At a Glance
- Where: Italy & the Greek Isles
- When: September 17-24, 2011
7 Nights/8 Days - Ship: NCL's Norwegian Jade
- Prices From: $999.00*
- Sober Sailors Exclusive:
Private Group
Shore Excursions
Italy and Greek Isles
September 17 - 24, 2011 | Italy & the Greek Isles
Our Itinerary:
| Port of Call | Date | Arrive | Depart |
| Venice, Italy |
9/17/11 | 5:00pm | |
| At Sea |
9/18/11 | ||
| Corfu, Greece |
9/19/11 | 8:00am | 3:00pm |
| Santorini, Greece |
9/20/11 | 1:00pm | 10:00pm |
| Mykonos, Greece |
9/21/11 | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Katakolon, Greece | 9/22/11 | 9:00am | 6:00pm |
| At Sea |
9/23/11 | ||
| Venice, Italy | 9/24/11 | 8:00am |
About NCL:
Flexibility & Freedom on a Cruise Back To Top
Freestyle Cruising® is all about flexibility and freedom. Freedom from stress. Freedom from schedules. Freedom to create your own vacation. On an NCL cruise, you can eat where you want, when you want, with whom you want. And with up to 13 different restaurants and dining rooms on board, you can certainly eat whatever you want. You can also dress the way you want and, at the end of your cruise, get off the ship whenever and however work best for you.
Because NCL has the youngest fleet on the planet, you also know you're getting the coolest, hippest, most innovative vacation on water. There are activities galore both on board and on shore. And, with the widest array of accommodations, you're sure to find the perfect combination of staterooms no matter how many people are cruising with you. On NCL, you're always free to whatever.
About Norwegian Jade:
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Sailing the Mediterranean year-round, Norwegian Jade is the perfect way to experience the beautiful coastlines, rich history and diverse culture of this region. The award-winning restaurants, 13 fun bars and lounges, a grand casino, a Broadway theater and an expansive spa, make this ship as amazing as her unique European itineraries. Visit 4 or 5 exciting destinations and unpack just once with endless choices of accommodations, including the unique 4,390-square-foot Garden Villas and exclusive Courtyard Villa Complex. |
For groups and families touring Europe, lots of inter-connecting staterooms, multi-room suites and other very comfortable accommodations make it easy to travel in numbers.
About Our Cabins:
Prices From: $2089.00* Click Here to Sign Up |
Mini-Suite: Back To Top
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Prices From: $1699.00* Click Here to Sign Up |
Balcony Cabin:
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Prices From: $1259.00* Click Here to Sign Up |
Oceanview Cabin: Back To Top
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Prices From: $999.00* Click Here to Sign Up |
Inside Cabin:
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* All rates are per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin. If you are traveling alone, please call us as we have had a 100% success in pairing up travelers. Port Taxes and Government Fees of $76.92 are additional. Fuel supplement may be applied based on date of registration.
Please note: All Sober Sailors reservations must be made through our partner agency, Meetings en Route and all Sober Sailors event attendees must be registered. Any and all scheduled meetings, events and entertainment are for the exclusive enjoyment of Sober Sailors/Meetings en Route attendees. In order to register, please sign up or call the Meetings en Route office at 310.465.1974.
Please do not plan on attending any function if not registered.
About Italy & The Greek Isles:
September 17 | Venice, Italy Back To Top
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Located off Italy’s north coast on a series of small islands, Venice is singular among the world’s cities. Shakespeare must have agreed, for he selected Venice as the setting for his Othello and The Merchant of Venice. Built over a sprawling archipelago, Venice encompasses 118 islands separated by more than 150 canals that are spanned by some 400 bridges. |
Adding a profound historic past and incomparable art treasures, its fame as one of the world’s great cities is well justified. Most of the city has to be explored on foot, although a convenient water bus system as well as water taxis are plying the canals.
Political refugees founded the first Venetian settlement in the 6th century. By the 13th century, the Republic of St. Mark dominated trade in the eastern Mediterranean and ruled the empire. Maritime trade conducted by shrewd merchants brought great wealth which resulted in the building of palaces, churches and monuments. The city became the centre of the Venetian empire. Many magnificent structures were erected; artists such as Bellini, Titian and Tintoretto created world-famous masterpieces.
Along the Grand Canal, many splendid palaces line the famous waterway. One of the principal stations, San Marco, offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Doges’ Palace. From Piazza San Marco, narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants lead off in various directions. This enchanting city will never fail to capture the senses.
