Swan Hellenic 2014 -2015 brochure

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• Baltic & NortherN Waters

• BlacK sea • aDriatic

• aeGeaN • the MeDiterraNeaN

• the cariBBeaN • ceNtral & south aMerica

• iNDia • the Far east

to book or request a brochure call 0844 209 9000visit www.swanhellenic.comor contact your local travel agent

Brochures from our sister companies

Discovery Sailaway 2013 Exceptional value destination cruising

Hebridean Island Cruises 2013 Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Isle of Man & Northern Ireland

River Cruising May - Sept 2013Award-winning river cruises along the Rhone, Danube and Dutch Waterways.

Swan HellenicJan 2014 - 2015Celebrating 60 years of small ship discovery cruising.

DIAMONDANNIVERSARY

Fares include

shore excursions worth

up to £650pp and all gratuitiesSWAN HELLENICJanuary 2014 – January 2015

ISSUED APRIL 2013

celebrating 60 Years of Discovery cruising from a renowned British company

Departs Cruise No.Days From/To Cruise reference Pages

FLY CRUISES JANUARY – APRIL 2014

jaN 05, 2014 WoNDers oF The aNDes aND aTaCama 25 BriDgeToWN, Barbados / ValParaiso, Chile miN140105 20-21

jaN 29, 2014 shores oF PaTagoNia 24 ValParaiso, Chile / BueNos aires, argentina miN140129 22-23

FeB 21, 2014 sPiriT oF Brazil 23 BueNos aires, argentina / maNaus, Brazil miN140221 24-25

mar 15, 2014 amazoN aDVeNTure 15 maNaus, Brazil / BriDgeToWN, Barbados miN140315 26-27

mar 29, 2014 From The CariBBeaN To The CaNaries 17 BriDgeToWN, Barbados / TeNeriFe, Canary islands miN140329 28-29

aPr 14, 2014 islaND DisCoVery 15 TeNeriFe, Canary islands / PorTsmouTh, england miN140414 30-31

NO FLY CRUISES APRIL – JULY 2014

aPr 28, 2014 a sCaNDiNaViaN sPriNg 12 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140428 34-35

may 09, 2014 CaPiTals oF The BalTiC 16 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140509 36-37

may 24, 2014 CelTiC CoasTs 12 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140524 38-39

juN 04, 2014 D-Day 70Th aNNiVersary 13 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140604 40-41

juN 16, 2014 aN iCelaNDiC summer 16 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140616 42-43

jul 01, 2014 Treasures oF The BriTish isles 15 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140701 44-45

jul 15, 2014 NorWay aND The NorTh CaPe 16 PorTsmouTh, england / PorTsmouTh, england miN140715 46-47

FLY CRUISES JULY – NOVEMBER 2014

jul 30, 2014 To meDiTerraNeaN WaTers 15 PorTsmouTh, england / NaPles, italy miN140730 50-51

aug 13, 2014 sWaN’s helleNiC CeleBraTioN 15 NaPles, italy / Piraeus, greece miN140813 52-53

aug 27, 2014 BlaCk sea PaNorama 15 Piraeus, greece / isTaNBul, Turkey miN140827 54-55

seP 10, 2014 shores oF The aegeaN 15 isTaNBul, Turkey / Piraeus, greece miN140910 56-57

seP 24, 2014 aDriaTiC oDyssey 15 Piraeus, greece / CiViTaVeCChia, italy miN140924 58-59

oCT 08, 2014 realms oF The meDiTerraNeaN 15 CiViTaVeCChia, italy / Piraeus, greece miN141008 60-61

oCT 22, 2014 PyramiDs aND PeTra 15 Piraeus, greece / sharm el sheikh, egypt miN141022 62-63

NoV 05, 2014 From PeTra To omaN 16 sharm el sheikh, egypt / musCaT, oman miN141105 64-65

FLY CRUISES NOVEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015

NoV 20, 2014 iNDiaN exPloraTioN 15 musCaT, oman / ColomBo, sri lanka miN141120 68-69

DeC 04, 2014 To Burma aND BeyoND 16 ColomBo, sri lanka / siNgaPore miN141204 70-71

DeC 19, 2014 TraVels iN iNDoChiNa 16 siNgaPore / hoNg koNg, China miN141219 72-73

GRAND VOYAGES JANUARY 2014 – JANUARY 2015 – PAGES 74-85

SWAN HELLENIC DISCOVERY CRUISES JANUARY 2014 – JANUARY 2015

Voyages of Discovery Sept 2013 – Nov 2014 Discovery cruises to the Mediterranean, Black Sea & Asia

Voyages of Discovery Preview: Nov 2014 – Mar 2015 Discovery cruises to the Red Sea, Africa and Northern Europe

Our offices are open for telephone reservations from 9am to 8pm on weekdays; 9am to 5.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Calls cost 5p per minute from a BT land line, calls from other networks or mobiles may vary. Calls may be recorded to ensure high levels of customer service. Note: we will always send the most up-to-date brochure. This means the cover designs may vary to those shown.

[email protected]@[email protected] (for passengers already booked)

Swan HellenicJan 2013 - April 2014Discovery cruises to the UK, Northern Waters, Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Travelsphere 2013 Experience more of the real destination

Travelsphere Italy & Croatia 2013

Just You 2013 Holidays for single travellers

Just You Christmas 2013 Single traveller holidays during the festive period

THE ART OF

DISCOVERY CRUISING

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For 60 years Swan Hellenic has been perfecting the art of small ship discovery cruising, leading the way to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations in

the company of renowned Guest Speakers.

Travel in country house style aboard our flagship Minerva to cities of music, culture and art, sites of ancient civilisations, remote villages, iconic coastlines and inspirational landscapes and, during leisurely days at sea, absorb in-depth talks and browse our extensive library.

Swan Hellenic is cruising for those with a mind to travel and to understand more, and also for those who appreciate the highest levels of service and comfort.

SWAN FILMS ONLINESee and hear the sights and sounds on board Minerva by viewing our two films, The Minerva Experience and our Upgrade Film at www.swanhellenic.com

Front cover image: Oia, Greece. (Visit Oia on ‘Swan’s Hellenic Celebration’ cruise, 15 Days, 13 August – 27 August 2014. See pages 52-53).

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF DISCOVERY CRUISING

2014 is Swan Hellenic’s Diamond Anniversary Year marking 60 years of arranging thought-provoking travel to some of the world’s legendary places. As part of our celebrations we have recreated as closely as we can – though with a much higher degree of comfort – the first post-war Hellenic cruise arranged by our founders, WF & RK Swan. The Swans’ innovative concept of an all-inclusive cruise was necessitated in part by post-war currency restrictions; another of their innovations was to invite four classicists to accompany the cruise, to talk about the sites visited.

As Ken Swan wrote in 1956:The outstanding success of our first Hellenic Cruise with the m.s.Miaoulis in August and September 1954 prompted us to organise a second cruise in March and April 1955 with the s.s.Aegaeon. This was an even greater success. Accommodation was fully booked soon after the programme was published and the many compliments from those taking part and the expressed desire for further cruises have encouraged us to extend our arrangements.

And extend them they did. The Swans’ drive, enthusiasm and attention to detail, combined with the dynamic input of archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler who sought out the best Guest Speakers, took our much loved company far beyond the Hellenic world. Today, our long-serving Swan team on board and ashore – together with those who have joined us in more recent years – remain dedicated to continuing their vision, creating innovative, well-planned, cruises to the world’s most intriguing destinations accompanied, as ever, by our eminent Guest Speakers.

This year – in comparison with 1954 – Swan Hellenic is offering a total of 24 cruises beginning with a circumnavigation of South America. This is followed by a series of no-fly cruises from Portsmouth, including a special cruise to mark the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Five cruises in the eastern Mediterranean will remind us of our Hellenic roots before Minerva heads south and east in late October, sailing for the sunnier climes of Cambodia and Vietnam.

We look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva in our special anniversary year.

Kind regards

Lord Sterling, Chairman

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C O N T E N T S

AN INTrOduCTION TO THE WOrLd OF SWAN HELLENIC 2-17

CruISE dESTINATIONS

Central & South America, Caribbean & Canary Islands

18-31

The Baltic, Norway, British Isles & Northern Waters NO FLY CruISING FrOM POrTSMOuTH

32-47

The Mediterranean, Adriatic & Black Sea

48-65

India & the Far East 66-73

GrANd VOYAGES

South America 74-78

The Black Sea, Aegean, Adriatic & Mediterranean 79-82

The Middle East, Far East & India

83-85

CruISE ITINErArIES 86-89

IMPOrTANT INFOrMATION

PrE ANd POST CruISE 90-93

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

GuEST SPEAKErS’ BIOGrAPHIES 94-97

PrE-CruISE TrAVEL INFOrMATION

98-103

GENErAL INFOrMATION 104-106

TrAVEL INSurANCE 107

FAIr TrAdING CONdITIONS

108-109

mv MINERVA

FACILITIES & CABINS 110-113

dECK PLANS & FArES 114-116

CruISE CALENdAr 117

Our SISTEr COMPANIES 118

DIAMONDANNIVERSARY

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A BRITISH COMPANY ESTABLISHED IN 1954

THE SWAN HELLENIC dISTINCTION

All inclusive value, meticulous planning and attention to detailOur all-inclusive cruises and shore excursion programmes are thoughtfully planned to ensure each aspect of your cruise is delivered to the highest possible standard; 96% of passengers intend to cruise with Swan Hellenic again.

Inspiring destinationsDiscover the world’s most iconic sites, world class cities and smaller, less visited, gems, allowing you to experience the essence of each culture.

World class Guest SpeakersA panel of eminent Guest Speakers travels on each cruise and looks forward to sharing their enthusiasm and expertise with you.

Travel with like-minded passengersEnjoy the renowned country-house ambience of Minerva, travelling in the company of just 350 like-minded passengers who share your curiosity about the history and cultures of the world.

Friendly, professional and experienced staffTravel knowing that you will be well looked after throughout your cruise, from the moment you arrive at your departure port or airport. Our long serving, experienced, Swan Hellenic staff will accompany you on our dedicated flights to and from Minerva and on excursions ashore.

Minerva berthed in the small port of Kotor, Montenegro

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A BRITISH COMPANY ESTABLISHED IN 1954

Exceptional, all inclusive valueA Swan Hellenic cruise offers unrivalled value for money with so much included in your cruise fare:

A tailor-made shore excursion programme

An inclusive shore excursion programme, worth up to £650 per person on a 15 day cruise. A selection of excursions is offered in every major port.

All gratuities on board and ashore

No further tipping of waiters, cabin stewardesses, hairdressers, porters, drivers and guides is expected or required.

Flights and overseas airport transfers

Flights (where applicable) and, if travelling on Swan Hellenic dedicated flights, transfers to and from Minerva.

Visas

Visas (where applicable) are supplied for most countries, though there are a few exceptions (please refer to page 104).

Porterage of luggage

Swan Hellenic arranges all porterage of your luggage from the port to your cabin.

Port taxes Swan Hellenic pays all port taxes on your behalf.

All meals included – open seating dining

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in a choice of two restaurants. Morning coffee and afternoon tea is served daily. Complimentary tea and coffee is available in the Veranda from 6am-10pm.

Captain’s gala nights

Two gala nights are held per 15 day cruise, including complimentary cocktail parties with the Captain, ship’s officers and Swan Hellenic staff, and house wine with dinner to complement the à la carte menus on these gala nights.

A selection of engaging onboard activities

Depending on the individual cruise itinerary, on board workshops might include art, bridge or choral workshops, photography, yoga or tai chi. In the evenings, enjoy a carefully selected programme of refined entertainment.

Enhanced benefits in selected cabins

Passengers in higher grade cabins receive complimentary champagne, minibar, fruit and canapés (see pages 112-113).

Complimentary chauffeur service

On all cruises, passengers booking selected cabins (category A-C) receive a complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles of Portsmouth or your departing UK airport. See pages 102-103 for further details.

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THE AMBIENCE OF A COUNTRY HOUSE

Minerva – days of discovery and relaxation

With her country house-style restaurants, bars and lounges – as well as the expansive

Promenade deck, sunbathing deck and sheltered open deck area around the pool – Minerva has been designed to offer attractive areas to match every mood and moment of the day.

After a leisurely breakfast in either the Swan or Veranda restaurants, attend some of our Guest Speakers’ intriguing talks in the Darwin Lounge,

setting the scene for Minerva’s arrival in her next port of call. You may also watch these presentations in the Livingstone Lounge or in the comfort of your own cabin.

Meet new friends for morning coffee in the Veranda, keep in touch with your family via the Internet Lounge, shop for postcards in the Kiosk or browse the range of merchandise in our onboard shop.

At lunchtime choose from a delicious à la carte menu in the Swan Restaurant, a lighter buffet in the Veranda or an al fresco barbecue around the pool, and then relax and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board.

Browse our well stocked Library and then retire to the serenity of the Orpheus Lounge with its panoramic views, relax in a teak chair on deck, or refresh yourself with a dip in the pool. Alternatively, learn a new skill – bridge, painting, yoga, or tai-chi – in one of our occasional workshops.

Afternoon tea is a fine tradition, with a complimentary selection of cakes, sandwiches and biscuits served each afternoon in the Swan Restaurant.

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THE CHARM OF A SMALL CLASSIC SHIP

Minerva – evenings of sophisticated dining and entertainment

As the sun sets on another perfect day, meet friends for drinks in one of Minerva’s

bars: the intimate Wheeler Bar, named after Sir Mortimer Wheeler, Swan Hellenic’s first Chairman, the spacious Shackleton Bar or the panoramic Orpheus Lounge. Background cocktail music – piano, harp or classical guitar – and the buzz of animated conversation set the

tone for an evening of fine dining, either in the Veranda with the opportunity of dining al fresco or, for a sense of occasion, in the Swan restaurant.

Dine at the table of your choice in the company of your friends. You can dine at any time during the opening hours. This relaxed arrangement is one of the most popular features of life on board Minerva, and creates a unique, congenial, atmosphere on board. Our Maître d’s will be delighted to show you to a table.

After dinner, enjoy a varied programme of entertainment which might include classical concerts, amusing after dinner talks, sparkling revues, our ever popular crew show or a light hearted quiz or film night in the Darwin Lounge. Later, you might choose to dance to the Minerva band by the pool, enjoy late night music in the Orpheus Lounge, or stroll around the Promenade Deck under the stars.

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THE CHARM OF A SMALL CLASSIC SHIP

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A WIDE CHOICE OF CABINS

A spacious and comfortable home from home

Minerva’s cabins include 44 balcony suites plus a further eight categories of

cabin accommodation. Each cabin is tastefully furnished with quality carpets, curtains and other soft furnishings to provide a welcome retreat at the end of each day. You are invited to select your bed configuration at the time of booking your cruise.

Balcony cabins on the port side have en suite bathrooms, while those on the starboard side have en suite shower rooms. Cabins on Aegean and Baltic Deck have en suite shower facilities. Balconies are furnished with teak furniture.

All cabins have air-conditioning (centrally controlled), flat screen TVs with radio, a vanity table/writing desk and chair, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer, binoculars and safe. Other thoughtful touches, such as dressing gowns, slippers and a range of complimentary L’Occitane toiletries, are also provided.

Complimentary champagne, refrigerator and minibar, canapés, tea and coffee making facilities and bowls of fruit are included in selected categories of cabin.

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A WIDE CHOICE OF CABINS

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THE SWAN HELLENIC TEAM

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THE SWAN HELLENIC TEAM

Friendly and professional staff

Your holiday begins at your departure port or airport where you will be greeted by

members of the Swan Hellenic team, who will escort you out to Minerva on your dedicated Swan Hellenic flight, and accompany you back to the uK at the end of your holiday.

This warm welcome is extended as you walk up the gangway. Unobtrusive but friendly service will ensure that your every need is met, from your attentive cabin steward or stewardess to our helpful and efficient staff at reception and our smiling Maître d’s, waiters and bar staff in the restaurants and bars.

Outside, our deck staff ensures that the open decks and pool are maintained to the highest standards while the Captain, Cruise Director and ship’s officers oversee the smooth running of your cruise.

We are pleased that so many of our ship’s company choose to return time after time to Minerva and that our regular passengers find so much pleasure in renewing acquaintances with those who work on board.

Service is provided with a smile – as Swan Hellenic pays all gratuities, no further tipping is expected or required.

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RENOWNED GUEST SPEAKERS SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE

Our Guest Speaker programme has an enviable reputation both for the excellence of its speakers and for the breadth

of their interests. Since our first cruise in 1954 each cruise has been accompanied by three or four eminent Guest Speakers whose programme of talks is focused on the itinerary and the destinations, teasing out the intrinsic nature of each country and site visited.

Our Guest Speakers are chosen not only for their specialist knowledge and passion for their subject, but also for their communication skills whether you listen to their talks in the Darwin or Livingstone Lounges, or engage them in conversation out on excursions or over dinner in the Veranda or the Swan Restaurant.

Our eminent Guest Speakers

Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe speaking in Minerva’s

Darwin Lounge

NATIONAL TruSTSwan Hellenic’s relationship with the National Trust complements our mutual interests in conservation, heritage and learning. See page 44 for our National Trust partnership cruise.

rOYAL HOrTICuLTurAL SOCIETYOur relationship with the royal Horticultural Society celebrates a shared interest in horticulture and gardening. See pages 24 and 34 for our RHS partnership cruises.

NAdFASThe National Association of decorative & Fine Art Societies (NAdFAS) is justly renowned both for the quality of its speakers and for the breadth of its speakers’ interests. See pages 36, 50, 52, 58, 62, 64 and 68. San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna

distinguished relationships and Affiliations

Swan Hellenic is proud of its long established relationships and affiliations and acclaimed Guest Speakers from each of these

organisations travel on selected cruises.

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Ancient History – Jeremy Paterson (Realms of the Mediterranean).

Archaeology – Professor Warwick Bray (Wonders of the Andes and Atacama), Professor Mark Horton (From the Caribbean to the Canaries), Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe (Swan’s Hellenic Celebration), Louise Schofield (Swan’s Hellenic Celebration), Professor Thomas Higham (Pyramids and Petra).

Architecture – Revd Robin Griffith-Jones (To Mediterranean Waters), Professor Andrew Hopkins (Adriatic Odyssey).

Art History – Professor William Vaughan (A Scandinavian Spring), Rosalind Whyte (Capitals of the Baltic), Nigel McGilchrist (Shores of the Aegean).

Botany –Professor Sir Ghillean Prance (Amazon Adventure).

Classics – Dr Steve Kershaw (To Mediterranean Waters), Dr Michael Square (Black Sea Panorama), Dr Christopher Whitton (Black Sea Panorama), Professor David Braund (Shores of the Aegean).

Economics and Politics – Richard Wilkinson (Wonders of the Andes and Atacama).

Egyptology – George Hart (Pyramids and Petra).

Gardens – Rosie Atkins (A Scandinavian Spring).

Geopolitics – Dr Robert Bradnock (Spirit of Brazil and Indian Exploration).

History – Professor David Abulafia (To Mediterranean Waters), Chris Bradley (From Petra to Oman), Dr Richard Chartres (Swan’s Hellenic Celebration), Rt Revd Graham James (Spirit of Brazil), Canon Andrew Evans (D-Day 70th Anniversary – Reflections of France), Professor Alan Knight (Amazon Adventure).

India – Sir Mark Tully (To Burma and Beyond).

Islamic Art and Culture – Professor Carole Hillenbrand (Island Discovery), Professor Robert Hillenbrand (Island Discovery).

Jewellery – Joanna Hardy (Indian Exploration).

Military History – Dr Peter Caddick-Adams (D-Day 70th Anniversary – Reflections of France), Dr Alan Borg (Black Sea Panorama).

Modern & Contemporary History – Professor Christopher Andrew (Celtic Coasts and Black Sea Panorama), Sir Richard Dales (Norway and the North Cape).

Music – Sir Nicholas Kenyon (Spirit of Brazil).

Naval History – Rear Admiral John Lippiett (Shores of Patagonia, Norway and the North Cape and To Burma and Beyond).

National Trust – Architecture and Social history – Adrian Tinniswood (Treasures of the British Isles).

Ornithology and Wildlife – Tim Earl (Shores of Patagonia, From the Caribbean to the Canaries, Island Discovery, An Icelandic Summer, Treasures of the British Isles, Realms of the Mediterranean and From Petra to Oman), Andy Bunten (Amazonian Adventure and Celtic Coasts).

Scientific discovery – Professor Sir Martin Evans (Shores of Patagonia).

Theology – Rt Revd Tim Stevens (Realms of the Mediterranean and Pyramids and Petra).

Volcanology – Dr Peter Cattermole (Shores of Patagonia and An Icelandic Summer).

Our Guest Speakers’ expertise ranges from the ancient to the modern world, and also includes the environment and the natural world,

meaning that there is a cruise to appeal to most interests. By no means exhaustive, the following gives a flavour of some of the subject areas covered and some of the distinguished Guest Speakers whose enthusiasm and expertise will enthral, enlighten and entertain:

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A TAILOR-MADE SHORE EXCURSION PROGRAMME

Your Swan Hellenic cruise offers a wide choice of inclusive tailor made shore

excursions worth up to £650 per person on a two week cruise.

Our programme is designed for you to make the most of half day, full day, evening or overnight stays in port. A half day in port offers visits to key sites. During a full day call, in most ports, you can choose a morning and afternoon excursion with departure times arranged for you to enjoy lunch on

board. Inclusive full day excursions include visits to some of the world’s top class destinations: the rose red city of Petra, iconic Cairo & the Pyramids, the Moorish Alhambra Palace, the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or the Peruvian colonial town of Arequipa.

Each cruise itinerary and shore excursion programme is researched in detail by knowledgeable, well-travelled Planners and, in addition, your experienced on board Swan Yellow Shirts accompany the shore excursions ashore to ensure that they are organised and delivered to the highest possible standard.

Late night sailings or overnights in port extend your experience in iconic cities such as St Petersburg, Dubrovnik, Venice, Lima, Rio de Janeiro and Mumbai.

To enhance your experience you may also choose from a smaller, dedicated programme of excursions at a supplementary cost which offers additional opportunities for exploring ashore.

All shore excursions are pre-bookable at approximately 8 weeks before departure.

Gratuities for Guides and Drivers are paid on your behalfIncluded in your cruise fare are the tips for the local guides and drivers, as well as entrance fees. With these small but important details taken care of by Swan Hellenic, you are free to relax and enjoy your excursions ashore.

A choice of Shore Excursions in every major port is included in your cruise fare

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Petra, Jordan

YOUR CRUISE BOOK Your complimentary, tailor-made Cruise Book is sent out approximately 8 weeks before departure. It contains full details of the shore excursion programme and a booking form as well as introductory articles by Guest Speakers, practical information for each destination and a suggested reading list.

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Join Minerva as she circumnavigates South America and discover the diversity of this vibrant continent, from its ancient civilisations to its dynamic cities, majestic scenery,

mighty Amazon and prolific and colourful wildife.

The fascination of South AmericaFly Cruises January - April 2014

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“Let me stop here. Let me, too, look at nature awhile. The brilliant blue of the morning sea, of the cloudless sky, the shore yellow; all lovely, all bathed in light…”

Morning Sea, Constantine P Cavafy, Greek poet (1863 – 1933)

The fascination of South AmericaFly Cruises January - April 2014

Osorno Volcano, Chile

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barbados • venezuela • panama • ecuador • peru • chile

Wonders of the andes and atacama

santa catalina monastery, peru

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• explore coro, one of the earliest spanish colonial towns in south

america

• daytime transit of the panama canal

• in manta buy an authentic panama hat made from the toquillo palm, or

fly to Quito, one of the world’s highest capitals

• Walk up to the moche temple of the moon where vivid geometric

designs and fearsome deities have been uncovered

• admire the best pre colombian and incan gold and pottery artefacts in

lima’s fine museums

• Fly over the mysterious nazca lines where geoglyphs of a monkey, spider

and hummingbird are etched into the desert

• drive to the peruvian ‘White city’ of arequipa to visit the santa catalina convent, closed to the outside world

for 400 years

• Wonder at how the chinchorro people mummified their dead long

before the egyptians

• savour the fine wines of chile’s casablanca valley

see pages 86-89 for detailed itinerary timings.

Fly to Bridgetown, Barbados from where you sail south to the Venezuelan port of La Guaira, gateway to the country’s capital, Caracas. Ascend by cable

car to discover Mount Avila National Park where miles of walking trails lead through scented forests.

21Call Swan Hellenic on 0844 209 9000 or visit www.swanhellenic.com

Colon Panama12th Jan Full Day

Manta Ecuador16th Jan Full Day

Salaverry Peru19th Jan Full Day Lima (Callao) Peru

20th Jan Evening/Overnight21st Jan Full Day

General San MartinPeru

22nd Jan Full Day

Matarani Peru24th Jan Full Day

Arica Chile 25th Jan Full Day

BridgetownBarbados 5th Jan 6th Jan Full Day

La Vela de Coro Venezuela9th Jan Morning

P A C I F I CO C E A N C H I L E

P E R U

E C U A D O R

V E N E Z U E L A

C A R I B B E A N

Valparaiso

PANAMACANAL

QUITO

CHAN CHAN

AREQUIPA

SANTIAGO

Chile 28th Jan Afternoon/Overnight

29th Jan Full Day

13th Jan

La GuairaVenezuela8th Jan Full Day

5 JANUARY – 29 JANUARY 2014 25 Days from £4,295pp

Founded in 1527, one of the earliest colonial towns in south america and now a unesco World heritage site, coro boasts some of the finest colonial architecture in venezuela and flourished in the 18th century as a contraband centre trading with curaçao and bonaire.

From colon, explore the tropical forests that border the panama canal. enjoy a unique opportunity to learn about daily life of the local embera indians who maintain their culture and traditions or take an intriguing aerial tram ride up into the forest canopy enjoying a bird’s eye view of the flora and fauna.

transit the panama canal, one of the finest engineering feats of the early 20th century. passing through the Gatun locks on a daylight transit, Minerva will be raised 26 metres to Gatun lake before transiting the infamous Gaillard cut on her way to the pacific ocean.

cross the equator and, from manta, explore the renowned centre of the panama hat industry, montecristi. alternatively, discover Quito, founded by the spanish in 1534 and, at 9,350ft, the world’s highest capital.

peru’s diverse and fascinating pre-columbian cultures are revealed at the port of salaverry from where you can visit the chimu capital of chan chan, once the largest adobe city in the world, or explore the moche temple of the moon, where well preserved frescoes illuminate fearsome deities of the past.

From callao, explore the city of lima, founded in 1535. the city is an inexhaustible source of bustle and culture, showcasing world class museums. on the outskirts of the city, facing the ocean, is pachacamac, the most important coastal pre-incan sanctuary. another highlight is a supplementary three night overland tour flying up into the andes to cusco and thence by train to the deserted city of machu picchu, returning to the ship in matarani.

the port of General san martin lies on the atacama desert, one of the driest regions of the world. uncover one of the greatest mysteries in the americas, the enigmatic nazca lines, or take a local boat to the ballestas islands, known as the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’.

inland from matarani is the peruvian “white city” of arequipa, lying at the foot of the snowcapped el misti volcano. a visit to the colourful, secluded santa catalina convent will be a highlight of your visit.

the chilean town of arica is fringed by the dry atacama desert. learn about the enigmatic chinchorro people who mummified their dead long before the egyptians or travel high up into the andean altiplano to lauca national park.

Finally Minerva arrives in valparaiso, a once-bustling port, in its hey-day, before the panama canal was built.

GUEST SPEAKERSYour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor Warwick Bray – professor emeritus of latin american archaeology, ucl. Mr Richard Wilkinson – Former ambassador to venezuela and chile. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSBarbados: historic barbados, beach transfer, nature sanctuary. La Guaira: caracas city tour, mount avila & el hatillo. La Vela de Coro: coro. Colon: embera indian village, Gamboa eco park. Manta: manta panorama. Salaverry: moon temple, chan chan. Lima: pachacamac, lima city tour & Walk, huaca pucclana, General San Martin: paracas national park, tambo colorado. Matarani: arequipa, mejia ornithology. Arica: azapa & museum, atacama coastal Walk, arica Walk & tour. Valparaiso: valparaiso Walk, chilean Wine.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Barbados: barbados by land rover. Manta: Full day Quito, machalilla. Lima: paso horses, General San Martin: nazca lines, ballestas islands. Arica: lauca national park.

machu picchu, peru

manta, equador

STANDARD FARES PER PERSON min140105

balcony suites from £10,695outside cabins from £5,750inside cabins from £4,295

Prices for all categories are shown on pages 115-116.

Your Cruise Fare includes:• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • Flight to & from london including prepaid

airport taxes• all gratuities on board and on excursions• breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon

tea & dinner on board • 2 captain’s Gala nights including house wine

with dinner• port porterage & taxes• chauffeur service for category a-c cabins• open seating dining

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONSenhance your experience with pre, mid and post cruise options. Please see pages 90-93 for full details.

Please note your inbound flight will be overnight arriving in the UK on 30 January.

22

Puerto Montt Chile 2nd Feb Full Day

Punta Arenas Chile8th Feb Full Day/Eve

Ushuaia Argentina 10th Feb Overnight11th Feb Full Day

Puerto Madryn Argentina17th Feb Full Day

Falkland Islands13th-15th Feb

P A C I F I CO C E A N

Castro Chile3rd Feb Morning

Chacabuco Chile4th Feb Morning

A R G E N T I N A

C H I L E

A T L A N T I CO C E A N

ValparaisoChile

29th Jan 30th Jan Full Day

Argentina20th Feb Full Day 21st Feb

Buenos Aires

SANTIAGO

MT OSORNO

CHILEAN FJORDS SCENIC CRUISING

MAGDALENA ISLAND

TIERRA DEL FUEGO NP

CAPE HORN

PORTSTANLEY

GAIMAN

VALDES PENINSULA

HOME OF TANGO

chile • arGentina • Falkland islands

shores of pataGonia

Join Minerva in the historic Chilean port of Valparaiso. Using the city’s famous funiculars, explore the small streets

of the old quarter clinging to the hillsides overlooking the Pacific or drive to Santiago, Chile’s capital, in its spectacular setting at the foot of the Andes.

Minerva’s berth in puerto montt is the gateway to the stunning beauty of the chilean lake district, from temperate rainforest and azure lakes to the striking, conical, snow-capped osorno volcano.

call at “off-the-beaten track” castro, the small capital of the misty, verdant chiloe island once last bastion of support for the spanish crown in south america. this remote island developed its own unique culture and is renowned for its many wooden, colonial churches dating back to the colonial period.

Minerva anchors in the picturesque bay off chacabuco from where you can explore the beautiful natural scenery of the rio simpson national reserve before enjoying three days of scenic cruising in the chilean Fjords. here the andes rise sharply from the sea; wind, rain and ice have shaped the dramatic landscape. Minerva’s captain will plot the best route to show you remote inlets and glaciers as you head south to punta arenas.

drive across the isolated patagonian lands to otway sound where magellanic penguins nest in their burrows or explore chile’s most southerly city where fables of early settlers abound in this frontier town on the shores of the magellan straits.

round the infamous cape horn and sail up the spectacular beagle channel to the world’s southernmost town, ushuaia, gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of tierra del Fuego national park. visit the national park to see some of the world’s unique and most isolated plants and wildlife or travel to the remote harberton estancia, first settled when the area was still inhabited by indigenous indians.

appreciate the remote beauty of the Falkland islands as you sail into port stanley, the islands’ capital. discover the mountain battlefield sites or see the island’s bountiful magellanic or Gentoo penguins. conditions permitting, the captain plans to call at another remote island where it may be possible to see nesting seabirds and albatross.

on the eastern coast of patagonia, puerto madryn, founded by Welsh settlers, is the gateway to the valdes peninsula reserve, one of the most important ecological reservations in the world with an astonishing variety of birds and marine wildlife. travel across the patagonian flats to Gaiman, settled by Welsh immigrants in the late 1800s, where some of the people still speak Welsh. alternatively a visit to the sea lion colony at punta loma may appeal.


• explore the verdant hills of chile’s lake district, overshadowed by the

conical peak of mount osorno

• sail through the spectacular landscapes of the chilean Fjords to

punta arenas to try a traditional lamb barbeque at a local estancia

• round cape horn and sail up the majestic beagle channel to explore the

enigmatic lands of tierra del Fuego

• Watch Gentoo and rockhopper penguins as well as nesting albatross on

the Falkland islands

• travel across the flat patagonia pampa to Gaiman, home to the Welsh

settlers of argentina

• Wander the colourful streets of the san telmo and la boca districts of buenos aires, home of the tango


chilean Fjords, south america

albatross, Falkland islands

punta arenas


tierra del Fuego national park, patagonia

29 JANUARY – 21 FEBRUARY 2014 24 Days from £3,575pp

Finally cruise along the river plate to buenos aires, a european city with a latin twist. tour the city’s sights or explore the atmospheric old streets and squares of san telmo and la boca.

GUEST SPEAKERS Your guest speakers on this cruise include: Dr Peter Cattermole – Former lecturer in volcanology. Tim Earl – naturalist. Professor Sir Martin Evans – nobel prize for medicine, 2007. scientific discovery. Rear Admiral John Lippiett – chief executive, mary rose trust. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSValparaiso: valparaiso Walk, chilean Wine. Puerto Montt: petrohue & lake, solitario hike, puerto varas & museum. Castro: castro tour & Walk, chiloe & churches. Punta Arenas: punta arenas city tour, Fort bulnes & port Famine, otway penguins.

Ushuaia: tierra del Fuego national park, ushuaia city tour, tierra major trek. Port Stanley: battlefield tour, long island Farm, stanley Walk. Puerto Madryn: Gaiman, punta lomo & ecology centre. Buenos Aires: city tour, san telmo Walk, belle epoque, tigre delta.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Valparaiso: Full day santiago. Punta Arenas: Full day patagonia estancia, magdalena island penguin reserve. Ushuaia: Full day harberton. Port Stanley: sparrow cove, rockhopper penguins. Puerto Madryn: Full day valdes peninsula, Full day punta tombo.








OPTIONAL EXTENSIONSenhance your experience with pre and post cruise options. Please see pages 90-93 for full details.

Please note that your outbound and inbound flights will be overnight, departing on 28 January and arriving back in the UK on 22 February.

24

spirit of brazilarGentina • uruGuaY • brazil • the amazon

christ the redeemer, corcovado mountain, rio de Janeiro

Fly to Buenos Aires, one of the most exciting cities in the world. Explore some of the city’s most colourful districts such

as La Boca, with its brightly painted wooden and corrugated iron buildings, and the elegant Palermo district established during the Belle Epoque.

across the river plate, montevideo is the great rival port to buenos aires. admire the city’s eclectic mix of architectural styles or retrace the drama of the battle of the river plate that resulted in the scuttling of the German battleship - Graf spee.

after the refined european quality of montevideo and buenos aires, plunge into the dazzling vibrancy of rio de Janeiro. stretching around a vast natural harbour, surrounded by towering, oddly-shaped mountains, the city is renowned worldwide for its annual carnival. enjoy exploring the city as it prepares for this year’s carnival and ascend corcovado mountain or sugar loaf mountain for a spectacular panorama over rio and its surroundings. two full days in port allow you to get out of the city and discover the mountain retreat of petropolis.

salvador is the former capital of brazil, famed for its 365 churches and vibrant culture. stroll through its bustling streets, visit some of the churches, and learn about the city’s afro-brazilian culture.

a short distance from recife lies olinda, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial cities in brazil. Walk through the twisting streets of its historic centre admiring the beautiful colonial buildings and splendid churches.


• Wander the colourful streets of the san telmo and la boca districts of buenos aires, home of the tango

• discover the gardens of argentina and brazil

• sail into rio de Janeiro harbour, overlooked by the distinctive peaks of the corcovado and sugar loaf

mountain

• Feel the afro-brazilian rhythms of lively salvador at carnival time

• cruise up the mighty amazon river to walk in the tropical forest and visit

remote riverside communities


In partnership with the RHS Garden Holidayscomplimentary rhs membership. (Please see page 106 for details).


21 FEBRUARY – 15 MARCH 2014 23 Days from £3,350pp

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Buenos Aires: tango show, Full day estancia. Rio De Janeiro: tijuca Jeep.

Please note that your outbound and inbound flights will be overnight, departing on 20 February and arriving back in the UK on 16 March.

Rio de Janeiro Brazil 27th Feb Full Day/Overnight

28th Feb Full Day

Salvador Brazil3rd Mar Full Day/Evening

Recife Brazil5th MarFull Day

Santarem Brazil12th Mar Morning

Parintins Brazil13th Mar Morning

Belem Brazil9th Mar Morning

Montevideo Uruguay 23rd Feb Full Day

A R G E N T I N A

B R A Z I L


U R U G U A Y

Argentina 21st Feb

22nd Feb Full Day

Buenos Aires

Brazil

14th Mar Afternoon/Overnight

15th Mar

Manaus

AMAZON RIVER

OPERA HOUSE

OLINDA

SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN

BOI BUMBA SHOW

AFRO BRAZILIAN CULTURE

LA BOCA

ALTER DO CHAO

ESTANCIA

tango, buenos aires

belem is the gateway to the amazon and a vibrant city. visit one of brazil’s most important research centres, seeing many rare species of amazonian wildlife before Minerva enters the world’s largest river, the amazon, via the breves narrows. observe the wildlife and vast landscapes of the amazon from the comfort of Minerva’s decks as she cruises to santarem. lying at the confluence of the rio amazonas and the tapajos, the local ‘meeting of the waters’ can be seen nearby. explore the town before discovering the picturesque white sand bar at alter do chao.

on an island in the amazon river lies the small town of parintins, famous for being the centre of one of the largest mass events in brazil, the boi-bumba celebrations. enjoy a lively version of this show full of bright colours, music, dance and folklore – a feast for the senses.

Finally sail into manaus where you can walk on the rubber cobbles that pave the streets of a city built by the rubber boom and see the extraordinary opera house or explore the dense forest on foot.

GUEST SPEAKERSYour guest speakers on this cruise include: Dr Robert Bradnock – visiting research Fellow, king’s college london. Rt Revd Graham James – bishop of norwich. Sir Nicholas Kenyon – managing director, barbican centre, london. an rhs Guest speaker See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSBuenos Aires: city tour, san telmo Walk, belle epoque, tigre delta, botanical Gardens. Montevideo: city tour and Walk. Rio de Janeiro: city tour & corcovado, beach transfer, sugar loaf mountain, petropolis, city Walk and market. Salvador: carlos pinto museum, olinda. Recife: river cruise, ricardo brennand institute, beach transfer. Santarem: santarem & alter do chao, maica river cruise, santa lucia Wood. Parintins: boi bumba show. Manaus: city tour & opera house, rio negro cruise, amazon Forest Walk.

amazon tributary

salvador, brazil







with dinner• port porterage & taxes• chauffeur service for category a-c cabins• open seating dining.


26

Parintins Brazil 17th Mar Afternoon/Eve

Georgetown Guyana23rd Mar Overnight24th Mar Full Day/Eve

Scarborough* Tobago 26th Mar Full Day

St Georges Grenada27th Mar Morning

Curua Una Brazil19th Mar Morning

Boca de Valeria Brazil 18th Mar Morning

Île Royale French Guiana22nd Mar Morning

BridgetownBarbados28th Mar Full Day 29th Mar

C A R I B B E A N

B R A Z I L


F R E N C HG U I A N A

G U Y A N A

Brazil

15th Mar16th Mar Full Day

Manaus

AMAZONRIVER

BOI BUMBA SHOW

MEETING OF THE WATERS

*New Ports

amazon adventurebrazil • the amazon • French Guiana • GuYana • tobaGo • Grenada • barbados

embark at the fascinating, remote city of Manaus to cruise down the mighty Amazon River reaching the

open sea some 900 miles away. Visit the extraordinary Opera House and explore the colonial surrounds highlighting the wealth that abounds in the region around Manaus. A boat ride to outlying villages will offer an insight into the Cabocle way of life while a walk in the forest reveals some secrets of the flora and fauna.

cruise downstream past the “meeting of the Waters” to the tropical riverside town of parintins, home to one of the greatest folk festivals in brazil, the boi-bumba. enjoy a lively version of the show featuring a hundred dancers and musicians.

experience indigenous amazonian life at first hand when you take an independent trip ashore to the tiny settlement of boca de valeria, where houses are built on stilts to keep them clear of the river’s floodwaters.

