Autumn in Italy
Cruise 601
21 Oct-4 Nov 2024
15 days
Fares from �3170
| Fares for Cruise 601 | ||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | |
 |
Owners Suite | 6340 |
 |
Suite | 6040 |
 |
Deluxe | 5155 |
 |
Superior | 4520 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | ||
 |
A Deck outside | 4225 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 3930 |
 |
B Deck outside | 3845 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 3590 |
 |
A Deck inside | 3255 |
 |
B Deck inside | 3170 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | ||
|
A Deck outside | 5915 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 5502 |
|
B Deck outside | 5383 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 5026 |
|
A Deck inside | 4232 |
|
B Deck inside | 4121 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | ||
MUSIC
The Italian musical tradition is one of extraordinary richness and variety. Hear about the glorious music from the 17th century through to the 20th with Nicholas Kenyon, Director of the BBC Proms.
The Reverend Jonathan Boardman
Currently Chaplain of All Saints' Church in Rome, his talks will concentrate on the interface between the pagan world of late antiquity and the birth of a Christian Europe, with special reference to the concept of "The City", ancient and modern.
Elizabeth Gordon
NADFAS lecturer who has lived in Italy for 17 years. Her subjects will include the Renaissance and Byzantine mosaics in Venice, Ravenna and Sicily as well as Greek and Roman architecture.
Nicholas Kenyon
The Italian musical tradition is one of extraordinary richness and variety. We will hear about the glorious music from the 17th century through to the 20th with Nicholas Kenyon, Director of the BBC Proms.
Sir Roy Strong
Writer and historian, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum. Sir Roy will be speaking on the relationship of England and Italy in the field of the visual arts.
Professor Malcolm Todd
Professor of Archaeology at the University of Durham whose main interests lie in Greek and Roman culture and archaeology.
| Sun 21 Oct London - Venice |
| Fly from London to join Minerva in the romantic city of Venice. |
| Mon 22 Oct Venice |
| A morning to explore this ever-alluring city, with its bustling canals, hidden piazzas and countless churches. Our visits include the historic Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and captivating St Mark's Square. For music lovers we will see the recently restored Teatro La Fenice as well as Vivaldi's church. After lunch we enjoy an unforgettable sail out across the lagoon into the Adriatic and spend the afternoon at sea to settle in and explore Minerva's many facilities. Arrive in Ravenna late evening. |
| Tue 23 Oct Ravenna |
| We spend the day in Ravenna, one-time capital of Byzantium's western provinces. We have a full day to explore both the town's ancient treasures, especially its spectacular mosaics, and to enjoy its present-day relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer, take our supplementary full-day excursion to the delightful hill-town of Urbino, set in the rolling Umbrian hills. |
| Wed 24 Oct At Sea |
| A full day at sea to enjoy a swim in the pool, take a stroll around Promenade Deck or simply relax with a good book and a cocktail by the pool. |
| Thu 25 Oct Bari (for Alberobello or Egnazia) |
| This morning we arrive in the southern Italian port of Bari for a visit to the pretty town of Alberobello. Here we view the unique "Trulli", circular, whitewashed stone houses built entirely without mortar and topped with pinnacled roofs, often with astrological or religious signs painted on them. Alternatively, remain in Bari to admire the opera house or explore the lovely coastal ruins of the Graeco-Messapian town of Egnazia. Afternoon at sea. |
| Fri 26 Oct Catania (for Taormina or Mount Etna) |
| An afternoon in Catania, birthplace of the composer Bellini, and still boasting innumerable tributes to his genius. Join our excursion to Taormina, Sicily's most fashionable resort, for a visit to the Greek theatre followed by some time at leisure to stroll around the shops. Alternatively, ascend still-active Mount Etna by cable car, and admire the beautiful views. |
| Sat 27 Oct Porto Empedocle (for Agrigento) |
| After a morning at sea we arrive in Porto Empedocle for an afternoon visit to Agrigento. Here, in the Valley of Temples, it is possible to clearly picture the glory and magnificence that this Greek and later Roman city enjoyed. If you prefer, join our supplementary tour for a scenic drive along the coast, bringing us to the majestic ruins of Selinunte. |
| Sun 28 Oct Palermo (for Monreale) |
| A full day is spent in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, a former Arab emirate and seat of a Norman kingdom, with its famous opera house. Take our city tour in the morning and in the afternoon visit the cathedral at Monreale, with its exquisite mosaics and intricately inlaid cloisters, or choose our supplementary excursion to the near-perfect hilltop temple at Segesta, with splendid views over the Sicilian countryside. |
| Mon 29 Oct-Tue 30 Oct Naples (for Pompeii and Herculaneum) |
| Arrive in the lively city of Naples at lunchtime on Monday. During our stay we will visit the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both were destroyed in the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79 and were preserved giving us a graphic idea of what Roman towns were like. Music lovers can tour the Opera house, famed for its perfect acoustics. Also on offer is a supplementary excursion to see the lovely gardens of Lady Walton on Ischia. It was here that her late husband, the famous Sir William Walton, composed several of his masterpieces. There is the chance to dine ashore. |
| Wed 31 Oct Civitavecchia (for Ostia or Tarquinia) |
| Our morning visit is to Ostia, once the seaport for ancient Rome, where we see the Roman theatre, forum and temple. This afternoon we explore Tarquinia, the major centre of the enigmatic Etruscan civilization. You may opt to join our supplementary full-day excursion to Rome eitherto see some of its great ancient treasures or to wander independently and absorb the unique atmosphere of the lively Italian capital. |
| Thu 1 Nov Elba |
| A midday arrival at the Tuscan island of Elba allows the opportunity to lunch ashore. This afternoon you can explore this lush island on a scenic drive, join our walking tour to visit the house where Napoleon lived in exile, or wander and shop in the attractive town. |
| Fri 2 Nov Livorno (for Pisa and Lucca) |
| A day to explore the treasures of Tuscany. Pisa, with its classical Renaissance architecture, and the charming walled town of Lucca are both on offer, or there is the chance to discover more about the life of Puccini, one of the region's most famous composers, with a visit to his former residence. You may like to join our supplementary full-day excursion to Florence. |
| Sat 3 Nov At Sea - Cagliari |
| A final day at sea to unwind and reflect on the highlights of the cruise. Chat with new found friends, enjoy a game of cards, or watch a film. In the evening we arrive in Sardinia - an opportunity to sample some local delicacies in town. |
| Sun 4 Nov Cagliari - London |
| Transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. |
