Unique Itinerary: The Isles of Greece

The MV Agean Odyssey off Mount Vesuvius.

Photo courtesy of Voyages to Antiquity

By winter, most people are beginning to look at planning their summer getaways, and for many, that means a cruise to the endlessly fascinating Mediterranean.  With warm weather, cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings topped with sky-blue domes, the Mediterranean can satisfy sun-seekers and history buffs alike.  It's no wonder the region remains one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

One new player in the region is Voyages to Antiquity.  Founded just one year ago, the line puts special emphasis on  the historical significance of their ports of call and features included shore excursions, special events of historical note, and experienced on-board guest lecturers.  Many voyages also include pre-and-post cruise stays as part of the cruise fare.

Transporting guests back in time is the 378-guest, 461-foot MV Agean Odyssey.  Formerly operating as Agean I for now-defunct Golden Sun Cruises, the ship was purchased in 2009 and heavily renovated in Piraeus, Greece before setting sail for her new owners this past May.  Her small size allows her access to ports that would otherwise be off-limits to larger ships, while her refurbishment has resulted in a ship that boasts the comforts many North American passengers have come to expect.

The line's Isles of Greece itinerary, departing July 1 or August 11, 2011, seems to best embody the line's adventurous spirit:

Day 1 - Depart North America
Day 2 - Athens, Greece
Day 3 - Athens, Greece
Day 4 - Athens, Greece - embark MV Agean Odyssey.  Sail at 10pm
Day 5 - Nauplia, Greece - 7am to 11pm.
Day 6 - Chania, Greece - 7am to 8:30am / Heraklion, Crete - 1pm to 7:30pm
Day 7 - Delos, Greece - 8am to 1pm / Mykonos, Greece - 2pm to Midnight
Day 8 - Samos, Greece - 8am to 12pm / Kusadasi, Turkey - 2pm to Overnight
Day 9 - Kusadasi, Turkey - until Midnight.
Day 10 - Canakkale, Turkey - 12:00am to 6pm
Day 11 to 14 - Istanbul, Turkey - Disembarkation and post-cruise tours.

Pricing for this two-week journey through history starts at $3,295 per person and includes two-nights pre-cruise in Athens and three nights post-cruise in Istanbul.

For more information, be sure to visit the Voyages to Antiquity website.