Connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea has been where empires, economies and political systems have clashed, influenced and absorbed one another for millennia. Phoenician traders, Roman galleys, the Renaissance maritime republics of Italy, pirates, corsairs, pilgrims, merchants, explorers and conquistadors - the great navies of empire have all left their mark across the Middle Sea.
This cruise from Rome to Lisbon across the centre of the Mediterranean examines the naval and maritime history of the region. The itinerary includes a number of talks on aspects of naval and maritime history alongside special interest visits in Livorno, Pisa, Elba, Corsica, Menorca, Majorca, Cadiz and Gibraltar.
Sue Weir is a former Westminster Hospital nurse and a registered Blue Badge Guide. She developed a special interest in medical history and runs her own company, Medical History Tours, which takes groups and individuals to places of medical historical interest both at home and abroad. She has written Weir's Guide to Medical Museums in Britain, has a Diploma in the History of Medicine from the Society of Apothecaries, is past President of the History of Medicine section at the Royal Society of Medicine and is also past President of the British Society for the History of Medicine. Sue has led many cruises and specialist tours and is a highly experienced and popular tour leader.
30 May (Wed) Rome: Transfer to Civitavecchia to embark Aegean Odyssey for an evening departure
* This is a military establishment and access may be restricted on the day.
Cabin prices start at USD $4,031 per person sharing