MALTA TO VENICE WITH A NINE-NIGHT LUXURY CRUISE ABOARD THE SEA CLOUD II

SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 8, 2018 TOUR LEADER: DR KATHLEEN OLIVE

Overview Academy Travel is proud to offer a tour that explores the Mediterranean in grand style aboard the luxury cruise ship Sea Cloud II.

This new 17-day tour offers the opportunity to combine the pleasure of sailing through one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean with visits to a host of remarkable harbours on a journey from Valletta to Venice.

In Valletta, explore pre-historic sites and the rich culture of the Maltese; cruise the stunning Dalmatian coast, pausing in Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Zadar. The cruise ends in Venice where we spend four days exploring this wondrous city with its extraordinary art and history.

The nine-night luxury cruise takes place on the yacht Sea Cloud II. This 45-cabin, three masted Barque is traditionally crafted in teak, but with modern features. On most days the Sea Cloud II will set its 40 or so sails for at least a few hours, an enchanting experience. The adventure of sailing on the Sea Cloud II is very, very different from mainstream ocean cruising.

The tour takes place in September and October, generally a very pleasant time of year on land and sea. Winds are typically fairly gentle at this time, allowing for an enjoyable sailing experience. Like all Academy Travel tours, there will be a maximum of 20 people in our party.

Your tour leader Dr Kathleen Olive has more than 15 years’ experience leading tours to Europe and the USA. She has a PhD in Italian literature, regularly presents popular adult education courses in Sydney, and speaks fluent Italian. Kathleen has a specific interest in Italian culture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, but she has taught general European history of this period at the University of Sydney. She

also led Academy Travel’s first tours to Spain, with a particular focus on the Middle Ages and Golden Age on the Iberian Peninsula. Kathleen’s academic research on the Middle Ages culminated with the publication of the Codex Rustici. Together with co-author Nerida Newbigin, Kathleen edited this fifteenth-century Florentine commonplace book and was in Florence when it was presented to Pope Francis I as an official gift on his first trip to the city. It has subsequently been launched at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale in Florence (Italy’s Library of Congress) – and even at the Custodia della Terra Santa in Jerusalem!

MALTA TO VENICE ABOARD THE SEA CLOUD II

Tour dates: September 22 – October 8, 2018

Tour leader: Dr Kathleen Olive

Tour Price: $14,550 per person, twin share

Single Supplement: $8,040

Booking deposit: $500 per person

Recommended airline: Emirates

Maximum places: 20

Itinerary: Valletta (3 nights), Sea Cloud II (9 nights), Venice (4 nights)

Date published: August 16, 2017

Enquiries and bookings

For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Kathy Wardrop at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email kathy@academytravel.com.au

This tour is run in association with ADFAS Travel

The Sea Cloud II

The 348-foot Sea Cloud II was launched in 2001, and offers a truly memorable travel experience. The design and fittings are modelled on her sister ship, the 1931 Sea Cloud, the private yacht of the renowned American heiress and businesswoman Marjorie Merewether Post. Teak decks, brass fittings, white cloth sails and luxurious decor create a unique environment, matching perfectly the historical themes of our tour. Although much of the journey takes place under motor, on several days the crew climbs the rigging to set the square sails and jibs and you experience the thrill of ocean yachting. The facilities onboard are excellent. With a maximum of 94 passengers and 50 crew, service is very attentive. (There is a maximum of 20 in our tour party.) Cabins are large and comfortable, with twin beds, a sofa, built-in wardrobes and private bathrooms (please see further information and diagrams later in this itinerary). There is a range of public spaces, including a salon, a library/internet station, a lido deck with a bar and seating and deck chairs running along the sides of the decks. There is a laundry, a small fitness centre, a day spa and a hospital room on board. A doctor accompanies all voyages. The food, wine and outstanding service on board are a real highlight of travelling on Sea Cloud II. All meals are included; the menu is interesting and varied and is complemented by a wide range of wines. Dinners are served in the large and elegant dining room. Weather permitting, buffet lunches are served on the lido deck. Further information on the ship can be found at www.seacloud.com

Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the letters B, L and D.