Shopping Back To Top
Shopping in Venice offers endless possibilities. The areas around St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are filled with shops and designer boutiques. The most popular buys are Murano glassware, handmade lace, embroidered linens, leather articles, knitwear and a wide gamut of souvenirs. Many shops close for the obligatory lunchtime between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tourist-oriented shops may stay open throughout the day. The local currency is the euro.
Cuisine Back To Top
Eating establishments in Venice range from fairly inexpensive trattorias to very expensive superior restaurants. You can dine in secluded courtyards, rooftop gardens, or terraces along the Grand Canal. Seafood is excellent, as are pasta and veal dishes.
Other Sites Back To Top
Campanile
The brick bell tower stands in Piazza San Marco. The present structure is a reconstruction of the original, which stood for 1,000 years before it collapsed in 1912. An elevator can be taken to the top, affording views of the Lido, the lagoon and even as far as the Alps on a clear day.
Clock Tower
Almost opposite the Campanile stands the Clock Tower. Two bronze moors adorn its platform, striking the bell every hour. At the foot of the Clock Tower an arched gateway leads into the Merceria (one of the main shopping streets).
Galleria dell'Accademia
Art lovers will not want to miss this magnificent museum. It boasts the most extraordinary collection of Venetian art. In addition to priceless masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini, Paolo Veronese and Titian, there are paintings of 15th- and 16th-century Venice that show how amazingly little the city has changed since then. The Accademia is open every day of the week, but usually requires standing in line to enter.
September 19 | Corfu, Greece Back To Top
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Situated off the western coast of the Greek mainland, Corfu, or Kerkira in Greek, is one of the seven Ionian Islands. Its unique scenery, gentle green hills and subtropical flora rank it among the most captivating of all the Greek Islands. From the 14th through 18th centuries, Corfu was occupied by the Venetians, who introduced the Roman Catholic religion and established Italian as the official language. |
Evidence of this long Italian rule remains today, especially as seen in the architecture. Many of the beautiful buildings of that time have survived in Corfu Town, even after a number of earthquakes.
For many years, the island was a well-kept secret among Europe’s elite. Their discovery of Corfu’s charms led to widespread interest, and eventually made Corfu a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life. Visitors come to enjoy the mild climate, calm, blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves, and miles of beaches. However, despite its popularity, many parts of Corfu remain surprisingly unspoiled. Complementing the island’s scenic attractions is a number of historic sites ranging from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces. An abundance of recreational activities can also be found at major beach resorts.
Shopping Back To Top
Leather goods, jewelry, ceramics and olive woodcarvings usually attract keen buyers. The local currency is the euro.
Cuisine
Restaurants and cafés abound in Corfu Town, and offer Greek specialties as well as international cuisine. Fresh seafood is always a good choice.
Other Sites
Corfu Town
Exploring the narrow streets of the Old Town is a must. See the Town Hall and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyrídon, where a silver sarcophagus contains the remains of the town’s patron saint.
Museum of Asian Art
On the north side of the Spianada stands the former Royal Palace, a Neo-Classical mansion that houses the Museum of East Asian Art on the upper floor.
Archaeological Museum
Located near the Corfu Palace Hotel, the museum features displays of artefacts discovered on Corfu.
The Old Fortress
This impressive 14th-century Venetian structure is now used as a popular venue for concerts.
September 20 | Santorini, Greece Back To Top
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Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered to be the most dramatic. Once an active volcano, it erupted in approximately 1620 B.C. with such force that the centre of the island literally exploded, leaving a submerged crater in its wake. The island’s small villages were preserved in the ashes, providing a fascinating view of everyday life from 3,600 years ago. Santorini’s landscape offsets its simple buildings, which shine in the brilliant sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for grapes, and the local vines produce a crop known for its ‘special volcanic taste’. |
Firá Town, or Thira, is laid out along the edge of a cliff that forms a portion of the rim of the now-extinct caldera. This picturesque site has a charm and atmosphere that can be attributed to the relaxed Greek lifestyle.
Shopping Back To Top
Hundreds of shops line Firá’s narrow streets, and offer a wide choice of jewelry, rugs, leather goods, ceramics, artwork, and embroidered linens. A few souvenir stands are located at Skala Harbour near the tender landing. The local currency is the euro.
