Azamara Quest
September 6 – 16, 2017 10-Day Mediterranean CME Cruise Family Medicine & Chronic Pain INFO SHEET: 10-Day Mediterranean CME Cruise DATE PORT WED, SEPT 6 THURS, SEPT 7 FRI, SEPT 8 SAT, SEPT 9 SUN, SEPT 10 MON, SEPT 11 TUES, SEPT 12
ARRIVE
Venice, Italy
DEPART
CME MEETING
9:00 pm
Koper, Slovenia
7:30 am
7:00 pm
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Welcome Reception)
Hvar, Croatia
11:00 am
8:00 pm
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Dubrovnik, Croatia
8:00 am
11:00 pm
7:00 am – 8:00 am
Kotor, Montenegro
8:00 am
5:00 pm
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fiskardo (Cephalonia), Greece
1:00 pm
8:00 pm
7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
8:00 am
2:00 pm
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Giardini Naxos (Taormina), Sicily, Italy
9:00 am
6:00 pm
8:00 am – 9:00 am
THURS, SEPT 14
Amalfi, Italy
8:00 am
10:00 pm
NO SESSIONS
FRI, SEPT 15
Sorrento, Italy
7:30 am
6:00 pm
6:00 pm – 7:10 pm
SAT, SEPT 16
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
6:00 am
WED, SEPT 13
*PORT TIMES AND CME SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE*
Azamara Quest The sturdy Azamara Quest is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!
Venice, Italy It’s hard to not get swept up in the romance and beauty of Venice, so we say why fight it? Let yourself be taken in by the city’s many charms as you stroll along the cobblestone streets, overarching bridges, and world-famous canals. And then plan on doing a little more walking. Consisting of more than 100 islands, Venice is Europe’s largest urban car-free area. So the only means for getting around (on dry land, at least) are your own two feet—unless, of course, you travel by water taxi or gondola. And let’s face it: If you don’t go on a gondola ride when you’re in Venice, you’ll never hear the end of it back home! Fortunately, we’re about to cut back on your walking time considerably: As of 2015, Azamara will be docking at the San Basilio cruise terminal, a mere 25-minute meander away from Venice’s city center. Which means you’ll have even more time for doing things like people watching in the Piazza San Marco, sampling Veneto wines, and shopping for everything from Murano glass to swathes of silk.
Koper, Slovenia As Slovenia’s largest coastal town, Koper is the gateway to an array of intercontinental adventures. For instance, crossing the border into the Italian coffee capital of Trieste for a cappuccino at Caffe San Marco. (That way we can say to our friends back home, “Yeah, we’re just off to Italy for a cup of coffee.”) Or switching grounds, so to speak, trekking through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skocjan Caves, which features the largest underground canyon in the world and is only 30 minutes away from Koper. Or touring the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana, truly one of Europe’s secret gems—but not for long, since Lonely Planet recently ranked Ljubljana at #2 on its Best in Europe list. Then of course, there are the charms of Koper itself, especially in the Old Town, with historic sites like the 12th century St. Mary’s of the Assumption Cathedral, the Praetorian Palace, and the beautiful square of Titov Trg. What are you going to do?!
Hvar, Croatia If heaven really was a place on earth, then we’re pretty sure it would be the island of Hvar. Bold statement? Maybe. But we can offer plenty to back that up. To start with, Hvar is known as the “Sunniest Place in Europe”, receiving an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine per day. So naturally sunbathing is a favorite pastime here, especially at the beaches of Dubovica and the Pakleni Islands. And if you’ve forgot your swimsuit, not to worry: You can always go to Jerolim, “one of the best nudist destinations in the world.” There are plenty more jaw-dropping sights to be seen here: lush olive groves, fruit orchards, fields of lavender, and dozens of vineyards, since Hvar is considered one of the top winemaking regions in Croatia. Head to Hvar Town, where you can pair a crisp white posip with the local delicacy of grilled squid drizzled in olive oil, and then settle in at one of the many restaurants and cafés that overlook the Adriatic Sea. That way you’ll have a prime viewing (and participatory) spot when the sun finally goes down…and when Hvar really lights up. Sounds like heaven to us!
