2023 Exploring the sea where it all started Mediterranean Cultural Expedition Cruises
2 3 THE SWAN HE L L EN I C D I F F ERENCE See what others don’t Some people see things as they are, others look further. Let us take you on a journey, that will change the way you see the world. Sail to some of the most incredible, remote destinations on the planet. When you travel with us, the wonders of the world take on a richer hue. Over 70 years of cruise expertise That’s how long we’ve been navigating the world’s waters. Swan Hellenic is built on a passion for exploration, a reputation for safety and professionalism of the highest standard. Boutique ships Just you and nature, that’s how you’ll feel on our 5 star contemporary Scandinavian inspired ships. With open-plan design, panoramic views and a focus on wellness, they’re the perfect place to relax, recharge and explore. Intuitive service When it comes to anticipating your needs, no request is too big or too small. To us, personal and unobtrusive service means everything from making sure you’re fully equipped for an Arctic excursion to remembering your favourite gin serve when it comes to predinner drinks. Enriching cultural expeditions Once, we travelled to educate – professors, scientists, researchers. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep knowledge of the world. Today, we use this knowledge to create immersive cultural experiences that take you to the heart of a place. Al Khazneh, Petra
4 5 SUSTA I NAB I L I TY Responsible Cruising We are committed to preserving the beauty of the world we explore for future generations, taking urgent and innovative concrete action to reduce our environmental footprint. Climate Action Exploring the globe, we constantly encounter dramatic evidence of global warming and climate change. This strengthens our resolve to take urgent action - within our organisation and in the destinations we travel to - to combat their causes and mitigate their effects. Thriving Communities We build strong connections with the communities that host our cultural expedition cruises, respecting their cultural and environmental integrity, while partnering with them to generate positive impacts. Quality Education Education and research empower human potential. Proud of our roots in British academia, we work to support regional research initiatives, ensuring access to inclusive and equitable education and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. Swan Hellenic has always been passionate about our planet’s rich environmental and cultural heritage. It’s in our name and nature, and it's what inspires us to experience the world’s wild unspoilt places and explore its rich and diverse cultures, ancient sites and civilisations. A culture of care for people and planet Life in the Water With our strong seafaring heritage, we are committed to the responsible use of marine resources for sustainable development. This is vital in promoting and conserving the health and biodiversity of the Earth’s waters. Legacies of the Land We strive to preserve the natural and cultural landmarks that our expedition cruises explore, promoting and advancing the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and historic sites for future generations. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Dynamically inclusive companies and societies are key to sustainable development. As the pioneer of cultural expedition cruising, we welcome adventurers of every age, gender, orientation, nationality and interest to explore worldwide. We promote gender equity and women and girls’ empowerment worldwide, and have strong internal policies that ensure our employees enjoy equal opportunities of employment and professional development, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation, functional ability and political view. Proud member of Our focus areas Swan Hellenic’s sustainability policies are fully compliant with and exceed the cruise industry global standards governing its safety, environmental and labour aspects. In line with the UN sustainable development goals, we are focusing on the following 6 key areas.
7 CULTURAL CRU I S I NG Exploring with head and heart Swan Hellenic pioneered cultural expedition cruising in 1954, when we accompanied members of the Hellenic Society around the famous sites of ancient Greece in the company of eminent classicists. Explore Every Swan Hellenic cruise is the same today as it always was, combining geographical exploration with cultural and scientific discovery. We don't just take you to explore the most extraordinary places on earth. We bring you the company of like-minded people and renowned experts, who offer eye-opening lectures and are on hand for informal questions and discussion throughout your cruise. Experience So when you choose Swan Hellenic to see what others don’t – you can be sure you’ll do so with a full perspective and real insight into the history, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of the place. Briefings before each disembarkation and recaps afterwards supplement our lectures and talks, stimulating a relaxed social environment that encourages the sharing of experiences. Enrich At the same time, every Swan Hellenic cruise is also full of opportunities for you to develop your creative passions, with professionals on board to support you in photography and more. A library completes the picture, with a multitude of books on every subject, for you to take your interests to another level. It’s the depth of these other dimensions that’s unique to Swan Hellenic, making us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide. Ruins of Seleukeia Pamphylia Lyrbe, Greece
