AEGEAN VOYAGE Cyprus to Athens aboard Crystal Esprit • April 15–23, 2017 Mykonos Syros AEGEAN VOYAGE Cyprus to Athens aboard Crystal Esprit • April 15–23, 2017 Program Highlights Dear Traveler, The isles that dot the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas offer long sunny days, Discover the striking beauty and brilliant cerulean waters, classic ports of call, and hidden gems waiting to be rich histories of the less frequently discovered. There is no better way to visit this part of the world than aboard the privately chartered 31-cabin Crystal Esprit. Starting in Cyprus, the third-largest visited Greek isles of Nisyros, island in the Mediterranean, we cruise a region historically noted for its mariners Astypalaia, Tinos, and Syros. to view phenomenal archaeological sites, sheltered coves, and unspoiled villages where daily life continues as it has for centuries. Experience the pinnacle of luxury on board the newly refurbished Crystal Esprit, a Enjoy a panoramic view of the nimble yacht-like vessel that features a private butler for each suite, innovative picturesque Santorini caldera from the and locally sourced cuisine from award-winning chefs, all-inclusive beverages and premium spirits, a variety of water equipment for enjoyment of the sky-blue quintessentially Greek whitewashed, waters, and a full slate of impeccable touches throughout our stay. The blue-roofed cliffside village of Oia. compelling educational program will explore the rich and enduring history of the Hellenes, the current political and economic relationship between Greece and the rest of the European Union, and the impact of migration. Visit the Palace of the Grand This is a shared voyage with Stanford and National Trust travelers, and the ship’s guest capacity is limited to just 48, so I encourage you to reserve your space now! Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a 7th-century Byzantine citadel that Sincerely, served, centuries later, as a holiday retreat of Benito Mussolini. Steve Ridgway President, Criterion Travel Delos Explore Delos, birthplace of the Greek gods Artemis and Apollo and home to some of the Mediterranean’s most extensive archaeological excavations. Aegean Voyage aboard Crystal Esprit • April 15–23, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected] Athens Tinos Mykonos Syros Delos Aegean Sea Astypalaia Nisyros Santorini Rhodes from Cyprus CRYSTAL ESPRIT Launched in 2015, this newly refurbished, 31-stateroom yacht offers an atmosphere of classic elegance mixed with modern comfort. Each suite features a master bedroom with a at-screen high-definition TV and interactive bedside iPad, lounge area and custom- designed bathroom with high-end finishes and modern technology. Wi-Fi and a private butler are provided for each suite. The ship’s two restaurants feature innovative and locally sourced cuisine from award-winning chefs, and the ship’s recreational facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, gym, spa and a variety of aquatic equipment. The Crystal Esprit does not have an elevator between decks. Aegean Voyage aboard Crystal Esprit • April 15–23, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected] Mykonos Nisyros Akrotiri Artemis. Today its marble and mosaic WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 treasures are part of the most extensive NISYROS / ASTYPALAIA archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean region. Continue to Mykonos TRIP ITINERARY Nisyros is a uniquely fertile island due to ancient volcanic activity, which deposited a for an afternoon and evening at leisure. “Little SATURDAY–SUNDAY, APRIL 15–16 layer of rich soil that supports rare flora and Venice,” a particularly picturesque HOME / LIMASSOL, CYPRUS fauna. Visit the Volcanological Museum of neighborhood, is replete with elegant homes that hug the sea, art galleries, chic boutiques, Depart home on an overnight flight to Nisyros in Nikia and view the caldera and the lively bars, and tempting restaurants. Larnaca, Cyprus, and transfer to the Crystal five craters within it before stopping for a taste CRYSTAL ESPRIT (B,L) Esprit in Limassol. Depart for the Dodecanese of the island’s plentiful produce. Continue to islands. the island of Astypalaia and dock in Chora, SATURDAY, APRIL 22 CRYSTAL ESPRIT (R,D) one of the most picturesque towns in the TINOS / SYROS Aegean. Visit the 13th-century Venetian MONDAY, APRIL 17 Tinos, spiritual center of modern Greece, is AT SEA Guerini Castle, which towers over the town, known for its landmark Church of Panagia before cruising to the Cyclades islands. Evangelistria, its many windmills, nearly 1,000 Enjoy the ship’s amenities and the onboard CRYSTAL ESPRIT (B,L,D) artistic dovecotes, and Venetian forti cations. lecture presentations en route to Rhodes. CRYSTAL ESPRIT (B,L,D) THURSDAY, APRIL 20 In the village of Pyrgos, admire the marble SANTORINI streets, arches, churches, and monuments TUESDAY, APRIL 18 Crescent-shaped Santorini’s spectacular and crafted by local artists, and visit the School of RHODES much-photographed landscape was forged by Fine Arts, where students become Rhodes, the historic