Overview

 

This Rail-Cruise takes in the best sights in the eastern Mediterranean from the spectacular Corinth Canal, cut through solid rock from the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, to the magical east-meets-west city of Istanbul and the alluring Greek islands, set like diamonds in an azure sea.

The holiday starts at St Pancras International when we join an early Eurostar to Paris or Lille, where by transfer to the TGV train to Marseilles. Here there’s a short transfer to the mv Arion to start our 11-night full-board cruise.

During the cruise, enjoy great food and entertainment, and relax as the world glides by. Our British Cruise Manager and the ship’s crew – mixed nationalities but all English-speaking – are always on hand to help ensure you enjoy the perfect holiday.

Accommodating up to 320 passengers, the Arion will be exclusively reserved for guests from the UK with £ Sterling the main currency on board. Her compact size means she does not have the range of facilities found on newer super liners, but this is more than up for by the friendly and intimate atmosphere on board.

There’s plenty to do aboard the Arion and facilities include a fitness centre and swimming pool as well as a beauty salon, shopping arcade and much more, so you can be as active – or as inactive – as you like. Dining is relaxed aboard the Arion with no compulsory formal dress code.

Feel free to venture ashore at the numerous ports of call or choose from a selection of optional shore excursions.

At the end of the cruise we disembark in Marseilles and transfer to the station to join the TGV to Lille or Paris and Eurostar for the return to London St Pancras, arriving early-to-mid evening.

This holiday is also available as a Fly-Cruise with return flights from Gatwick to Marseilles. The departure and return dates are the same as the Rail-Cruise. The holiday is fully escorted abroad. Please phone for details.

Itinerary

Day 1: London to Marseille via Lille or Paris
Join us for an early check-in at St Pancras before travelling to Lille by Eurostar to join the TGV train to Marseilles. (Ebbsfleet & Ashford departures on request ). In Marseilles we transfer to the mv Arion for the 18.00hrs sailing.

Day 2: Olbia, Sardinia
arrive 13.00 depart 18.00
This afternoon we arrive at the port of Olbia on the enchanting island of Sardinia. Meaning ‘happy town’ Olbia is ideally located on the Costa Smeralda, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean and a playground of the rich and famous.

Day 3: At Sea
Relax and enjoy a full day on board our comfortable ship as we cruise through the Messina Strait towards ancient Olympia in Greece.

Day 4: Katakolon, (Olympia) Greece
arrive 14.30 depart 20.00
We arrive at the seaside town of Katakolon around midday. Here you can join an optional excursion to Olympia, a sacred sanctuary built for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus. Visit the world famous Archaeological Museum of Olympia to admire many priceless exhibits and enjoy some free time before we return to our ship and set sail in early evening.

Day 5: Corinth Canal
arrive 06.00 depart 08.00
Find yourself a good vantage point on board our ship as we set sail and cruise through the mighty Corinth Canal, towards Istanbul. This amazing feat of engineering connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

Day 6: Istanbul, Turkey – arrive 12.30 depart 23.30
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is rich in culture and history and is the only major city that lies on two continents. Our optional excursions will give you the opportunity to experience this magical city. Highlights include the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) with its famous blue tiles, the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Old City walls.

Day 7: At Sea
Relax and enjoy a full day's cruising towards Santorini.

Day 8: Santorini, Greece – arrive 07.00 depart 11.30
Santorini is the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands, where towns of whitewashed houses with blue domes are built on spectacular cliffs. Join our optional excursion to explore Thira and Oia Village or enjoy a cruise around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet and see the fascinating landscape.

Day 9: Kefalonia, Greece – arrive 09.30 depart 14.00
The Arion arrives in Kefalonia, one of the most beautiful Greek islands and famous as the setting for the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Enjoy free time relaxing on this beautiful island with its turquoise waters or alternatively join an optional island tour excursion.

Day 10: Messina, Sicily, – arrive 08.00 depart 14.30
Located in the north east corner of the Italian Island of Sicily, we arrive in the delightful medieval city of Messina. Famous sights of the island include Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre in Taormina and the Valley of the Temples, one of ancient Sicily’s finest archaeological sites.

Day 11: At Sea
Relax and enjoy a full day's cruising towards Marseille.

Day 12: Marseille (arrive 08.00) to London via Lille or Paris
On arrival in Marseille, we transfer to the station and join the TGV train via Lille or Paris where our Eurostar connection returns us to London St Pancras International.

NB: On days 8 and 9 visits ashore are by tender are subject to weather conditions.

Cruise Ship

 

The mv Arion
With a yacht-like ambience, Arion has a particular style, charm and grace which can only be found on vessels of this size. A cruise on board Arion is the ideal choice for passengers wishing to visit cosy harbours and ports of call larger vessels are not able to access. After a perfect day ashore or simply relaxing on deck, why not enjoy an after dinner drink in one of Arion's intimate lounges before taking in the show or enjoying the night sky from the open deck.

In March 2000, the Arion underwent a $15m refurbishment in Lisbon, where she was originally built. Her interiors were designed and decorated by Arminio Lozzi and George Potamianos, who created a subtle, light atmosphere blending soft colours and smooth textures.

