& Magna Graecia
How strenuous?
It is essential for participants to be fit and to have little difficulty with everyday walking and stair climbing. Unless you are able to walk unaided for at least an hour you would not be able to cope with the sites and city centres. To get the best out of visiting the archaeological sites you need to be sure-footed and moderately agile.
The Etna excursion is not suitable for people with breathing difficulties or who are susceptible to altitude sickness.
To reach Valletta it is necessary to clamber in and out of tenders (small utilitarian boats), and it may be necessary to do so also at other ports if the ship is obliged to remain at anchor.
Flights in 2009
Flights between the UK and Rome and between Tunis and the UK are included in the price of the cruise. There is also the option of flying into Rome a day or two before 20th September for independent time.
The inbound flight, Tunis to London, is on an aircraft specially chartered for this cruise. Details of the schedule and airport will be given as soon as they are confirmed but this may not be until eight weeks before the start of the cruise.
One-way flight options are also available. There is a reduction of £80 if you do not take the outbound scheduled flight. There is no reduction if you do not take the inbound chartered flight.
Out from Heathrow, two days prior
Option 1. Friday 18th September. Depart London Heathrow c.12.45, arrive Rome c.16.15 (BA 560).
Please note that Option 2 has been withdrawn.
Out from Heathrow with British Airways, one day prior
Option 3. Saturday 19th September. Depart Heathrow c. 12.45, arrive Rome 16.15 (BA 560).
Out from Heathrow with British Airways
Option 4. Sunday 20th September. Depart Heathrow 09.15, arrive Rome c.12.45 (BA548).
Please note that Option 5 has been withdrawn.
Out from Gatwick with British Airways
Option 6. Sunday 20th September. Depart Gatwick c.08.00, arrive Rome c.11.30 (BA 2542).
Option 7: no flights
There is a reduction of £80 if you take neither of the flights.
Flight schedules are subject to change! Also, there are limited seats on each option so your first choice may not be available.
Regional airports. We are happy to quote for connecting flights from regional airports. Please request this on the booking form.
Rome hotels
Details of the hotel in which you spend the first night will be sent to participants upon booking. We are using a selection of four- and five-star hotels in the city centre, each linked to a cabin category.
Participants on the pre-cruise Caravaggio tour will all be in the same hotel, irrespective of the cabin category selected.
Extending your holiday
If you wish to arrive a few days before the cruise, or to delay your return home after it, we can book hotels on your behalf. Details will be sent in due course.
Visas
Italy and Malta: no visas are required for citizens of the UK, other countries within the European Union, Australia, New Zealand or the USA. Citizens of other countries should check requirements with the Italian, Maltese and Tunisian consulates in their country of residence.
Tunisia: a visa is required for citizens of Australia and New Zealand. Currently this costs £15 which is not included in the price of the cruise.
Missing pictures
It is all but inevitable that one or more of the Caravaggios will not be on show due to conservation, unforeseen closure, loan to an exhibition elsewhere or for other reasons. Decisions on these matters are sometimes made at very short notice. We regret we cannot provide compensation in the event of absent or inaccessible pictures.
Optional excursions
Participants will be asked whether or not they want to book the optional excursions about three months before the cruise.
No surcharges
Martin Randall Travel does not levy surcharges to cover higher fuel or currency costs, or for any other reason.