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Canadian MoneySaver's Mediterranean Odyssey
Venice to Barcelona
October 7 to 19, 2010

Join like-minded MoneySavers on a 12-day journey bookended by the intriguing cities of Venice and Barcelona on board Cunard's newest ship, Queen Victoria.

You'll visit the Greek Isles, Turkish coast and the Italian Riviera with stops in such ports as Dubrovnik and Istanbul. This cruise offers visits to six culturally diverse countries with the opportunity to tour Rome, Florence/Pisa and Marseille.

Queen Victoria's maiden voyage was in January 2008. Her interiors are warmly reminiscent of a more gracious era with a dramatic three-tiered Grand Lobby and sumptuous marbles, woods, plush carpets, rich fabrics and soft furnishings that simply exude elegance. Queen Victoria has a guest capacity of 2,000 with 86% of the staterooms on the outside and 71% featuring balconies.

In the February 2010 Condé Nast Traveler, Queen Victoria was rated the fourth best ship in the 500 to 2500 passenger category.

Queen Victoria's Amenities

Afternoon Tea - Head to the Queens Room each afternoon to partake in this decidedly English tradition.
ConneXions' Internet Centre - Log on and stay connected with friends and family back home, or attend a workshop to learn a new skill.
Cunard Insights - The best enrichment programme at sea offers sensational courses, plus intriguing lectures and Q&As with leaders in the arts, sciences, history, current affairs and more.
Cunard Royal Spa & Fitness Centre - This rejuvenating spa offers massages, facials and other treatments, a luxurious Thermal Suite and Hydro-Pool, a hair salon and more. In the Fitness Centre, you can flex with exercise machines, yoga classes and other offerings.
Grand Lobby - This, the heart of the ship, is where you'll find live music and a festive social atmosphere.
Special Activities - Attend a lively art auction, see first-run films, participate in a cooking demonstration, join in the only fencing classes at sea and much more.
Chart Room -Piano music in the evenings and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere is what you will find at the nautical-themed Chart Room.
Golden Lion Pub - Drop into this authentic English public house for a pint, a game of darts and some good conversation. Evening entertainment includes live music, sing-alongs and karaoke.
Hemispheres - The stylish Hemispheres is a lofty club where you can dance the night away with 270-degree ocean views.
Royal Court Theatre - Evoking the grand theatres of London's West End, this bewitching venue boasts the first private boxes of any theatre at sea and unobstructed sightlines – ideal for taking in one of Cunard's exclusive productions.

Deck 9 is the place to be with a choice of two inviting swimming pools, four whirlpools and a range of indulgent treatments in the Royal Spa & Fitness Centre. For relaxation of the mind, browse an array of 6,000 titles in the library where Cunard has created a haven of tranquility and join in the book club discussions. Enrichment programs for dance, computers and expert lectures on the arts, history, science and world cultures are a few of the daily activities. Experience high tea in the Queens Room or gaze across the horizon in almost every direction from the Winter Garden, a grand conservatory, filled with greenery. To mix and mingle with friends the Queen Victoria offers numerous bars and lounges to suit all tastes. The splendid Royal Court Theatre seats 830 and has the first private boxes at sea to view the spectacular evening entertainment. Tempt lady luck in the Empire Casino or shop in uncrowded elegance of The Royal Arcade. Yet this is only the merest sampling of what you can expect on the luxurious Queen Victoria.

Our Odyssey

Venice defies description with its 1400 years of extraordinary history. The Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell'Accademia are all important with "lesser" sights like Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Pesaro, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Arsenale all give special insight into the city. A city for meanderers, Venice rewards every minute devoted to penetrating its intertwined lanes. It's easy enough to find peace and discover the extraordinary since barely a building here isn't a unique monument of some sort. Parts of the Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and Castello sestieri (districts) are near empty of tourists. Lose yourself in the labyrinth — that's part of the fun!

Croatia is home to the Old City of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful part of the Adriatic coast. Croatia boasts the largest number of developed settlements in southeast Europe, in addition, many of which date back to Roman and medieval times. Rarely can you find so many examples of cultural and historical significance from different periods in such a small region. Stroll down the main street Stradun (Placa), enjoy wonderful views of some of the most iconic monuments of Dubrovnik such as the Rector's Palace, Franciscan monastery, Palace Sponza, the Dubrovnik Cathedral, St. Blaise Church and many others. Old Pharmacy, located inside the Franciscan monastery, opened in 1317. It is the third oldest pharmacy in Europe, but the only one still working. Take time to explore the maze of charming medieval back streets.