From the comfort of the panoramic orpheus lounge or Minerva’s wrap around promenade

deck view the passing settlements, forest and amazonian landscapes before anchoring off the curua una river from where local boats will take you up river to visit one of the typical villages, home to the caboclos, a people of mixed indian, european and african ancestry.

spend a relaxing two days at sea as Minerva cruises through the vast amazon delta passing macapa, one of only five cities lying directly on the equator, and on towards Île royale. alfred dreyfus was imprisoned on devil’s island which can be viewed from Île royale, once the administration centre when the islands were used as a French penal colony.


• cruise down the mighty amazon river to walk in the tropical forest and

visit remote riverside communities

• visit the remarkable opera house of manaus

• see the meeting of the Waters where the dark waters of the rio negro meet

the sandy coloured rio solimôes

• be amazed at an exclusive performance of the vibrant boi bumba

show

• From Île royale gaze over to the infamous devil’s island

• discover the landscapes and relaxed atmosphere of the caribbean islands of

tobago and Grenada


native macaws, brazil

opera house, manaus

colourful Grenada amazon Fishermen


amazon riverside vista, brazil

15 MARCH – 29 MARCH 2014 15 Days from £2,095pp

brazil • the amazon • French Guiana • GuYana • tobaGo • Grenada • barbados

From French Guiana to Guyana, the only english-speaking country in south america. explore the capital, Georgetown, admiring the city’s victorian architecture, and learn about the country’s indigenous tribes at sir Walter roth house.

Minerva cruises along the coast of tobago before arriving at the town of scarborough, dominated by Fort king George from where you enjoy views of the harbour.

cruise to the spice island of Grenada and berth in the capital, st Georges, a picturesque town built on steep hills. the douglaston spice estate is an historic monument to Grenada’s colonial past whilst nutmeg and banana plantations can be seen on a scenic drive.

barbados is fringed by white reefs and textured by wonderful scenery. at the end of your cruise take time to relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches or continue the adventure with an exploration of the island’s colonial history.

GUEST SPEAKERSYour guest speakers on this cruise include: Andy Bunten – Freelance Wildlife lecturer. Professor Alan Knight – professor of the history of latin america, oxford. Professor Sir Ghillean Prance – Former director of the royal botanic Gardens, kew. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSManaus: city tour & opera house, rio negro cruise, Forest Walk. Parintins: boi bumba show. Curua Una: river & pacoval village. Île Royale: independent. Georgetown: city tour. Scarborough: Grenada’s West coast, Grenada’s Forest Walk. Barbados: historic barbados, beach transfer, nature sanctuary.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Manaus: amazonian villages, Barbados: by land rover.









Please note that your outbound and inbound flights will be overnight, departing on 14 March and arriving back in the UK on 30 March.

28

BridgetownBarbados 29th Mar30th Mar Full Day

C A R I B B E A N

Castries St Lucia31st Mar Morning

Fort de France Martinique2nd Apr Full Day

Iles des Saintes*Guadeloupe1st Apr Full Day


Santa Cruzde Tenerife

Spain13th Apr Afternoon/Overnight 14th Apr

Mindelo Cape Verde10th Apr Full DayC A P E

V E R D E

*New Ports

barbados • st lucia • Guadeloupe • martiniQue • cape verde • canarY islands

From the caribbean to the canaries

commence your cruise on the historic Caribbean island of Barbados. Discover some of the

island’s historic sites such as the residence of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados, and Sunbury Plantation House, a superb example of a Barbadian sugar estate great house. Alternatively, relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, lapped by the waters of the Caribbean.

castries, capital of st lucia, enjoys a wonderful location surrounding a natural harbour and framed by mountains. enjoy breathtaking views of the famous towering pitons and see bubbling pools of mud and multi-coloured sulphur deposits at sulphur springs, st lucia’s ‘drive-in’ volcano.

the Îles des saintes are a cluster of eight islands off the southern coast of Guadeloupe and certainly ‘off the beaten track’. enjoy an independent visit and steep walk uphill to Fort napoleon to explore the barracks and former prison cells whilst enjoying the panoramic views high above the bay.

Fort de France, the French-speaking capital of martinique, is a dramatically beautiful island with lush rainforest covering the mountain slopes and sugar cane growing on the plain. the balata botanical Gardens boast hundreds of varieties of tropical plants and flowers while the surrounding waters teem with exotic species of fish and marine life.

sailing from martinique, enjoy a seven day atlantic crossing on board Minerva. enjoy fascinating talks from your Guest speakers, relax on deck or in the panoramic orpheus lounge observing the sea and birdlife of the atlantic or learn a new skill in one of the onboard workshops.


• step back in time as you explore an historic plantation house in barbados

• admire the natural beauty of the towering pitons on the lush, volcanic

island of st lucia

• Minerva anchors in the bay of the little visited iles des saintes. Walk uphill

to enjoy stunning panoramic views from Fort napoleon

• Wander through martinique’s well known balata botanical Garden

• relax as you sail across the atlantic ocean looking out for migrating sea

birds and mammals

• stroll through the lava fields of mount teide on the volcanic island

of tenerife


mount teide and orotava n.p. tenerife

iles des saintes, Guadeloupe

mindelo, cape verde

balata botanical Gardens, martinique


29 MARCH – 14 APRIL 2014 17 Days from £1,575pp

barbados • st lucia • Guadeloupe • martiniQue • cape verde • canarY islands

the balance of leisure and activity is up to you. mindelo, in the cape verde islands, is an intriguing mix of african and portuguese influences and one of the most important stopovers for ancient explorers on their way to the new World. drive into the rugged interior through stark volcanic mountain scenery or learn about mindelo’s history as you enjoy a walk through this historic town.

Finally, cruise to the volcanic canary archipelago, lying on the tropics. on the island of tenerife discover the fertile orotava valley or visit the teide national park and the volcanic landscape of ash beds and lava streams in the shadow of the still active mount teide.

GUEST SPEAKERSYour guest speakers on this cruise include: Mr Tim Earl – naturalist. Professor Mark Horton – professor of archaeology, university of bristol. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSBarbados: historic barbados, natural history, beach transfer. Castries: scenic drive & sulphur springs, beach transfer. Iles des Saintes: independent Fort napoleon. Fort de France: balata botanical Gardens. Mindelo: taste of the island, mindelo town Walk. Tenerife: mount teide, la oratova & botanical Gardens.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Barbados: by land rover. Fort de France: martinique by Jeep, snorkelling, Full day martinique.

pitons, st lucia

sWan oFFers• FREE extended chauffeur service for all

outside cabins (Category A-I).

• FREE on board bar credit of £200 for balcony suites (Category A-D) and £100 for outside cabins (Category F-I).









30

Canary islands • madeira • moroCCo • spain • portugal • england

island disCovery

Botanical gardens, madeira

embark in the Canary Islands, lying on the edge of the tropics, west of Morocco and explore three islands

of this volcanic archipelago. On the island of Tenerife discover the fertile Orotava Valley or visit the Teide National Park discovering the volcanic landscape of ash beds and lava streams, lying in the shadow of the still active Mount Teide.

explore lanzarote, the easternmost island. From the town of arrecife, visit the timanfaya national park, celebrated for the famous volcanic scenery of Fire mountain, relax on a scenic drive to appreciate the panoramic views of the island or discover how the artist Cesar manrique sensitively landscaped gardens and grottos.

spend an afternoon in santa Cruz de la palma exploring elegant santa Cruz with its balconied houses and fine churches or drive to the centre of the island to the taburiente national park.

Cruise to the atlantic island of madeira for an overnight stay in the flower-filled capital,

Funchal. drive out to Cabo girao, one of the highest cliffs in europe, for panoramic views of the island and sample some madeira wine or take the cable car up to the tropical Botanical gardens. perhaps dine ashore before enjoying a further full day in Funchal. a memorable hike along the levadas may appeal, or simply explore at your leisure.

Celebrate easter day on board Minerva, cruising east toward exotic morocco. enjoy the guest speakers’ talks or simply relax on deck in the early spring sunshine. spend a full day in Casablanca where you can explore the city and view the striking Hassan ii mosque or drive north to the capital, rabat, to visit the evocative surrounds of mausoleum mohamed v, the intriguing necropolis of Chellah or explore on foot the old Kasbah lined with traditional white and blue houses.

almost due north of Casablanca, on spain’s andalucian coast, lies Cadiz, celebrated as one of the oldest cities in europe. discover more on a city walk or drive to Jerez, centre of the sherry industry, to sample some of its famous fortified wine and visit the moorish alcazar.


• discover the diverse volcanic landscapes of the Canary islands

• enjoy hikes in the Canary islands and madeira

• stand on top of the highest sea cliffs in europe, Cabo girao and admire the

breathtaking coastal views

• explore the Botanical gardens of madeira as spring blooms

• Wander the narrow streets of rabat’s old Kasbah and souks

• taste tapas and sherry in one of Jerez’s renown bodegas

• Be inspired by the intricate decoration of the Jeronimos monastery, lisbon’s

manueline masterpiece



Santa Cruz de TenerifeTenerife 14th Apr 15th Apr Morning

Funchal Madeira18th Apr Afternoon19th Apr Full Day

C A N A R YI S L A N D S

M A D E I R ACasablanca Morocco21st Apr Full Day

M O R O C C O

S P A I N

P O R T U G A L

Lisbon Portugal24th Apr Morning

Cadiz Spain 22nd Apr Afternoon/Eve

Villagarcia De Arosa* Spain25th Apr Afternoon/Eve

N O R T HA T L A N T I C

O C E A N

PortsmouthEngland28th Apr

F R A N C E

E N G L A N D

JEREZ

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

JERONIMOS MONASTERY

BOTANICAL GARDENS

RABAT

Arrecife Lanzarote16th Apr Morning

Santa Cruzde La Palma La Palma17th AprAfternoon

EASTER DAY20th Apr

*New Ports

14 APRIL – 28 APRIL 2014 15 Days from £1,395pp

With an evening in port, stroll ashore to sample tapas in one of the city’s bars and later enjoy a traditional Flamenco performance on board.

the following morning sail up the river tagus to the portuguese city of lisbon. view the city’s monuments, celebrating its importance as the starting point for former voyages of discovery; the Belem tower and the monument to the discoveries. a visit to the manueline styled Jeronimos monastery will impress.

the galician town of villagarcia de arosa, a maiden call for Minerva, is the gateway to santiago de Compostela where you can visit the imposing gothic Cathedral, an important centre of pilgrimage for centuries. another option is a hike on the nearby island of Cortegada, offering a wide variety of flora and home to a former monastic settlement.

enjoy a final two days at sea before Minerva sails into the historic naval town of portsmouth.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Tim Earl – naturalist. Professor Carole Hillenbrand – professor emerita, university of edinburgh , islamic History. Professor Robert Hillenbrand – professor emeritus, university of edinburgh, islamic art & architecture. See pages 94-96 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSTenerife: mount teide, la oratova & Botanical gardens, mount teide Hike. Arrecife: Fire mountain, north island, manrique’s island, park of volcanoes Hike. Santa Cruz de la Palma: panoramic la palma, santa Cruz Walk, teneguia volcano Hike. Funchal: Cabo girao scenic drive, madeira Botanical gardens and Cable Car, levada Hike. Casablanca: Casablanca Highlights, rabat & Chella, rabat & Kasbah Walk. Cadiz: Jerez, Cadiz Walk. Lisbon: lisbon & Jeronimos monastery, azulejo museum & lisbon City drive, gulbenkian museum. Villagarcia de Arosa: santiago de Compostela.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Funchal: madeira Whale & dolphin safari, Full day madeira Highlights.

Hassan tower, rabat

Fire mountain, lanzarote

santa Cruz de la palma


Balcony suites from £4,365outside cabins from £1,950inside cabins from £1,395


Your Cruise Fare includes:• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • pre Cruise flight from london to tenerife• post Cruise coach transfer from portsmouth to

your london airport• all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, morning Coffee, lunch, afternoon

tea & dinner on board • 2 Captain’s gala nights including house wine

with dinner• port porterage & taxes• Chauffeur service for Category a-C Cabins• open seating dining

sWan oFFers• FREE extended Chauffeur service for all


• FREE on board bar credit of £200 for balcony suites (Category A-D) and £100 for outside cabins (Category F-I).

32

Minerva leaving portsmouth

Minerva sets sail from historic portsmouthno-Fly Cruises April – July 2014

Commence your cruise in style, sailing away past the historic naval dockyard, Hms victory, Hms Warrior 1860, the new mary rose museum, the modern spinnaker tower and the chalk cliffs of the isle of Wight.

Minerva berths at the contemporary terminal at portsmouth international port. With excellent motorway links via the a3 Hindhead tunnel, m3 and m27, together with rail links to portsmouth and air links to southampton, historic portsmouth provides easy access to join your swan Hellenic cruise.

Complimentary coach transfers are available from london victoria Coach station and southampton airport

pre-cruise Hotel stay & parking – special rates for a one night pre cruise stay with parking for your cruise duration at the marriott meon valley Hotel and Country Club, which also offers golf and spa facilities

Twin: £149 per room Single: £135 per room Rates include: 1 night pre cruise stay on a bed and breakfast basis in a standard deluxe room, parking for the duration of the cruise, group transfers to/

from Minerva berthed 20 minutes away. Check in from 15.00. Spacious en suite rooms include a safe, tea/coffee making facilities and hair dryer.

Car parking is available at portsmouth international port at a discounted rate

a door to door luggage service can be provided by the Baggage Handling Company within the uK

secure valet parking conveniently located at portsmouth international port is offered by Cruise and passenger services

For more information on travelling to portsmouth, please see details on pages 102-103.


One road leads to London, One road leads to Wales, My road leads me seawards, To the white dipping sails.

From roadways, John masefield, (english poet, 1878 – 1967)

34

Frederiksborg palace and gardens, denmark

england • denmarK • sWeden • norWay

a sCandinavian spring

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• explore the gardens of scandinavia

at springtime

• admire stately Frederiksborg palace

• uncover the viking past at oslo’s viking ship museum

• Cruise along the majestic Hardangerfjord

• Wander the historic alleys of Bergen’s wooden habourside area

• transit the 61 mile long Kiel Canal


Sail from the historic naval port of Portsmouth and spend a leisurely day at sea settling into your cabin, relaxing

in Minerva’s country house style bars and lounges and enjoying introductory talks by your Guest Speakers. Enjoy a daytime transit of the Kiel Canal before Minerva enters the Baltic Sea. A city tour of the first port of call, Copenhagen, will reveal cultural riches including Christiansborg Palace and the old harbour area of Nyhavn. Alternatively, discover Frederiksborg Palace, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, with its Baroque gardens. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore independently and, perhaps, see the iconic statue of the Little Mermaid a short distance from Minerva’s berth.

sail through the beautiful southern gothenburg archipelago to discover the quaint canals and cobbled streets of historic gothenburg on sweden’s west coast. learn about the city’s maritime history, enjoy views of the harbour from masthuggs Church and

take a stroll in the city’s Botanical gardens, the largest in sweden, boasting over 16,000 species with renowned rock gardens, arboretum and hot houses. spend the afternoon discovering the historic area of Haga, the private garden of peter Korn or visiting museums, at your leisure.

Cruise towards norway’s spectacular southern fjords and sail up the oslofjord into the heart of oslo, the capital of norway. explore this friendly city with its viking ship museum, striking vigeland sculpture park and beautiful Botanical gardens, mostly designed as an arboretum with its impressive palm House.

From the promenade deck, or the comfort of the panoramic orpheus lounge, watch the seascapes unfold as Minerva sails toward the fjordlands. at the furthest end of the majestic Hardangerfjord lies ulvik, nestled among steep wooded hills. one of norway’s greenest areas it is renowned for its orchards, traditionally covered in blossom in may, and is known as norway’s ‘fruit garden’. discover gentle, verdant orchard farms or admire panoramic views from the rugged mountain plateau.

‘All gardening is landscape painting’.William Kent, english architect & landscape architect (1685-1748).


PortsmouthEnglandDepart 28th AprReturn 9th May Warnemunde

Germany24th May Full Day

Oslo Norway3rd May Full Day

Bergen Norway6th May Full Day

Ulvik Norway5th May Morning

Gothenburg Sweden2nd May Full Day

N O R W A Y

S W E D E N

D E N M A R KCopenhagen Denmark1st May Full DayKiel Canal

30th Apr

G E R M A N Y

BERLIN

ROSTOCK

AKRAFJORD

HARDANGERFJORD

OSAFJORD ORCHARDS

MILDE GARDENS

BRYGGEN

VIKING SHIP MUSEUM

BOTANICAL GARDENS

FREDERIKSBORG PALACE

LITTLE MERMAID

28 APRIL – 9 MAY 2014 12 Days from £1,825pp

during the afternoon Minerva cruises back down the majestic Hardangerfjord. your captain will plot a scenic route which may include exploration of the smaller fjords such as akrafjord where the langfossen waterfall tumbles 600 metres down the hillside. amongst the islands and islets lies Bergen, surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. visit damsgård manor, a recently restored 18th century manor house with gardens recreated as they would have been 200 years ago, or explore milde Botanical gardens where the spring rhododendrons should be in bloom. take the funicular to the summit of mount Floien for spectacular views over the city or wander around the bustling fishmarket. in the afternoon enjoy an enigmatic piano recital at grieg’s House or spend the afternoon at leisure wandering around the unesCo-listed medieval, wooden Bryggen area, before Minerva sets sail for the return cruise to portsmouth.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Rosie Atkins – rHs Council. Sir Richard Dales – Former ambassador to norway. Professor William Vaughan – emeritus professor of art History, Birkbeck. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSCopenhagen: Frederiksborg palace & gardens, Copenhagen City tour. Gothenburg: Botanical gardens and City panoroma, northern archipelago, pm independent. Oslo: oslo City tour, viking ship museum. Ulvik: osafjord drive & Cider, granvin open air museum, uppheim Farm. Bergen: City Walk & Cable Car, mt Floein Hike, milde Botanical gardens, damsgård manor & gardens, pm independent.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Gothenburg: peter Korn’s garden. Bergen: grieg’s House & recital.

ulvik, norway




Your Cruise Fare includes:• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, morning Coffee, lunch, afternoon


with dinner• port porterage & taxes• return coach transfers from london victoria

Coach station & southampton airport• Chauffeur service for Category a-C Cabins• open seating dining

In partnership with RHS Garden HolidaysComplimentary RHS membership. (Please see page 106 for details).

little mermaid, Copenhagen

36

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 9th MayReturn 24th May

RønneDenmark12th May Full Day

Tallinn Estonia14th May Morning

Helsinki Finland17th May Full Day

N O R W A Y

B A L T I C S E A

S W E D E N

R U S S I A

St Petersburg Russia15th May Full Day/Overnight16th May Full Day

Stockholm Sweden18th May Afternoon/Overnight

19th May Morning

Kiel Canal11th May

D E N M A R K

ROSTOCK

KRONBORG CASTLE

Elsinore Denmark21st May Full Day

THE VASAHERMITAGE

PETERHOF

F I N L A N D

SIBELIUS MONUMENT ARCHIPELAGO

OLD TOWN

SIBELIUS MONUMENT

england • denmarK • estonia • russia • Finland • sWeden

Capitals of the BaltiC

stockholm Cityscape, sweden (© Charlie Waite)

raphael loggia, Hermitage

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• two days in st petersburg to

discover the treasures of the russian empire

• gaze upon da vinci’s and rembrandt’s masterpieces at the Hermitage – to name but a few

• Watch from the promenade deck as Minerva approaches stockholm through its picturesque archipelago

• discover the soviet past on special excursions in st petersburg & tallinn

• enjoy a world class performance at one of st petersburg’s

renowned theatres

• a daytime transit of the 61 mile long Kiel Canal


Join Minerva in the historic naval port of Portsmouth and spend a relaxing day settling into life on board. Enjoy

introductory talks by your Guest Speakers before a daytime transit of the Kiel Canal leads to the historic Baltic Sea. The first port of call, Rønne, on the Danish island of Bornholm, was once a Viking stronghold. Discover the island’s landscape of small fishing villages, castles and wheatfields or, from Minerva’s central berth, walk to Rønne’s cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses.

spend a relaxing day sailing eastwards across the Baltic sea and into the gulf of Finland to tallinn, once a medieval Hanseatic town and still an important Baltic seaport. explore both the upper and lower towns on a walking tour or learn about tallinn’s history and years under soviet rule. at the eastern end of the gulf of Finland lies st petersburg, wonderfully situated on the banks of the river neva. an overnight stay in this beautiful city allows you to visit the ‘must see’ sights including the Hermitage, the cathedral of ss peter and paul

with its distinctive golden needle thin spire and peter the great’s summer palace at peterhof. a supplementary option is an evening concert or ballet performance at the world famous mariinsky theatre.

Minerva sails west to Helsinki, known as ‘the daughter of the Baltic’. during a city tour, view art deco buildings, the magnificent orthodox uspensky Cathedral and the majestic senate square, modelled after its namesake in st petersburg. alternatively, visit ainola, home of the composer, sibelius, and enjoy an exclusive performance of some of his music.

leaving behind the gulf of Finland, Minerva sails to stockholm weaving its way through a majestic archipelago of 24,000 tiny rocky islands. enjoy the highlights of this elegant city including the vasa, the world’s best-preserved 17th century man-of-war which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and is now on show at the fascinating vasamuseet. Minerva remains overnight in stockholm, so immerse yourself in the city’s history on an evening stroll through the medieval old town, gamla stan, a maze of cobblestone streets.

sibelius monument, Helsinki

37

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 9th MayReturn 24th May

RønneDenmark12th May Full Day

Tallinn Estonia14th May Morning

Helsinki Finland17th May Full Day

N O R W A Y

B A L T I C S E A

S W E D E N

R U S S I A

St Petersburg Russia15th May Full Day/Overnight16th May Full Day

Stockholm Sweden18th May Afternoon/Overnight

19th May Morning

Kiel Canal11th May

D E N M A R K

ROSTOCK

KRONBORG CASTLE

Elsinore Denmark21st May Full Day

THE VASAHERMITAGE

PETERHOF

F I N L A N D

SIBELIUS MONUMENT ARCHIPELAGO

OLD TOWN

SIBELIUS MONUMENT

Call Swan Hellenic on 0844 209 9000 or visit www.swanhellenic.com

9 MAY – 24 MAY 2014 16 Days from £2,680pp

Winter palace, st petersburg

the historic port town of elsinore is home to the imposing Kronborg Castle, thought by many to be the setting for shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, which dominates the narrowest point of the Øresund waterway. the pedestrianised streets, with their half-timbered houses, gothic churches and medieval cloister are a delight to explore.

With two days at sea before you arrive back in portsmouth, there is time to relax and digest the many sights you have seen on your memorable journey to the capitals of the Baltic.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include:

Rosalind Whyte – Freelance art Historian, guide and lecturer.

See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSRonne: Bornholm island tour, Bornholm Walk, rønne Walk, pm independent. Tallinn: tallinn City drive & Walk, tallinn upper & lower town Walk, soviet past & upper town. St Petersburg: Hermitage, peterhof palace, st peter & paul, sightseeing drive. Helsinki: City tour & open air museum, soumelinna island, pm independent. Stockholm: vasa museum & old town, viking museum & panorama. Elsinore: Kronborg Castle, pm independent.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: St Petersburg: Hermitage gold room, Full day palaces of the romanovs, evening Ballet or Concert performance. Helsinki: sibelius Concert & ainola. Stockholm: drottningholm palace & Cruise.








“I love thee, Peter’s own creation, I love thy stern and comely face, Neva’s majestic perfluctation, Her bankments’ granite carapace.”

From the Bronze Horseman – alexander pushkin, russian poet (1799-1837).

38

Bantry Bay, glengarriff

england • eire • sCotland • nortHern ireland • CHannel islands

CeltiC Coasts

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• look over the legendary giant’s Causeway made from thousands of

basalt columns

• anchor off remote ports to explore the rugged landscapes of ireland’s

Western Coast

• step ashore on isolated lundy, a haven for flora & fauna

• drive along the shore of scotland’s loch lomond & admire breathtaking

views over to the trossachs

• admire dublin’s magnificent georgian architecture


Join Minerva in Portsmouth and sail past Britain’s naval dockyard and the Isle of Wight before setting a westerly

course for Ireland. Relax and listen to your Guest Speakers’ talks as Minerva spends a day at sea cruising along the Irish coast to Dublin.

admire the georgian architecture of merrion square, st stephen’s green and trinity College or drive out of the city to powerscourt House at the foot of the Wicklow mountains, celebrated for its italianate gardens. Continuing north, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Firth of Clyde passing the isle of arran, before Minerva anchors in Holy loch. drive through spectacular countryside to loch lomond and the trossachs national park or visit inveraray Castle & garden, the beautiful ancestral home of the duke of argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, standing on the shores of loch Fyne.

Built on a peninsula in northern ireland, the seaside town of portrush is the gateway to the dramatic antrim Coast and giant’s Causeway. marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns of the

headland, formed by volcanic eruptions more than 60 million years ago, and learn about the legend of the irish giant, Finn macCool.

the west coast of ireland is known for its unsurpassed beauty and wild drama with some of ireland’s finest scenery in County donegal. From the fishing port of Killybegs, visit the glencolumcille Folk museum to gain an insight into everyday life of past centuries, while a visit to donegal town, framed by the Blue stack mountains and historically the family seat of the o’donnells, may appeal.

Minerva cruises past the magnificent Cliffs of moher to anchor off inishmore, the largest of the rugged and unspoilt aran islands. discover independently the unique landscape and ancient heritage of the island and town where native gaelic is still spoken. early the following morning, depending on the weather, enjoy views as Minerva cruises past the skellig islands, perhaps catching a glimpse of the world’s second-largest colony of gannets.

situated on world-renowned Bantry Bay, where the mountains meet the sea, glengarriff

“God blessed the green island, he saw it was good. The Emerald of Europe, it sparkled and shone. In the ring of this world, the most precious stone.”

dr William drennan, ulster patriot and radical (1754-1820).

39

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 24th MayReturn 4th Jun

N O R T H E R NI R E L A N D

E I R E

W A L E S

E N G L A N D

S C O T L A N D

Dublin Eire26th MayFull Day

Cork Cork (Ringaskiddy)1st Jun Full Day

Holy Loch Scotland27th May Afternoon

PortrushN. Ireland

28th May Morning

Lundy England2nd Jun Morning

GIANT’SCAUSEWAY

POWERSCOURT

ARDUAINE GARDENSKillybegs Eire

29th May Full Day

St Peter Port Channel Islands3rd Jun Full Day

Glengarri� Eire31st May Afternoon

GLENCOE

Inishmore, Aran Islands30th May Afternoon

CLIFFS OF MOHER

DONEGAL

*New Ports

DONEGAL

LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS

CLIFFS OF MOHER

BEARA PENINSULA

BANTRY BAY

BLARNEY STONECORK


24 MAY – 4 JUNE 2014 12 Days from £1,720pp

powerscourt gardens, enniskerry, eire

offers across to the rugged landscapes of the ring of Beara, a panoramic drive of breathtaking scenery. or visit garnish island, an island garden of rare beauty located in the sheltered bay.

sail to Cork in the far south of ireland to visit the georgian, star-shaped, Charles Fort and the port and garrison town of Kinsale, or Blarney Castle and its famous Blarney stone. enjoy an independent visit to peaceful, unspoilt, lundy island†, situated off the north devon coast, with its rich history and diverse flora and fauna before cruising to st peter port† where you have time to discover at leisure one of the Channel islands’ most beautiful towns before sailing home to portsmouth.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Andy Bunten – Freelance Wildlife lecturer Professor Christopher Andrew – emeritus professor of modern & Contemporary History, university of Cambridge. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSDublin: powerscourt gardens & dublin panorama, dublin City Walk, dublin & st patrick’s Cathedral, dublin independent transfer. Holy Loch: loch lomond & the trossachs, inveraray Castle & gardens. Port Rush: giant’s Causeway, antrim scenic drive. Killybegs: glencolumcille Folk village, donegal town. Inishmore: independent exploration. Glengarriff: Beara peninsula scenic drive, garnish island gardens, Bantry House. Cobh: Kinsale & Charles Fort, Blarney Castle & Cork panorama, museum of emigration. Lundy: independent exploration. St Peter Port: independent exploration.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Dublin: Helen dillon & Botanical gardens. Killybegs: salthill gardens. St Peter Port: Herm Walk, island drive.








giant’s Causeway, C. antrim

Fulmar rookery

† Landing subject to weather and sea conditions.

40

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 4th JunReturn 16th Jun

WarnemundeGermany24th May Full Day

Le Havre France6th Jun Eve7th Jun Full Day/Overnight

Dunkirk France5th Jun Afternoon

T H E N E T H E R L A N D S

S W E D E N

F R A N C ECaen France8th Jun Full Day

Cherbourg France9th Jun Full Day/Eve

Belle Île France11th Jun Morning

Lorient France11th Jun Eve/Overnight12th Jun Morning

St Peter Port Guernsey15th Jun Full Day

Isles of Scilly England13th Jun Full Day

Dartmouth England14th Jun Full Day

BERLIN

ROSTOCK

IN FLANDERS FIELDS MUSEUM & TYNE COT

DUNKIRK BEACH MUSEUM

BAYEUX TAPESTRY

GOLD BEACH

OMAHA BEACH

SUBMARINE MUSEUMPONT AVEN

TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS

GREENWAY

Amsterdam

6TH JUNE D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY

*New Ports

England • BElgium • FrancE • islEs oF scilly • channEl islands

d-day 70th annivErsary – Reflections

Belle Île, France

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• see the d-day landing beaches and commemorate the 70th anniversary

of d-day, 6 June 1944

• Minerva transits the caen canal passing Pegasus Bridge

• remember the First World War at ypres, in Flanders Fields museum &

tyne cot cemetery

• gain insights into the battle sites with on board talks from eminent military historian, dr Peter caddick-adams

• Explore the remote isles of scilly and visit tropical tresco abbey gardens

• Minerva anchors in the picturesque river dart to visit historic dartmouth


the 6th June 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, so join Minerva in England’s most

important maritime city, Portsmouth, one of the many departure points for Operation Overlord, as she embarks on a voyage visiting some of the notable sites of the First and Second World Wars in Northern France.

settle into life on board as Minerva crosses the channel to dunkirk. no one can fail to be moved by a visit to ypres; walking around this pretty, rebuilt medieval city in Flanders, not far from the port of dunkirk, it is hard to imagine the devastation wrought here during the great War. discover the award winning in Flanders Fields museum and visit tyne cot cemetery. visit the dunkirk beaches where thousands of stranded British troops were evacuated back to England by the famous ‘little ships of dunkirk’ at the end of may 1940. learn more about operation dynamo at dunkirk museum.

on 6th June, the 70th anniversary of d day, Minerva will cruise off the normandy Beaches and hold a service of remembrance. discover why le havre’s post war reconstruction is now

recognised by unEsco and delight in the port city’s fine collection of impressionist art.

as Minerva approaches caen, the new Pegasus Bridge will be opened to allow her to sail up the canal into the heart of the city. the 6th June 1940, d-day, saw an airborne assault followed by the largest amphibious invasion in world history. From caen, visit gold and sword beaches where, among others, the British troops landed, and the arromanches d-day museum to discover a wealth of photographs and original equipment. From cherbourg visit the american utah and omaha beaches and visit st mère Eglise, one of the first towns to be liberated. the cliffs here are still riddled with german bunkers, and deeply scarred with shell holes from the bombardment sustained on this heavily defended beach.

Belle Île is the largest island off the coast of Brittany. Wander around the town of le Palais at your leisure and discover why sarah Bernhardt, gustave Flaubert and claude monet all fell under the spell of this tranquil isle. continuing on her journey, Minerva arrives in lorient, a german u-boat base

giverny, France

ypres cemetery

41

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 4th JunReturn 16th Jun


Le Havre France6th Jun Eve7th Jun Full Day/Overnight

Dunkirk France5th Jun Afternoon

T H E N E T H E R L A N D S

S W E D E N

F R A N C ECaen France8th Jun Full Day

Cherbourg France9th Jun Full Day/Eve

Belle Île France11th Jun Morning

Lorient France11th Jun Eve/Overnight12th Jun Morning

St Peter Port Guernsey15th Jun Full Day

Isles of Scilly England13th Jun Full Day

Dartmouth England14th Jun Full Day

BERLIN

ROSTOCK

IN FLANDERS FIELDS MUSEUM & TYNE COT

DUNKIRK BEACH MUSEUM

BAYEUX TAPESTRY

GOLD BEACH

OMAHA BEACH

SUBMARINE MUSEUMPONT AVEN

TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS

GREENWAY

Amsterdam

6TH JUNE D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY

*New Ports


d-day 70th annivErsary – Reflections 4 JUNE – 16 JUNE 2014 13 Days from £1,995pp

arromanches, normandy

during World War ii. Explore the attractive village of Pont aven, best known for its association with the post-impressionist painter, Paul gauguin, or see the mysterious neolithic standing stones at carnac.

the remote isles of scilly lie just 28 miles off the southwest coast of Britain. the sub-tropical tresco abbey gardens is home to many rare plants that flourish in the warmth of the gulf stream. there is also time to explore st mary’s or enjoy a walk around the star garrison, an important signal station during World War ii.

anchor in the picturesque river dart and tender in to visit the famous port of dartmouth. you may choose to visit greenway, the holiday home of agatha christie, or enjoy a ride on the coastal dartmouth steam railway. to the south west of the town is slapton sands, part of the site of the ill-fated Exercise tiger in 1944. Finally, discover the tumbling terraces and tiered gardens of st Peter Port and gain an insight into the daily lives of the islanders under german occupation as you visit the underground hospital and the occupation museum, before returning to Portsmouth.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Dr Peter Caddick-Adams – military historian, author and Battlefield guide. Canon Andrew Evans – historian. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSDunkirk: ypres & in Flanders Fields museum, dunkirk Beaches & museum. Le Havre: rouen, malraux impressionist museum. Caen: gold Beach & arromanches museum, Bayeux tapestry, caen Peace memorial. Cherbourg: us landing beaches & airborne museum. Belle Île: independent Exploration. Lorient: Pont aven, carnac. Isles of Scilly: tresco abbey gardens, independent st mary’s. Dartmouth: steam train & drive, greenway, dartmoor Walk. St Peter Port: independent exploration.




Your Cruise Fare includes:• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon

tea & dinner on board • 2 captain’s gala nights including house wine

with dinner• Port Porterage & taxes• return coach transfers from london victoria

coach station & southampton airport• chauffeur service for category a-c cabins• open seating dining

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Le Havre: giverny garden. Caen: Full day d-day landings. Cherbourg: Full day d-day landings. Belle Île: island drive. Isles of Scilly: star garrison Walk, marine safari. St Peter Port: herm Walk, occupied guernsey.

of France

“During the night and the early hours of this morning the first of the series of landings in force upon the European Continent has taken place. In this case the liberating assault fell upon the coast of France.”

sir Winston churchill, British Prime minister (1874-1965) – from his speech in the house of

commons, 6 June 1944.

42

strokkur geyser, iceland

England • scotland • icEland • FaroE islands

an icElandic summEr

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• cruise around the isolated st Kilda

archipelago, home to thousands of seabirds

• Watch iceland’s famous stokkur geyser as it erupts every few minutes on

an inclusive Full day golden circle excursion

• Enjoy hikes amidst iceland’s rugged, volcanic scenery

• visit thundering godafoss Waterfall “the Jewel of the north”

• Bathe in the natural hot springs of myvatn

• Explore the remote Faroe islands discovering turf roofed houses and

rugged scenery


Enjoy hikes on this cruise.

As Minerva sails away from the historic city of Portsmouth, relax and settle into your cabin as you

cruise towards the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Discover the island and the Callanish Standing Stones – one of the most significant megalithic complexes in Europe – on a guided scenic drive, and explore the island’s capital, Stornoway, at your leisure.

the archipelago of st Kilda* is the most remote part of the British isles, situated some 41 miles west of scotland’s outer hebrides. its native population was evacuated in 1930, and the waters and cliffs are now home to large colonies of gannets and fulmars. Minerva will cruise off the main island, hirta, and the Boreray sea stacks.

as Minerva spends a day cruising northwest to heimaey, the only inhabited island of the Westmann islands, enjoy the company of our on board naturalist and join him on deck to look out for the marine wildlife that abounds here in midsummer. on an island drive see heimaey’s newest mountain, Eldfell, created

by an unexpected volcanic eruption in 1973, or take a boat trip to view the island’s sheer cliffs and prolific birdlife.

the world’s most northerly capital is the colourful city of reykjavik. thrill to the unique landscape of iceland’s ‘golden circle’, gulfoss, a thundering waterfall, the mesmerising spectacle of the geysir area and thingvellir national Park, home to the earliest parliament. alternatively, visit the national museum to see the treasures housed within.

grundarfjördur, a fishing community on the northern coast of the snæfellsnes peninsula, is surrounded by soaring mountains. discover snæfellsjökull national Park, with its mystical glacier – on top of a live volcano – that has been a source of inspiration for writers and poets down the ages, including Jules verne, or join a hike around the lower part of mount Kirkjuvell.

situated at the furthest reach of skutulsfjordur, and surrounded on three sides by soaring cliffs, the small town of isafjordur is capital of the West Fjords and iceland’s most isolated community. see tiny villages and small fishing

What angered the gods, when the lava flowed, on which we are standing now?

from the Kristni saga, snorri goði

43

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 16th JunReturn 1st Jul

Akureyri Iceland26th Jun Full Day

Stornoway Outer Hebrides 19th Jun Full Day

St Kilda Scenic Cruise Outer Hebrides 20th Jun

Heimaey Iceland22nd Jun Morning

Reykjavik Iceland23rd Jun Full Day

Isafjordur Iceland25th Jun Morning

Tórshavn Faroe Islands 28th Jun Morning

I C E L A N D

S C O T L A N D

HIRTA ISLAND

BORERAY STACKS

VESTMANNACLIFFS

STROKKUR GEYSIR

GODAFOSS

Grundarfjordur Iceland24th Jun Full Day

WEST FJORDS

SNAEFELLSNES NATIONAL PARK

GOLDEN CIRCLE

WHALE WATCHING

CALLANISH STONES


an icElandic summEr 16 JUNE – 1 JULY 2014 16 Days from £2,100pp

godafoss Falls, akureyri

Puffin

torshavn, Faroe islands

harbours and learn about the life and culture of this remote area. Minerva sails around the north of iceland to akureyri, located just 60km south of the arctic circle. view lake myvatn and its lunar-like landscapes of pseudo craters and visit godafoss, a huge and beautiful cascade of water known as the ‘waterfall of the gods’.

Minerva sails south from iceland to torshavn on the remote Faroe islands, little visited apart from the most determined traveller. the landscape is dotted with multi-coloured cottages, turf-roofed churches and cairn-marked footpaths, with views to mountains and islands. another highlight is the opportunity to set your eyes upon the towering vestmanna cliffs, home to thousands of sea birds.*Minerva will scenic cruise St Kilda.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Dr Peter Cattermole – Former lecturer in volcanology and planetary geology. Tim Earl – naturalist. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSStornoway: lewis & callanish stones, hebridean scenic drive, Pm independent. Heimaey: heimaey island drive, heimaey hike. Reykjavik: Full day golden circle, reykjavik city tour, viking museum. Grundarfjordur: snaefellsnes national Park, mt Kirkjuvell hike, Pm independent. Isafjordur: life & culture in West Fjords. Akureyri: Full day lake myvatn & godafoss Falls. Torshavn: gjogv scenic drive, Esturoy island.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Heimaey: Westmann islands Boat trip. Isafjordur: vigur Boat trip, hesteryi Boat trip. Akureyri: nature Baths & godafoss, husavik Whale Watching. Torshavn: vestmanna cliffs cruise.








