As World Book Day comes of age and turns 21 on 1 March 2018, Voyages to Antiquity is inviting holidaymakers to celebrate their love of reading on board Aegean Odyssey is a first class vessel carrying an average of 350 passengers
The ship is small enough to cruise rivers and inlets inaccessible to larger ships, yet large enough to offer an array of facilities including a choice of dining venues, outdoor pool, spa centre and well-stocked library.
Passengers can celebrate their love of reading on the high seas and book a cruise holiday each with a literary link.
Each of the award-winning cultural cruise line’s departures features a selection of renowned guest speakers, many of whom are prolific writers, with expertise ranging from history and archaeology to botany and winemaking.
Below is just a selection of expert-accompanied, bookish journeys that will appeal to the well-read and well-travelled alike.
Iceland, Faroes & Shetlands: With over 60 books under his belt, the botanist, biographer and broadcaster Professor Stefan Buczacki is Britain’s second best-selling gardening author and ideally qualified to bring this cruise’s dramatic landscapes to life. What’s more, HRH The Prince of Wales wrote the foreword for his encyclopaedic Fauna Britannica, once shortlisted for British Illustrated Book of the Year. The 16-day cruise on board Aegean Odyssey departs on 7 July and prices start from £3,195 per person.
Italian & Adriatic Highlights: Author Jonathan Keates has written several acclaimed biographies, travel books on Italy and prize-winning works of fiction throughout his career, making him a charming and knowledgeable companion on this Mediterranean voyage. The 15-day cruise on board Aegean Odyssey departs on 11 September 2018 and prices start from £2,795 per person.
Dalmatia & Ancient Greece: Art critic and prolific author Professor Duncan Macmillan will be on hand on this unforgettable journey between the two gems of art history; Venice and Athens. Amongst his many accolades, his major work Scottish Art 1460-1990 was recognised as Scottish Book of the Year. The 13-day cruise on board Aegean Odyssey departs on 25 September 2018 and prices start from £2,545pp.
Passage to Ancient Egypt & India:Poet and art historian Alan O’Cain will be combining his expert subjects during this memorable cruise via the Mediterranean and Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, helping passengers bring out their creativity during days at sea with art and poetry-writing workshops. The 37-day cruise on board Aegean Odyssey departs on 6 December 2018 and prices start from £6,295 per person.
Voyages to Antiquity cruises explore the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Europe, Africa and Asia in the company of renowned guest speakers. An expertly planned programme of shore excursions brings to life ancient civilisations, iconic masterpieces of art and the colourful culture of the region visited.
Cruise fares include return flights, transfers, all meals on-board and drinks with dinner, shore excursions, on-board guest speakers and on-board gratuities.