The Mediterranean
May 13th to June 1st, 2009
Nineteen days & Eighteen nights
A special tour planned and hosted by Gerhard Meng,
including sixteen nights aboard Oceania Cruises MS Insignia.
I invite you to join me as we cruise 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. The trip has been planned to allow for maximum time in each port, arriving early in the morning and departing in the evening.
The tour begins at our hotel in a small village outside of Venice. This unique property is a relaxing haven surrounded by its own park. The tour will end at an ultra-deluxe hotel in Rome where we will have our grand farewell celebration. While cruising we will be guests aboard the MS Insignia. Service and comfort will be the five-star standard for which Oceania Cruises is renowned. The European stewards and staff are meticulously trained and eager to meet every need. Maximum passenger capacity is 684, served by a crew of 400.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, port charges, fuel surcharges, transfers, luggage handling and many of the shore excursions are included in the cost of the tour. All meals except two lunches are included. I will be available to meet all flight arrivals in Venice and will help with airport check-in on the day the tour is completed in Rome.
It would be my pleasure to have you join me!
Gerhard Meng
Director, Gerhard’s Odysseys
PRICE PER PERSON: $6,995 land cost ($3,995 single room surcharge)
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• Two nights in outstanding hotels.
• Sixteen nights aboard the deluxe MS Insignia – “C2” category cabin.
• Special shipboard credit of $150 per stateroom for use in the on board shop, bars or spa.
• Get Acquainted reception and dinner in Monastier.
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell party on board the MS Insignia.
• Exclusive on board cocktail party hosted by Gerhard.
• Land transport and transfers by private motorcoach.
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with local guides and entrance fees.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at the hotels and on the ship.
• Laminated luggage tags and "tour information" packet.
• All gratuities, port charges, visas, taxes, fuel surcharges, service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local guides and the MS Insignia crew. No additional tipping.
DAILY ITINERARY
Wednesday, May 13th - to Europe
Depart North America for Venice, Italy. Relax on your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
Thursday, May 14th – Monastier. I'll meet you at the airport and provide a transfer to our hotel. Stroll the village streets and relax in the hotel park before the Get Acquainted reception and dinner. Hotel Villa Fiorita.
Friday - MS Insignia in Venice. This morning we travel a short distance to Treviso. Our local guide will walk us through the 15th century streets of this lovely town. On the transfer to our ship we will follow the Riviera del Brenta, a strip of land lined with classic villas.
Saturday - MS Insignia in Venice (all day in port). A day of leisure to explore Venice on your own. Discover Venice’s secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano Island.
Sunday - Slovenia (10 hours in port). Today we tour Koper, Slovenia. It has retained much of its grand architecture from the 15th to 18th centuries. Don’t miss its iconic Praetor’s Palace and Garvivi Castle.
Monday - Split (9 hours in port). This morning we explore Split, Croatia with our local guide. In the town center we’ll see the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian that has been integrated into the heart of 21st century Split. In the afternoon enjoy free time to browse the shops and explore further on your own.
Tuesday - Dubrovnik (21 hours in port). We walk 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.
Wednesday - Montenegro (8 hours in port). This morning we’ll tour Kotor, Montenegro, another beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine influences. Take home local lace, weavings, paintings and sculpture.
Thursday - Corfu & Albania (10 hours in port). In the morning we travel from Corfu’s (Greece) port into a region of orange and lemon groves to visit the Achilleion Palace. Originally built for the Empress of Austria, she was assassinated after it was completed. In the afternoon you have free time in Sarande, Albania. This ancient city is the gateway to the ruins of Butrint, whose acropolis, agora, amphitheater, temples, public baths and private residences have recently been excavated.
Friday. Relax and enjoy the amenities of our ship while we cruise the Ionian Sea.
Saturday - Malta (10 hours in port). On our morning tour we discover the myriad cultural layers of Malta. See the megalithic temples and ornate churches. Admire the dizzying limestone cliffs with the sparkling sea below. In the afternoon you can wander through churches where the Knights of St. John once ruled.
Sunday - Sicily (10 hours in port). The day is free to enjoy the town of Taormina, Sicily. You can stroll down medieval lanes past stunning palaces. See the famed Greek Theater and its fantastic view of Mt. Etna or take a trip to the volcano itself and get a first-hand look at cones, craters and lava streams from previous eruptions.
Monday - Sorrento (15 hours in port). According to Greek legend, it was at Sorrento (Italy) where Ulysses heard the tempting songs of the Sirens. After a scenic drive along the Bay of Naples, we will arrive at the remarkable ruins of Pompeii at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius. You also have the option of visiting the chic Isle of Capri.
Tuesday - Amalfi (7 hours in port). Approaching Positano (Italy) by sea, your first impression will be unforgettable. With its multi-colored Moorish-style houses clinging to the rugged slopes, it is straight out of a postcard. Although now one of the Amalfi Coast’s finest retreats for the wealthy, in 1953 when writer John Steinbeck lived here, the town was a forgotten fishing village loved by artists.
Wednesday - Livorno (12 hours in port). This morning our local guide will show us to the sights of Pisa, including Galileo’s famous Leaning Tower and the splendid cathedral that was built with the plunder captured during battles against the Muslims. We will also visit the historical town Lucca.