Mount Etna, Sicily Sounion, Greece 9 ME E T THE EXP ERTS Learn from the best Renowned in their respective fields, our onboard experts have unparalleled knowledge of the regions we visit. From historians to naturalists, meteorologists to ornithologists, our friendly experts will offer you incredible insight into the wildlife, history and geology of the places we visit. Tap into their expertise via our extensive lecture programme, or feel free to interact with them throughout your trip. On board our boutique ship, you’re likely to grab a coffee with an expert, birdwatch on the deck alongside an accomplished ornithologist, or chat with them over dinner — they’re more than happy to share their knowledge with you! Marine Biologists As you encounter whales, dolphins and other marine species, you can consult our marine biologists for fascinating anecdotes. Geologists Everyone loves a beautiful landscape. But understanding its geology and how it was formed will change your perspective forever. Historians Our historians will enrich your expedition experience with incredible stories and unmatched knowledge of the places we visit. Archaeologists Join our archaeologists and discover what lies beneath our feet. Uncover lost cities and ancient civilisations that shaped our history. Ornithologists Will you be lucky enough to spot a snow petrel? Learn from our ornithologists and be inspired to identify the incredible birds you’ll see. Photographers Chat to our expert photographers and learn how to best capture movement and light in the extraordinary destinations we visit. Customer care Pagoda K Folding fan Arc eological Sites Indigenous South America Indigenous New Zealand Indigenous Polar Cultural sight Historic building Church Synogogue Mosque Knowledge Passion Penguin Arctic F x Polar Bear Wellbeing Polar Meteorology Photography Zodiac Snorkling K Wildlife Nature Geology Snow shoe Trekking/ Hiking Birdwatching Taste Onshore Fauna Shore excursion Culture Arctic Cir Explore Customer care Knowledge Passion Panama Canal Navigator Equator Voyager Drake Passage Conqueror Polar Plunge Survivor Penguin Arctic Fox Polar Bear Wellbeing Polar Meteorology Photography Zodiac Northwest Passage Traveller Snorkling Wildlife Nature Geology Snow shoe Flights Cruise Drive Hotel Trekking/ Hiking Birdwatching Taste Achievements Travel Onboard Onshore Fauna Shore excursion Culture Arctic Circle Explorer Customer care Knowledge Passion Panama Canal Navigator Equator Voyager Drake Passage Conqueror Polar Plunge Survivor Wellbeing Polar Meteorology Photography Zodiac Northwest Passage Traveller Snorkling Kayaking Wildlife Nature Geology Snow shoe Flights Cruise Drive Hotel Trekking/ Hiking Birdwatching Taste Achievements Travel Onboard Onshore Fauna Shore excursion Pagoda Kimo o Folding fan Archeological Sites Indigenous South America Indigenous New Zealand Indigenous Polar Cultural sight Historic building Church Synogogue Mosque Penguin Arctic Fox Polar Bear Meteorology Zodiac Snorkling Kayaking Wildlife Nature Geology Snow shoe Trekking/ Hiking Birdwatching Taste Onshore Fauna Shore excursion Culture Arctic Circle Explorer Customer care Knowledge Passion Panama Canal Navigator Equator Voyager Drake Passage Conqueror Polar Plunge Survivor Penguin Arctic Fox Polar Bear Wellbeing Polar Meteorology Photography Zodiac Northwest Passage Traveller Snorkling Kayaking Wildlife Nature Geology Snow shoe Flights Cruise Drive Hotel Trekking/ Hiking Birdwatching Taste Achievements Travel Onboard Onshore Fauna Shore excursion Culture Botanists Identify plant life at sea and on land with our expert botanists, and get insights into our ecosystems and climate. Customer care Pagoda Kimono Folding fan Archeological Sites Indigenous South America Indigenous New Zealand Indigenous Polar Cultural sight Historic building Church Synogogue Mosque Knowledge Passion Penguin Arctic Fox Polar Bear Wellbeing Polar Meteorology Photography Zodiac Snorkling Kayaking Wildlife Nature Geology Snow shoe Flights Cruise Drive Hotel Trekking/ Hiking Birdwatching Taste Onboard Onshore Fauna Shore excursion Culture
10 11 A TYP I CAL DAY Back on board, you’ll have the time to share experiences over lunch, whether snacking in the Club Lounge or savouring something a little more substantial in the Swan Restaurant or Pool Bar & Grill. 12pm There may be time after lunch for another shore excursion at our current port of call. Delve into local culture or uncover more archaeological sites and immerse yourself in the long, complex history of the Mediterranean. 2pm Indulge in our High Seas High Tea, or retreat to the comfort of your stateroom for a movie on your flatscreen TV. Sweat it out in our stunning panoramic sauna, take a dip in the pool, take a mindfulness class, or pop to the salon for a relaxing treatment. 4pm Each evening a member of our expert team or a guest lecturer will talk you through the day's highlights. We will then discuss the shore excursion plans for the following day. 6.30pm It's now time to enjoy the pleasures of elegant dining. Our chefs have prepared a selection of international culinary delights, expertly paired with wines selected by our sommelier. 7pm End a perfect day with your favourite drink and a wonderful piano performance. Or head out to the deck for some stargazing under the clear night sky. 9.30pm There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board. Endless ways to spend your day Plan your perfect day 6am Waking comfortably refreshed in your stateroom, early risers can join the team on deck for an early morning breakfast. Breathe in the Mediterranean sea air as you sip your fresh tea or coffee. What a wonderful way to prepare for the day's adventures exploring a treasure trove of history and ancient sites. 7am Early risers have the time to take a fitness class or workout in our gym. Refuel with a light continental or substantial cooked breakfast - a perfect foundation for the action-packed day ahead. Prepare yourself for today's shore excursion as we disembark at one of our preferred, off-thebeaten track, Mediterranean ports, many of which are only accessible to smaller cruise ships. Our expert-led cultural tours will take you to long-forgotten settlements or wondrous archaeological sites where the ancient cultures of Mediterranean Europe come to life. 8am