Dubrovnik, Croatia George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” We tend to agree. For in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, paradise is found behind the massive stonewalls that protect winding streets, charming squares, and red-roofed buildings dating back to the 7th century. Even the walls themselves are spectacular and a “must walk” along the top. Not only will you get wow-worthy photos, but you can also scout the pedestrian-only Old Town for the stalls you’ll want to visit on your next adventure: shopping. Look for shoes, leather, and traditional Konavle embroidery—and with a goldsmith trade that goes back to the 13th century, the quality and price of gold, coral, and filigree silver jewelry here is outstanding. After a little retail therapy, go to the Franciscan Monastery Museum, home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies where many of the lotions and potions are still made from ancient recipes. Take the cable car up to the top of Mount Srd, then relax at the end of the day with a glass of rakija. By the way, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may be experiencing a little déjà vu, since Dubrovnik stands in for King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the popular TV series.
Kotor, Montenegro Don’t be surprised if you leave a piece of your heart in Kotor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is filled with churches, shops, bars, restaurants, and hidden piazzas. (The latter are perfect for enjoying a nice glass of Montenegrin wine like the subtle red Vranac or dry white Krstač.) The entire city is surrounded by stone, both in the form of imposing Mount Saint John and by towering ancient walls, creating a cozy feeling of protection when you walk the cobblestone streets. And speaking of cobblestone streets, the maze-like arrangement can confuse even the locals, so don’t be too concerned if you take a wrong turn or two. Luckily, landmarks like the 12th century St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady of Health stand tall in the sky and can help guide you. When in doubt, just stick to the left (or right); the triangular layout will eventually lead you back to the main entrance, marked by the 16th century Sea Gate. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the upper town walls. Standing nearly three miles above the city, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire city and bay, as well as the medieval St. John’s fortress.
Fiskardo (Cephalonia), Greece The main town on the island of Cephalonia, or rather Kefallinia, or is it Kefalonia? —“a place so nice, they named it thrice”—Fiskardo is the only port to survive a devastating earthquake in 1953 that ruined many of the island’s 365 villages. As a result, candy-colored Venetian buildings draped in bougainvillea still ring the picturesque harbor, which is now filled with luxury yachts owned by Russian billionaires and movie stars. There’s a reason why Fiskardo is often called the Saint-Tropez of Greece! Beautiful by day and electric at night, Fiskardo’s lights, cafés, bars, and restaurants create a magical atmosphere perfect for just soaking in the sights and lingering over a glass of lemony Robola wine, a varietal grown only on the island. If you’re itching to explore a bit more, head to Melissani Cave with its brilliant blue lake, visit the cosmopolitan capital of Argostoli, or take a boat trip to Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus.
Katakolon (Olympia), Greece Sure, we may dock at the colorful port of Katakolon, but let’s be honest. You’re going to want to be “on your marks, get set, and go” to Olympia! Located just a 40-minute drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real winner. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) To fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Olympia’s stadium, temples, and monuments you may need to flex something other than muscles: your imagination. Dating back to 776 BC, the site of the original Olympic games is now mostly in ruin. Put your feet on the starting line of the 120-meter sprinting track in the original stadium while humming “Chariots of Fire”. Visit the gymnasium where athletes trained (often in the nude, slathered in olive oil), then pass by the prytaneum, where winning athletes were entertained and treated to a celebratory feast.
Giardini Naxos (Taormina), Sicily, Italy For a little rest and relaxation, Giardini Naxos is just the ticket. The coast seems to stretch on for miles, and there are many lidos dotting the beaches, where you can rent a chair and umbrella, and maybe even have a little afternoon riposo (the Italian version of a siesta). If it gets too hot, treat yourself to a delicious granita. To the left of Giardini Naxos looms Mount Etna, Italy’s largest active volcano. Hikes to the top of the mountain are only advised for experienced hikers (dress warmly!), but the Silvestri Craters are fun to explore at any skill level, and you can walk right down into the base of these inactive craters. Or head to the hilltop town of Taormina, one of the most beautiful places in all of Sicily. Stroll down the Corso Umberto for good shopping and people watching, and don’t even think about leaving before visiting the Teatro Greco. The Roman arena is a piece of art in and of itself, but it’s the sweeping views that are the star attraction.
