Theme Cruise for lovers of Mediterranean history – Heritage Cruise

Here is an interesting history theme cruise offered by Traveller tours.
Traveller tours operates a variety of themed tours to a number of exotic destinations accompanied by expert lecturers. In addition to their many land based tours, Travellers offers two Mediterranean cruises in conjunction with Voyages of Discovery. Each cruise features guided shore excursion accompanied by expert guest lecturers.

Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and Turkey
MV Discovery Recently refurbished, this mid-sized ship boasts elegant lines and generous deck space and has two swimming pools, two restaurants, a well-stocked library, comfortable public spaces, a two-tier health and beauty spa and tastefully decorated passenger cabins.

Itinerary
Day 1 - London/Venice
Fly to Venice and board the MV Discovery for a 12-night Mediterranean cruise.

Day 2 - Venice
Sightseeing tour of Venice including St. Mark’s Square, The Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Set sail mid-afternoon.

Day 3 - Koper
Morning arrival in the Slovenian port of Koper or Capodistria, the capital of Istria in the 15th and 16th centuries. Koper retains its medieval flavour as evidenced in the old town. Take an excursion to the medieval castle at Hrastovlje with its fresco showing the danse macabre. Evening departure.

Day 4 - Zadar
Arrive in the morning at the beautiful Croatian peninsular city of Zadar. An ancient Greek foundation under the name of Iader, and later an important jewel in the Venetian crown as Zara, Zadar retained a partly Italian character until the twentieth century, and was held as a possession of the Kingdom of Italy between the world wars. Visit the Cathedral of St Donat’s, the Benedictine convent of St Mary with its collection entitled ‘The Gold and Silver of Zadar’, the Archaeological Museum, and retrace the Roman lay-out of the walls and streets of the city, viewing the largest forum on the East of the Adriatic.

Day 5 - Hvar
Morning at the island stronghold of Hvar where late medieval, Renaissance and Baroque houses crowd around the bay. Tour of the highlights of the miscellany of buildings and fortifications. Sail on to Dubrovnik arriving in the evening.

Day 6 - Dubrovnik
A full day to explore Dubrovnik, an amazingly preserved World Cultural heritage site with a beautiful walled city, and its hinterland. This medieval republic, alternately Venice’s handmaiden and rival, managed to preserve a form of independence until the advent of Napoleon. Late afternoon departure.

Day 7 - Cephallonia
Afternoon arrival on Cephallonia for a tour of the historic port and island of great beauty, recent setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Evening departure.

Day 8 - Santorini
Lunchtime arrival in the caldera of Santorini’s port of Thera with time to explore the cliff-top village and tour the Island. Set sail in the evening.

Day 9 - Mykonos
Early arrival in Mykonos for a morning’s exploration of this pretty island with its labyrinthine streets.

Day 10 - Volos
Arriving Velos in the morning, take an excursion to prehistoric Dimini with its ruined acropolis and early beehive tombs and Sesklo with Greece’s oldest acropolis.

Day 11 - At Sea
A day to enjoy MV Discovery with its leisure facilities, pools, health and beauty spa, library and relaxing public spaces as the vessel sails past the cliff monasteries at Mount Athos.

Day 12 - Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul where a full day’s sightseeing in the city includes the Topkapi Saray, Aya Sophia, an elegantly restored underground cistern and the mosque of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha.

Day 13 - Istanbul/London
Disembark and enjoy a further day exploring the city with free time to pick up bargains in the Grand Bazaar. Evening return flight to London.
Tour Notes
Inclusive of special charter flights, airport and port taxes, Tour Lecturer/Manager, 4-star cruise ship accommodation in a twin inside cabin on Coral deck and shore excursions on a full board basis.
Flights depart from London Gatwick but can also be taken from Manchester without any additional charge.
For more information contact The Traveller www.the-traveller.co.uk