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LAUNCH OFFER - sa £300ve PER PERSON Aegean Island Odyssey Island Hopping through the Greek Isles aboard the MS Island Sky 4th to 15th September 2016

eptember is the perfect month to visit some of the unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites of the Aegean Istanbul Swith pleasant temperatures and an absence of high summer crowds. The main objective when planning this island hopping voyage was to explore some of the lesser visited islands where 3000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet. Some of the islands we have included are very difficult to access Chios without relying on the local ferry network such as Fourni, Lipsi Icaria Lipsi and Icaria and it is during our time on such islands that you will Leros Kastellorizo truly be able to appreciate the unique atmosphere and island life. Simi When combined with the dramatic scenery and the clear waters of the Aegean, it is evident why this region has inspired writers, Limassol poets and artists since the time of Homer. Our View

“Long popular with the yachting fraternity, the Greek Islands offer a After many years’ experience of operating cruises in the region, wonderful location for leisurely cruising. Our journey from Turkey to Cyprus we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary with a will spend ten days in the island chains stretching from Lesbos in the north to Kastellorizo in the south. Using our small ship we can ensure we visit ports off well-balanced mix of guided excursions and time at leisure to the usual cruise routes and usually only accessible by the local ferry network. explore the charming villages independently or perhaps visit a Our journey combines the ancient sites of Rhodes, Kos and Chios with nearby beach. We have planned some late departures from port, the small, traditional villages on Lipsi, and Kastellorizo. Our days are which afford the opportunity to enjoy dine ashore and enjoy planned to balance time between half day guided tours with time at leisure where you may wish to take a village walk, explore a local market or just relax a stroll in some towns which are are particularly atmospheric on a nearby beach and swim in the clear waters. As the summer time hordes in the evening. Owing to the fact that our small ship can moor have left the islands this is a perfect time to enjoy the warm weather and centrally, we have the added advantage of being able to access charm of the islands.” the towns and villages by foot in many of the ports of call instead of long coach transfers. Whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful The Itinerary Day 1 London to Istanbul, Turkey. clad hill overlooking the city. We scenery, this voyage has a lot to offer. Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this will return to the MS Island Sky via afternoon and transfer to the MS the vibrant market and remain in Island Sky. Sail this evening. port until midnight allowing time for an after dinner stroll or aperitif in a Day 2 Lesbos, Greece. After a local taverna. morning at sea we arrive at the island of Lesbos. We will spend Day 3 Chios. The birthplace of the afternoon in the capital of Homer, Chios remained a significant Mytilini, a charming port with much Aegean island into the Byzantine character. See the once grand period, when the monastery of Nea 19th century mansions, wander its Moni, with its 11th century mosaics jumbled ancient streets and see was built. Homer mentions the the imposing Byzantine Castle island by name several times in the with its well preserved walls and Odyssey, calling it “paipaloessa”, Samos underground tunnels built on a pine or craggy, a richly deserved epithet. Troy Patmos