Thursday - St. Tropez (10 hours in port). After a short walking tour of St. Tropez (France) the day is free to continue exploring on your own or take an optional tour that takes you into the Provençal countryside with charming villages, lovely churches and stunning scenic views.
Friday - La Spezia (10 hours in port). The entire day is free to explore the picturesque Cinque Terre. Discover the five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Hike along the trail connecting them or take a boat tour and see them from the water.
Saturday - Portofino (7 hours in port). Guided stroll through picturesque Portofino (Italy) and Santa Margherita. You will have lots of time to browse in the shops for elegant leathers, silks, jewelry and art.
Sunday - Rome. After a leisure breakfast, we disembark our ship and begin our day with a visit to Vatican City and the Colosseum. Gala farewell dinner. Hotel Majestic.
Monday, June 1st - return to USA.
Our adventure comes to a close this morning. Jet back home from the Rome International Airport.
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS
RESERVATIONS: Notify us that you wish to join the tour. Your space will be reserved and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form, invoice for deposit and optional insurance application. Upon receipt of your deposit, another information packet will be forwarded with final confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Air fare is not included in the tour price. Plan to arrive in Venice no later than May 14th and depart from Rome on June 1st. Please contact us if you need assistance.
EXTRA NIGHTS: Gerhard will be available to meet all flights arriving in Venice on Wednesday, May 13th and Thursday, May 14th. He will also be available for check-in help at the Rome airport on Monday, June 1st and Tuesday morning, June 2nd. If you wish to arrive a day early (Wednesday) for the tour, the rate of $285 per double room ($220 single) will apply at the hotel in Monastier. An extra night (Monday) in Rome is $530 per double or single room. A buffet breakfast, tax, services fees and airport transfers are included in these rates. Dinner and beverages are included with the extra night in Monastier. Additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis.
CABIN UPGRADES: The Ms Insignia has sixteen categories of cabins located on five passenger decks. Our tour price is based on accommodations in a Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom - category C2, forward location. These 165 square foot cabins have a large picture window with full ocean view, queen or twin beds, spacious seating area and vanity/desk.
Optional upgrades are available:
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom - category C1 - $90 per person
supplement.
Same as C2 but locations are mid-ship for a smoother cruise
experienceVeranda Stateroom - category B2 – $695 per person supplement.
216 square feet, private veranda, fore and aft locationsVeranda Stateroom - category B1 – $785 per person supplement.
216 square feet, private veranda, mid-ship locationsConcierge Level Veranda - category A1, A2 & A3 – $885 to $1,160 per person (priced by location).
216 square feet, private veranda, preferred deck seven locations, many added luxury amenitiesPenthouse Suite – category PH1, PH2 & PH 3 - $2,055 to $2,540
per person (priced by location). 322 square feet, exclusively on
deck 8, all added luxury amenities and butler serviceThere are four categories lower than C2 that would reduce the
tour cost by $200 to $400 per person.
The Oceania Cruises Experience:
Oceania Cruises owns mid-size ships with a reputation for offering large-ship amenities. The moment you board you will start experiencing the impeccable level of service, hospitable and relaxing atmosphere and indulgent amenities. Meals will surely please the most discriminating palates. Menu offerings are extensive and extraordinary, with four open-seating dining venues to choose from. The renowned guest lecturers, entertainment headliners, state-of-the-art fitness center, Spa by Mandara, dance lessons and casino gaming are just a few of the choices for planning your time onboard.
The MS Insignia was built in 1998 and was completely refurbished in 2008. All staterooms are thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind. Furnishings are tasteful and include the revolutionary Tranquility Bed. Cabins have a 20” flat-screen television with DVD, internet access port, direct dial satellite phone, 110/220 voltage, hair dryers, plush robes and slippers, English milled toiletries and twice daily maid service.
Our hotels:
In order to relax after your flight and have the opportunity to experience a unique property away from the bustle of Venice I have chosen the Relais Villa Fiorita. Its idealic location is in the small village of Monastier in the countryside about 30 minutes from the airport. This historic villa was built in the middle of the nineteenth century and was made famous by the presence of Earnest Hemingway as he found inspiration and wrote some of his most famous novels. Completely refurbished in 2001, the villa today retains all of its original charm, architecture, restful areas and historic romantic atmosphere. The hotel is surrounded by a nine-acre park with large swimming pool, water fountains, small lake and 100 varieties of flowers.
At the end of our cruise we will stay an additional night in the heart of Rome. The Hotel Majestic has been located since 1889 on the via Veneto, steps away from Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese and the Spanish Steps. This lavish property is a home away from home for many celebrities and politicians and maintains its reputation for impeccable standards and service.
Small groups:
A smaller group allows everyone to meet new friends and to receive personal attention from the tour host. It also allows for more comfort in our deluxe motorcoach and better service in hotels and restaurants. You will be traveling with people from all over North America who are enjoyable companions and who share common interests. Group size is limited to 29 guests.
Since 1974:
This will be my 35th season of offering escorted tours. A reputation for value and quality has brought continuous praise from satisfied travelers. Many have joined me on several tours and some have been to Europe with me as often as nineteen times.
Questions? Call us at 1.800.966.2402
For more information about the MS INSIGNIA please click here HYPERLINK