CRUISING GREECE'S AEGEAN TREASURES Nafplion • 7-night Cyclades small ship cruise with Delos, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, Milos, Paros, Syros, Aegina • Athens The stunning Cyclades are both an avid traveler’s playground and a pleasure hunter’s paradise — and you’ll experience all the joys of Greek island hopping on this swoon-worthy cruise illuminating Mediterranean history, cuisine, and art. Bask in Greece’s sunny, subtropical splendor with three days in the country’s prettiest port town of Nafplion before embarking on a blissful 7-night voyage to iconic Santorini and Mykonos, as well as lesser-known Cyclades gems of Naxos, Paros, Delos, Milos, and more, before your voyage ends with three nights in Athens. You’ll tour antique wonders, including the ancient villages of Mycenae, Corinth, and Melanes; unveil early medical practice in Epidaurus; and explore the most famous of Greek structures: The Parthenon and its sprawling Acropolis. Contemporary Greece is spotlighted, too, as you join a home-hosted lunch with a Naxos family, tour Santorini’s capital city of Fira, and revel in hedonistic Mykonos — glamorous outpost of the jet set. Reserve Today! Call Toll-Free 1 800 322 6677 - WWW.VANTAGETRAVEL.COM/VIG20 American College of Dentists Centennial Celebration Cruise presents
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CRUISING GREECE'S AEGEAN TREASURES · Experience one Greece’s most famous isles, Mykonos, on a walking tour that includes a stop for Greek meze and ouzo • • Get to know the
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CRUISING GREECE'S AEGEANTREASURES
Nafplion • 7-night Cyclades small ship cruise with Delos, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, Milos, Paros, Syros, Aegina • Athens
The stunning Cyclades are both an avid traveler’s playground and a pleasure hunter’s paradise —and you’ll experience all the joys of Greek island hopping on this swoon-worthy cruise illuminating Mediterranean history, cuisine, and art. Bask in Greece’s sunny, subtropical splendor with three days in the country’s prettiest port town of Nafplion before embarking on a blissful 7-night voyage to iconic Santorini and Mykonos, as well as lesser-known Cyclades gems of Naxos, Paros, Delos, Milos, and more, before your voyage ends with three nights in Athens. You’ll tour antique wonders, including the ancient villages of Mycenae, Corinth, and Melanes; unveil early medical practice in Epidaurus; and explore the most famous of Greek structures: The Parthenon and its sprawling Acropolis. Contemporary Greece is spotlighted, too, as you join a home-hosted lunch with a Naxos family, tour Santorini’s capital city of Fira, and revel in hedonistic Mykonos — glamorous outpost of the jet set.
ACTIVE HIGHLIGHTS Get Out & Get ActiveDuring thecourse of your adventure, you will have opportunities foractive walks and explorations of ancient ruins, includinglonger treks and climbs to overlooks for the spectacularviews. There will also be opportunities for biking andswimming (weather dependent). Athens:
Walk around the charming Plaka district, the old town at
the foot of the Acropolis, where you can explore flower-
bedecked streets and stop into a restaurant or café
Climb the hill to the Acropolis, then enjoy a walking tour
that includes the Parthenon
Epidaurus: Explore among the ruins of temples and hospitals at the Sanctuary of Asklepios, an
ancient healing center, and marvel at the great amphitheater known as the Theatre of Epidaurus.
Santorini: Follow Santorini’s narrow streets and twisting staircases during our explorations of this
intriguing island. Afterwards, descend by cable car to the port area. Note that you will be tendering to
shore in Santorini.Mykonos: Take advantage of opportunities for swimming and biking.