44

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 1st JulReturn 15th Jul

Port of Tyne Northumberland3rd Jul Full Day

Edinburgh(Port Rosyth) Scotland4th Jul Morning

Kirkwall Orkney Isle 5th Jul Full Day

Liverpool England10th Jul Full Day/Eve

Holyhead Wales – Snowdonia

11th Jul Morning

Falmouth Cornwall13th Jul Full Day

Isles of Scilly12th Jul Full Day

S C O T L A N D

W A L E S

E N G L A N D

HADRIAN’SWALL

CASTLE OF MEY

SCENIC CRUISE6th Jul

GIANT’SCAUSEWAY

TRESCO ABBEYGARDENS

Portree Isle of Skye6th Jul Afternoon

Sark Channel Islands14th Jul Morning

MOUNT STEWART HOUSE

PLAS NEWYDD

WALLINGTON

Oban Highlands8th Jul Full Day

ISLE OF WIGHT

*New Ports

Scrabster Caithness 5th Jul Full Day

DUNVEGAN CASTLE

GLENCOE

EDINBURGH CASTLE

SPEKE HALL

LANHYDROCK HOUSE

England • scotland • WalEs • islEs oF scilly • channEl islands

trEasurEs of the British islEs

speke hall, liverpool

dunvegan castle, isle of skye

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• a choice of 6 distinguished

national trust properties including tudor speke hall, victorian

lanhydrock house

• visit the castle of mey, former home of Queen Elizabeth, the

Queen mother

• admire dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery on the isle of skye

• step ashore in oban and drive across rannoch moor to

historic glencoe

• Explore the remote and delightful isles of scilly

• discover the maritime heritage of cornwall’s Falmouth


Embark in historic Portsmouth and relax and settle into your cabin as you cruise to England’s

most northerly county, Northumberland. Discover Wallington*, dating from 1688, known for its magnificent interior and fine gardens. Alternatively, visit Hadrian’s Wall, the northernmost outpost of the Roman Empire, a stunning ‘necklace’ of wall and forts that once ran for 73 miles across the north of England.

Edinburgh, scotland’s dynamic capital city, offers a medieval old town and a georgian new town. visit Edinburgh castle or explore stirling castle, royal stronghold and regimental garrison. hopetoun, scotland’s finest stately home, may also be visited. sail to the caithness port of scrabster. stand on the most northerly point of mainland Britain at dunnet head overlooking the Pentland Firth or visit the remote castle of mey, former residence of her majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother.

Follow Bonnie Prince charlie as he escapes over the sea to skye and visit dunvegan castle,

the oldest continuously inhabited castle in scotland, built on a rock in an idyllic loch-side setting. Enjoy inspirational scenic cruising as Minerva cruises off the west coast of scotland, passing islands, glens and bays – including the tiny island of staffa – en route to oban. ashore, drive to glencoe, one of the most haunting and scenic of all scottish glens. spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the town of oban, described by Queen victoria as “one of the finest spots we have seen.”

Minerva sails south to make her maiden call at the historic maritime city of liverpool, a unEsco World heritage site. Explore the waterfront and see the famous liver Building before visiting the model village of Port sunlight, created by William hesketh lever for his sunlight soap factory workers in 1888. alternatively visit speke hall*, a rare tudor timber-framed manor house on the banks of the river mersey, a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th century country house.

on the isle of anglesey is the ancestral home of the marquess of anglesey, Plas newydd*, set amidst breathtaking scenery on the menai

In partnership with the National Trust

tresco abbey gardens


1 JULY – 15 JULY 2014 15 Days from £2,305pp

lanhydrock house, cornwall

strait. visit this fascinating house or cross to the mainland to the spectacular snowdonia national Park. Just 28 miles off the southwest coast of cornwall lie the isles of scilly and the sub-tropical tresco abbey gardens where rare plants flourish in the warmth of the gulf stream. another famous garden, the national trust gardens at trelissick*, can be explored from Falmouth, or visit lanhydrock*, a magnificent late victorian country house, before spending an afternoon exploring the fascinating maritime heritage of Falmouth independently. Finally, Minerva sails to the channel islands and the tiny island of sark†. traffic-free, the island is a delight to explore either on foot or by horse and cart.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Tim Earl – naturalist. Adrian Tinniswood – architectural and social historian. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSPort of Tyne: Wallington house*, hadrian’s Wall, alnwick gardens. Edinburgh: Edinburgh castle, stirling castle, hopetoun house. Scrabster: castle of mey, dunnet head & John o’ groats, hike to hoburn head. Portree: dunvegan castle, north skye scenic drive, hike. Oban: glencoe scenic drive, inveraray castle, hike. Pm independent. Liverpool: speke hall*, liverpool & Port sunlight. Erdigg*. Holyhead: Plas newydd*, snowdonia scenic drive. Isles of Scilly: tresco abbey gardens, st mary’s independent. Falmouth: lanhydrock house*, lost gardens of heligan. Pm independent. Sark: independent Exploration.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Port of Tyne: Farne islands. Edinburgh: Firth of Forth nature cruise. Isles of Scilly: star castle Walk, marine safari. Falmouth: trelissick gardens & cruise.








“This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle... This other Eden, demi-paradise...”

from richard ii William shakespeare, English dramatist (1564 - 1616)

†Landing subject to weather and sea conditions.*National Trust Property

46

reine, lofoten islands

England • norWay • north caPE

norWay and the north caPE

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• admire the daring exploits of

Polar Explorers in tromso’s museum

• stand on top of the north cape cliffs, Europe’s most

northerly mainland point

• By inspired by the striking mountain scenery of the remote

lofoten islands

• cruise along sognefjord, norway’s longest fjord

• ride the steep, mountainous, Flåm railway, a masterpiece

of engineering

• discover hanseatic heritage of colourful Bryggen waterfront

in Bergen


Embark your cruise in England’s most important maritime city, Portsmouth, and spend two relaxing

days at sea listening to your Guest Speakers outlining the delights to come and settling into life on board. The Norwegian town of Florø is set amidst striking coastal and fjord landscapes. A pretty waterfront town, discover the excellent coastal museum or sail to the nearby Kinn Saga island, once a centre of the herring industry and now known as an area of superb natural beauty.

continuing north, cross the arctic circle and cruise through the archipelago to reach the port of Bodø, home to the saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom, and the excellent norwegian aviation museum. the capital of the arctic, tromsø, is wonderfully situated amid mountains, fjords and islands. the arctic cathedral, built in 1965 and inspired by northern landscapes, is the city’s most recognisable landmark. visit the cathedral or learn about tromsø’s history of daring arctic explorers at the Polar museum, housed in a traditional wharf side house dating from 1830.

you cannot travel further north on mainland Europe than the north cape, the land of the midnight sun. cruise among the isolated islands of the Finnmark channels to reach honningsvåg and journey through a windblown tundra landscape to stand on the 300m high cliffs and admire the view; here only the svalbard islands lie between you and the north Pole.

turning southwards, Minerva sails to the vesteralen archipelago on the atlantic coast and the small town of sortland, set amidst beautiful natural surroundings, tall mountains, deep fjords and thousands of small islands. visit an indigenous sami camp or enjoy a scenic drive to the remote Eidsfjord. From leknes, on the rugged and mountainous lofoten islands, gain a glimpse of life in viking times or visit picturesque nusfjord, said to be the best preserved fishing village in norway.

no visit to norway is complete without cruising in the fjords. cruise along sognefjord, one of the longest fjords and, at the head of aurlandsfjord, is Flåm, home to the famous Flåm railway. ride one of the world’s steepest railways on normal gauge – a masterpiece of

“Norway, too, has noble wild prospects...”

samuel Johnson, British author and lexicographer (1709–1784). Quoted in James Boswell, life of dr

Johnson, entry for 6 July 1763

47

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 15th JulReturn 30th Jul


Tromsø Norway21st Jul Full Day

HonningsvågNorway22nd Jul Morning

Bodø Norway20th Jul Morning

Sortland Norway23rd Jul Afternoon

Leknes Norway24th Jul Morning

N O R W A Y

S W E D E N

D E N M A R K

Bergen Norway27th Jul Full Day

Florø Norway18th Jul Afternoon

Flåm Norway26th Jul Afternoon

BERLIN

ROSTOCK

ARCTIC CATHEDRAL

NORTH CAPE

SALTSRAUMEN

FLAM RAILWAYSOGNEFJORD

BRYGGEN


15 JULY – 30 JULY 2014 16 Days from £2,295pp

Bryggen, Bergen

norwegian engineering – passing spectacular waterfalls and enjoying wonderful views en route to vatnahalsen. Emerging from the sognefjord, Minerva continues on her route south to the former hanseatic city of Bergen, surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. take the funicular to the top of mount Fløyen for spectacular views over the city and wander around the alleys of the unEsco-listed wooden Bryggen area by the waterfront. Perhaps enjoy an enigmatic piano recital of grieg’s music inspired by the land and seascapes of norway before Minerva heads south to Portsmouth.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Sir Richard Dales – Former ambassador to norway. Rear Admiral John Lippiett – chief Executive, mary rose trust. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSFlorø: coastal museum, sunnfjord. Bodø: Kjerringøy village, maelstrom & city tour, national aviation museum. Tromsø: arctic cathedral, Polar museum & gardens, Ethnographic museum & rock Paintings. Honningsvåg: north cape, northern villages. Sortland: Eidsfjord, sami camp. Leknes: viking museum & scenic drive, nusfjord & museum, tjoerdalen hike, Flåm: Flåm railway, aurlandsfjord scenic drive. Bergen: city Walk & cable car, mt Floein hike. Pm independent.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Florø: Kinn saga island. Honningsvåg: stappan islands ornithology. Bergen: Full day hardangerfjord, grieg’s house and concert.








north cape, norway

aurlandsfjord, norway

48


Bakchiserai, sevastopol, crimea

M inerva sails south to the Mediterranean to celebrate Swan Hellenic’s 60th anniversary in Greece, before

completing a circuit of the Black Sea and cruising the sun-drenched waters of the Aegean and the Adriatic.

In late autumn Minerva sails south and east to the warmer climes of India and the Far East

destinations beyond imaginationFly cruises

July – November 2014

50

PortsmouthEnglandDepart 30th Jul

Oporto (Leixoes) Portugal2nd Aug Morning

Lisbon Portugal3rd AugFull Day

Motril Spain5th Aug Full Day

Cartagena Spain6th Aug Morning

Cagliari Sardinia8th Aug Morning

Trapani Sicily10th Aug Full Day

Lipari Italy11th Aug Full Day

La Goulette Tunisia9th Aug Full Day

NaplesItaly12th Aug Full Day/Overnight 13th Aug

T U N I S I A

S A R D I N I A

S P A I NI T A L Y

P O R T U G A L

ALHAMBRA

SEGESTA

RIVERDOURO

VULCANO

JERONIMOS MONASTERY

ROMAN THEATRE

POMPEII

CARTHAGE

NORA

Portugal • SPain • Sardinia • tuniSia • Sicily • italy

to Mediterranean WaterS

Segesta temple, Sicily

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Savour the tranquillity of

the Jeronimos cloisters, a jewel of Manueline architecture

• on an inclusive full day excursion wander through the Moorish

generalife gardens and courtyards of the alhambra Palace

• From cartagena to carthage and Pompeii, discover the roman legacy of conquest

• admire views of the Sicilian countryside from the magnificent

greek temple of Segesta

• discover the volcanic aeolian islands and explore the

pretty port of lipari

See pages 86-89 for detailed itinerary timings.

Minerva departs her home port, the historic naval city of Portsmouth, sailing south

towards the Mediterranean. Enjoy the company of your Guest Speakers and fellow passengers as Minerva approaches the shores of Portugal and the city of Oporto, where the historic old city lines the banks of the River Douro. The wine trade with Britain led to the building of port houses at Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank of the river; conclude your city tour at one of the renowned port wine lodges.

the panoramic orpheus lounge or the open Promenade deck provide the perfect vantage point as Minerva cruises up the tagus river to lisbon, passing the Monument to the discoveries which commemorates Portuguese explorers including Vasco da gama and Magellan. lisbon offers the glorious, manueline Monasteiro dos Jerónimos and the eclectic gulbenkian collection.

Sail through the Strait of gibraltar to the andalusian port of Motril. enjoy a full day visit to the Moorish alhambra Palace in granada,

magnificently situated in the shadow of the snow-capped Sierra nevada. Marvel at the richly decorated interior with its intricate stuccowork, and stroll around the generalife gardens with its formal gardens, courtyards and fountains.

the naval port of cartagena is one of Spain’s hidden gems; its natural deep-water harbour has been shaped by Hasdrubal, Phoenicians, romans and Moors while the city centre, a dense mass of narrow streets, conceals a well preserved roman theatre.

Minerva continues to sail eastwards through the Mediterranean to the beautiful island of Sardinia and the southern town of cagliari. on a guided walk, discover the town’s evocative medieval centre with its cobbled piazzas or explore the archaeological zone of nora, the remains of a once powerful city founded by the Phoenicians. Following in the footsteps of the romans to explore tunis and the ruins of carthage, legacy of rome’s supremacy over this region. Wander the charming, labyrinthine alleys of coastal Sidi Bou Said with its striking white and blue houses or discover the world famous roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum.

Sidi Bou Said, tunisia


30 JULY – 13 AUGUST 2014 15 Days from £1,750pp

alhambra Palace, granada

Minerva then sails to trapani, on the volcanic island of Sicily. Visit Segesta’s ancient doric temple built by the elymians on a wonderful hilltop setting, or savour the tranquil setting of Selinunte, once an eminent city in Magna graecia. off the shores of Sicily, call at lipari, one of the volcanic aeolian islands. Since 4,000 Bc settlers have traded obsidian and pumice throughout the ancient world. explore the attractive town and archaeological museum.

Finally, cruise to the colourful, crowded city of naples, where Vesuvius looms over the ruined roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor David Abulafia – Professor of Mediterranean History, cambridge university. Revd Robin Griffith-Jones – Master of the temple church, london.

Dr Steve Kershaw – classics tutor.


YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSOporto: oporto Panorama, guimaraes, Heritage of oporto. Lisbon: city tour & Jeronimos Monastery, gulbenkian collection, Queluz Palace. Motril: alhambra Palace & gardens. Cartagena: town Walk & roman theatre, elche. Cagliari: old town Walk, nora. La Goulette: carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Bardo Museum. Trapani: Segesta, Selinunte, erice. Lipari: town Walk & Museum, lipari Panoramic drive. Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: La Goulette: Full day dougga. Lipari: Vulcano island cruise. Naples: ischia.

STANDARD FARES PER PERSON Min140730



Your Cruise Fare includes:• Pre cruise coach transfer from your return

london airport to Portsmouth• Post cruise Flight from naples to london

including prepaid airport taxes• airport transfers for group flights• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon


with dinner• Port Porterage & taxes• chauffeur Service for category a-c cabins• open Seating dining

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men”.

Moorish proverb

SWan oFFerS• FREE extended chauffeur Service for all


• FREE onboard bar credit of £200 for balcony suites (Category A-D) and £100 for outside cabins (Category F-I).

52

acropolis, athens

italy • greece • turkey

SWan’S Hellenic celeBration

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• From the Minoan Palace

of knossos to roman ephesus, discover ancient civilisations that thrived on the shores

of the aegean

• See the evocative remains of sacred delphi, set amidst striking

mountain scenery

• Minerva transits the narrow corinth canal,

a feat of engineering

• cruise into Santorini’s caldera and wonder at the ancient Minoan

buried settlement of akrotiri

• relax on nauplia’s pleasant waterfront, and cool off in the clear

waters of Patmos & Hydra


in 2014 Swan Hellenic celebrates its Diamond Anniversary, marking 60 years of our unique brand of discovery

cruising. Join Minerva as we mark this special occasion by revisiting many of the ports included in the original 1954 itinerary on board m/s Miaoulis.

embark Minerva in the vibrant city of naples where Vesuvius looms over the ruined cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. the archaeological Museum houses finds from both towns, together with some impressive mosaics. cruise the tyrrhenian and ionian Seas to the island of corfu. Spend the morning discovering the craggy landscape of northern corfu or visit the regency villa, Mon repos, once the summer home of the greek royal family and birthplace of Prince Philip.

From the small port of itea on the gulf of corinth drive through one of the largest olive groves in greece and up into the Parnassus mountains to delphi, site of the delphi oracle, regarded by ancient greeks as the ‘omphalos’ or centre of their world.

in the early evening Minerva transits the narrow, steep-sided corinth canal before arriving in nauplia, the first capital of independent greece. the town is gateway to legendary Mycenae, agamemnon’s hilltop citadel, as well as epidauros, sanctuary of the healing god asclepius.

ensure you are out on the Promenade deck as Minerva sails into the caldera of Santorini. discover the excavated ruins of the Minoan town at akrotiri or, from the typical greek town of oia, watch the sun set over the sea and the town’s many blue-domed churches.

South of the cyclades lies crete, the largest greek island. its remarkable history is evident across the island, from the ruined Minoan palace of knossos to Phaistos, another important Minoan palace city on the island. continue to rhodes and discover the grand Master’s Palace in the heavily fortified city of the knights of St John.

it was on the island of Patmos that St John wrote his divinely inspired Book of revelation, the last book of the new testament. Visit the fortress-like orthodox monastery of St John the divine and enjoy a swim from the beach near Minerva’s berth.

“The Isles of Greece! The isles of Greece!...! Eternal summer gilds them yet..”

From Don Juan, lord Byron, english poet (1788 – 1824)

DIAMONDANNIVERSARY

53

I T A L Y

NaplesItaly 13th Aug14th Aug Full Day

POMPEII

G R E E C E

T U R K E YCorinth Canal17th Aug Early Eve

Nauplia Greece

18th Aug Full Day

Santorini Greece19th Aug Afternoon/Eve

Rhodes Greece21st Aug Afternoon/Eve

Patmos Greece22nd Aug Full day

Kusadasi Turkey23rd Aug Full Day

Delos Greece24th Aug Morning

Heraklion Greece20th Aug Full Day

Hydra Greece 25th Aug Afternoon/Eve

Corfu Greece16th Aug Morning

Itea Greece17th Aug Morning

PiraeusGreece26th Aug Full Day/Overnight 27th Aug

ACROPOLIS

A D R I A T I CS E A

EPHESUS

GRANDMASTERS

PALACE

KNOSSOS

Mykonos Greece24th Aug Afternoon


italy • greece • turkey

13 AUGUST – 27 AUGUST 2014 15 Days from £2,395pp

lindos, greece

at kusadasi on turkey’s aegean coast an impressive array of greek and roman sites await including the magnificent city of ephesus. Sail onto the small island of delos - fabled birthplace of artemis and apollo - before enjoying an evening in pretty Mykonos.

Minerva sails to the Saronic island of Hydra. Spend an enjoyable afternoon and evening independently exploring the tiers of picturesque buildings that rise above the harbour before sailing to Piraeus and the wonders of ancient athens – a spectacular conclusion to this anniversary cruise.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe – emeritus Professor european archaeology, oxford. Dr Richard Chartres – Bishop of london.

Louise Schofield – Freelance archaeologist.


YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSNaples: Pompeii, Herculaneum, archaeological Museum. Corfu: Mon repos, north corfu Scenic drive, Paleokastritsa Monastery. Itea: delphi, delphi & tholos. Nauplia: Mycenae & Museum, Mycenae & tiryns, epidauros. Santorini: independent thira, akrotiri, Sunset at oia. Heraklion: knossos, lasithi Plateau drive, gortyna & Phaistos. Rhodes: town Walk & grand Masters Palace, ancient rhodes. Patmos: St Johns Monastery, chora Walk, Swimming from nearby beach. Delos: guided walk. Kusadasi: ephesus, didyma & Miletus, diana & Seljuk. Hydra: independent exploration. Piraeus: acropolis, ancient corinth, acropolis Museum, Sounion.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Naples: ischia. Santorini: Volcano Hike & cruise. Rhodes: lindos. Piraeus: Full day thebes.




Your Cruise Fare includes:• return flight from london including prepaid

airport taxes• airport transfers for group flights• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon

tea & dinner on board • 2 captain’s gala nights• anniversary celebration house wine with dinner

each night• Port Porterage & taxes• chauffeur Service for category a-c cabins• open Seating dining

delphi, Parnassus Mountains, greece

Swan’s

Diamond

Anniversary Cruise

DIAMOND

ANNIVERSARY

54

B L A C K S E A

Canakkale Turkey29th AugMorning

IstanbulTurkey9th Sep Full Day/Overnight 10th Sep

Trabzon Turkey1st Sep Full Day

Sinop Turkey31st Aug Morning

Batumi Georgia2nd Sep Full Day

Yalta Ukraine4th Sep Full Day/Eve

Sevastopol Ukraine5th Sep Full Day

Odessa Ukraine6th Sep Full Day/Eve

Nessebur Bulgaria8th Sep Full Day

B U L G A R I A

U K R A I N E

T U R K E Y

BOSPHORUS

SUMELAMONASTERY

BALACLAVA

ST STEPHEN’SCHURCH

G E O R G I A

LIVADIA PALACE

C R I M E A

POTEMKINSTEPS

ACROPOLIS

PiraeusGreece 27th Aug 28th Aug Morning

TROY

BOTANICAL GARDENS

greece • turkey • georgia • ukraine • Bulgaria

Black Sea PanoraMa

alexander nevsky church, yalta

Sumela Monastery, trabzon

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Marvel at Sumela Monastery perched

high in the Pontic alps

• enjoy an exclusive and truly exhilarating performance of georgian

song and dance

• Visit livadia Palace following in the footsteps of tsars & Statesmen

• explore the ‘hero city’ of Sevastopol and imagine the life of a crimean soldier as you view the Panorama

• admire odessa’s sumptuous opera House and walk down the

Potemkin steps

• Wander the bustling streets of istanbul and admire the ornate ottoman Blue Mosque basilica


Embark Minerva in Piraeus from where you can explore the iconic Acropolis in Athens, wander

the narrow streets of the Plaka or take a supplementary boat cruise along the narrow, steep-sided, Corinth Canal. From the strategically important town of Çanakkale, in the Dardanelles, visit the legendary site of Troy, immortalised in Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey, or the Gallipoli peninsula where you can reflect on the poignant reminders of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign of 1915.

cruise through the narrow Bosphorus to enter the Black Sea and continue east to Sinop in turkey where you can see the remains of the town’s medieval walls and visit its mosque, dating from the 13th century. From trabzon drive out of the city to discover the remains of the greek orthodox Sumela Monastery, built at an altitude of 1,200 metres into the side of Melá mountain.

Minerva arrives in georgia, enabling a scenic drive along the coastline from Batumi to the ‘green cape’ and one of the largest botanical

gardens of the former Soviet union. you can also enjoy an exhilarating dance performance.

cruise across the Black Sea to yalta on the crimean Peninsula, where chekhov spent the last years of his life. Visit livadia Palace, site of the historic yalta conference of 1945, or alupka Palace, built in the 19th century for Mikhail Vorontsov, an imperial ambassador to the court of St James, and see the iconic Swallow’s nest. the heroic naval seaport of Sevastopol withstood siege for eleven months during the crimean War, an event recorded in the magnificent Panorama, a huge circular canvas. you can also visit the battlefields of Balaclava – scene of the ill-fated charge of the light Brigade – or Bakhchiserai, former seat of the khanate of tatars.

Sail into catherine the great’s city of odessa, once home to the russian poet, alexander Pushkin. Berthing within sight of the iconic Potemkin Steps, explore the leafy streets of the city and visit the archaeological Museum with its stunning collection of gold from Scythian and Sarmatian burial grounds. this evening enjoy a supplementary ballet performance at the city’s opulent opera House.

alupka Palace, ukraine


27 AUGUST – 10 SEPTEMBER 2014 15 Days from £2,795pp

interior of aghia Sophia, istanbul

the Bulgarian town of nessebur is Minerva’s final call in the Black Sea. a walking tour along the cobbled streets of this small town will reveal carefully preserved wooden buildings and a number of Byzantine churches. Minerva then makes her way back through the narrow mosque and palace-lined Bosphorus to istanbul. Visit the lavishly decorated aghia Sophia and the famed Blue Mosque in the heart of old istanbul before returning to london.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor Christopher Andrew – emeritus Professor of Modern & contemporary History, university of cambridge. Dr Alan Borg – Former director of the imperial War Museum and V&a. Dr Michael Squire – lecturer in classics, king’s college london. Dr Christopher Whitton – lecturer in latin literature, university of cambridge. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSPiraeus: acropolis, kaisariani Monastery & Byzantine Museum, acropolis Museum. Canakkale: troy, gallipoli. Sinop: town Walk. Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Panoramic Sumela & St Sophia church. Batumi: Botanical gardens & city Walk, gonio Fortress & achara Museum, adjara dance Performance. Yalta: livadia Palace, alupka Palace, Botanical garden. Sevastopol: city tour & Panorama, Bakhchiserai, chersonessos, Balaclava. Odessa: city Highlights, city Walk PM independent. Nessebur: town Walk, Bulgarian Village. PM independent. Istanbul: old istanbul, Mosques & Spice Bazaar Walk, Hippodrome coach transfer, rumeli Hisar Fort & ottoman Heritage.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Piraeus: corinth canal cruise. Yalta: chekhov House. Sevastopol: Harbour cruise, Full day crimean Battlefields. Odessa: Mansions, Music & art, evening opera House Performance. Nessebur: Full day Sozopol. Istanbul: Bosphorus cruise, Byzantine Heritage.








OPTIONAL EXTENSIONSenhance your experience with post cruise options. Please see pages 90-93 for full details.

56

Paros, greece

turkey • greece

SHoreS of the aegean

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Wonder at the soaring aghia Sophia

basilica and iconic minarets of istanbul’s skyline

• discover turkey’s lycian coastline with its ancient rock cut tombs

• Walk down through the ruined Street of kuretes in roman ephesus

• Visit the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, perched high on

towering peaks

• enjoy late evening departures, enabling you to wander ashore

in small greek and turkish ports to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere


Minerva’s berth offers an excellent view of Istanbul’s iconic skyline. The skyline, with the city’s

Byzantine and Ottoman heritage is reflected in the magnificent Aghia Sophia basilica and striking Blue Mosque. Minerva sails through the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles Strait to Kusadasi where an impressive array of Roman and Greek sites, including Ephesus, await discovery.

the town of Marmaris lies by a marvellous natural harbour. Visit the remains of knidos, once a rich and cosmopolitan greek city, overlooking the overlooking the azure sea.

Minerva anchors off the pretty fishing village of kas on turkey’s lycian coast. See the restored theatre, dating from the 1st century Bc, and the rock-cut lycian tombs for which the area is renowned, or enjoy a full day boat cruise to see more of the area known as the ‘turquoise coast’. Set sail for agios nikolaos on crete, the largest of the greek islands, to discover ancient Minoan sites such as Malia Palace and gournia or visit the tiny island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony.

Sail to the southern Peloponnese and the neo classical town of gythion. explore the ruined Byzantine city of Mistra, the centre of the Byzantine empire after the fall of constantinople, or discover the remote peninsula of Mani, immortalised in the books of Patrick leigh Fermor.

Minerva then anchors off the greek island of kythera. discover chora, an attractive town with typical white and blue-shuttered houses and a magnificent Venetian castle, or simply explore at your leisure.

Spend a relaxing day cruising the aegean, passing the islands of the cyclades and Sporades, en route to thessaloniki. at Vergina, see the splendid Macedonian gold tomb treasures. a few hours’ drive from thessaloniki, near the Pindus Mountains, are the fabled monasteries of Meteora, perched atop natural rock pillars that rise above the Plain of thessaly. explore the café-lined waterfront as Minerva spends the evening in port.

close cruise the holy mountain of Mount athos, where 20 monasteries dot the

“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea.”

from Zorba the greek, nikos kazantzakis, greek writer (1883 – 1957)

57

IstanbulTurkey 10th Sep 11th Sep Full Day

PiraeusGreece23rd Sep Full Day/Overnight 24th Sep

A E G E A NS E A

T U R K E Y

Marmaris Turkey14th Sep Full Day/Eve

Kas Turkey15th Sep Full Day

Kusadasi Turkey13th Sep Full Day

G R E E C E

ACROPOLIS

EPHESUS

Gythion Greece

17th Sep Afternoon/Eve

Kythera Greece18th Sep Morning

ThessalonikiGreece20th Sep Full Day/Eve

Limnos Greece21st Sep Afternoon

ParosGreece22nd Sep Afternoon

AGHIA SOPHIA

SCENIC CRUISE MOUNT ATHOS

MISTRA

Agios Nikolaos Greece16th Sep Afternoon

VERGINA

METEORA

GOURNIA

KNIDOS


SHoreS of the aegean 10 SEPTEMBER – 24 SEPTEMBER 2014 15 Days from £2,185pp

lycian tombs, demre, turkey

Meteora Monastery, greece

mountainous peninsula, before calling at the north aegean island of limnos. enjoy a guided walking tour of Myrina, the island’s pretty capital or, on the east coast, discover the cliff-top remains of Poliochni, destroyed by an earthquake in 2100 Bc.

From the early cycladic period onwards the white marble found on Paros brought great prosperity to the island; the Venus de Milo was carved from Parian marble, as was napoleon’s tomb. explore the main port town of Parikia on a guided walk and perhaps enjoy a cooling afternoon swim before Minerva sails, early evening, for Piraeus and athens. Visit the acropolis, one of the world’s iconic monuments or explore the ruins of ancient corinth.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor David Braund – Professor of classics & ancient History, university of exeter. Nigel McGilchrist – art Historian. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSIstanbul: old istanbul, Mosques & Spice Bazaar Walk, topkapi Palace, rumeli Hisar Fort & ottoman Heritage, Hippodrome coach transfer. Kusadasi: ephesus, didyma & Miletus, Seljuk. Marmaris: knidos, caunos. Kas: town Walk, demre & Myra. Agios Nikolaos: Malia, gournia, Spinalonga. Gythion: Mistra, Mani, Sparta. Kythera: chora Walk. Thessaloniki: Vergina, Pella, city tour. Limnos: town Walk, Poliochni. Paros: island drive & Walk. Piraeus: acropolis, ancient corinth, Sounion.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Istanbul: Bosphorus cruise, Byzantine Heritage. Kas: coastal cruise. Thessaloniki: Full day Meteora.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONSenhance your experience with pre cruise options. Please see pages 90-93 for full details.





airport taxes• turkish entry visa for group flights• airport transfers for group flights• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon



Statue of Sophia, ephesus, turkey

58

CivitavecchiaItaly7th Oct Full Day/Overnight 8th Oct

Dubrovnik Croatia27th Sep28th Sep Full Day

Sibenik Croatia29th Sep Morning

Venice Italy1st Oct Full Day/Eve

Kotor Montenegro27th Sep Full Day


I O N I A N S E A

Pula Croatia30th Sep Full Day/Eve

Ravenna Italy2nd Oct Full Day

Gaeta Italy6th Oct Afternoon

Brindisi Italy4th Oct Full Day

I T A L Y

C R O A T I A

G R E E C E

PiraeusGreece 24th Sep 25th Sep Morning

DOGE’S PALACE

ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE

KOTOR FJORD

Corinth Canal25th Sep Late Afternoon

SAN VITALE MOSAICS

SPERLONGA

ALBEROBELLO

KRKA WATERFALLS

greece • Montenegro • croatia • italy

adriatic odySSey

rooftops of dubrovnik, croatia

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Minerva transits the narrow

corinth canal

• enjoy Minerva’s cruise up the scenic kotor fjord to the medieval walled

town of the same name

• dubrovnik, Sibenik and Pula offer some of the best sights and scenic

cruising on the croatian coast

• approach Venice from the sea before exploring one of the world’s most

remarkable cities

• admire glittering Byzantine mosaics in ravenna’s San Vitale Basilica

• See rome and visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine chapel


Fly from London to join Minerva in the birthplace of democracy, Athens. Spend a morning exploring the

iconic Acropolis before Minerva transits the narrow, steep sided Corinth Canal in the late afternoon en route to the Adriatic.

enjoy a day settling into life on board and listening to your guest Speakers’ talks as they anticipate the days ahead. the following morning Minerva sails up kotor fjord to the walled town of kotor at the foot of lovcen Mountain. enjoy a scenic drive up into the mountains to cetinje, former capital of the kingdom of Montenegro, and then, in the afternoon, explore kotor’s old town at your leisure.

the walled city of dubrovnik, ‘the pearl of the adriatic’, is renowned for its gothic, renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains, some of which you can discover on a walking tour of the city.

the smaller town of Sibenik, on croatia’s dalmatian coast, was built during the reign of the croatian kings. on a guided walking tour

of the town, see the 15th century cathedral, recognised by uneSco for its northern italian, dalmatian and tuscan influences, or drive into krka national Park known for its impressive waterfalls.

Minerva sails overnight to Pula, on the istrian coast. Visit its impressive roman amphitheatre and take advantage of an evening in port to enjoy dinner ashore.

ensure you’re on deck early the following morning to enjoy Minerva’s arrival in Venice, viewing the doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Square from the water. a visit to a privately-owned Palladio villa is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this architect’s genius. as Minerva sails late this evening, you might decide to dine ashore in a local trattoria.

Minerva sails south to ravenna, a glittering showcase of Byzantine art and culture. View a unique collection of mosaics, described as ‘a symphony of colour’ by dante in his divine comedy, and spend the afternoon exploring the town at your leisure.

San Vitale Basilica, ravenna


24 SEPTEMBER – 8 OCTOBER 2014 15 Days from £2,140pp

kotor Fjord, Montenegro

Further south, on italy’s Puglian coast, lies the town of Brindisi. the 18th century traveller, thomas ashe, thought Baroque lecce ‘the most beautiful city in italy’, or you might choose to visit the uneSco World Heritage Site of alberobello, a dense mass of 1,500 unique and fairytale-like trulli houses.

enjoy a day at sea while Minerva sails around the ‘toe’ of italy and through the Strait of Messina. Be sure to be on deck late evening, as Minerva close-cruises the active volcanic island of Stromboli on her way to gaeta on the italian mainland. Spend the afternoon exploring this pretty town independently before Minerva sails north to civitavecchia, gateway to rome and the etruscan tombs at tarquinia.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor Andrew Hopkins – architectural

Historian. The Very Revd Victor Stock – Former

dean of guildford. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSPiraeus: acropolis, ancient corinth, acropolis Museum. Kotor: Montenegro Panorama, Perast, town Walk, PM independent. Dubrovnik: cavtat & riviera, town Walk. Sibenik: town Walk, krka national Park. Pula: town Walk, Porec. Venice: doge’s Palace, Murano & torcello, Venice Walk. Ravenna: city tour, Faenza & ceramic Museum. PM independent. Brindisi: lecce, otranto, alberobello. PM independent. Gaeta: independent exploration. Civitavecchia: ostia, tarquinia, Viterbo.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Dubrovnik: cable car. Venice: Palladio Villas, Palazzo & gondola. Gaeta: Sperlonga. Civitavecchia: Full day Vatican rome








“At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea must have happened at the coast of Montenegro.”

lord Byron, english Poet (1788-1824).

60

PiraeusGreece21st Oct Full Day/Overnight 22nd Oct

CivitavecchiaItaly 8th Oct9th Oct Full Day

POMPEIINaples Italy

12th Oct Full Day/Eve Amalfi Italy13th Oct Morning

Palermo Sicily14th Oct Full Day

La Goulette Tunisia15th Oct Afternoon

Sousse Tunisia16th Oct Full Day

Valletta Malta17th Oct Afternoon/Overnight18th Oct Morning

Itea Greece

20th Oct Morning

Portovenere Italy10th Oct Afternoon

Corinth Canal20th Oct Evening ACROPOLIS

CARTHAGE

T U N I S I A

I T A L Y

G R E E C E

S I C I L YMONREALE

EL DJEM

ROMEETRUSCAN TOMBS


I O N I A N S E A

DELPHI

*New Ports

Italy • SIcIly • tunISIa • Malta • Greece

realMS of the MedIterranean

Valletta Harbour, Malta


• See the exquisite tomb frescoes of the etruscan civilisation

• Wander the streets of Italian coastal villages of Portovenere and amalfi

• In the shadow of Vesuvius, explore past houses, temples and squares of Pompeii,

buried in the ad79 eruption.

• discover the norman heritage of Sicily and visit Monreale cathedral with its

impressive glittering mosaics and cloister.

• admire the remarkably well preserved el djem roman amphitheatre.

• Overnight in the fortified port of Valletta, gives plenty of time to discover

the island of Malta

• Minerva transits the narrow corinth canal – a remarkable feat of engineering

See pages 86-89 for detailed Itinerary timings.

embark Minerva in Civitavecchia, the gateway to the eternal city of Rome or the finely frescoed Etruscan

tombs at Tarquinia. During a full day in port explore these treasure houses of art and antiquity before sailing along the Italian coast to Portovenere, a picturesque town of pastel coloured houses and narrow medieval streets. While away the afternoon exploring the town, once a haunt of Byron and Shelley, before sailing south to Naples. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii offers an unparalleled view of domestic Roman architecture. Alternatively, climb up Mount Vesuvius, enjoying spectacular views over Naples. With an evening in port why not dine ashore, perhaps sampling a traditional Neapolitan pizza in the city where they were invented.

South of naples is the beautiful amalfi coast and the town of amalfi, wonderfully situated at the foot of Monte cerreto and surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. explore this cosmopolitan town independently this morning.

Sail south across the tyrrhenian Sea to Palermo in Sicily, europe’s grandest city in the 12th century. a melting pot of Mediterranean cultures, Palermo was europe’s grandest city in the 12th century. a guided walk will reveal a treasure trove of palazzos and churches. the cathedral at nearby Monreale is the finest example of norman architecture in Sicily with a romanesque cloister and sparkling 12th century mosaics.

Minerva sails south across the Mediterranean to the tunisian port of la Goulette and the richest sea port in ancient times, carthage, destroyed by the romans in 146Bc. explore the Punic remains of carthage or visit the village of Sidi Bou Said, with its white houses and blue doors and window grilles.

South along tunisia’s coast is the ancient walled town of Sousse, the ‘pearl of the Sahel’. Settled by Phoenicians, romans, Byzantines and arabs, each civilisation has left their imprint on this colourful town. discover the spectacular 3rd century roman amphitheatre of el djem, once the sixth largest arena in the roman empire, and wander through the town of Sousse, with its medina and ribat, at your leisure.

Mosaic, el djem, tunisia

61

PiraeusGreece21st Oct Full Day/Overnight 22nd Oct

CivitavecchiaItaly 8th Oct9th Oct Full Day

POMPEIINaples Italy

12th Oct Full Day/Eve Amalfi Italy13th Oct Morning

Palermo Sicily14th Oct Full Day

La Goulette Tunisia15th Oct Afternoon

Sousse Tunisia16th Oct Full Day

Valletta Malta17th Oct Afternoon/Overnight18th Oct Morning

Itea Greece

20th Oct Morning

Portovenere Italy10th Oct Afternoon

Corinth Canal20th Oct Evening ACROPOLIS

CARTHAGE

T U N I S I A

I T A L Y

G R E E C E

S I C I L YMONREALE

EL DJEM

ROMEETRUSCAN TOMBS


I O N I A N S E A

DELPHI

*New Ports


realMS of the MedIterranean 8 OCTOBER – 22 OCTOBER 2014 15 Days from £2,275pp

cloisters of Monreale, Palermo, Sicily

arriving in Valletta’s Grand Harbour is always a memorable experience. explore this well-preserved city of the Knights of St John or tour the island of Malta, a microcosm of Mediterranean culture. dine ashore this evening, before discovering the city in more depth, at your leisure, the following morning.

For more than 1,000 years delphi, wonderfully situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was the site of the most important oracle of ancient Greece. From the small Greek port of Itea, ascend the slopes of the mountain to discover delphi for yourself.

a highlight of this cruise is Minerva’s transit, at dusk, through the steep-sided, narrow, corinth canal en route to Piraeus. a full day in the ancient city of athens will allow you to visit the iconic acropolis or to drive out to cape Sounion, where the temple of Poseidon overlooks the aegean Sea. a spectacular conclusion to your Mediterranean cruise.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Tim Earl – naturalist. Jeremy Paterson – Former Senior lecturer, ancient History, university of newcastle. Rt Revd Tim Stevens – Bishop of leicester. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSCivitavecchia: Ostia, tarquinia, Viterbo. Portovenere: town Walk. Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius climb. Amalfi: Independent visit. Palermo: Monreale, Palatine chapel, cefalu. La Goulette: carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Bardo Museum. Sousse: el djem & Mosaic Museum, town Walk. Valletta: town Walk, Island drive & Mdina, tarxien temples. Itea: delphi. Piraeus: acropolis, ancient corinth, Sounion.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Civitavecchia: Full day rome. Portovenere: cinque terre cruise. Naples: Ischia. Palermo: Sicily Highlights. Valletta: Harbour cruise.

