Three Cruise Deals to the Mediterranean Announced by Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, announces three all-inclusive cruise deals to the Mediterranean, scheduled for spring and summer 2011. Prices for these new 2011 cruise deals start from $3,195 and include international airfare, shore excursions in each port, lecture program by onboard experts, gratuities to shipboard staff and more. If booked by March 31, travelers can enjoy Special Stateroom Savings up to $1,500, based on double occupancy. Special Savings for Solo Travelers are also available with no single supplement for cabin categories C-N while supply lasts. Travelers can also enjoy the flexibility of selecting optional excursions or time at leisure following their included excursions. The three Mediterranean cruises take place aboard the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey. Smithsonian Journeys is known for its breadth of travel offerings, from around the world private-jet tours and luxury small-ship cruises to value-priced land tours in the United States and abroad. Full details on these value cruises to the Mediterranean can be found at the Smithsonian Journeys website.
“The Wonders of Turkey and the Greek Isles” (June 23-July 6) and “The Glories of Greece and Turkey” (July 1-14) feature similar itineraries. Included excursions showcase significant cultural sites, such as palaces and sacred sites of the Greek islands (Crete, Delos, Mykonos and Samos), the ancient cities of Ephesus and Aprodisias in Turkey and World Heritage sites in Athens and Istanbul. Both cruises feature a three-night hotel stay in Istanbul and a two-night hotel stay in Athens, with excursions and leisure time in both cities. Prices for these all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises start at $3,195 if booked by March 31 and include international airfare.
“Splendors of Italy and the Dalmatian Coast” (May 31-June 15) begins with a two-night stay in Rome. Travelers will then board the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey, cruise to Corsica and Sardinia and spend three days in Sicily. Following a day on the island nation of Malta, travelers will sail to the Dalmatian Coast for three days in Croatia, with two days exploring Dubrovnik and another day in Split. The cruise concludes with a two-night hotel stay in Venice, with a private evening visit to St. Mark’s Basilica among other excursions. Prices start at $3,750 if booked by March 31 and include international airfare.
All three cruises are aboard Aegean Odyssey, a mid-size ship accommodating 350 guests, which is ideal for cruising the coastal waters of the Mediterranean. Due to its size, the ship offers a host of amenities, yet can cruise the smaller, less-crowded harbors and sail closer to the coast to maximize the magical views. Comfortable, generously sized suites, junior suites and staterooms feature superb amenities and many offer balconies. Aegean Odyssey has two restaurants and dining at an outdoor terrace, three lounges, three bars, lecture theater, well-stocked library, Internet center, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa (with saunas, massage and beauty-treatment rooms) and hairdressers/beauty center. Telephone, fax and e-mail access are available via satellite. Photos and more details on the Aegean Odysseycan be found online.
These special cruise deals include international round-trip airfare from select East Coast gateways (with low add-ons from the Midwest and West coast), accommodations aboard ship and in hotels, most meals, shore excursions in each port, lecture program by onboard experts, all onboard gratuities, selected wine with dinner, baggage handling, and transfers (if booking airfare package), port and service charges and emergency evacuation insurance. More information can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/allinclusivemed or by calling toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687.
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
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