Cuisine
A wide selection of tavernas, restaurants and open-air cafés can be found all around Firá. Some of them are located at the crater’s rim, and offer fantastic views. Try the grilled octopus, fresh fish and Greek specialties.
Other Sites
Firá
Stroll along the narrow lanes toward Theotokopoulou Square, located in the heart of Firá. It’s a good starting point for exploring and enjoying the sights. The town’s most notable attribute is its undeniable ambiance and attractive setting. Be aware that there may be lines to board the cable car.
September 21 | Mykonos, Greece Back To Top
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Mykonos is the most easterly of the Northern Cyclades. The island’s historic setting and captivating beauty combine to make it one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in Greece. Mykonos Town is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters. During the 1960s, the Bohemian jet set discovered Mykonos. Since then, many old houses along the waterfront became restaurants, bars and discos catering to an international yachting crowd. The cube-shaped houses of this tiny town extend in a semicircle around the picturesque bay. |
The island’s famous windmills form an attractive backdrop, and are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside. These vestiges reflect a time when wind power was used to grind the island’s grain.
Mykonos boasts some 365 churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a few of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over whitewashed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water skiing and surfing, Mykonos welcomes visitors with endless shopping and dining opportunities. For years, Mykonos has served as an inspiration to artists, and this enchanting island oasis continues to be a favorite destination among visitors to the Greek Islands.
Shopping
The island is known for its many shopping opportunities, including local art, hand-woven items, clothing and jewellery. Just follow any of the numerous little streets leading away from the waterfront, and you will find stores and boutiques of every description. Souvenir shops are open all day, and U.S. Dollars are widely accepted. The local currency is the Euro.
Cuisine Back To Top
Greek cuisine includes liberal use of olive oil, garlic and herbs. Fish and seafood feature prominently on many menus. Vegetable side dishes include artichokes, zucchini and peppers, usually stuffed or cooked in oil. Try a meal of moussaka with a nice Greek wine, and baklava for dessert.
Other Sites
Mykonos Town and Churches
Most places of interest can be reached on-foot. Be sure to explore the maze of narrow, winding streets. The most photographed site is the Paraportiani, a cluster of whitewashed churches situated below three windmills.
Museums
There are a few small museums, notably the Archaeological Museum, which houses relics from the Trojan War, a Folk Art Museum and a Maritime Museum.
Beaches
The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos, and Elia. Super Paradise Beach is reserved for nude sunbathing and swimming. Most beaches are accessible via taxi or rental jeep.
September 22 | Katakolon (Olympia), Greece Back To Top
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The tiny port of Katakolon serves cruise vessels for an excursion to the ancient archaeological site of Olympia. Adjacent to the port is the village of Katakolon, which features a pair of main streets lined by a few souvenir shops and typical local restaurants. Ancient Olympia, the great Panhellenic sanctuary, lies approximately 30 minutes from Katakolon. |
The origin of the Olympic Games is thought to have started as a local funerary celebration. The Greeks believed that Heracles himself laid down the regulations for the games and specified the length of the stadium to be 600 feet (180 meters). The first historical reference to the games can be traced back to 776 B.C., when a treaty between the kings of Elis and Sparta called for a truce during the Olympic Games. From this date on, lists were kept of the winners in the footrace around the stadium, which took place every four years. Other events, such as the long-distance race, pentathlon, boxing and chariot racing, were added later. The winners received a branch from the sacred olive tree, as well as material rewards. After an existence of more than a thousand years, the games were banned by Emperor Theodosius and came to an end in 393 A.D.
The site of Ancient Olympia is spread out along the foot of wooded Mount Kronos. Excavations began in 1875, and are considered one of the archaeological world’s greatest achievements. A direct consequence was the revival of the Olympic Games by Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
Today’s visitors can walk among the ruins and reflect on their significance. Don’t miss the original site where the Olympic flame was lit for today’s modern-day games.
Shopping
A variety of shops can be found along the town's only two streets. Most of the shops sell jewelry and typical Greek souvenirs, many with Olympic motifs. The local currency is the euro.
Cuisine Back To Top
Along the waterfront are some small tavernas offering such local specialties as lamb, fresh fish, Greek salads and honey-soaked baklava for dessert.
Other Sites
Other than participating on the tours, there is little to do in Katakolon but take in its unhurried atmosphere and the friendliness of the people. Just outside of town is a stretch of lovely sand beaches, but without any tourist facilities.
September 24 | Venice, Italy