13 WHAT ' S I NCLUDED Enhance your experience You also have the option of adding some extra special services to your cultural cruise experience (additional charges apply): • Air fares (unless otherwise stated) • Travel insurance • Optional land programmes and hotel accomodation pre or post cruise • Premium and private shore excursions • Premium alcoholic beverages • Spa & beauty treatments • Laundry services • Retail shop purchases We've taken care of the finer details, allowing you to focus your full attention on your cultural expedition cruise experience. Our cruise fares are allinclusive, so there are no surprise extras or unexpected gratuity bills. Relax in the full knowledge that all you have to do is have a wonderful time. All-inclusive experience • Group transfer from the airport to the hotel the day before embarkation, from the hotel to the cruise port on embarkation day and from the cruise port to the airport on disembarkation day • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard • All meals onboard • Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category • 24-hour room service • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day • Lecture programmes by our experienced guest speakers • One selected shore excursion per port of call • Standard WiFi • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Mediterranean Cultural Expedition Cruises Swan Hellenic’s first cultural cruise dropped anchor in the Mediterranean back in 1908. And over a century later, we are thrilled to be embracing the spirit of curiosity and discovery initiated by those first adventurers. Today our guests can explore the antiquity and beauty of this incredible region aboard our small yet stylish 5-star cultural cruise ship in the company of world-renowned regional specialists. Visiting the smaller ports and lesser-explored countries of the Mediterranean allows us to create truly unique, unforgettable experiences across each of our expertly curated itineraries. Venture beyond the sunny beaches and sparkling seas and discover the landscapes and legends that have drawn civilisations to this part of the world for millennia. MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S ITINERARY FROM TO DURATION SAILING DATES TRADE ROUTES OF ANTIQUITY Piraeus Palermo 13 days 26 Mar 2023 SECRETS OF SICILY Palermo Palermo 9 days 7 Apr 2023 MYSTERIES OF CARTHAGE AND THE MOORS Palermo Lisbon 11 days 15 Apr 2023 HISTORIC PORTS OF THE WESTERN SEABOARD Lisbon Amsterdam 10 days 25 Apr 2023 HISTORIC PORTS OF THE WESTERN SEABOARD Amsterdam Lisbon 10 days 8 Aug 2023 MYSTERIES OF CARTHAGE AND THE MOORS Lisbon Palermo 11 days 17 Aug 2023 SECRETS OF SICILY Palermo Palermo 9 days 27 Aug 2023 CRADLES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN Palermo Piraeus 9 days 4 Sep 2023 THREADING THE ISLANDS TO TROY AND ISTANBUL Piraeus Istanbul 12 days 12 Sep 2023 SAILING THE CUSP OF EUROPE AND ASIA Istanbul Limassol 11 days 23 Sep 2023 REVELATIONS OF SUEZ, SINAI AND THE RED SEA Limassol Jeddah 13 days 3 Oct 2023 14 15 St. Panteleimon, Cyclades
Al Khazneh, Petra 17 Mediterranean Culture MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S Greece More than just a pretty face with its endless coastlines, white-washed buildings and balmy seas, Greece is the place where mythology and ancient history intertwine. Contemplate the seemingly impossible architecture of Athens’s Parthenon, marvel at Delos Island’s archaeology or follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims at the Temple of Artemis. Turkey The meeting point of Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is richly historical and home to a striking diversity of cultures. Explore GrecoRoman Ephesus, the bestpreserved ancient city in the Mediterranean, tour Istanbul’s centuries-old Blue Mosque or indulge in Turkey’s culinary history with meze and baklava accompanied by a glass of traditional çay. Italy The seat of the Roman Empire, Italy is renowned for its worldclass food, fine wine, fashion and football. But delve beneath the surface and you’ll find an abundance of unexpected wonders. From Trapani’s biodiverse salt pans to the Valley of the Temples, an ancient architectural wonder, Italy is a treasure trove of cultural and natural marvels. Cyprus From neolithic settlements to the remains of once mighty kingdoms, sun-soaked Cyprus is home to some fascinating archaeology. Often referred to as the ‘Island of Love’, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty was once worshipped here. Today she can be honoured at the ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tunisia The Arab-speaking world’s most liberal sovereignty, compact Tunisia punches well above its weight with its cultural offerings. Just outside of Tunis, the ancient city of Carthage was once the heart of the Phoenician trade network. Tunis’s Bardo Museum houses the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Here, the distant past is never far away. Algeria Since its Phoenician foundations in 900 BC, the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Muslims, Spanish, Ottomans and the French have all laid their claim on this land. The result is a magnificent blend of Islamic architecture, Europeaninfluenced culture, ancient fortresses and vast, perfectly preserved Roman sites.
