The Crimean War forms a central part of many people’s knowledge of the history of the Black Sea: Tennyson’s famous poem commemorating the ill-fated charge of the British cavalry on October 25th, 1854 and the heroic exploits of Florence Nightingale have helped to focus our attention on this conflict. Indeed, a tour exploring the battlefields and military history of this period is a highlight of this cruise. There is, however, so much more to the story of the Black Sea and this two-week itinerary aims to bring to life the fascinating and intriguing history of the region: a journey that will take you from the birth of civilisation to the dramatic end of the Cold War.

Since its first incarnation as the 7thcentury BC Greek colony of Byzantium, no other city has played a more important role in the fortunes of the Black Sea than Istanbul and it is here, most fittingly, that this journey begins. The Aegean Odyssey then sails through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea coast of Turkey calling at Trabzon. Founded in the 9th century BC, the city is mentioned in the writings of Herodotus and Xenophon. An important Roman and Byzantine centre, it was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond from 1204 to 1461.

We then leave Turkey for Batumi in Georgia, a city that has played host to the Greeks, Byzantines, Persians, Turks and Mongols. It is said that Jason and his Argonauts put ashore here when they travelled to Georgia, then known as the Kingdom of Colchis, in search of the Golden Fleece. Travelling along the beautiful coastline the next stop is the Russian spa town of Sochi, future site of the 2014 Winter Olympics. We then cross to the Crimean Peninsula in the Ukraine.

Here you will visit the port of Kerch at the mouth of the Sea of Azov, the splendid Genoese fortress at Sudak, the Russian imperial palaces of Yalta, and Sevastopol. Before leaving the Ukraine, the ship will also call at Odessa, Catherine the Great’s St Petersburg of the South.

Before returning to Istanbul, you will have the chance to explore the churches and delightful architecture of the ancient town of Nessebur in Bulgaria.

The Aegean Odyssey is a premium class ship that has been especially rebuilt to cater for cruising in the coastal waters of the central and southern Mediterranean. The vessel provides the best features of a mid-size ship such as passenger space, a choice of restaurants and stability in inclement weather. She also has the personal service and intimate surroundings of a small ship. Other advantages of the ship’s size are the ability to visit ports that are too small for larger vessels and to navigate around the scenic islands of the Adriatic and Mediterranean.

CRUISE IN COMFORT - RELAX IN STYLE
Originally a mid-size vessel carrying up to 570 passengers, Aegean Odyssey's new configuration includes generously sized suites, junior suites and staterooms with balconies, which means she now accommodates an average of 350 guests. By creating these new stateroom we have added a dimension of spaciousness to the vessel and this has enabled us to introduce a special level of accommodation entitled "Balcony Class". These guests will benefit from additional features to those enjoyed by all passengers on the ship.
Classically elegant but far from stuffy and formal, Aeean Odyssey has been designed to offer the sophisticated traveller every comfort at sea.

LIFE ON BOARD: FROM BOOKS TO YOGA
Aegean Odyssey has a beautifully appointed and well-stocked library. There is an extensive range of volumes covering classical history, literature, art, architecture and philosophy. The collection was put together by the classics department at the famous Oxford-based bookseller, Blackwell and is regularly updated throughout the season. In addition, there are extensive reference, fiction (modern and classic) and general interest sections. The Daily Journal publishes the times when one of our graduate assistants will be in the library to help you with any queries or requests you may have.
The library also has a range of magazines and newspapers, when available. In addition, there is a selection of board games from chess to Monopoly.
For those passengers who want to keep in touch with friends, check the markets or find out what’s happening in the world, there is an internet centre located on the Belvedere Deck next to Reception. During your cruise, there will be a programme of lectures and discussions designed to not only inform and entertain you, but also to bring to life the wonderful sites you will visit. Please see the Daily Journal for lecture timings and details. To attend to the body as well as the mind, you can relax on the sweeping sun decks and cool off in the outdoor pool. There is also a fully equipped gym with lockers and showers, a spa with his and hers saunas, massage and beauty treatment rooms and early morning yoga. The hairdressers and beauty centre are located on the Belvedere Deck adjacent to the reception area.

AT YOUR SERVICE
Ask any world traveller where they receive the best service and they will undoubtedly answer the Far East. Of all the nationalities in that part of the world, it is the Filipinos who carry the highest reputation for attention to detail. Completely fluent in English and always serving with a smile, our Filipino crew will win your hearts. Your cabin steward will refresh your cabin before you even realise you need it. Your waiter will remember whether you take coffee or tea, and the barman whether you like your Martini shaken or stirred. They, and the rest of our officers and crew, are dedicated to making your holiday a delightful experience throughout.

