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From the Golden Horn to Pompeii

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Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

Arrive at Thessaloniki and explore the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum, which displays the superb decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs.
Enjoy a walking tour of Skiathos, a charming place with its red-tiled roofs and maze of cobbled back streets.
Discover Delos - the smallest of the Cyclades. It was once the political and religious centre for the whole Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi.
Call into the home of Nestor, the wise king of Pylos who fought for the Greeks at Troy and advised Odysseuss son, Telemachus, on how best to deal with the evil suitors chasing his mother, Penelope.
Learn of the Battle of Nicopolis in 31 B.C. in which the army of 100,000 led by Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian who marked his victory by building a great city.
Drive to Lecce, often referred to as The Florence of the South with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture including an abundance of churches and noble palaces decorated with the Leccese stone.
Visit Pompeii this morning, surely one of Europes most compelling archaeological sites.

Highlights

Arrive at Thessaloniki and explore the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum, which displays the superb decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs.
Enjoy a walking tour of Skiathos, a charming place with its red-tiled roofs and maze of cobbled back streets.
Discover Delos - the smallest of the Cyclades. It was once the political and religious centre for the whole Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi.
Call into the home of Nestor, the wise king of Pylos who fought for the Greeks at Troy and advised Odysseuss son, Telemachus, on how best to deal with the evil suitors chasing his mother, Penelope.
Learn of the Battle of Nicopolis in 31 B.C. in which the army of 100,000 led by Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian who marked his victory by building a great city.
Drive to Lecce, often referred to as The Florence of the South with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture including an abundance of churches and noble palaces decorated with the Leccese stone.
Visit Pompeii this morning, surely one of Europes most compelling archaeological sites.
Ship Variety Voyager
Capacity: 72, Type: Luxury Small Ship Cruise

A relaxing and informative voyage that explores the Eastern Mediterranean and all its wonders. The small, yacht-like vessel is perfect for this journey of discovery as we cruise to some of the most fascinating sites of the ancient world along with idyllic villages and coastal ports. With just 72 passengers, we can disembark with ease and explore ashore in small groups. This is a very special itinerary between two of the Mediterraneans greatest cities, visiting a rich collection of archaeological, historical and beautiful sites on the Greek islands, Sicily and the shores of Italy which are seldom reached by the usual cruise ships.

This heady mix of islands and ports is certainly one of our most fascinating itineraries combining as it does some must see sites together with little known and rarely visited places that are perfectly suited for our private yacht. The itinerary has been planned to ensure the balance is just right between exploring ashore, relaxing onboard and with some time at leisure on some of the picturesque Greek islands for individual exploration. Whether you are interested in ancient history or simply enjoy cruising amongst stunning scenery, this voyage has a lot to offer.


Price includes 12 nights aboard the Variety Voyager on full board basis with house wine with lunch and dinner onboard, shore excursions, services of a cruise director, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, guest speaker, transfers, port taxes.

