Ancient Greece: An Aegean Odyssey

Journey for 8 nights aboard Le Bougainville on an Aegean Odyssey out of Athens with port calls on Delos, Mykonos, Pátmos, Rhodes, the Peloponnese Peninsula, and Santorini. Visit six magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites. Optional pre- and post-cruise land extensions provide opportunities to explore Athens, Cape Sounion, Delphi and Thebes.    

Dates
Oct 22 - Oct 30, 2021  (9 Days)
Cost
from $4,895 per person, based on double occupancy
For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Friday, October 22
    Depart the U.S. for Athens
    Saturday, October 23
    Athens, Greece

    Arrive Athens and embark Le Bougainville. Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy and home to many of the greatest philosophers and historians from Socrates to Herodotus. Embark the ship from the airport, or from the pre-trip Athens extension.
    Le Bouganville (D)

    Sunday, October 24
    Volos for Meteora

    Meteora From the attractive port city of Volos, the birthplace of legendary Argonaut Jason, cross the fertile Plain of Thessaly to the natural wonder of Meteora—Greek for “suspended in the air”—an extraordinary enigma of virtually uncharted Orthodox monasteries. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed dramatically atop soaring natural sandstone pillars 1,300 feet above the valley floor in the 14th and 15th centuries. The early Christian traditions of these monasteries have continued uninterrupted for hundreds of years. Visit two of the six active monasteries, originally accessed by precarious use of long ladders and baskets suspended on ropes. Today, a modern road to the top offers impossibly majestic sights overlooking the verdant Peneas Valley. Le Bouganville (B,L,R,D)

    Monday, October 25
    Delos / Mykonos

    The mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, today Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most sacred islands in the Greek world, as central to Grecian spiritual life as Olympia and Delphi. Walk along the Sacred Way to the Sanctuary of Apollo, a spectacularly rich archaeological site with remains of three separate temples from the fifth and sixth centuries B.C. Delos’ awe‑inspiring ruins also showcase an entire district of Hellenistic and Roman‑era houses and a 5,500‑seat theater (300 B.C.), the site of choral competitions during the Delian panegyris and the ancient quadrennial festival honoring Apollo. See the legendary Terrace of the Lions, dedicated to Apollo, where the stately hand‑carved marble statues have guarded the island for nearly 2,600 years; the original lions are in the Delos Archaeological Museum. 

    This afternoon we stop in Mykonos for time at leisure. According to ancient legend, the craggy hills and clefts of Mykonos were formed from the petrified bodies of giants defeated by Hercules. Today Mykonos’ iconic 16th‑century windmills, bright‑white cubist Cycladic architecture, picturesque harbor and azure bays epitomize the striking beauty of the Greek Isles.
    Le Bouganville (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, October 26
    Patmos

    The Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Sacred Island of Pátmos, is one of Christianity’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Tour the fortified monastery, built in 1088 and still occupied by monks who continue to preserve it as a pilgrimage site and place of religious study. See the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John the Apostle is believed to have written the Book of Revelation in A.D. 95. Cultural Enrichments: Meet and engage with local residents who will discuss contemporary daily life during the specially arranged Island Life® Forum. Enjoy a culinary demonstration by the ship’s pastry chef.
    Le Bouganville (B,L,D)

    Wednesday, October 27
    Rhodes / Lindos

    Rhodes/Lindos The island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, has been one of the most prosperous and strategic strongholds in the eastern Mediterranean since the Neolithic Period. Dock at the fortified wall of Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and step into arguably Europe’s most impressive continuously inhabited medieval walled city—built over a great Hellenistic metropolis and a major Christian outpost during the Crusades. Visit the splendid 14th‑century Palace of the Grand Masters, built by the Knights of St. John and a rare example of Gothic architecture in Greece. 

    Cultural Enrichments: Join the excursion to ancient Lindos, one of Greece’s most picturesque villages. In its center, see the magnificent 15th‑century frescoes adorning the Byzantine‑style Church of Panagia. Ascend stone stairs to the clifftop Acropolis where the elaborate porticoes and lofty stoa of the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia command a breathtaking sweep of the Aegean Sea. Delight in a traditional folklore performance on board the ship.
    Le Bouganville (B,L,D)