Saturday 22 September Arrive Valletta

Meet your tour leader, Dr Kathleen Olive, at the hotel to take a short boat cruise of Valletta’s imposing harbour before a welcome drink and light dinner in our hotel. Overnight The Phoenicia Malta Hotel, Valletta (D)

Sunday 23 September Valletta, Tarxien and Hal saflieni

This morning we visit the Neolithic temple complex at Tarxien, a site of extraordinary archaeological significance consisting of three temples built around 3000-2500 BC and a fourth dating from an earlier building phase. In small groups, we visit the recently reopened Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a complex underground burial chamber. After our welcome lunch at a local restaurant, we commence a walking tour of Valletta visiting the Upper Barracca Gardens, which command a breathtaking view of the Grand Harbour. We also visit St John’s Co-Cathedral which holds, amongst its treasures, two paintings by Caravaggio – St Jerome and the vast Beheading of St John, painted in 1608 while the artist was briefly serving as a novice of the Order of Saint John in Valletta. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

Monday 24 September GOZO

Today we travel by speed boat to the island of Gozo, Malta’s smaller and more relaxed neighbour. Our visit includes the Ggantija Temples, the most complete temple complex on the islands, part of which predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids. We also visit Calypso’s Cave and the Old Citadel in Victoria. After lunch together, we visit Xlendi Bay and Dwejra. In the later afternoon, we return to Valletta by boat. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

Tuesday 25 September Mdina and San Anton Gardens

Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city, with an extraordinary mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Archaeological evidence traces settlement back over 4000 years to the Phoenicians. Its strategic location on the highest point of the island has made it home to Arab, Norman, Sicilian and Spanish rulers and earned it the name of Citta Notabile, the noble city. Afterwards we visit San Anton Gardens, open to the public since 1882, it was built by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence, San Anton Palace, which today is the residence of the Maltese President. In the later afternoon, we transfer to the port of Valletta to board Sea Cloud II. At sunset we make the breathtaking exit from Valletta harbour. Dinner is included every evening on board. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, D)

Wednesday 26 September At Sea

Our first day is spent at sea, with much of the day under sail. You will get to witness the crew setting sail and various technical aspects of the ship will be explained by staff. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Thursday 27 September Adriatic Sea

This morning we cruise the Adriatic Sea, taking in the picturesque Italian coastline. There will be a background talk in preparation for our visit. We arrive early evening and venture ashore to stroll through the town. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Friday 28 September Otranto

This morning we take a guided tour of the seaside town of Otranto, once a leading port of trade with Asia Minor and Greece, and under the Byzantines an important foothold of the Eastern Roman Empire in Italy. It is home to a superb 12th-century Norman cathedral with spectacular medieval floor mosaics, and an Aragonese castle from the time when this Spanish dynasty ruled southern Italy. We return to Sea Cloud II for lunch and afternoon sailing. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Saturday 29 September Dubrovnik

For centuries Dubrovnik maintained its independence as crusaders, pilgrims, travellers, adventurers and merchants passed through. This afternoon we explore the historical heart of this fascinating city. Despite being severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667 and again during the 1990’s conflict, the city has retained many of its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings and is the focus of a UNESCO-coordinated restoration program. Our walking tour includes the Rector’s Palace, cathedral, Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, and there is the option to walk the city’s impressive walls. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Sunday 30 September Korcula

The town of Korcula is perched on a peninsula, surrounded by 13th-century walls, reinforced with towers and bastions by the Venetians after 1420. We explore the town’s main sites, including the 13th-century cathedral of St Mark, build in pale, honey-coloured stone. We return to Sea Cloud II for lunch and afternoon sailing. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Monday 1 October Zadar

Early afternoon we arrive in Zadar, a narrow peninsular that was the main base for the Byzantine fleet in the Middle Ages. We

visit the Archaeological Museum, containing objects that date from prehistory to recent times. We tour the historic centre of the Old Town, including the fortifications and the unique 9th-century church of St Donat, one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Dalmatia. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Tuesday 2 October Porec

