Delve into the history and legacy of the Greeks, from the emergence of the great Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations to the magnificent artistic and architectural achievements of the Byzantines.

Explore the landmarks of Classical Greece as you discover the many wonders of Athens including the world famous Acropolis. Be blown away by the spectacular sights of the Gulf of Corinth; explore one of the greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, Mycenae, where Europe’s oldest piece of monumental statuary stands. Explore Epidaurus, the city dedicated to Asclepius, the God of Healing, and walk through the ruins of the medical facilities as well as through the astonishing theatre. Discover the incredibly well-preserved Minoan site of Akrotiri covered in pumice by a volcanic eruption. Take in the sights of fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites and be inspired by the unique scenery of the Greek Isles. So, there you have it: a journey that takes you to some of the most important sites of Classical Greece and also to some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. All this accompanied by early autumn breezes and expert lecturers.

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We are pleased to have Joyce Poth escort this exciting journey on our behalf. She has travelled extensively, having stepped on all seven continents and continues to be amazed and excited by each new adventure. A retired educator, she uses her skills in retirement as a Craig Travel group escort. She has led groups to such varied destinations as Scotland, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Russia, Chile and Argentina, Turkey and Tunisia. She is excited to share this travel experience to Greece with all that will join her.

Our 11,560 ton cruise ship is large enough to provide all the important cruise ship amenities but small enough to be intimate and personal, carrying just 378 guests in modern comfort. Enjoy the onboard services that include 2 restaurants (single seating for all meals), 3 lounges, a large lecture hall/theatre, a library, an internet centre and a medical centre. Relax on the ample deck space, in the observation lounge or enjoy the gym, sauna, spa, Jacuzzi and outdoor pool. Staterooms in Cat. G through M average 130 - 150sq ft. while staterooms in Cat. F and above are 200 sq. ft. or larger and have extra concierge amenities. All staterooms have twin beds (Cat. G and above are convertible to queen size beds). The ship does not have a casino and evening entertainment is relatively casual (no grand Vegas shows). Enrichment lectures will be a cruise feature with experts from a variety of fields.

8 night cruise on the mv Aegean Odyssey, based on sharing a stateroom in the category selected

All meals and entertainment on board plus wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner

2 night accommodation in Athens

1 night accommodations in Delphi and Nauplia

10 included shore excursions (some ports offer more than one option to choose from)

Included porterage where available

On board enrichment program and lectures from guest

speakers

Air-inclusive rates also include:

Estimated return economy airfare from cities listed

Transfers between the airport, hotels and the ship

All current air taxes, fuel surcharges and fees

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

Included Shore Excursion Options

Byzantine Athens: Sightseeing reveals the splendour of Byzantine art in a tour that combines visits to both the Byzantine Museum, home to the world's largest collection of icons, and also the Monastery of Kaisariani with its fine frescoes and elegant gardens. (Athens option 1 of 2)

Athens and the Acropolis: Visit the sublime expression of Classical Greece and the Acropolis with its sweeping views of Athens. Surrounding the great temple are the other architectural masterpieces of the citadel: the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Below the temple complex is the theatre of Dionysos. Then explore the long anticipated $200-million, 226,000-square-foot Acropolis Museum. (Athens option 2 of 2)

Delphi and its Museum: The site is breathtaking and the view from the top, down to the blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth, is spectacular. Walk the sacred way, visiting the

treasuries, the place of offerings, the Grand Temple of Apollo and the theatre, with its splendid acoustics. We then visit the Museum housing many treasures. Omphalos, which marked the centre of the world and the Charioteer, one of the finest pieces surviving from the fifth century B.C. are among the many wonders housed in the museum. (Delphi option 1 of 1)

Sightseeing in Argolis: Tales of Agamemnon and the time of Homer’s heroes take centre stage today on this visit to Mycenae, one of the greatest cities of the highly-developed Mycenaean civilization. Enter Mycenae on foot through the Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest piece of monumental statuary. It was here that the victorious Agamemnon was greeted by his wife on his return from the long war with Troy, only to be murdered by her lover. Inside the gates, explore the Royal Palace. View the shaft graves and relive the tragic stories at an archaeological briefing in the Treasury of Atreus. In the afternoon drive to Nafplio, the capital of Argolis area. (Nauplia option 1 of 1)

