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Home , Heraklion, Knossos, Myrtoan Sea

MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Enchanting Greek Isles of the Ancient Aegean The , & the Aboard Cloud September 30–October 9, 2021 MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Dear Travelers and Friends, Join the Museum Travel Alliance this fall to view the way it was meant to be seen. Sail along stunning shores to historic islands aboard a privately chartered icon of travel, the legendary four-masted Sea Cloud. Delight in an overnight stay in the Greek of , where youʼll enjoy a private after-hours tour and reception at the GREECE Museum. Follow that with seven nights under sail aboard the luxurious Sea Cloud, admiring treasures of myth Athens and antiquity in the Peloponnese, Crete, and the Cyclades. Nafplio Epidaurus A tremendous highlight will be traveling in the company of a classical archaeologist from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. While on a dig at the site of Minoan Palaikastro in eastern Crete in June 1990, he uncovered the PELOPONNESE Sifnos remains of a gold and ivory statuette of a young man. This standing figure, likely a Minoan deity and precursor to Myrtoan Sea in , was a spectacularly rare discovery. On this journey, you will join the classical archaeologist to see CYCLADES this statuette, now known as the Palaikastro Kouros, on display in Crete’s Archaeological Museum of . This personal access to accomplished experts is one of the features of all the trips offered by the Museum Travel Alliance. Sailing round trip from Piraeus, travel across the Aegean to step ashore in Nafplio. Wander the enchanting, Sea of exquisitely well-preserved archaeological site Crete and 4th-century theater of Epidaurus, the Sitia ancient shrine of Asclepius, god of medicine. CRETE Palaikastro CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Mycenae, Agamemnon’s capital, awaits, with its imposing Cyclopean walls and Lion ENJOY an overnight stay in Athens, ancient cradle of Gate. On the lesser-visited peninsula of the Western Civilization, at a sumptuous hotel on Syntagma Peloponnese, stroll through the passageways Square, with an exclusive after-hours visit and cocktail of Monemvasia, a fortified Byzantine city atop reception at the Acropolis Museum a great rock. Continue to fabled Crete, where SPEND seven nights under sail aboard the classic barque you will explore the prehistoric Minoan capital Sea Cloud, an icon of luxury since 1931, reveling in her of . In Sitia, witness the carefully elegant appointments, fine dining, impeccable service, and conserved Palaikastro Kouros in its museum intimate size, pausing for refreshing optional dips in the home. Then, walk with the Met archaeologist azure waters of the Aegean to the precise spot where he and his team unearthed this figure at the Palaikastro ON Crete, discover the Archaeological Museum of Sitia, archaeological site 31 years ago. Finally, sail savoring precious finds unearthed at Palaikastro including the to the Cycladic island of Sifnos, home to Palaikastro Kouros—a statue of a young man excavated by picturesque traditional villages and more than your lecturer, a classical archaeologist from The Met—followed 360 beautiful churches. by an exploration of the Palaikastro archaeological site Early October is a lovely time to cruise ATTEND a special U.S. Embassy briefing in Athens amid these islands, with opportunities to swim (pending final schedule), or opt for a curator-led tour of the in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. Goulandris Museum, with its remarkable Cycladic sculptures Reserve your place with confidence: your deposit will be fully refundable until 60 MARVEL at an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage days before departure. Please join us on Sites with expert guides, including the Acropolis in Athens; this illuminating voyage filled with ancient Epidaurus, with its 4th-century theater, one of the best- wonders and sun-dappled landscapes. preserved classical buildings in Greece; and Mycenae, Sincerely, viewing treasures discovered by , brilliant pioneer in the field of

through the unique fortified town on dramatic WANDER Monemvasia, and delight in a private visit to a historic Jim Friedlander manor featuring locally grown wine and specially prepared traditional delicacies President, Museum Travel Alliance Enchanting Greek Isles of the Ancient Aegean The Peloponnese, Crete & the Cyclades Aboard Sea Cloud September 30–October 9, 2021