SHIP’S AMENITIES

• 2 Restaurants plus outdoor terrace dining
• 3 Lounges
• 4 Bars
• Lecture Theatre and Cinema
• Library
• Shop
• Photo Gallery
• Internet Centre
• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Beauty Salon
• Medical Centre
• Telephone, Fax and E-mail via satellite
• Satellite TV, Hair Dryer and Personal Safe in every cabin

STATEROOMS & CABINS
All staterooms/cabins have bath and/or shower, flat screen TV, safe, hair dryer and are fully air-conditioned. Concierge Class staterooms (categories A to G) have additional amenities. The sizes, layout and bed configuration will vary within a category. The areas shown are averages and include the balcony. Beds may be fixed double (queen size), fixed separate twin beds or twin beds that can be converted into double beds. All outside staterooms/cabins have windows except Category K which has portholes.
Balcony Class
In addition to the standard cabin features such as a flatscreen television, safe, hair dryer and plush bedding, guests in Balcony Class (categories A to D) will also enjoy:
• stateroom or suite with balcony
• a welcome bottle of Champagne
• Fridge stocked with soft drinks
• complimentary bottle of water
• robe and slippers
• Molton Brown bathroom amenities
•priority sightseeing boarding.

WONDERFUL FOOD, GOOD WINE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE
As well as being of of the world's most historically interesting and naturally beautiful destinations, the Mediterranean is home to an unsurpassed culinary tradition. The gastronomic culture of using the very best fresh local ingredients cooked in a simple but delicious and healthy syle is the inspiration for the restaurants on Aegean Odyssey.

MARCO POLO restaurant (Lunch and Dinner)
The most elegant of the ship’s restaurants, the Marco Polo has a casual country-club ambiance and Mediterranean influenced food. At lunch, you can choose from a variety of starters such as Parma ham and melon or tricolore salad, three dishes of the day including grilled fish, a pasta special and a choice of desserts, fruit and cheese. In the evening, dinner will include appetisers, soup, salads, a choice of three or four main courses and desserts. The complimentary house wines are carefully sourced from Italy, Sicily and Greece. There is also a full wine list of alternative vintages available.

THE TERRACE CAFÉ & Grill (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) With a combination of indoor and outdoor seating, sophisticated Mediterranean interior design and cooking on the open grill, the Terrace Café replicates the charm and ambiance of a trattoria. As well as the grill, there is a large buffet with hot dishes of the day, a selection of salads, Italian antipasti such as bruschetta, beef carpaccio or fresh mozzarella drizzled with virgin olive oil. Pasta is served with a choice of homemade Italian sauces and for dessert there is a large selection including ice creams. For liquid refreshment there is a wine and aperitif bar. The day starts in the Terrace Café with breakfast where you can enjoy a healthy combination of yogurt, fruit and muesli or indulge in eggs, bacon or an omelette.

TAPAS ON THE TERRACE
In the evenings, Tapas on the Terrace recreates the informal yet sophisticated atmosphere of a Mediterranean bistro. Here you can choose from a selection of mouthwatering appetisers, try our calamari and empanadas, or pick from the wide range of authentic Italian pizzas. Equal care has been given to the selection of included wines served at Tapas on the Terrace; these will be served at your table by our helpful waiting staff.

AFTERNOON TEA
There is something magical about the tradition of taking tea at sea. You’ll find a selection of freshly-prepared sandwiches, cakes and scones served in the Terrace Cafe' or the Observation Lounge. Accompanying these is, of course, a selection of refreshing teas or coffee. A cup of Darjeeling, a slice of freshly baked cake and the panoramic views of the Mediterranean: the perfect combination.

LATE NIGHT SNACKS
For those passengers enjoying a late night discussing the excitements of the day's sightseeing, a selection of light snacks freshly prepared by our chefs will be available in the Charleston Lounge.

ON-BOARD GRATUITIES
Tips for the services you receive on board Aegean Odyssey from your cabin steward and dining room staff are included in your cruise fare. However, you may wish to show your appreciation to individuals offering exceptional service. A service charge of 12.5% is automatically added to your account for drinks.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Cabins and suites feature 220 volt current. Hair dryers, electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances can be used in your cabin. Transformers are available on board for conversion to 110 volts if required. However, for safety reasons travel irons are not allowed.

LAUNDRY AND PRESSING
Valet service is available for laundry and pressing. A laundry bag and order form is provided in your cabin.

COMMUNICATIONS The Aegean Odyssey is fitted with the latest satellite communication technology with direct dial telephones in all cabins. There is also an internet centre on Belvedere Deck for which there is a charge based on time connected.