Accommodations
M.S. L’AUSTRAL
State-of-the-Art Design
The deluxe M.S. L’AUSTRAL features unprecedented design, technology and standards in comfort and elegance.
120 Exceptionally Spacious, Deluxe Suites and Staterooms
The large Staterooms and Suites range in size from 200 to 484 square feet. Ninety-five percent of the accommodations feature private balconies. All Suites and most Staterooms feature two twin beds that convert to one queen-size bed, a private bathroom with shower (some with bathtub), international direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television, DVD/CD, iPod dock with speakers, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closets, writing desk/dressing table, hair dryer, duvet and plush terry cloth robes.
Elegant Dining Experience
International and local cuisines are served in the stylish, spacious Dining Room in single, unassigned seatings, alfresco in the casual indoor-outdoor Grill Restaurant or from 24-hour Room Service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, a three-course dinner and a late-evening snack are served daily. Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner. Bar service is available on the Sun Deck.
Spacious Public Areas and World-Class Recreational Facilities
Inviting and spacious public areas accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge, nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge and lectures, cultural performances and film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, beauty salon, elevator, infirmary staffed with a doctor and nurse, Sun Deck, swimming pool, spa, Turkish bath-style steam room and full range of
fitness equipment.
Passenger- and Eco-Friendly
The ship’s propulsion system creates little vibration and significantly less engine noise to provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage. The ship meets the latest “Cleanship” standards and is designed to prevent contact with environmentally sensitive seabeds.
The highly trained, English-speaking international crew provides attentive service. Laundry services are available.
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Island Life in Ancient Greece & Turkey
October 11 - 19, 2011
This enlightening voyage aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. L’AUSTRAL, launching in 2011, cruises from the mythical relics of Athens, Delos and Troy, across the glistening waters of the Aegean, to the bustling bazaars and sparkling mosques of Istanbul. Set your own pace in each port by choosing from the attractively priced shore excursions or spending time at leisure. Visit Greece’s history-rich islands—Pátmos, where monks carry on spiritual traditions traced directly to St. John; medieval Rhodes, to walk in the footsteps of crusading knights; Delos, mythical birthplace of Olympian deities; and Santorini, renowned for its dramatic black cliffs. Along Turkey’s enchanting coast, stroll the marble-paved boulevards of Ephesus. The exclusive “C’est Bon! Culinary Traditions” program led by a renowned culinary expert celebrates the local cuisines and wines of our ports of call through culinary lectures, demonstrations and tastings. Enrich your appreciation of the flavors and gastronomic traditions of these regions by choosing from a selection of specially arranged optional shore excursions accompanied by our culinary expert. Extend your journey with a Pre-Cruise Option in Athens and a Post-Cruise Option in Istanbul or Cappadocia.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE GOHAGAN TRAVEL SERVICES
ATHENS PRE-CRUISE PROGRAM, CAPPADOCIA & ISTANBUL POST-CRUISE PROGRAM, ISTANBUL POST-CRUISE PROGRAM
Relive the ancient tales of Homer and the glories of mythical heroes and gods on this seven-night cruise from Athens to Istanbul.
Enjoy deluxe accommodations as you cruise across the heart of the Aegean board the exclusively chartered M.S. L’AUSTRAL, a splendid new vessel whose innovative design and state-of-the-art amenities promise to raise the small ship cruise experience to new heights.
Meet with residents of Pátmos at an exclusive VILLAGE FORUMTM, learn some Greek phrases and pronunciation and enjoy exclusive lectures on Greek mythology and Turkish history.
Choose among attractively priced optional excursions featuring the sacred Byzantine treasures of Pátmos; the spectacular ruins of Delos; the sights and sounds of sun-splashed Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini; the ruins of ancient Troy; and the marble-paved thoroughfares of Ephesus.
Explore the local flavors through the “C’est Bon! Culinary Traditions” program—optional excursions with an emphasis on fine regional cuisine, informative lectures by a professional culinary writer and cooking demonstrations by master chefs.
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $3195 per person, plus airfare and based on double occupancy.
Booking For booking information please contact Thomas P. Gohagan at 800-922-3088, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263.
Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 Depart from the U.S.
Day 9 Athens, Greece (Piraeus)/Embark M.S. L’AUSTRAL
Day 8 Delos/Mykonos
Day 7 Santorini
Day 6 Rhodes
Day 5 Pátmos, Greece
Day 4 Ephesus (Ku¸sadasi)
Day 3 Troy (Çanakkale)
Day 2 Istanbul, Turkey/Disembark M.S. L’AUSTRAL/Return to the U.S.
This itinerary also operates in the reverse direction.
Activity Level
Moderately Active
More details available in the brochure.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
ON BOARD THE EXCLUSIVELY CHARTERED, DELUXE M.S. L’AUSTRAL
- Seven-night cruise from Athens, Greece, to Istanbul, Turkey, with calls at Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Pátmos, Greece; and Ku¸sadasi (Ephesus) and Çanakkale (Troy), Turkey.
- Spacious and elegant outside accommodations with private bathroom and individual climate control.
- Captain’s welcome and farewell receptions.
- All meals—Continental breakfast, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-evening snack—throughout the cruise, featuring fine international and regional cuisine, served at single, unassigned seatings.
- Complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea with lunch and dinner.
TOURS AND EXCURSIONS LED BY EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES
- Tour of the splendid classical ruins on Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the House of the Dolphins and the four temples to the deities Apollo and Artemis.
- Opportunity to explore and relax on the picturesque island of Mykonos, renowned for its ancient windmills, whitewashed villages and charming harbors.
- Visit to Santorini, featuring a cable car ride to Thíra and spectacular views of the caldera.
- Walking tour of the Old Town in Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Palace of the Grand Masters.
- Tour of the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Pátmos, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation.
- Excursion to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world.
- Visit to the legendary city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and setting for the epic tales of Homer’s Iliad.
EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL ENRICHMENT
- VILLAGE FORUM™ with local residents to discuss life in the Greek Islands.
- Greek language presentation, introducing basic phrases and correct pronunciation.
- Lectures by faculty on regional culture, history, literature and ancient mythology, providing a comprehensive introduction to Greece and Turkey.
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ATHENS PRE-CRUISE OPTION
Complement your journey with this two-night stay in Athens, Greece, Western civilization’s first great center of democracy and philosophy. Enjoy deluxe, centrally located accommodations in the INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENAEUM, a guided tour of the Parthenon and an excursion to Delphi.
CAPPADOCIA AND ISTANBUL POST-CRUISE OPTION
Extend your Aegean Sea experience with four nights in Turkey highlighting the mesmerizing fairy chimney landscapes of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of nature’s most captivating treasures. Travel to the heart of Anatolia, the enchanting world of volcanic rock formations where early Christian converts sought shelter from Roman legions. Here, local vintners continue to produce wine just as their ancestors have for more than 3,000 years. Visit 2,000-year-old rock-hewn villages and learn about the region’s distinctive culture, which traces its roots to Biblical times. Accommodations for two nights will be in the deluxe CAPPADOCIA CAVE RESORT, an intimate property nestled amid the rock formations of Ushisar in the heart of the National Park of Göreme. This Pre-Program Option also includes flights to and from Cappadocia, two nights in Istanbul’s deluxe CEYLAN INTERCONTINENTAL and inclusive guided tours of the city’s magnificent landmarks from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace.
ISTANBUL POST-CRUISE OPTION
This special two-night option in Istanbul, Turkey, features accommodations in the deluxe CEYLAN INTERCONTINENTAL and included guided tours of the city’s magnificent landmarks from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace.
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