STANDARD FARES PER PERSON MIn141008

Balcony suites from £5,845Outside cabins from £3,150Inside cabins from £2,275





with dinner• Port Porterage & taxes• chauffeur Service for category a-c cabins• Open Seating dining

“The grand object of travelling is to see the shores of the Mediterranean. All our religion, almost all our law, almost all that sets us above savages, has come to us from the shores of the Mediterranean.”

dr Samuel Johnson, english writer (1709-1784)

62

the Sphinx, cairo

Greece • turKey • cyPruS • leBanOn • eGyPt • JOrdan

PyraMIdS and Petra

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• learn more about the wealth of the roman empire at ephesus, aspendos,

Phaselis and termessos

• enjoy a daylight transit of the Suez canal, linking the Mediterranean

with the red Sea

• Marvel at the scale of the Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx

• Walk down the narrow Siq to discover the ‘rose red’ nabataean

city of Petra

• discover coral reefs on a glass-bottomed boat trip in Sharm-el-Sheikh


Fly from London to Athens, the cradle of western civilisation. Explore the iconic Acropolis, or enjoy a boat

cruise along the impressive Corinth Canal, before sailing through the sparkling Aegean Sea to Kusadasi in Turkey. Here you can discover a wealth of Greek and Roman sites including Ephesus and the colonnaded temple of Didyma.

enjoy a day at sea relaxing and listening to Guest Speaker’s talks before arriving at antalya on turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Marvel at the wonderfully preserved theatre at aspendos, one of the finest in asia Minor; wander the streets of ancient Phaselis, situated amongst beautiful pine trees and three scenic bays, or climb to the impenetrable eagle’s nest city of termessos, high up in the taurus Mountains. cruise further east to the turkish port of tasucu from where you can drive to the remote village of uzuncaburç and the ruined temple of Zeus Olbius.

Sail to cyprus, the island of aphrodite, and head inland to the world’s last divided capital, nicosia, or discover the ancient coastal city

of Paphos to view detailed mosaics depicting myths and the everyday lives of the ancients.

the following day arrive on the levant coast to spend a full day in Beirut. explore the fishing village of Byblos – which claims to be one of the oldest continually inhabited towns and the birthplace of the modern alphabet – with its roman remains and crusader castle. Or discover the historic city of Beirut and its fine archaeological museum.

relax on board as Minerva cruises south through the Mediterranean towards the Suez canal. enjoy a daylight transit of the 120 mile long canal which opened in 1869, linking the Mediterranean with the Gulf of Suez on the red Sea. Minerva then calls at the egyptian port of el Sokhna, the gateway to cairo. drive across the desert to spend the day discovering the Pyramids, the remarkable Solar Boat Museum, the Sphinx and the Granite temple. you can also visit the renowned cairo Museum, with its superb collection of egyptian antiquities.

Spend a day basking in warm sunshine as Minerva cruises the red Sea, before arriving

“From the heights of these pyramids, forty centuries look down on us.”

Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France (1769 – 1821)

63

Limassol Cyprus28th Oct Full Day

Sharm el SheikhEgypt4th Nov Full Day/Overnight 5th Nov

El Sokhna Egypt1st Nov Full Day/Eve

E A S T E R N M E D I T E R R A N E A N

S E A

E G Y P T

L E B A N O N

J O R D A N

T U R K E Y

G R E E C E

R E DS E A

PETRA

SUEZ CANALTRANSIT

PYRAMIDS

EPHESUS

PiraeusGreece 22nd Oct23rd Oct Morning

DESERT DRIVE

NICOSIA

Aqaba Jordan3rd Nov Full Day

WADI RUM

Tasucu Turkey27th Oct Morning

Beirut Lebanon29th Oct Full Day

Antalya Turkey26th Oct Morning

Kusadasi Turkey24th Oct Full Day/Evening

ASPENDOS THEATRE

BYBLOS


PyraMIdS and Petra 22 OCTOBER – 5 NOVEMBER 2014 15 Days from £2,230pp

ephesus library, turkey

Petra treasury, Jordan

Beirut, lebanon

in aqaba, Jordan. drive to Petra, one of the most impressive sites in the Middle east. alternatively, a jeep ride will take you deep into the desert landscape of Wadi rum, where extraordinarily shaped mountains rise out of the rose-red desert.

your final port of call is the egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh. take an exciting jeep ride through the desert for breathtaking views of the southern Sinai desert, the Straits of tiran and the coast of Saudi arabia, or marvel at the riches of the red Sea coral reefs from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat.


Mr George Hart – Former Principal lecturer, British Museum.

Professor Thomas Higham – Professor of archaeological Science, Oxford. Adrian Sindall CMG – former British ambassador to Syria. Rt Revd Tim Stevens – Bishop of leicester. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSPiraeus: acropolis, Sounion, Piraeus Museum. Kusadasi: ephesus, didyma & Miletus, temple of artemis. Antalya: aspendos, Phaselis, termessos. Tasucu: uzuncaburc, Silifke. Limassol: Paphos, troodos Mountains, temple of apollo. Beirut: city tour, Byblos, deir el Kamar & Beit eddine Palace. El Sokhna: Full day Pyramids & cairo Museum. Aqaba: Full day Petra, Wadi rum. Sharm-El-Sheikh: desert drive, Glass Bottom Boat.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Piraeus: corinth canal cruise. Kusadasi: roman Houses. Limassol: nicosia. Beirut: Jeita caves. El Sokhna: St anthony & St Paul Monasteries.





airport taxes• airport transfers for group flights• Visa on arrival by sea for egypt• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon



64

Sharm el SheikhEgypt 5th Nov 6th Nov Full Day

MuscatOman18th Nov Overnight19th Nov Full Day/Overnight 20th Nov

Djibouti Djibouti13th Nov Full Day/Eve

Massawa Eritrea11th Nov Full Day

Salalah Oman16th Nov Afternoon

R E DS E A

S A U D IA R A B I A

O M A N

E R I T R E A

E G Y P T

NAKHLFORT

A R A B I A NS E A

ANCIENT FRANKINCENSE PORTS

DESERT DRIVE

PETRA

Aqaba Jordan7th Nov Full Day/Eve

WADI RUM

J O R D A N

GRAND MOSQUE

JOB'S TOMB

LAKE ASSAL

OLD TOWN & RED SEA MUSEUM

eGyPt • JOrdan • erItrea • dJIBOutI • OMan

FrOM Petra to OMan

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Walk down the Siq, the narrow

gorge that leads to Petra’s magnificent treasury

• From a glass-bottomed boat, discover the colourful underwater world of the

red Sea

• Wander the once elegant streets of Massawa’s Old town

• Follow in the footsteps of ancient frankincense merchants and see how

this trade flourished in Oman

• enter the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to admire the intricate craftsmanship and decoration

• enjoy leisurely days at sea relaxing on deck or discovering new talents in an

onboard workshop


embark Minerva in the Egyptian port of Sharm-El-Sheikh, renowned for its coral reefs, which you can view

from a glass-bottomed boat. From the Sinai Peninsula Minerva sails to the Jordanian port of Aqaba. From here you can visit the Nabataean capital city of ‘rose-red’ Petra, once at the crossroads of trade between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Walk down through the narrow Siq to admire the Treasury carved into the rock face, and tomb and temple architecture from successive cultures up to the medieval period. Or enjoy an exhilarating jeep drive through the desert landscape of Wadi Rum and thrill to landscapes that so inspired Lawrence of Arabia.

as Minerva spends a leisurely three days cruising south in the red Sea, relax on the Promenade deck with a good book and enjoy the winter sunshine. listen to your Guest Speakers as they reveal more about the sites to be visited in the days ahead and enjoy the company of your fellow passengers in Minerva’s congenial bars and lounges. arrive

at the ancient red Sea trading port of Massawa in eritrea, where tourism is very much in its infancy. Wander through the old town where the faded elegance of the buildings harks back to more prosperous times. arabic influence is revealed in the town’s coral buildings and decorative doorways, while the red Sea Museum offers further insights into the country’s recent struggle for independence.

after a day at sea, Minerva arrives in the little–visited port of djibouti. explore this east african town’s lively blend of colonial French and arab influences, visit the local camel market or take a full day excursion out to see the salt flats at lake assal. this evening enjoy an exuberant display of local dancing.

Spend two leisurely days at sea, perhaps attending one of our on board workshops, as Minerva sails to Oman. Spend an afternoon exploring Salalah, once at the centre of the ancient frankincense trade and known today as arabia’s Perfume city. Visit the museum in the Salalah cultural centre and drive out into the foothills to the small mosque known as Job’s tomb, an important pilgrimage site

lake assal, djibouti

red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh Grand Mosque, Oman


FrOM Petra to OMan 5 NOVEMBER – 20 NOVEMBER 2014 16 Days from £1,795pp

Petra, Jordan

overlooking the coast. alternatively, explore the remains of the ancient port of city of Sumhuram, where archaeologists are working to uncover more about the alleged site of the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

as Minerva cruises the arabian Sea, soak up the winter sunshine before arriving in Muscat, the capital city of Oman and your final port of call. enjoy a guided tour of the city, viewing the famous twin forts, the Sultan’s Palace and the magnificent Grand Mosque or, on a boat safari, look out for the dolphins that live and breed in Omani waters. another option is to visit restored nakhl fort, built to protect trade routes from nizwa to the coast.


Christopher Bradley – lecturer, guide book writer, specialising in Middle east.

Tim Earl – naturalist.


YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSSharm-El-Sheikh: red Sea Glass Bottomed Boat cruise, 4x4 desert drive. PM Independent. Aqaba: Full day Petra including lunch, Wadi rum. Massawa: town tour, PM Independent. Djibouti: town tour & camel Market. PM Independent. Salalah: Highlights of dhofar, dhofar Heritage. Muscat: city tour, nakhl Fort.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Muscat: dolphin Safari, Full day nizwa & Jabrin, Djibouti: Full day lake assal.





airport taxes• airport transfers for group flights• Visa on arrival by air for egypt on group flights• Visa on arrival by sea for eritrea, djibouti & Oman• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon



“Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.”

King James Bible, Song of Solomon 4.6

SWan OFFerS• FREE extended chauffeur Service for all


• FREE onboard bar credit of £200 for balcony suites (Category A-D) and £100 for outside cabins (Category F-I).

66

temple of the tooth, Kandy

enjoy the winter sunshine as Minerva seeks out the historical and cultural highlights of the east, cruising to India, Sri lanka, Burma, Malaysia,

Singapore, cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

the intrigue of the eastFly cruises November 2014 – January 2015


“The East ...I have seen its secret places and have looked into its very soul.”

from youth (1902), Joseph conrad, Polish-born english author and master mariner (1857-1924)

68

NAKHLFORT

MuscatOman 20th Nov 21st Nov Full Day

ColomboSri Lanka3rd Dec Full Day/Overnight 4th Dec

Porbandar India24th Nov Full Day

Mumbai India25th Nov Overnight26th Nov Full Day

Mangalore India28th Nov Morning

Kochi India29th Nov Full Day/Overnight

30th Nov Full DayTuticorin India1st Dec Overnight2nd Dec Morning

A R A B I A N S E A


O M A N I N D I A

JAIN TEMPLES

KERALABACKWATERS

INDIAN VILLAGE

KANDYPINNAWELAELEPHANTS

DHOBI GHATCRAWFORD MARKET

GANDHI’SBIRTHPLACE

MALABAR COAST

OMan • IndIa • SrI lanKa

IndIan exPlOratIOn

Pinnawela elephants, Kandy

colours of India, Mumbai

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• discover ‘real’ India at Porbandar,

Gandhi’s birthplace

• experience the unique urban bustle of Mumbai and wonder at the fascinating work of the dabbawalas.

• cruise the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, enjoying the tranquillity of

rural India.

• Visit a typical Indian village from tuticorin and serene Jain temples

from Mangalore.

• delight in watching elephants bathing in the local river at Pinnawela


Fly from London to join Minerva in the Omani port of Muscat. The town has long been a strategic trading post

and is still a ‘very elegant town with very fine houses’, as observed by Portuguese Admiral Alfonso de Alburqueque in the 16th century. Discover this pristine city on a guided tour viewing the Sultan Qaboos Palace and the famous twin forts guarding the city, or travel inland to visit Nakhl Fort at the foot of the Haggar Mountains.

relax on board for a two day cruise across the arabian Sea, settling into your cabin and enjoying introductory talks from your panel of Guest Speakers.

the first port of call in India is Gandhi’s birthplace, Porbandar, in the state of Gujarat. absorb the atmosphere of the town’s colourful markets and visit the mid-19th century haveli of the Gandhi family and Kirti Mandir, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

continuing south, following the traditional route of the spice traders, sail into Mumbai in the early evening. On a city tour the following day you can admire Mumbai’s

elaborate Victorian architecture including the colonial Gateway to India, or take a short train journey and learn about the fascinating work of the dabbawalas as they accurately deliver homemade lunch boxes to thousands of workers.

after a day cruising the Indian Ocean, Minerva sails into the ancient trading town of Mangalore, in the state of Karnataka. Spend the morning exploring the Hindu Gokarnatha temple and visit a nut processing company, or discover two spectacular and rarely-visited Jain temples at Moodabidri and Karkala.

Kerala is recognised as one of the most serenely beautiful states in India. With two days at your disposal discover the riverine life of rural India by exploring the restful allepey backwaters on an unforgettable river cruise or stroll the lanes of the former Portuguese and dutch colonial trading post of Kochi. an overnight in port allows you to enjoy a display of the local Kathakali dance.

after spending a day cruising around the very southern tip of India, Minerva berths in tuticorin, offering a rare opportunity to

nakhl Fort, Oman


20 NOVEMBER – 4 DECEMBER 2014 15 Days from £2,505pp

Kerala Backwaters, Kochi

discover the charming city of Palayamkottai. Or delve deeper into rural India, travelling through beautiful scenery to a typical small village where you’ll visit a plantation and see small-scale industries such as poppadum and cigar-making units.

Finally, a full day in colombo, the Sri lankan capital, allows time to journey through verdant scenery to Kandy to discover the magnificent temple of the tooth or visit Pinnawela elephant Orphanage.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Dr Robert Bradnock – Visiting research Fellow, King’s college london. The Revd Professor Judith Brown – former Beit Professor of commonwealth History.

Joanna Hardy – Gemmologist.


YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSMuscat: city tour, nakhl Fort. Porbandar: city tour with tuk tuk, PM local dancers on board. Mumbai: city tour, elephanta Island, Markets tour. Mangalore: Highlights of Mangalore, Jain temples. Kochi: city tour, Full day allepey Backwaters cruise, Kochi Harbour cruise. Tuticorin: Palayamkottai & tirunelveli, Scenic drive and Village. Colombo: Full day Kandy, Full day Pinnawela elephant Orphanage, city tour, Kelaniya temple.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Muscat: Full day nizwa and Jabrin Forts. Porbandar: Full day Junagadh. Mumbai: unexplored Mumbai, local life. Kochi: Kumbalangi Village.








Visas for India and Sri Lanka must be obtained prior to travel and are not included.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”

Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian nationalist Movement (1869 – 1948)

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONSenhance your experience with post cruise options. Please see pages 90-93 for full details.

Your outbound flight may be overnight departing 19 Nov. Your inbound flight may be same day arrival back to the UK or overnight arriving 5 Dec.

70

Sri Lanka • Burma • maLaySia • Singapore

To Burma and Beyond

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• drive through lush green countryside

to kandy, Sri Lanka’s picturesque capital of the Hill Country

• Spend two nights in yangon, discovering more about the enigmatic

heart of Burma and visiting some of its treasures including the golden

Shwedagon pagoda

• Visit Bago, ancient capital of the mon kingdom, and the Htauk kyant

War memorial Cemetery

• discover Langkawi’s paddy fields and tropical island interior

• Visit the magnificent gardens by the Bay at marina Bay in Singapore with its revolutionary bio-domes and stunning

garden displays

See pages 86-89 for detailed itinerary Timings.

Commence your Minerva adventure in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, which offers the lazy charm of a bygone

era combined with the verve and vivacity of a modern city. Explore the city seeing the town hall and museum or travel inland to Kandy, site of the revered Buddhist Temple of the Tooth.

Cruise south to galle, the best example of a fortified city built by europeans in South and Southeast asia, and spend a morning exploring the old town independently. Minerva spends the next three days cruising the indian ocean en route to Burma (myanmar); take advantage of this time to relax and enjoy Minerva’s congenial country house atmosphere as well and listen to your guest Speakers’ talks as they anticipate the highlights of the days ahead.

after transiting the rangoon river arrive in the old capital of Burma, yangon. Two nights in port allows plenty of time to discover this fascinating city. Visit a monastery and absorb the city’s Buddhist and local way of life. admire the Shwedagon pagoda, the most venerable

pagoda in Southeast asia, described by Somerset maugham as ‘like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul’, and view some of the best British 19th century colonial architecture. or travel inland to Bago, ancient capital of the mon kingdom, to visit the Shwemawdaw pagoda and the Htauk kyant War memorial Cemetery.

The breathtaking islands of Langkawi are Minerva’s next destination, a group of 99 largely uninhabited islands. Spend a leisurely morning in pulau Langkawi discovering the interior’s lush tropical scenery of jungle-clad hills and picturesque paddy fields, and learn more about rubber tapping. in the afternoon and evening explore at your leisure or simply relax on one of the beautiful beaches.

Further south is the island of penang and its vibrant, multi-ethnic city, georgetown. See impressive Fort Cornwallis, visit the magnificent Wat Chaiya mangkalaram – housing a gold-plated reclining Buddha – and the impressive Burmese Buddha temple nearby. in the penang museum you can trace the island’s history and see displays of malay culture.

“To view the opposition as dangerous is to misunderstand the basic concepts of democracy. To oppress the opposition is to assault the very foundation of democracy.”

Letters from Burma, aung San Suu kyi, Burmese opposition Leader (b1945).

Shwedagon pagoda, yangon


18th Dec Full Day/Overnight 19th Dec

Singapore

Sri Lanka 4th Dec5th Dec Full Day/Eve

Colombo

Galle Sri Lanka6th Dec Morning

Penang Malaysia16th Dec Morning

B A Y O F B E N G A L

I N D I A N O C E A N

B U R M A ( M Y A N M A R )

M A L A Y S I A

PINNAWELAELEPHANTS

A N D A M A NS E A

SHWEDAGONPAGODA

GEORGETOWN

PLANTATIONS

BOTANICALGARDENS

Malacca Malaysia17th Dec Afternoon

Langkawi Malaysia15th Dec Full Day/Eve

Yangon Burma (Myanmar)10th Dec Eve/Overnight11th Dec Full Day/Overnight12th Dec Morning

4 DECEMBER – 19 DECEMBER 2014 16 Days from £2,440pp

golden Shower Tree, Burma

The former malay sultanate of malacca was, due to its strategic location, once a major port along the spice route. enjoy a visit to the imposing portuguese a Famosa fort or discover more about malay culture at a traditional stilted kampong house.

Complete your journey in the ‘Lion’ city of Singapore. enjoy a city tour discovering the heart of this 21st century metropolis; visit the magnificent marina Bay gardens featuring splendid displays of trees, plants and flowers from around the world, or – on an independent visit – visit the iconic raffles Hotel and sample the famous Singapore Sling cocktail.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Rear Admiral John Lippiett – Chief executive, mary rose Trust. Sir Mark Tully – Former BBC Correspondent, writer and broadcaster. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSColombo: Full day kandy, Full day pinnawela elephant orphanage, City Tour, kelaniya Temple. Galle: koggala, independent galle exploration. Yangon: Shwedagaon pagoda, City Tour, national museum. Langkawi: Sights and plantation, Highlights and Cable Car, pm independent. Penang: georgetown Tour, Botanical gardens and Chinese mansion, kek Lok Si Temple. Malacca: Walk and Trishaw, plantation Tour, Heritage Tour. Singapore: City Tour, marina Bay gardens, Jurong Bird park.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Yangon: general aung San Tour, Full day Bago, monastery and Shin pyu Ceremony, Village and island pagoda. Langkawi: mangroves and Bat Cave. Penang: georgetown by Trishaw.




Your Cruise Fare includes:• return flight from London including prepaid

airport taxes• airport transfers for group flights• group visa on arrival by sea in Burma

(myanmar)• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, morning Coffee, Lunch, afternoon

Tea & dinner on board • 2 Captain’s gala nights including house wine

with dinner• port porterage & Taxes• Chauffeur Service for Category a-C Cabins• open Seating dining.

marina Bay gardens, Singapore

malacca Church


Your outbound flight may be overnight departing 3 Dec. Your inbound flight maybe same day arrival back in the UK or overnight arriving 20 Dec.

72

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Singapore • maLaySia • CamBodia • VieTnam • Hong kong

TraVeLS in indoCHina

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Visit a local market and discover ‘real’

Cambodia at kampot Village

• delight in nha Trang with its beautiful beaches and intriguing Cham Towers or observe traditional ways of

life in the countryside

• Learn more about Vietnam’s imperial past at the City of Hué with its temples,

tombs, palaces and pagodas

• experience the lively streets of French Colonial Hanoi

• enjoy a small boat ride among the incredible limestone karsts that rise out

of Halong Bay

• Sail into spectacular Hong kong Harbour, a myriad of skyscrapers and

bustling activity

See pages 86-89 for detailed itinerary Timings.

Few cities in Southeast Asia can boast Singapore’s beguiling ethnic mix. The city state’s history of migration has

left a rich cultural and architectural legacy that makes exploring this city a delight. Wander in the exotic Botanical Gardens, enjoy a fascinating city tour, visit one of the many museums or browse the boutiques on Orchard Road.

From kuantan on the eastern shores of malaysia explore Lake Chini, where tropical trees line the narrow waterways by local sampan or relax on a tropical beach. a day cruising the South China Sea is followed by a call at Sihanoukville and a visit to the Cambodian capital, phnom penh. See the royal palace with its striking ceremonial buildings and lush gardens or perhaps visit kampot Village for a taste of real ‘Cambodia’.

Celebrate Christmas in the sunshine as you cruise along the Vietnamese coast towards the beautiful city of nha Trang, bordered by mountains and an impressively long beach. See the huge white Buddha, visible from all over the

city; the Cathedral built in French gothic style and discover the legacy of the Cham’s kingdom at po nagar.

The following morning, Minerva calls at Qui nhon, birthplace of the 18th century Vietnamese emperor nguyen Hue, where you can enjoy a demonstration of martial arts before sailing onto danang. Spend a full day visiting the imperial City of Hué, distinguished by its temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas, discover the former trading post of Hoi an, or the ruined tower-temples of my Son, the religious and political capital of the Champa kingdom.

enjoy a relaxing day at sea, then cross the red river delta to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. during a full day in the French-conceived colonial city, see the huge mansions which line grand boulevards, the lakes and parks that dot the city, discover the Ho Chi minh mausoleum, explore old Hanoi and be dazzled by a Water puppet performance.

Spend the following day cruising around the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay. Some 1600 islands and islets form a spectacular seascape of limestone karsts – a memorable sight.

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”

John F. kennedy, 35th president of the united States of america (1917 – 1963)

73

S O U T HC H I N A S E A

C H I N A

HANOI

M A L A Y S I A

Halong Bay Vietnam

Haiphong Vietnam30th Dec Full Day/Eve

31st Dec Full Day

SihanoukvilleCambodia

23rd Dec Full Day/Eve

PHNOMPENH

NEW YEAR AT SEA

Nha Trang Vietnam26th Dec Full Day

Kuantan Malaysia21st Dec Full Day

CHAMTOWERS

Qui Nhon Vietnam 27th Dec Morning

Danang Vietnam 28th Dec Full Day

MY SON

HOI AN

STANLEYMARKET

Hong Kong

2nd Jan Full Day/Overnight 3rd Jan

Singapore

19th Dec20th Dec Full Day

C A M B O D I A

V I E T N A M

Qui Nhon* Vietnam 31st Jan Afternoon

*New Ports

CHRISTMAS ONBOARD MINERVA


19 DECEMBER 2014 – 3 JANUARY 2015 16 Days from £2,995pp

Colourful Hoi an, Vietnam

ring in the new year as Minerva sails across the South China Sea. Minerva’s arrival in Hong kong’s Victoria harbour will be an unforgettable event. Berthing in the heart of Hong kong you will be ideally placed to ascend Victoria peak, admiring magnificent views of the city and harbour below. an overnight in this mesmerising city allows time to shop for last minute gifts or dine in one of the city’s many restaurants.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest speakers on this cruise include: Professor Keith Ward – professorial Fellow at Heythrop College, London. See pages 94-97 for biographical notes.

YOUR CHOICE OF SHORE EXCURSIONSSingapore: City Tour, marina Bay gardens, Botanical gardens. Kuantan: Beach Transfer. Sihanoukville: Full day phnom penh, Full day kampot Village. Nha Trang: rural nha Trang, nha Trang panorama. Qui Nhon: Cham Towers and martial arts Show. Danang: Hoi an Walk, my Son, rural danang and Cham Towers, Beach Transfer. Haiphong: Full day Hanoi, rural delta Village. Halong Bay: Halong Bay Cruise. Hong Kong: City Tour, museum of History, kowloon insights, dragon’s Back Hike.

Supplementary Shore Excursions include: Danang: Full day Hue. Hong Kong: Full day Lantau island and po Lin monastery.




Your Cruise Fare includes:• return flight from London including prepaid

airport taxes• airport transfers for group flights• group visas on arrival by sea in Cambodia

and Vietnam• a wide choice of tailor-made shore excursions • all gratuities on board and on excursions• Breakfast, morning Coffee, Lunch, afternoon

Tea & dinner on board • 2 Captain’s gala nights including house wine

with dinner• port porterage & Taxes• Chauffeur Service for Category a-C Cabins• open Seating dining

rice Fields (© Paul Levrier, Destination Asia)

phnom penh palace, Cambodia


Your outbound flight maybe overnight departing 18 Dec. Your inbound flight maybe same day arrival back in the UK or overnight arriving 4 Jan.

74

Take the time to discover moregrand Voyages 2014-15

For those that love variety and appreciate value, Swan’s choice of Grand Voyages will be a tempting alternative to our individual

itineraries. By combining two or more successive cruises – and perhaps adding in a pre or post cruise tour or city stay – you can tailor-make your own Grand Voyage.

Bagan Temples, Burma (myanmar)


“There is a special charm to journeys undertaken before daybreak in hot lands: the air is soft and cool and the coming of dawn reveals a landscape fresh from the night dew.”

from Letters from Burma, aung San Suu kyi, Burmese democracy Leader (b1945)

76

CHILEAN FJORDS

OTWAY BAY PENGUINS PORT STANLEY

WEST FALKLANDS


P A C I F I C O C E A N

La Guaira Venezuela8th Jan Full Day



Panama Canal13th Jan



20th Jan Evening21st Jan Full Day

General San Martin Peru22nd Jan Full Day


Arica Chile25th Jan Full Day

Valparaiso Chile28th Jan Afternoon29th Jan Full Day30th Jan Full Day



Buenos Aires Argentina20th Feb Full Day21st Feb Full Day22nd Feb Full Day

Rio de Janeiro Brazil27th Feb Full Day/Overnight28th Feb Full Day


Recife Brazil5th Mar Full Day

Santarem Brazil12th Mar Long Morning


Manaus Brazil14th Mar Afternoon15th Mar Full Day16th Mar Full Day

Parintins Brazil17th Mar Afternoon/Eve

Boca de Valeria Brazil18th Mar Morning Curua Una Brazil

19th Mar Long Morning

Ile Royale French Guiana22nd Mar Long Morning

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

B R A Z I L

C H I L E

P E R U

A R G E N T I N A



U R U G U A Y

Montevideo Uruguay23rd Feb Full Day

AMAZONRIVER

BridgetownBarbados Depart 5th Jan 6th Jan Full Day 28th Mar Full Day Return 29th Mar

CARACASCORO

QUITO

CHAN CHAN

NAZCA LINES

AREQUIPA

LAUCA NATIONAL PARK

SANTIAGO

SAN TELMO

Puerto Montt Chile2nd Feb Full Day

LAKE DISTRICT

Castro Chile3rd Feb Long Morning


Ushuaia Argentina10th Feb Overnight11th Feb Full Day

TIERRA DEL FUEGO

CAPE HORN

BEAGLE CHANNEL

ESTANCIA

SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN

OLINDA

AFRO-BRAZILIAN CULTURE

BREVES NARROWS

Scarborough Tobago26th Mar Full Day

DEVIL'S ISLAND



grand FaCeS of SouTH ameriCa 5 JANUARY – 29 MARCH 2014

A complete circumnavigation of South America in 84 days from £11,765

Join Minerva for an epic voyage as she circumnavigates South america from the arid atacama desert, through the spectacular mountainous Chilean Fjords, around Cape Horn to the tropical forests of the mighty amazon river. Famed for its Latin vibrancy

and indigenous cultures, South america has taken inspiration from countries around the globe. From sophisticated pre Columbian civilisations to Spanish Conquistadores, portuguese Sailors, Welsh settlers and german farmers join Minerva for a voyage of untold history. immerse yourself in the cultural riches of some of the most prominent capitals of the americas. Be amazed at the bustling streets of Lima, discover the sophisticated Belle epoque mansions of Buenos aires and sail into the impressive harbour of rio.

Full details for these itineraries can be found on pages 20-27 of this brochure.


• explore Coro, one of the earliest Spanish colonial towns of South america

• Transit the impressive panama Canal

• in manta buy an authentic panama Hat made from the Toquillo palm or fly to

Quito, one of the world’s highest capitals

• Walk up to the moche Temple of the moon where vivid geometric designs and

fearsome deities have been uncovered

• admire the best pre Colombian and incan gold and pottery artefacts in Lima’s

fine museums

• Fly over the mysterious nazca Lines where geoglyphs of a monkey, spider and hummingbird are etched into the desert

• drive to the peruvian ‘White City’ of arequipa to visit the Santa Catalina

Convent, closed to the outside world for 400 years

• Wonder at how the Chinchorro people mummified their dead long

before the egyptians

• explore the verdant hills of Chile’s Lake district, overshadowed by the conical

peak of mount osorno

• Savour the fine wines of Chile’s Casablanca Valley

• Sail through the spectacular landscapes of the Chilean Fjords, past glaciers and rocky peaks, to punta arenas to try a traditional lamb barbeque at a local

estancia

• round Cape Horn and sail up the majestic Beagle Channel to explore the enigmatic lands of Tierra del Fuego, so

named by the early explorers after the fires of the yahgan indians

• Watch gentoo and rockhopper penguins as well as nesting albatross on

the Falkland islands

• Travel across the flat patagonia pampa to gaiman, home to the Welsh settlers of

argentina

• Wander the colourful streets of the San Telmo and La Boca districts of Buenos

aires, home of the tango

• Sail into rio de Janeiro harbour, overlooked by the distinctive peaks of the

Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountain

• Feel the afro-Brazilian rhythms of lively Salvador at Carnival time

• Cruise up the mighty amazon river to walk in the tropical forest and visit remote

riverside communities

• From Île royal gaze over to the infamous devil’s island

• discover the landscapes and relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean islands of

Tobago and grenada Sugar Loaf mountain


CHILEAN FJORDS

OTWAY BAY PENGUINS PORT STANLEY

WEST FALKLANDS


P A C I F I C O C E A N

La Guaira Venezuela8th Jan Full Day



Panama Canal13th Jan



20th Jan Evening21st Jan Full Day

General San Martin Peru22nd Jan Full Day


Arica Chile25th Jan Full Day

Valparaiso Chile28th Jan Afternoon29th Jan Full Day30th Jan Full Day



Buenos Aires Argentina20th Feb Full Day21st Feb Full Day22nd Feb Full Day

Rio de Janeiro Brazil27th Feb Full Day/Overnight28th Feb Full Day


Recife Brazil5th Mar Full Day

Santarem Brazil12th Mar Long Morning


Manaus Brazil14th Mar Afternoon15th Mar Full Day16th Mar Full Day

Parintins Brazil17th Mar Afternoon/Eve

Boca de Valeria Brazil18th Mar Morning Curua Una Brazil

19th Mar Long Morning

Ile Royale French Guiana22nd Mar Long Morning


B R A Z I L

C H I L E

P E R U

A R G E N T I N A



U R U G U A Y

Montevideo Uruguay23rd Feb Full Day

AMAZONRIVER

BridgetownBarbados Depart 5th Jan 6th Jan Full Day 28th Mar Full Day Return 29th Mar

CARACASCORO

QUITO

CHAN CHAN

NAZCA LINES

AREQUIPA

LAUCA NATIONAL PARK

SANTIAGO

SAN TELMO

Puerto Montt Chile2nd Feb Full Day

LAKE DISTRICT

Castro Chile3rd Feb Long Morning


Ushuaia Argentina10th Feb Overnight11th Feb Full Day

TIERRA DEL FUEGO

CAPE HORN

BEAGLE CHANNEL

ESTANCIA

SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN

OLINDA

AFRO-BRAZILIAN CULTURE

BREVES NARROWS

Scarborough Tobago26th Mar Full Day

DEVIL'S ISLAND



STANDARD FARES PER PERSON min140105CIncluding Shore Excursions and Gratuities



BarBadoS • VeneZueLa • panama • eCuador • peru • CHiLe • THe FaLkLandS • argenTina • uruguay • BraZiL • THe amaZon • FrenCH guiana • guyana • CariBBean • BarBadoS

Chilean Fjords, South america

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS3 Night Barbados Beach Stay (pre or post-cruise) price per person Twin: £445 Single: £645

Machu Picchu Overland Tour (mid-cruise) 3 night escorted tour price per person Twin: £1395 Single: £1645

For further information, please contact our Administration Department to request a tour information sheet providing full details of your tour/stay.

Please note that calls in the Falklands will include Port Stanley as well as one of the outer islands depending on local conditions.

Please note your inbound flight will be overnight, arriving in the UK on 30 March.

INCLUSIVE SHORE EXCURSIONSHistoric Barbados, Barbados Beach Transfer, nature Sanctuary, Caracas City Tour, mount avila & el Hatillo, Coro, embera indian Village, Full day panama City & Locks, manta panorama, moon Temple, Chan Chan, pachacamac, downtown City Tour & Walk, Huaca pucclana, paracas national park, Tambo Colorado, arequipa, mejia ornithology, azapa & museum, atacama Coastal Walk, arica Walk & Tour, Valparaiso Walk, Fonck & palacio rioja, Casablanca Wine, petrohue & Lake, Solitario Hike, puerto Varas & museum, Castro Tour & Walk, Chiloe & Churches, punta arenas City Tour, Fort Bulnes & port Famine, otway penguins, Tierra del Fuego national park, ushuaia City Tour, Tierra major Trek, Battlefield Tour, Long island Farm, Stanley Walk, gaiman, punta Lomo & ecology Centre, Buenos aires City Tour, San Telmo Walk, Belle epoque, Tigre delta, montevideo City Tour and Walk, Full day estancia, City museums, City Tour & Corcovado, Beach Transfer, Sugar Loaf mountain, petropolis, City Walk and market, Carlos pinto museum, olinda, recife river Cruise, ricardo Brennand institute, Beach Transfer, Santarem & alter do Chao, maica river Cruise, Boi Bumba Show, manaus City tour & opera House, rio negro Cruise, Forest Walk, Curua una river & pacoval Village, independent Île royale, georgetown City Tour, grenada’s West Coast, grenada’s Forest Walk, Beach Transfer. additional choices will be available.

Supplementary Shore Excursions Barbados by Land rover, Quito, machalilla, pasos Horses, nazca Lines, Ballestas islands, Lauca national park, Full day Santiago, dalcahue, Full day estancia, magdalena island magellanic penguin reserve, Harberton, Sparrow Cove, rockhopper penguins, Full day Valdes peninsula, Full day punta Tombo, Tango show, Favela, Botanical gardens, Tijuca Jeep, Full day amazonian Villages.

GUEST SPEAKERSyour guest Speakers have extensive knowledge of, and insights into, the history, contemporary politics, music, arts, culture, flora and wildlife of South america. The following names indicate the calibre of guest Speakers travelling on this grand Voyage. Four or five guest Speakers will travel on each leg of the voyage.

Mr Dick Wilkinson CVO one of the Foreign & Commonwealth office’s experts on Latin america and the Caribbean, being successively ambassador to Venezuela, director for the americas and ambassador to Chile (5 – 29 Jan).

Rear Admiral John Lippiett CB MBE, Chief executive of the mary rose Trust, who saw active service on board HmS ambuscade in the Falklands War (29 Jan – 21 Feb).

Mr Tim Earl, naturalist, who has extensive knowledge of the wildlife of South america (29 Jan – 21 Feb).

Sir Nicholas Kenyon CBE, managing director of the Barbican Centre, London, who will be talking about the musical heritage of Buenos aires and the music of Carnival in rio, Salvador and the amazon (21 Feb – 15 Mar).

Professor Sir Ghillean Prance FRS VMH, former director of the royal Botanic gardens kew and an expert on the amazon, having led annual expeditions there for more than 25 years, lived with at least 16 indian tribes to understand the relationship between plants and humans and collected more than 450 amazonian plants new to science (15 – 29 Mar).

Vicunas, Lauca national park, Chile

Santa Catalina monastery, arequipa

78

La GuairaVenezuela

Colon Panama

Manta Ecuador

SalaverryPeru

Lima (Callao) Peru

GeneralSan Martin

Peru

Matarani PeruArica Peru

ValparaisoChile

Puerto MonttPeru

Punta Arenas ChileUshuaia Argentina

Puerto MadrynArgentina

Bridgetown Barbados

FalklandIslands

La Vela de CoroVenezuela

P A C I F I C

O C E A N

Castro Chile

ChacabucoChile

A R G E N T I N A

C H I L E

P E R U

E C U A D O R

V E N E Z U E L A

P A N A M A

C A R I B B E A N


ArgentinaBuenos Aires

CAPE HORN

Rio de JaneiroBrazil

Salvador Brazil

RecifeBrazil

SantaremBrazilParintins

Brazil

ManausBrazil

ParintinsBrazil

GeorgetownGuyana

Scarborough Tobago

BelemBrazil

MontevideoUruguay

AMAZONRIVER

St GeorgesGrenada

Curua UnaBrazil

Boca de ValeriaBrazil

Île RoyaleFrench Guiana

Bridgetown Barbados

A R G E N T I N A

C A R I B B E A N

B R A Z I L



F R E N C HG U I A N A

G U Y A N A

U R U G U A Y ArgentinaBuenos Aires

The stories of the Spanish Conquistadors in the new World match only those of the

ancient greeks and romans in terms of their scale and intrigue. Follow in the footsteps of pizarro to uncover the fascinating civilisations of the pre Columbian societies. discover more about the moche and Chimu people and the fascinating inca empire. uncover the mysteries of the new World from the enigmatic nazca Lines to mummies of the Chinchorro tribe. Stand on cliffs of the atacama desert and gaze upon the glaciers of the dramatic Chilean fjords. Think of intrepid explorers as you round Cape Horn and follow the Beagle Channel to the lands of Tierra del Fuego before enjoying the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Buenos aires.

Full details for both itineraries can be found on pages 20-23 of this brochure.

