Geoff McGeary OAM, founder of award winning luxury cruise company APT, has announced he will host the company’s 15-day Aegean Odyssey cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkish coast aboard the luxury small ship MV Tere Moana.
With a pioneering spirit and passion for discovering new modes of transport and exciting destinations, Geoff’s 50-year travel career has seen him grow APT from domestic tour operator to one of Australia’s most successful international travel companies.
Sailing from Athens to Istanbul, Geoff will share with guests his passion for travel as they explore the contrasting Greek Islands of Crete, Santorini, Tinos, Mykonos, Rhodes and Kos, before sailing the length of the Turkish coastline from Bodrum to Canakkale taking in the ANZAC legend at the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Departing on the 4 July 2015, the cruise is priced from $12,995 per person, twin share. Highlights include an exploration of Monemvasia, a large rock island rising out of the sea known as the ‘Gibraltar of Greece’ and home to a community that has staunchly resisted modernisation; the chance to explore Alefkandra, which with its 18-century homes built on the sea is known as the ‘Little Venice’ of Mykonos; and a private tour of the Museum of Industrial Olive Oil followed by dinner and traditional Greek dancing on the island of Lesbos.
On the Gallipoli Peninsular Geoff will also accompany guests to Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. A particularly poignant moment in the cruise given that 2015 marks 100 years since Australia and New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War.
Onboard guests can relax, take a dip in the ship’s whirlpool and enjoy the culinary delights of the signature menu designed by Jean Pierre Vigato, Chef Propriétaire of the world-renowned, two Michelin-starred Restaurant Apiciusin Paris.
The cruise can be also extended with a 13-day rail and land journey from Istanbul to Prague, featuring six nights aboard APT’s private luxury train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
The extension will be hosted by Geoff McGeary for the first five days and includes spending two nights post-cruise at Istanbul’s five star Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah – fittingly the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote her famous book ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.
Guests will explore Istanbul’s historic sites and Grand Bazaar and Egyptian markets before embarking on their six night rail journey aboard the Danube Express, punctuated half way through with a three night stay in Budapest.
Travelling on the Danube Express, a carriage attendant is on hand 24-hours to look after guests while they relax and take in the sights of the contrasting countries experienced throughout their journey. Highlights include an exploration of Bran Castle, popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, and a day each to explore Vienna and Krakow.
The journey culminates in a two night stay at Prague’s five star Four Seasons Prague hotel, with guests enjoying the chance to experience a vintage tram journey as part of their city exploration.
The luxury rail and sail combination is priced from $24,795 per person, twin share and includes a 14 night cruise, a six night rail journey and seven nights luxury hotel accommodation, all sightseeing, most meals and a generous allowance of wine beer and soft drink with all lunches and dinners on the cruise and train, all transfers, port charges and gratuities.
Book the combined cruise and rail itinerary before 31 March 2015 and save $4,000 per couple.
For further information call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your travel agent.
SOURCE APT