Amalfi, Italy Amalfi extends down to the water, and its beaches are always popular with locals and visitors alike. (The Azamara pro-tip: Bring a pair of water shoes if you plan on spending any amount of time down at the lidos. While picturesque, the beaches are rocky, not sandy.) A trip to Amalfi isn’t complete without hitting the road in a car (ideally a convertible, of course!). We recommend taking in the views from the passenger seats—leave the winding, narrow cliff-side driving to the professionals. Whether you head up towards Positano and Sorrento, or down to Salerno, it will without a doubt be one of the most amazing rides of your life.
Sorrento, Italy With its many pedestrian-only streets, Sorrento is a lovely city to explore on foot, but there’s no way around it: If you really want to see Sorrento, you’re going to have travel vertically. Most of the town is set up on the cliffs, so to get to the top, you can hop on a mini-bus, take the lift, or go on a short but steep hike. Love to eat? You’ll find the dining experience here second-to-none, where lemon is the star. It’s in everything: risotto, olive oil, gelato, and, of course, limoncello. (There’s no chance you’ll be getting scurvy on this trip!) But if your mouth gets tired of puckering up, enjoy a dinner of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina—pillowy potato dumplings baked in a cheesy tomato sauce. Italian comfort food at its finest. Looking out from Sorrento, in the Gulf of Naples, is the isle of Capri. Well known for its sparkling Blue Grotto, it’s the playground of the rich and famous, and easily reached via a short hydrofoil. The island is divided into two main parts, Capri and Anacapri. Capri is full of Italian luxury, with designer stores and five-star hotels lining the streets, while Anacapri is slightly more down-to-earth. Take a relaxing chair lift ride to the very top of the island, as the views are jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Rome has something special to offer to all visitors, no matter their interests and tastes. Whether you daydream about fighting with gladiators in the Coliseum, debating with togaed senators in the Forum, tossing a coin in a fabled fountain, or being awestruck by the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Rome seems to live up to its sobriquet as the Eternal City. When you need sustenance, today’s Rome will provide delizioso pasta e vino. Or perhaps you draw strength from a little retail therapy—the Italians are also renowned for their sense of style.
Italy
Currency: Euro Language: Italian
Croatia Currency: Croatian Kuna Language: Croatian
Montenegro Currency: Euro Language: Montenegrin
Slovenia Currency: Euro Language: Slovenian
ARRIVE
Venice, Italy
DEPART
CME MEETING
9:00 pm
Koper, Slovenia
7:30 am
7:00 pm
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Welcome Reception)
Hvar, Croatia
11:00 am
8:00 pm
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Dubrovnik, Croatia
8:00 am
11:00 pm
7:00 am – 8:00 am
Kotor, Montenegro
8:00 am
5:00 pm
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fiskardo (Cephalonia), Greece
1:00 pm
8:00 pm
7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
8:00 am
2:00 pm
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Giardini Naxos (Taormina), Sicily, Italy
9:00 am
6:00 pm
8:00 am – 9:00 am
THURS, SEPT 14
Amalfi, Italy
8:00 am
10:00 pm
NO SESSIONS
FRI, SEPT 15
Sorrento, Italy
7:30 am
6:00 pm
6:00 pm – 7:10 pm
SAT, SEPT 16
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
6:00 am
WED, SEPT 13
*PORT TIMES AND CME SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE*
Azamara Quest The sturdy Azamara Quest is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!
Venice, Italy It’s hard to not get swept up in the romance and beauty of Venice, so we say why fight it? Let yourself be taken in by the city’s many charms as you stroll along the cobblestone streets, overarching bridges, and world-famous canals. And then plan on doing a little more walking. Consisting of more than 100 islands, Venice is Europe’s largest urban car-free area. So the only means for getting around (on dry land, at least) are your own two feet—unless, of course, you travel by water taxi or gondola. And let’s face it: If you don’t go on a gondola ride when you’re in Venice, you’ll never hear the end of it back home! Fortunately, we’re about to cut back on your walking time considerably: As of 2015, Azamara will be docking at the San Basilio cruise terminal, a mere 25-minute meander away from Venice’s city center. Which means you’ll have even more time for doing things like people watching in the Piazza San Marco, sampling Veneto wines, and shopping for everything from Murano glass to swathes of silk.
