Our Trip of a Lifetime! Celebrating our 38th Anniversary September 3 - 19th, 2018
Barcelona, Spain Ibiza, Spain Porto Mahon, Spain Antibes, France Monto Carlo, Monaco
Portofino, Italy Livorno, Italy Rome, Italy Paris, France
September 3rd, Monday (bus class) American Airlines AA0443 departs: 4:09 pm from Nash arrives: 6?45pm to Charlotte departs: 8:20 pm from Charlotte arrives: 10:50 am 9/4 Barcelona
Sept 4th, Tuesday
Arrive in Barcelona Transfer from Airport by Silver Seas
CHECK INTO HOTEL CONDES DE BARCELONA
day free...
DAY & EVENING FREE TO SIGHTSEE...
The hotel is ideally located on Paseo de Gracia, the main commercial artery of the city, in the heart of modernist Barcelona and opposite Gaudí’s La Pedrera. A few minutes away is Plaza Cataluña and the historic centre of the city, as well as other places of interest that make Barcelona one of Europe’s most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. The hotel occupies one former nineteenth century palace – Casa Daurella® - which have been expanded and renovated to the highest architectural standards to create a modern, functional and first-class hotel in which art and unique historical elements coexist with the most modern comforts. The Hotel stands out for its gastronomic excellence under the management of Martín Berasategui, who advises on and oversees all of the Hotel’s restaurant services.
September 5th - Tour of Sagrada Familia - 10am
The Basílica Sagrada Família (Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family) is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Gaudí’s work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in November 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated and proclaimed it a minor basilica as distinct from a cathedral, which must be the seat of a bishop. In 1882, construction of Sagrada Família started under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, when Villar resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and at the time of his death at age 73 in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete. Relying solely on private donations, Sagrada Familia’s construction progressed slowly and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, only to resume intermittent progress in the 1950s. Since commencing construction in 1882, advancements in technologies such as computer aided design
and computerised numerical control (CNC) have enabled faster progress and construction passed the midpoint in 2010. However, some of the project’s greatest challenges remain, including the construction of ten more spires, each symbolising an important Biblical figure in the New Testament. It is anticipated that the building can be completed by 2026—the centenary of Gaudí’s death. The basilica has a long history of dividing the citizens of Barcelona: over the initial possibility it might compete with Barcelona’s cathedral, over Gaudí’s design itself, over the possibility that work after Gaudí’s death disregarded his design, and the 2007 proposal to build an underground tunnel of Spain’s high-speed rail link to France which could disturb its stability. Describing Sagrada Família, art critic Rainer Zerbst said “it is probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art”, and Paul Goldberger describes it as “the most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages”.
Cruise begins... board at 6pm
LA TERRAZZA DINNER ON SHIP
A Stroll in Dalt Vila (IBZ-A)
Museum Puget The Puget Museum, or Museu Puget, is situated in an historical building dating back to the 18th century that was home to important and influential families and is still known by the name Can Comasema. It exhibits permanent collections of Narcís Puget Viñas (father) and Narcís Puget Riquer (son) and displays regular temporary exhibitions. Old Town Next, proceed for a guided walking tour of the Old Town, the Dalt Vila. It represents the very heart of the city, and is home to some splendid aristocratic mansions, the Town Hall and the Baroque-style Church of Santo Domingo, a cathedral that was rebuilt in the 17th century. Following your exploration, return to the ship on-foot. Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces as well as some steps to climb, guests should be in good physical condition. The approximate distance covered will be 1.5 miles (2,500m). This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend you wear comfortable light-weight clothing and walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Minimum age to participate is 10 years old.
Sept 6th, Thursday - 9:30 am - noon
Embrace the splendid beauty of the Old Town of Ibiza during this scenic walking tour of Dalt Vila. Depart the pier for the brief drive to the Old Town, explore the walled city of Eivissa which houses famous historical monuments and was given World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1999. Cathedral Upon arrival, your tour commences with a visit to the cathedral and the baluarts with a wonderful view all over Ibiza Town and surrounding areas. Next, you will make your way to the Museum Puget.
AFTERNOON AND EVENING OPEN
Torralba d’en Salord
After descending Monte Toro, proceed for the drive to the renowned megalithic site
of Torralba d’en Salord. Upon arrival, take a guided tour to see one of the well-preserved taulas found only on Menorca. These table- like structures, with a large stone slab resting on a monolith, are remains from the Talayot era, a megalithic civilisation that flourished in the Mediterranean between 1500 B.C. and the Roman conquest.