Church of Agios Nikolaos, Island of Lemnos, Greece 19 Mediterranean Wonders MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S Archaeology The Mediterranean is the best open-air museum in the world, with archaeological sites that showcase its rich and complex history. From Malta’s historical capital, Valletta and Algeria’s perfectly preserved Roman towns, to Turkey’s ancient city of Ephesus, exploring the archaeological gems of the Mediterranean will transport you back to antiquity and beyond. Architecture For over 3,500 years the architects of the Mediterranean competed in making their buildings more durable, more beautiful, and increasingly elaborate. The Parthenon in Athens and the Valley of Temples in Sicily are just a few of the incredible feats of ancient architecture that never fail to leave visitors in complete awe. History From the Phoenicians and Greeks to the Romans and the Ottomans, the shores of the Mediterranean have given birth to many of history’s legendary civilisations. They have also witnessed epic battles and seen the rise and fall of powerful empires - all culminating in a fascinating past that has intrigued curious travellers for centuries. Landscape Beautiful shorelines and shimmering blue waters are synonymous with the Mediterranean. And whilst it’s true that you can find some of the world’s most stunning beaches here, the rest of the region’s varied and diverse landscapes also have much to offer. Pristine forests, coastal wetlands, semi-arid steppes and smouldering volcanoes all wait to be discovered. Wildlife Although the Mediterranean covers less than 1% of the world's ocean surface, it holds 1 in 10 of all known marine species, of which 28% are found nowhere else on earth. With the help of our onboard experts, we’ll search for the many species of dolphins, whales, porpoises, sharks, turtles and more that call these abundant waters home. Cuisine Prepare your tastebuds for an epic culinary journey as you sample some of the world’s most beloved dishes straight from the source. From Sicily’s world-famous cannoli and traditional Greek moussaka to the spicy aromas of the North African tagine, tasting your way across the Mediterranean is a pleasure like no other.
20 21 Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com *Price based on Ocean View cabin category *Price based on Ocean View cabin category GREECE , ALBANIA & ITALY 26 Mar – 7 Apr 2023 Piraeus – Palermo 13 days SH Diana Trade Routes of Antiquity Leaving Athens and its iconic Acropolis behind us, we embark on a captivating voyage through time. Aboard our small 5-star cultural cruising ship, explore some of Greece’s most historically significant and beautiful islands, as well as the Turkish, Italian and Albanian coastlines and the lively culture of Sicily’s characterful islands. Our final port of call is vibrant, multicultural Palermo, a fitting place to conclude this horizonbroadening adventure. • Explore the ancient city of Butrint, one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania • Uncover Rethymno’s multicultural past and explore its picturesque lanes • Visit the medieval ruins of the 13thcentury citadel of Mystras, a former Byzantine capital HIGHL IGHTS MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S Ruins of Kourion, Cyprus Day Visiting • 1 Piraeus • 2 Amorgos Island • 3 Rhodes • 4 Rethymnon • 5 Gythion • 6 Argostoli, Cephalonia Island • 7 Preveza • 8 Sarande • 9 Gallipoli • 10 Siracusa • 11 Taormina • 12 Lipari • 13 Palermo Rethymnon Rhodes Amorgos Lipari Gallipoli Gythion Argostoli, Cephalonia Island Preveza Sarande Siracusa Taormina TURKEY GREECE ALBANIA ITALY Piraeus Palermo BLACK SEA MEDITERRANEAN SEA TYRRHENIAN SEA ADRIATIC SEA PALERMO Learn about the Palermo Stone. By using this stone, historians have been able to reconstruct and learn about the first 700 years of Egyptian civilization. RODHES Walk to the top of Lindos’ ancient Acropolis for some of the best views in Greece Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com SICI LY ISLAND 7 – 15 Apr 2023 Palermo – Palermo 9 days SH Diana 27 Aug – 4 Sept 2023 Palermo – Palermo 9 days SH Diana Secrets of Sicily Discover the heart of the Mediterranean on this fascinating Sicilian cultural cruise. Sicily is a wonderful concoction of rich history, culinary delights, vibrant culture and striking natural landscapes. Aboard our 5-star boutique