As with every Swan Hellenic programme, a range of exciting destinations awaits in summer 2010 both on the ocean cruising programme aboard Minerva, as well as the new and extended 2010 river cruising programme.

Swan Hellenic’s experienced planners strive to find the balance of retaining world class destinations, returning to regions that have not been featured for many years, plus introducing new ports of call. Maximum time ashore, late night sailings and overnight or extended stays in ports are all planned in advance to ensure passengers maximise the enjoyment of their holiday. New for Minerva in 2010 will be maiden calls in the following ports:

· Grundafjordur, Iceland on Sagas of Ice & Fire cruise

· Trieste, Italy on the Venetian Republic cruise

· Kerch, Ukraine on the Black Sea Odyssey

· Belle IIe, France – A French Vintage

This interesting French Vintage cruise is not one to be missed and has been carefully planned, like all Swan Hellenic cruises, to maximise time spent ashore and explore the sights, many beyond the reach of larger ships. Passengers will berth alongside St Malo, sail up the Gironde River for an overnight stay in Bordeaux, spending the evenings in ports to soak up the French relaxed atmosphere and culture. Other delights include the tranquil Belle IIe, a French island off the coast of Brittany, and the idyllic Isles of Scilly.

Minerva will also be revisiting ports in Arabia & Syria – a region not included on Swan Hellenic itineraries for many years. The Arabian Nights cruise takes in the spectacular sights of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the vessel sails through the Red Sea to conclude in Dubai. An integrated shore excursion programme for each individual cruise itinerary offers a mix of must see sights as well as some hidden gems, like the small Greek islands of Nisyros, Patmos and Symi that many other larger cruise ships might sail by!

Whichever part of the world customers choose to discover, there’s no place like home. For the many passengers who return to Swan Hellenic year after year, Minerva truly has country house sense of style and atmosphere. From the moment passengers are welcomed aboard they can relax and enjoy the fine dining and exemplary service in the company of 320 like-minded travellers. Passengers also travel, socialise and dine with the distinguished guest speakers who enrich the experience and provide new insights on the destinations visited. Some of the guest speakers uncovering the stories behind each destination are:

· Professor Maria Vassilaki, one of the curators of the recent Byzantium 330-1453 exhibition at the Royal Academy in 2009, who we are pleased to welcome to Swan Hellenic in 2010

· Professor Richard Holmes CBE TD, a highly acclaimed military historian, who has travelled with Swan Hellenic in the past

· Mr George Hart, ex staff lecturer at the British Museum and a favourite with previous passengers

Included in these brochure is our NEW ‘Swan’s price promise’ – offering the comfort to passengers booking early that any price reduction in future published brochures will be reflected in their booking fare too! Passenger confidence is of paramount important and with further guarantees of no fuel surcharges or currency surcharges, peace of mind is assured.