Highlights of Menorca (PRM-A) Sept 7th Friday- 1:15 - 5:15 Discover an eclectic blend of prehistoric sites, picturesque landscapes, quaint villages and splendid holiday resorts during this half-day outing in Menorca. With natural parks, a rich cultural heritage, delicious local products and cuisine for you to discover, Menorca is not only stunning beaches, soaring cliffs and tiny islands with marine reserves teeming with life. Depart the pier for the drive to the island’s interior along the main road that divides Menorca into north and south.
Cova d’en Xoroi
Next, your drive continues south to Cova d’en Xoroi, a series of caves situated in a scenic location in the cliffs near the holiday settlement of Cala’n Porter. Upon arrival,
there are winding wooden steps leading to the caves’ entrance. Once inside, visit the cave bar for a refreshing beverage. The uniqueness of the cave is well worth negotiating the walk down. Following your tour, re-board your coach for the return drive to the harbour.
Monte Toro
At Es Mercadal, your coach leaves the main road and follows the steep and twisting pathway
Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, at times on rocky, uneven ground, with 100 steps to negotiate at the entrance of Cova d’en Xoroi. Total distance covered is approximately 300m (328 yards). It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.
to the summit of Monte Toro, which is shared by a 16th-century church, a monastery, a bar- restaurant and a souvenir shop. From atop Monte Toro, take in panoramic views across the island in all directions.
KAISEKI DINNER RESERVED AT 7 OR 8 PM
Antibes & Picasso Museum (ANT-A)
Sept 8th, Saturday- 1:30 - 5:30
Picasso Museum
Experience the splendid beauty and landmarks of Antibes during this delightful, half-day sightseeing excursion. The natural beauty remains in the Vieille Ville (old town), with the ramparts along the sea and the long, arched protective wall along the port. Discover the Picasso museum, in the Chàteau Grimaldi, between the covered market on the Place Massena and the ramparts. Picasso worked here in the chàteau in 1946, and his studio is part of the museum. Depart the pier for the scenic drive via the coastal road. En route, pass through the scenic Cap d’Antibes. Located on the city of Antibes, this lovely peninsula is famous for its elegant villas and wonderful vistas. Upon return by coach after the scenic drive, take a guided walking tour through the Old Town. Discover the fascinating history and landmarks of this medieval enclave, its ramparts along the sea, Provencal market taking place every morning, famous Port Vauban, the largest European marina with its billionaires’ jetty, and the flowery Safranier District. Following your walking tour and some free time, continue to the Picasso Museum. Old Town Walking Tour
Picasso enthusiastically worked here and created numerous works, drawings and paintings. Following his stay in 1946, Pablo Picasso left on deposit 23 paintings and 44 drawings. During your visit, marvel at the large collection of notable works, drawings and paintings on display, including the Joy of Living, Satyr, Centaur Fauna and the Trident, Slimer Urchins, Sea Urchins Woman, Still Life with Owl and the Three Urchins, and more. After the visit of Picasso museum you can opt for a stroll around the old streets or get back to the pier with your guide. Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times on inclined surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and five steps at sites visited. The walk from the bus parking area to the museum is extensive. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.
SPA MASSAGE SCHEDULED ON SHIP 9:15 AM - 10:05 AM EVENING OPEN
Riviera Corniches (MCM-B)
Sept 9th, Sunday 2:00 - 5:30
Nice
Upon arrival in Nice, take a brief orientation tour along the Promenade des Anglais and past some of the town’s beautiful squares. Following your orientation tour, continue on with the return drive to Monte Carlo via the Corniche Inférieure, or Lower Corniche, which runs along the foot of the mountain slopes and follows the coastal road. Take in splendid vistas of picturesque Villefranche and a charming fishing village en route to the ship.
Experience the exquisite beauty of the French Riviera during this picturesque sightseeing drive through the Grande, Middle, and Lower Corniches. Between Nice and Menton the pine- forested Alpes drop precipitously to the sea, creating one of the most dramatic and inspiring views in Europe. Carved into the mountainside are three roads known as the Corniches.
Depart the pier via coach for a scenic sightseeing drive through the French Riviera.