    Thursday, October 28
    Santorini for Akrotiri and Fira

    Be on deck as the ship cruises into the alluring main harbor of Santorini, a natural caldera, beneath which some believe to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Later, by cable car, descend from the elevated town of Fira, where stunning white‑walled houses stand in stark contrast against the dark volcanic cliffs. Cultural Enrichments: Tour the remarkable Bronze Age ruins of Akrotiri. Held intact by layers of pumice and ash for over 3,500 years, Akrotiri’s streets reveal the architectural sophistication and advanced culture of its Minoan inhabitants. In Fira, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which exhibits findings from Akrotiri.
    Le Bouganville (B,L,D)

    Friday, October 29
    Nafplion for Mycenae and Epidaurus

    Cruise to the Peloponnese Peninsula, known for its tremendous literary importance and treasured antiquities. Mycenae is bountiful in allusions to the age of Agamemnon, from its secret passages to its Cyclopean walls.
    Cultural Enrichments: Tour two UNESCO World Heritage highlights—the ancient citadel of Mycenae, the classical stage of Homer’s The Iliad; and the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus, an equally iconic Hellenic site. Both of these ruins bear testimony to Greco-Roman natural healing and medicinal knowledge.
    Le Bouganville (B,L,R,D)

    Saturday, October 30
    Athens / Flight to U.S.

    Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home. Or join the post-trip extension to Delphi and Thebes.

    Map
    Athens and Cape Sounion: Oct 20-23

    Experience the ancient city of Athens, unmatched in its contributions to the foundation of the Western world. Explore the monumental Acropolis—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfectly proportioned Parthenon, a graceful example of Doric architecture. Tour the archaeological treasures of the Acropolis Museum and enjoy the colorful neighborhood of Plaka, the oldest section of Athens. Discover the idyllic coves and sparkling Aegean waters of Cape Sounion and follow the ancient route of Pericles to the Temple of Poseidon—where 15 of the original 34 Doric columns are remarkably still standing. Accommodations are for two nights in the deluxe Hotel Grande Bretagne.

    Delphi and Thebes: Oct 30-Nov 1

    One of the most spectacular of all ancient Greek sites, UNESCO-inscribed Delphi formed the center of the Greek world in the sixth century B.C. Tour the magnificent Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including the life-size, fifth-century B.C. bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi. Walk the Sacred Way to the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, second only to the Athens Acropolis in importance. Stand at the marble Altar of the Chians, where the common and the mighty alike awaited the oracle’s pronouncements. Discover the importance of ancient Thebes to Greek civilization, from the Bronze Age and Mycenaean eras until its destruction by Alexander the Great in 335 B.C., at the splendid Archaeological Museum of Thebes. Accommodations are for one night in the Hotel Amalia Delphi and one night in the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel.

    Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

    8 – $4,895  Picture window, sliding door onto private partial-wall balcony, Deck 3, forward, (limited availability)
    7 – $5,695  Picture window, single door onto private partial-wall balcony, Deck 3, midship.
    6 – $6,595  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, forward.
    5 – $7,295  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, midship.
    4 – $7,795  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Decks 5 & 6, aft, (limited availability)
    3 – $8,295  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, forward, (limited availability)
    2 – $8,795  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, midship.
    1 – $9,295  Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 6, midship.

    Deluxe Suite – $10,695   Suite with expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, sitting area with sofa. Decks 3, 4, 5 & 6, (limited availability)
    Prestige Suite – $11,695  Two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, two bathrooms, two closets, large sitting area with sofa, Deck 5, (limited availability) 
    Privilege Suite – $11,995   Large suite, expansive sliding glass door, larger private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Decks 5 & 6, (limited availability)
    Grand Deluxe Suite – $12,995  Extra-large two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private balcony, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath, sitting area with sofa, Deck 6, (limited availability)
    Owner’s Suite – $13,495  Extra-large two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath, sitting area with sofa, Deck 5, (limited availability)

    Singles are available in category 5 at $11,995 and in category 2 at $14,495.

    Taxes are an additional $495 per person and are subject to change.

    Included
    Exclusive lectures and presentations by study leaders; Eight nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five‑Star Le Bougainville; Cruise round trip from Athens, Greece, featuring port calls: Volos for Meteora, Delos, Mykonos, Pátmos, Rhodes, Lindos, Santorini for Akrotiri and Fira, and Nafplion for Mycenae and Epidaurus; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages served throughout the cruise; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad if your arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Complimentary Wi-Fi on board ship (conditions permitting); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotels and aboard ship; Complimentary bottled water in your accommodations and on excursions; Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre‑departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company

    Not Included
    International airfare; Taxes of $465 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($15 per person per night recommended); Hotel staff gratuities (Pre-/Post-Program Options, $2 per person per night recommended) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access unless otherwise specified; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section.