cultural cruising ship, you’ll experience the best of this beautiful island in comfort and style. From bustling Palermo, glamorous Taormina and the intriguing Valley of the Temples to the Salt Pans of Trapani, this alluring Italian gem has much to offer. • Visit the tomb of Archimedes in Siracusa’s necropolis • Uncover the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site • Explore one of the world’s most concentrated historic areas in Valletta, Malta’s capital city HIGHL IGHTS Lipari, Italy Day Visiting • 1 Palermo • 2 Lipari • 3 Taormina • 4 Siracusa • 5 Valletta • 6 Porto Empedocle • 7-8 Trapani • 9 Palermo Lipari Siracusa Porto Empedocle Trapani Valletta Taormina ITALY Palermo MEDITERRANEAN SEA TYRRHENIAN SEA TRAPANI Spot pink flamingos and cranes at the Nature Reserve of the Salt Pans of Trapani TAORMINA Take a seat at Taormina’s 3rd-century Greek-Roman theatre, overlooking the smoking Mount Etna Starting from €7,938 pp* Starting from €5,709 pp*
22 23 Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com FROM AMSTERDAM TO L ISBON 25 Apr – 4 May 2023 Lisbon – Amsterdam 10 days SH Diana 8 – 17 Aug 2023 Amsterdam – Lisbon 10 days SH Diana Historic Ports of theWestern Seaboard Follow in the footsteps of sailors, royals and artists, as you explore the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain and France before cruising the English Channel to Belgium and the Netherlands. This 10-day cruise of Western Europe on board our boutique ship carries you between two European capitals, from the hilly alleyways of Lisbon to the flat canalside streets of Amsterdam. Along the way, discover Roman lighthouses, gaze upon sandy beaches and feast on seafood. Sit back and enjoy this leisurely voyage taking in the fishing villages, ancient ports, fortified medieval towns and picturesque harbours that attracted renowned artists including Monet and Boudin. • Admire the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao • Follow in the footsteps of French artists Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin in Brittany and Normandy • Explore the old streets of Gijon’s fisherman’s quarter, Cimadevilla HIGHL IGHTS MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Day Visiting • 1 Lisbon • 2 Figueira Da Foz • 3 Finisterre & Vigo • 4 Gijon • 5 Bilbao • 6 Concarneau • 7 Saint-Malo • 8 Honfleur • 9 Zeebrugge • 10 Amsterdam Figueira da Foz Vigo Gijon Concarneau Saint-Malo Honfleur Zeebrugge Amsterdam SPAIN PORTUGAL FRANCE BELGIUM NETHERLANDS Lisbon MEDITERRANEAN SEA NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN NORTH SEA Finisterre Bilbao BRUGES Take a leisurely boat tour along the waterways of Bruges, nicknamed the Venice of the North CONCARNEAU Admire outstanding Gothic architecture while walking the granite ramparts of Concarneau and St Malo FROM PALERMO TO L ISBON Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors Departing Sicily’s vibrant Palermo, we’ll embark on our voyage of discovery along the historical North African coast. In Tunisia, we’ll explore the remains of the ancient trade hub of Carthage. From the French influences of Annaba to Oran’s complex past, Algeria is a land that has been shaped by the many civilisations that have ruled here. Morocco’s Tangier tells tales of its counterculture past and in Seville, we’ll discover the birthplace of flamenco. Conclude this intrepid journey in Portugal, exploring Lisbon's colourful neighbourhoods and enjoying some well-earned relaxation time on its beautiful beaches. • Browse the bustling Arab-influenced street market stalls of Palermo • Uncover the ancient city of Carthage, the former centre of the Phoenician trade network • Get lost in the whitewashed, steep, winding alleyways of the Kasbah medina in Algiers HIGHL IGHTS Flamenco in Seville ITALY SPAIN PORTUGAL MOROCCO ALGERIA TUNISIA Palermo La Goulette Annaba Bejaia Algiers Oran Tangier Seville Portimao Lisbon MEDITERRANEAN SEA SEVILLE Feast on history, flamenco and tapas in the Andalusian capital of Seville BEJAIA Visit a colony of endangered barbary macaques in Bejaia’s Gouraya National Park 15 – 25 Apr 2023 Palermo – Lisbon 11 days SH Diana 17 – 27 Aug 2023 Lisbon – Palermo 11 days SH Diana Day Visiting • 1 Palermo • 2 La Goulette • 3 Annaba • 4 Bejaia • 5 Algiers • 6 Oran • 7 Tangier • 8-9 Seville • 10 Portimao • 11 Lisbon Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com *Price based on Ocean View cabin category *Price based on Ocean View cabin category Starting from €6,266 pp* Starting from €6,824 pp*