After lunch we sail into the port of Rovinj. We make the short journey to Poreč to take a walking tour of the town. We visit the remarkable 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica which, with its UNESCO World Heritage listing, is acknowledged as one of the best examples of early Byzantine art in the region. We also visit the adjacent museum, the former Bishop’s Palace, housing a small collection of mosaics, sculpture and vestments. Earlier churches on the site are visible from the Bishop’s Palace Museums. The climb to the top of the belltower is not for the fainthearted but offers superb views across the old town. We return to Sea Cloud II for dinner and evening sailing. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Wednesday 3 October Ravenna

This morning Sea Cloud II arrives in Ravenna, the Byzantine capital of Italy in the 5th-8th centuries. It is in Ravenna, after the fall of the Roman Empire, that the Byzantine visual style of gold-ground mosaics first developed. Here we view the UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches of San Vitale and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. We also examine evidence of the Gothic kingdom in Italy in the late 5th and early 6th century, including the Palace and Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Neonian baptistery. We return to Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon. Overnight aboard Sea Cloud II (B, L, D)

Thursday 4 October Rialto and Palazzo Ducale

Our arrival into Venice harbour marks the end of our cruise but the beginning of our exploration of Venice. We start in the Rialto area, once Europe’s premier trade and finance hub. We walk the bridge, tour the lively markets, and head to Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a warehouse for Turkish traders in the 17th-19th centuries. It is now a luxury shopping complex with a panoramic rooftop view. After a break for lunch we continue on to Palazzo Ducale. Once the home to Venice’s rulers and the offices of state, the Doge’s Palace is a triumph of Gothic architecture. Our guided tour continues to St Mark’s Basilica, constructed between the 10th and 14th centuries. Our program includes the illumination of the basilica’s interiors, to see the bejewelled Pala d’Oro (golden altarpiece) and the loggia at the front of the church, where one can admire the bronze horses brought from Constantinople. Overnight Hotel Al Codega, Venice (B, D)

Friday 5 October san Marco and the trading empire

Today we venture beyond what the average tourist sees of Venice, starting with a vaporetto to the Castello district where we visit the historic Arsenal of Venice and the church of San Zaccaria, with its extraordinary altarpiece by Bellini. We visit the confraternal headquarters of the Greek and Dalmatian communities in Venice, including the stunning Icon Museum. After a leisurely break for lunch, we take a private tour of Venice’s ghetto district and its synagogues. The Jews of Venice played an important role in the city and the ghetto has a fascinating history. Overnight Venice (B)

Saturday 6 October Venetian fine art

This morning we visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, the main museum of Venetian painting from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, displaying important works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and others. The afternoon is at leisure, with the option of a visit to the startlingly modern Punta della Dogana Museum, renovated by Tadeo Ando, highly recommended. Overnight Venice (B)

Sunday 7 October Venice and the lagoon

Today we gain a sense of the geography of the Venetian lagoon and the city’s appearance in its earliest days. We travel by ferry to the peaceful lagoon island of Torcello. On Torcello we view the 6th-century basilica with its mosaics and Byzantine decorations, as well as the small museum of the Venetian lagoon. We then enjoy a relaxed welcome lunch at the legendary Locanda Cipriani on Torcello before returning to our hotel. Overnight Venice (B, L)

Monday 8 October Departure

The tour ends after breakfast. Departing group members transfer by private launch to Venice's Marco Polo airport for outgoing flights. (B)

Weather on tour September and October is one of the best times of the year for visiting Malta, Croatia and Italy. The summer hordes have departed and temperatures are still in the 20’s. Evenings are mild, around 12-15 degrees. There should be a good breeze for sailing. There is the possibility of rain and occasional thunderstorms at this time of year, but it is not expected to interrupt the program.

Air travel OPTIONS The tour price quoted is for land content only. We recommend flights with Emirates, who fly into Malta and out of Venice. Please contact us for further information on competitive Economy, Business and First Class airfares. Airport transfers will be included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel.