La Turbie
Your journey begins on the Grande Corniche, which offers marvelous vistas extending as far as Italy. A stop is then made at the village of La Turbie. Located at an altitude of 1,575 feet (473 metres), the village offers splendid panoramic views of the coast and Monaco. After a brief photo stop at La Turbie, continue along the Middle, or ‘Moyenne’ Corniche for scenic views that extend to the north and village of Eze, where a comfort stop is made before continuing on to Nice. En route, admire stunning views of Beaulieu, Cap Ferrat and Villefranche. Eze
Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking and is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair, able to embark/disembark the coach without assistance; Eze would not be suitable for these guests. The tour sequence may vary. Local currency is required for restroom facilities. During the Grand Prix this tour is subject to operate in a different manor in certain aspects and traffic can be expected to be heavy.
MORNING AND EVENING OPEN
San Fruttuoso & Camogli (PTF-C)
Following your inside visit to the abbey, embark the boat for another brief cruise to Camogli.
Camogli Camogli is a small
Italian fishing village located on the Italian
Riviera. The name of the village means ‘house of wives’, because the coloured faces of the beach houses were useful in helping guide fishermen back to shore, even in bad weather. Upon arrival, disembark your boat and commence your walking tour of this wonderful small town. Its houses are clustered together above the sea, and feature brilliantly-painted trompe l’oeuil, with fake windows, balustrades and more. For some time, tourist activities have replaced old and deeply-rooted traditions that began to decline at the end of the 19th century. However, this process did not prompt rampant modern development in Camogli. The village has retained its unique structure, along with the extraordinary environmental elements that make it a splendid attraction to this day. Following a walking tour of Camogli, embark your boat for the approximate 40-minute return cruise to Portofino. During the coastal cruise back to Portofino some focaccia bread with a glass of local wine will be served. P lease note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, with a few steep steps that must be negotiated in order to embark and disembark the motor launch. The entrance to the San Fruttuoso Abbey requires walking over gravel surfaces, and the inside visit of the abbey includes many uneven steps to climb. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Operation of this tour is dependent upon sea and weather conditions. A strict dress code is enforced when visiting the abbey; short pants and tank-tops are not permitted. The time spent at certain venues may be extended or reduced, and other brief stops may be added. Upon arrival in Portofino tender back to the ship at your leisure.
Sept 10th, Monday 9:30 - 2pm
Experience the splendid coastal beauty and medieval landmarks along the Italian Riviera during this memorable tour of San Fruttuoso and Camogli. After tendering ashore, meet your guide and walk to the motor launch, then embark your boat and proceed for a coastal cruise to San Fruttuoso Bay. San Fruttuoso A deep inlet along the coastline of the Portofino Promontory between Camogli and Portofino is home to the famous medieval abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte, located in the fishing village of the same name. After its initial monastic use, the complex at San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte served as a humble home for fishermen, a den for pirates and later the property of the Doria Princes for centuries. The monumental San Fruttuoso Abbey comprises the church, which is located at the end of a narrow valley. The small, two-level cloisters between the church and the Abbey feature an open area in the centre flanked by the monks’ cemetery to the east, the tombs of the Doria family to the west and the Gothic Abbey facing towards the sea. The first community of devotees of the martyr from Tarragona settled in this small bay at the beginning of the 8th century, and built a church that repelled Saracen raids until the 10th century. The abbey reached its greatest splendour in the 15th century. It has been the main political and economic centre of the promontory until the last century, and influenced the organisation of the territory, agricultural system and fishing economy.
SILVER NOTE DINNER RESERVATIONS - 8 / 9PM
Monuments of Pisa (LIV-D)
tower subsided when it had reached just three storeys in height. Over the ensuing 180 years, a succession of architects continued to extend it upwards until it was finally completed and topped with a bell-chamber in 1350. Leaving the Leaning Tower, proceed to the Duomo. The Duomo The Duomo was built in 1064, a century before the Campanile. With its four levels of variegated colonnades and subtle interplay of dark grey marble and white stone, the Duomo is the archetype of the Pisan Romanesque style; a model often imitated but never surpassed. The Baptistery A visit is then made to the Baptistery. The third building of the Miracoli ensemble, the circular Baptistery is a bizarre mix; its three storeys of Romanesque arcades peak in a crest of Gothic pinnacles and its dome is shaped like the stalk of a lemon. Piazza dei Cavalieri Leaving the Campo dei Miracoli, visit the Piazza dei Cavalieri. One of Pisa’s most interesting sites, the Piazza dei Cavalieri is a large square that opens unexpectedly from the narrow back streets, and includes the site of the Roman Forum. The central civic square of Medieval Pisa, the Roman Forum was subsequently remodelled by Vasari and became the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. Palazzo dell’Orologio On the western side of the square is the Renaissance-adapted Palazzo dell’Orologio. In 1208, the military leader Ugolino della Gherardesca, along his sons and grandsons, was starved to death in its tower as punishment for his alleged duplicity with the Genoese enemy. Following your guided walking tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration before walking back to the parking area and re-boarding the coach for the approximate 45-minute drive back to the pier. Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 2.6km (1.62 miles) with some steps to climb. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Tour includes an exterior visit of the Leaning Tower only. Recently re-opened, admittance to the Tower is strictly limited and not possible on this excursion.