Koper, Slovenia As Slovenia’s largest coastal town, Koper is the gateway to an array of intercontinental adventures. For instance, crossing the border into the Italian coffee capital of Trieste for a cappuccino at Caffe San Marco. (That way we can say to our friends back home, “Yeah, we’re just off to Italy for a cup of coffee.”) Or switching grounds, so to speak, trekking through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skocjan Caves, which features the largest underground canyon in the world and is only 30 minutes away from Koper. Or touring the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana, truly one of Europe’s secret gems—but not for long, since Lonely Planet recently ranked Ljubljana at #2 on its Best in Europe list. Then of course, there are the charms of Koper itself, especially in the Old Town, with historic sites like the 12th century St. Mary’s of the Assumption Cathedral, the Praetorian Palace, and the beautiful square of Titov Trg. What are you going to do?!
Hvar, Croatia If heaven really was a place on earth, then we’re pretty sure it would be the island of Hvar. Bold statement? Maybe. But we can offer plenty to back that up. To start with, Hvar is known as the “Sunniest Place in Europe”, receiving an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine per day. So naturally sunbathing is a favorite pastime here, especially at the beaches of Dubovica and the Pakleni Islands. And if you’ve forgot your swimsuit, not to worry: You can always go to Jerolim, “one of the best nudist destinations in the world.” There are plenty more jaw-dropping sights to be seen here: lush olive groves, fruit orchards, fields of lavender, and dozens of vineyards, since Hvar is considered one of the top winemaking regions in Croatia. Head to Hvar Town, where you can pair a crisp white posip with the local delicacy of grilled squid drizzled in olive oil, and then settle in at one of the many restaurants and cafés that overlook the Adriatic Sea. That way you’ll have a prime viewing (and participatory) spot when the sun finally goes down…and when Hvar really lights up. Sounds like heaven to us!
Dubrovnik, Croatia George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” We tend to agree. For in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, paradise is found behind the massive stonewalls that protect winding streets, charming squares, and red-roofed buildings dating back to the 7th century. Even the walls themselves are spectacular and a “must walk” along the top. Not only will you get wow-worthy photos, but you can also scout the pedestrian-only Old Town for the stalls you’ll want to visit on your next adventure: shopping. Look for shoes, leather, and traditional Konavle embroidery—and with a goldsmith trade that goes back to the 13th century, the quality and price of gold, coral, and filigree silver jewelry here is outstanding. After a little retail therapy, go to the Franciscan Monastery Museum, home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies where many of the lotions and potions are still made from ancient recipes. Take the cable car up to the top of Mount Srd, then relax at the end of the day with a glass of rakija. By the way, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may be experiencing a little déjà vu, since Dubrovnik stands in for King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the popular TV series.
Kotor, Montenegro Don’t be surprised if you leave a piece of your heart in Kotor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is filled with churches, shops, bars, restaurants, and hidden piazzas. (The latter are perfect for enjoying a nice glass of Montenegrin wine like the subtle red Vranac or dry white Krstač.) The entire city is surrounded by stone, both in the form of imposing Mount Saint John and by towering ancient walls, creating a cozy feeling of protection when you walk the cobblestone streets. And speaking of cobblestone streets, the maze-like arrangement can confuse even the locals, so don’t be too concerned if you take a wrong turn or two. Luckily, landmarks like the 12th century St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady of Health stand tall in the sky and can help guide you. When in doubt, just stick to the left (or right); the triangular layout will eventually lead you back to the main entrance, marked by the 16th century Sea Gate. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the upper town walls. Standing nearly three miles above the city, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire city and bay, as well as the medieval St. John’s fortress.
Fiskardo (Cephalonia), Greece The main town on the island of Cephalonia, or rather Kefallinia, or is it Kefalonia? —“a place so nice, they named it thrice”—Fiskardo is the only port to survive a devastating earthquake in 1953 that ruined many of the island’s 365 villages. As a result, candy-colored Venetian buildings draped in bougainvillea still ring the picturesque harbor, which is now filled with luxury yachts owned by Russian billionaires and movie stars. There’s a reason why Fiskardo is often called the Saint-Tropez of Greece! Beautiful by day and electric at night, Fiskardo’s lights, cafés, bars, and restaurants create a magical atmosphere perfect for just soaking in the sights and lingering over a glass of lemony Robola wine, a varietal grown only on the island. If you’re itching to explore a bit more, head to Melissani Cave with its brilliant blue lake, visit the cosmopolitan capital of Argostoli, or take a boat trip to Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus.