GREECE Aegean Sea Piraeus Athens Mycenae MONDAY, OCTOBER 4: NAFPLIO / EPIDAURUS / MYCENAE Nafplio Epidaurus From the port of Nafplio, explore Epidaurus, the ancient shrine of Asclepius, god of medicine. This PELOPONNESE Sifnos enchanting site is dominated by the 4th-century theater, Myrtoan Sea one of the best-preserved classical buildings in Greece. Monemvasia CYCLADES After lunch, continue to Mycenae, the legendary city of Agamemnon. Pass through the massive to see the remains of the palace, royal tombs, and defensive walls. Visit the Archaeological Museum, and see the Mediterranean Sea Sea of nearby , a huge stone beehive tomb Crete built circa 1300 B.C. B,L,D

Sitia CRETE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5: MONEMVASIA Heraklion Palaikastro Arrive at Monemvasia on the Peloponnese. Known as “Greece’s Gibraltar,” this Byzantine fortified town THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: DEPARTURE lies within a depression on a steep rock 984 feet high, Depart for Athens on an overnight flight, suggested connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Explore flight pending. its dense warren of citadels, churches, ramparts, and charming squares. Before departing, visit the historical FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1: ATHENS, GREECE Liotrivi mansion, and meet the family who will invite you Upon arrival in Athens, explore the lively Plaka for a tasting of wine and other local delicacies neighborhood, the ancient center of the city. Continue to followed by a short visit to the vineyard, olive groves, and (Constitution Square), the location of the old oil press. B,L,D NJV Athens Plaza Hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, visit the Acropolis to view the ruins of the majestic Parthenon WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6: HERAKLION, CRETE and the Erechtheion. Continue with a private after-hours Arrive at Heraklion on the island of Crete for a morning tour of the Acropolis Museum, followed by a welcome visit to the site of Knossos, political center of the Minoan cocktail reception. Dinner is at leisure. R civilization and mythical abode of the . Then, tour the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2: ATHENS / PIRAEUS / exceptional examples of art of the Minoan era and the age EMBARK SEA CLOUD of Odysseus. At the port in Heraklion, enjoy Cretan music This morning, attend an U.S. Embassy briefing pending( and dancing aboard the ship. Continue sailing west to the final schedule), or opt to take a curator-led tour of the charming port town of Sitia, which existed from the Late Goulandris Museum, a modern art gem. Enjoy lunch in the Minoan until the Venetian period. B,L,D Plaka, then visit the Museum of Cycladic Art. Its notable collection of artifacts from the ancient cultures of the Aegean and gives special emphasis on Cycladic Knossos, Heraklion, photo by Janne Aaltonen artifacts, whose simplicity and abstraction greatly inspired many 20th-century artists. Continue to Piraeus, embark Sea Cloud, and stand on deck as the ship sails past the 5th- century B.C. Temple of , a dazzling icon of the Golden Age of Athens, poised atop Cape Sounion. B,L,D

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3: DAY AT SEA During a scenic day at sea, discover the thrill of sailing aboard the legendary Sea Cloud. As she carries us under a full set of billowing white sails, experience the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel. This evening, attend the captain’s welcome reception and dinner. B,L,R,D THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7: SITIA / PALAIKASTRO and admire the ancient walls and ruins of a Venetian hilltop Upon arrival at the port of Sitia, visit its Archaeological fortress. Take time to explore Sifnos’ pottery workshops, Museum to see the Palaikastro Kouros, a masterpiece of and peruse antiquities scattered throughout the village as in ivory and gold. Continue to the archaeological well as treasures housed in the archaeological museum. digs at Palaikastro, where the kouros and a number of Walk through a of passageways opening up to other important artifacts were excavated. Before returning stunning views of the coast. Spend the afternoon sailing to to the ship, view the fortress-like Monastery of Toplou, Athens while gathering with fellow travelers for the captain’s which controlled this for centuries. Pending sea and farewell reception and dinner. B,L,R,D weather conditions, take an afternoon swim off the ship while anchored in the crescent-shaped Bay of Sitia. B,L,D SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9: PIRAEUS / DISEMBARK / ATHENS / RETURN Sea Cloud FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8: SIFNOS, CYCLADES Disembark this morning, and transfer to the Sail into the port of Kamares on the west coast of the island Athens airport for flights home. B of Sifnos. The island is distinguished by the unmistakable DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the Cycladic architecture of cubic , whitewashed discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance. For complete chapels, and Venetian dovecotes. Discover its charming details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at waterfront along with a beautiful upper chora (village), https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php.

