Swan Hellenic’s new look 2011 summer brochure launches this week with a host of exciting fresh destinations and cruises that revisit classic Minerva itineraries, all of which truly uncover the soul of each destination. The stylish new brochure brings the programme to life by incorporating the itinerary into the cruise map, emphasising each destination and excursion highlights passengers can discover during their cruise. With lead in fares from £1,690pp* passengers can be assured of exceptional all-inclusive value – an integral part of Swan Hellenic’s ethos since 1954. To view or download the brochure visit: www.swanhellenic.com/2011brochure

Minerva’s new destinations and the return of the ‘classics’

While Minerva will call at some of the world’s most celebrated cities such as St Petersburg, Venice, Bordeaux and Dubrovnik, her itineraries also search out new, lesser-known ports that add depth to each itinerary.  In 2011, for example, Minerva will call at Rovinj and Pula, both on the IstrianPeninsula – the latter a beautiful small town with a Roman Amphitheatre at its heart. Built in the 1st century BC, Pula has a rich cultural and historical legacy. Other ‘off the beaten track’ ports include picturesque Crotone, located in the southern region of Calabria, Italy, and the small fortified town of Lazio, dominated by a large Aragonese Castle; both feature in Minerva’s ‘An Italian Serenade’ cruise.

Whilst new can be thrilling, the 2011 programme will also see the return of well-loved and lesser known ports that Minerva has not visited for several years. Swan Hellenic prides itself on listening to customer feedback and requests regarding itineraries. Consequently in 2011 Minerva will return to her roots, offering in-depth cruises to the Hellenic world, visiting some of the major sites such as the royal tombs of Vergina and the monasteries of Meteora, but also some of the smaller, less-visited, Greek islands including Lesbos, Chios, Melos, Symi and Delos – each with their own story to tell. Late summer will see Minerva make a complete circuit of the Black Sea with visits to Sinop in North Turkey, Batumi in Georgia and the ports of the Crimea, including the site of the ‘charge of the Light Brigade’ near Balaclava.

Minerva’s tailor-made itineraries brought to life with innovative podcasts

Accompanying Swan’s inspiring range of 2011 summer itineraries are bespoke podcasts from long serving and well respected Minerva Cruise Director, Paul Carter. This unique feature is a first for the cruise industry and has been launched to support the elegant new brochure. Each podcast presents Paul’s expert insights, highlighting elements of the cruise that cannot be found within the pages of the brochure, and providing a personal narrative that will really bring each cruise to life. These commentaries, all voiced by Paul in his own distinctive style, are available to download from: www.swanhellenic.com/podcasts

Minerva’s summer season of ‘no-fly’ cruises will be operating from the heart of our maritime nation – the historic naval city of Portsmouth

Equally new and exciting for Swan Hellenic’s 2011 summer season is that Minerva’s ‘no-fly’ cruises will now sail from the historic naval port of Portsmouth. Minerva is set to become part of Portsmouth’s illustrious maritime and shipping history as Portsmouth becomes her UK home port. Colin Stone, Managing Director of Swan Hellenic comments, “We gave considerable thought as to which port would best serve the needs of our passengers. Our research indicated that the historic maritime city of Portsmouth – centrally located on the south coast of England – offers the most convenient facilities, with excellent travel connections to all parts of the UK and further afield. What finer way to commence your Swan Hellenic cruise than by sailing away past the Historic Dockyard, the Old Portsmouth Waterfront, Victorian fortifications and the Isle of Wight.”

To obtain your preferred cabin on the itinerary of your choice, call Swan Hellenic’s Reservations Department on 0844 209 9000. For the latest cruise itineraries and special offers, visit the website: www.swanhellenic.com..