From the Turquoise Coast to the Aegean Islands
A Voyage from Larnaca to Athens aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Jeremy Paterson
- 5 April 2020
The Lycians were definitely on to something when they set their empire on the peninsula nestled between Antalya and Fethiye. It is an astoundingly beautiful stretch of azure coastline backed by the luscious forested hills. Whilst the Turquoise Coast may appear all sun-and-sea, join us aboard the MS Serenissima and discover the ancient cities of Perge and Xanthos, floating over the slopes, with the decorative tombs engraved into the cliffs at Myra.
We begin our spring voyage in Larnaca and from here head to Turkey where we will be captivated by ancient relics from Roman and Byzantine eras. Sailing on, we will explore the Aegean in some depth visiting charming islands, many of which are out of bounds to the big ships and where the laid back atmosphere will complement our small ship as we explore delightful towns, sleepy villages and visit some magnificent ancient sites, all in the company of like-minded travellers and informative guides.
Every new day brings a different vista and whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful scenery, this voyage has something to offer for everyone.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Larnaca, Cyprus.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival we will transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy Welcome Dinner and Drinks as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Alanya, Turkey.
Spend the morning at sea as we sail towards the Turkish coast arriving after lunch. This afternoon, choose to drive through the town, with views of the Taurus Mountains in the east, then towards Incekum along the Turkish Riviera to the west, where we pass citrus and banana plantations and visit Damlatas Cave which is a masterpiece of nature, known for its curative effect on asthma. Drive along the beautiful Turkish Riviera towards the ancient city of Side which was one of the leading Pamphylian cities on the south coast of Anatolia. Visit the Grand Theatre, a perfect example of a Roman theatre built on vaults on flat land. Walk through the town, view the old harbour and see the remains of the Apollo Temple. Alternatively spend the afternoon exploring the town of Alanya with its Medieval fort perched on a rocky peninsula.
Day 3 - Antalya.
Over breakfast we will arrive in Antalya from where we explore the principal Roman ruins along Turkey’s southern coast. We pass the modern city of Antalya en-route to the ancient city of Perge which dates back to 1000 BC and was founded by Mopsus and Calchas after their retreat from Troy. See the Basilica of Perge, which played an important role in the spread of Christianity, the 2nd century AD stadium, the baths complex and two magnificent round towers of the Greek Gate. We drive further east for a visit to Aspendos, whose amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD is considered the best preserved in the Mediterranean. After lunch in a local restaurant continue to Antalya to visit the excellent Archaeological Museum.
Day 4 - Myra & Kekova.
From our anchorage in the Bay of Cayagzi we will use local boats to visit the ancient port of Myra, the former capital of Lycia and the departure point of Paul to Rome in 60 AD. Surrounded by orchards and miles of greenhouses stands a large, well-preserved Roman theatre backed by splendid Lycian cave-tombs with delicately carved façades. In the town of Myra, the birthplace of St. Nicholas, we visit the 11th century Church of St Nicholas, only recently excavated, with its faded frescoes and beautiful mosaic floors. We will return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and the afternoon is free to relax on board or join a local boat excursion into Kekova Bay where the narrow island of Kekova forms a number of beautiful bays and indented waterways. Here we can view the half-submerged ruins of the ancient city of Simena. We will also land at the village of Kalekoy where a strenuous walk will take us up to the Lycian castle with sarcophagi overlooking the sea.
Day 5 - Kas, Turkey & Kastellorizo, Greece.
Spend the morning in Kas, a delightful fishing town in a beautiful bay at the foot of the Taurus Mountains overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. As you walk up from the port you will see narrow streets lined with beautiful Ottoman houses with flowered balconies and traditional painted doors. See the rock-cut tombs that date to the 4th century BC, the impressive Lycian Tomb and the Hellenistic theatre. This afternoon we will head over to the tiny island of Kastellorizo, a gem of a place. A Greek possession and technically part of the Dodecanese, it is a long way east of Greece and only two kilometres from the Turkish coast. However, with few ferry connections it is well off the main tourist routes. Spend the afternoon exploring the delightful harbour, the Crusader Castle and the monastery of St George on the Mountain.
Day 6 - Xanthos & Patara.
From
the harbour at Fethiye, we travel
to the south east to discover the
rich Lycian towns of the past. Drive along the Esme River to the
ancient city of Xanthos, Lycia’s
prominent capital city built on a
great cliff overlooking the river.
Xanthos boasts several significant
ruins, including the Nereid
Monument, an exquisite ionic
building whose figured friezes are
in the British Museum. Continue
to Letoon, a city named after Leto,
mother Goddess of Lycians. We
will see the ruins of the temples
dedicated to Leto, Artemis and
Apollo and the amphitheatre.
Enjoy a local lunch before visiting
Patara, located amidst sand dunes
and by a long sandy beach. The
city was conquered by Alexander
the Great and St Paul stopped
here on his way to Rome in AD
60. It was also the birthplace of St
Nicholas. See the Grand Theatre
and the ruins of the temples.
Please note that we may be at
anchor today in which instance the
vessel’s Zodiacs will be used for
transport ashore.
Day 7 - Marmaris.
