ESCAPE TO ANCIENT WORLDS WITH THESE 5 SUMMER CRUISES

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Dazzling journeys that guide, entertain and relax – award-winning Voyages to Antiquity offers a special selection of summer breaks for those keen to explore. A trusted affiliate of The Arts Society, its small-ship cruises focus on discovering the culture and natural wonder of the destinations to which it travels. On each cruise, expert guest speakers are also on hand to delve into the fascinating histories of every location. And, with the company having been awarded 2018 British Travel Award for Best Specialist Cruise Line, and Best for Enrichment and Best Specialist Cruise Line at Wave Awards 2019, now is clearly a good time to explore their portfolio of summer tours.

European Connoisseur – Seville to London

Starting in the vibrant city of Seville, capital of the Andalusia region of Spain, you’ll embark on a journey along the coasts of Spain, Portugal and France. See the colossal statue of Christ the King in Lisbon and take in the tips of wine expert John Ducker as you wind through the Gironde countryside. Carrying just 350 passengers, the Aegean Odyssey is the perfect vessel for a more intimate type of trip, whether you’re part of a group, a couple, or on a solo adventure.

Land of the Midnight Sun – London to Copenhagen

A maiden voyage for 2019, this 16-day tour sees the Aegean Odyssey enter the Arctic Circle as it plots its course along beautiful Scandinavian coastlines. Stopping off at the Shetland Islands on the way, you’ll reach as far north as Nordkapp, for stunning Arctic vistas, having taken in the traditional wooden houses of Tromsø and the sinuous Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund. The ship’s final destination is the city of Copenhagen, surrounded by the sea, where guests can enjoy expert-led tours, taking in the city’s architectural and artistic highlights, from the sleek Royal Danish Opera House to the many art galleries.

The Norwegian Fjords – Copenhagen to London

Although it takes in three outstanding capital cities – Copenhagen, Oslo and Edinburgh – the highlight of this cruise is surely the time spent exploring the arresting landscape of the fjords. As you cruise through the deep blue Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and onwards, excursions give you the chance to experience new things, such as a ride on the spectacular railway in Flam, or the opportunity to explore the Viking history of Stavanger. Dr Declan Taggart, an expert on the Vikings, is among the speakers on hand to illuminate the trip.

The Three Rivers – London to Lisbon

What better way to start your trip than cruising along the romantic Seine river? From Rouen there is the opportunity to visit the house and gardens of Claude Monet, or the Palace of Versailles, before embarking on a voyage through Honfleur, La Rochelle and the winemaking country of Bordeaux. The treasures of San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela await in Spain. And the trip ends with an extended stay in Lisbon, where you can choose to visit the city of Queluz, with its Rococo National Palace, and the soaring beauty of hilltop Sintra.

Mediterranean Odyssey – Lisbon to Rome

A sun-soaked voyage through the wild landscape and absorbing history of the Mediterranean Sea. The southern European coastline is your guide as you make stops in Spain, France and Italy, ending in Rome where you’ll tour the dramatic architecture and delve into the stories of the ancient world. Highlights on this cruise include sherry tasting in Cadiz, the world-famous works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona and the historic medieval town of Carcassonne.

Exciting itineraries like these are not the only attraction for prospective travellers. With Voyages to Antiquity, each guest’s fare includes more than you’d expect: flights, transfers, hotel stays, shore excursions, onboard gratuities, talks by expert speakers – and even wine and beer with dinner. That extra peace of mind will leave only one thing to worry about: which trip to choose?

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY CRUISE

• Return flights from London
• Pre/Post hotel stays (where applicable)
• Transfers to/from ship abroad
• All meals on board Aegean Odyssey
• Wine, beer & soft drinks with evening meals
• Escorted sightseeing in most ports of call
• Gratuities on board

Special discount!

Members of The Arts Society receive a 10% discount on bookings for these cruises, bar the European Connoisseur – Seville to London cruise, for which there is an offer of a 5% discount.

Start your plans

To book your summer adventure with Voyages to Antiquity, or to find out more, go to: www.voyagestoantiquity.com

Shorter fly-cruise SailAway options are from just £1,995 per person.