Classical Civilisations of the Southern Mediterranean

Day 1 UK - Málaga, Spain Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Málaga. On arrival, you will be met by Voyages to Antiquity representatives and transferred to embark Aegean Odyssey (4T), with time to settle in before dinner. Days 2-3 At sea Day 4 Trapani, Sicily Choose from two half-day excursions today. On the first you’ll discover ancient Segesta, one of the main cities of the Elymian civilisation thought to date back to the 4th century BC. The Greek theatre and 36-columned Doric temple are remarkably preserved. Or, journey to the historic hill-top town of Erice, to discover the winding, cobblestone streets decorated with Norman architecture; you’ll also see the magnificent Pepoli Castle, soaring an incredible 2,500 feet above sea level. It shows signs of a cult to a goddess of fertility, along with a sacred well and Roman bath. Day 5 Palermo Arrive in Sicily’s charming city of Palermo. Here, we’ll join an exciting excursion visiting the grand Monreale Cathedral, designed by William the Good in 1174. Our tour takes in the structure’s remarkable features including its Benedictine cloisters, 12th century gold mosaics, tranquil courtyard, and fascinating Arab arches. Day 6 Catania Choose from two half-day sightseeing tours from Catania this morning. Discover the ancient city of Syracuse for a tour of the archaeological park of Neapolis, home to many fascinating ancient Greek ruins including a 16,000-capacity Roman amphitheatre, one of the largest of its kind in Italy. Or, join a walking tour of Taormina, Sicily’s picturesque hilltop town bursting with medieval character. See the 10th century Saracen fortress and the ancient Greek theatre still frequently used for operas and theatre performances, as well as taking time to stroll through the alleyways of the city to peruse the local handicrafts. Ship to shore tender service. Day 7 Valletta, Malta Dock in Malta to discover the country’s historic capital, Valletta, dominated by the UNESO-listed St John’s Co-Cathedral and Grand Master’s Palace - both of which we’ll visit today. We also explore the former capital, Mdina, with many reminders of the Middle Ages and stories of the Apostle Paul, who was shipwrecked off these coasts around AD 60, and brought Christianity to the island. Day 8 At sea Day 9 Chania, Crete, Greece Take in Chania’s highlights on today’s excursion. Visit the archaeological museum exhibiting western-Cretan pottery, detailed mosaics and sculptures, and coins dating back to the Neolithic period; and take a leisurely walk around the old town. Day 10 Heraklion Explore the fascinating Palace of Knossos, for tales of the bloodthirsty Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature thought to once roam the complex’s labyrinth. An earthquake destroyed the original complex but an even grander palace took its place. On our tour you’ll see remains and meticulous reconstructions of the structure’s spellbinding features including its audience chambers, flamboyant decorations, courts, throne room and spacious royal apartments. Day 11 Santorini Arrive in pretty Santorini this morning for a visit to the newly re-opened Minoan settlement of Akrotiri, buried under volcanic ash in 1500 BC, over 4,000 years before Pompeii existed. Also see the village of Oia, awash with picturesque blue-domed churches and white-washed houses. Ship to shore tender service. Day 12 Athens Disembark Aegean Odyssey and transfer to a hotel in Athens. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Greek capital. Day 13 Athens You have a choice of excursions. Enjoy a tour of the Acropolis, the ancient citadel commissioned by Pericles in the 5th century BC, home to several remarkable buildings representing the Athenian Golden Age including the magnificent Parthenon. Alternatively, view the splendour of Byzantine art at the Byzantine and Christian Museum, where the world’s largest collection of icons are displayed with impressive frescos, tapestries and sculptures; and at the Monastery of Kaisariani, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. Day 14 Athens - UK We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.