Candelabra atacama, peru

rockhopper penguins, Falklands

gauchos, argentina

STANDARD FARES PER PERSON min140105aIncluding Shore Excursions and Gratuities






Nothing says more about the cultural wealth of a place than the emotive and

evocative melodies of its native music. Follow the beat from the tango of Buenos aires, to the lively samba of rio de Janeiro, the afro rhythm of capoeira and the steel drums of the Caribbean. during Carnival time, witness the culture of modern Brazil. Sail along the vast amazon river stopping at small towns and villages and explore the tropical forest near manaus. Spot colourful macaws and listen out for howler monkeys before sailing to the stunning Caribbean islands where hot springs, forests, waterfalls and beaches await.


grand SeCreTS of the neW WorLd 5 JANUARY – 21 FEBRUARY 2014 48 Days

grand BraZiL and amaZon 21 FEBRUARY – 29 MARCH 2014 37 Days

Sugar Loaf mountain, rio de Janeiro

BarBadoS • VeneZueLa • panama • eCuador • peru • CHiLe • argenTina • THe FaLkLandS

argenTina • uruguay • BraZiL • amaZon • FrenCH guiana • guyana • ToBago • grenada • BarBadoS

79

grand oCean odySSey 29 MARCH – 28 APRIL 2014 31 Days


La Goulette Tunisia

Piraeus Greece

PortsmouthEngland

T U N I S I A

S A R D I N I A

S P A I N

I T A L YP O R T U G A L

Oporto (Leixoes) Portugal

CartagenaSpain

Motril SpainLisbon

Portugal

Cagliari Sardinia

Trapani Sicily

Lipari Italy

CorfuGreece

Itea Greece

Corinth Canal

Nauplion GreeceHydra Greece

Santorini Greece Heraklion Greece

RhodesGreece

Patmos Greece

Delos Greece

KusadasiTurkey

Naples Italy

B A Y O F B I S C A Y

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

Santa Cruzde TenerifeTenerife

FunchalMadeira

C A N A R YI S L A N D S

M A D E I R A

CasablancaMorocco

M O R O C C O

S P A I NP O R T U G A L

LisbonPortugal

CadizSpain

Villagarcia de ArosaSpain

N O R T HA T L A N T I C

O C E A N

PortsmouthEngland

F R A N C E

ArrecifeLanzaroteSanta Cruz

de la PalmaLa Palma

Bridgetown Barbados

CastriesSt Lucia

C A R I B B E A N

Fort deFrance Martinique

Ile de SaintesGuadeloupe

Mindelo Cape VerdeC A P E V E R D E


Celebrate easter aboard Minerva. Begin your cruise in the Caribbean discovering

some of the historic sites of Barbados before enjoying the natural beauty of St Lucia, the little-visited ile des Saintes off the southern coast of guadeloupe, and the beautiful island of martinique. enjoy a leisurely transatlantic crossing before arriving at the Cape Verde islands, one of the most important stopovers for ancient explorers, and the volcanic Canary archipelago. explore flower-filled madeira, exotic Casablanca, the andalucian town of Cadiz, portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, and the pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela before sailing into historic portsmouth.


enjoy the summer sun and celebrate Swan Hellenic’s diamond anniversary on a

voyage through the mediterranean and aegean seas revisiting a selection of ports first visited 60 years ago. Sailing south, discover Spain’s moorish history in granada, roman remains in Cartagena and Tunis, beautiful italian islands and the magnificently preserved cities of pompeii and Herculaneum before transiting the narrow Corinth Canal into the aegean. minoan ruins in Crete, the ancient site of delos, the magnificent roman city of ephesus and the ancient wonders of athens await.


grand mediTerranean and aegean 30 JULY – 27 AUGUST 2014 29 Days

delphi, greece

mindelo, Cape Verde




BarBadoS • ST LuCia • guadeLoupe • marTiniQue • Cape Verde • Canary iSLandS • madeira • moroCCo • Spain • porTugaL • engLand

engLand • porTugaL • Spain • Sardinia • TuniSia • SiCiLy • iTaLy • greeCe • Turkey




80


G R E E C E

T U R K E Y

G E O R G I A

U K R A I N E

B U L G A R I A

Naples Italy Istanbul

Turkey

I T A L Y

Kusadasi Turkey

Canakkale Turkey

Sinop Turkey

Trabzon Turkey

Batumi Georgia

Yalta Ukraine

Sevastopol Ukraine

OdessaUkraine

NesseburBulgaria

B L A C K S E A

Corfu GreeceItea Greece

Corinth Canal

Nauplion Greece

Hydra Greece

Santorini Greece Heraklion Greece

RhodesGreece

Patmos Greece

Delos Greece

Piraeus Greece

G R E E C E

T U R K E Y

G E O R G I A

U K R A I N E

B U L G A R I A

Piraeus Greece

Gythion Greece

Kythera Greece

Paros Greece

Limnos Greece

Thessaloniki Greece

Agios Nikolaos Crete

Kusadasi Turkey

Canakkale Turkey

Marmaris Turkey

Kas Turkey

Sinop Turkey

Istanbul TurkeyTrabzon Turkey

Batumi Georgia

Yalta Ukraine

Sevastopol Ukraine

OdessaUkraine

NesseburBulgaria B L A C K

S E A

A E G E A N S E A

Greece

Grand Black Sea and aeGean 13 AUGUST – 10 SEPTEMBER 2014 29 Days

enjoy the height of summer in the aegean and Black Seas on this Grand Voyage

featuring ruined roman cities, the site of the delphi Oracle, a transit of the steep-sided corinth canal, legendary Mycenae and a selection of Greek islands first visited by Swan Hellenic 60 years ago! explore the iconic acropolis, the legendary site of Troy and cruise through the Bosphorus to explore the far-reaching corners of the Black Sea, catherine the Great’s city, Odessa, and the crimean battlefields, before ending your cruise in the mesmerising city of Istanbul.


embark on a voyage around the Black Sea, discovering the 14th century Sumela

Monastery, Georgia’s scenic coastline, the crimean Peninsula, the heroic naval seaport of Sevastopol and the battlefield of Balaclava. Berth within sight of the iconic Potemkin Steps, and marvel at the lavishly decorated aghia Sophia and the famed Blue Mosque before cruising along Turkey’s aegean, Mediterranean and lycian coasts with their impressive array of roman and Greeks sites. The fabled monasteries of Meteora perch atop soaring natural rock pillars while more than twenty monasteries dot the coast of Mount athos as Minerva cruises south to the ancient city of athens.


Grand OdYSSeY 27 AUGUST – 24 SEPTEMBER 2014 29 Days

Grand MedITerranean HIGHlIGHTS 24 SEPTEMBER – 22 ocToBER 2014 29 Days

delphi, Greece

livadia Palace, Yalta

STANDARD FARES PER PERSoN MIn140813a Including Shore Excursions and Gratuities






Italy • greece • turkey • georgIa • ukraIne • bulgarIa

greece • turkey • georgIa • ukraIne • bulgarIa

81call Swan Hellenic on 0844 209 9000 or visit www.swanhellenic.com

G R E E C E

C R O A T I A

M O N T E N E G R O

T U N I S I A

Piraeus Greece

I T A L Y Kotor Montenegro

Dubrovnik Croatia

Sibenik Croatia

Pula Croatia

Venice Italy

RavennaItaly

Portovenere Italy

Brindisi Italy

Gaeta Italy

Civitavecchia Italy

Naples Italy

Amalfi Italy

Palermo Sicily

La Goulette Tunisia

Sousse Tunisia Valletta Malta

Itea Greece

CorinthCanal

A D R I A T I C S E A


G R E E C E

C R O A T I A

M O N T E N E G R O

T U R K E Y

Civitavecchia Italy

Istanbul Turkey

I T A L Y

Corinth Canal

Kythera GreeceGythion Greece

Paros Greece

Limnos Greece

PiraeusGreece

Thessaloniki Greece

Kotor Montenegro

Dubrovnik Croatia

Sibenik Croatia

Pula CroatiaVenice Italy

Ravenna Italy

Brindisi Italy

Gaeta Italy

Agios Nikolaos Crete

Kusadasi Turkey

Marmaris Turkey

Kas Turkey

A E G E A N S E A

A D R I A T I C S E A


B L A C K S E A

Grand aeGean and adrIaTIc 10 SEPTEMBER – 8 ocToBER 2014 29 Days

From Byzantine Istanbul discover the roman and Greek heritage of Turkey’s

aegean, Mediterranean and lycian coasts, Minoan crete and the fabled monasteries of Meteora, as well as enjoying cruising among the picturesque Greek islands. Transit the narrow corinth canal to the adriatic to visit the grand cities of dubrovnik and Venice, cruise amongst the scenic islands and fjords of croatia and explore Italy’s Puglian coast before concluding your voyage in the grandeur of rome and the etruscan tombs of Tarquinia.


Sail from the birthplace of democracy, athens, through the narrow corinth

canal towards the adriatic and the southern Mediterranean. Highlights of the adriatic include the scenic kotor Fjord, the city walls of dubrovnik, romantic Venice, the mosaics of ravenna and the unique trulli houses of alberobello. The Mediterranean shores reveal etruscan tombs, the Vatican city, Pompeii, the beautiful amalfi coast and the cathedral of Monreale. discover carthage, the richest sea port in ancient times, and the spectacular amphitheatre of el djem. From the small island of Malta, a microcosm of Mediterranean culture, sail back to athens.


Grand MedITerranean HIGHlIGHTS 24 SEPTEMBER – 22 ocToBER 2014 29 Days

Venice, Italy

corinth canal Transit, Greece

STANDARD FARES PER PERSoN MIn140910aIncluding Shore Excursions and Gratuities



turkey • greece • Montenegro • croatIa • Italy

greece • Montenegro • croatIa • Italy • sIcIly • tunIsIa • Malta

STANDARD FARES PER PERSoN MIn140924aIncluding Shore Excursions and Gratuities



82

G R E E C E

E G Y P T

J O R D A N

L E B A N O N

T U R K E Y

T U N I S I A

Sharm el Sheikh Egypt

Civitavecchia Italy

I T A L Y

Porto Venere Italy

Naples Italy

Amalfi Italy

Palermo SicilyLa Goulette

Tunisia

Sousse Tunisia

Valletta Malta

Itea Greece Piraeus Greece Kusadasi Turkey

Antalya Turkey

Tasucu Turkey

Limassol Cyprus

Beirut Lebanon

Aqaba JordanEl Sokhna Egypt

CorinthCanal


R E DS E A

SUEZ CANALTRANSIT

G R E E C E

E G Y P T

O M A N

S A U D I A R A B I A

J O R D A N

L E B A N O N

T U R K E Y

T U N I S I A

Muscat Oman

Civitavecchia Italy

Portovenere Italy

Naples Italy

Amalfi Italy

Palermo Sicily

La GouletteTunisia

Sousse Tunisia Valletta Malta

Itea Greece Piraeus

Greece Kusadasi TurkeyAntalya Turkey

Tasucu TurkeyLimassol

Cyprus Beirut Lebanon

Aqaba Jordan

Massawa Eritrea

Djibouti Djibouti

Salalah Oman

El Sokhna Egypt

Sharm el SheikhEgypt

CorinthCanal

R E DS E A

A R A B I A NS E A

SUEZ CANALTRANSIT

Grand ancIenT WOnderS 8 ocToBER – 5 NoVEMBER 2014 29 Days

Trace the history of ancient cultures, empires and peoples as you cruise

from the eternal city of rome to the rose-red city of Petra, the eighth wonder of the ancient world. discover the ancient domestic architecture of Pompeii, the punic remains of carthage, Sousse, settled by the Phoenicians, the atmospheric site of delphi and, of course, the birthplace of civilisation, athens. Wander through ancient Phaselis, admire the beautiful mosaics in the ancient coastal city of Paphos, explore the crusader castle at Byblos and transit the Suez canal to see the Pyramids of ancient egypt.


experience the fusion of Mediterranean cultures, art and architecture and follow

in the wake of ancient traders as Minerva sails through the Mediterranean and the red Sea to the arabian city of Muscat. Visit the iconic cities of rome, naples, Valletta and athens and wander through roman theatres, colonnaded streets and transit the Suez canal. The Pyramids of Giza, the nabataean city of Petra and the Valley of the kings are all to be enjoyed before Minerva sails to Oman with a call at Salalah, known for the ancient Frankincense trade, and onward to Muscat.


grand realMs of antIquIty 8 ocToBER – 20 NoVEMBER 2014 45 Days

Pyramids of Giza, egypt

Frankincense Tree, Salalah

Italy • sIcIly • tunIsIa • Malta • greece • turkey • cyprus • lebanon • egypt • jordan

Italy • sIcIly • tunIsIa • Malta • greece • turkey • cyprus • lebanon • egypt • erItrea • djIboutI • oMan




STANDARD FARES PER PERSoN MIn141008B Including Shore Excursions and Gratuities




Sri LankaColombo

R E DS E A A R A B I A N

S E A

I N D I A

J O R D A N


O M A N

Tuticorin India

Mumbai India

Mangalore India

Muscat Oman

Salalah Oman

Porbandar India

Kochin India

Aqaba Jordan

EgyptSharm el Sheikh

Massawa Eritrea

Djibouti Djibouti

E R I T R E A

E G Y P T

G R E E C E

E G Y P T

O M A N

S A U D I A R A B I A

E R I T R E A

J O R D A N

L E B A N O N

T U R K E Y

Muscat Oman

Piraeus Greece

Kusadasi Turkey

Antalya Turkey

Tasucu Turkey

LimassolCyprus

Beirut Lebanon

Aqaba Jordan

Massawa Eritrea

Djibouti Djibouti

Salalah Oman

El Sokhna Egypt

Sharm el SheikhEgypt


R E DS E A

A R A B I A NS E A

SUEZ CANALTRANSIT

Grand deSerT SHOreS 22 ocToBER – 20 NoVEMBER 2014 30 Days

ancient roman cities, crusader castles, the Pyramids of Giza and the nabataean

city of Petra are just some of the wonders to be seen on Minerva’s Grand Voyage from the ancient city of athens to Oman. Visit one of the best preserved roman theatres in asia Minor before following the knights of st john to cyprus and then lebanon where you can visit the crusader castle at Byblos. Transit the Suez canal to discover a desert world of Pyramids, ancient cities in the sand and the burial place of the Pharoahs. cruise down the red Sea to Salalah, home of Frankincense tree and your final port, the fascinating city of Muscat.


From the egyptian port of Sharm el Sheikh discover arab and nomadic culture as you

follow ancient trade routes down through the red Sea, around the arabian Peninsula and across the arabian Sea to India. From the well-known sites of luxor enjoy relaxing days at sea as you cruise to the little-visited east african port of djibouti and on to the atmospheric souks, palaces and mosques of Oman. Follow the trade winds to sail southwards along the western shores of the Indian subcontinent - calling at sites in the Indian states of Gujurat, Maharashtra, karnataka, kerala and Tamil nadu – to the enchanting island of Sri lanka and its capital, colombo. Full details for both itineraries can be found on pages 64-69 of this brochure.

Grand Trade WIndS 5 NoVEMBER – 4 DEcEMBER 2014 30 Days

Grand Mosque, Oman

petra, jordan

greece • turkey • cyprus • lebanon • egypt • jordan • erItrea • djIboutI • oMan

sHarM el sHeIkH • erItrea • djIboutI • oMan • IndIa • srI lanka







84

R E DS E A A R A B I A N

S E AI N D I A

M Y A N M A R

M A L A Y S I A

J O R D A N


O M A N

Tuticorin India

Colombo Sri LankaGalle Sri Lanka

Mumbai India

Mangalore India

Muscat Oman

Salalah Oman

Porbandar India

Kochi India

Aqaba Jordan

EgyptSharm el Sheikh

Massawa Eritrea

Djibouti Djibouti

E R I T R E A

E G Y P T

Malacca Malaysia

Penang Malaysia

Langkawi Malaysia

Yangon Burma

Singapore

A R A B I A NS E A



S O U T H C H I N A S E A

I N D I A

M Y A N M A R

C H I N A

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

M A L A Y S I A

O M A N

Tuticorin India

Colombo Sri Lanka Galle Sri Lanka

Mumbai India

Mangalore India

Cochin India

Porbandar IndiaOmanMuscat

Hong Kong

Malacca Malaysia

Singapore

Kwantan Malaysia

Penang Malaysia

Langkawi Malaysia

Nha Trang Vietnam

Qui Nhon Vietnam

Danang Vietnam

Haiphong Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam

Sihanoukville Cambodia

Yangon Burma

I N D I A

B U R M A (

M A L A Y S I A

O M A N

OmanMuscat

Porbandar India

Mumbai India

Mangalore India

Cochin India

Tuticorin India

Colombo Sri Lanka

Galle Sri Lanka

Malacca Malaysia

Penang Malaysia

Langkawi Malaysia

Yangon Burma (Myanmar)

Singapore



Grand IndIan Ocean 05 NoVEMBER – 19 DEcEMBER 2014 45 Days

From the land of the Pharoahs sail south through the red Sea to call at the lively

east african town of djibouti and onwards to Oman, soaking up the winter sun during relaxing days at sea en route. From the palaces and mosques of Oman, cruise the arabian Sea to India’s western shores visiting Gandhi’s birthplace, admiring Victorian architecture, exploring the restful backwaters of kerala and delving deep into rural India. The charm of Sri lanka follows, while a highlight of this Grand Voyage must be two nights in Yangon including a visit to the exquisite Shwedagon Pagoda. enjoy the contrasts of Malaysia, tropical scenery, multi-ethnic cities and traditional culture before arriving at the lion city, Singapore.the elegant city of Muscat.


The lingering images of former colonial empires, the sights and sounds of rural

India and the scent of spices on the trade winds, inspire a relaxing cruise from Muscat to the Indian Subcontinent and on to Singapore. explore Porbandar, birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the vibrant city of Mumbai, kerala, India’s most beautiful state and Tuticorin on the very southern tip of India. enjoy the relaxed charm of Sri lanka’s capital, colombo, and the ancient Muslim port of Galle before cruising the Indian Ocean to sail up the Yangon river to Yangon in Burma (Myanmar). Finally, compare the natural beauty of langkawi with the colonial architecture of Penang and Singapore.


Grand IndIan VOYaGe 20 NoVEMBER – 19 DEcEMBER 2014 30 Days

kerala Backwaters, kochi

colours of India

egypt • jordan • erItrea • djIboutI • oMan • IndIa • srI lanka • burMa • MalaysIa • sIngapore

oMan • IndIa • srI lanka • burMa • MalaysIa • sIngapore







85

call Swan Hellenic on 0844 209 9000 or visit www.swanhellenic.com




M Y A N M A R

C H I N A

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

M A L A Y S I AGalle Sri Lanka

Sri LankaColombo

ChinaHong Kong

Malacca Malaysia

Singapore

Penang Malaysia

Langkawi Malaysia

Nha Trang Vietnam

Qui Nhon Vietnam

Danang Vietnam

Haiphong Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam

SihanoukvilleCambodia

Yangon Burma

Kuantan Malaysia

A R A B I A NS E A




I N D I A

M Y A N M A R

C H I N A

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

M A L A Y S I A

O M A N

Tuticorin India

Colombo Sri Lanka Galle Sri Lanka

Mumbai India

Mangalore India

Cochin India

Porbandar IndiaOmanMuscat

Hong Kong

Malacca Malaysia

Singapore

Kwantan Malaysia

Penang Malaysia

Langkawi Malaysia

Nha Trang Vietnam

Qui Nhon Vietnam

Danang Vietnam

Haiphong Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam

Sihanoukville Cambodia

Yangon Burma

Grand OrIenTal OdYSSeY 20 NoVEMBER 2014 – 3 JANUARY 2015 45 Days

cruise the arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, andaman and South china Seas on a Grand

Voyage from the arabian Peninsula to Hong kong in china. Sail down the western shores of the Indian Subcontinent, visit the enchanting island of Sri lanka, sail up the Yangon river to the colonial city of Yangon, visit the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ Penang, the former Malay sultanate of Malacca and the ‘lion city’, Singapore before spending the festive period visiting the cambodian capital Phnom Penh and cruising north along the Vietnamese coast discovering the legacy of the cham’s kingdom at Po nagar, the colonial city of Hanoi and the atmospheric limestone islands of Halong Bay. conclude your oriental odyssey in the fabulous city of Hong kong.


celebrate christmas and the new Year on board Minerva cruising east from

colombo, Sri lanka, to Hong kong in china. cruise the Indian Ocean, sail up the Yangon river to the colonial city of Yangon in Myanmar, contrast the tropical scenery of langkawi with the multi-ethnic city of Georgetown and visit World War II sites in Singapore. Spend the festive period discovering the highlights of cambodia and Vietnam, including Phnom Penh, Hoi an, Ho chi Minh city and Halong Bay and, finally, explore one of china’s most dynamic cities, Hong kong.


Grand colours of the eaST 4 DEcEMBER 2014 – 3 JANUARY 2015 31 Days

Hue, Vietnam

srI lanka • burMa • MalaysIa • sIngapore • caMbodIa • vIetnaM • Hong kong

Merlion, Singapore

oMan • IndIa • srI lanka • burMa • MalaysIa • sIngapore • caMbodIa • vIetnaM • Hong kong







86

Toucan, argentinaMachu Picchu, Peru Peruvian Festival

cruIse ItInerarIes

Cruise referenCe: Min140105

Date Port arrive DePart

Jan 05 Bridgetown, Barbados In port

Jan 06 Bridgetown, Barbados In port 6.00pm

Jan 07 Cruise on Minerva

Jan 08 La Guaira, Venezuela 8.00am 6.00pm

Jan 09 La Vela de Coro, Venezuela 8.30am 2.00pm

Jan 10-11 Cruise on Minerva

Jan 12 Colon, Panama 7.00am In port

Jan 13 Panama Canal Transit


Jan 16 Manta, Ecuador 6.00am 8.00pm


Jan 19 Salaverry, Peru 8.00am 8.00pm

Jan 20 Cruise on Minerva Callao, Peru

5.00pm In port

Jan 21 Callao, Peru In port 6.30pm

Jan 22 General San Martin, Peru 6.30am 4.00pm


Jan 24 Matarani, Peru 7.00am 7.00pm

Jan 25 Arica, Chile 9.00am 9.00pm


Jan 28 Valparaiso, Chile 1.00pm In port

Jan 29 Valparaiso, Chile In port



Jan 29 Valparaiso, Chile In port

Jan 30 Valparaiso, Chile In port 7.00pm


Feb 01 Cruise on Minerva

Feb 02 Puerto Montt, Chile 8.00am 7.00pm

Feb 03 Castro, Chile 7.30am 1.30pm

Feb 04 Chacabuco, Chile 7.30am 2.30pm

Feb 05-07 Cruise on Minerva

Feb 08 Punta Arenas, Chile 8.00am 11.00pm


Feb 10 Cruise off Cape Horn

Feb 10 Ushuaia, Argentina 8.30am In port

Feb 11 Ushuaia, Argentina In port 6.30pm


Feb 13 Port Stanley, Falklands 12.00 noon In port

Feb 14 Port Stanley, Falklands In port 2.00pm

Feb 15 West Falkland Island 8.00am 12.00 noon


Feb 17 Puerto Madryn, Argentina 8.00am 7.00pm


Feb 20 Buenos Aires, Argentina 8.00am In port

Feb 21 Buenos Aires, Argentina In port



Feb 21 Buenos Aires, Argentina In port

Feb 22 Buenos Aires, Argentina In port 7.00pm

Feb 23 Montevideo, Uruguay 8.00am 6.00pm


Feb 27 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 8.00am In port

Feb 28 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil In port 6.00pm

Mar 01 Cruise on Minerva


Mar 03 Salvador, Brazil 8.00am 11.00pm


Mar 05 Recife, Brazil 8.00am 7.00pm




Mar 09 Belem, Brazil 6.00am 4.00pm

Mar 10 Cruise Amazon River

Mar 11 Cruise Amazon River

Mar 12 Santarem, Brazil 7.00am 2.30pm

Mar 13 Parintins, Brazil 8.00am 2.00pm

Mar 14 Manaus, Brazil 12.00 noon In port

Mar 15 Manaus, Brazil In port



Apr 14 Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain In port

Apr 15 Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain In port 3.30pm

Apr 16 Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain 8.00am 2.30pm

Apr 17 Santa Cruz, La Palma, Spain 12.00 noon 6.00pm

Apr 18 Funchal, Madeira 2.30pm In port

Apr 19 Funchal, Madeira In port 5.00pm

Apr 20 Cruise on Minerva

Apr 21 Casablanca, Morocco 8.00am 6.00pm

Apr 22 Cadiz, Spain 1.00pm 11.00pm


Apr 24 Lisbon, Portugal 8.00am 2.00pm

Apr 25 Villagarcia de Arosa, Spain 1.30pm 10.00pm



Apr 28 Portsmouth, England 8.00am



Mar 29 Bridgetown, Barbados In port

Mar 30 Bridgetown, Barbados In port 6.00pm

Mar 31 Castries, St Lucia 8.00am 3.00pm

Apr 01 Iles de Saintes, Guadeloupe 8.00am 6.00pm

Apr 02 Fort de France, Martinique 8.00am 6.00pm








Apr 10 Mindelo, Cape Verde 8.00am 6.00pm



Apr 13 Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain 12.00 noon In port

Apr 14 Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain In port



Mar 15 Manaus, Brazil In port

Mar 16 Manaus, Brazil In port 6.00pm

Mar 17 Parintins, Brazil 1.00pm In port

Mar 18 Parintins, Brazil In port 6.00am

Mar 18 Boca de Valeria, Brazil 9.00am 2.00pm

Mar 19 Curua Una, Brazil 8.00am 3.00pm

Mar 20 Cruise Amazon


Mar 22 Ile Royale, French Guiana 8.00am 1.30pm

Mar 23 Georgetown, Guyana 10.00pm In port

Mar 24 Georgetown, Guyana In port 10.00pm


Mar 26 Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago

8.00am 7.00pm

Mar 27 St Georges, Grenada 8.00am 2.30pm

Mar 28 Bridgetown, Barbados 8.00am In port

Mar 29 Bridgetown, Barbados In port

WoNDERS of the ANDES and ATAcAMA

SHoRES of PATAGoNIA SPIRIT of BRAZIL

ISLAND DIScoVERYAMAZoN ADVENTURE FRoM the cARIBBEAN to the cANARIES


Bergen, norway catherine’s Palace, St Petersburg Beara coastline, eire

cruIse ItInerarIes



Apr 28 Portsmouth, England 5.00pm


Apr 30 Kiel Canal Transit

May 01 Copenhagen, Denmark 8.00am 6.00pm

May 02 Gothenburg, Sweden 8.00am 5.00pm

May 03 Oslo, Norway 8.00am 7.00pm

May 04 Cruise on Minerva

May 05 Ulvik, Hardangarfjord, Norway 8.00am 2.00pm

May 06 Bergen, Norway 8.00am 7.00pm



May 09 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

A ScANDINAVIAN SPRING



Jun 04 Portsmouth, England 6.00pm

Jun 05 Dunkirk, France 12.00 noon 7.00pm

Jun 06 Cruise the Normandy Beaches

Jun 06 Le Havre, France 7.00pm In port

Jun 07 Le Havre, France In port In port

Jun 08 Le Havre, France In port 3.00am

Jun 08 Caen, France 8.00am 7.00pm

Jun 09 Cherbourg, France 8.00am 11.00pm

Jun 10 Cruise on Minerva

Jun 11 Belle Île, France 8.00am 2.00pm

Jun 11 Lorient, France 6.00pm In port

Jun 12 Lorient, France In port 2.00pm

Jun 13 Isles of Scilly, England 8.00am 6.00pm

Jun 14 Dartmouth, England 8.00am 6.00pm

Jun 15 St Peter Port, Channel Islands 7.00am 4.00pm

Jun 16 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

D-DAY 70th ANNIVERSARY – REFLEcTIoNS of FRANcE



May 09 Portsmouth, England 5.00pm


May 11 Kiel Canal Transit

May 12 Rønne, Denmark 8.00am 5.00pm


May 14 Tallinn, Estonia 8.00am 3.00pm

May 15 St Petersburg, Russia 8.00am In port

May 16 St Petersburg, Russia In port 6.00pm

May 17 Helsinki, Finland 8.00am 4.00pm

May 18 Stockholm, Sweden 1.00pm In port

May 19 Stockholm, Sweden In port 2.00pm


May 21 Elsinore, Denmark 9.00am 4.00pm



May 24 Portsmouth, England 8.00am

cAPITALS of the BALTIc



Jun 16 Portsmouth, England 6.00pm



Jun 19 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

8.00am 7.00pm

Jun 20 St Kilda Scenic Cruise, Outer Hebrides


Jun 22 Heimaey, Iceland 12.00 noon 7.00pm

Jun 23 Reykjavik, Iceland 8.00am 7.00pm

Jun 24 Grundarfjordur, Iceland 8.00am 5.00pm

Jun 25 Isafjordur, Iceland 7.00am 2.00pm

Jun 26 Akureyri, Iceland 7.00am 5.00pm


Jun 28 Torshavn, Faroe Islands 8.00am 3.00pm



Jul 01 Portsmouth, England 8.00am

AN IcELANDIc SUMMER



May 24 Portsmouth, England 6.00pm


May 26 Dublin, Eire 8.00am 6.00pm

May 27 Holy Loch, Scotland 12.00 noon 7.00pm

May 28 Port Rush, N. Ireland 8.00am 4.00pm

May 29 Killybegs, Eire 8.00am 7.00pm

May 30 Inishmore, Aran Islands 12.00 noon 6.00pm

May 31 Glengarriff, Eire 12.00 noon 9.00pm

Jun 01 Cork (Ringaskiddy), Eire 8.00am 4.00pm

Jun 02 Lundy, England 7.00am 1.00pm

Jun 03 St Peter Port, Channel Islands 12.00 noon 7.00pm

Jun 04 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

cELTIc coASTS



Jul 01 Portsmouth, England 5.00pm

Jul 02 Cruise on Minerva

Jul 03 Port of Tyne, England 8.00am 7.00pm

Jul 04 Edinburgh (Port Rosyth) Scotland

8.00am 1.30pm

Jul 05 Scrabster, Scotland 9.00am 7.00pm

Jul 06 Portree, Isle of Skye 12.00 noon At anchor

Jul 07 Portree, Isle of Skye At anchor 7.00am

Jul 07 Scenic Cruise - Oban 10.00pm At anchor

Jul 08 Oban, Highlands At anchor 11.00pm


Jul 10 Liverpool, England 8.00am 10.00pm

Jul 11 Holyhead, Wales 7.00am 2.00pm

Jul 12 Isles of Scilly, England 9.00am 6.00pm

Jul 12 Falmouth, England 11.59pm In port

Jul 13 Falmouth, England In port 5.00pm

Jul 14 Sark, Channel Islands 8.00am 2.00pm


TREASURES of the BRITISH ISLES

88

delos, GreeceThe norwegian Fjords river douro, Oporto, Portugal

cruIse ItInerarIes






Jul 18 Florø, Norway 10.00am 6.00pm


Jul 20 Bodø, Norway 8.00am 2.00pm

Jul 21 Tromsø, Norway 8.00am 5.00pm

Jul 22 Honningsvåg, North Cape, Norway

8.00am 2.00pm

Jul 23 Sortland, Vesteralen Islands 2.00pm 7.00pm

Jul 24 Leknes, Lofoten Islands 8.00am 2.00pm


Jul 26 Flåm, Sognefjord 12.00 noon 7.00pm

Jul 27 Bergen, Norway 8.00am 7.00pm




NoRWAY and the NoRTH cAPE



Aug 27 Piraeus, Greece In port

Aug 28 Piraeus, Greece In port 1.30pm

Aug 29 Canakkale, Turkey 8.30am 4.00pm

Aug 30 Cruise on Minerva Bosphorus Transit

Aug 31 Sinop, Turkey 8.00am 1.30pm

Sep 01 Trabzon, Turkey 8.00am 7.00pm

Sep 02 Batumi, Georgia 7.00am 6.00pm

Sep 03 Cruise the Black Sea

Sep 04 Yalta, Ukraine 8.00am 11.00pm

Sep 05 Sevastopol, Ukraine 7.00am 6.00pm

Sep 06 Odessa, Ukraine 8.00am 11.00pm

Sep 07 Cruise the Black Sea

Sep 08 Nessebur, Bulgaria 8.00am 5.00pm

Sep 09 Istanbul, Turkey 7.00am In port

Sep 10 Istanbul, Turkey In port

BLAck SEA PANoRAMA





Aug 01 Cruise on Minerva

Aug 02 Oporto, Portugal 8.00am 2.00pm

Aug 03 Lisbon, Portugal 8.00am 7.00pm


Aug 05 Motril, Spain 8.00am 5.00pm

Aug 06 Cartagena, Spain 8.00am 3.00pm


Aug 08 Cagliari, Sardinia 9.00am 2.00pm

Aug 09 La Goulette, Tunisia 8.00am 7.00pm

Aug 10 Trapani, Sicily 8.00am 7.00pm

Aug 11 Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy 8.00am 5.00pm

Aug 12 Naples, Italy 8.00am In port

Aug 13 Naples, Italy In port

To MEDITERRANEAN WATERS



Sep 10 Istanbul, Turkey In port

Sep 11 Istanbul, Turkey In port 7.00pm

Sep 12 Cruise the Aegean Sea

Sep 13 Kusadasi, Turkey 8.00am 6.30pm

Sep 14 Marmaris, Turkey 9.00am 11.00pm

Sep 15 Kas, Turkey 8.00am 5.00pm

Sep 16 Agios Nikolaos, Greece 12.00 noon 7.00pm

Sep 17 Gythion, Greece 12.00 noon 11.00pm

Sep 18 Kythera, Greece 8.00am 4.00pm

Sep 19 Cruise the Aegean Sea

Sep 20 Thessaloniki, Greece 8.00am 11.00pm

Sep 21 Scenic Cruise Mount Athos

Sep 21 Limnos, Greece 2.00pm 7.00pm

Sep 22 Paros, Greece 12.00 noon 6.00pm

Sep 23 Piraeus, Greece 7.00am In port

Sep 24 Piraeus, Greece In port

SHoRES of the AEGEAN



Aug 13 Naples, Italy In port

Aug 14 Naples, Italy In port 6.00pm


Aug 16 Corfu, Greece 8.00am 2.00pm

Aug 17 Itea, Greece 8.00am 1.30pm

Aug 17 Corinth Canal Transit - early evening

Aug 18 Nauplia, Peloponnese, Greece 8.00am 7.00pm

Aug 19 Santorini, Cyclades, Greece 12.00 noon 11.00pm

Aug 20 Heraklion, Crete, Greece 8.00am 7.00pm

Aug 21 Rhodes, Dodecanese, Greece 12.00 noon 11.00pm

Aug 22 Patmos, Dodecanese, Greece 9.00am 4.30pm

Aug 22 Kusadasi, Turkey 11.00pm In port

Aug 23 Kusadasi, Turkey In port 7.00pm

Aug 24 Delos, Cyclades, Greece 8.00am 2.00pm

Aug 24 Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece 4.30pm In port

Aug 25 Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece In port 6.00am

Aug 25 Hydra, Saronic Islands, Greece 2.30pm 11.00pm

Aug 26 Piraeus, Greece 7.00am In port

Aug 27 Piraeus, Greece In port

SWAN’S HELLENIc cELEBRATIoN



Sep 24 Piraeus, Greece In port

Sep 25 Piraeus, Greece In port 1.30pm

Sep 25 Corinth Canal Transit - late afternoon

Sep 26 Cruise the Ionian Sea

Sep 27 Kotor, Montenegro 8.00am 5.00pm

Sep 27 Dubrovnik, Croatia 11.00pm At anchor

Sep 28 Dubrovnik, Croatia At anchor 5.00pm

Sep 29 Sibenik, Croatia 8.00am 4.00pm

Sep 30 Pula, Croatia 7.00am 11.00pm

Oct 01 Venice, Italy 8.00am 10.00pm

Oct 02 Ravenna, Italy 8.00am 6.00pm

Oct 03 Cruise the Adriatic Sea

Oct 04 Brindisi, Italy 8.00am 5.00pm

Oct 05 Cruise the Ionian Sea

Oct 06 Gaeta, Italy 1.00pm 7.00pm

Oct 07 Civitavecchia, Italy 7.00am In port

Oct 08 Civitavecchia, Italy In port

ADRIATIc oDYSSEY


Valletta Harbour, Malta Pyramids of Giza, egypt petra, jordan

cruIse ItInerarIes



Oct 08 Civitavecchia, Italy In port

Oct 09 Civitavecchia, Italy In port 7.00pm

Oct 10 Portovenere, Italy 12.00 noon 9.00pm

Oct 11 Cruise the Tyrrhenian Sea

Oct 12 Naples, Italy 7.00am 11.00pm

Oct 13 Amalfi, Italy 8.00am 2.00pm

Oct 14 Palermo, Sicily 8.00am 7.00pm

Oct 15 La Goulette, Tunisia 12.00 noon 6.00pm

Oct 16 Sousse, Tunisia 8.00am 6.00pm

Oct 17 Valletta, Malta 12.30pm In port

Oct 18 Valletta, Malta In port 2.00pm

Oct 19 Cruise the Ionian Sea

Oct 20 Itea, Greece 8.00am 1.30pm

Oct 20 Corinth Canal Transit - early evening

Oct 20 Piraeus, Greece 11.00pm In port

Oct 21 Piraeus, Greece In port In port

Oct 22 Piraeus, Greece In port

REALMS of the MEDITERRANEAN



Nov 20 Muscat, Oman In port

Nov 21 Muscat, Oman In port 10.00pm

Nov 22 Cruise the Indian Ocean


Nov 24 Porbandar, India 8.00am 7.00pm

Nov 25 Cruise the Indian Ocean Mumbai, India 8.00pm In port

Nov 26 Mumbai, India In port 7.00pm


Nov 28 Mangalore, India 7.00am 2.00pm

Nov 29 Kochi, India 8.30am In port

Nov 30 Kochi, India In port 7.00pm

Dec 01 Cruise the Indian Ocean Tuticorin, India 10.00pm In port

Dec 02 Tuticorin, India In port 3.00pm

Dec 03 Colombo, Sri Lanka 7.00am In port

Dec 04 Colombo, Sri Lanka In port

INDIAN ExPLoRATIoN



Oct 22 Piraeus, Greece In port

Oct 23 Piraeus, Greece In port 2.00pm

Oct 24 Kusadasi, Turkey 8.00am 11.00pm

Oct 25 Cruise the Mediterranean

Oct 26 Antalya, Turkey 7.00am 3.00pm

Oct 27 Tasucu, Turkey 8.00am 3.00pm

Oct 28 Limassol, Cyprus 8.00am 7.00pm

Oct 29 Beirut, Lebanon 8.00am 7.00pm

Oct 30 Cruise the Mediterranean

Oct 31 Suez Canal Transit

Oct 31 El Sokhna, Egypt 11.59pm In port

Nov 01 El Sokhna, Egypt In port 11.00pm

Nov 02 Cruise the Red Sea

Nov 03 Aqaba, Jordan 7.00am 8.00pm

Nov 04 Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 7.00am In port

Nov 05 Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt In port

PYRAMIDS and PETRA



Dec 04 Colombo, Sri Lanka In port

Dec 05 Colombo, Sri Lanka In port 11.00pm

Dec 06 Galle, Sri Lanka 8.00am 2.00pm

Dec 07 Cruise the Indian Ocean



Dec 10 Yangon - Burma (Myanmar) 3.00pm In port

Dec 11 Yangon - Burma (Myanmar) In port In port

Dec 12 Yangon - Burma (Myanmar) In port 2.00pm



Dec 15 Langkawi, Malaysia 8.00am 11.00pm

Dec 16 Penang, Malaysia 8.00am 2.00pm

Dec 17 Malacca, Malaysia 1.00pm 7.00pm

Dec 18 Singapore 8.00am In port

Dec 19 Singapore In port

To BURMA and BEYoND



Nov 05 Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt In port

Nov 06 Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt In port 7.00pm

Nov 07 Aqaba, Jordan 6.00am 11.00pm




Nov 11 Massawa, Eritrea 6.00am 7.00pm


Nov 13 Djibouti 6.00am In port

Nov 14 Djibouti In port 2.00am

Nov 14 Cruise the Arabian Sea


Nov 16 Salalah, Oman 12.00 noon 7.00pm


Nov 18 Cruise the Arabian Sea - Muscat, Oman 11.59pm In port

Nov 19 Muscat, Oman In port In port

Nov 20 Muscat, Oman In port

FRoM PETRA to oMAN



Dec 19 Singapore In port

Dec 20 Singapore In port 2.30pm

Dec 21 Kuantan, Malaysia 9.00am 6.00pm

Dec 22 Cruise the South China Sea

Dec 23 Sihanuokville, Cambodia 7.00am 11.00pm


Dec 25 Cruise on Minerva - Christmas Day

Dec 26 Nha Trang, Vietnam 8.00am 7.00pm

Dec 27 Qui Nhon, Vietnam 8.00am 2.00pm

Dec 28 Danang, Vietnam 7.00am 7.00pm


Dec 30 Haiphong, Vietnam 6.00am 11.59pm

Dec 31 Halong Bay, Vietnam 7.30am 5.00pm

Jan 01 Cruise on Minerva - New Year’s Day

Jan 02 Hong Kong 8.00am In port

Jan 03 Hong Kong In port

TRAVELS in INDocHINA

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Taj Mahal, Agra

pre And posT cruise opTionAl exTensions

Add more to the experienceenhance your cruiseenhance your experience with this exciting

selection of pre and post cruise options to further explore the cultures and landscapes of distant lands. Mysteries of the New World await discovery with tours to Machu Picchu and Easter Island as well as the great natural wonder of Iguazu Falls. Marvel at the Temples of Angkor Wat or step into history at the Great Wall of China. Just a few of the exciting destinations awaiting discovery.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA5-NIGHT ESCORTED TOURPOST MIN141219: 3 – 8 Jan 2015** (see page 92)discover china as she emerges as the new economic superpower of the 21st century. in Guilin, one of the country’s most picturesque regions, admire the wonderful karst landscapes on a li river cruise. in Beijing spend two nights visiting the Great Wall, Tiananmen square, the Forbidden city and summer palace. enjoy a further two nights at xian to discover the Terracotta warriors, the shaanxi History Museum and the Wild Goose pagoda.