Simi

The island is rich in ancient ruins when you may wish to learn about the the harbour to the charming main views from the ramparts to the and this morning we will visit the local wine production at the museum square and enjoy a drink whilst harbour below and islands beyond. 11th century Monastery of Nea of Samos wines, visit a local beach or watching island life. Also learn about the fierce fighting Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage wander through the historic quarter of that took place here during World site and one of the most important Ano Vathy. Day 6 Patmos. Of all the Greek War II and visit the fascinating war ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. islands, Patmos is the most sacred museum and tunnels in Merikia. We The monastery sits majestically in Nisyros to Christians both Orthodox and remain in Leros until late for anyone a wooded vale and is decorated Western and it was here that St. wishing to enjoy an evening ashore. throughout with exquisite frescoes John received his revelation. This and mosaics. Return to the MS Island morning we will make our way Day 8 Kos. According to Myth, Kos Sky for lunch and this afternoon to the grotto of St. John. This was the homeland of the Giants. there is the choice to either relax and small cave, now converted into The island has given to the world explore Chios Town independently, the beautiful chapel, is where the Hippocrates, father of medicine, maybe visiting the Genoese Castle Saint lived, had his revelation and Pythagoras, and the 4th century or the public gardens near Vounaki wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. painter Apelles. We will drive the Square or alternatively join us on a From here continue to the village short distance to the Asklepion, the tour to the south of the island where of Chora, with its simple houses infirmary of Antiquity, which was we visit the beautifully preserved and Byzantine churches and climb constructed in the 4th century B.C. 14th century fortress village of Mesta to the Monastery of St. John the Among the ruins are part of the and the elaborately decorated Theologian. Upon entering into Doric Temple of Aesculapius, the houses of Pirgi enjoying time to the courtyard, admire the intricate altar and the Stoa which housed wander through their maze like pebbled laid floor, decorated arches the famous Hippocrates Medical streets. On our return journey to and frescoes adorning the entrance School. After lunch onboard you the vessel we will see the islands to the chapel of Christodoulos. have the afternoon to explore Kos famed mastic trees from which the Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch Town at your own pace, maybe head resin has been used for centuries Day 5 Icaria and Fourni. According and this afternoon and evening is to the once impregnable Castle of for medicines, gum and in the local to Greek myth Icaria was created free to explore the picturesque town the Knights, the 3rd century B.C. masticha liqueur and there will be when Ikarus crashed into the of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a Agora, see the museum housing time to enjoy an evening ashore sea after flying too close to the nearby beach. fine mosaics or simply relax at one before we set sail. sun. Today it is one of the least of the cafes in the squares. developed but visually dramatic Day 7 Lipsi & Leros. Today we Day 4 Samos. Overnight we will sail Greek islands with beautiful coves, can use our small ship to visit Day 9 Nisyros & Simi. Arrive this the short distance to Samos which deep valleys and hidden beaches. two of the less visited islands of morning in the pretty port town lays claim to be the birthplace of On a morning scenic drive we will the . At just eight of Mandraki on the small island Hera, the mathematician Pythagaros explore the villages and discover kilometres long, the tiny island of of Nisyros. You may wish to enjoy and philosopher Epicurus. From why the islanders here have a longer Lipsi is popular with yachts and has a relaxing morning wandering the port of Vathy we will visit the life expectancy than anywhere else avoided the development of many through the village and climb to the excellent archaeological museum in Europe. The island is also revered surrounding islands. It is a wonderful Monastery of Panagia Spilanior or with one of the richest collections in as the birthplace of Dionysos, the place to spend a few hours walking visit the archaeological museum. Greece including the five metre tall God of wine and we plan to visit amongst the whitewashed houses or Alternatively join the drive to the Kouros rescued from the Hereion one of the local vineyards. Enjoy take the opportunity to visit a local Polyvotis Volcano named after the and dedicated to the god Apollo. lunch onboard as we sail to one of beach for a swim. Over lunch we Titan imprisoned under the rock of Continue to the Sanctuary of Hera, the best kept secret islands in the cross to nearby Leros, the island of Nisyros during the battle with the the second largest temple ever built Aegean, Fourni. Once a haven for the God of hunting where gods. Here we will learn more of the in Greece dating from the 6th century pirates who enjoyed the island’s we enjoy an afternoon exploring the legends and have the chance to walk B.C. before arriving at the charming remote setting and little changed island. From the village of Lakki we into the caldera. Over lunch sail to village of Pythagorio. Return to the for centuries, it has a wonderfully drive to the capital, Platanos to see Simi, a small, mountainous and much MS Island Sky for lunch and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a the Pandeli Castle which overlooks indented pretty island. The harbour free afternoon and evening in Vathy free afternoon to walk up from Agia Marina offering wonderful of Gialos is particularly attractive and Rhodes island Icaria

