Some people cruise for fun. Some people hop on a cruise just to get away. A very select, smaller group decides to cruise for one single reason: to learn about the ancient past. These are people who are looking for enrichment, education and a unique cruise vacation. Voyages to Antiquity fits the bill. Even their name, if you say it a few times, gives a feeling of time-travel, without needing H.G. Wells’ time machine.
“The Mediterranean itineraries are the heart and soul of Voyages to Antiquity and we endeavor to make each season full of unique experiences for our guests. This year we have expanded our product offerings in the Western Mediterranean while also providing an emphasis to the ancient civilizations found in Sicily,” said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, vice president of marketing and sales for Voyages to Antiquity. “We’ve received growing support from prestigious organizations whose well-traveled clients are interested in an educational, enriching vacation experience, including Smithsonian Journeys, the Archaeological Institute of America and numerous alumni organizations.”
Two very alluring itineraries will begin and end the 2013 cruise season. On March 30, 2013 the Aegean Odyssey will begin the season with a departure from Cairo and conclude in Istanbul. At the end of the season, the October 25, 2013 cruise will depart from Istanbul and cap the season with an arrival in Cairo.
Once the ship arrives in Istanbul, the Western Mediterranean cruises along the Riviera coast begin. Itineraries will include cruises from Rome to Cannes and Cannes to Venice and then several voyages originating in Athens, Venice and Istanbul before the end of the season cruise back to Cairo.
Like some of the ultra-luxury cruise lines, Voyages to Antiquity includes shore excursions with complimentary bottled water; gratuities to shipboard staff and wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner. In consideration of the growing number of solo travelers, the Aegean Odyssey now has twenty-six solo cabins. If a solo traveler prefers to reserve a double-occupancy stateroom, a single supplement fee beginning at only 25% is added. In October, 2012, eighteen deluxe and superior outside cabin categories will be added.
Photo credit: Voyages to Antiquity
I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.