Katakolon (Olympia), Greece Sure, we may dock at the colorful port of Katakolon, but let’s be honest. You’re going to want to be “on your marks, get set, and go” to Olympia! Located just a 40-minute drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real winner. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) To fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Olympia’s stadium, temples, and monuments you may need to flex something other than muscles: your imagination. Dating back to 776 BC, the site of the original Olympic games is now mostly in ruin. Put your feet on the starting line of the 120-meter sprinting track in the original stadium while humming “Chariots of Fire”. Visit the gymnasium where athletes trained (often in the nude, slathered in olive oil), then pass by the prytaneum, where winning athletes were entertained and treated to a celebratory feast.
Giardini Naxos (Taormina), Sicily, Italy For a little rest and relaxation, Giardini Naxos is just the ticket. The coast seems to stretch on for miles, and there are many lidos dotting the beaches, where you can rent a chair and umbrella, and maybe even have a little afternoon riposo (the Italian version of a siesta). If it gets too hot, treat yourself to a delicious granita. To the left of Giardini Naxos looms Mount Etna, Italy’s largest active volcano. Hikes to the top of the mountain are only advised for experienced hikers (dress warmly!), but the Silvestri Craters are fun to explore at any skill level, and you can walk right down into the base of these inactive craters. Or head to the hilltop town of Taormina, one of the most beautiful places in all of Sicily. Stroll down the Corso Umberto for good shopping and people watching, and don’t even think about leaving before visiting the Teatro Greco. The Roman arena is a piece of art in and of itself, but it’s the sweeping views that are the star attraction.
Amalfi, Italy Amalfi extends down to the water, and its beaches are always popular with locals and visitors alike. (The Azamara pro-tip: Bring a pair of water shoes if you plan on spending any amount of time down at the lidos. While picturesque, the beaches are rocky, not sandy.) A trip to Amalfi isn’t complete without hitting the road in a car (ideally a convertible, of course!). We recommend taking in the views from the passenger seats—leave the winding, narrow cliff-side driving to the professionals. Whether you head up towards Positano and Sorrento, or down to Salerno, it will without a doubt be one of the most amazing rides of your life.
Sorrento, Italy With its many pedestrian-only streets, Sorrento is a lovely city to explore on foot, but there’s no way around it: If you really want to see Sorrento, you’re going to have travel vertically. Most of the town is set up on the cliffs, so to get to the top, you can hop on a mini-bus, take the lift, or go on a short but steep hike. Love to eat? You’ll find the dining experience here second-to-none, where lemon is the star. It’s in everything: risotto, olive oil, gelato, and, of course, limoncello. (There’s no chance you’ll be getting scurvy on this trip!) But if your mouth gets tired of puckering up, enjoy a dinner of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina—pillowy potato dumplings baked in a cheesy tomato sauce. Italian comfort food at its finest. Looking out from Sorrento, in the Gulf of Naples, is the isle of Capri. Well known for its sparkling Blue Grotto, it’s the playground of the rich and famous, and easily reached via a short hydrofoil. The island is divided into two main parts, Capri and Anacapri. Capri is full of Italian luxury, with designer stores and five-star hotels lining the streets, while Anacapri is slightly more down-to-earth. Take a relaxing chair lift ride to the very top of the island, as the views are jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Rome has something special to offer to all visitors, no matter their interests and tastes. Whether you daydream about fighting with gladiators in the Coliseum, debating with togaed senators in the Forum, tossing a coin in a fabled fountain, or being awestruck by the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Rome seems to live up to its sobriquet as the Eternal City. When you need sustenance, today’s Rome will provide delizioso pasta e vino. Or perhaps you draw strength from a little retail therapy—the Italians are also renowned for their sense of style.
Italy
Currency: Euro Language: Italian
Croatia Currency: Croatian Kuna Language: Croatian
Montenegro Currency: Euro Language: Montenegrin
Slovenia Currency: Euro Language: Slovenian