we have an afternoon to enjoy some part of the Dodecanese, it is a long time to stroll through the colourful way east of Greece and only two Istanbul Pre-Cruise Extension cobbled streets. The Simians were kilometres from the Turkish coast. 2nd to 4th September 2016 famous boat builders and are However with few ferry connections mentioned in the Illiad as sending it is well off the main tourist routes. Extend your stay in Istanbul with our two night package offering the boats to assist the siege of Troy but Spend the morning exploring the chance to explore some of the highlights of the city. are better known today for their delightful harbour and enjoy the sponge diving. absolute peace and beauty of the island. During lunch we start our Day 10 Rhodes. Our tour this journey to Cyprus and enjoy an morning will take us to the ancient afternoon at sea. Please note that Acropolis of Lindos. From here the we will be at anchor for our visit views of the Pelagus and St Paul’s to Kastellorizo and will therefore Bay, where the apostle anchored utilise the vessel’s Zodiacs. during his voyage to Ephesus, are stunning. The medieval Day 12 Limassol to London. walls which guard Lindos were Disembark this morning and transfer constructed by the Knights of St to Larnaca for our scheduled flight John. This afternoon there will be to London. the opportunity to relax onboard or explore Rhodes Town at leisure Please note that whilst we anticipate before sailing in the late evening. that we will be berthing alongside in most of the ports of call on this Day 11 Kastellorizo. Our final itinerary, it may be necessary to call in Greece is the tiny island of drop anchor on some days in which The Itinerary Kastellorizo, a gem of a place. A instance the vessel’s Zodiacs will be Day 1 London to Istanbul. Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon Greek possession and technically used to access the shore. and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day and evening are free for independent exploration.

Day 2 Istanbul. After breakfast in the hotel enjoy the sights of old Prices per person Constantinople with visits to the Hippodrome and the great Byzantine Based on double occupancy church of Santa Sophia. The afternoon is free to explore at your SAVE £300 PER PERSON OFF THE PRICES SHOWN FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY own pace. Maybe look for a bargain in the Grand Bazaar, visit the fascinating Basilica Cistern or perhaps the excellent Chora Mosaic Deck Suite Category Brochure price Special Offer Museum. Meet this evening for dinner in one of the local restaurants. Magellan Standard Forward £4995 £4695 Magellan Standard £5395 £5095 Day 3 Istanbul. Enjoy a free morning before meeting for lunch and an Columbus Superior £5595 £5295 afternoon tour to Topkapi Palace with its recently restored pavilions, Marco Polo Premium £5795 £5495 harems and treasury. In the late afternoon we transfer to the harbour to Marco Polo Corner £6295 £5995 embark the MS Island Sky. Erikson Deluxe Balcony £6595 £6295 Explorer Owner’s Balcony £6895 £6595 Magellan Standard for sole use £6995 £6695 Based on double occupancy Columbus Superior for sole use £7295 £6995 Prices per person Twin: £545 Single: £695 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 11 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch Price includes: Two nights accommodation at a centrally located hotel and dinner onboard, all shore excursions, Noble Caledonia Cruise Director, Tour in Istanbul on a bed and breakfast basis, excursions as per the itinerary, Manager and Guest Speaker, transfers, port taxes, all gratuities. transfers, meals as described. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visa. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visa. NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. MS Island Sky

The much loved MS Island Sky is one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 114, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

nboard there is a high ratio dinner, informative port briefings of crew to passengers. and presentations from our Our friendly crew of 75 expedition team and of course Oare mainly Filipino and Eastern good food which may be enjoyed European and our Scandinavian leisurely in the attractive dining captains are experienced mariners, room, all contribute to making any having been in service aboard voyage aboard the MS Island Sky large 2000 plus passenger vessels a memorable experience. After a and who now prefer a less frantic day ashore you will return to the Dining on deck Superior Suite life aboard a small ship. If, like comfort and peace of a well run them and us, you prefer a more and exceedingly comfortable ship. peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect Your Space ship. When choosing the vessel The spacious and finely decorated for your next voyage of discovery, public rooms include a large lounge you can select a ship with endless where daily briefings and talks will entertainment and impersonal be provided throughout the voyage service or come with us where and an elegant bar where a pianist peace, high quality service and plays periodically throughout the attention to detail are the order of day. The onboard library is the the day. perfect place to relax with a book. Daily newspapers and magazines There will be no organised are placed in the library depending entertainment, fancy dress, deck on local availability. Outside games or any of the usual big ship there is a rear sun deck, a bar and experiences. The atmosphere comfortable deck furniture for sun onboard is more akin to a private bathing or relaxing with a book. yacht or country hotel. A little On the top deck there is a further Lounge music in the lounge or bar after observation and sun deck. Restaurant Aegean Library Island Odyssey