capital and largest of the ancient volcanic eruptions. Visit the Akrotiri accomplished marble sculptors. Cruise to Dodecanese islands, was renowned for the archaeological site, a Minoan Bronze Age Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, and Colossus of Rhodes, a 98-foot-tall bronze settlement that was preserved in volcanic ash disembark at the port of Ermoupolis for statue of the Greek god Helios now lost to until its discovery in the late 19th century. music, mezes, and ouzo in the town square. history. Explore the island’s medieval Old Enjoy a tasting of the island’s white wines, in Stroll past the ornate churches and Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that particular the sweet and strong Vinsanto, a neoclassical mansions of the historic center en was once the headquarters of the crusading dessert wine that enjoys global acclamation. route to a reception at a private home, Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Lining the End the day in the dramatic cliffside village of followed by a festive farewell dinner back on board the ship. Avenue of the Knights are the inns where the Oia to take in postcard-perfect views of CRYSTAL ESPRIT (B,L,D) warriors lived according to their country of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, origin. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, and the sweeping caldera. SUNDAY, APRIL 23 the 15th-century hospital, and the Jewish and CRYSTAL ESPRIT (B,D) ATHENS / HOME Turkish quarters, a blending of Byzantine, FRIDAY, APRIL 21 Disembark in Piraeus and transfer to the Turkish, and Latin architecture. Then head DELOS / MYKONOS airport for flights home. (B) south to the picturesque white-washed town of Lindos, whose ancient acropolis dominates Explore the UNESCO World Heritage- the skyline. designated island of Delos, spiritual sanctuary CRYSTAL ESPRIT (B,D) and mythical birthplace of Apollo and Aegean Voyage aboard Crystal Esprit • April 15–23, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected] Rhodes Santorini Forward Stairs 202 201 Forward Stairs Forward Stairs 206 203 302 301 Sunset Pool & Deck 208 205 (per person) Cove PROGRAM RATES 306 303 Pool 210 207 CATEGORY DOUBLE SINGLE Self Service Laundry 308 305 212 4 $10,995 $17,295 Self Service Laundry 209 SEABREEZE DECK 310 307 216 223 square feet, queen or twin beds, shower 312 309 3 $11,495 $18,145 218 211 Yacht Club Restaurant SH SEABREEZE DECK/HORIZON DECK 316 311 280 square feet, king or twin beds, shower, sofa 220 215 L 318 315 G 2 $11,995 $18,995 222 217 G SEABREEZE DECK Sauna 280 square feet, king or twin beds, shower, sofa Aft Stairs Spa Doctor Sunset L Grill Aft Stairs Sunset Gym Compass Aft Stairs 1 $12,995 – Room HORIZON DECK The Pantry 280 square feet, king or twin beds, shower, sofa Reception Casino Owner’s Suite $19,995 – Sunset Bar Patio Cafe SEABREEZE DECK 515 square feet, king bed, bathtub, separate shower, sofa Submersible Submersible platform To reserve a place on the Aegean Voyage, please call (888) 328-2089 or (650) 328-2089, Submersible & Swim Platforms Accessible from Marina Deck 1 or email [email protected] PROGRAM RATES INCLUDE deviations from the scheduled tour • and also do not allow buses to pull RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS Criterion Travel does not accept AllSeabr accommodations,eeze Deck 2 meals, and Excess baggage charges • Meals not up in front, thus requiring a walk of To reserve space, please call (888) liability for any airline cancellation excursions as specified in the specified in the itinerary; dishes and several minutes, sometimes uphill, to 328-2089 or email penalty incurred by the purchase of a Sunset Deck 5 itinerary • Full program of briefings,Horizon Deckbeverages 3 not part Crystalof the included Deck 4 reach the entrance. Participants must [email protected]. Final nonrefundable ticket in conjunction lectures, and presentations • Group meals • Laundry or dry cleaning • be physically fit, in good health and payment deadline is December 16, with this tour. transfers on arrival day in Cyprus Telephone, email, and fax charges • able to keep up with an active group 2016, 120 days prior to departure. and on departure day in Athens • Other items of a personal nature of travelers. ITINERARY CHANGES Butler service in every stateroom CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS The itinerary presented for this tour on board the Crystal Esprit • Full AIRFARE GROUP SIZE Upon payment of a $1,000 deposit is subject to modification and change complement of shipboard water- U.S. domestic and international This program is limited to 48 per person, all reservations are by Criterion Travel. Every reasonable based activities, including kayaking, airfare is not included in the program participants, including travelers subject to the cancellation provisions effort will be made to operate the jet-skiing, and snorkeling • Baggage rates. Information about making from the National Trust for Historic set forth below and by which the program as planned; however, handling • Gratuities to porters, flight arrangements will be sent to all Preservation and Stanford.