Deutschland, Autumn in the Mediterranean ex Athens to Lisbon

13 Night Cruise sailing from Athens to Lisbon aboard Deutschland.

If you enjoy luxury and personalized service, we have something wonderful for you. At a time when new ships are carrying thousands of passengers at once, when endless corridors stretch as far as the eye can see, when neon masquerades as glamour, we offer you a "Grand Hotel" reminiscent of the golden era of cruise travel. We offer you MS Deutschland, dedicated to your comfort, pleasure and complete satisfaction.

The MS Deutschland is a true ocean liner, newly constructed in 1998 to accommodate only 513 guests. She is exquisitely appointed and graciously designed to facilitate relaxation and ease. This vessel reintroduces the elaborate crystal chandelier, the imperial ballroom, loom chairs in a palm filled winter garden, fine antiques and original works of art. The decor of our "Grand Hotel" evokes the splendor of the Edwardian period and the Roaring Twenties through the use of brass, marble, tiffany ceilings and resplendent upholstery in the lounges. Beautifully appointed staterooms, an elegant Roman Spa, wide promenades and lots of teak complete the setting.

MS Deutschland has been created primarily for the Northern European traveler. However, discriminating individuals from around the world are invited to enjoy her gracious ambiance as well. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens
The port of Piraeus is one of the last old-style Mediterranean ports from where you can catch ferries to all of the Greek islands and travel a short distance to Greece's capital city Athens.

In the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka district, with its honeycomb of streets, little shops - and tavernas that come alive at night. Situated on the north and east slopes of the Acropolis, it is rich with historic sites, such as ancient monuments and churches. Within Athens there are eight large hills, including the Acropolis, and on the outskirts, Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos surround the city. A trip to Athens' most famous tourist attraction, the impressive Parthenon built on the Acropolis around 2,500 years ago, will be memorable to say the least.

There are an extraordinary number of historic tourist sights in Athens and many of these are known world-wide. Some of the top Athens attractions include the Agora - a grand, ruined Roman building, Hadrian's Arch - originally the city gate linking the Roman quarters with original town of Athens and the stunning Dionysos Theatre - the world's oldest theatre where many great plays have been performed over the years.

Santorini
Santorini is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km south-east from Greece's mainland. It is one of the best-known of the Cyclades where towering cliffs crowned by tiny white houses plunge straight into the depths of the sea. The steep coastline of the west is countered by the vast beaches of the east side, some of them sandy and others with pebbles.

Santorini is famous for dramatic views, stunning sunsets from Oia town, the strange white aubergine, the town of Thira and naturally its very own active volcano. There are also fantastic beaches such as the Perissa and Kamari.

Valletta
Valletta and its suburb town of Floriana are perched on the steep Sciberras peninsula jutting out into Malta's two deep natural harbours, Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Valletta is the Islands' fortress city. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, it is known as the 'city built by gentlemen for gentlemen' ; a 16th century architectural masterpiece.

Valletta is very much a working, capital city; a bustling cultural centre and the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Walking around Valletta, you'll come across an amazing number of historical sites, squares, courtyards, gardens and any number of cafes to visit. The city is a delight to shop in: narrow side streets are full of tiny shops selling antiques, maps, books, prints and jewellery.

Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. a lively and multicultural place. Pre World War I wooden trams clank up steep gradients, past mosaic pavements and Art Nouveau cafes, and the medieval, village-like quarter of Alfama hangs below the city's castle.

Modern Lisbon has kept an easy-going pace and boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan identity from large communities of Africans and Asians. In 1994, Lisbon was European City of Culture, while in 1998 the city hosted the last great Expo of the millennium.

There are few monuments and little art in Lisbon, largely due to the 1755 earthquake. There is one building from Portugal's golden age - the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos at Belem - that is the equal of any monument in the country. More modern developments include the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian museum complex and the Tomas Taveira's amazing postmodernist shopping centre at Amoreiras.

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