CAPTAIN’S AND LIDO DECK SEA CLOUD

CAPTAIN’S AND LIDO DECK 36 34 32 30 ith her rich mahogany and gleaming brass, the legendary Sea CAPTAIN’S AND LIDO DECK SPANKER BRIDGE Cloud travels under 30 billowing sails trimmed by hand. Her DECK LIDO DECK 3736 3534 3332 3031 Woriginal owners, heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and financier

SPANKER BRIDGE

DECK LIDO DECK 37 35 33 31 36 34 32 30 E. F. Hutton, desired a craft like no other. They spared no expense

SPANKER BRIDGE to create the largest private sailing ship ever built and in 1931, DECK LIDO DECK 37 35 33 31 Sea Cloud was launched. In the ’30s and ’40s, as she sailed the PROMENADE DECK world, the four-masted beauty was host to leaders including the PROMENADE DECK Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Sweden’s 24 22 20 18 28 16 14 PURSER King Gustavus V. Now carefully restored by a team of master PROMENADE29 DECK24 22 20 18 17 craftspeople, this great lady continues to offer elegant quarters, 28 25 23 21 19 1514 PURSER 16 fine dining, and impeccable service. Praised by the world’s most DINING ROOM 29 25 23 21 19 17 15 Sea Cloud 24 22 20 18 PURSER discerning travelers, receives consistently high rankings 28 16 14 DINING ROOM from Condé Nast Traveler. Sea Cloud does not have an elevator. 29 25 23 21 19 17 15 DINING ROOM MAIN DECK Sea Cloud Main Deck Suite MAIN DECK 8642 10 8642 MAIN DECK10 9 7 5 3 1 8642 109 7 5 3 1

9 7 5 3 1 RATES INCLUDE CRUISE RATES n One night accommodations at the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel (Per Person) n Sea Cloud Double Single Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard n Cabin Categories Deck Rates Rates Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Cabins 14 to 17 Promenade Deck $9,999 $14,999 R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water, soft drinks, juices, Upper/lower twin beds, shower. and coffee/tea with all meals; wine at welcome and farewell dinners; complimentary open bar throughout the Cabins 28 & 29 Promenade Deck $10,999 $16,499 cruise Twin beds, shower. n Airport/hotel/pier/airport group transfers for all participants Cabins 18 to 25 Promenade Deck $11,999 $17,999 on suggested flights Twin beds, shower. n Enrichment program of lectures and special events Cabins 32 to 37 Lido Deck $12,999 $19,499 n Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for Twin beds, shower. all included visits Cabins 30 to 31 Main Deck $13,999 Inquire n Gratuities to local guides and drivers; customary shipboard Double beds, shower. gratuities Cabins 9 & 10 Main Deck $15,999 Inquire n Taxes, service, and porterage charges Queen-size bed, shower. NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport/visa Cabins 3 to 8 Main Deck $17,999 Inquire fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than noted in Queen-size or twin bed(s), marble fireplace, and bath. inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than Cabins 1 & 2 Main Deck $20,999 Inquire for those on suggested flights; excess baggage; trip insurance; any Original Owner’s Suites. King-size bed, marble fireplace, and bath. other items not specifically mentioned as included. Sifnos Nafplio

MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE ENCHANTING GREEK ISLES OF THE ANCIENT AEGEAN ABOARD SEA CLOUD n SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 9, 2021 RESERVATION FORM

To reserve a place, please call Museum Travel Alliance at phone: 212-324-1893 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (fully refundable until 60 days before departure) to be paid by debit card, credit card, wire transfer, or check payable to Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: Museum Travel Alliance, 1040 Avenue of the , 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

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I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program (see https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php to review or call for a copy). I/We agree to full payment 60 days prior to departure. Each participant must sign below.

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On the front cover: Monemvasia. B_21SC1ATH0930_MTA CST 2059789-40