AEGEAN ODYSSEY (MONET)
October is a wonderful time of year to visit some of the unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites of the Aegean. Join us aboard the 50-passenger MS Monet and explore ancient sites where 3000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet at a time of year when the absence of high summer crowds will contribute towards making this a memorable journey. We will explore some truly fascinating sites including the ancient city of Ephesus which is rightly one of the most famous Graeco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean, where digging has been taking place for over a century, and we will spend time on the island of Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John. We will also discover the famous citadel of Mycenae from the delightful port of Nafplio and visit the Temple of Poseidon and Temple of Aphaia, two of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens.
Our itinerary is a well balanced mix of guided excursions and time at leisure to explore the charming villages independently. With a maximum of just 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides who will also join us on board for our cruise, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the region. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply the joy of cruising aboard a small ship and experiencing new places and islands in this beautiful region, our voyage through the Aegean will surely appeal.
ITINERARY
Day 1 London to Kusadasi, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight to Izmir. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet in Kusadasi and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Kusadasi for Ephesus.
From our berth we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the library of Celsus and the
temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. We will also visit the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi before we sail for Samos and moor overnight.
Day 3 Samos, Greece.
Samos lays claim to be the birthplace of Hera, the mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus. From the port of Vathy we will visit the excellent archaeological museum with one of the richest collections in Greece including the five metre tall Kouros rescued from the Hereion and dedicated to the God Apollo. Continue to the Sanctuary of Hera, the second largest temple ever built in Greece dating from the 6th century BC before arriving at the charming village of Pythagorio. After lunch on board enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Vathy.
Day 4 Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning, we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and
an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 5 Kos.
According to Myth, Kos was the homeland of the Giants. The island has given to the world Hippocrates, father of medicine, Pythagoras, and the 4th century painter Apelles. We will drive the short distance to the Asklepion, the infirmary of antiquity, which was constructed in the 4th century BC. Among the ruins are part of the Doric Temple of Aesculapius, the altar and the Stoa which housed the famous Hippocrates Medical School. After lunch on board explore Kos Town at your own pace.
Day 6 Heraklion.
Spend the morning at sea as we sail to Crete. From our berth it is a short distance to the Palace of Knossos, legendary home of the Minotaur. Wander around the site impressively excavated by Sir Arthur Evans, seeing some of the 1300 rooms adorned with lively frescoes where King Minos held court.
Day 7 Monemvasia & Napflio.
This is a magical place with a massive rock rising dramatically out of the sea with a fortress on top. However, the real attraction is the Medieval town with its narrow, cobbled streets and the main square dominated by an old cannon and the cathedral. On a morning walking tour we will visit the town and have some free time, perhaps climb up to the fort to enjoy the views from the plateau before returning to the MS Monet for lunch. We sail in the afternoon along the coast towards Nafplio where we moor overnight.
Day 8 Nafplio, Mycenae & Nemea.
After breakfast we will enjoy a scenic drive through the Argos Plain to Nemea, the site of a religious sanctuary which hosted
the pan-Hellenic athletic games every two years from 573 BC until 271 BC. The mythical origin of the games is sometimes ascribed to Hercules who, after his first labour in which he had to kill the Nemean lion living in the caves of Mount Tritos above the site, established the athletic games in honour of his father, Zeus. Our guided tour will include the Temple of Zeus, the bath house and the stadium before a visit to the small but excellent on-site museum. Nemea is also famous for its red wines and we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before we continue to the famous citadel of Mycenae which is located high above the confluence of two boulder strewn ravines and accessed by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. An archaeological briefing within the Treasury of Artreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to Nafplio this afternoon and sailing late this evening.
Day 9 Lavrion & Aegina.
From the port of Lavrion it is a short drive to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. This is one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens and one of the “sacred triangle” of temples alongside the Parthenon in Athens and Temple of Aphaia in Aegina. Nearby, see the Temple of Athena and a fortress built in 413 BC during the Peloponnesian War against the Spartans. Returning to the ship we sail over lunch to Aegina which, from 1827 to 1829, served as the temporary capital of the newly formed Greek state. Here we see the Temple of Aphaia before exploring the narrow alleys and neoclassical buildings of the harbour town. This evening we sail for Athens where we moor overnight.
Day 10 Athens to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Please Note:
YOUR SHIP: MONET
YOUR SHIP: Monet
VESSEL TYPE:
LENGTH:
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
She has ample seating space for moments of relaxation, a mini-library with a variety of books and magazines and modern A/V equipment for presentations. Keep in shape during your cruise at the gym, featuring a variety of fitness equipment. The glass-enclosed dining room seats up to 60 passengers and allows for panoramic views of the stunning scenery you will cruise along. The bar and lounge with an open deck in the back offer an ideal spot for reading,relaxing, or dancing under the stars to the sounds of mesmerizing music.
At 223 ft/68 m long, the Monet can accommodate up to 60 guests in 30 double bedded or twin cabins, located on the Camille, Parisian, and Lumiere Decks. Cabins on the Camille and Parisian Decks feature two oversized portholes, while cabins on the Lumiere Deck have large windows. All cabins offer central A/C and ventilation, a mini-bar, flat screen satellite TV, phone system, and hairdryer. The Monet is also equipped with a Wi-Fi internet connection (free of charge). The latest state of the art safety equipment is installed on board and maintained by all 29 trained crew members. The ratio of guest passenger to crew members allows for an exquisite service
experience.
RestaurantThe restaurant is filled with elegance and the whimsy of fun and bright colors. Sumptuous dining options are provided to entice the palate and compliment the ports of call. Enjoy conversing with fellow guests about adventures had and ahead or spend quality time with your travel partners and discuss the amazing wine. The panoramic views will stun you.
LoungeThe decor is tastefully stated to not over power the elegance of our guests. It is adorned with golds and neutrals. You will shine here. Providing aptly oversized seating to enjoy libations and gathering together with travel companions and new friends. Come here to relax and chat about a perfect end to a day that was filled with incredible sights, sea air and culinary delights.
Deluxe Double Cabin This beautifully appointed accommodation will allow the traveler the opportunity to slumber and wake rejuvenated. Enjoy resting on a double bed, a comfortable desk/vanity, a flat screen satellite TV and a private
well-appointed bathroom. The decor is warm and inviting with nostalgic art inspired by M/S Monet's history in mind. These were specially chosen to provide the utmost relaxing environment. Sleep and relaxation are invited into this space after soaking up the beauty, culture and Adriatic air.
Deluxe Twin Cabin This delightfully appointed cabin allows travelers to sleep and have quiet time that salt air and sea travel induces. Rest peacefully on twin ample mattresses, a comfortable desk/vanity, a flat screen satellite TV and a private well-appointed bathroom. The decor is bright and cheery with pleasant tones. You will dream well here and be rested for yet more adventures and epicurean travels.
Open Deck The deck is designed with pure enjoyment and service in mind. It is a bright and warm environment. You will find the classic detail of teak furniture to be the ideal seating area for reading, relaxing, dining or enjoying fine wine. The bar and lounge of the Open Deck permit the coast to be in sight as you dance and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. The seas reflect and shimmer as you partake in a true experience of traveling on a classic yacht.
Sun Deck Relax on the Sun Deck and soak up the sun of the Adriatic Sea with outstanding and uncompromised views. The nautical experience of the open air accomplishes relaxation, tranquility and the true ambience of the coast.
INSIDE YOUR SHIP
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