Epidaurus: Epidaurus is a vast UNESCO World Heritage site with temples and hospital buildings that provide insight into the healing cults as well as the theatrical arts of the time. The jewel is the theatre designed by the architect Polycletus, with over 14,000 seats carved into the hillside with near perfect acoustics. Nowhere is it so easy to envision the staging of the great tragedies and comedies than in this pure masterpiece of Greek architecture. (Piraeus option 1 of 1)

Sacred Delos: As the reputed birthplace of the god Apollo, Delos was once a principal religious and commercial centre of the Eastern Mediterranean. Pilgrims, traders, politicians and warriors alike came from all over the Mediterranean to this sanctuary. Walk along the spectacular Avenue of the Lions and pay homage to the guardians of the Sacred Lake where Leto gave birth to the twin gods, Artemis and Apollo. And above all, savour the almost-mystical silence that pervades this haunting site of antiquity. (Delos option 1 of 1) Palace of Knossos: Constructed around 1900 BC, it was the administrative and religious centre of the Minoan kingdom. Here King Minos held court and, so mythology holds, his wife gave birth to a half-man, half-bull creature that lurked in the palace’s labyrinth. An earthquake destroyed the original complex; it was then rebuilt on an even grander scale, only to be destroyed again by the massive volcanic eruption on Santorini around 1500 BC. Our guided tour will take us through this legend-rich, entrancing complex that sprawled across five acres, where everything from the throne room to royal living quarters was reconstructed with meticulous care. Then, we will visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which contains the most notable and complete collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilisation of Crete. (Heraklion option 1 of 1)

Villages of Karpathos: Situated on the edge of the Aegean Sea, Karpathos has managed to remain remarkably unspoiled. This is a place of picturesque villages, where many historic traditions are still actively practised. In 1894 Pigadia took over as the main town, but Aperi is still one of the largest on the island. Othos is the highest village in the Dodecanese and has some striking views looking out to the sea. A highlight is the wonderful folklore museum replicating a traditional island dwelling. In Arkassa, visit the Church of Agia Sophia, one of the oldest on the island. Finally, see another unique church, dramatically poised on the edge of a steep rock in the hillside village of Menetes. (Karpathos option 1 of 1)

Nisyros at a Glance: Nisyros is certainly one of the biggest hydrothermal volcanoes in the world. Everything

Sep 24, Tue Depart Canada

Sep 25, Wed Athens, Greece

Overnight at Hotel Grand Bretagne

Sep 26, Thu Athens, Greece

Overnight at Hotel Grand Bretagne

Sep 27, Fri Delphi, Greece

Overnight at Amalia Hotel

Sep 28, Sat Nauplia, Greece

Overnight at Amalia Hotel

Sep 29, Sun Piraeus, Greece

Embarkation / Sail 8:00pm

Sep 30, Mon Delos, Greece *

Arrive 8:00am / Sail Noon

Mykonos, Greece

Arrive 2:00pm / Sail 8:00pm

Oct 1, Tue Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Arrive 8:00am / Sail 11:00pm

Oct 2, Wed Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Arrive 8:00am / Sail 10:00pm

Oct 3, Thu Karpathos, Greece *

Arrive 8:00am / Sail 8:00pm

Oct 4, Fri Nisyros, Greece *

Arrive 8:00am / Sail 8:00pm

Oct 5, Sat Rhodes, Greece

Arrive 7:00am / Sail 4:00pm

Oct 6, Sun Santorini, Greece *

Arrive 8:00am / Sail 8:00pm

Oct 7, Mon Athens, Greece

Arrive 6:00am / Disembark / Fly Home * Tender required to go to shore

REV01FEB19

M Standard Inside (Columbus, Belvedere) ........... $4,025 L Premium Inside (Columbus)................................ $4,275 K Premium Inside (Belvedere)................................ $4,495 J Standard Outside (Columbus)............................. $4,695 I Premium Outside (Bridge) ................................... $4,975 H Premium Outside (Belvedere, Columbus) ......... $5,265 G Premium Outside (Lido, Bridge) ........................ $5,545 F Deluxe Outside (Lido, Bridge, Belvedere) ......... $5,885 E Deluxe Outside (Belvedere) ................................ $6,075 D* Deluxe Outside (Belvedere) ............................... $6,495 C* Deluxe Outside (Lido, Bridge) ........................... $6,785 B* Junior Suite (Lido) .............................................. $7,355 A* Owner’s Suite (Lido) ............................................ $7,825

*Cabins have a balcony. All categories are subject to availability at time of booking. Book early for best choice. Above rates are per person based on sharing the category chosen and include return airfare, the cruise and all related land arrangements. See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available. Ask for single prices or visit our website. This cruise will be escorted with a minimum of 20 travellers.