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece is a seaside town in western Ilia. Katakolon is your gateway to Olympia, where the ancient Greeks flocked every four years for more than a millennium to celebrate the sacred games dedicated to Zeus. Visit the ruins of the Sanctuary, with its athletic quadrangles, stadium, temples and treasuries; then browse in the modern Archaeological Museum, a treasure house of Archaic, Classical and Roman sculptures, including the famous Niki Winged Victory.Visiting the archaeological site and museum, you will walk in one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Greece dedicated to the father of the gods Olympian Zeus. Situated in the landscape of Elis, by the foot of Mt. Kronion, Olympia invites you to take part in the history of Greece. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and also where they were held.

Mykonos is a grand example of unique cycladic architecture set around a picturesque fishing-village bay. Totally whitewashed organic cube-like buildings fit closely together to form a kind of haphazard maze of narrow alley ways and streets. The earthen colors of the bare hills which surround the town's gleaming whiteness is set between the aura of an incredibly blue sky and even deeper blue sparkling sea. Its many well preserved windmills and hundreds of tiny red-roofed churches adds a flavor of culture and custom to the scene, enhanced even further by many museums and the historical ancient site of nearby Delos. Together with being friendly and open people, the locals have a healthy understanding of what it means to have a good time. Put this together with all the island's other qualities and it is no wonder Mykonos has been often named "the jewel" of the Aegean Sea.

Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is bounded on the north and the south by two seas, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, respectively. The western half of the city lies in Europe while the eastern half is situated in Asia. Istanbul, representing the Asian city nearest Europe and the European city closest to Asia, is a leading port whose importance is stressed by the age-old trade routes passing through the Bosphorus.
There are many interesting museums, castles, palaces, mosques, churches, and historic hammams. Since the beginning of the settlement here, commerce was heavily practiced and bazaars were filled with all kinds of items, buyers and sellers from everywhere. This commercial activity has left its mark on the city with its old bazaars. Shopping in Istanbul is often a huge part of any visit, and the city's famous historical bazaars offer a wonderful insight into city life. Whether shopping for carpets, spices, vegetables or clothes, the process of making your purchase is likely to be enhanced by the atmosphere of wandering through the crowded stalls.

Kusadasi, which means "bird island", situated on the west coast of Turkey and 90km south of Izmir, is reputed to be one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, Miletos. The ruins of Ephesus is a main center of archaeological interest owing to the ancient remains that still exist. The findings obtained in this region where the native people, namely the Lelegs and the Carians, have lived since the beginning indicate that the city is dated back to 2000 years B.C. One of the magnificent buildings of Ephesus is the Great Theater, largest in Asia Minor, which had a capacity of more than 24,000 people and is in a rather well preserved condition. Also of particular interest is the Church of the Virgin Mary built at the beginning of the 4th century A.D.

Messina (Sicilian: Missina) is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, Italy and the capital of the province of Messina. It is located near the North-East corner of Sicily at the Strait of Messina. From Messina, popular day-trips are Taormina or Mount Etna. Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. At approximately 3350 meters, it is Europe's highest active volcano. Sicily is a unique place full of art, archeology, history, folklore and breathtaking scenery. And, of course, great food.

Rome's history spans three millennia, from the classical myths of vengeful gods to the follies of the Roman emperors, from Renaissance excess to swaggering 20th-century Fascism. Emperors, popes and dictators have come and gone, playing out their ambitions against foreign powers and domestic rivals, stamping out heresies and conspiring for their place in history.
Everywhere you go in this remarkable city, you're surrounded by the past. The martial ruins, huge Renaissance palazzi (mansions) and flamboyant baroque churches all have a tale to tell — of family feuding, artistic rivalry or personal grief, of political infighting or dark intrigue. The Eternal City awaits, from the Colosseum to St. Peter's to the Spanish Steps. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. You have a wealth of options. Follow Augustus and Caesar, whose Rome is filled with spectacular ancient structures. Or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose city invites an artistic pilgrimage. Maybe you'll discover the Rome that enchants lovers and sightseers alike by exploring the seven hills, stop for an espresso by the Spanish Steps, sip a Chianti in a hidden piazza. The many charms of Rome await.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) delights the eye. A graceful city of red roofs, splendid domes, and bridges crossing the Arno River, Florence is an art lover's mecca. Florence, the capital of beautiful Tuscany region of Italy, is known as the artistic capital of the country. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the finest museums in the world, displaying wonderful collections of paintings including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Giotto, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian, Raffaello, Caravaggio and several others. Pisa is another major tourist destination in the Tuscany region. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, once one of the seven wonders in the world, is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Italy.