24 25 FROM PIRAEUS TO ISTANBUL Threading the Islands toTroy and Istanbul Leaving Athens and its famous Acropolis behind, we set sail on this 12day Threading the Islands to Troy and Istanbul cultural cruise. Aboard our 5-star boutique ship, we voyage back to the days of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Stand in the stadium that first hosted the Olympic Games in 776 BC, discover the excavations at Akrotiri on Santorini, and decide whether this was indeed the Lost City of Atlantis. We follow in the footsteps of Minoans, Venetians and Turks who all left their legacy on these ancient lands, and walk the ancient streets of Roman cities, such as Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. This captivating cruise takes you to some of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, from the Temple of Zeus to the Colossus of Rhodes and Temple of Artemis. Learn more about the region's history from our onboard experts along the way, before concluding this remarkable voyage where the ancient and modern worlds collide in vibrant Istanbul. • Uncover the location of the Lost City of Atlantis at Akrotiri in Santorini • Wander the main street at Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities • Learn more about three of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World from our onboard experts HIGHL IGHTS Akrotiri in Santorini Istanbul Paros Island Despotiko Island Santorini Corinth Canal Katakolon Itea Preveza Rhodes Rethymnon TURKEY GREECE Piraeus MEDITERRANEAN SEA Kusadasi Chios Canakkale OLYMPIA Explore the ancient stadium that accommodated 45,000 spectators at the first Olympics in 776 BC DELPHI Seek answers from the god Apollo at the Ancient Greek sanctuary at Delphi 12 – 23 Sept 2023 Piraeus – Istanbul 12 days SH Diana Day Visiting • 1 Piraeus & Corinth Canal • 2 Itea • 3 Preveza • 4 Katakolon • 5 Rethymnon • 6 Santorini • 7 Despotiko Island & Paros Island • 8 Rhodes • 9 Kusadasi • 10 Chios • 11 Canakkale • 12 Istanbul Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com FROM PALERMO TO PIRAEUS Cradles of the Mediterranean Embark on a captivating voyage through time on our 9-day Cradles of the Mediterranean cruise. Minoans, Ancient Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Venetians, Turks have all laid claim to these lands leaving behind a rich legacy of history and architecture. Aboard our small 5-star cultural cruising ship, you’ll begin your historical journey in the vibrant, multicultural city of Palermo in Sicily and discover some of the bestpreserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world outside of Greece. From there, we explore part of the Peloponnese region of southern Greece and learn more about the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia. We finally conclude our voyage on board our boutique ship at the Acropolis in Athens, the most famous Ancient Greek remains in the world. • Learn more about Archimedes while searching for his tomb in the necropolis at Siracusa • Uncover Rethymno’s multicultural past and explore its picturesque lanes • Sit among the ruins at Olympia, home of the first Olympic Games in 775 B.C HIGHL IGHTS Piazza Pretoria, Palermo Rethymnon Crotone Gythion Nafplion Monemvasia Katakolon Siracusa GREECE ITALY Piraeus Palermo MEDITERRANEAN SEA TYRRHENIAN SEA Porto Empedocle MONEMVASIA Wander medieval alleyways in the 6thcentury castle town of Monemvasia PALERMO Munch your way around the Palermo’s bustling street markets 4-12 Sept 2023 Palermo – Piraeus 9 days SH Diana Day Visiting • 1 Palermo • 2 Porto Empedocle • 3 Siracusa • 4 Crotone • 5 Katakolon • 6 Gythion & Monemvasia • 7 Rethymnon • 8 Nafplia • 9 Piraeus Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com *Price based on Ocean View cabin category *Price based on Ocean View cabin category MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S Starting from €7,381 pp* Starting from €5,709 pp*