Arrive at Thessaloniki and explore the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum, which displays the superb decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs.
Enjoy a walking tour of Skiathos, a charming place with its red-tiled roofs and maze of cobbled back streets.
Discover Delos - the smallest of the Cyclades. It was once the political and religious centre for the whole Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi.
Call into the home of Nestor, the wise king of Pylos who fought for the Greeks at Troy and advised Odysseuss son, Telemachus, on how best to deal with the evil suitors chasing his mother, Penelope.
Learn of the Battle of Nicopolis in 31 B.C. in which the army of 100,000 led by Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian who marked his victory by building a great city.
Drive to Lecce, often referred to as The Florence of the South with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture including an abundance of churches and noble palaces decorated with the Leccese stone.
Visit Pompeii this morning, surely one of Europes most compelling archaeological sites.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul, Turkey.
Embark the Variety Voyager and sail in the early evening.
Day 2 - Canakkale.
This morning we call into Canakkale where there will be a choice of two excursions. Choose from a visit to Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was to one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and Priams Treasure, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. Alternatively join an excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula to see the World War I memorials which commemorate the famous Battle of Gallipoli.
Day 3 - Thessaloniki, Greece.
This morning we will call into Thessaloniki and explore the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum, which displays the superb decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs. The tombs were discovered in 1977-78 by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos. Until their discovery they were covered by a protective tumulus 13 metres high and 110 metres across. In 1993 an underground building was constructed to enclose and protect them once again. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Thessaloniki independently, perhaps visit one of the many museums the town has to offer.
Day 4 - Skiathos.
The picturesque island of Skiathos is our port of call today where we will enjoy a walking tour of the town, a charming place with its red-tiled roofs and maze of cobbled back streets. It is built on two small hills, dominated by the large 19th century churches of Trion Ierarchon and Panagia Limnia, which offer excellent views of the bustling harbour below. The main street winds up between the two hills to the old quarter of Limnia, a quiet neighbourhood of restored sea captains houses, covered with trailing bougainvillea and trellised vines. The town has twin harbours, separated by Bourtzi islet, which is reached by a narrow causeway. Behind the harbour is the Papadiamantis Museum, former home of the locally born novelist, whose name it takes. Although tiny, the museum shows the simplicity of local island life prior to the invasion of tourism. This afternoon relax onboard or explore the town further at leisure.
Day 5 - Delos & Mykonos.
The smallest of the Cyclades, Delos was once the political and religious centre for the whole Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. This morning we will explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo. During lunch we set sail for nearby Mykonos, which with its lively cafes and shops is the perfect contrast for an afternoon at leisure. Please note that whilst in Delos we will be at anchor and will use the Zodiacs to access the island.
Day 6 - Gythion.
From our berth in picturesque Gythion today, we head north towards Sparta, the capital of Laconia and a prominent city state in ancient Greece. However our destination this morning is Mystras a remarkably intact Byzantine town that once housed a population of 20,000 people. Here we visit the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is the two headed eagle, the symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty, carved into a plaque and according to tradition, this is where Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned king. Strolling through the narrow lanes of the dead city, we will also visit the Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue to the fascinating Diros Caves before making our way back to the Variety Voyager.
Day 7 - Pylos.
This morning we will call into the home of Nestor, the wise king of Pylos who fought for the Greeks at Troy and advised Odysseuss son, Telemachus, on how best to deal with the evil suitors chasing his mother, Penelope. From our berth in Navarino Bay, we will drive through the enchanting countryside to Methoni, one of the most impressive Medieval fortresses in Greece. The Venetians built Methoni on the Ionian Sea and Koroni on the Gulf of Messenia in the 13th century to safeguard their newly acquired Greek Empire. Also visit the castle of Neokastro which today houses the Centre for Underwater Archaeological Studies.
Day 8 - Preveza.
On our morning tour we learn of the Battle of Nicopolis in 31 B.C. in which the army of 100,000 led by Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian who marked his victory by building a great city. Amongst the ruins is one of the largest and best preserved Roman theatres in the Eastern Mediterranean. We return to the vessel for lunch and have the afternoon to explore this pretty yacht lined harbour town and nearby beaches.
Day 9 - Otranto, Italy.
From the port of Otranto we will drive to Lecce, often referred to as The Florence of the South with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture including an abundance of churches and noble palaces decorated with the Leccese stone, a chalky stone ranging in colours which became the local style due to its ease to work with. A guided tour will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. After the tour, there will be an exclusive, private visit to the 15th century Palazzo Tamborino-Cezzi. The owner of the palazzo will personally take us on a tour, sharing interesting stories and anecdotes regarding his family and the palazzo itself. Enjoy a light lunch of local specialities before a concert of traditional music of the Salento region called La Pizzica, a popular Italian folk dance, originally from the Salento peninsula which later spread throughout the Puglia region.
Day 10 - Crotone.
This morning drive inland to Santa Severina, a pretty town overlooking the Neto River valley. It is renowned for its wonderful Carrafa castle-fortress, surrounded by genteel dwellings, churches and tangled streets. After our guided tour of the town there will be the opportunity to taste the famous Ciros wine and sample the local cuisine: olive oil, local cold cuts and a selection of cheese before returning to the Variety Voyager.
Day 11 - Messina, Sicily.
From the nearby port of Messina this morning we will visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europes highest volcano, and one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. During our walking tour we will explore the atmospheric alleys and admire the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja, indicative of the architectural style of the period and adorned with classical double windows. Also visit the impressive Greek theatre which was built in the third century B.C. and enjoy some free time to explore independently before returning to the vessel. We will set sail for Castellamare di Stablia during lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon onboard.
Day 12 - Castellamare di Stabia, Italy.
From our berth at Castellamare di Stabia we will visit Pompeii this morning, surely one of Europes most compelling archaeological sites. We will walk the streets of the ancient Roman city which was buried under a layer of burning pumice stone during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.
Day 13 - Rome.
Disembark this morning in Civitavecchia and drive to Rome.
Variety Voyager
The 68m - 223ft state of the art Mega Yacht will accommodate just 72 passengers in 36 cabins. Built under the latest International “Safety of Life At Sea” (SOLAS 2010) regulatio…

Variety Voyager

Launched 2012
Length 68
Capacity 72
Crew 28

The 68m - 223ft state of the art Mega Yacht will accommodate just 72 passengers in 36 cabins. Built under the latest International “Safety of Life At Sea” (SOLAS 2010) regulations and classified by the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.), the Variety Voyager guarantees guests safety with incomparable comfort and elegance. The Variety Voyager will seduce her passengers with her sleek lines and ample deck space, very much what one expects from a millionaire’s super yacht. Inside, cabins and public areas are finished with warm fabrics, rich marbles, axminster carpeting and soft tones wood panelling. Everywhere, unobstructed views of the ocean and of the ports visited. And above all, the professional service of a crew of 28, always with a smile and a true desire to satisfy.
Dining Area Located on the Infinity deck, the glass enclosed dining room seats 75 passengers and allows for spectacular views around you, while dining in an elegant environment. It extends to the adjacent open deck dining room, also seating 50 passengers and allowing for breakfast, lunch or dinner to be taken “al fresco”. Food is served at the table or displayed on the state of the art hot & cold buffet which also includes an “a la minute cooking” section.
Lounge Area Located on the Riviera deck, right off the reception area, the Lounge is gracefully designed and finished with wood panels. There is ample seating space for moments of pleasure or relaxation and modern AV equipment for presentations. The mini library just off the Riviera Lounge, offers a variety of books and magazines.
Reception and Bar Reception area & Bar with audiovisual equipment. The ship also provides a library just off the Riviera Lounge, while you can enjoy a fresh made juice or a refreshing cocktail at the partly shaded sun deck lounge bar.
Mini Spa Suite Located on the Oceans deck, the Mini Spa suite has a massage room and sauna. Our Balinese Spa Supervisor also provides hair, face and nails treatments.

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Cabin layout for Variety Voyager
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

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