ART & CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS
Admire a breathtaking collection of art and antiquities at
the Acropolis Museum and also at the National
Archaeological Museum of Athens
Visit a traditional pottery studio near Mycenae, where
artists demonstrate traditional ceramic-making methods
and display their work
Meet locals during a home-hosted lunch and learn their
views on life in Greece
NATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Santorini: Enjoy spectacular views of the Aegean as we
follow Santorini’s narrow streets and twisting staircases
during our explorations of this intriguing island. Afterwards,
descend by cable car to the port area
Mykonos: Take advantage of opportunities for swimming
and biking while we are docked at this serene island
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS Bring back a slice of theglittering Aegean through the photographs you’ll amass onthis trip. With breathtaking scenery at every turn, you won’tlack for swoon-worthy landscapes, ancient buildings,sumptuous cuisine, and endless blue waters. Here are sometricks, and a few must-capture destinations:
Think like a photojournalist by taking pictures that tell a
story and not merely depict a place. You might even
consider snapping some portraits of your fellow travelers or
during your home-hosted lunch with a Greek family in
Naxos
While it’s tempting to capture every dramatic vista of this region, don’t forget to zoom in closer to
capture the authentic feel of a place, such as the Parthenon
Experiment with black and white — a colorful area like the white architecture in cities found in the
Greek Isles will appear starkly different when you change the tone
UNESCO & HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mycenae; The
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus; the island of Delos;
and the Acropolis in Athens
From the port of Nafplion, explore the ruins of Mycanae,
the center of the powerful civilization that began its 300-
year rule over the eastern Mediterranean 35 centuries ago
On Epidaurus, explore the healing center of the Sanctuary
of Asklepios, which in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC
attracted seekers of cures from the gods. The site contains many masterpieces of Greek
architecture, including the Theatre of Epidaurus, considered the best-preserved Roman
amphitheater in Greece
Explore the extensive archaeological finds on the island of Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo
Discover how the inhabitants of Santorini have adapted to the terrain of this spectacularly scenic
island. Your explorations take you to an archaeological site, to the island’s small but busy capital,
and on a cable car from the heights of the island back to the port area
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Athens,Greece.
6/16/2020 Arrive in Athens, and then transfer toNafplion
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Nafplion, wherea guaranteed sea-view room awaits you in thisbeautiful, romantic town in the easternPeloponnese. This evening, get acquainted withyour Cruise Director and fellow passengersduring a Welcome Briefing and Dinner in thehotel restaurant. Your Cruise Director will alsoserve as your official guide on this voyage and,in accordance with Greek law, official guides are
mandated to complete a rigorous art and historycurriculum before licensure by the Greekgovernment. Think of your Cruise Director as anexpert on all things Greece, which you’ll soonsee for yourself during myriad sightseeingexcursions and an illuminating lecture series.Please note: If you purchase your airfare fromVantage, a Vantage representative will meet yououtside the customs area and your transfer toNafplion (less than two hours en route) will beincluded. If you plan to purchase your ownairfare, ask when you reserve your trip aboutarranging your transfer with Vantage at aconsiderable savings over local fares.
Included Meals: DinnerHotel Nafplia Palace or similar
6/17/2020 Tour Nafplion’s gems, and visit aceramics workshop
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Nafplion, acharming city with a fascinating past. Afterlunch in a local restaurant, you'll travel inlandto the ruins of Mycenae, the Bronze Age capitalof one of the first great empires of the ancientMediterranean, and now a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. Look for the massive archway withthe carved lions, the symbol of the ancient city-state. Cultural Connection: While you're here,you'll visit a ceramics workshop to witness apottery-making demonstration by skilledartisans. If you're interested, items made in the
studio will be available for purchase. You'll thenreturn to the hotel and enjoy the rest of theevening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast & LunchHotel Nafplia Palace or similar
6/18/2020 Explore Olympia on an optional tour, orexplore Nafplion on your own
Set off on an optional tour to Olympia, thebirthplace of the Olympics. The tour includes ascenic drive across the Peloponnese Peninsula,entrance to the Olympia Museum, and lunch ina local taverna featuring Greek specialties.Alternatively, enjoy a day at leisure exploringNafplion further.
