Hi there!  The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises.  The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance.  Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums!  -Ed.

Cruise: Aegean Odyssey Aboard The Seabourn Odyssey

When: September 19th to 26th, 2009

Company/Offered Through: Coda

Type: Gay Group

Departs: Istanbul, Turkey

Visits: Dikili, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Santorini, Amorgos, Navplion, Athens, Pre and Post Extensions

Pricing Info:

Detailed Itinerary:

PRE-TRIP IN ISTANBUL

Sep. 16, 2009 – USA

Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Istanbul.

Sep. 17 – ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Arrive Istanbul and transferred to the Çıragan Palace Kempinski. Join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail this evening. (R)

Sep. 18 – ISTANBUL

In Istanbul, the traditions of East and West commingle, which is especially evident in the diverse architecture. During one full day & one half day tours, explore the city’s main Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, including the Blue Mosque; the 6thcentury Church of Hagia Sophia, known for its intricate mosaics; and the Topkapi Palace, the elaborate residence of the sultans. Also tour the lively Grand Bazaar. A special lecture by Professor Baha Tanman, chairman of Literature, Humanities & Art History at Istanbul University, is planned. Overnight at Çıragan Palace Kempinski. (B,L)

MAIN CRUISE

Sep. 19 – ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Complete your sightseeing this morning and transfer in the afternoon to Seabourn Odyssey . (B,D)

Sep. 20 – DIKILI, TURKEY

Dikili is the harbor town for Bergama, located near the ruins of Pergamon. This little port has a relaxing atmosphere and offers a number of pleasant seafood restaurants, located along the Kordon Promenade. (B,L,D)

Sep. 21 – KUSADASI , TURKEY

Today journey to Ephesus, one of the most important sites of the ancient world. Ephesus contains extensive ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Visit the theater; the Library of Celsus, with its imposing façade; the Temple of Serapis; and the recently excavated Terrace Houses. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Kusadasi. (B,L,D)

Sep. 22 – BODRUM, TURKEY

Today Bodrum is a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional woodvarnished sailboats, charming outdoor cafes and streets bursting with small shops selling carpets, leatherwear, jewelry and local artwork. Our tour includes a visit to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in the former Castle of St. Peter, a crusader period fortification built by the Knight of St. John and to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.(B,L,D)

Sep. 23 – SANTORINI, GREECE

“Thira, the Wild Island” and “Kalliste, the Fairest One” – all terms of endearment for this seductive, volcanic Greek island in the Sea of Crete. Extraordinary for its black sand beaches and sheer limestone cliffs, Santorini also showcases remnants of the Phoenician, Spartan and Minoan cultures, which fell under the island’s spell – an unvarying, irresistible lure that continues to this day. Fira, the picturesque, pedestrian-only capital, is reached

from the seaport via a short cable car ride that offers thrilling views as you ascend. (B,L,D)

Sep. 24 – AMORGOS, GREECE

Famous for the incredible blue of its waters, this island in the Cyclades casts a spell with its whitewashed villages, honey-colored cliffs and flaming bougainvillea. European yachtsmen come here inspired by Luc Besson’s movie, The Big Blue, to seek out the small, untouched beaches. The island’s most iconic site is the

Monastery of Hozoviotissa, an architectural marvel set atop a precipice soaring nearly 600 feet above the sea. (B,L,D)

Sep. 25 – NAVPLION, GREECE

Held to be one of the loveliest small towns in all the islands, Navplion has a tradition and culture all its own. The sheltered location, below a rocky headland crowned by a Venetian fortress is perhaps unrivaled in Greece. After the Greek revolution of the early 19th century, Navplion served as the first modern capital. The neoclassical houses, large official buildings and carefully planned seafront streets all date from this period. (B,L,D)

Sep. 26 – PIRAEUS, GREECE

Arrive Piraeus this morning and transfer to the international Athens Airport for your return flight home or begin our: (B)

POST-CRUISE ATHENS

Sep 26 – ATHENS, GREECE

The birthplace of Western culture and one of the world’s most venerable cities, Athens boasts a plethora of historic monuments. In the morning, tour the Acropolis, including the majestic Parthenon, one of the

world’s most perfect structures. After lunch, tour the National Archaeological Museum and ancient Agora in the Plaka. Overnight at the Athens Hilton Hotel. (B,L)

Sep 27 – ATHENS/USA

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (B)

SEABOURN CRUISE INCLUSIONS

* 7-night cruise aboard the new, 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey.
* Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship.
* All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
* Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise.
* Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers.
* Professional Coda tour representative on minimum participation.
* Complete pre-departure materials
* Port and embarkation taxes.
* Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers.

