Andante Travels and Voyages to Antiquity (VTA) will offer collaborative cruise and land tours across the Mediterranean next year.
Pre and post-cruise tours and extras are already available on VTA’s trips across Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia but the partnership will involve additional benefits, known as ‘Only with Andante’ offerings.
These extras will be available on three of VTA’s cruises in May, August and September 2019 and will give guests the opportunity to explore lesser known areas and participate in private and extended tours.
Andante’s experts will also accompany passengers aboard the Aegean Odyssey and on the many land trips featured in the 2019 itineraries.
Excursions will be to areas that are traditionally deemed as inaccessible and could include a trip to the Trajan harbour of Portus, a private visit to the Doge’s Palace in Venice and some time spent at the ancient religious shrine of Eleusis in Athens.
About the Aegean Odyssey
- Voyages to Antiquity’s vessel, the Aegean Odyssey, has a capacity of 350 guests.
- The small size of the ship allows passengers on the combined trips to visit bays, coves, rivers and ports that remain inaccessible to larger vessels.
- The Aegean Odyssey has two dining venues, several lounges and bars, a spa and a library.
- Andante’s experts will be on board the Aegean Odyssey to provide a cultural and historic insight into the areas visited.
Andante and VTA on the partnership
Jos Dewing, managing director of VTA, said: “I have long been a big fan of Andante and the close similarities in ethos and shared focus on cultural travel between our two companies makes this an extremely logical and exciting collaboration.”
Richard Tarrant, marketing director of Specialist Journeys, of which Andante Travels is part of, added: “As market leaders in the small-ship cultural cruise sector, Voyages to Antiquity are a natural fit for Andante’s wonderful destinations and world-class experts.”
Selected 2019 itineraries
Mediterranean Odyssey (26th August – 9th September): This 15-day cruise will depart from Lisbon before transporting passengers through five countries. It includes two hotel nights, eight shore excursions and five ‘Only with Andante’ extras including an afternoon walk through Ancient Rome and a visit to Trajan’s Harbour.
Italian and Adriatic Highlights (5th September – 20th September): Departing from Rome, this 16-day tour will take passengers through four countries and include three hotel nights, 12 shore excursions and six ‘Only with Andante’ extras. Highlights will include a private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica and a private visit to the Mithraeum beneath the Circus Maximus.
Image: Aegean Odyssey (Photo Credit: Voyages to Antiquity)