26 27 Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com FROM ISTANBUL TO L IMASSOL 23 Sept – 3 Oct 2023 Istanbul – Limassol 11 days SH Diana Sailing the Cusp of Europe and Asia Leaving the culturally diverse city of Istanbul in Turkey behind, our fivestar boutique ship heads across the Aegean Sea on our 11-day Sailing the Cusp of Europe and Asia cruise before concluding in beautiful Cyprus. This absorbing voyage takes us on a journey through Eastern Mediterranean history, discovering once-glorious ancient sites that were home to some of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Discover the remnants of Ancient Greek and Roman trading ports, cities and temples as you roam through World Heritage archaological sites. From picturesque medieval towns to the site of a bloody World War I battle, history surrounds you on this cultural cruise where ancient worlds have shaped the modern cities you visit today. • Learn more about the ancient Greek poet, Homer, on his home island of Chios • Wander through ancient streets in the legendary commercial city of Ephesus • Discover two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World HIGHL IGHTS MED I T ERRANEAN EXP ED I T I ON CRU I S E S Island of Chios Day Visiting • 1-2 Istanbul • 3 Canakkale • 4 Chios • 5 Kusadasi • 6 Patmos • 7 Rhodes & Lindos • 8 Fethiye • 9 Antalya • 10 Tasucu • 11 Limassol FROM L IMASSOL TO JEDDAH Revelationsof Suez, Sinai and theRedSea Embark on an epic journey steeped in centuries of history on our 13day Revelations of Suez, Sinai and the Red Sea' cruise on our 5-star. Departing from Cyprus, we’ll call in at the Egyptian port city on the Mediterranean, Port Said, before spending the day sailing through the Suez Canal en route to the Red Sea. You have plenty of time to discover the charms of the Red Sea, from the beauty of diving in its waters, to the intriguing ports of Sharm El-Sheikh, Aqaba and Safaga, perhaps travelling inland to visit ancient sites such as Cairo, Luxor and Petra. Then it’s time to call in to Saudi Arabia, at the holy city of Medina before exploring some prime diving around Marmar Island. Finally we arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s jewel, knowing we’ve seen some of the most colourful places on the Red Sea. • Stand at the foot of Mount Sinai where Moses received the ten commandments • Cruise along the Suez Canal, one of the great feats of Victorian engineering • Wander around the ancient old town of Jeddah and admire the modern Saudi architecture HIGHL IGHTS Safaga Safaga Jeddah JORDAN SAUDI ARABIA EGYPT RED SEA MEDITERRANEAN SEA Port Said Suez Canal Sharm El Sheikh Aqaba Limassol Yanbu Marmar Island PETRA Completely carved out of the sandstone mountains, the Treasury was built as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III LUXOR Explore the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground for pharaohs from the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties 3 – 15 Oct 2023 Limassol – Jeddah 13 days SH Diana Day Visiting • 1 Limassol • 2 At Sea • 3 Port Said • 4 Suez Canal • 5 Sharm El Sheikh • 6 Aqaba • 7 Safaga • 8 At Sea • 9-10 Yanbu • 11 Marmar Island • 12-13 Jeddah Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com Limassol Rhodes Lindos CYPRUS Taşucu Chios Istanbul Çanakkale Kuşadası Patmos TURKEY BLACK SEA MEDITERRANEAN SEA Antalya Fethiye ANCIENT TROY Stand among the ruins of Ancient Troy and listen to stories of Trojan history ANTALYA Walk through the triumphal arch of Hadrian’s Gate and immerse yourself in Antalya’s old town *Price based on Ocean View cabin category *Price based on Ocean View cabin category Starting from €6,824 pp* Starting from €7,938 pp*
29 The Swan's Nest, onboard SH Diana Deck 3 Marina Deck Zodiac Boarding Basecamp Library Expedition Lab Clinic Laundry Deck 4 Swan Restaurant Reception Oceanview Staterooms Launderette Deck 5 Balcony Staterooms Junior Suites Suites Deck 6 Premium Suites Suites Junior Suites Balcony Staterooms Swan's Nest Deck 7 Swimming Pool Pool Bar & Grill Club Lounge Events Room Observation Lounge Deck 8 Gym Sauna Jacuzzi Spa Beauty Salon Bridge Stateroom Category: Oceanview: 20 (20m2) Balcony: 66 (28m2) Junior Suite: 4 (35m2) Suite: 4 (44m2) Premium Suite: 2 (47m2) Ship Specification: Guest Capacity: 192 Staff: 141 No. of Decks: 9 Staterooms: 96 Length: 410 ft (125m) Breadth: 75 ft (23m) Tonnage: 12,100 GRT Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots Propulsion: Hybrid Diesel Electric, Polar Class PC6 Registered: Malta Lifeboats: 2 Tender: 2 Zodiacs: 13 MK V 2 MK VI The largest 5-star ship in our fleet, SH Diana (named after the Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness) is elegant, spacious and built to explore the Mediterranean’s famous sites of antiquity and beyond. SHDiana Deck 9 Stargazing Deck Accessible Staterooms: 419 (Deck 4), 635 (Deck 6) DECK P LANS
