Istanbul, the Greek Isles & the Adriatic
May 2nd to May 14th, 2010
A special cruise tour planned and escorted by Gerhard Meng
I invite you to join me on an adventure to an exotic corner of the world. We’ll start in Istanbul, the cultural center of Turkey. This vibrant city has an over abundance of historical architecture and exciting new art galleries and museums. Here we board our ship, the m/s Seven Seas Mariner, as we begin our cruise on the Mediterranean Sea, stopping in the famous ports defined by ancient history as well as fascinating off-the-beaten-path ports that are tucked away like hidden treasures.
Aboard the m/s Seven Seas Mariner the atmosphere will be easy going informality in a luxurious environment. Service and comfort will be the six-star standard for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is renowned. The European stewards and staff are meticulously trained and eager to meet every need. Maximum passenger capacity is 700, served by a crew of 445. Cabins are spacious with a minimum of 300 square feet and all have a private balcony.
The trip has been planned to allow for maximum time in each port, most days arriving early in the morning and departing in the evening. Leisure time is always balanced with scheduled activities. I will be available to meet flight arrivals in Istanbul and will help with airport transfers on the day the tour is completed in Venice.
Gerhard Meng
Director, Gerhard’s Odysseys
PRICE PER PERSON: $4,995 land cost ($4,895 single surcharge)
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• One night at the five star Ceylan InterContinental Hotel Istanbul.
• Get Acquainted reception in Istanbul.
• Guided city tour of Istanbul.
• Ten nights aboard the grand MS Seven Seas Mariner – “H” category cabin.
• Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks during all meals and at all times throughout the ship.
• Hosted group cocktail party each evening on the ship.
• Free in suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water.
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell party on board the MS Seven Seas Mariner
• Shore excursions at all ports visited during the cruise
• Port charges, taxes, service charges and gratuities for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, and the MS Seven Seas Mariner crew.
• Transfer between airports, ship and the hotel.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at the hotel and on the ship.
• Laminated luggage tags and tour information packet.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Escorted by Gerhard Meng.
• Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for
those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise.
Upgrades are available to higher category cabins at an additional cost. Ask us for details regarding the various options. Full size bathtubs are available. Past Regent guests qualify for a special discount.
DAILY ITINERARY
Sunday, May 2nd - to Europe
Depart North America for Istanbul, Turkey. Relax on your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
Monday, May 3rd - Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul. I'll meet you at the airport and provide a transfer to our luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Istanbul is where “East meets West” and it is the former capital of three empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.
Ceylan InterContinental Hotel.
Tuesday - MS Seven Seas Mariner
This morning we tour the heart of old Constantinople. Experience the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia with a splendid marble interior decorated with precious stones and pillars from Ephesus. Visit the extraordinary Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest covered marketplace. Mid afternoon we board our ship.
Wednesday - in port from 2 pm to 11 pm
Mykonos Island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture postcard setting. The whitewashed houses, thatched windmills and churches are all great examples of the local architecture. You will enjoy strolling the narrow streets of old town and perhaps visit one of the island’s famous beaches.
Thursday - in port from 8 am to 11 pm
Today we explore Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. This is where Christian preachers often visited, including St. Paul and St. John.
Friday - in port from 8 am to 5 pm
With dramatic views of white houses clinging perilously to the side of the volcanic caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder Santorini Island may have the most photographed scenery in the world.
Saturday - in port from 9 am to 6 pm
Katakolon is the gateway to ancient Olympia, the chief sanctuary of Zeus. The Temple of Zeus is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Olympia is where the Olympic Games got their start in 776 AD.
Sunday - in port from 8 am to 6 pm
Legendary Corfu is a lush and romantic island, written about by Homer in his famous Odyssey. It has a flower strewn countryside and Adriatic-style villages with splendid coastal scenery and secluded beaches.
Monday - in port from 8 am to 11 pm
We walk through the famous walled medieval city of Dubrovnik (Croatia). You will learn why George Bernard Shaw called it “Paradise on Earth”. Visit Europe’s oldest pharmacy.
Tuesday - in port from 8 am to 3 pm Croatia’s island coast stretches for 110 miles and boasts a thousand islands, of which Korcula is said to be the most beautiful and the largest. It is also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean.
Wednesday - in port from 8 am to 10 pm
Today we tour Koper, Slovenia another beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and grand architecture from the 15th to 18th centuries. Don’t miss the iconic Praetor’s Palace.
Thursday – Venice, arrive 8 am
A day of leisure to explore Venice on your own or join one of the tours. Relax with a glass of wine in a cafe, overlooking the Grand Canal.
Friday, May 14th - return to USA.
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 27 GUESTS – Please phone for instructions if you would like to join the tour.
RESERVATIONS: Early reservations are essential. A deposit of 15% of the per person fare is required within six days of reservation. This can be charged to a credit card. An information packet will be forwarded with confirmation of your reservation and deposit. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfare is not included in the tour price. A special fare of $1,000 per person is available from 22 US select cities ($199 additional from 60 additional cities). Complimentary Business Class upgrades are included for all category C cabins and above. Cabin categories D through H offer upgrades to Business Class at a special rate of $1,998 per person (round trip).
For more information about the MS SEVEN SEAS MARINER please click here.
Questions? Call us at 1.800.966.2402