Discover the History, Art and Cultures of the Ancient World

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyages to Antiquity, the cruise industry's premier niche specialty company has published its 2012 brochure including 21 voyages that explore, in depth, the ancient civilizations throughout the Mediterranean region.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100805/FL45944LOGO)

This unique array of experiences features six new itineraries that expands the brands product offerings in the Western Mediterranean region to France and Spain:

• Venice to Cannes – May 25/ Cannes to Venice – June 8

Visiting five countries over 16 days, this meticulously planned itinerary takes guests on a fascinating journey through the artistic and cultural history of Europe. On this voyage guests will enjoy the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark's and romance of the Canals in Venice, the dazzling mosaics at Ravenna, the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the evocative ruins of Pompeii. Additional highlights include the magnificent Roman Palace of Diocletian in Split, the Island of Corfu, the elegant Greek Theater at Taormina and the splendor of the French Riviera featuring the world famous Roman amphitheater at Arles and the Papal Palace at Avignon.

• Istanbul to Rome – July 21/Rome to Istanbul – August 12

On these two itineraries, guests will enjoy a pre- or post- cruise stay in legendary Istanbul, where they will visit the 6th-century cathedral of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. The cruise then journeys onto some of the most impressive and memorable ancient Greek and Roman monuments in the world, including the magnificent city of Ephesus and the Hellenistic ruins of Pergamon in Turkey, ancient Delos, the wonders of classical Athens, the Greek theater at Taormina in Sicily and those famous victims of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum. The tour also includes a two-night hotel stay in Rome, complete with a tour that explores the architectural legacy of the Roman Emperor Augustus.

• Rome to Rome – August 2

This itinerary has been carefully planned to explore the magnificent scenery and fascinating history the Mediterranean Sea has to offer; from the splendors of Imperial Rome and the picturesque island of Corsica to the beauty of the French Riviera. Guests will visit Elba, the island of Emperor Napoleon's exile from 814 to 1815, the Papal Palace at Avignon and the Roman amphitheater at Arles, the extraordinary architecture of Barcelona and the splendid treasure of Renaissance Florence. Guests enjoy a two-night hotel stay in Rome, complete with a tour through the architectural legacy of the Roman Emperor Augustus.

• Athens to Cypress – October 29

This itinerary explores crusader castles of the southern Mediterranean, the Citadels of Rhodes, Minoan Crete and Roman Turkey. The journey includes the Frankish 13th-century Kolossi Castle in Cyprus, the Knights' strongholds, including the remarkable Mamure Castle in Turkey, and the medieval walled city of the Knights of St John at Rhodes. Guests also visit ancient sites in the Minoan city of Knossos, the magnificent Greek theater at Epidaurus, the massive stadium and Hellenistic Gate at Perge, the Roman ruins of Aspedos and the remarkable Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs at Fethiye in Turkey.

"Our objective is to continue to provide experiences to our most popular destinations (Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Black Sea region and Italy) while expanding our product offerings throughout the Mediterranean, which in 2012 will include itineraries featuring France and Spain," said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, vice president of marketing and sales for Voyages to Antiquity.

Most itineraries are Cruise-Tours including pre-and/or post-cruise hotel stays in legendary cities throughout the Mediterranean, including Athens, Istanbul and Rome. Cruise fares include all applicable transfers for purchasing full Cruise-Tour packages or Voyages to Antiquity air for non-cruise-tour itineraries.

Guest lecturers and celebrated speakers, including those from the prestigious Archaeological Institute of America, complement the in depth shore experiences by bringing to life the art, history and culture of the Mediterranean region. And regional foods and wines further immerse guests in the destinations visited.

Extraordinary value is a hallmark with cruise fares starting from $3795, including shore excursions with complimentary bottled water, gratuities to shipboard staff, wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner. Guests who book for 2012 by December 31, 2011 are eligible for FREE air from more than 60 North American gateways. After the Early Booking Deadline expires, air is FREE from select East Coast gateways and $99 & $99 add-ons apply from the Midwest and Western Regions, including transfers and porterage.

For information about the itineraries and to make reservations, call (877) 398-1460 or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

About Voyages to Antiquity

Inspired by The Middle Sea, authored by Lord John Julius Norwich, Voyages to Antiquity was created to offer sophisticated travelers an unparalleled destination immersion and educational experience combining the very best in cultural travel in a tranquil, informal atmosphere.

SOURCE Voyages to Antiquity