View from balcony 30 31 Your home away fromhome Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with 5-star comforts. The variety of lighting options and crackling holographic fire offer the perfect option for cozy evenings, and the floor to ceiling windows and balcony doors ensure that no sunset or suprise sighting goes unmissed. Oceanview 19m2 (205ft2) | Sleeps 2 Oceanview staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed with living room area and a luxurious bathroom. Your perfect space Each of our beautifully designed staterooms has everything you need for a pampered stay. Fluffy dressing gowns, a spacious dressing area and ample seating, as well as a well-stocked minibar and a personal safe. The desk in your room is the perfect place to plan the next day’s adventures, or head to your ensuite for a hot rainfall shower - the ideal way to relax after an action-packed day. Balcony 28m2 (302ft2) | Sleeps 2/3 Balcony staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 (65ft2) balcony. Junior Suite 35m2 (377ft2) | Sleeps 2/3 Features a king size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony. Suite 44m2 (474ft2) | Sleeps 4 Suites feature a king size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony. Premium Suite 49m2 (528ft2) | Sleeps 4 Premium suites feature a king size bed and separate living room with a soothing, flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walkin shower, a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony. Onboard stateroom suite. Suite sizes and categories vary by ship STAT EROOMS & SU I T E S
ARGENTINA ICELAND SVALBARD NORWAY SWEDEN GREENLAND CANADA DRAKE PASSAGE PACIFIC OCEAN UNITED STATES CHILE BRAZIL SOUTH AFRICA UK ATLANTIC OCEAN NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN NORWEGIAN SEA GREENLAND SEA BARENTS SEA LABRADOR SEA KENYA SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN SAUDI ARABIA ITALY GHANA ANGOLA NAMIBIA MADAGASCAR CARIBBEAN SEA VENEZUELA COLUMBIA LASKA CYPRUS FRANCE ALGERIA MOZAMBIQUE South Orkney Islands GREECE Mar & Nov 2023 Cape Town Portsmouth Lisbon Palermo Piraeus Istanbul Limassol Jeddah Mombasa Suez Canal Aqaba Port Victoria Zanzibar Nosy Be Maputo Tromsø Bergen Apr, May, Aug 2023 Feb & Oct 2023 Apr, Aug, Sep 2023 Mar & Sep 2023 Jun & Jul 2023 May 2023 May & Jul 2023 Ushuaia Oct 2022 – Mar 2023 Amsterdam Longyearbyen 32 33 SHDiana Destinations IZMIR EFESO See the ancient GrecoRoman world come alive as you explore this astonishingly well-preserved UNESCOlisted ruin. VALLE DEI TEMPLI The ‘Valley of the Temples’ is an archaeologist’s dream, with seven Doric temples to discover. TAORMINA Boutique-lined thoroughfares and parasoldotted beaches galore – Taormina is a chic, luxurious resort town. BEAR ISLAND It’s common to see arctic foxes dotted along the landscape of this Svalbard nature reserve. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA This UNESCO-listed Christian pilgrimage town is known as one of the world’s most beautiful urban areas. LUXOR Bisected by the Nile, ancient Thebes lives on in Luxor – and Safaga is the perfect port pitstop. PETRA Voted one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, Jordan’s ancient sandstone city rewards thorough exploration. ALDABRA ISLAND Home to the Aldabra giant tortoise, this atoll is the largest raised coral reef in the world. LAMU ISLAND With bustling days and balmy, star-filled nights, Lamu is beloved to expats and locals alike. MADAGASCAR For nature enthusiasts, the island is unmissable. Spot lemurs, turtles and more – the biodiversity is awe-inspiring. USHUAIA Try exploring and hiking in Argentina’s bustling port, where the Andes meets the Beagle Channel. SH I P ROUT E S
34 35 Book your cultural expedition cruise The long and deep cultural history of the Mediterranean has been fascinating intrepid Swan Hellenic guests for over a century. Follow in the footsteps of the curious explorers that came before you on an extraordinary voyage back to where it all began.
116 Cruise Selection Rootenstraat 7 bus 18 3600 Genk - België Tel: +32 (0)3 313 60 79 E-mail: info@cruiseselection.be Vergunningsnummer: A6231 www.swanhellenic.be
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