Included Meals: BreakfastHotel Nafplia Palace or similar
6/19/2020 An architectural masterwork, and astroll through ancient Corinth
Discover today what UNESCO described as “oneof the purest masterpieces of Greekarchitecture” when it named the Sanctuary ofAsklepios at Epidaurus a World Heritage Site.The sanctuary was dedicated to Asklepios, thegod of medicine, and the valley of Epidaurusbecame an ancient medical center of sorts,attracting cure seekers from across the GreekEmpire. Next, tour the ruins of Corinth, a citydating as far back as 400 BC and once home to90,000 people. Later, transfer across theCorinth Canal to the port of Piraeus and embarkship. Soon, we’ll cast off on our Aegean island-hopping voyage. Cultural Connection: A lectureon “Greek History: From Antiquity to the PresentDay” will give us perspective on the wonderswe’ve seen, and the ones that lie ahead.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/20/2020 Cruising the Cyclades: Sacred Delosand hedonistic Mykonos
Despite its status as one of the smallest of theCyclades, Delos was once the most sacred of theislands, a place steeped in mythology as thebirthplace of the Apollo the Sun God, and histwin sister, Artemis, Goddess of the Moon. Asyou’ll discover on your visit, the entire island isnow a UNESCO World Heritage Site, withongoing work to excavate, measure, andpreserve the countless treasures, includingtemples, monuments, and mosaics. Then, fromthe serene and timeless precincts of Delos, it’son to an island of very different character.
Beneath the glitz and glitter of fashionableMykonos — possibly the most popular of theGreek isles — you’ll find a charming place filledwith traditional homes and churches, shop-linedstreets, and a picturesque harbor. Head out ona walking tour that includes a stop in atraditional bakery for Greek meze (small platesof food), accompanied by ouzo, Greece’seponymous anise-flavored liqueur; then enjoysome time for swimming and exploring Mykonoson your own. Cultural Connection: Back onboard, hear an enlightening lecture on “GreekMythology”.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/21/2020 Naxos village life and a home-hostedlunch
A scenic morning cruise brings us to Naxos,largest of the Cyclades. This morning’s tourtakes you across the island to the village ofKournochari. From here, trek local footpaths toMelanes, an ancient village nestled among fruitgroves and olive trees. In a local garden, you’llfind a haunting statue depicting a guardian ofZeus, which was left unfinished. CulturalConnections: Afterward, join a local family in thevillage for a memorable home-hosted lunch. Therest of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoya performance by local musicians aboard ship.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/22/2020 A walking tour of stylish Santorini
Cruise to the popular island retreat of Santorini,where typical whitewashed homes scaffold upcliffs overlooking the crystalline sea. Embark ona tour that will lead you to the archaeologicalsite of Akrotiri, Profitou Iliou Mountain, and thetown of Fira, the island’s capital. Then, take acable car ride down Santorini’s hilly harbor andreboard the ship. This afternoon, take anoptional tour to the village of Oia, which youmay recognize from myriad magazines, movies,and postcards. Undoubtedly Santorini’s mostbeautiful village, Oia (pronounced “Eee-ya”) ishome to charming churches and white homes,restaurants and shops, and some of the bestviews, seeing as how it overlooks the caldera.Because of its location, sunset lovers convene inOia each night to witness Santorini’s renownedsherbet sunsets. On this tour, you’ll explore thetown and savor a light lunch and wine tasting.Cultural Connection: Prior to dinner thisevening, delve into more Greek history andheritage with a talk on “Architecture and
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/23/2020 The underrated shores of Milos
Perhaps one of the most underrated of theGreek isles, Milos offers stunning beaches (morethan any other Greek isle, in fact) and afascinating landscape molded by volcanicactivity. This is also the discovery site of Venusde Milo, one of the world’s most famoussculptures currently on display at the Louvre.You’ll discover this island on a sightseeing tour,which includes some free time at the legendarybeaches here. Cultural Connection: Hear alecture on Alexander the Great.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/24/2020 Touring historical hot-spots on the up-and-coming isles of Paros and Syros
This morning we call at Paros, an islandrenowned for its bucolic beauty, laid-backfishing port, and traditional hill villagesconnected by ancient footpaths. A walking tourin the unpretentious but charming capital ofParikia reveals the traditional bleachedarchitecture so typical in this part of theAegean. Cultural Connection: During your visit,enjoy a tasting of flavorful “Loukoumi” candy.After lunch on ship, arrive at Syros, once athriving 19th-century trading port. During yoursightseeing tour, you’ll discover the island’s richlayers of history, from ancient ruins to religiousmonuments to the capital Ermoupoli’s medievalquarter. Cultural Connections: Learn moreabout the ancient empires of the Mediterraneanin a lecture entitled “Byzantium.” Afterwards, alively troupe of folk dancers comes aboard shipto entertain us.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/25/2020 A day at leisure in Aegina, or set off onan optional island tour