Toronto ...................................................................... $1,495 Montreal / Ottawa ...................................................... $1,595 Halifax / Winnipeg ...................................................... $1,755 St. John’s ................................................................... $1,855 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $1,955 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................. $1,765 Victoria ....................................................................... $1,855

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. While most shore excursions are included, gratuities for local guides and/or drivers will be at your discretion (not included). Prices are based on rates, taxes and fees effective June 2018 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $245 to $486 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $182 to $404 pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due May 23, 2019 Deposit will be $1,200 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

While the basic cruise is suitable for all clients who meet our basic criteria, this cruise includes a variety of shore excursions and land components, all of which will require a degree of physical fitness. Members should be in good physical health and physically active to thoroughly enjoy all aspects of this cruise.

flourishes in the volcanic soil and there are some unique species of flora and fauna to be seen. Descending into this otherworldly landscape, as steam rises from bubbling fumaroles and the smell of sulphur fills the air, it’s easy to feel as though you’ve just stepped into a Jules Verne novel. Looking up, we’ll spot the small village of Nikia, which is perched right on the lip of the caldera. After exploring the village, enjoy a stop at an abandoned natural spa, for another one of a kind experience. (Nisyros option 1 of 1) Acropolis at Lindos: Gain inspiration from the exquisite natural setting of the Acropolis at Lindos, a destination of both historic and scenic interest. We’ll walk to the Acropolis, surrounded by the contrasting 12th century crusader fortifications, clinging to the rocks above the village. At the summit is the Doric Temple of Athena, an archaeological jewel dating from the 4th century BC. Enjoy sweeping views over St. Paul’s Bay, where the Apostle is said to have sought shelter during a storm. Then, descend to the village with its whitewashed houses. (Rhodes option 1 of 2)

Old Town and Grand Masters Palace: Leave behind the port where the Colossus once stood and discover a stunning ensemble of Gothic architecture. En route, visit the lookout Mount Smith, a vantage point used to scan the seas for French ships in the Napoleonic era. Then enter the citadel of the Knights through Gate d’Amboise and head for the restored Grand Master’s Palace. The Palace was modelled on the great Papal Palace of Avignon. It served as a fortress in times of war, a residence for the Grand Master of the Knights, a meeting place for senior knights, and, a summer residence of both Mussolini and Victor Emmanuel II of Italy. Step into the 15th century Knights Hospital, now an archaeological museum that counts the Aphrodite of Rhodes in flawless Parian marble among its treasures. (Rhodes option 2 of 2)

Santorini, Oia and Argyros Winery: In 1650 BC a volcanic eruption caused the centre of the island to sink, leaving high cliffs that have remained one of the world’s most dramatic geological sights. Stroll through the beautiful village of Oia, on the northernmost tip of the island, where many of the clifftop dwellings were built into niches hewn from the steep volcanic rock face. Continue from Oia to the Argyros wine estate. Founded in 1903, this family run vineyard combines ancient traditions with modern technology to produce some of the most prestigious wines on the island. Enjoy some wine-tasting and a traditional Greek lunch served at a tavern overlooking the waterfront. (Santorini option 1 of 2)

Santorini, Akrotiri and Oia: One of the Aegean's most important archaeological sites, Akrotiri was abandoned after severe earthquakes, then covered in pumice by a volcanic eruption in about 1625 BC. A visit tells the tale of an affluent society who farmed, built two-story homes and indulged a taste for frescoes, furniture and jewellery. Today's tour includes a visit to the ongoing excavations, where you can walk amid the well-preserved streets, view the workshops and squares. Included will be other visits to the island’s picturesque villages. (Santorini option 2 of 2)