Your tour includes:• Allsightseeingmentioned,entrances,transportasrequired,porterageand groupflightairporttransfers.

• FlightsfromHongKongtoGuilin,GuilintoXianandXiantoBeijing• Onenight’saccommodationatthe4*SheratonHotel,Guilin,twonights’accommodationatthe5*SofitelWandaHotel,Beijingandtwonights’accommodationatthe5*SofitelonRenminSquareHotel,Xian

• AllmealsduringthetourincludingoneeveningmealwithaTangDynastyShow• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmeals• FullyescortedwithaSwanHellenicescort(subjecttominimumnumbers)

RATES (per person) Twin: £1,995 Single: £2,295

NB:YouarerequiredtoobtainaChinesevisabeforedepartingtheUK.

Guilin Mountains, li river, china



ANCIENT CITIES OF SRI LANKA 4-NIGHTESCORTEDTOURPRE MIN141204: 29 Nov-4 Dec 2014*(see page 92)enjoy a night in sri lanka’s former capital, colombo, before travelling inland to discover some of the sights that make up the country’s cultural Triangle. Visit the ruined 11th century city of polonnaruwa, explore the sacred site at Anuradhapura, see the 5th century Aukana Buddha statue, climb the rock fortress of sigiriya and admire the dambulla rock caves.

Your tour includes:• Allsightseeingmentioned,entrances,transportasrequired,porterageand groupflightairporttransfers

• Onenight’saccommodationatthe4*GalleFaceHotel,Colomboandthreenights’accommodationatthe5*CinnamonLodgeHotel,Habarana

• Allmealsduringthetour• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmeals• FullyescortedwithaSwanHellenicescort(subjecttominimumnumbers)


NB:YouarerequiredtoobtainaSriLankanvisabeforedepartingtheUK.

sigiriya, sri lanka

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, INDIA6-NIGHT ESCORTED TOURPOST MIN141120: 4-10 Dec 2014Admire the wealth of cultural sights in this classic tour. Fly from colombo to delhi and spend two nights here to see Jama Masjid, raj Ghat and visit new delhi. Take the train to Agra to discover the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal and the red sandstone Moghul Fort. Travel to Jaipur, visiting Fatephur sikri en route and spend two nights in rajasthan exploring the hilltop Amber Fort and palace of the Winds. enjoy a further overnight in delhi before your return.

Your tour includes:• Allsightseeingmentioned,entrances,transportasrequired,porterageandgroupflightairporttransfers

• Threenights’luxuryaccommodationinDelhi,onenight’sluxuryaccommodationinAgra,twonights’luxuryaccommodationinJaipur

• InternationalflightfromColombotoDelhi• FirstclasstrainjourneyfromDelhitoAgra• Allmealsduringthetour• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmeals• FullyescortedwithalocalescortandaSwanHellenicescort(subjecttominimumnumbers)


NB:YouarerequiredtoobtainanIndianvisabeforedepartingtheUK.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Temples of Angkor Wat

TURKEY – CAPPADOCIA AND ISTANBUL4-NIGHTPARTESCORTEDTOURPOST MIN140827: 10-14 Sep 2014PRE MIN140910: 6-10 Sep 2014enjoy two nights in istanbul allowing time to explore the city independently. A half day city tour is included. Whilst in cappadocia, spend two nights amid its extraordinary landscapes visiting the natural citadel of uchisar, the Goreme open Air Museum with its churches hewn out of rock and see the villages of the Zelve Valley with their homes hidden amidst typical ‘fairy chimneys’. You’ll also explore the labyrinthine underground city of Kaymakli, a refuge for early christians.


• Twonights’accommodationattheTouristHotel,Goremeandtwonights’accommodationattheCrownePlazaIstanbul-OldCity,locatedinthehistoriccentreofIstanbul

• ReturninternalflightsfromIstanbultoCappadocia• AllmealsduringthetourinCappadocia,bedandbreakfastinIstanbulandonelunchinIstanbul

• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmealsduringthetour• ServicesofanEnglishspeakingguidethroughoutthetourinCappadociaandalocalrepresentativeinIstanbul

RATES (per person) Twin: £995 Single: £1,225

cappadocia, Turkey

ANGKOR WAT AND BANGKOK 4-NIGHTESCORTEDTOURPOST MIN141204: 19-23 Dec 2014**(see page 92) PRE MIN141219: 14-19 Dec 2014*(see page 92)Visit the truly staggering complex of Angkor. With three nights in siem reap, visit Angkor Wat, the south Gate of Angkor Thom and mysterious Ta prohm Temple. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy sunrise and sunset visits of the Temples. A boat ride on Tonle sap lake reveals cambodian rural life on floating villages. one night in Bangkok gives a taste of this frenetic city.

Your tour includes:• Includesallsightseeingmentioned,entrances,transportasrequired,porterageandgroupflightairporttransfers

• Threenights’accommodationatthe5*AngkorPalaceResort&Spa,SiemReapandonenight’saccommodationatthe5*RamadaPlazaMenamRiversideHotel,Bangkok

• InternationalflightsfromSingaporetoSiemReapandSiemReaptoBangkok(forPostTour)orBangkoktoSiemReapandSiemReaptoSingapore(forPreTour)

• AllmealsduringthetourincludingoneeveningdinnerwithlocalCambodiandanceshow

• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmeals• FullyescortedwithalocalescortandSwanHellenicescort(subjectto minimumnumbers)


92


*AnovernightflightisanticipatedandthedatesshownincludethedateofdepartureorreturntotheUK.**Indicates,flightsbacktotheUKattheendofthePostcruiseStay/Tourmayeitherbesamedayarrivalorovernightarrivingthefollowingday.Dateshownisbasedonflightsreturningthesameday.NB:Touritinerariesandhoteldetailsarecorrectatthetimeofprintingbutsubjecttochange.

MACHU PICCHU 3-NIGHT ESCORTED TOURMIN140105: 21-24 Jan 2014Join a mid-cruise overland tour from callao and fly to cuzco to explore this ancient inca city. The next day, travel aboard the Vistadome train through the vistas of the Andes to spend 2 days discovering the incredible site of Machu picchu and uncover the myths, stories and theories surrounding this mystical ‘lost city’.


• FlightsfromLimatoCuzcoandCuzcotoArequipa• ReturntravelbyVistadometrainfromCuzcotoAguasCalientes(forMachuPicchu)passingmountainousvistasenroute

• Twonights’accommodationatthe4*LibertadorHotel,Cuzcoandone night’saccommodationatthe5*InkaterraMachuPicchuPuebloHotel, AguasCalientes

• Allmealsduringthetour• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmeals• FullyescortedwithaSwanHellenicescort


Machu picchu, peru

EASTER ISLAND 6-NIGHT ESCORTED TOURPRE MIN140129: 22-29 Jan 2014*POST MIN140105: 29 Jan-5 Feb 2014*spend two nights in the vibrant chilean capital of santiago including a city tour visiting the pre colombian Museum, before a unique opportunity to visit easter island, one of the remotest places on earth. This tiny island is home to a wealth of archaeological sites including moai statues and altars as well as beautiful eerie landscapes, offering a truly memorable experience.


• ReturnflightsfromSantiagotoRapaNui,EasterIsland• Twonights’accommodationatthe4*AttonElBosqueHotel,Santiagoandfournights’accommodationatthe3*HotelTahatai,EasterIsland



easter island statues

IGUAZU FALLS AND BUENOS AIRES 4-NIGHTESCORTEDTOURPRE MIN140221: 16-21 Feb 2014* POST MIN140129: 21-26 Feb 2014*in Argentina’s Great Waters rainforest, experience the natural wonder of the spectacular iguazu Falls including the incredible 150m wide Garganta del diablo – devil’s Throat. spend two nights here allowing you the chance to view the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine side before returning to Buenos Aires for a two night stay to explore the home of tango. A sightseeing tour is included and will show you some of the city’s highlights during your stay.


• Twonights’accommodationatthe4*SheratonBuenosAiresHotelandtwonights’accommodationatthe4*HotelPanoramic,Iguazu

• ReturnflightsfromBuenosAirestoIguazu• AllmealsduringthetourincludingoneeveningdinnerwithtangoshowinBuenosAires

• Allgratuitiesforguides,driversandgroupmeals• FullyescortedwithaSwanHellenicescort(subjecttominimumnumbers)


iguazu Falls

AMAZON ECO LODGE STAY 4-NIGHTESCORTEDTOURPOST MIN140221: 10-15 Mar 2014*PRE MIN140315: 15-20 Mar 2014*Home to an incredible bio-diversity, the Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Take this unique opportunity to get an up-close experience with a three night stay at the Amazon ecopark lodge. explore small jungle creeks by motorized canoe, join a guided hike, visit a native home or even fish for piranha. You will also have a 1 night stay in Manaus to see the wonderful opera House.


• Threenights’accommodationattheAmazonEcoParkLodgeandonenight’saccommodationatthe4*HotelTropical,Manaus



Amazon ecopark lodge


SANTIAGO – 1and3-NIGHTCITYSTAY Framed by snow-capped Andean peaks to the east and a smaller coastal range to the west, the chilean capital enjoys one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. discover the many eateries in the Bellavista neighbourhood, visit the historical centre, or take the funicular and cable car on san cristobal Hill. Your stay at the 5* Grand Hyatt santiago hotel is the perfect base to explore santiago and enjoy the best of chilean culture.

1 Night Stay – RATES (per person) Twin: £195 Single: £2953 Night Stay – RATES (per person) Twin: £495 Single: £845

santiago

Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES – 1and3-NIGHTCITYSTAY A sprawling city lying on the banks of the river plate, Buenos Aires is today the largest city in south America. Make the most of your stay at the sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel in the Argentine capital with a visit to the san Telmo – the atmospheric home of tango, immigrant history, antiques, cobblestone streets and colonial architecture; prestigious and elegant la recoleta, or the oldest barrio in the city – Montserrat, brimming with beautiful churches.

1 Night Stay – RATES (per person) Twin: £185 Single: £2853 Night Stay – RATES (per person) Twin: £425 Single: £685

independenT ciTY & BeAcH sTAYs

SINGAPORE – 3-NIGHTCITYSTAY immerse yourself in the melange of chinese, Malay, indian and western cultures that constitute the lion city with a stay at the 5* conrad centennial Hotel, singapore. Visit the Asian civilisations Museum or chinatown, singapore’s cultural heart, where you’ll catch glimpses of old singapore with its temples and decorated terraces. spend a day discovering tropical flora at the botanical gardens or the superb new Gardens by the Bay. ride the singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel, for spectacular panoramic views of singapore, and shop to your heart’s content on orchard road.

RATES (per person) Twin: £495 Single: £799 singapore

HONG KONG – 3-NIGHTCITYSTAY crowded streets and empty wilderness, brash modernity and traditional observances, Hong Kong will take your breath away. Take a tram up the peak to view the myriad of skyscrapers; attend a race meeting at Happy Valley racecourse; visit one of the many fascinating museums or browse one of the lively markets by day or night. Your base will be the centrally located 5* Mandarin oriental Hotel.


Hong Kong skyline

Please contact the Reservations Department to request a Tour Information Sheet providing full details for your tour or stay

extend your holiday pre or post cruise with a variety of independent stays in this tempting selection of cities and islands. All stays include bed and breakfast daily, group flight airport transfers, porterage and services of a local representative. All meals (except breakfast) and sightseeing is on an independent basis. Group international flights may be overnight to/from london.

BARBADOS – 3-NIGHTBEACHSTAY Just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, the wonderful island of Barbados not only offers beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue seas, but an intriguing colonial past. Amidst the rolling countryside of lush scenery, sugar cane fields and limestone hills, you can visit a traditional plantation home, walk through the deep ravine of Welchman Hall Gully, view the restored signal tower of Gun Hill and taste some traditional rum. stay at the centrally located Hilton Barbados Hotel in Bridgetown.

RATES (per person) Twin: £445 Single: £645

Barbados

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dr steve Kershaw – classics

GuesT speAKers’ BioGrApHies

Our eminent Guest Speakers’ talks illuminate the past and explain the present and, when Minerva close-cruises iconic coastlines, their deck talks add an extra dimension to your experience of countries, cultures and landscapes.

Voices of experienceour renownedGuest speakers


CHRIS BRADLEY is a nAdFAs lecturer specialising in north Africa and the Middle east. He is also a guidebook writer and photographer; his latest books includeTheBerlitzGuideto

Oman2011andEgyptRedSeaCoast2012 and InsightGuidetoEgypt2009. He has also worked as a tour leader and guide of specialist art tours to oman, eritrea, egypt and Jordan and as a cameraman and TV producer for the national Geographic, BBc and channel 4.

DR ROBERT BRADNOCK has published and lectured widely on the evolution of physical and human environments around the world. He has written many Footprint guidebooks to india and sri lanka – many co-authored with his wife, roma. A former head of the department of Geography at soAs and now a visiting research fellow at King’s college london, he speaks and writes on geopolitics and the environment.

PROFESSOR DAVID BRAUND FSA DLitt (Batumi) has been working in the Black sea and Aegean region for nearly 30 years, mostly on its ancient history and archaeology. Having taken his degrees in cambridge in classics, he held an oxford research post on Georgia. He taught for two years at the university of leicester but has spent most of his career at exeter university, where he has been professor of Black sea History since 1996. His books include studies of ancient ukraine and ancient Georgia. He is fluent in russian, Georgian and Modern Greek.

PROFESSOR WARWICK BRAY is professor emeritus of latin American Archaeology at university college london. He has excavated in colombia, ecuador and the Amazon basin, and his many publications cover archaeological topics from Mexico to peru. His special interests include pre-hispanic American metallurgy, agriculture and ancient landscapes.

THE REVD PROFESSOR JUDITH BROWN was born in india and educated in england. Between school and cambridge she taught in a girls’ boarding school in india. As an academic, specialising in south Asia and wider aspects of imperial history, she taught as a Fellow of Girton college, in Manchester university, and then in oxford, as Beit professor of commonwealth History and professorial Fellow of Balliol college (1990-2011). she is a member of the Academia europea. Most of her writing has been on modern indian politics (with biographical studies of Gandhi and of nehru), the south Asian diaspora, and more generally on the British empire. she trained for ordination (2009) at cuddesdon and helps in a west oxford parish and in Balliol chapel.

david Abulafia rosie Atkins peter caddick-Adams richard chartres Barry cunliffe Tim earl

ANDY BUNTEN obtained degrees in Zoology and environmental Technology at newcastle and imperial college before embarking on a career in nature conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts, and, for 26 years, the rspB. He was rspB’s regional director for the south east of england for 5 years before, in 1991, moving to the north of england to take up the reins of director there. now a consultant, Andy is an enthusiastic traveller who has led wildlife groups to numerous places around the world including costa rica, panama, the Amazon, norway and svalbard.

DR PETER CADDICK-ADAMS FRHS peter hails from staffordshire and was educated at sandhurst and Wolverhampton university. since May 1999 he has lectured at the uK defence Academy, where he gained his phd. He has also served in the regular and reserve Forces and was nATo Historian in Bosnia (1996-7), and uK Historian in iraq (2003). His recent books, MontyandRommel:ParallelLives(2011) and MonteCassino:TenArmiesinHell(2012) were both published to widespread acclaim. Acknowledged as one of the uK’s most experienced battlefield guides, peter has led over 200 visits to more than 50 battlefields around the world.

DR PETER CATTERMOLE Formerly a lecturer in volcanology and planetary geology at the universities of sheffield and ucW Aberystwyth, peter was for many years a principal investigator with nAsA’s planetary Geology and Geophysics program, specialising in the study of volcanoes on Mars and Venus. peter has travelled widely, working in east Africa, indonesia, the usA and south America. He still has an active interest in the volcanoes of southern italy and sicily. To date he has written 20 books and many academic papers, several in collaboration with sir patrick Moore.

THE RT REVD & RT HON DR RICHARD CHARTRES KCVO DD FSA has been the 132nd Bishop of london and dean of the chapels royal since 1995. After reading history at Trinity college, cambridge, he taught ancient history in the international school in seville. He served as Gresham professor of divinity for some years and was elected as a Fellow of the society of Antiquaries after writing the history of Gresham college. dr chartres has also published in the field of science, religion and the environment.

We are delighted to introduce some of the Guest Speakers who will be travelling on Minerva in 2014/15.

Please also refer to individual itinerary pages.

PROFESSOR DAVID ABULAFIA is professor of Mediterranean History at cambridge university and Fellow of the British Academy. He has written extensively on the history of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, especially southern italy, sicily and spain. His best-selling TheGreatSea:AHumanHistoryoftheMediterranean was published by penguin Books in 2011. His other books include TheDiscoveryofMankind and FrederickII:AMedievalEmperor.

PROFESSOR CHRISTOPHER ANDREW is emeritus professor of Modern and contemporary History at cambridge university, Honorary professor at Queen’s university, Belfast, former Visiting professor at Harvard, Toronto and canberra, and Honorary Air commodore. some of his books, translated into a number of languages, deal with intelligence operations and international relations in the countries visited during the cruise; he has also presented numerous BBc documentaries. christopher Andrew’s DefenceoftheRealm, written as official Historian of Mi5, was 2010’s ‘politics’ best-seller.

ROSIE ATKINS began her career on the sunday Times newspaper. in 2002 she launched GardensIllustrated magazine which she

edited for ten years before spending nine years as curator of london’s chelsea physic Garden. she serves on the council of the royal Horticultural society, english Heritage’s Garden panel and is a Trustee of Great dixter charitable Trust.

DR ALAN BORG CBE FSA started his museum career in the royal Armouries in the Tower of london, moving in 1978 to become the first director of the sainsbury centre for the Visual Arts at the university of east Anglia. He was subsequently appointed director General of the imperial War Museum, and from 1995 director of the V&A. He is currently librarian of the Venerable order of st John and Vice president of the Foundling Museum. His specialist subjects include art, architecture and military history.

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PROFESSOR SIR BARRY CUNLIFFE CBE is emeritus professor, european Archaeology, oxford university. He has excavated widely in Britain, France and spain. He has served as a Governor of the Museum of london, president of the society of Antiquities and the council for British Archaeology, and as a Trustee of the British Museum. Barry is currently a commissioner of english Heritage. His most recent books include Europebetweenthe Oceans (2008) and BritainBegins (2013).

SIR RICHARD DALES KCVO CMG is a former Ambassador to norway and High commissioner to Zimbabwe. He retired in 2002 after 38 years in the diplomatic service where most of his overseas postings were to either Africa or scandinavia, including two spells in denmark. since retirement, he has been chairman of the Anglo-norse society and a member of the Governing council of the university of east Anglia and was chairman of international Alert from 2006 to 2010.

TIM EARL has his roots in Guernsey where he still does a little wildlife journalism although he has recently moved to the isle of Man. Most of his time is spent leading wildlife tours worldwide. He co-authored the InsightGuidetotheChannelIslandsshortly after writing ExploreGuernsey. He helped set up most of the island’s nature reserves including one at l’eree which is now part of a ramsar wetland site of international importance. Tim worked as a naturalist on board HebrideanSpirit pointing out mammals and birds at sea and leading wildlife walks ashore. He is delighted to be doing the same on Minerva.

CANON ANDREW EVANS is an honorary canon of Bristol cathedral and former Area dean of north Wiltshire. currently the Team rector of Bridport in dorset, Andrew has worked as an officiating chaplain for HM Forces and is a chaplain for the royal British legion and royal naval Association. one of Andrew’s current parishes was home to e & G companies of 16th infantry regiment us Army, who played a crucial role in securing the beachhead on omaha beach on d-day.

PROFESSOR SIR MARTIN EVANS was the first scientist to isolate embryonic stem cells, which can be adapted for a wide variety of medical purposes. His discoveries are now being applied in virtually all areas of biomedicine – from basic research to the development of new therapies. in 2001 he was awarded the Albert lasker Medal for Basic Medical research and in 2004 he was knighted for his services to medical science. in 2007 he was awarded the nobel prize for Medicine for these “ground-breaking discoveries concerning embryonic stem cells and dnA recombination in mammals.” After a career at university college london and cambridge university, sir Martin joined cardiff university to head the school of Biosciences in 1999. He is now chancellor of cardiff university.

THE REVD ROBIN GRIFFITH-JONES worked at christie’s after leaving oxford and, prior to ordination, worked with Mother Teresa’s sisters in india and with the long-term homeless in london. He was appointed Master of the Temple at the Temple church in london in 1999. His has written books on the gospels, st paul and Mary Magdalene, and has edited books on the Temple church and on islam and english law.

JOANNA HARDY FGA DGA FRSA is a gemmologist and an independent jewellery specialist with over 30 years’ experience in the jewellery industry. she trained as a goldsmith before

working at de Beers, where she valued and graded rough diamonds. As a polished diamond dealer she worked in Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Mumbai, and later joined philips Auctioneers. For 14 years she was a senior specialist and auctioneer in the jewellery department at sotheby’s, london, valuing jewellery for sale in new York, Geneva and london. she lectures widely and features on BBc’s AntiquesRoadshow. Joanna is a Freeman of the city of london and liveryman of the Goldsmiths company.

GEORGE HART was principal lecturer on the British Museum’s antiquities collections from egypt, Greece, the levant and the civilisations of the ancient world. For 12 years he was

chairman of the Friends of the petrie Museum of egyptian Archaeology, and is on the Board of Trustees of the egypt exploration society. He is also an editorial advisor on its bulletin, EgyptianArchaeology. He has written books on egyptian mythology and religion and is the author of a two-volume history of the pharaohs. George has been a regular swan Hellenic Guest speaker for many years, beginning with the Orpheus.

PROFESSOR THOMAS HIGHAM is a professor of Archaeological science at the university of oxford. He is a specialist in archaeological dating, using radiocarbon methods. He is also the director of the Advanced studies centre at Keble college, oxford, where he is a Fellow by special election. He is originally from new Zealand.

PROFESSOR CAROLE HILLENBRAND OBE FBA is professor emerita of islamic History and former Head of islamic and Middle eastern studies at the university of edinburgh. in 2005 she was awarded the King Faisal international prize in islamic studies - the first non-Muslim to receive this award. she has published six books and many articles on the crusades, islam, and Muslim history. she was awarded an oBe in the 2009 new Year’s Honours list. she is a frequent visitor to Morocco, iberia and the canaries.

PROFESSOR ROBERT HILLENBRAND FBA has long-standing research interests in islamic art of north Arica and spain. An emeritus professor of Fine Art at edinburgh university, his 160 publications include prize-winning books on islamic architecture and painting. He has held visiting professorships at seven universities and was slade professor of Art at cambridge in 2008. He travels regularly to the Mediterranean countries, portugal and the canaries.

PROFESSOR ANDREW HOPKINS is Associate professor at the university of l’Aquila and is a recognised authority on italian architecture. He has been a fellow at Harvard

university’s Villa i Tatti in Florence, the center for Advanced studies in the Visual Arts at the national Gallery in Washington d.c., the Getty research institute in los Angeles and at the British school at rome where he was previously Assistant director. His books include ItalianArchitecturefromMichelangelotoBorromini (Thames & Hudson’s World of Art series (2002), and BaldassareLonghenaandVenetianBaroqueArchitecture for Yale university press (2012).

PROFESSOR MARK HORTON FSA is professor in Archaeology at the university of Bristol, interested in historical archaeology, historical landscapes, maritime landscapes, long distance trade and social responses and the early spread of islam and christianity around the world. He has a strong interest in the archaeology of the Atlantic world and has directed excavations in panama, the caribbean islands, st lucia and st Kitts, Bermuda and Belize. He is one of the presenters of the BAFTA award winning BBc2 ‘coast’ programme.

THE RT REVD GRAHAM JAMES read history at the university of lancaster and completed his theological training at oxford prior to his ordination in 1975. He was appointed Bishop of st Germans in his native cornwall in 1993 and translated to norwich in 1999. He is the lead bishop for the church of england on media issues, and a regular contributor to radio 4’s Thought for the day. He entered the House of lords in 2004, and currently serves on the select committee on communications.

SIR NICHOLAS KENYON CBE has been managing director of the Barbican centre since 2007. He was appointed controller of BBc radio 3 in 1992, director of the BBc proms in 1996 and in 1998 he moved to the new post of controller, BBc proms and Millennium programmes. in 2000 he became controller BBc proms, live events and Television classical Music. He has continued to write and lecture on the arts, publishing books on Mozart, simon rattle, the BBc symphony orchestra and early music. He is a board member of the english national opera, of the Board of Management of the Arts and Humanities research council and a Trustee of dartington Hall Trust.

Martin evans Joanna Hardy Thomas Higham Mark Horton nicholas Kenyon John lippiett

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LOUISE SCHOFIELD was, for 13 years, curator of Greek Bronze Age and Geometric Antiquities at the British Museum, publishing widely on the Minoans and the Mycenaeans. since

leaving the British Museum she has made a programme with the BBc’s Horizon team on Mycenae and the truth behind the story of the Greek sack of Troy. Her book TheMycenaeans(2007, reprinted 2013) looks in detail at the Bronze Age Greeks and at their relationship with their neighbours on crete, santorini and the coast of Asia Minor. she has also worked extensively on archaeological projects on rhodes, corfu and Turkey.

MR ADRIAN SINDALL CMG has – among other diplomatic postings – been British Ambassador to syria and deputy Ambassador to Jordan. since leaving the Fco he has been chairman of the Arab British centre in london, of the council for British research in the levant and has served as a council Member of the centre for near and Middle east studies at the school of African & oriental studies at london university.

DR MICHAEL SQUIRE is lecturer in classics at King’s college london, with a special interest in Graeco-roman art and the history of its reception. His books include PanoramaoftheClassicalWorld(2nd ed. 2008), ImageandTextinGraeco-RomanAntiquity (2009), TheIliadinaNutshell:VisualizingEpicontheTabulaeIliacae (2011) and TheArtoftheBody:AntiquityanditsLegacy (2011).

THE RT REVD TIM STEVENS read classics and english at cambridge and worked for BoAc and at the Fco prior to ordination in 1976. He was appointed Bishop of leicester in 1999. He is particularly interested in interfaith relationships and in regeneration issues in cities. He is convenor of the Bishop’s Bench in the House of lords and a member of the Joint committee on lords reform. He is a former member of the Archbishops’ council and a former chair of the Trustees of the children’s society.

THE VERY REVD VICTOR STOCK has discussed religion and science with Brian cox, taken people to Amsterdam, st petersburg and Venice, hosted 15 years of dialogues at st Mary le Bow and, for the last 10 years, was dean of Guildford. in retirement he looks at pictures and enjoys being a priest Vicar at Westminster Abbey.

ADRIAN TINNISWOOD is the author of twelve books on social and architectural history, including HistoricHousesoftheNationalTrust and TheVerneys:Love,WarandMadnessin17th

CenturyEngland.He has lectured and broadcast extensively in Britain and the usA, and is currently a member of the national Trust’s council.

SIR MARK TULLY KBE was born in calcutta. Based in delhi he was the BBc’s india correspondent for 22 years, becoming known as the ‘voice of india’. He was knighted

nigel McGilchrist Ghillean prance louise schofield Micheal squire Mark Tully William Vaughan

in 2002. since leaving the BBc in 1994 he has written several books including IndiainSlowMotion,India’sUnendingJourney and India:TheRoadAhead, and appears as a regular presenter on radio 4’s ‘something understood’.

PROFESSOR KEITH WARD FBA has held lecturer posts in logic at the university of Glasgow, philosophy at st Andrew’s and philosophy of religion at King’s college london. He was Fellow, dean and director of studies in philosophy and in Theology at Trinity Hall cambridge, where he was also lecturer in divinity. He was the F d Maurice professor of Moral and social Theology at the university of london, where he was also professor and Head of department of History and philosophy of religion. professor Ward is an ordained priest in the church of england and was, until 2003, regius professor of divinity at oxford university. He is now a professorial Fellow at Heythrop college, london, and an emeritus student of christ church oxford.

PROFESSOR WILLIAM VAUGHAN FSA is professor emeritus in History of Art at Birkbeck college, university of london and senior research Fellow, Tate Britain. He is also a Trustee of the Art Fund. He has published several books on romanticism and British and German art of the nineteenth century. He organized the exhibition on samuel palmer held at the British Museum, london and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, new York, 2005-6. William Vaughan is currently completing a study of palmer’s life and career.

DR CHRISTOPHER WHITTON is a lecturer in classics at cambridge university, where he teaches Greek and latin language and literature. His research focuses on the literature and cultural history of the roman empire, including a recent commentary on pliny the Younger’s letters, but his interests extend across the ancient Mediterranean world. He is also director of Music at emmanuel college in cambridge.

ROSALIND WHYTE is an experienced guide and lecturer at Tate Britain and Tate Modern. she is also a docent at the royal Academy, a regular lecturer at dulwich picture Gallery and to

various independent art societies throughout the united Kingdom and abroad. she has represented the Tate as a cruise speaker, and has lectured independently on Baltic cruises and leads art appreciation holidays to various British locations. she has a BA and MA from Goldsmith’s college and an MA from Birkbeck college.

RICHARD WILKINSON CVO in the course of his diplomatic career richard Wilkinson became one of the Fco’s experts on latin America and the caribbean. He was successively Ambassador to Venezuela, director for the Americas and Ambassador to chile. since retirement he has been Head of spanish at Winchester college and a trustee of canning House.

DR STEVE KERSHAW As a classics Tutorfor oxford university department for continuing education, and as professor of History of Art for rhodes college and the university of the

south, steve Kershaw has travelled extensively in the world of the Greeks and romans both physically and intellectually. His books include ABriefGuidetotheGreekMyths and ABriefHistoryoftheRomanEmpire.

PROFESSOR ALAN KNIGHT is professor of the History of latin America at oxford university; previously, he taught at the university of Texas at Austin. He is the author of six books on the history of latin America, particularly Mexico, and is co-editor of four more. His research deals with revolutions, nationalism, state-building and foreign relations. He was awarded the Aztec eagle in 2010.

REAR ADMIRAL JOHN LIPPIETT CB MBE had a 36 year career in the royal navy culminating in three jobs as rear Admiral. His book, WarandPeas:IntimateLettersfromtheFalklandsWar, based on his experiences ‘down south’, was broadcast on BBc radio to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the war. His naval service took him through the indian ocean to the Far east several times over three decades. He became chief executive of the Mary rose Trust in 2003 and has overseen the creation of a stunning new museum which opened in 2013.

NIGEL McGILCHRIST was a scholar at Winchester college and a First class graduate from oxford. He has lived and worked in the Mediterranean – italy, Greece and Turkey – for 30 years. He is the author of the twenty-volume series of cultural guides to the Greek islands, McGilchrist’sGreekIslands, and of the BlueGuidetoTheAegeanIslands. He lectures widely in art and archaeology at museums and institutions in europe and the usA.

JEREMY PATERSON taught ancient history for nearly 40 years at newcastle university. He studied at oxford and in rome. He has travelled throughout the Mediterranean and roman empire and lectured on a very wide range of topics which interest him from the ancient wine trade, to the roman imperial court, and early christianity. He also chairs the Minimus project to introduce latin widely in primary schools.

PROFESSOR SIR GHILLEAN PRANCE FRS VMH, botanist and former director of the royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1988-1999), has led 20 botanical expeditions to Amazonia and collected over 350 new species of plants. He has written 19 books and 530 scientific and general papers in taxonomy, ethno-botany, economic botany, conservation and ecology, holds 15 honorary doctorates, the international cosmos prize (1993), was knighted in July 1995, received commander of the order of the southern cross, Brazil (2000) and order of the rising sun, Japan (2012).


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The following pages have been designed to help you prepare for your cruise on Minerva, whether you have chosen a fly cruise or a no-fly cruise from Portsmouth.

What you need to know before you goon your Minervacruise


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Service from the Start

to ensure your holiday begins effortlessly from the moment you close your front door, Swan Hellenic prides itself on meticulous planning

that ensures every aspect of your cruise is delivered to the highest standard possible.

With every detail carefully arranged for you, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you will be well looked after from beginning to end. Swan hellenic has teamed up with a number of partners and is pleased to offer the following options to assist with travelling to and from the airport or port.

travelling to Minerva On Fly Cruises – 2014-2015


PleaSe contact tHe ReSeRvationS DePaRtment foR moRe infoRmation on tHeSe SeRviceS

travel from Home in comfort and Style

Swan hellenic has teamed up with tri Star, the leading chauffeur drive business in the

UK offering the highest standards of service.

travel to the airport in comfort with our complimentary chauffeur service, available on bookings for higher grade cabins in category a-c from addresses within 75 miles of the departing London airport.

for passengers booking these categories of cabins who live further afield, the first 75 miles are complimentary with charges applying thereafter. this service is also available for cabins in categories D-N at a supplementary charge.

airport Hotels, car Parking and loungesSwan hellenic offers very competitive rates for airport parking, overnight hotels and airport lounges at London Gatwick or heathrow, which we will be pleased to arrange for you.

national express coach travelSwan hellenic has teamed up with National express to offer excellent value coach

travel to your London departure airport from anywhere on the UK mainland for just £38 per person return.

Swan Hellenic flights the reassurance of escorted travelYou will be greeted at the airport check in desks by Swan hellenic staff and representatives. for group flights, Swan hellenic offers a range of dedicated charter flights as well as scheduled flights. We are pleased to be most likely to work with the following airlines: British airways, virgin, emirates, iberia, KLm, air france, Singapore airlines, Sri Lankan airlines, cathay Pacific, monarch and thomas cook. a Swan hellenic escort travels on the group flights, whenever possible, giving you the reassurance of a friendly and helpful face. on Swan hellenic dedicated charter flights we are pleased to offer a hot meal, complimentary drinks from the bar (excluding champagne) as well as newspapers on flights returning to the UK.

Preliminary scheduled flight details will be available once airlines release their schedules approximately 11 months prior to departure.

connecting flights from local airportsconnecting flights to/from London can be arranged at a supplementary cost for cruises where only scheduled international flights are used. connecting flights are not available in conjunction with dedicated charter flights. Please register your interest at the time of booking.

Upgradesit is usually possible to upgrade your flight on scheduled services, depending on the airline and the route. Please register your interest at the time of booking and you will be contacted with details as soon as they become available.

Door to Door luggage delivery Service – overseas the BaGGaGemaN

the Baggageman offers a door to door luggage collection and delivery service to Minerva in

many of our overseas embarkation and disembarkation ports, enabling you to enjoy a relaxed unhindered journey without having to carry your luggage.

Prices for europe start at £194 per bag return fully inclusive. (A one way delivery service is also available).

Please contact the Baggageman directly on 0800 0232094 or via their website www.thebaggageman.com

(Services entered into directly with The Baggageman form no part of any contract with Swan Hellenic).

inclusive transfer to Minervaonce you land at the overseas airport, having completed immigration formalities and collected your luggage, look out for the Swan hellenic staff and representatives who will direct you to your coach and guide for onward travel to embark Minerva. once on board your stewardess will show you to your cabin. Your luggage will be taken from the coach and will be delivered directly to your cabin.

(Passengers taking the air credit option or booking cruise only need to make own transfer arrangements).

the captain, Swan Staff & Ship’s company look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva.

British airways chooses its preferred partners carefully and Swan hellenic is very pleased to be part of this exclusive group.

if British airways is offered on group scheduled flights, the following upgrade options will be available – club europe from £199, World traveller Plus from £499, club World from £1,019.

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Service from the Start

complimentary coach transfers take advantage of complimentary return coach transfers from either London victoria coach Station or Southampton airport for all Portsmouth-Portsmouth cruises.

for passengers departing on a group flight from a London airport but disembarking in Portsmouth at the end of the cruise, there will be a complimentary coach transfer from Portsmouth back to the departure airport. for passengers embarking in Portsmouth but flying back to London at the end of the cruise, there will be a complimentary coach transfer from the London airport to Portsmouth at the start of the cruise.

value Parking at PortsmouthSecure parking is available at Portsmouth international Port at a discounted rate if booked through Swan hellenic.

travel from home in comfort and style

Swan hellenic has teamed up with tri Star, the leading chauffeur drive business in the

UK offering the highest standards of service.

travel to Portsmouth international Port in comfort with our complimentary chauffeur service, available on bookings for higher grade cabins in category a-c from addresses within 75 miles of Portsmouth international Port.

for passengers booking these categories of cabins who live further afield, the first 75 miles are complimentary with charges applying thereafter. this service is also available for cabins in categories D-N at a supplementary charge.

embark Minerva at Portsmouth international Port and commence your

cruise in style sailing away past the historic naval Dockyard, HmS victory, HmS Warrior 1860, the mary Rose museum as well as the striking Spinnaker tower and the chalk cliffs of the isle of Wight.

excellent motorway, air and railway links service Portsmouth. to ease your journey to Portsmouth, Swan hellenic is pleased to offer the following services and information to assist your journey.

travelling to Minerva – On No-Fly Cruises – 2014-2015

call Swan Hellenic on 0844 209 9000 or visit www.swanhellenic.com 103

valet Parking cruise and Passenger Services offer secure valet parking at Portsmouth international

Port for £11 a day. Drive to the terminal, collect your key tag receipt and ensure your cruise luggage is removed from the car. Your vehicle will then be parked by a careful and experienced driver in their secure car park. on your return simply collect your keys and your car will be waiting directly outside the terminal building.

Please contact cPS directly to book: tel: 0845 071 3939 email: [email protected]

(Services entered into directly with Cruise and Passenger Services form no part of any contract with Swan Hellenic).

national express coach travel Swan hellenic has teamed up with National express to offer excellent value coach

travel from anywhere on the UK mainland for just £38 per person return. Depending on your route you can either book a coach direct to Portsmouth international Port or connect with one of our complimentary coach transfers from London.

flights to Southampton Southampton airport, located only 19 miles from Portsmouth international Port, offers direct flights from edinburgh, Glasgow, manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Guernsey, Jersey, Belfast and Dublin. You can then connect with our complimentary coach service to Portsmouth. Passengers are required to make their own regional flight arrangements.

Door to Door luggage delivery Service – UK

for cruises beginning and ending in Portsmouth the Baggage handling company provides a door to door luggage collection and delivery service to Minerva, enabling you to have a relaxed unhindered journey without having to carry your luggage.

Prices start from £30 one way or £60 return per bag.

to book please contact us or book directly with the Baggage handling company via the link from our website: www.swanhellenic.com/alreadybooked

(Services entered into with The Baggage Handling Company form no part of any contract with Swan Hellenic).