Aboard, the restaurant provides a warm and relaxing environment in which to enjoy the cuisine prepared for you by the ship’s international Chefs. Classic International Cruises menus are designed under the personal supervision of Corporate Chef Laurent Manceau. Alternatively you may wish to enjoy lunch al fresco style in the Lido Lounge Bar. Don’t forget afternoon tea when you can savour a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh warm scones and a choice of tea from a wide selection.

mv Arion – specification
Gross Tonnage: 5,888 tonnes • Length: 118m • Breadth: 16.50m • Draught: 5.30m • Cruising speed: 17 Knots • Electric Current: 220v - 50hz • Stabilizers: Yes • Decks: 5 • Lifts: 1 • Passenger Cabins: 162 • Passenger Capacity: 320 low beds • Total Beds: 376

Public amenities
Restaurant • Main Lounge • Piano Bar • Lido Lounge Bar • Winter Garden (Portside & Starboard) • Swimming pool

CABINS

Category O1 Ocean Deck:
Inside cabin – 2 lower beds or double bed, private bath with shower £1,199pp

Category R1 Reception Deck:
Inside cabin – 2 lower beds, private bath with shower £1,249pp

Category U1 Upper Deck:
Inside cabin – 2 lower beds or double bed, private bath with shower £1,299pp

Category O2 Ocean Deck:
Outside cabin with porthole – 2 lower beds or double, bathroom with shower £1,499pp

Category R3 Reception Deck:
Outside cabin with porthole – 2 lower beds or double, bathroom with shower £1,649pp

Category U4 Upper Deck:
Outside Superior cabin with window – 2 lower beds, private bath with shower £1,849pp

Category P5 Promenade Deck:
Outside Premium cabin with window – 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower £1,994pp

Category N5 Navigators Deck:
Outside Premium cabin with window – 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower £1,994pp

Category U6 Upper Deck:
Outside Deluxe cabin with window – 2 lower beds, private bath with shower £1,994pp

Category N6 Navigators Deck:
Outside Deluxe cabin with window – 2 lower beds, private bath with shower £2,399pp

Category SGL Reception Deck:
Single outside cabin with porthole – one bed, private bath with shower £1,999pp

 

View Arion deck plans

What's Included

INCLUDED:
• Escorted throughout
• Return Eurostar & TGV rail travel London St Pancras to Marseilles (Ebbsfleet⁄Ashford departures on request)
OR return flight from Gatwick to Marseilles
• 11-night full-board cruise on board the mv Arion
• All transfers abroad
NOT INCLUDED:
• Drinks unless stated
• Personal travel insurance (We will not take uninsured passengers abroad)
• Gratuities

COMFORT TRAVEL UPGRADE – £150pp – DEPARTS 9 OCTOBER:
• Champagne check-in at St Pancras International: Enjoy a glass of bubbly (non-alcoholic alternative available) while you meet your tour manager and travelling companions.
• Luggage handling on Eurostar and TGV trains: Hand in your luggage (1 bag/suitcase per person) at St Pancras, have it returned in Paris for the overnight stop, hand it back the next morning and have it returned in Marseilles. This makes the journey from London to Marseilles considerably more relaxed. Luggage handling is also provided on the return journey.
• Afternoon departure: A relaxed start to the holiday with no early morning rush.
• Overnight stay in Paris: A chance to sample the French capital's legendary cuisine culture.
• Longer holiday: Enjoy and extra day compared to standard holiday duration - departs 9 October.

Rail travel

Eurostar – London to Paris or Lille
From London St Pancras, Eurostar takes 2hrs 25mins to Paris, 2hrs 15mins to Lille. On board, you will have a reserved, semi-reclining aircraft-style seat. You’ll also find a buffer car serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches, crisps and a few hot snacks. Sterling, Euros and cards accepted. You can eat and drink in the bar area (standing space only, there are no seats) or take your purchases back to your seat. You can also take your own food and drink on board.

TGV to Marseilles
Taking the train is easily the most civilised and stress-free way to travel through France. For Marseilles, we hop on the 186mph TGV at Lille Europe or Paris’ Gare de Lyon station. Sit back, relax and let scenic France pass by the train windows. The journey is around 4 hours from Paris; just under 6 hours from Lille. The train has a buffet car which sells drinks and snacks, but there’s nothing to stop you taking your own food and drink (including wine & beer) to enjoy at leisure.

Travel & Luggage
There are no actual luggage weight restrictions imposed by the rail companies. However, for your comfort and convenience we recommend you limit your luggage to the following: ONE main suitcase⁄holdall with built in wheels weighing no more than 15 to 20kgs per person – Plus ONE small shoulder bag⁄holdall per person. Restricting the bulk of your luggage to manageable sizes will make the journey more enjoyable. You will need to move all your own bags on and off trains and between platforms and transfer vehicles. On TGV trains, you may be allocated seats on the the upper floor, which means you would have to carry your bags upstairs.

Luggage Handling – Comfort Upgrade
This upgrade includes full luggage handling on and off trains and through the stations (outbound and return), providing more relaxed train travel.

Rail travel is a relaxing and enjoyable feature of our holidays
However, ithas its physical demanding as you will be required to move your luggage on and off trains and walk with it between platforms and transfer vehicles. Many train stations and platforms are big and long, sometimes with stairs or escalators, so please be prepared for this when walking with your luggage. The Tour Manager⁄Escort will not be able to provide you and⁄or your luggage with physical assistance at anytime.

Please Help us to Help You
In our experience, clients who discuss with us their concerns over mobility limitations and⁄or health issues (including visibility, hearing etc) when booking, are far more satisfied with the level of service we provide and enjoy a more relaxed and fun holiday, compared to those who attempt to cope without the benefit of our expert advice.
We must stress that these holidays are not suitable for users of mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walking aids (frames, sticks, etc).