This island is tantalizingly close to Athens, yetpossesses its own distinct character. Enjoy anorientation walk, followed by a full tour of theisland on an optional tour that also heads to theTemple of Aphaia, which hearkens back to 480BC. Or, spend some free time on your own tosoak in Aegina’s charms at your own pace.Cultural Connection: Learn about Greece’sspiritual side during a lecture on “Religions in
Greece.”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerM/S Galileo >
6/26/2020 Athens icons — the Parthenon and thesprawling Acropolis
After breakfast on board, disembark ship andenjoy the day in Athens. A panoramic tourunveils a unique city, where modern life isintertwined with 4,000 years of history. We'llclimb up the iconic Acropolis, perched high onan overlook of the entire city. The Acropolis isalso the architectural pinnacle of Athens,crowned by its breathtaking Parthenon. You’llalso visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,Parliament House on Constitution Square, thePan Athenian Stadium, and the PresidentialPalace. We'll also stop into a Vantage-recommended shop and browse for fine Greekart, antiquities, and souvenirs. Afterwards,enjoy time at leisure, with lunch on your own inthe charming, flower-bedecked Plaka district atthe foot of the Acropolis.
Included Meals: BreakfastDivani Caravel Hotel or similar
6/27/2020 More historical and architecturalmarvels in Athens
Enjoy another day to discover the treasures inthe birthplace of democracy. We’ll visit theNational Archaeological Museum as well as theNew Acropolis Museum, adding some richbackground into your historical discoveries theday prior. After lunch, spend the rest of the dayat leisure in Athens.
Included Meals: BreakfastDivani Caravel Hotel or similar
6/28/2020 Venture to Cape Sounion, or spendafternoon at leisure in Athens
Join an optional excursion to Cape Souniontoday. Bordered by the sea on three sides, CapeSounion’s sharply indented coastline is fringedwith beautiful beaches. On top of a cliff fromwhere King Aegeus threw himself into the seathat even now bears his name, you’ll find the 17remaining Doric columns of the 5th-century-BCTemple of Poseidon. Or, spend a day at leisureto enjoy more time in the Greek capital city.Your hotel is conveniently located near theupscale Kolonaki district in the center ofAthens, close to many shops and restaurants,as well as some of the city's best museums.Tonight, meet up with your fellow passengers
M/S Galileo Renovated in 2016, the msGalileo cuts an impressive figure — the charming steel-hull motor sailor
primarily cruises under power with her three sails raised when the weather and sailing schedule
allow. The Galileo features spacious and well-appointed interiors. On the main deck, a lounge area
with an American bar leads into an elegant dining room with wood and leather finishes. There is also
an outdoor shaded deck with a bar and sun deck, and a swimming platform. Three interior decks for
just 48 passengers include porthole windows, double or twin beds and flexible bedding configurations
with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, telephones, hair dryers, and en suite bathrooms
with showers. Complimentary wireless Internet access will be available throughout the ship, although
connectivity may be limited in certain locations on your itinerary.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Nafplia Palace ★★★★Modern luxury meets ancient history at the centrallylocated Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas. The five-starhotel features excellent bay views of Nafplion withtwo bars, three restaurants, two pools (one with apoolside bar), and a spa. Rooms each have aterrace or balcony, minibar, safe, Internet access,satellite TV, air-conditioning, private bath, and hairdryer. Enjoy the hotel's beach and outdoor pool,and stop at the Vantage Hospitality Desk to askabout nearby boating, fishing, jogging trails, andtennis. Guaranteed sea-view room!------->
Divani Caravel Hotel ★★★★★Ideally located just minutes away from ConstitutionSquare in the heart of Athens, the Deluxe DivaniCaravel Hotel offers convenient access to the keyattractions of this historic city. A member of theLeading Hotels of the World, this stunning propertyoffers luxury accommodations and excellent servicein an unbeatable location. The hotel’s guest roomsoffer a harmonious blend of modern amenities andclassical charm, decorated with soft colors andtasteful furnishings. For your comfort andconvenience, each guest room features a pillowmenu, air-conditioning, LCD TV, in-room safe,and...