Pre-cruise Hotel Stay & Parking – marriott meon valleyrelax and arrive with plenty of time prior to embarkation. Swan hellenic has obtained special rates from the marriott meon valley hotel and country club for a one-night stay in a standard deluxe room, including breakfast, parking for the duration of the cruise and port transfers. the marriott meon valley hotel and country club offers spacious en-suite rooms including a safe, tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryer. Golf and spa facilities are also available.

twin: £149 per room Single: £135 per room

Special embarkation Day excursionSwan hellenic is pleased to offer a supplementary special excursion on the day of embarkation. full details, costs and booking information will be sent with your pre cruise documentation.

embarkation embarkation at Portsmouth will generally commence three hours before Minerva is due to sail. on arrival at the Portsmouth international Port terminal you will be greeted by Swan hellenic staff and representatives who will take your luggage for delivery direct to your cabin. You can then check in at the dedicated counter. check in generally opens two hours prior to embarkation. Prior to embarkation, Portsmouth international Port offers a comfortable waiting area with a café, shop and toilets as well as an observation platform overlooking the port. Upon embarking Minerva, your stewardess will show you to your cabin.

the captain, Swan Staff & Ship’s company look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva.

PleaSe contact tHe ReSeRvationS DePaRtment foR moRe infoRmation on tHeSe SeRviceS

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Passengers who have never cruised before, who have not cruised with Swan Hellenic, or who are regular passengers will no doubt have many questions to ask about our ship, our operation and many other matters. This section (which forms part of our contract with you) has been written to give you some general information about cruising with us and we feel sure you will find it useful both before and during your cruise. Our aim is your complete enjoyment of the cruise holiday, and all of our staff, ashore and afloat, together with the ship’s company, will do all they can to ensure this. The information given here is correct at the time of printing, March 2013, but is subject to change without notice. If you have any queries about your booking, we will always be pleased to help you. Please telephone our Pre-Cruise Administration Department on 0844 209 9000.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office produces up-to-date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. For further information please visit www.fco.gov.uk or telephone 0845 850 2829. Alternatively, you can contact ABTA’s Consumer Advice Information Line on 0901 201 5050 (calls are charged at 51p per minute, plus network charges).

BefoRe YoU GoPaSSPortS aND viSaSBritish Citizens require a full 10 year passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return travel for all countries to be visited and with spare pages. For British citizens, when joining or departing the ship in some ports, individual visas may need to be obtained prior to the cruise departure. At the time of printing March 2013, you will need to purchase and obtain the following visas if your cruise includes the countries indicated: India multiple entry visa, Chinese visa ( for pre and post tours), Sri Lankan Tourist ETA Visa (Electronic Travel Application), Sri Lankan visa (post tour only). The Oman entry visa needs to be purchased on arrival. This information is subject to change and it may be necessary for other visas to be obtained and purchased. Full information on visas for your cruise will be sent to you approximately 16 weeks before departure.

In some ports Swan Hellenic is able to obtain group visas for UK passport holders on arrival which will enable you to go ashore. Swan Hellenic may not always be able to obtain group visas for non UK passport holders. In some countries group visas are restricted to allow passengers to participate in shore excursions organised by Swan Hellenic only. If you wish to explore independently in the countries indicated it will be necessary for you to obtain and purchase an individual visa prior to the cruise departure; this includes St Petersburg and Russia. This information is subject to change and it may be necessary for other visas to be obtained and purchased. Other nationalities should consult their travel agent/embassy regarding visa/entry requirements.Passengers with an Israeli visa, passport or entry permit or with a visa for Egypt or Jordan at an Israeli border crossing in their passport (whether valid or not) may not be permitted to disembark in some countries. Please check with Swan Hellenic before travelling to make sure your documentation is in order.Some countries place restrictions on certain nationalities obtaining group or individual visas. In such ports you will not be permitted to disembark. Any British Citizen Passport holders transiting the US without a machine readable passport will need to obtain a visa from the United States Embassy. British Citizen passport holders with a full right of abode are permitted to transit the USA under the US Visa Waiver Scheme (1-94W) and must register their intention to travel on https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov 72 hours prior to travel. Other nationalities please check with your respective embassy (charges apply).All the information stated is correct at the time of printing, March 2013, and is subject to change. Swan Hellenic will endeavour to inform passengers of any mandatory requirements and changes in the pre cruise documentation which is sent approximately 8 weeks prior to the cruise departure. Please note that it is the responsibility of each passenger to check with the various embassies or consulates involved in their particular cruise, to ensure that they have the necessary visas and correct documentation to enter all the countries visited. Any passengers arriving at the departure port/airport without a passport, correct visas (if required) or correct documentation will be refused

permission to board the ship/aircraft. Failure in this respect is not covered by insurance and no refund can be made.

heaLth, vacciNatioNS aND meDicaL iNformatioNAs health regulations are ever changing, we recommend that you consult your GP or contact MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) www.masta-travel-health.com at least 12 weeks before your intended departure to check the latest requirements for the countries you will be visiting. At the time of confirmation of your booking, we will advise you of any mandatory vaccination requirements. Any passenger arriving at the airport/port without the correct certificate will be refused permission to board the aircraft/ship. No passenger refund is applicable. Depending on the itinerary, passengers should consult their GP regarding the possibility of taking a course of anti-malarial tablets prior to their departure.In certain countries, and specifically for cruises calling to Brazil, Yellow Fever inoculations are mandatory for each passenger whether or not you intend to proceed ashore. You will be required to obtain and carry an original Yellow Fever certificate stamped by an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. The certificate itself is valid from 10 days after vaccination for a period of ten years. If you are excused on medical grounds you will be required to obtain and carry an original Yellow Fever (charges apply) exemption certificate stamped by an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Certificates will be inspected at your departure airport/upon embarkation. You will not be able to travel or embark the ship without a valid certificate as stated. Regulations requiring mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccinations and certificates are laid down by the local Port and Health Authorities, and the vessel will be unable to obtain entrance to certain ports if the correct paperwork, as stated above, is not available. This requirement may differ from the advice given by the World Health Organisation and your local doctor. Swan Hellenic will advise you at the time of booking (or as soon as possible if regulations change) if Yellow Fever is a mandatory requirement on your cruise. If you do not normally enjoy good health, you should consult your doctor regarding the advisability of taking a cruise and being away from the usual medical and hospital facilities. Your insurance company must be advised of any pre-existing conditions at the time of booking and of any conditions arising subsequently prior to departure, otherwise your insurance may be invalid and you will be responsible for any costs arising from medical treatment or repatriation. We ask you to advise us at the time of booking of any disability or illness so that we can advise our onboard medical team.

chiLDreNThere are no recreational facilities for children aboard Minerva and reservations for children are not advised.

PaSSeNGerS With SPeciaL reQUiremeNtSSwan Hellenic will always try to accommodate passengers with special requirements. However, we feel we should point out that we are not specialists in catering for the disabled. If you or any person travelling with you suffers from a disability, you must contact our Administration Department for advice before any booking is confirmed. The following conditions apply:Medical Situations: Any disability or medical condition that requires ongoing special treatment, medication and/or medical apparatus, must be reported to the company’s Reservations Manager. A medical and mobility form will then be sent for completion. No booking will be confirmed until the medical mobility form has been returned and duly processed. These conditions include but are not limited to wheelchairs, oxygen therapy, dialysis, etc. Failure to disclose a medical situation at the time of booking may result in you being denied boarding at port of embarkation.

GeNeraL iNformatioN


Travelling Companions: There are circumstances where we may require a disabled person to be accompanied by a travelling companion who is capable of providing assistance in relation to their mobility or personal care. In such cases, the travelling companion will pay the appropriate fare.Wheelchairs/Mobility Scooters: If you require wheelchair assistance at ports of embarkation or disembarkation or at airports then you need to advise us at the time of your booking. Passengers using wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible chair. Mobility scooters must be gel or dry cell battery only with a width of no more than 78cm to enable access to the cabin and each part should weigh no more than 23kg. Any passenger taking a mobility scooter aboard Minerva must reside in a disabled cabin. There are four specially adapted cabins aboard Minerva, A37, A38, SB9 and DB11. In each of these cabins there is an 8.5cm rise into the bathroom. Mobility scooters cannot be used aboard Minerva during your cruise. For the safety of the passengers and ship, all wheelchairs and other mobility aids must be stored in the passenger’s cabin when they are not being used.Some ports require tender boats to go ashore and conditions may preclude a passenger who uses a wheelchair/mobility scooter from leaving the vessel. This decision must be made by the ship’s Captain and is binding. Passengers should also be aware that facilities for the disabled in some destinations may be very limited. In some destinations coaches may not be able to accommodate wheelchairs/mobility scooters. Getting about once aboard Minerva is relatively easy, however certain parts of the ship may be inaccessible for wheelchair users. For safety reasons there may be a limit to the number of wheelchairs allowed on board any particular cruise. We reserve the right to require any passenger to produce medical evidence of fitness to travel in order to assess whether that passenger can be carried safely. In the event of refusal, the passenger will be informed of the specific reasons in writing within 5 days. Pregnancy: Regulations vary from airline to airline, but some will refuse to carry women who will be 28 weeks pregnant on the date of return travel. We would recommend that you consult your doctor in any case. Special Diets: We can usually make provisions for special diets provided that sufficient notice is given, although we cannot cater for Kosher or Halal diets. A vegetarian choice is available on board ship and vegetarian meals are also available on flights providing two weeks’ notice is given. Please indicate any requests at the time of booking. We will make every effort to satisfy your request, although this cannot be guaranteed.Note: The company has the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, in its judgement, is in a physical or mental condition unfit for travel, or who may require care beyond that which the vessel can provide. Under such circumstances, no refund, assistance or compensation will be payable. Please also refer to Section 10 of the Fair Trading Conditions.

hoteLS & LaND toUrSThe land packages contained in this brochure can only be purchased in conjunction with the cruises shown in this brochure. The company reserves the right to assign your hotel based on pre-reserved space at hotels contracted. Hotel rooms are not usually available until approximately 3.00pm on the day of arrival. Certain land packages and excursions will not operate if minimum numbers are not met and others may have a maximum capacity. The sequence of escorted land tours may vary from the brochure. If, for any reason, a hotel or entertainment feature is cancelled or otherwise unavailable, the company reserves the right to cancel, make substitutions or omissions and is under no obligation, except that in the event of cancellation you will receive a full refund of any payments received for that service. Please note that the terms for cancellation by the passenger of any pre-booked land stays and excursions are as per our general cancellation terms, as detailed in our Fair Trading Conditions.

Shore eXcUrSioNSShore excursions are included in your cruise fare in every port of call, where available. Please note that the company reserves the right to amend, cancel or substitute an included shore excursion and in these circumstances is under no obligation to make a refund. Additional excursions, including some as mentioned in the brochure, may be available at supplementary cost.

The excursions programme outlined in the brochure may be subject to change. The full Shore Excursion programme and Booking Form will be sent approximately 8 weeks prior to departure. All excursions should be pre-booked although it is possible to book on board (subject to availability) Please note it is not possible to credit the non-use of an included shore excursion in any way. The value of shore excursions, up to £650 per person, is based on a typical 15 day cruise with a combination of full and half day excursions in the major ports visited including entrance fees and guides.

oNLiNe ServiceS – aLreaDY BooKeDOur website www.swanhellenic.com features an Already Booked section. Here you will be able to find useful information such as Frequently Asked Questions, Your Cruise Book (available 8 weeks prior to departure) and Partner Services. You can also update your Mandatory Passenger Information online.

JoiNiNG YoUr crUiSe

PortsmouthAll our coach transfers to join or leave Swan Hellenic cruises in Portsmouth are complimentary. For passengers flying from London and returning to Portsmouth there will be a coach transfer from Portsmouth back to the Swan Hellenic group departure airport in London at the end of the cruise. For passengers departing from Portsmouth and flying back to London, there will be a coach transfer at the start of the cruise from the Swan Hellenic group departure airport to Portsmouth.For cruises departing from and returning to Portsmouth there will be return coach transfers from London Victoria coach station and Southampton Airport. Discounted parking rates are available at the port. Please note that any car parking subsequently cancelled after all cruise monies have been received will incur an admin charge of £10 per booking.

embarkation at PortsmouthEmbarkation at Portsmouth will generally begin three hours before the ship is due to sail.

fLiGhtSFlights to and from South America, the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East may incur overnight flights. Flights back from the Caribbean may have an overnight flight. On long haul routes flights may be indirect, necessitating a change of aircraft during the journey. On direct services it may be necessary for the aircraft to stop en-route for operational reasons.Baggage allowance is usually 20kg on our dedicated flights and most scheduled flights, although it may vary slightly according to the carrier.For long haul flights we recommend that you check-in a minimum of 3 hours before departure to allow for increased security checks. We regret that online check-in is not always available for scheduled flights booked through Swan Hellenic. If you do not check in on time, the airline may not allow you to board the flight.We cannot accept responsibility if such situations arise and, whilst we will do our best to arrange alternative transport, any resulting costs will be your responsibility. Swan Hellenic’s recommended travel insurance includes cover for travel delays (see page 107).On all dedicated charter and scheduled flights you will be required to collect your luggage and proceed through immigration and customs. We will have porters waiting to receive your luggage and transfer it to the ship where it will be delivered to your cabin.

NoteS aBoUt fLiGhtS 1. All flight times, air carriers and flight routings are subject to change. Flights will not necessarily be direct or non-stop. Swan Hellenic will inform you of any changes.2. Swan Hellenic will determine the city airport i.e. for London, either Heathrow, Stansted or Gatwick may be used. Where a choice of UK departure airport is offered, this is subject to availability.3. All flight upgrades are on request and are subject to price and availability. Please contact our Reservation Department to request an upgrade.4. Please note that for all pre and post-cruise tours and stays, travelling to join or return from your tour or stay will be by scheduled carrier, to or from London.

5. Airlines reserve the right to refuse travel on medical grounds. You must notify us of any medical conditions or other requirements for airport assistance (only available after check in) or special arrangements required on your flight. You may be required to provide additional information to the airline in order that they can assess your fitness to fly. Several airlines are unable to carry passengers who require oxygen during part or all of the flight. If you do require oxygen then advance arrangements need to be made at additional cost.6. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of booking or at least 14 days prior to departure. We are unable to guarantee that all requests can be met. 7. Only fully fit and mobile passengers may occupy exit row seats. These seats will only be assigned at the discretion of the airline at check-in. 8. Due to the configuration of aircraft, it may not always be possible to obtain seats together. 9. All flights are non-smoking. 10. We do not pre-allocate seats on dedicated charter flights.

LocaL coNNectiNG fLiGhtSConnecting flights to/from London can be arranged at a supplementary cost for cruises where scheduled international flights are used (subject to availability and routing, prices on request). Connecting flights are not available on cruises where we are operating a dedicated charter flight. Important – It is strongly recommended that you leave a minimum of 4 hours between any connecting flights, to allow for potential flight delays and increased airport security. If you have an early morning flight departing from London, you may wish to consider taking a connecting flight the day before and staying in an airport hotel.Any hotel accommodation and transfers to make connections will be at passengers’ own expense.

fLiGht DeLaYSUnfortunately, it is impossible to guarantee that flights will take off exactly on time, as delays can occur for any number of reasons. EU legislation places the responsibility on airlines to provide minimum standards of care to passengers. When there is a delay, we will ask the airline to ensure that you are provided with regular updates and, where necessary and practical, refreshments as follows: 3-5 hour delay – light refreshments: over 5 hours’ delay – a main meal. Please ensure that all medications are packed in your hand luggage.

iNDePeNDeNt traveL arraNGemeNtS & air creDitSThe Company will have no responsibility, financial or otherwise, in regard to air, hotel, transport or any other arrangements made by passengers with third parties. Passengers should ensure that any such arrangements are transferable and refundable, or covered by their travel insurance, in the event of delay, amendment or cancellation of any of these independent arrangements, or of your cruise. Information regarding embarkation and disembarkation times as well as access to the port will be given in your Pre Cruise documentation. Air credits may be available on request at the time of booking and subject to availability. Passengers taking air credits or on a cruise only package must make their own arrangements to transfer from the airport to the ship and vice versa. This is also applicable to passengers booked on a pre or post tour whereby passengers must make their own arrangements to transfer from the hotel to the airport and vice versa.

on BoaRDcUrreNcY aND PaYmeNtS On board Minerva all prices are in £ Sterling. As there are limited foreign exchange facilities on board, we would recommend that you purchase any currency requirements you expect to need before you travel. There is little opportunity to visit banks whilst on excursions. For purchases ashore, many shops accept most Travellers’ Cheques and major Credit Cards. A cashless system operates on board with passengers settling accounts at the end of the cruise. Payment methods – Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards (2% surcharge), Visa debit cards only, Travellers Cheques and cash are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts. Personal cheques and Mastercard debit cards are not accepted.

106

oN BoarD Bar creDitWhere on board credit has been allocated, please note that this is for the use of non alcoholic or alcoholic drinks only purchased in the Minerva bars and restaurants.

meDicaL atteNtioN We hope you will find it unnecessary to use the ship’s medical facilities during your voyage. If, however, the occasion does arise, it is comforting to know that we do carry a fully qualified doctor and nurse. The National Health Service does not cover treatment on the ship and the doctor or nurse will make a charge for their services as well as for any medicines or drugs needed. Such charges are normally reclaimable under your travel insurance, less any excess. In the unlikely event that you require urgent medical attention ashore, we will assist by contacting your insurer who will make the necessary arrangements for your treatment and repatriation.

BarS & aLcohoLPlease note that bars may have to be closed for the sale of alcohol and cigarettes in certain waters. Only alcohol purchased in the ship’s bars and restaurants may be consumed on Minerva.

DiNiNG arraNGemeNtSBreakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged on an open sitting basis and may be taken in the Swan Restaurant or the Veranda. Opening times will vary according to the daily programme.

teLecommUNicatioNSOur onboard telecommunications systems mean that you are never more than a telephone call away from your home or office. All cabins feature direct-dial telephones, whilst fax facilities are available at Reception. The Internet Lounge, situated on Bridge Deck, allows you to access your email account (please note certain types of access, including Skype and other VOIP protocols are blocked due to bandwidth restrictions). This also applies to Apple and MS programmes, such as iCloud.com which, because of band width restrictions, are also unavailable on board. Internet cards are available for purchase on board. WiFi is available for use on personal laptops in certain areas. Satellite coverage cannot be guaranteed. Kindle users; please note that you will not be able to access the mailbox, on your device, via the onboard WiFi system. Please use the terminals in the Internet Lounge.

eLectricaL aPPLiaNceS Cabins and suites feature 220 volt current. The use of hair dryers, electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances should be checked with Reception, but, for safety reasons, the use of travel irons and any personal tea/coffee making equipment is strictly prohibited. Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

LaUNDrY & PreSSiNGValet service is available for laundry and pressing. A laundry bag and order form are provided in your cabin wardrobe. Some passengers may wish to make use of the self-service launderette on Aegean Deck – washing powder is provided. Dry cleaning is not available on board.

What to Wear As a general rule, for days on board and ashore, summer clothing/casual wear is the order of the day. It should be light, comfortable and easy to care for. A sweater and jacket for cooler evenings and a light raincoat are also advisable.On cruises to northern latitudes, warmer, layered, windproof clothing will be necessary. On more southerly cruises the weather will usually be suitable for sunbathing, so don’t forget your wrap, bathing suit, sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen. For trips ashore and for getting into and out of the ship’s tenders, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. You may also want to bring with you a camera, extra binoculars, an umbrella and insect repellent. In certain countries, shorts, short skirts, bare arms and shoulders will not be appreciated locally and you may be prohibited entry to certain sites. Please refer to the notes section in the Cruise Book for each excursion. During the day, the general atmosphere on board is informal and casual clothing, including shorts, is perfectly acceptable. However, just as at a land based resort, we ask you to cover swimwear when

entering the ship from the open decks. In the evening, the dress code varies according to your chosen restaurant. The Veranda is smart casual; for ladies that means dresses or blouses with skirts or trousers and, for gentlemen, long trousers and shirts with collars. In the Swan Restaurant gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie. As a courtesy to other passengers, the dress code will be observed; please ensure you are correctly dressed to avoid any embarrassment on entering the Swan Restaurant for dinner in the evening. On formal nights (approximately two in a 15 day cruise), gentlemen are invited to wear black tie or dark suits and ladies to wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

SmoKiNG Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the open decks. Smoking outside these areas, including in cabins and on excursion coaches, is strictly prohibited.

emerGeNcY mUSter DriLLAfter embarkation and prior to Minerva setting sail there will be a full emergency muster station drill. This exercise is to give all passengers precise information on the correct route from their cabins to the places where they should muster in an emergency, together with instructions about life jackets and emergency procedures. This Muster Drill is a requirement of law and all passengers must attend.

NoiSeThere are all kinds of noise associated with a working vessel when the ship is in motion. We recognise that tolerance levels vary so please contact the Reservations Department if you require further information before you book.

Port hoLeSIn rough weather or for operational and security reasons, port hole covers (known as deadlights) may need to be closed. Cabins with port holes are located on Baltic Deck.

GeneRalSPeciaL reQUeStSWe are unable to accept ‘conditional bookings’. Please advise any special requests clearly at the time of booking and we will do our best to comply with your wishes. We must point out that failure to fulfil a special request cannot be considered a breach of Contract on the part of the company.

chaNGe of aDDreSSWe particularly ask you to tell us in writing of any alterations to your address before departure, and in any communication, please state the cruise on which you are travelling.

Data ProtectioN act 1998 Please be assured that we have methods in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you travel outside the EU, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass on your information to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EU or not, we will be unable to accept your booking. In making your booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons). Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request. www.swanhellenic.com/privacy

chaNGeS to YoUr crUiSe & itiNerarY The information in this brochure outlines details of our carefully planned programme. Should any subsequent events cause us to change our plans or affect the published itinerary in any way, we will let passengers know as soon as possible. Disembarkation at anchorage ports are subject to local weather and sea state conditions. However, in the event of war or threat of war, political unrest, terrorist activity, piracy, natural or nuclear disaster, we maintain the unreserved right to cancel, postpone or alter

without prior consultation, any itinerary in whole or in part, in order to safeguard passengers, the ship and employees. See Fair Trading Conditions on pages 108-109.

GUeSt SPeaKerS/SPeciaLiSt eNtertaiNmeNtIf any of our confirmed Guest Speakers or specialist entertainers are unable to travel on their allotted cruise, Swan Hellenic reserves the right to engage alternative Guest Speakers, specialist entertainers or to alter the advertised programme.

overSeaS StaNDarDS It is a fact of life that when we travel to different countries, we often find that the customs, traditions and general pace at which things are done can be very different from what we are used to in the UK. In so far as standards of safety are concerned, the suppliers of services must comply with the rules and regulations of their own country and these are not always as strict as they are in the UK. Every care is taken to contract the best available transport. However, standards can vary and not all vehicles will have air-conditioning or seat belts.

DaNGeroUS GooDSWe direct your attention to the fact that it is an offence to carry on board an aircraft or a ship any goods of a dangerous or damaging nature. Remember that petrol and other lighter fluids, including fluids for hair curlers, come under the terms of the Explosives Act; their inclusion in baggage is strictly prohibited.

BrochUre accUracYThe information contained in this brochure is checked for accuracy by our UK staff, our overseas staff and our agents. Nevertheless, we would ask you to bear in mind that things can change and often these things can happen without our prior knowledge. However, should we become aware of any long term or permanent change which is considered to have a permanent effect upon your enjoyment of the cruise, we will do our utmost to advise you.

comPlimentaRY RHS memBeRSHiP

Spirit of Brazil & Scandinavian Spring

For all bookings on the above cruises a one year complimentary membership to the RHS is included. If you’re already a member, the RHS will renew your existing membership on a complimentary basis. Membership of the RHS has many benefits. As well as supporting the work as the UK’s leading gardening charity, you will receive:

• Free entry to RHS Gardens as well as to 80 other gardens around the country all year and a further 60 at selected periods

• Priority booking and discounted tickets to RHS Shows, from the celebrated RHS Chelsea Flower Show to many other RHS Shows that run throughout the year around the country

• The Garden Magazine – free every month, and packed with ideas on how to make the most of your membership

• Free personalised gardening advice

Membership form and details will be available on board Minerva during the cruise.

In partnership with RHS Garden Holidays


traveL iNSUraNce

maximum duration 90 days. maximum age 85 at the date of issue. Limits and exclusions apply. this table is provided for guidance purposes only. Details and premiums are valid at the time of printing – September 2012, but are subject to change.note 1: europe is defined as the continent of europe west of the Ural mountains, iceland, madeira, the canary islands, and any country or island with a mediterranean coastline (but not israel, algeria, Syria, Lebanon or Libya).note 2: Worldwide, excluding the United States of america, canada, mexico, the caribbean islands and the Bahamas, cuba, Bermuda, australia and New Zealand.note 3: Worldwide, including the United States of america, canada, mexico, the caribbean islands and the Bahamas, cuba, Bermuda, australia and New Zealand.annual travel insurance policies are also available on request.

oUR faiR tRaDinG conDitionS StiPUlate tHat all PaSSenGeRS tRavellinG WitH US aRe ReQUiReD to Have valiD tRavel inSURance in Place.

You should also have insurance cover from the moment you book as cancellation charges apply from the time deposits are received (see fair trading conditions). Premiums must therefore be paid with the deposit.

We are able to offer travel insurance cover tailormade for our cruise holidays:

• Competitivestandardcoverforcustomerswith no pre-existing medical conditions (up to £7,500 cancellation cover. extra cover available on request).

• Coverforcustomerswithpre-existingmedical conditions – our special agreement with our insurer provides a policy which covers a greater variety of pre-existing conditions than many policies.

• Unlikemanyotherinsurers,wecanprovidecover for customers over 85.

Please speak to our holiday advisors for details.

full copies of the Key facts and Policy Documents are available upon request and can also be viewed on our website prior to purchase to ensure the cover meets your individual needs.

as with all travel insurance policies you are only insured for an event which occurs after you have purchased the policy. Please carefully read the section headed health. it is a condition of this travel insurance that customers travelling to european Union countries apply for and obtain an ehic card which will entitle them to benefit from reciprocal health agreements which exist between european Union countries. these are obtainable free of charge online at www.ehic.org.uk. Please note that other unofficial sites may charge. customers may also obtain a form from the Post office and apply by post.

heaLthif you, any person travelling with you or any person on whom your travel plans depend (a close relative for example), have ever had treatment for any cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular or circulatory condition (e.g. heart condition, hypertension, blood clots, raised cholesterol, stroke, aneurysm) or any medical condition you have, or have had, that has given rise to symptoms or required any form of treatment, been prescribed medication, received medical consultation, investigations or follow-up/check-up during the 2 years prior to the commencement of this policy then you must advise holiday extras on 0845 458 0871 as per the policy terms to see if cover is available. Please refer to the policy wording list of automatically

european cruises (see note 1)

Worldwide excluding north america and caribbean (see note 2)

Worldwide (see note 3)

accepted minor conditions to see if the condition(s) are covered without the need to notify holiday extras. insurers reserve the right to impose additional terms and premiums. You will receive confirmation in writing of their decision.

chaNGeS iN YoUr heaLthif your health or medication changes between purchasing the travel insurance and date of travel you are also required to call holiday extras.We will send you full copies of the Key facts and Policy Documents with your confirmation of booking and these should be taken on your cruise. Please read these carefully. failure to disclose any material facts may mean that your policy will not cover you and may invalidate the policy altogether. if the travel insurance does not meet your requirements you may cancel the policy within 14 days of receipt to obtain a full refund, provided travel has not started and no claim has been made. after the 14 day period all premiums, including any additional premiums charged for pre-existing medical conditions, are non-refundable under any circumstances. Please note that cover is only available to residents of the UK.for passengers booking cruises not covered in the premiums table, we may be able to suggest alternative insurance providers – please call us for details on 0844 209 9000.

age on date of policy purchase

Up to 65 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 85

cruise duration Silver Gold Silver Gold Silver Gold Silver Gold Silver Gold

Up to 10 days £24.56 £27.02 £42.98 £47.29 £55.26 £60.80 £70.00 £77.01 £79.82 £87.82

Up to 17 days £29.87 £32.86 £52.27 £57.51 £67.21 £73.94 £85.13 £93.56 £97.08 £106.80

Up to 21 days £35.18 £38.70 £61.57 £67.73 £79.16 £87.08 £100.26 £110.30 £114.34 £125.78

Up to 31 days £39.17 £43.09 £68.55 £75.41 £88.13 £96.95 £111.63 £122.81 £127.30 £140.04

Up to 45 days £59.09 £65.00 £103.41 £113.75 £132.95 £146.25 £168.41 £185.25 £192.04 £211.25

Up to 60 days £80.42 £88.46 £140.74 £154.81 £180.95 £199.04 £229.20 £252.11 £261.37 £287.50

Up to 90 days £122.80 £135.08 £214.90 £236.39 £276.30 £303.93 £349.98 £384.98 £399.10 £439.01


Up to 65 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 85


Up to 10 days £52.44 £57.68 £91.77 £100.94 £117.99 £129.78 £149.45 £164.39 £170.43 £187.46

Up to 17 days £61.74 £67.91 £108.05 £118.84 £138.92 £152.80 £175.96 £193.54 £200.66 £220.71

Up to 21 days £65.72 £72.29 £115.01 £126.51 £147.87 £162.65 £187.30 £206.03 £213.59 £234.94

Up to 31 days £81.65 £89.82 £142.89 £157.19 £183.71 £202.10 £232.70 £255.99 £265.36 £291.92

Up to 45 days £122.81 £135.09 £214.92 £236.41 £276.32 £303.95 £350.01 £385.01 £399.13 £439.04

Up to 60 days £166.91 £183.60 £292.09 £321.30 £375.55 £413.10 £475.69 £523.26 £542.46 £596.70

Up to 90 days £255.10 £280.61 £446.43 £491.07 £573.98 £631.37 £727.04 £799.74 £829.08 £911.98


Up to 65 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 85


Up to 10 days £56.42 £62.06 £98.74 £108.61 £126.95 £139.64 £160.80 £176.87 £183.37 £201.70

Up to 17 days £56.42 £73.74 £98.74 £129.05 £126.95 £165.92 £160.80 £210.16 £183.37 £239.66

Up to 21 days £67.04 £89.82 £117.32 £157.19 £150.84 £202.10 £191.06 £255.99 £217.88 £291.92

Up to 31 days £81.65 £394.19 £142.89 £164.83 £183.71 £211.93 £232.70 £268.44 £265.36 £306.12

Up to 45 days £129.44 £142.38 £226.52 £249.17 £291.24 £320.36 £368.90 £405.78 £420.68 £462.74

Up to 60 days £176.37 £194.01 £308.65 £339.52 £396.83 £436.52 £502.65 £552.93 £573.20 £630.53

Up to 90 days £270.26 £297.29 £472.96 £520.26 £608.09 £668.90 £770.24 £847.28 £878.35 £966.19

Silver Gold

item Limit excess Gold cover Limit excessmedical £5 million £75 £5 million £75

cancellation £5,000 £75 £7,500 £75

hospital benefit £25 per day up to £1,000

£25 per day up to £1,000

cabin confinement



abandonment £5,000 £75 £5,000 £75

Personal accident £50,000 £50,000

Personal liability £2,000,000 £2,000,000

Delayed departure

£25 per hour up to £250 and £5,000

if cancellation after 24 hours

£25 per hour up to £250 and £5,000

if cancellation after 24 hours

missed cruise port (missed departure)

£2,000 to arrange trip to next ship

stop

£75 £2,000 to arrange trip to next ship

stop

£75

Unused excursions £500 £75 £500 £75

missed itinerary port

£300 £75 £300 £75

Legal expenses £25,000 £75 £25,000 £75

hijack and mugging

£1,000 £1,000

Delayed baggage

£150 + £500 to deliver baggage to

next ship stop

£150 + £500 to deliver baggage to

next ship stop

Baggage £1,500 £75 £1,500 £75

Personal money & passport

£500 £75 £500 £75

all premiums are per person. all prices are correct at the time of going to press. Should there be any changes to premiums, they will be notified at the time of booking.

108

1 the coNtract 1.1 The contract is between All Leisure Holidays Limited trading as “Swan

Hellenic” (‘The Company’) and each person booking with the Company (including the parents or guardian of any person under 18 years of age) (“the Passengers”). Please note that information contained in the section headed “General Information” in our brochure or in these or any other comparable sections, and any other relevant information on our website also form part of your contract with the Company.

1.2 The Lead Passenger warrants as a fundamental term of the contract that he/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and agrees to be bound by them. Furthermore that he/she is authorised by each Passenger named on the confirmation invoice (and, where such passenger is under 18, by his or her parents or guardian) to enter into a contract with the Company on their behalf. Unless otherwise indicated, the Lead Passenger warrants that the Passenger information given may be used by the Company or its partners for future marketing purposes.

1.3 No contract exists until the Company has received the full deposit (or, where appropriate, the full price) and a confirmation invoice has been issued. Please note that a contract will exist even if the Company is unable to confirm all holiday details (e.g. flights) at the time of booking. A confirmation invoice will be sent to the Lead Passenger. There is no charge for payment of a deposit by credit card but a 3% charge will be made for any subsequent payments made by credit card.

1.4 All details on the confirmation invoice (and on any additional documents produced by the Company) will be deemed to have been accepted unless the Company receives notification to the contrary in writing from the Lead Passenger within 14 days of the date of dispatch (which will be deemed to be 2 days after the date of issue). If any errors are not immediately identified and reported, any cost of rectifying the same at a subsequent date must be met by the Passenger. Please note that Passengers not following these instructions will be fully liable for any costs that may subsequently be incurred in rectifying errors at a later date. In the case of flight tickets and e-tickets these must be checked by Passengers and the Company must be notified of any errors immediately.

1.5 It is expressly agreed that all Passengers and their luggage are carried subject to the Conditions of Carriage of the airlines and shipping company used, some of which limit or exclude liability. Copies of these conditions are available on request. Any compensation payable for non-performance or improper performance of land, sea and air carriage services shall be limited in accordance with the international conventions which govern such services.

1.6 For bookings made through an approved ABTA Travel Agent, the Agent holds any monies paid on behalf of the Company.

1.7 The Company reserves the right to cancel bookings and levy cancellation charges on the scale in section 8 below if balance payments are not received in full 16 weeks before departure or by return post/credit or debit card for bookings taken less than 17 weeks before departure.

1.8 Travel insurance (where purchased through us or directly with a third party) does not form part of your contract with the Company or of any “package”.

1.9 All employees, agents, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers and insurers of the Company shall be bound by these Fair Trading Conditions.

1.10 These Fair Trading Conditions apply only to cruise packages booked directly with the Company and where the Company is acting as principal.

1.11 The contract and all other proceedings arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by English law and the jurisdiction of the English courts. Passengers may, however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if they so wish. If and in so far as a claim against the Company is governed by the Athens Convention it may be brought in any Court specified in Article 17 thereof.

2 the BooKiNG ProceSS 2.1 A deposit of £200 per passenger or 10% of the total fare due, whichever

is highest (or full payment for bookings taken within 119 days of departure) is due on booking. A higher amount may be payable if any supplier(s) require additional payments for a service prior to the balance due date. Payment of a deposit means acceptance of these Fair Trading Conditions. The Company takes no responsibility for credit card or foreign currency transaction

processing fees levied by issuing banks.

2.2 If the deposit and/or balance are not paid on time, the Company reserves the right to cancel the contract and apply any cancellation charges set out in section 8.

2.3 Passengers with physical or mental disabilities or other conditions which may require special treatment or assistance (including Passengers who may require the use of a wheelchair) must advise the Company at the point of enquiry. They will then be required to complete a questionnaire and upon receipt of which they may be asked to accept additional Fair Trading Conditions before a confirmation invoice is issued and a contract entered into.

2.4 The Company reserves the right to ask any Passenger to provide medical evidence of fitness to travel at the time of booking or at any point up to the beginning of the cruise.

2.5 The Company may (at its discretion) offer Passengers at the time of booking a guaranteed cabin booking (a “Guarantee Cabin”). Under such offers a Passenger is guaranteed to receive a cabin of a specified type although the precise location of the cabin is at the Company’s discretion. The Company may (at its discretion) upgrade a Guarantee Cabin to a higher category cabin at no additional cost to the Passenger. The Company may allocate specific cabins under guarantee offers at any time up until the Passenger arrives on the vessel at the port of embarkation. Once Guarantee Cabins have been allocated, the Company is unable to accept Passenger change requests. If Passengers book two or more back-to-back cruises and one or more cruise includes Guarantee Cabins, it is possible that Passengers may be allocated different cabins on each cruise and may need to move between cabins on changeover day(s).

3 PriceS aND SUrcharGeS 3.1 The Company reserves the right to alter the published prices of any of the

holidays. Passengers will be advised of the current price of the holiday that they wish to book before any contract is confirmed.

3.2 The price of the travel arrangements in this brochure was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the “Financial Times” on March 2013. Changes in transportation costs (including the cost of fuel, port costs, taxes or other fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports) and exchange rates mean that the price of travel arrangements may change after booking. The Company undertakes, however, that no changes to charges will be made within 30 days of departure.

3.3 The Company will absorb and the Passenger will not be charged for, any increase equivalent to up to 2% of the total holiday cost (excluding insurance premiums and/or any amendment charges). The Company may, at its discretion, and subject to the approval of the relevant authority (ies), charge the Passenger any increase above 2%. If the increase is more than 10% of the price of their travel arrangements, Passengers will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any insurance premiums and amendment charges. If the Company is able to offer another holiday and this alternative holiday is of equivalent or higher price to the original holiday booked, then the Passenger will not have to pay more. If the alternative holiday is a lower price, the Passenger will be refunded the difference. Should Passengers decide to cancel their holiday under these circumstances, they must to do so within 14 days of the date of the invoice for the additional charge.

3.4 Should the total cost to the Company of a Passenger’s holiday fall by more than 2% due to any of the changes mentioned above then the Company will pass on to Passengers any refund due. Passengers should note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some changes in local currency costs may have no impact on the price of Passengers’ travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

3.5 All outstanding balances on on-board accounts must be settled in full before the Passenger finishes the cruise. If any Passenger fails to settle their on-board account then the Company shall be entitled to take whatever steps may be necessary to recover the monies due and shall be entitled to pass on any costs incurred in doing so.

3.6 Passengers must be aware that the holiday price quoted may include different points of departure and return from/to the UK. In such cases there may be additional costs associated with transfer between the two places not included in the holiday price that will be passed on to the customer.

3.7 We may decide, at any time, to advertise Saver Fares on selected cruises or cabin grades. These are subject to availability and your cabin number will not be allocated at the time of booking.

4 Shore eXcUrSioNS 4.1 The Passenger accepts that the Company, acting as agent, arranges

hotels, shore excursion and shuttle services (which may involve additional costs for Passengers) with local operators who may themselves engage the services of third party suppliers. The Company will at all times endeavour to appoint reputable and competent operators who comply with all prevailing local rules, regulations and standards, although Passengers accept that, outside the UK, standards of hygiene, accommodation and transport might differ from comparable standards in the UK.

4.2 Local laws and regulations of the relevant country will be applied to assess the performance of suppliers in the event of a Passenger complaint. Outside the UK, the supplier will not be deemed to have been at fault if local laws and regulations have been satisfied even if the laws of England have not been met.

4.3 Passengers should be aware that they may also be subject to terms and conditions imposed by local excursion operators.

4.4 In the event of an excursion being cancelled, the Company will take all reasonable steps to ensure that Passengers are offered a choice of an alternative excursion and/or a full refund in the case of supplementary excursions.

4.5 Passengers cancelling supplementary excursions prior to departure and on board before bookings close 48 hours prior to arrival in the port, will be refunded in accordance with the schedule set out in clause 8.1. Passengers cancelling supplementary excursions after departure will not be entitled to a refund. If in such cases the cancellation is due to ill health a supporting letter from the ship’s Doctor (charges may apply) may enable Passengers to make a claim on their Travel Insurance Policy. Any Passenger that fails to attend an excursion for whatever reason will be deemed to have cancelled.

4.6 Passengers wishing to change supplementary excursion details will be allowed to do so on presentation of the appropriate ticket(s) at the shore excursion desk during the advertised opening hours and at least 48 hours prior to the ship’s arrival in the excursion port. Any amended booking will be treated as a new booking and the price charged (if applicable).