Enquiries & bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Kathy Wardrop at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email kathy@academytravel.com.au

Fitness Requirements of THIS tour GRADE TWO

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate, we have given tours a star grading. Our tours feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring.

Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on most days, including longer walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats. You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 4-5 km at moderate pace with only short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in museums tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions negotiate slopes, steps and archaeological sites, which

are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or

boat unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required

A note for older travellers If you are more than 80 years old or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging and will have to miss several activities. Your booking will not be accepted until you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your situation and the tour’s requirements. We will do our best to reasonably accommodate physical needs of all group members, but reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that tour requirements are too demanding and/or if local conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.

Tour Price The tour price is $14,550 per person, twin share. The supplement for a single traveller is $8,040. This is based on a comfortable E-grade cabin, Academy Travel’s usual choice for Sea Cloud II tours.

Upgrades to category B and D cabins, discount for F cabin We are holding a limited number of category B, D and F cabins, at prices set out in the table below. Please contact us to check the availability of these cabins.

Tour deposit A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour. A second non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is required six months before departure.

Tour inclusions Included in the tour price Seven nights’ accommodation in selected four and five

star hotels in Valletta and Venice Nine nights aboard the luxurious Sea Cloud II All breakfasts Lunches and dinners, in local restaurants and on board

the cruise ship, as indicated in the itinerary Private shore excursions for Academy Travel group Land travel by air-conditioned coach Background talks and extensive tour notes All entrance fees to sites mentioned on itinerary Local guides for most cities and sites Tips to local guides and drivers Group tip for cruise staff

Not included in the tour price International air fares, taxes and surcharges Travel insurance Individual tips to cruise cabin staff Meals not stated as included in this itinerary Internet during cruise (limited availability, chargeable) Items of a personal nature such as laundry or phone

Category Supplement or reduction D – Deluxe Cabin (2 cabins available)

Supplement of $2,200 per cabin (1 or 2 passengers)

B – Junior Suite (2 cabins available)

Supplement of $7,700 per cabin (1 or 2 passengers)

F – Deluxe Cabin (1 cabin available)

Reduction of $2,140 per cabin (1 or 2 passengers)

Hotel Information

The Phoenicia Malta Hotel, Valletta (3 nights)

This newly renovated five-star hotel is located in the heart of Valletta. It commands views from its elevated position overlooking the port and the historic city. It is within walking distance of the shopping district, and the impressive Parliament House building, designed by Renzo Piano, is opposite the hotel through the city’s gates. www.lhw.com/hotel/Phoenicia-Floriana-Malta

Hotel Al Codega, Venice (4 nights)

The four-star Hotel Al Codega is a small, independent, family-run hotel. It is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Venice, and provides you with peace, comfort and convenience. Breakfasts are very good and there is a cosy bar to enjoy an evening drink. www.hotel.com

Onboard, Sea Cloud II (9 nights)

All cabins include private bathrooms. www.seacloud.com

Junior suites (Cat. B) Conveniently located on the Promenade Deck, rooms are well furnished and spacious with a panorama window, seating area, dressing table and walk-in closet. Rooms are 22 square metres. Deluxe Cabins (Cat. D) Located on the Cabin Deck, rooms are well designed, with three portholes, a queen or twin beds, a sofa, two chairs and a table and built in wardrobes. Rooms are 21 square metres. Deluxe Cabins (Cat. E) Located on the Cabin Deck, rooms are comfortable, with two portholes, a queen or twin beds, a sofa, built in wardrobes and private bathrooms. Rooms are 19 square metres. Upper/lower bed cabins (Cat. F) Located on the Cabin Deck, rooms are in the traditional windjammer style with upper and lower beds, including two portholes and built in wardrobes. Rooms are 14 square metres.

“What's so special about the Sea Cloud II is the ample space and sense of openness which are unusual for a sailing ship.”

Sea cloud II Deck Plan

More information at: www.seacloud.com/en/yachts/sea-cloud-ii/deck-plan/

Sun Deck

Lido Deck

Cabin Deck

Promenade Deck