ISTANBUL PRE-CRUISE

* 2-nights in Istanbul at the Çıragan Palace Kempinski, Bosphorus View, with Welcome Reception and Breakfast.
* Full day tour and half day tour of Istanbul’s monuments and museums.
* Private arrival transfer from Istanbul airport to the hotel. Group transfer to the pier.
* Private Shore Excursions in the ports of Dikili, Kusadasi & Bodrum

*Minimum participation is required for private shore excursions.

ATHENS POST-CRUISE

* 1-night in Athens at the Athens Hilton Hotel, with Breakfast.
* Two half day tours of Athens’ monuments and museums.
* Private departure transfer from the hotel to the Athen’s airport.
* Private Shore Excursion in the port of Navplion (Mycenae & Epidaurus)*

Travel Info:

Coda plans to offer several Seabourn Cruises a year, on a group basis. Our experience has been very positive in all aspects, including their warm and welcoming attitude toward our community.

Welcome to Seabourn Cruises!

Seabourn Cruises is widely considered the “Best Cruise Line in World.” We feel they are the perfect partner for Coda Tours for exploring the world in comfort and style while still emphasizing the importance of our itinerary, and the learning experience inherent in travel. Coda plans to offer several Seabourn Cruises a year, on a group basis. Our experience has been very positive in all aspects, including their warm and welcoming attitude toward our community. The Aegean Odyssey is the first of these cruises, and we could not have a better rate to begin with. Savings are an astonishing 60% off the published rates and, if booked by April 15th, there is even a Category Upgrade Promotion. These “deals” are unprecedented and not likely to come around again anytime soon. Our itinerary is very familiar territory for Coda Tours. Turkey and Greece are like second homes to us, and our excellent local handlers and friends have planned to entertain us in the best way possible. Hence, we are offering a pre-trip to Istanbul and a post-trip to Athens. We have packed this trip with as many Value Added Features as we could possibly muster. Seabourn itself is an unparalleled bargain with all of the gourmet meals, top-shelf drinks, port taxes and gratuities included in the price. And we have added Private Shore Excursions as well if you come with us to Istanbul and Athens.

FINE DINING

• 1 choice of five dining venues:

• THE RESTAURANT – Traditional dining open for breakfast, lunch and dinner wiht menus by celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer

• RESTAURANT 2 – Intimate contemporary restaurant with innovative tasting menus with wine pairings

• THE COLONNADE – Indoor/outdoor restaurant with open kitchen, serving breakfast, lunch and themed dinner.

• PATIO GRILL – Casual poolside patio dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• COFFEE BAR AT SEABOURN SQUARE – European-style cafe serves a wide choice of freshly brewed Colombian coffees from espressos to lattes, plus pastries, gelatos and more.

• In-suite dining from our 24-hour suite service menu or, during dinner hours, served course by course from The Restaurant menu.

Entertainment Info:

AN EVENING UNFOLDS

• GRAND SALON – An entertainment venue for dancing , a cabaret performance or a first-run film with comfortable banquettes.

• OBSERVATION BAR – Sophisticated lounge all the way forward with sweeping views.

• THE CLUB – Enjoy cocktails before or after dinner with live music for dancing, and a DJ late on in the evening.

• SKY BAR – The perfect place for a nightcap under the stars.

• Gym

• MOVIES UNDER THE STARS – Watch a first-run film on the Patio Deck complete with fresh popcorn (select evenings)

• CASINO – Includes blackjack, roulette and slot machines

Ship Info:

Seabourn Odyssey

5-star deluxe, 450-guest capacity

Seabourn Yachts are frequently rated the “Best Cruise Line in the World”.

SPACIOUS SUITES

The luxurious Seabourn Odyssey is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 450 guests. Built in 2009, it has 225 suites, each with:

• Sea view

• All-suite accommodations, 90% with verandas

• 13 categories; suites with verandas measure from 364 sq ft to 1,436 sq ft
• Granite bathrooom with full bathrub and separate shower (Owner’s Suite has whirlpool bath.)

• Pure Pampering suite service including soaps by Hermes and L’Occitane.

• 100% Egyptian cotton duvet, bed linens, terry robe and slippers.

• Bon Voyage bottle of French champagne.

• Personal bar and refrigerator, stocked with your choice of complimentary spirits, wines, soft drinks and water.

• Flat-screen TV and DVD player with remote, offering satellite TV, music and movie channels.

• Writing desk with personalized stationery.

• Mirrored vanity.

• Wardrobe or walk-in closet with personal electronic safe.