After breakfast we will drive inland to Kaunos which was a city of ancient Caria and said to have been founded by Kaunos, son of Miletos and Kyane. Located at the foot of Mount Tarbelos, its acropolis was called Imbros and it exported highly prized figs chiefly to Rome. It was the home of the painter Protogenes and was a member of the Chrysaorian League. The ruins of the city are near Dalyan, on the right bank of the ancient Kalbis (Dalyan River) and include a theatre, a large rectangular building that may have been a temple, a roman bath, a Byzantine church, and rock-hewn tombs. Accessible only by river we will take local boats to the site. Return to the ship for lunch and sail this afternoon arriving at the island of Symi this evening.
Day 8 - Symi & Nisyros, Greece.
Today we will explore Symi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island. The harbour of Gialos is particularly attractive and we have a morning to enjoy some time to stroll through the colourful cobbled streets. The Simians were famous boat builders and are mentioned in the Illiad as sending boats to assist the siege of Troy but are better known today for their sponge diving. Return to the ship in the late morning as we sail to Nisyros, arriving after lunch. From the port of Mandraki you may wish to spend a relaxing afternoon wandering through the village and climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spilanior or visit the archaeological museum. Alternatively, join the drive to the Polyvotis Volcano named after the Titan imprisoned under the rock of Nisyros during the battle with the gods. Here we will learn more of the legends and have the chance to walk into the caldera.
Day 9 - Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western; 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. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.
Day 10 - Delos & Syros.
This morning we visit Delos, which though the smallest of the Cyclades was once the political and religious centre for the whole of the Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. Explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo. Sail during lunch to Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. Overlooking Ermoupoli stands the hill-top Ano Syros, the original Medieval district with narrow lanes and white washed houses.
Day 11 - Athens to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Please note: To best enjoy your experience on this voyage you should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in some walks uphill and over uneven terrain. Many of the sites are reached by uneven steps/terrain without handrails.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy5 to 15 April 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
2 Standard Stateroom | £4795 | |
3 Classic Stateroom | £5095 | |
4 Superior Stateroom | £5395 | |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £5595 | |
6 Junior Suite | £5995 | |
7 Owner’s Suite | £6295 | |
8 Serenissima Suite | £6595 | |
10 Standard Single | £4795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE050420
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visa.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Travelling with You
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Jeremy Paterson
Jeremy Paterson studied Classics and Ancient History at Oxford, where he was also President of the University Archaeological Society. Subsequently he was Craven Research Fellow at The British School at Rome, where he studied the ancient Roman wine trade. For most of his career he taught Ancient History at Newcastle University, where he was also Dean of Arts and chaired the University Teaching Committee. For many years he chaired the Primary Latin Project, ‘Minimus’, which is successfully introducing Latin into primary schools. His research interests include economic history, the ancient wine trade, Cicero, the court of the Roman emperor, the nature of power in the ancient world, and early Christianity. He has travelled extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Europe, and is a very experienced lecturer on cruises and on land-based tours.
Jeremy Paterson will be on the following tour dates: 5 to 15 April 2020
Tour Extensions
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2nd to 5th April 2020
Aphrodite’s Rock
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Limassol, Cyprus. Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the Mediterranean Hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore independently before dinner is served in the hotel this evening.
Day 2 Paphos. We will depart for our guided excursion after breakfast and make a brief stop at the most famous landmark in Cyprus – Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. We continue to Saint Neophytos Monastery, founded by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos, which is built in what used to be a secluded location at the head of a picturesque valley. Continue to Paphos where we will visit the 13th century Chrysopolitissa Church which is shared by the Anglican and Catholic congregation, who hold regular services at the invitation of the local Orthodox priest. Saint Paul visited Paphos in 45 AD in an attempt to convert the ruler of the time to Christianity. He was successful in his efforts, but not before being tied and whipped to an otherwise unremarkable lump of stone, the Pillar of Saint Paul which we will see during our visit. After lunch and some free time in the picturesque fishing harbour of Paphos, we continue to the archaeological park, known as the House of Dionysos with the fabulously preserved mosaics which date back to the 2nd century AD and the Tombs of the Kings. Return to the hotel to relax before meeting for dinner tonight.
Day 3 Limassol. Spend the day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or take the local bus into Limassol town centre. Alternately, a short walk from the hotel will take you to the impressive remains of the archaeological site of Amathus, one of the ancient royal cities of Cyprus until about 300 BC. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 4 Limassol. After a free morning, check out of the hotel before having lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, our tour will include the Temple of Apollo, one of the main religious centres of ancient Cyprus, where Apollo was worshipped as God of the Woodlands. We will continue to the ruins of Kourion, a city built in 1200 BC. Of particular interest are the public baths, the necropolis, the Fountain House, House of Gladiators and House of Achilles. The most spectacular site at Kourion is the Greco-Roman Theatre that has been completely restored and is used today for open-air musical and theatrical performances. We will also visit Kolossi Castle, which was built in the 15th century on the ruins of a former fortress dated to the beginning of the 13th century. Transfer to the MS Serenissima for embarkation.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
2 to 5 April 2020 Category Price Deluxe Sea View Room £645 Deluxe Sea View Room for sole use £895 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation in a sea view room at the Mediterranean Hotel in Limassol on a half board basis (breakfast and dinner daily), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, excursions, gratuities, lunch on day 2 & 4.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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