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Explorer Deck Deck Plan Balconies Your Dining OOwnerwner’s’s BBalconyalcony SuiteSuitess 603 601 Another benefit of a small ship is over five decks and all suites Explorer Deck the quality of the cuisine. With only have outside views. Each affords Erikson Deck Jacuzzi Marco Polo Deck LIFT Hair dresser STAIRS & Beauty one sitting and a maximum of just considerable comfort with en-suite ColumbusCenter Deck604 602 OOwnerwner’s’s BalBalconycony SuiteSuitess over 100 passengers, the galley is bathroom featuring marble-topped Magellan Deck Balconies able to provide delicious meals. vanity unit with sink and walk-in Erikson Deck Where possible and when it meets shower, large wardrobes, dressing Balconies Explorer Deck Balconies his high standards, the chef will table with large mirror and stool DDeluxeeluxe BBalconyalcony SuiteSuitess Radio Chart Hotel room room Buffet Pantry Owner’s Balcony Suites managerOwner´s ’s Balcony511 Suites 509 507 505 Office r office obtain local produce in markets and excellent storage. There is a STAIRS 603 601 Bridge Lido Open or buy the catch of the day from a mini-fridge, flat screen television Deck Deck Hair dresser STAIRS LIFSTT AIRS LIFT & Beauty Chief Captain Center 604 602 Engineer passing fishing boat. In the main with inbuilt DVD/CD player and a OwOwnerner’s’s BBalconyalcony512 SuiteSuitess 510 508 506 DDeluxeeluxe B Balconyalcony SSuiteuites

Balconies elegant dining room, breakfast is telephone in each suite. Bottled Balconies

served buffet-style, with certain water, Molton Brown toiletries, EriksonMarco DeckPolo Deck Balconies

Promenade deck DelDeluxeuxe BalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart items cooked to order and lunch towelling dressing gowns and room room Buffet Pantry Hotel manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite office Staff STAIRS Cabin Bridge and dinner is à la carte. When slippers are also provided for your Lido Open Deck 427 425 423 421 Deck419 417 415

The STAIRS LIFT weather permits, breakfast and a comfort. Other facilities include Chief Captain Club 512 510 508 506 Engineer DelDeluxeuxe Balc Balconyony SSuiteuites buffet-style lunch are also served a programmable electronic safe, Library STAIRS LIFT Staff Balconies Coffee Cabin 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 on deck. To enhance your dining hairdryer, assorted toiletries and Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Marco Polo Deck Promenade deck Promenade deck experience even further a selection air-conditioning and heating. Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Staff Columbus Deck Cabin of wines are included with lunch and 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 PromenadeThe deck Club Cruise dinner. Afternoon tea is served in Cruise Director Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Library STAIRS LIFT office Staff Coffee Cabin 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 the lounge and tea and coffee are Friendly Staff Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Promenade deck Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms available 24 hours. Hall Reception Columbus Deck STAIRS LIFT STAIRS Promenade deck Cruise 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Cruise Director SuperiorPurse Suiter’s s SuperiorSuperior Suite Suites s SuperiorSuperior Suite Suites s Superior Suites office Office Your Suite Promenade deck 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms Onboard there are 57 Hall Magellan Deck Reception STAIRS LIFT exceptionally spacious and well STAIRS 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Purser’s Standard Suites Office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior SuitesHospital Promenade deck designed suites. All feature a Galley 261 259 257 255 Doctor sitting room area and some have Magellan Deck Restaurant Standard Suites Hospital private balconies. The feeling Galley Doctor STAIRS LIFT 261 259 257 255 Officer’s 252 250 Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites of luxury is enhanced by the Standard Suites Standard Suites Restaurant (forward) wood panelling and brass, which STAIRS LIFT Officer’s 252 250 Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites predominates throughout the Standard Suites Standard Suites (forward) vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger StandardStandar Suitesd Suites (For (Forwarward) d) PremiumPremium Suite sSuites Single SDeluxeuites Balcony Suites accommodation is arranged StandardStandaStandar Suited SuitesSuitess (Forward) PrDeluxeemiumPremiumsingleStandardw) arCornerd S uBalcony iteSuites SuitesSuites Suites (For SuiteS s DeluxeCorner Balcony SuitesOwner’s Suites Balcony Suites Standard Suites CornerDeluxesStandardCorner Suites SuitesBalcony Suite Suite Owners Balcony Suites SuperiorSuperior Suite Suitess Owners Balcony Suite s Superior Suites OwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk 250315_S All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Kastellorizo