of the island in the 19th the village of Chora, with its simple important Christian monument in Ephesus and the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd Temple of Trajan, Pergamon century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. St Paul used to give his sermons from this theatre which has a row of seats 30 metres above the orchestra. The afternoon is free to explore Kusadasi at your own pace.

Day 8 Pergamon. From our berth in Dikili we will drive inland, past fertile fields and olive trees, to the present day modern town of Bergama, once known as Pergamon, a great centre of culture. Today Pergamon is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. We will visit the Asclepion, a healing centre from the 4th century BC and one of the most important sites of Pergamon. Discover the Temple of Asclepios, the amphitheatre, and walk through the sacred corridor Delos Monastery of St.John, Patmos

and down the ancient, arcaded, Plain of Ilium. It was at one of marble-paved boulevard. Continue these cities, as legend has it, that Post-cruise Istanbul extension into the town of Bergama and visit the Greeks fought the Trojans 14th to 16th April 2022 the Archaeological Museum which as told by Homer in the Iliad. houses relics discovered during the Our tour follows the excavations Istanbul excavations of Pergamon. En-route made by Heinrich Schliemann, we will see the Basilica which was the archaeologist who discovered one of the earliest of the Seven Troy and ‘Priam’s Treasure’, the Churches of Asia Minor. Take a jewels that, Schliemann claimed, cable car up to the Acropolis to were worn by Helen of Troy. We explore the remains of the citadel will walk the walls that held Helen and the city walls, the foundations of Troy and look down at the plain of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal where Achilles dragged the dead Palace. Lunch today will be enjoyed body of Hector. We can also visit For those who wish to spend some time discovering Istanbul after in one of the local restaurants. the on-site Troy Museum. Return disembarking the MS Serenissima we are offering a two night hotel to the ship for lunch and spend a extension with included sightseeing. Day 9 Canakkale for Troy. relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail Arrive this morning into the port to Istanbul. The Itinerary of Canakkale, our gateway for Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey. Disembark after breakfast and start our Troy. Ongoing archaeological Day 10 Istanbul to London. Be on exploration of Istanbul at the Hippodrome, the centre of civic life in the excavations have revealed deck this morning as we sail into capital of the Ottoman Empire and the site of speeches, chariot races, nine different layers of cities Istanbul. Disembark after breakfast and riots. Next, visit the nearby Blue Mosque, named for its glorious superimposed in rings on a and transfer to the airport for our 17th century painted tiles; and the Hagia Sophia, first a Byzantine massive mound rising above the scheduled flight to London. patriarchal basilica and now an imperial mosque. Known for its massive domed roof and colourful mosaics, this structure is widely regarded as the world’s finest example of Byzantine architecture. A short walk brings us to the Basilica Cistern, which dates back to the 6th century Prices per person and is supported by 336 Corinthian columns making it one of the most Based on double occupancy magnificent covered cisterns in Istanbul. After lunch we transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B, L) SPECIAL OFFER – Save £200 per person Day 2 Istanbul. After breakfast we spend the morning at the impressive for a limited time only Topkapi Palace, a complex of buildings and annexes that was used as Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Since 1924 it has been preserved as a museum, and it is noted for its 2 Standard Stateroom £4295 £4095 beautiful shaded courtyards and elegant architecture. Return to the 3 Classic Stateroom £4595 £4395 hotel for a free afternoon, maybe visit the spice market or find a bargain 4 Superior Stateroom £4895 £4695 at the Grand Bazaar before we meet for dinner tonight. 5 Deluxe Stateroom £5295 £5095 (B, D) Check out of the hotel this morning and 6 Junior Suite £5695 £5495 Day 3 Istanbul to London. transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. 7 Owner’s Suite £5995 £5795 (B) 8 Serenissima Suite £6195 £5995 10 Standard Single £4895 £4695 Prices per person PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights Based on double occupancy aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer Twin: £695 Single: £895 and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes. Manager, gratuities, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance. Not Included: Travel insurance.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 ms serenissima

Harald Jarl Lounge Venice Restaurant Andrea Lounge

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.