Sept 101h, Tuesday 9 am - 1:15
Discover the beauty of Pisa during this scenic, half- day tour of the city’s historic landmarks, including the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. Since the beginning of the tourist brochure, Pisa has been known for just one thing, the Leaning Tower. However, this world-renowned landmark is but one component of the city’s amazing religious core, the Campo dei Miracoli. Here, the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. These and a dozen or so churches and palazzo scattered about the town belong to Pisa’s ‘Golden Age’, which took place from the 11th to the 13th centuries when the city was still a port, and one of the maritime powers of the Mediterranean. Pisa Depart the pier for the approximate 45-minute drive to Pisa. Upon arrival at the parking area, walk to the Campo dei Miracoli and commence the guided portion of your tour. Campo dei Miracoli Since it was first laid out, Pisa’s ecclesiastical centre has been known as the Campo dei Miracoli, or ‘Field of Miracles’. The sight of it is as stunning today as it must have been to medieval travellers. Nowhere in Italy are the key buildings of a city arrayed with such precision, and nowhere else is there so beautiful a contrast of stonework and surrounding meadow. Leaning Tower of Pisa Your next stop is the Leaning Tower of Pisa (outside visit only). Underneath the pavement and turf of the Campo dei Miracoli lies a platform of saturated sandy soil, whose instability accounts for the tilting of the Leaning Tower. Begun in 1173, construction of the
AFTERNOON OPEN -DINNER OPEN
Sept 12th, Wednesday
CRUISE ENDS:
ARRIVE IN ROME AND CHECK INTO HOTEL MAJESTIC
==================================== AFTERNOON & EVENING OPEN
September 13, you can have the driving city tour of Roma with me starting at 9:30 until 4:30pm The full driving day tour of Roma from 09:30 until 16:30 includes the best sites of the city : Colosseum, Fountain of Trevi, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Catacombs, Ancient Appia way, Piazza Venezia, Moses of Michelangelo, Jesus of Michelangelo Capitol Hill with view of Roman Forum, Campo se Fiori and Piazza Farnese, and more...
EVENING OPEN
September 14, The private walking Vatican tours 4 hrs with a licensed guide including : Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, rooms, St. Peter’s church, underground tombs of the Pops and St. Peter’s square.
EVENING OPEN
September 15th SATURDAY
check out and transfer to airport to fly to Paris - We make our own transporattion arrangements departs 12:20 pm Rome, Flumicino arrives: 2:30 pm Paris, Charles de Gaulle flt # AF1505 CHECK INTO HOTEL RELAIS DU LOUVRE
EVENING FREE
AFTERNOON & EVENING OPEN
September 16th SUNDAY at 9am
Versailles Palace Entrance Ticket and Breakfast at Ore Restaurant
Includes breakfast at the restaurant ORE inside the palace iwth a pssport skip the line ticket with entrance to the palace of Versailles, trianons and the Musical Gardens or Fountains Local contact: FR+33 130 84 12 98
EVENING OPEN
September 17th EIFFEL TOWER, SEINE RIVER CRUISE & MOULIN ROUGE SHOW Dinner is on the river cruise, then Eiffel tour. arrive at 5:30 for a 6:00 embark on boat elegant attire
contact: +33 1 44 55 60 00 MOULIN ROUGE SHOW: 9PM
MORNING & AFTERNOON OPEN
September 18th CHECK OUT AND TO AIRPORT (Silversea handles transfer to airport) FLT: American Airlines AA2043 departs: 1:00 pm arrives: Charlotte 4:30 pm departs Charlotte at 6:22 pm arrives Nashville: 6:47 pm
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook Annual report