Aegean Odyssey
A voyage from Kusadasi to Athens aboard the MS Monet
- 30 September 2021
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.
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Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests, for a series of cruises through the Mediterranean in 2020 and 2021. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
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.
Dates and Prices
30 September to 9 October 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £3695 | £3495 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £3895 | £3695 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4195 | £3995 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4495 | £4295 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £4995 | £4795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO300921
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard the MS Monet 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.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests, for a series of cruises through the Mediterranean in 2020 and 2021. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the MS Monet we are offering a three night pre-cruise extension in Istanbul.
Istanbul
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Istanbul, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this evening and transfer to our hotel for a three night stay. Meet tonight for dinner in the hotel restaurant. (D)
Day 2 Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel we start our exploration of Istanbul which will include the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant with the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Istanbul.
Our day begins with a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of the 16th century architect Sinan and the Chora Church. Before lunch we visit the Fener Greek Quarter and the Jewish Quarter. (B, L)
Day 4 Istanbul to Izmir.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Izmir. On arrival we transfer to the MS Monet berthed in Kusadasi. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
27 to 30 September 2021 Category Price Twin £795 Single £995 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from Istanbul to Izmir, three nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, excursions, transfers, gratuities.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you would like to spend some time in Athens after your cruise, we are offering a two night hotel stay.
Athens
The Itinerary
Day 1 Athens, Greece.
Disembark after breakfast and drive to the Acropolis, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. After exploring the fascinating site, a brief walk will bring you to the new Acropolis Museum. After our visit we will make our way to Plaka for a traditional Greek lunch. This afternoon we will check into our hotel and the evening is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Athens.
A free day to explore at your own pace. Meet tonight for dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Athens.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
9 to 11 October 2021 Category Price Twin £645 Single £895 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Athens, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, excursions, transfers, gratuities.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000