Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A - Voyages to Antiquity, the cruise industry’s premier specialty enrichment provider, has published its 2013 brochure including more port calls in the Western Mediterranean; itineraries to France and Spain; a stronger emphasis on Sicily, the epicenter of Ancient Rome 3500 years ago; additional Dalmatian Coast sailings from Venice along the Adriatic and an additional Black Sea voyage. The line continues to offer a unique array of experiences in Greece and Turkey.

“The Mediterranean itineraries are the heart and soul of Voyages to Antiquity and we endeavor to make each season full of unique experiences for our guests. This year we have expanded our product offerings in the Western Mediterranean while also providing an emphasis to the ancient civilizations found in Sicily,” said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, vice president of marketing and sales for Voyages to Antiquity.

“We’ve received growing support from prestigious organizations whose well-traveled clients are interested in an educational, enriching vacation experience, including Smithsonian Journeys, the Archaeological Institute of America and numerous alumni organizations.”

The Mediterranean season begins and ends with sailings between Cairo and Istanbul, highlighted by two Wonders of the World, as well as the following sites:

• Cairo to Istanbul – March 30, 2013 and Istanbul to Cairo – October 25, 2013

Western Mediterranean cruises along the Riviera coast include:

• Rome to Cannes – May 16, 2013

• Cannes to Venice – May 28, 2013

Itineraries highlighting the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast and the treasures of Sicily include:

• Istanbul to Athens – April 12 and September 9, 2013

• Athens to Venice – April 24 and September 21, 2013
  Venice to Athens – June 11, 2013

• Venice to Rome – May 6 and October 3, 2013

• Athens to Rome – June 23, 2013

• Rome to Istanbul – July 3 and October 13, 2013

Guest lecturers and celebrated speakers from around the world complement the in-depth shore experiences by bringing to life the art, history and culture of the Mediterranean region.  Regional foods and wines further immerse guests in the destinations visited.

Extraordinary value is a hallmark with cruise fares starting from $3995, including shore excursions with complimentary bottled water; gratuities to shipboard staff and wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner. To accommodate the significant demand from single guests, Voyages to Antiquity has increased the number of dedicated single cabins to 26 to complement single supplements in double occupancy cabins, which start from just 25%.

Roundtrip air is available from $595 per person from 60 North American gateways, including transfers and all air taxes and surcharges. Guests who book by September 30, 2012 can enjoy up to $1000 in stateroom savings on departures from March 30 through July 3, 2013.

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International conference calls for closer bilateral ties between Europe and Russia following the return of Vladimir Putin as President of the Russian Federation.

A panel of senior European and Russian politicians has said that the likely return of Vladimir Putin as President of the Russian Federation will ensure “positive stability”, at an international conference in Venice today. Despite recent protests in Moscow, and protests across the major cities of Russia expected in the lead up to the election, the panel said that Mr. Putin is still the most popular politician in Russia.

H.E. Hon. Franco Frattini, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, said: “There is still some mistrust in Europe of Russia. But we should be the best friend that Russia has… Russia and Europe are too small to work individually. We must work together to have a global impact…Despite some critics the EU will be ready to recognize (Vladimir) Putin as leader.

Stability in Russia is an added value… Under the leadership of Putin Russia has moved forward. Further economic and political reforms are needed, but substantial progress has been made, especially if we compare the situation in Russia to 15 years ago”.

“The upcoming elections will mark an important time in our shared history. It will be a great opportunity to strengthen co-operation between EU states and Russia… I am confident that Mr Putin, the future President of Russia, will give the green light to a new agreement of partnership and co-operation. We must consider Russia not just a strategic partner, but a loyal friend.”

Speaking after Franco Frattini, Jose Maria Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, commented: “Russia is key for the stability of Europe. Russia will emerge strengthened from the upcoming elections… I believe Mr. Putin still has a project for Russia.”

The panel argued that of all the Presidential candidates Mr. Putin would be the most likely to bring “increased bi-lateral relations between Europe and Russia”, calling on further co-operation in the areas of economic and trade relations, energy security, international political relations and international security.

H.R. Yitzah Herzog MP, former Minister of Social Welfare, Israel, said: “We all ask ourselves what Russia will be like after the election. The answer is clear – stability is essential for the continuation of reform. Russia should adjust its position on the current key issues related to the Middle East.”