Marseille (Provence) is a city full of art and culture and has many wonders to share with you. The city is deeply marked by its past and is constantly digging up the remains of all the cities that have been built on top of each other over the centuries. It takes the visitor on a journey that begins with its Greek and Roman origins and leads us past the medieval religious foundations, the 16th Century fortifications, the rich homes of the 17th and 18th Centuries and the many prestigious buildings erected in the 19th Century and right up to modern times and the great architectural achievements of the 21st Century. The city has a wealth of monuments, places of interest and museums to visit. Marseille invites you to take a walk down the legendary Canebiere, to stroll around the Old Harbour with its fish market and take a ride on the famous ferry boat. As the capital of soap making and the home of the world-famous santons (Christmas crib figures representing well-known figures in Provencal life). You will discover the not-to-be-missed "bouillabaisse" (fish soup), aioli (Provencal garlic mayonnaise), pieds et paquets (pig's trotters), tapenade (olive dip), pistou (pesto) soup and lots of other dishes.

Barcelona is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it became one of the most important cities of the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre with a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is well known in recent times for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Montjuic, the hill overlooking the city centre from the southwest, is home to some fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks and the main group of 1992 Olympic sites.
La Sagrada Familia is the life's work of Barcelona's favourite son, Antoni Gaudi, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky. The Museu Picasso is Barcelona's most visited museum. It's housed in three strikingly beautiful stone mansions on the Carrer de Montcada, which was, in medieval times, an approach to the port. La Rambla (also called Las Ramblas) is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buskers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jewellery. The Barri Gotic contains a concentration of medieval Gothic buildings only a few blocks northeast of La Rambla, and is the nucleus of old Barcelona. It's a maze of interconnecting dark streets linking with squares, and there are plenty of cafes and bars.

Special Fares For A Limited Time Only

These fares are cruise only, per person, in Canadian dollars and based on double occupancy. Fares include port charges, government fees and taxes in the amount of $554. Other categories are available through Maria Etzler. Maria is willing to "match" singles so that one stateroom can be shared and the cruise fare is reduced by one-half. The Cruise Professionals will honour the lowest rate available at time of booking.

MoneySaver fares also include a private welcome reception with refreshments. The shipboard credits (per person) can be used for any onboard expenses, such as duty-free shopping. Also meetings with financial themes will be led by Dale Ennis and friends during the cruise.

On Queen Victoria, over two thirds of the staterooms have private balconies to catch the sea breeze. Upholding the classic tradition at sea, your choice of accommodation is matched to your dining style. Luxuriate in sumptuous Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites with marble bathrooms and butler service in the highest categories.

The Britannia staterooms occupying up to 472 square feet, provides a welcome enclave of comfort and good taste. Wrap yourself in the soft bathrobe, ease into your slippers, then settle down to a film on your TV. Their turndown service sets the tone for a comfortable nights sleep. Guests dine at a reserved table for either early or late dining in the Britannia Restaurant. The Britannia stateroom amenities include:
Complimentary 24-hour room service,
Half bottle of sparkling wine at embarkation,
Interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels,
Direct-Dial telephone,
Refrigerator, safe and hair dryer,
Bath robe and slippers,
Nightly turndown service with pillow chocolate,
Daily shipboard newspaper,
Daily fresh fruit (on request), and
220V 3-pin and 110V 2-pin sockets.

To view the Queen Victoria's deck plans click here or to obtain further information on the Cunard line click here.

Airfare

Airfares (and transfers) are available from Cunard. Since Maria purchases air from consolidators, her fares (and transfers) may be less. Of course, you can arrange air yourself.

Exclusive Tours

The Cruise Professionals offer private tours, which are more personalized than the cruise line offerings. See for yourself.

Rome
Florence
Ask Maria about other tours.

It is good planning to arrive at least one day early before a cruise departs to avoid missing the departure. However, with this cruise departing from Venice after one night on the ship, it is not essential to follow this suggestion. A tourist visa is not required for visiting Turkey with this cruise.

Note: In the November 2009 Conde Nast Traveller, Cunard was rated third ahead of both Oceania and Celebrity cruise lines.

How to Reserve

Call The Cruise Professionals today and reserve the stateroom of your choice!

 Maria Etzler - maria@cruiseprofessionals.com 

800-265-3838 or 905-281-4475

Maria is a full-service travel agent ready to respond to your travel questions and provide additional information. Our Baltic cruise attendees gave Maria an excellent rating for her professional handling of their travels.