4.7 Any changes to supplementary excursion arrangements requested by Passengers less than 48 hours prior to the ship’s arrival in the excursion port will only be allowed subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the excursion operator. All other conditions are as (4.6) above.

4.8 Passengers participating in shore excursions included in the original cruise package are subject to clauses 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 only.

5 iNSUraNce 5.1 In cases where Passengers purchase insurance through the Company,

they accept the Company is acting as an agent for the named insurance provider and that the purchase will be subject to that insurance provider’s terms and conditions which will be sent to them with their policy documents or provided in advance of purchase upon request.

5.2 Travel insurance arrangements must be in force for the entire duration of the holiday. If Passengers do not purchase the insurance offered by the Company, then details of the alternative insurance policy (which must at a minimum cover medical charges, cancellation, curtailment, evacuation (from the vessel) and repatriation costs for not less than £5 million) must be provided at the time of booking if possible, but no later than six months prior to the scheduled date of departure or at the time of booking if bookings are made within six months of the date of departure.

5.3 The Company is not responsible for checking that Passengers have the correct level of insurance and will not be liable for any costs, howsoever arising, in excess of any travel insurance cover purchased.

6 PaSSPortS & viSaS 6.1 It is the responsibility of all Passengers to check and fulfill the passport,

visa, and immigration requirements applicable to their itinerary. The Company can only provide general information and Passengers must check requirements for their own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates as applicable.

6.2 Passengers must understand that passport, visa and immigration requirements do change and are responsible for checking the up to date position in good time before departure.

6.3 For passengers leaving the UK, the Company requires a full 10 year British passport valid for at least six months after the date of return for all UK citizens. Passengers who are not British citizens or who hold a non British passport, must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country(ies) to or through which they intend to travel.

6.4 All Passengers must ensure that they have the correct travel documents in their possession before departure. Passengers may incur fines if they fail to comply with documentation or visa requirements. The Company will re-charge to the Passenger any such fines that have been paid by the Company on the Passenger’s behalf.

6.5 The Company does not accept any responsibility for Passengers who are denied disembarkation or are unable to travel, or who incur any other loss because they fail to comply with any passport, visa, or immigration requirements. Cancellation of any part of the holiday that arises due to problems with visa/passport, or immigration requirements will be subject to cancellation charges set out in section 8.

7 chaNGeS to BooKiNG DetaiLS BY PaSSeNGerS

7.1 The Company will do its utmost to ensure that amendments requested by Passengers are accommodated, but the Company makes no guarantee that these requests will be met. Any change request must be made in writing by the Lead Passenger and the Company reserves the right to pass on the costs of making any such changes. Passengers must be aware that charges associated with amendments are likely to increase nearer to the date of departure.

7.2 Additional passengers or cruises may be added to a booking at any time subject to availability. In each case a deposit (or full payment, as relevant) per additional Passenger will be required by the Company and all other booking conditions must be met before the new contract exists.

7.3 Requests for significant amendments to booking details (e.g. change of ship or sail date) received before the balance due date will be treated as a new booking. At the Company’s sole discretion, the original booking will either be deemed cancelled (and be subject to the cancellation charges set out in section 8), or will be deemed amended (and be subject to an amendment fee of £75 per Passenger). Any deposit paid, discount applied or promotion applicable to a booking that is cancelled or amended will only be transferred to a new booking at the Company’s discretion.

7.4 For minor amendments to booking details received before the balance due date (e.g. passenger name changes) an administration charge of £30 per Passenger affected will be charged. If name changes are required to

fair traDiNG coNDitioNS


scheduled flight details, the charge may be significantly more than £30 per Passenger and will be quoted on request. Passengers should also be aware that airlines may not allow transfer of Passenger names and in such cases a flight booking might need to be cancelled and rebooked, subject to availability, and at the Passenger’s expense.

7.5 After an amendment is applied a new confirmation invoice will be issued at which point the contract will be deemed to be amended accordingly.

8 caNceLLatioN BY a PaSSeNGer 8.1 A Passenger may cancel a booking at any time. Cancellation will take

effect when the Company has received written notice of cancellation signed by the Lead Passenger. Cancellation charges payable to the Company are:

8.2 A Passenger will not have a right to exclusive occupancy of a cabin with two or more berths unless any applicable single occupancy premium has been paid. In the event of a Passenger becoming a single occupant of such a cabin due to a cancellation, he/she will become liable to pay any applicable single occupancy premium. Passengers are advised that certain reasons for cancellation are covered by their travel insurance.

9 caNceLLatioN or aLteratioN BY the comPaNY

9.1 The Company reserves the right at its sole and absolute discretion at any time to cancel, postpone or alter without prior notice or consultation any cruise in whole or in part in order to safeguard its Passengers, its crew, its employees or the vessel in the event of war or threat of war, political unrest, terrorist activity or threat of terrorist activity, nuclear disaster, riots, civil strife, adverse weather conditions or other similar events (“Force Majeure”) or for any other valid operational reason. If the majority of ports that the Company aims to visit during any one cruise have to be changed on UK Foreign Office advice before the cruise commences, the Company undertakes to offer Passengers an alternative cruise or refund of the cost of their cruise in full, less any insurance premiums paid.

9.2 If under clause 9.1 the Company cancels a cruise before the scheduled departure date it will offer, when possible, a subsequent alternative departure of similar standard (which must be accepted in writing within 14 days of the offer being made), or the choice of a full refund of all monies paid, less any insurance premiums paid.

9.3 If under clause 9.1 the Company cancels a cruise after the scheduled departure date, it will return all Passengers as soon as practicable to the UK and make a proportional refund for any unused services, less any insurance premiums paid and any non-recoverable expenses incurred.

9.4 If under clause 9.1 the Company alters the planned itinerary only, refunds will be limited to any balances outstanding on shore excursions.

9.5 In any of the circumstances mentioned above the Company shall not be liable to pay any compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company.

9.6 The Company and the Captain of the ship are unable to guarantee that the ship will call at every advertised port or follow every part of the advertised route. They will at all times endeavour to maintain the advertised programme but reserve the right at their sole discretion to make any alternations they deem necessary.

9.7 The company also reserves the right to cancel any cruise by giving written notice at least eight weeks before departure if sales of that departure have not reached 70% of capacity. Under such circumstances clause 9.2 will apply and the Company shall not be liable to pay compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company.

9.8 The Company reserves the right at its sole and absolute discretion to use a substitute ship of similar standard to the original ship should it prove necessary to do so.

9.9 In addition to the rights of the Company, Aircraft and Ship’s Captains always have the right at their absolute discretion to vary any planned routing without prior notice or consultation if they deem it necessary to do so in the interests of safety.

9.10 Any flight details contained in the Company’s brochures are provisional. Final flight details (including timings) will be issued near to departure and may differ significantly from any provisional information previously provided.

9.11 If for any reason details of a cruise have to be altered before departure (and subject to Clause 9.1) the Company will notify the Lead Passenger as soon as possible.

9.12 The Company will not be held responsible for, nor have liability in respect of, delays caused by third parties during passage through sea areas controlled by vessel traffic schemes, canals, rivers or any other navigable waterways.

10 meDicaL aND other coNDUct 10.1 The Company reserves the right at any time to require any Passenger

to produce medical evidence of fitness to travel including the submission of any required medical certificates.

10.2 Any Passenger boarding a ship at initial embarkation who has not filled in the required pre-boarding health declaration must inform the Company of any sickness and/or diahorrea experienced less than 72 hours prior to embarkation. In the interest of Passenger’s safety the Company reserves the right at its discretion, to refuse boarding. In such circumstances the Company shall not be liable to pay any compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company.

10.3 At the point of embarkation, the Company reserves the right to refuse passage to any Passenger who had failed to notify the Company at the time of booking of any disabilities or the need for assistance or who, in the opinion of the Company is unfit to travel or who may constitute a danger to themselves or others whilst on board. Under those circumstances

Passengers will receive no refund of the cost of any part of the unused cruise package.

10.4 The Company will endeavour to carry Passengers of limited mobility if it has been notified of such limitations in writing at the time of booking (and has been informed of any deterioration in condition or new conditions between booking and travelling) and after any additional Fair Trading Conditions have been agreed by the Passenger and the Company in writing prior to departure.

10.5 Whilst the Company makes every effort to accommodate all Passengers’ needs, Passengers using wheelchairs may have restricted access in certain areas of the ship and may be unable to go ashore in certain ports, particularly those that require the use of tenders. Mobility scooters - Passengers must not use mobility scooters on board. They must be gel or dry cell battery only with a width of no more than 78cm to enable access to the cabin. Each part should weigh no more than 23kg. Any passenger taking a mobility scooter aboard Minerva must reside in a disabled cabin.

10.6 The Company does not accept any responsibility for Passengers unable to travel, or who incur any other loss because they fail to comply with any health formalities. The Company takes no responsibility for Passengers denied embarkation and/or disembarkation on medical grounds. Cancellation of any part of the holiday that arises due to health requirements will be subject to cancellation charges as set out in section 8.

10.7 Any cost or expense reasonably incurred by the Company for or on behalf of the Passenger in respect of any form of medical, dental or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation or any other expense shall be repayable by the Passenger to the Company irrespective of whether the sum is covered by the Passenger’s travel insurance arrangements.

10.8 If a Passenger is refused entry to board an aircraft because, in the opinion of the Captain, the Passenger is unfit to travel or represents a threat to the safety of the aircraft or its Passengers or crew or is abusive or disruptive, the Company will not be liable to complete the Passengers holiday arrangements and will not be liable to pay any refund or compensation.

10.9 Unless approved by the Company in writing prior to departure, Passengers may not bring on board any controlled substances.

10.10 Passengers may not bring on board any prohibited substances, any animals or any goods of a flammable or dangerous nature. Doing so will render the Passenger strictly liable to the Company for any injury, loss, damage or expense suffered by the Company as a result. The Passenger will also be personally liable for any statutory penalties.

10.11 Passengers are required at all times to follow the instructions of employees and crew regarding the use of ship’s equipment (including hand sanitizers) and general behaviour whilst on board and the Company will not be responsible for any consequential injury, illness, financial or other loss incurred by Passengers if they fail to comply with the instructions they are given.

10.12 The Captain (or any employee or member of the crew authorized by the Master) will be entitled to search the cabin and/or personal luggage of any Passenger suspected of being in breach of these clauses. In addition, any employee or crew member will be entitled to enter a Passenger’s cabin in order to carry out an inspection, or to undertake cleaning, maintenance or repair work.

10.13 The Company has the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, in its judgment, is in a physical or mental condition unfit for travel, or who may require care beyond that which the vessel can provide and under such circumstances the Company will offer the Passenger no refund of any part of the cost of their unused cruise package.

10.14 If it appears that a Passenger’s conduct, behaviour or health has or is likely to endanger the Passenger’s own health or the health, safety or enjoyment of any other Passenger or crew or employee, or makes the Company liable for any significant unforseen costs including medical treatment or repatriation, the Company and/or the Captain reserve the right to take appropriate action and make appropriate charges. Actions may include disembarkation, confinement to a particular cabin, and through the ship’s doctor, the administration of any drugs or medicines and/or confinement to a hospital or similar institution at any port. If, under the terms of this clause, the Passenger’s cruise is terminated the Company will offer the Passenger no refund for any unused part of their cruise package nor will the Company be liable for the cost of repatriating the Passenger.

10.15 Should any Passenger have the misfortune to suffer illness, injury or death during the period of the cruise arising out of an activity that does not form part of the arrangement made by the Company, the Company will, where appropriate, provide any assistance it can to the affected Passenger, such assistance being limited to a maximum cost incurred by the Company of £5,000 per cabin.

10.16 The Company may invite various affinity groups of people with shared interests who choose to travel together onto a cruise. The Company does not envisage that this will materially affect the normal day to day operation of the ship but Passengers must accept that there may be occasions when certain facilities are unavailable whilst these groups are on board.

11 comPLaiNtS 11.1 Any Passenger who encounters a problem during a cruise must

immediately report it to the Hotel Manager or a senior member of the crew on the ship and ensure that the issue is recorded in the ship’s log together with any action taken to resolve it. If the matter cannot be resolved during the cruise, and the Passenger wishes to pursue a complaint, the Passenger must write to the Company within 28 days of final disembarkation.

11.2 As a Member of ABTA, membership number W0302. The Company maintains a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract. The arbitration scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you in respect of costs. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if we agree, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation.

12 coNDitioNS of carriaGe BY Sea 12.1 Travel on board the ship is subject to the shipping company’s

Conditions of Carriage some of which limit or exclude liability in accordance with international conventions. Copies of these conditions can be provided in advance upon request. They are also available on board the ship.

12.2 If for any reason despite the above paragraph the Company would be otherwise liable in connection with carriage by sea the provisions of the Athens Convention relating to the carriage of Passengers and their luggage by sea 1974 (“the Athens Convention”) and any modification thereof which may be in force at the time, may be applicable to the contract. The Company draws each Passenger’s attention to the fact that the Athens Convention in most cases limits the carrier’s liability for death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage and makes special provision for valuables. The Athens Convention presumes that luggage has been delivered undamaged unless written notice is given to the carrier before or at the time of disembarkation or re-delivery or from the time when such re-delivery should have taken place. If and in so far as the Athens Convention is applicable to the contract, the Company shall be entitled to the benefit of all limitations, rights and immunities conferred by the Athens Convention. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions of this condition any damages payable by the Company up to the Athens Convention Limits shall be reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence by the Passenger and by the maximum deductible specified in Article 8 (4) of the Athens Convention.

12.3 Insofar as a cruise may be performed on a ship not owned by the Company, Passengers agree that the Company shall at all times nevertheless be deemed a ship owner for the purposes of any relevant laws in force in any relevant jurisdiction and therefore be entitled to any limit to its liability.

13 coNDitioNS of carriaGe BY air 13.1 Travel on board aircraft used in travelling to and from the ship is

subject to the airline’s standard ticket conditions, some of which limit or exclude liability in accordance with international conventions. These conditions can be found on the airline’s website or can be provided by the Company upon request.

13.2 If your air journey involves a destination or stop in a country other than the one from which you depart, the Warsaw Convention may govern the liability of all airlines involved in your journey, including any portion thereof in a single country. This Convention limits the liability of airlines involved in your journey, including any portion thereof in a single country. This Convention limits the liability of airlines for death or bodily injury and for baggage loss, delay or damage. For many air carriers, the Warsaw Convention limits for bodily injury or death and the defence that they have taken all necessary measures to avoid the damage for the first 100,000 Special Drawing Rights of any such claim do not apply. In addition, in cases of death or bodily injury, many air carriers will make advance payments to the person entitled to compensation, if required to meet immediate economic needs, in proportion to the hardship suffered. European Community carriers provides a minimum advance equal to not less than 15,000 Special Drawing Rights in the event of death. Other air carriers may apply alternate provisions.

14 GUiDeS aND GUeSt SPeaKerS 14.1 Independent contractors retained by the Company, including but not

limited to Guest Speakers, guides, guest personalities and entertainers are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. The Company also retains the right to change any member of ships crew previously advertised or disclosed (e.g. the ship’s Captain) without notice.

15 fiNaNciaL ProtectioN 15.1 The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations 1992 require the Company to provide security for the monies that each Passenger pays for the package holidays booked with the Company and for your repatriation in the event of the Company’s insolvency. The Company provides this security for air holiday packages by way of an Air Travel Operators Licence (number 3897) administered by the Civil Aviation Authority, and for non air holiday packages by way of a bond organised through ABTA. In the unlikely event of the insolvency of the Company, the CAA or bond issuer (where appropriate) will arrange to refund any money that the Passenger has paid to the Company for an advance booking.

Period before departure Cancellationwithin which the charge perCompany receives notice passenger

Loss of deposit + After payment of deposit 100% of insurance premium (if applicable)

60% of invoiced charge 112 to 60 days before departure +100% of insurance premium (if applicable)

90% of invoiced charge 59 to 29 days before departure +100% of insurance premium (if applicable)

28 days or less before departure to 100% of invoiced charge departure date +100% of insurance premium (if applicable)

110

welcome aboard MINERVA

a small ship with a big personality

Internet Lounge

dedicated Internet lounge, enabling you to keep in touch with family and friends.

tenderseasy access, fast tenders to transfer you

between ship and shore easily and in comfort.

CanopIed pooL area offering shelter from the heat of the midday sun, and creating more opportunities for bbQs, alfresco dining and late night entertainment.

promenade deCka traditional wraparound promenade deck offering the chance to walk a mile (8 circuits), with plenty of space for sunbathing.

sHaCkLeton Bara spacious horseshoe shaped bar with large picture windows on both sides of the ship, featuring Frank Hurley’s photos of Shackleton’s infamous 1914 endurance expedition. relax and enjoy a pre or post dinner drink, while listening to a varied programme of piano music selected by our cocktail pianist.

WHeeLer BarThe elegant and comfortable wheeler bar is named after the archaeologist, Sir mortimer wheeler, the first chairman of Swan Hellenic, whose portrait graces the bar. open from mid-morning, the wheeler bar is the perfect location for a drink during the day and late into the evening, when classical guitar or harp music can often be heard.


orpHeus Lounge This light spacious lounge at the forward end of the top deck, with seating for 145 passengers, offers panoramic views by day and an intimate, late night venue for jazz by night.

Illustration by Ric Cooper

tHe LIBrarYMinerva’s well stocked library is one of the finest afloat, featuring approximately 5,000 volumes of fiction, non-fiction and reference books relevant to our cruising destinations - many written by our eminent Guest Speakers.

tHe sWan restuarantThe Swan restaurant, named to celebrate the joie de vivre of our founders, wF and rK Swan, is elegantly and comfortably furnished with white tablecloths, sparkling glasses and polished cutlery. arrive at any time within advertised opening hours and you will be shown to a table by our maître d’. Full waiter service will ensure that you enjoy your meal.

112

a wIde cHoIce oF cabInS

minerva now offers 44 balcony suites – some

of the most spacious and comfortable balcony suites afloat – as well as a choice of eight other categories of outside and inside cabins.

All cabins are twin-bedded and if requested at the time of booking can be made into a single queen bed.

SuperIor balcony SuITe, category c – a choice of 10

These Superior balcony Suites, feature a balcony with floor to ceiling patio doors. overall cabin area of 30.70m² includes the balcony (which measures 7.5m2). Featuring a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities, all Superior balcony Suites on the starboard side have en suite shower facilities, while all those on the port side have en suites with baths. With our compliments: a welcome bottle of champagne and bottled mineral water on embarkation. mini bar: first set up is complimentary. Fruit basket: replenished on a daily basis. complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles - see pages 101-102

deluxe balcony SuITe, category b – a choice of 12

These deluxe balcony Suites, feature a deep teak deck balcony with floor-to ceiling patio doors and are 31.13m² including balcony (which measures 9.38m2). Featuring a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities, all deluxe balcony Suites on the starboard side have en suite shower facilities, while all those on the port side have en suites with baths.With our compliments: a welcome bottle of champagne and mineral water on embarkation. mini bar: first set up is complimentary. Fruit basket: replenished on a daily basis. complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles - see pages 101-102

owner’S SuITe, category a – Discovery or Explorer Suites – a choice of 2 unique suitesThese premier suites are 34.30m² in total, incorporating a private balcony measuring 7.5m2 with floor-to-ceiling patio doors, a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. The owner’s Suite on the starboard side has en suite shower facilities while the owner’s Suite on the port side has en suite bath facilities.With our compliments: champagne on embarkation: replenished free of charge on request. bottled mineral water: replenished free of charge on request. mini bar: replenished as per consumption. Fruit basket: replenished on daily basis. canapés: served on daily basis. complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles - see pages 101-102

Stylish and well appointed balcony suites


a wIde cHoIce oF cabInS

aeGean decK cabIn ouTSIde, category F & G – a choice of 56

These outside cabins on aegean deck range from 12.1m² to 13m² in size and feature large picture windows. all aegean deck cabins (including inside cabins, categories K & l) feature en suites with showers.

outside cabins on Baltic deck, categories H & I, are similar but have two portholes instead of picture windows. all cabins on baltic deck (including inside cabins, categories m & n) feature en suites with showers.With our compliments: a welcome bottle of mineral water on embarkation.

balcony SuITe, category d – a choice of 20These balcony Suites, feature an expansive teak deck balcony with floor-to-ceiling patio doors bringing the total size inclusive of balcony to 28m² (balcony measures 7.10m2). Featuring a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV and refrigerator, all balcony Suites on the starboard side have en suite shower facilities, while all those on the port side have en suites with baths.With our compliments: bottled mineral water: first set up is complimentary. mini bar: charged as consumed.

114

mv MINERVA

PROMENADE DECK - Featuring a panoramic Observation Lounge - Orpheus Lounge

SALONCENTRE

SUN DECK - Balcony Cabins

MAIN DECK

AEGEAN DECK

THE SWAN RESTAURANT

VERANDA

DARWINLOUNGE

PROMENADE DECKSUN DECK

MAIN DECK

AEGEAN DECKBALTIC DECK

BRIDGE DECK

Swan Restaurant

Gym Passenger Launderette Salon Centre

DB12 DB10 DB 8 DB 6 DB 4 DB 2

DB11 DB 9 DB 7 DB 5 DB 3 DB 1

SB10 SB 8 SB 6 SB 4 SB 2 OS 2

SB 9 SB 7 SB 5 SB 3 SB 1 OS 1

BS 20 BS 18 BS 16 BS 14 BS 12 BS 10 BS 8 BS 6 BS 4 BS 2

BS 19 BS 17 BS 15 BS 13 BS 11 BS 9 BS 7 BS 5 BS 3 BS 1

mv MINERVA - SWAN HELLENIC

Darwin Lounge Gift Shop & Kiosk

INTERNETLOUNGE

B62

B58

B54

B50

B46

B61

B57

B53

B49

B45

B63

B59

B55

B51

B47

B43

B41

B39

B37

B35

B33

B31

B29

B27

B25

B23

B21

B17

B13

B9

B5

B1

BRIDGE DECK - Balcony Cabins

BALTIC DECK

WHEELERBAR

THELIBRARY

CARDROOM

LIVINGSTONELOUNGE LIFT

EXPLORERSUITE

DISCOVERYSUITE

KIOSK

LIFT

LIFT

LIFT GIFT SHOP

LIFTLIFT

LIFTLIFTMEDICALCENTRE

LAUNDER-ETTE

LIFTLIFT

Veranda Wheeler Bar Internet Lounge LibraryPool

Reception

Shackleton Bar

Medical Centre

Card Room

A88

A84

A80

A76

A74

A72

A68

A64

A62

A60

A70

A66

A56

A52

A55

A51

A57

A87

A83

A79

A75

A73

A71

A67

A63

A61

A59

B64

B60

B56

B52

B48

B44

B42

B40

B38

B36

B34

B32

B30

B28

B26

B24

B22

B18

B14

B10

B6

B2

A53

A49

A47

A45

A43

A39

A35

A33

A31

A29

A25

A21

A17

A13

A9

A5

A1

A41

A37 A27

A23

A19

A15

A11

A7

A3

A42

A38 A28

A24

A20

A16

A12

A8

A4

A69

A65

A58

A54

A50

A48

A46

A44

A40

A36

A34

A32

A30

A26

A22

A18

A14

A10

A6

A2

LIFT

PORT

STARBOARD

GYM

Swan’s Shore Excursions

Purser’s Reception

Orpheus Lounge

Future Cruise Desk

SHACKLETONBAR

Livingstone Lounge

ORPHEUS LOUNGE

DanceFloor

ForwardBanquette

Seating

Stage

Bar

Bar

Bar

Presentation Stage

Revised Plan - January 2012. Deck and cabin plans have been amended slightly from the previous edition, but may be subject to change during the upgrade period.

POOL

MINERVA’S proFIle• Gross Tonnage 12,892 • Length 437 ft • Beam 66 ft • Draft 19 ft • Cruising Speed 14 knots • Passenger Decks 6 • Stabilisers retractable fin • Registration Bahamas

FacIlITIeS Include• 44 Balcony cabins*• 100 Outside cabins• (73% outside cabins including 23% balcony cabins)• Choice of two Restaurants• Orpheus Lounge • Internet Lounge• Livingstone Lounge• Darwin Lounge• Shackleton & Wheeler Bars • Card Room - max 10 tables• Library

• Swimming Pool• Gift Shop and Kiosk• Gymnasium• Complimentary Launderette with Washers and Dryers• Salon Centre• Medical Centre• Telephone, Fax and E-mail Facilities• Flatscreen TV, Hairdryer and Personal Safe in every Cabin*Starboard Side = Showers. Port Side = Baths

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FLY CRUISES – JAN - APR 2014 NO FLY CRUISES – APR - JUL 2014 FLY CRUISES – JUL - NOV 2014

STANDARD FARES 2014/15 – PRICES INCLUSIVE OF FLIGHTS (WHERE APPLICABLE), AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF TAILOR-MADE SHORE EXCURSIONS & ALL GRATUITIES

CRUISE CODE MIN140105 MIN140129 MIN140221 MIN140315 MIN140329 MIN140414 MIN140428 MIN140509 MIN140524 MIN140604 MIN140616 MIN140701 MIN140715 MIN140730 MIN140813 MIN140827 MIN140910 MIN140924 MIN141008 MIN141022 MIN141105

DURATION (NIGHTS) 24 23 22 14 16 14 11 15 11 12 15 14 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 15

All prices are per person - £ Wonders of the Andes and

Atacama

Shores of Patagonia

Spirit of Brazil

Amazon Adventure

From the Caribbean to the Canaries

Island Discovery

A Scandinavian Spring

Capitals of the Baltic

Celtic CoastsD-Day 70th Anniversary

An Icelandic Summer

Treasures of the British Isles

Norway and the North Cape

To Mediterranean

Waters

Swan’s Hellenic Celebration

Black Sea Panorama

Shores of the Aegean

Adriatic Odyssey

Realms of the Mediterranean

Pyramids and Petra

From Petra to Oman

OCCUPANCY Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single

Cat Deck Description £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

A BRIDGE DECK Owner’s Suite with Balcony 13,610 27,220 11,580 23,160 10,875 21,750 6,790 13,580 6,300 12,600 5,625 11,250 5,895 11,790 8,225 16,450 5,545 11,090 6,115 12,230 6,775 13,550 7,075 14,150 7,405 14,810 5,645 11,290 7,345 14,690 8,580 17,160 7,060 14,120 6,910 13,820 7,350 14,700 7,205 14,410 6,150 12,300

B SUN DECK Deluxe Balcony Suite 12,385 24,770 10,525 21,050 9,880 19,760 6,170 12,340 5,700 11,400 5,090 10,180 5,330 10,660 7,460 14,920 5,020 10,040 5,550 11,100 6,130 12,260 6,420 12,840 6,700 13,400 5,110 10,220 6,665 13,330 7,785 15,570 6,385 12,770 6,255 12,510 6,650 13,300 6,520 13,040 5,555 11,110

C BRIDGE DECK Superior Balcony Suite 12,240 24,480 10,400 20,800 9,765 19,530 6,095 12,190 5,630 11,260 5,030 10,060 5,190 10,380 7,270 14,540 4,885 9,770 5,405 10,810 5,970 11,940 6,255 12,510 6,525 13,050 4,975 9,950 6,495 12,990 7,585 15,170 6,220 12,440 6,090 12,180 6,475 12,950 6,350 12,700 5,405 10,810

D SUN DECK Balcony Suite 10,695 20,520 9,135 17,405 8,575 16,340 5,375 10,205 4,925 9,365 4,365 8,360 4,685 9,370 6,580 13,160 4,410 8,820 4,895 9,790 5,390 10,780 5,660 11,320 5,890 11,780 4,490 8,980 5,880 11,760 6,865 13,730 5,615 11,230 5,495 10,990 5,845 11,690 5,730 11,460 4,870 9,740

F AEGEAN DECK Outside Forward Window 7,200 12,960 6,210 10,870 5,830 10,205 3,640 6,370 3,150 4,725 2,825 4,235 3,200 5,760 4,515 8,130 3,010 5,420 3,360 6,050 3,680 6,625 3,885 6,995 4,020 7,240 3,065 5,520 4,035 7,265 4,710 8,480 3,835 6,905 3,755 6,760 3,990 7,185 3,915 7,050 3,315 5,970

G AEGEAN DECK Outside Aft Window 6,840 12,310 5,745 10,055 5,395 9,440 3,365 5,890 2,695 4,040 2,395 3,590 3,030 5,455 4,210 7,580 2,855 5,140 3,130 5,635 3,485 6,275 3,620 6,520 3,810 6,860 2,905 5,230 3,760 6,770 4,390 7,905 3,630 6,535 3,555 6,400 3,780 6,805 3,705 6,670 3,135 5,645

H BALTIC DECK Outside Forward Port Holes 6,120 10,405 5,125 8,455 4,810 7,935 3,005 4,960 2,375 3,325 2,095 2,930 2,695 4,585 3,825 6,885 2,535 4,310 2,845 5,125 3,100 5,270 3,290 5,925 3,385 5,755 2,585 4,395 3,420 6,160 3,990 7,185 3,230 5,495 3,160 5,375 3,360 5,715 3,295 5,605 2,810 4,500

I BALTIC DECK Outside Aft Port Holes 5,750 9,790 4,775 7,945 4,525 7,460 2,795 4,655 2,195 3,090 1,950 2,745 2,525 4,295 3,635 6,545 2,380 4,050 2,705 4,870 2,905 4,940 3,130 5,635 3,175 5,400 2,420 4,115 3,250 5,850 3,795 6,835 3,025 5,145 2,965 5,045 3,150 5,355 3,090 5,255 2,630 4,210

K AEGEAN DECK Inside Forward 4,860 7,290 4,035 5,850 3,790 5,495 2,365 3,430 1,825 2,460 1,595 2,150 2,160 3,675 3,140 5,655 2,035 3,460 2,335 4,205 2,485 4,225 2,700 4,860 2,715 4,620 2,070 3,520 2,805 5,050 3,275 5,895 2,590 4,405 2,535 4,310 2,695 4,585 2,645 4,500 2,150 3,440

L AEGEAN DECK Inside Aft 4,680 7,020 3,880 5,625 3,645 5,285 2,275 3,300 1,725 2,325 1,550 2,090 2,080 3,435 3,025 5,295 1,955 3,230 2,250 3,940 2,390 3,945 2,600 4,550 2,610 4,310 1,990 3,285 2,700 4,725 3,155 5,525 2,490 4,110 2,435 4,020 2,590 4,275 2,540 4,195 2,060 3,195

M BALTIC DECK Inside Forward 4,500 6,300 3,725 5,030 3,500 4,725 2,185 2,950 1,650 2,060 1,475 1,840 1,965 3,245 2,870 5,025 1,850 3,055 2,135 3,740 2,260 3,730 2,470 4,325 2,470 4,080 1,885 3,115 2,565 4,490 2,995 5,245 2,355 3,890 2,305 3,805 2,450 4,045 2,405 3,970 1,945 3,015

N BALTIC DECK Inside Aft 4,295 6,050 3,575 4,820 3,350 4,525 2,095 2,830 1,575 1,980 1,395 1,740 1,825 3,015 2,680 4,690 1,720 2,840 1,995 3,495 2,100 3,465 2,305 4,035 2,295 3,790 1,750 2,890 2,395 4,195 2,795 4,895 2,185 3,610 2,140 3,535 2,275 3,755 2,230 3,680 1,795 2,785

AIR & TRANSFER CREDITS

Outbound - £ 200 250 250 275 200 200 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 110 110 140 110 110 110 150

Inbound - £ 250 250 275 200 200 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 110 110 120 110 110 110 140 220

Total - £ 450 500 525 475 400 200 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 110 220 230 250 220 220 250 370

Prices applicable for bookings from 5 April 2013.

FLY CRUISES 2014/15 GRAND VOYAGES – JAN 2014 - JAN 2015

CRUISE CODE MIN141120 MIN140813 MIN141219 MIN140105C MIN140105A MIN140221A MIN140329A MIN140730A MIN0140813A MIN140827A MIN140910A MIN140924A MIN141008A MIN141008B MIN141022A MIN141105A MIN141105B MIN141120A MIN141120B MIN141204A

DURATION (NIGHTS) 14 15 15 83 47 36 30 28 28 28 28 28 28 44 29 29 44 29 44 30

All prices are per person - £Indian

ExplorationTo Burma

and BeyondA Taste

of IndochinaGrand Faces of South America

Grand Secrets of the

New World

Grand Brazil and Amazon

Grand Ocean Odyssey

Grand Mediterranean

and Aegean

Grand Black Sea and Aegean

Grand Odyssey

Grand Aegean and Adriatic

Grand Mediterranean

Highlights

Grand Ancient Wonders

Grand Realms of Antiquity

Grand Desert Shores

Grand Trade Winds

Grand Indian Ocean

Grand Indian Voyage

Grand Oriental Odyssey

Grand Colours of the East

OCCUPANCY Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single

Cat Deck Description £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

A BRIDGE DECK Owner’s Suite with Balcony 8,085 16,170 7,875 15,750 9,195 18,390 41,305 83,110 24,690 49,380 17,115 34,230 11,525 23,050 12,135 24,475 14,920 30,050 14,615 29,470 13,065 26,335 13,340 26,885 13,620 27,450 19,190 38,855 12,415 25,100 13,110 26,630 19,895 40,900 14,470 29,635 22,515 46,410 15,525 31,740

B SUN DECK Deluxe Balcony Suite 7,315 14,630 7,125 14,250 8,340 16,680 37,410 75,320 22,410 44,820 15,500 31,000 10,390 20,780 10,980 22,165 13,520 27,250 13,215 26,680 11,800 23,810 12,055 24,315 12,305 24,815 17,305 35,095 11,200 22,670 11,810 24,035 17,885 36,880 13,025 26,745 20,255 41,895 14,000 28,690

C BRIDGE DECK Superior Balcony Suite 7,125 14,250 6,940 13,880 8,125 16,250 36,950 74,400 22,140 44,280 15,310 30,620 10,260 20,520 10,690 21,585 13,170 26,545 12,870 25,985 11,490 23,180 11,730 23,665 11,975 24,160 16,835 34,155 10,895 22,060 11,490 23,390 17,385 35,885 12,670 26,030 19,695 40,775 13,620 27,930

D SUN DECK Balcony Suite 6,430 12,860 6,265 12,530 7,355 14,710 32,230 61,870 19,330 36,925 13,400 25,445 8,890 16,895 9,645 19,495 11,900 24,010 11,610 23,465 10,350 20,900 10,565 21,340 10,790 21,785 15,140 30,765 9,795 19,865 10,320 21,055 15,580 32,265 11,370 23,430 17,665 36,710 12,250 25,185

F AEGEAN DECK Outside Forward Window 4,390 7,905 4,275 7,695 5,045 9,085 21,330 37,805 12,910 22,830 8,920 15,475 5,575 8,810 6,540 11,940 8,100 14,750 7,875 14,370 7,005 12,775 7,150 13,040 7,305 13,315 10,175 18,715 6,595 12,095 6,905 12,765 10,270 19,380 7,540 14,130 11,640 22,065 8,165 15,250

G AEGEAN DECK Outside Aft Window 4,160 7,490 4,050 7,290 4,705 8,470 19,795 35,095 12,085 21,365 8,210 14,230 4,690 7,415 6,125 11,195 7,535 13,735 7,375 13,475 6,620 12,080 6,760 12,340 6,905 12,595 9,605 17,680 6,225 11,425 6,515 12,065 9,670 18,295 7,110 13,350 10,885 20,705 7,625 14,280

H BALTIC DECK Outside Forward Port Holes 3,700 6,290 3,600 6,120 4,275 7,695 17,510 29,155 10,745 17,860 7,265 11,795 4,070 5,945 5,500 9,820 6,835 12,470 6,615 11,800 5,865 10,120 5,985 10,330 6,115 10,545 8,510 14,545 5,525 9,325 5,770 9,835 8,495 14,955 6,245 11,100 9,610 17,715 6,790 12,435

I BALTIC DECK Outside Aft Port Holes 3,465 5,895 3,375 5,740 4,065 7,320 16,295 27,250 10,025 16,735 6,770 11,015 3,745 5,545 5,180 9,260 6,485 11,845 6,235 11,135 5,485 9,475 5,605 9,675 5,720 9,875 7,945 13,595 5,160 8,720 5,375 9,185 7,885 13,945 5,805 10,360 8,975 16,625 6,375 11,715

K AEGEAN DECK Inside Forward 2,965 5,045 2,890 4,915 3,510 6,320 13,500 19,465 8,395 12,140 5,605 7,825 3,020 3,960 4,425 7,935 5,570 10,190 5,325 9,540 4,660 8,075 4,760 8,245 4,865 8,425 6,635 11,415 4,280 7,270 4,445 7,645 6,495 11,620 4,870 8,770 7,510 14,080 5,390 9,980

L AEGEAN DECK Inside Aft 2,850 4,705 2,775 4,580 3,380 5,915 12,930 18,630 8,060 11,645 5,370 7,485 2,875 3,770 4,250 7,405 5,355 9,530 5,120 8,910 4,470 7,515 4,565 7,675 4,665 7,840 6,350 10,600 4,095 6,745 4,250 7,090 6,190 10,745 4,655 8,130 7,170 13,055 5,155 9,280

M BALTIC DECK Inside Forward 2,695 4,450 2,625 4,335 3,210 5,620 12,360 16,405 7,725 10,330 5,135 6,575 2,725 3,245 4,020 7,020 5,075 9,040 4,840 8,435 4,220 7,105 4,310 7,250 4,405 7,410 5,980 9,995 3,860 6,365 3,990 6,675 5,795 10,100 4,365 7,655 6,720 12,300 4,850 8,765

N BALTIC DECK Inside Aft 2,505 4,135 2,440 4,030 2,995 5,245 11,765 15,625 7,370 9,870 4,895 6,255 2,570 3,060 3,730 6,525 4,725 8,430 4,485 7,835 3,900 6,580 3,990 6,720 4,075 6,855 5,505 9,225 3,550 5,870 3,670 6,160 5,295 9,295 4,005 7,065 6,160 11,355 4,470 8,120

AIR & TRANSFER CREDITS

Outbound - £ 220 365 365

Inbound - £ 365 365 365

Total - £ 585 730 730

Should passengers wish to arrange their own international air transportation/transfers between Minerva when the vessel is operating on fly cruises then an air credit can be deducted as per the grid under the standard fare. This only applies to international flights. Please refer to our general information section “Independent Travel Arrangements & Air Credits”.

AIR CREDITS - Fly Cruise

Ex UK

CALL RESERVATIONS

www.swanhellenic.com0844 209 9000

115

STANDARD FARES: With Standard Fares you choose the itinerary and cabin of your choice and your cabin number is confirmed at time of booking.

SINGLE FARES: Single occupancy cabins are limited and the rates shown for single occupancy are capacity controlled. Once these are sold, single occupancy cabins may still be booked, but will be subject to a supplement of 100% of the twin fare. SAVER FARES: We may decide, at any time prior to departure, to advertise Saver Fares. There is no guarantee that these fares will be offered in your cabin category or on every cruise. If made available, please note that your cabin number will only be allocated when you receive your final cruise documents two weeks prior to your cruise. Additional conditions may apply.

All rates are subject to change without notice and we recommend booking early to secure the cabin and itinerary of your choice.

THE ART OF

DISCOVERY CRUISING

2

For 60 years Swan Hellenic has been perfecting the art of small ship discovery cruising, leading the way to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations in

the company of renowned Guest Speakers.

Travel in country house style aboard our flagship Minerva to cities of music, culture and art, sites of ancient civilisations, remote villages, iconic coastlines and inspirational landscapes and, during leisurely days at sea, absorb in-depth talks and browse our extensive library.

Swan Hellenic is cruising for those with a mind to travel and to understand more, and also for those who appreciate the highest levels of service and comfort.

SWAN FILMS ONLINESee and hear the sights and sounds on board Minerva by viewing our two films, The Minerva Experience and our Upgrade Film at www.swanhellenic.com

Front cover image: Oia, Greece. (Visit Oia on ‘Swan’s Hellenic Celebration’ cruise, 15 Days, 13 August – 27 August 2014. See pages 52-53).

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