Your Cabin/Suite Accommodating no more than 95 passengers, there are eight different with hot and cold dishes available. Dinner is served à la carte and is four grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all feature either courses, except at the Captain’s Dinner, which is a six course affair. Where windows or portholes. The cabins are attractively designed for comfort possible, local produce is sourced for an authentic dining experience. A and convenience. All cabins are fully air conditioned with an en-suite choice of red or white wine, beer and soft drinks is included at lunch and bathroom with shower (please note cabins 601 - 605 and 507 have a dinner. In good weather there are al fresco dining facilities available and tea bath with shower attachment) and a selection of toiletries in addition and coffee are available around the clock in the Andrea Lounge. to a hairdryer, robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped with telephone, flat screen television, safety deposit box and other thoughtful Your Space appointments. Refillable water bottles are available in all cabins for use The facilities on board include two lounges – the larger Andrea Lounge on board. Due to the very nature of the ship, the cabins vary in shape is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Jarl Lounge is more and size, adding to the vessel’s overall charm. intimate. There is also a small library and Wi-Fi is available at an extra cost throughout the vessel. The outside areas really are something Your Dining special. A spacious observation deck allows 360 degree views of the The free seating Venice Restaurant passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido area with Jacuzzi accommodates all guests in one sitting and outside bar. The covered seating area at the back of Deck 6 is ideal and, with its Deck 5 location, all of the for relaxing with a drink in hand. Perhaps, one of the best known and tables benefit from great views. The loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During the major refit in picture windows also make the restaurant Sweden the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to wonderfully light and airy. Breakfast is served create a country house style which has recently been updated with some buffet-style with cooked dishes available and Art Deco styling which works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, eggs to order by the ship’s accomplished providing intimacy and a classic nautical sensibility often lacking in chef. Lunch is also served buffet-style larger vessels. MS SERENISSIMA DECK PLAN & CABINS

DECK 7 BRIDGE BRIDGE DECKDECK 7 7 704704 702702 BRIDGE 702 BRIDGE 703 704 704702 703 701701 703 703 701 701 COVERED SEATING AREA DECK 6 COVERED SEATING AREA COVERED SEATING AREAZODIAC DECKDECK 6 COVERED 6 SEATINGTENDERTENDER AREA ZODIAC 604604 602602 TENDERTENDER ZODIACZODIAC 604 604 602PRIVATEPRIVATE602 Serenissima Suite 605 603 601 WALKWAY (25 square metres) 605 603 601 WALKWAY TENDER ZODIAC PRIVATEPRIVATE TENDER ZODIAC 605 605603 603 601 601WALKWAYWALKWAY TENDER TENDER ZODIACZODIAC RECEPTION DECK 5 RECEPTION DECK 5 HARALD JARL RECEPTIONRECEPTIONHARALD JARL LOUNGE

DECK 5 ANDREA LOUNGE DECK 5 HARALD JARL LOUNGEANDREA HARALD JARL BAR LOUNGE VENICE LOUNGE BAR LOUNGEANDREAANDREA Aegean RESTAURANTVENICE LOUNGE BAR BAR LOUNGE RESTAURANTVENICEVENICE JACUZZI FITNESS 507 505 503 501 RESTAURANTRESTAURANT 507 JACUZZI ROOMFITNESS 505 503 501 ROOM FITNESS 507 507 JACUZZIJACUZZI FITNESS DECK 4 505 505503 503501 501 ROOMROOM DECK 4 418 412 410 DECKDECK 4 4244 414 408 406

422 404 402 420 418 412 410 408 406 424 418 414 412 412410 410 422 418 408404 402406 424 420 424 414 414 408 406

422 404 402 422

420 404 402 420

421 419 407 417 401 409 405 403

419 Antiquities 421 407 417 401 409 403 419

421419 407 421 417 407405 401 417 401 409 409 405403 403 Owner’s Suite 405 (22 square metres) DECK 3 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 DECK 3 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 302 DECK 3 322 320318 318 316 314316 312314 310312 308310306 308304 A voyage from Thessaloniki to Istanbul DECK 3 322 320 306 306 304 H 304302 301 302 302 H303 305 H H aboard the MS Serenissima with 321 319 317 311 309 307 301 301 315 313 303 301 305 303 303 321 319 321317 319 311 309 307 307305 305 321 319 317315 313317315 313315 311313 309311 309307 Guest Speaker Nigel McGilchrist STANDARD STATEROOM DELUXE STATEROOM SERENISSIMA SUITE STANDARDSTANDARD STATEROOM STATEROOM DELUXEDELUXE STATEROOMDELUXE STATEROOM STATEROOM SERENISSIMASERENISSIMASERENISSIMA SUITE SUITE SUITE th th CLASSICSTANDARD STATEROOM STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE STANDARD SINGLE 5 to 14 April 2022 JUNIORJUNIOR SUITEJUNIOR SUITE SUITE STANDARDSTANDARD SINGLE SINGLE SUPERIORCLASSICCLASSIC STATEROOM STATEROOMCLASSIC STATEROOM STATEROOM OWNER’S SUITE STANDARD SINGLE SUPERIORSUPERIOR STATEROOMSUPERIOR STATEROOM STATEROOM OWNER’SOWNER’S SUITEOWNER’S SUITE SUITE

NB. Please note cabin sizes vary in each category and measurements shown are approximate. Junior Suite (21 square metres)

Deluxe Stateroom Superior Stateroom Classic Stateroom (15 to 25 square metres) (11.5 to 18 square metres) (14 to 19 square metres)

STANDARD Stateroom STANDARD SINGLE Lido Deck (10 to 11.5 square metres) (7 to 12.5 square metres)

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Meteora Monastery

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