The panel called for the pace of discussions on bilateral relations to quicken, concluding that given the Eurozone crisis and the relative economic and political stability in Russia the Russian Federation has become an increasingly important neighbor and partner to Europe.

Helen Teplitskaia, President of the American-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated: “The increase in Europe-Russia trade shows that the two are coming closer together… However, the ghost of the Cold War still prevails for many in Europe. The more Russia is pushed away from the West, the closer it gets to China.”
“Russia’s WTO accession will be beneficial for Europe,” she added.

Organized by prominent Italian organization “Fondazione Alcide De Gaspari”, with the support of a Russian think tank “The Institute of International Integration Studies”, the conference, entitled ‘The Russian Presidential elections: European expectations’, was held at Isola di San Servolo, Venice.

Speakers at the conference included H.E. Hon. Franco Frattini, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Jose Maria Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain; Marino Zorzato, Member of the Italian Parliament; Alexander Babakov, Member of the Russian State Duma and deputy Co-Chairman of the Duma Inter-parliamentary.

Image Courtesy of  Alexey Kryuchkov / Shutterstock.com

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World-renowned Venice, Italy is known to be full of historically unique buildings and a maze of narrow canals that stretches across the city. Walking around the small streets and over the hundreds of pedestrian bridges exemplifies the charm of the Italian area. Venice is often considered to be one of the most stunning cities in the world.

Unfortunately, what locals understand all too well is that their beloved city is disappearing before their eyes. Global warming is one of the most alarming and widely discussed topics relating to the environment. Temperatures in the ocean and atmosphere around the world have been rising. Harmful human actions play a great role in the increase in global warming.

It has led to a number of problems, including heightened sea levels. Residents of Venice know all too well how detrimental rising waters can be to their daily lives.Situated on top of water, the rise and fall of the canals have been part of Venetian history. Centuries of Venetians have had to live through the “acqua alta”, Italian for high water.

For over 1,500 years, people have had to protect their homes, stores, restaurants, and themselves, from the unfortunate instances when their city becomes flooded. Over time and with experience, Venetians have raised their buildings higher to avoid the flooding water levels, and people have learned how to better protect their businesses.

Although this phenomenon has been going on for generations, the floods have become more frequent and more severe over the past 60 years. Venice’s most well know square, Piazza San Marco, has not been spared from the reoccurring rising floods, and neither has most spots in Venice.

A combination of Venice’s natural location surrounded by water and the powerful effects of global warming has led, at times, to a city partially submerged. The disappearing Venice can be seen on water lines that trace across the antiquated buildings, a subtle reminder of how easily the Italian destination can succumb to global warming.

A disappearing Venice can also be seen in the faces of the Venetian residents. That is, those who are still left. Locals in the area have been moving out of their cherished city because of the overpowering amounts of tourists traveling into town. The beauty and distinctiveness of Venice draws in millions of visitors a year. The tourist footprint often damages the natural charm of the city.

Regarded as a magnificent art city, people come to Venice to experience the rich history seen throughout the town. Venice relies heavily on the tourism industry. Over 100,000 people visit Venice each day during the peak season of summer. A majority of the businesses and restaurants, specifically in the center of the city, cater to the needs of international tourists.

Although there are a large amount of hotels to choose from, many visitors don’t always stay the night. Taking tour buses from neighboring areas, visitors have the option of seeing Venice for the day and leaving. The heavy amount of people in and out of the city has taken a toll on the area, because with crowds comes an increase in littering and pollution. The quaint streets of Venice have become overcrowded and unfortunately, historical monuments have been damaged.

The Venice known by locals is quickly slipping away underneath the water and through the hands of the tourism industry. Many residents who choose to stay in Venice work in the business, but it is not the type of work for everyone. Approximately 1,500 local Venetians end up leaving Venice a year, significantly decreasing the population.

A major part of what gives a city its character and personality is the flavor of its residents. Without the authentic lifestyle of Venetians, Venice is quickly become a town run by tourists, as opposed to lived in by its residents. A combination of global warming and an overbearing impact of the tourism industry has unfortunately shaped the Venice of today.

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