InterContinental Sofia ★★★★★Relax in stylish comfort during your stay in theInterContinental Sofia, located conveniently in thehistoric heart of the city. With incredible views of theAlexander Nevski Cathedral, this iconic hotel inSofia opens onto the vibrant yellow pavement ofNarodno Sabranie Square, home to a variety oftrendy boutiques and mouthwatering restaurants.
Mak Albania Hotel ★★★★Superbly located in the heart of the Albaniancapital, the Mak Albania Hotel is a brief walk fromthe Presidential Palace and the Congress Building,as well as a range of shopping and entertainmentoptions. Inside, prepare for a deluxe experience:the 151 spacious rooms feature a flat-screen TV,minibar, refrigerator, air-conditioning, stylish woodfloors, and private bathroom. Throughout theproperty, you’ll find features you’d expect from suchan esteemed hotel: fitness center, indoor andoutdoor pool, piano bar, and restaurant.
FROM $999 PER PERSON | 4 DAYS | $249PER DAYWith a history reaching back over sevenmillennia, Sofia is one of Europe’s youngestcapitals but oldest cities. Modern Sofia is full ofcobblestone boulevards, domed churches, andvast parks, but behind this eclectic city is ahistory as rich as any capital. The city’s fullheritage was only recently brought to light —when bulldozers broke ground to dig a path forthe city’s new metro only a decade ago, theyunearthed an ancient world with intact Romanstreets, houses, churches, and baths dating back2,000 years. On visits to two UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites (Boyana Church and RilaMonastery), you'll find that Sofia is the perfectbalance of history and culture, and is also hometo some of Bulgaria’s finest museums andrestaurants, too.
Your Price Includes:
3 nights accommodations at the InterContinentalSofia (or similar)
•
6 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners•2 included tours, 1 Cultural Connection•2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boyana Church,and Rila Monastery
•
All transfers and baggage handling (wherepermitted)
•
Services of a City Host•Tipping for drivers and local guides (excluding CityHost)
•
Services of the Vantage Worldwide Concierge, toplan celebrations, activities, or provide regionalexpertise. Log in to My Portfolio and submit a request,or send an email any time up to two weeks prior toyour departure at [email protected].
FROM $949 PER PERSON | 4 DAYS | $237PER DAYAt the end of the Communist era, Albania'scompact capital Tirana blossomed into a cheerfulcity of parks, fountains, and cafés. The first thingthat might strike you is the city's famous paintedbuildings, which are colorfully, vibrantly bedeckedin all hues and even geometric designs — anartistic mandate from Tirana's former mayor.During this extension, you’ll explore Tirana'sarchitecture on panoramic and walking tours.You'll also trek across the border to Prizren, inKosovo, the world's newest country, where you'lllearn about the differences and similaritiesbetween the two cultures and their intertwinedhistories. You'll also visit Medieval Monuments ofKosovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thisextension is a superb opportunity to becomeacquainted with yet another destination in theendlessly fascinating Balkan region.
Your Price Includes:
3 nights accommodations at the Mak AlbaniaHotel (or similar)
•
5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner•Panoramic and walking tour of Tirana•Full-day tour to Prizren, Kosovo•1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: MedievalMonuments of Kosovo
•
All transfers and baggage handling (wherepossible)
•
Services of a City Host•Tipping for drivers and local guides (excluding CityHost)
•
Services of the Vantage Worldwide Concierge, toplan celebrations, activities, or provide regionalexpertise. Log in to My Portfolio and submit a request,or send an email any time up to two weeks prior toyour departure at [email protected].