    Pre‑Program Option
    Athens and Cape Sounion: Oct 20-23

    995 per person, double occupancy
    $1,545 per person, single occupancy

    Experience the ancient city of Athens, unmatched in its contributions to the foundation of the Western world. Explore the monumental Acropolis—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfectly proportioned Parthenon, a graceful example of Doric architecture. Tour the archaeological treasures of the Acropolis Museum and enjoy the colorful neighborhood of Plaka, the oldest section of Athens. Discover the idyllic coves and sparkling Aegean waters of Cape Sounion and follow the ancient route of Pericles to the Temple of Poseidon—where 15 of the original 34 Doric columns are remarkably still standing. Accommodations are for two nights in the deluxe Grand Bretagne Athens Hotel.

    Included
    Transfers and luggage handling abroad if your arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Accommodations for two nights in the deluxe Grand Bretagne Athens Hotel, inclusive of taxes and service; Breakfast each morning; City tour of Athens, including the Olympic Stadium, Parliament and Temple of Zeus; Guided tours of the Acropolis—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the Acropolis Museum, which houses the Parthenon frieze; Time at leisure in Athens’s vibrant Plaka neighborhood; lunch is included; Excursion to Cape Sounion.  All excursions and visits, as outlined above, with local experienced guides; Gratuities to local guides and drivers; Hospitality desk in the hotel; Complimentary bottled water on excursions; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Program Director at your service; Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions.

    Post-Program Option
    Delphi and Thebes: Oct 30 - Nov 1

    $745 per person, double occupancy
    $995 per person, single occupancy

    One of the most spectacular of all ancient Greek sites, UNESCO-inscribed Delphi formed the center of the Greek world in the sixth century B.C. Tour the magnificent Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including the life-size, fifth-century B.C. bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi. Walk the Sacred Way to the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, second only to the Athens Acropolis in importance. Stand at the marble Altar of the Chians, where the common and the mighty alike awaited the oracle’s pronouncements. Discover the importance of ancient Thebes to Greek civilization, from the Bronze Age and Mycenaean eras until its destruction by Alexander the Great in 335 B.C., at the splendid Archaeological Museum of Thebes. Accommodations are for one night in the Hotel Amalia Delphi and one night in the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel.

    Included
    Transfers and luggage handling abroad if your arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Accommodations for two nights, inclusive of taxes and service;  All excursions and visits, as outlined above, with experienced local guides; Gratuities to local guides and drivers; Hospitality desk in the hotels; Complimentary bottled water on excursions; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Program Director at your service; Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions.

    What to Expect

    This is a moderately active tour and participants must be able to keep up with an active group of travelers. For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants who plan to join all the excursions must be able to:

    • Walk on excursions often covering distances of at least one mile, and approximately three hours in length.
    • Walk confidently on a number of surfaces, including narrow cobblestone streets, stone floors or uneven and/or slippery terrain.
    • Stand for up to 2 hours at a time each day.
    • Climb and descend flights of stairs (some without railings) without assistance.
    • Get off and on tour vehicles without assistance. The ship may either dock in port or tender ashore by small boat (tenders). Tenders involve a dry landing (participants step from the tender vessel directly onto land or a dock).
    Guest speakers, local lectures and excellent guides illuminate the journey.

    Cancellations & Fees
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club and Gohagan. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 51 days prior to departure: no cancellation fees.
    (For any new 2021 booking. For transferred bookings the original cancellation terms apply.)

    Cancellations for all or any part of the program including pre-/post-program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. For New Bookings: All cancellation fees will be waived from the time of booking through 51 days prior to departure for main program and pre- and/or post-program option bookings. Thereafter, cancellation fees apply as follows:

    50 days or less prior to departure: A cancellation fee of 100% of the tariff paid, including fees paid for pre- and/or post-program options. In the event of a travel program cancellation 50 days or less prior to departure, the refund will be by credit, usable on a future Gohagan trip which commences on or before December 31, 2023. These cancellation fees are applicable only for new bookings. For bookings which have been transferred, the original cancellation fee as stated in the original brochure applies. In addition, for all bookings any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.

    In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees, and administrative fees may apply.  

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415) 597-6720.

    Insurance
    We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event you must cancel your participation in the travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website

    Airfare
    Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan. 

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from their traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations, or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs that include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, the sponsoring associations/organizations, and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively  “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your program including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party.

    In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or another failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely.

    If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at the owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line.

    Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefore and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels, or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this Agreement, the brochure, or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then-existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionably, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury. 

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.