Ship:  Corinthian II

Itinerary:  Turning Points of History: Power and Conflict from Antiquity to World War II

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Day 1 : ATHENS | PIRAEUS, GREECE | EMBARK
Day 2 : PIRAEUS | MARATHON | ATHENS | PIRAEUS
Day 3 : STYLIDIA | THERMOPYLAE
Day 4 : MILOS
Day 5 : HERAKLION | KNOSSOS | HERAKLION | SOUDA BAY, CRETE
Day 6 : SOUDA BAY | CHANIA | MALEME | SOUDA BAY
Day 7 : AT SEA
Day 8 : VALLETTA, MALTA
Day 9 : SYRACUSE, SICILY, ITALY
Day 10 : SALERNO, ITALY
Day 11 : GAETA
Day 12 : CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME
 Click for full itinerary
Days Dates Deck + Cabin Type
Cat E Cat D Cat C Cat B Cat A Cat AA Cat VS Cat PHS
12 Jun 5, 2009 $7,995 $8,995 $9,995 $10,995 $11,995 $12,895 $14,395 $15,795
Single supplement for D-A: $3495
Destinations : Crete, Cyprus, Europe, Greece, Italy, Malta, Mediterranean, Sicily
Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Photography

“We make war that we may live in peace,” wrote Aristotle. Conflict and war are at the heart of human drama, and to study the history of war is to peer into the human condition. On this unique voyage we will explore sites and events dating from antiquity to World War II that have shaped the course of Western history and civilization. The stories have come down to us from ancient writers, including Herodotus, Thucidides and Plutarch, as well as from countless modern historians. They describe events known now by single names, indelibly associated with our history–Marathon, Salerno, Libya, Crete, Sicily. Stand on the plain of Marathon and recall the seminal events of the early 5th century B.C., when democratic Athens and its allies defeated the armies of the mighty Persian Empire; sail into the same harbor of Sicily’s Syracuse where the Athenians suffered a terrible defeat some 85 years after Marathon; and relive some of the most important World War II battles that took place in Crete, Sicily and the Italian mainland.

Day 1 : ATHENS | PIRAEUS, GREECE | EMBARK

Arrive in Athens and transfer to Piraeus, Athens' ancient and modern port, to board the Corinthian II. Overnight aboard docked in Piraeus.

Day 2 : PIRAEUS | MARATHON | ATHENS | PIRAEUS

Drive in the morning to Marathon. Explore the site, visit the Archaeological Museum, with its treasures from Crete's long history. For those who have visited Knossos, there will be an alternative excursion to the Minoan sites of Vathypetro. Spend the afternoon at sea cruising along Crete's northern coast to Souda Bay, where we arrive in the evening.

Day 3 : STYLIDIA | THERMOPYLAE

Morning is at sea. From the port of Stylida, drive to Thermopylae, the famous narrow pass defended under the leadership of Leonidas during the Persian invasion of 480 B.C. Using Herodotus’ Histories as a guide, follow the vivid and dramatic depiction of the battle as recorded in his account of the Persian Wars and tour the grounds of this historic struggle. Also visit the archaeological Museum in Lamia.

Day 4 : MILOS

Morning is spent at sea with an afternoon call at the island of Milos, which played an important role in the Peloponnesian War. Tour the ancient site.

Day 5 : HERAKLION | KNOSSOS | HERAKLION | SOUDA BAY, CRETE

From Heraklion, an excursion leads to the Palace at Knossos. Also visit the Heraklion Museum, with its treasures from Crete’s long history. For those who have visited Knossos, there will be an alternative excursion to the Minoan sites of Vathypetro. Spend the afternoon at sea cruising along Crete’s northern coast to Souda Bay, where we arrive in the evening.

Day 6 : SOUDA BAY | CHANIA | MALEME | SOUDA BAY

From spacious Souda Bay, explore sites that are connected with the World War II Battle of Crete (May 20 - June 1, 1941). Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery and then drive to Maleme and explore the nearby German War Cemetery. Continue to Chania, with its strong Venetian architecture, for a tour that will include the Maritime Museum. Its exhibits illustrate Crete’s seafaring history, and several of its rooms are devoted to the German invasion of the island.

Day 7 : AT SEA

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea cruising toward Malta.

Day 8 : VALLETTA, MALTA

"If the Turks should prevail against the isle of Malta, it is uncertain what further peril might follow the rest of Christendom," wrote Queen Elizabeth I about the Great Siege of Valletta (1565) by an armada of 181 Ottoman ships, which the islanders were successful in repelling. The second great siege of Malta started in June 1940, when Mussolini's forces attacked the island, and ended in 1943, with the Allies victorious. Explore Valletta's monuments, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace and the Museum of Archeology.

Day 9 : SYRACUSE, SICILY, ITALY

Our tour begins with a drive to the Anabus River and to a hilltop overlooking the harbor. Discover the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theater and nearby Latomia del Paradiso quarry. After a visit to the Archeological Museum, stroll through Syracuse's old town, situated on the island of Ortgia, and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa and the Cathedral.

Day 10 : SALERNO, ITALY

One of Italy's oldest cities, Salerno witnessed the landing of the Allied forces during World War II, and much of the city was destroyed during the heavy fighting that followed. Explore the sites associated with the war and also partake in one of two excursions: to Paestum, the ancient Greek city with its well preserved Doric Temples, or to celebrated Amalfi and the attractive hill town of Ravello.

Day 11 : GAETA

Arrive in Gaeta, a fortress-town on a headland. Travel to Monte Cassino to visit its famous abbey, the site of the notorious Battle of Cassino (October 1943-May 1944). The abbey was destroyed in the battles, but subsequently rebuilt to the original plans, and once again it crowns the summit of Monte Cassino.

Day 12 : CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME

Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome's airport for flights home or on to other adventures.


-Please note the following fuel surcharge information:
*$180/person for departures from Sept-Oct 11, 2008
*$250/person for departures from Oct 11-Dec 22, 2008
*$275/person for all Antarctic departures, Dec 2008 - March 2009.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A. Supplement depends on particular voyage; contact us for details. Singles in categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.

Ship Description: Corinthian II

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Corinthian II | slide show
Previous Image   Next Image Corinthian II Ship

The distinguished 114-guest Corinthian II offers a classic yacht-like atmosphere and fine accommodations. Corinthian II is ice-strengthened for voyages into Antarctic waters, and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore. Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005, Corinthian II accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly appointed with a sitting area, TV, mini-refrigerator, safe, and other amenities as well as a marble bathroom. Several suites include private balconies accessed via sliding glass doors. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a library stocked with books related to the itinerary and other volumes, and four computer terminals for e-mail access; an elegant lounge; and The Club, a space for convivial relaxation, with picture windows for panoramic views. The restaurant, serving fine cuisine prepared by European chefs, accommodates all guests at a single unassigned seating. The ship also includes a gym, beauty salon, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor café and bar, where meals may be served al fresco. Corinthian II is served by 70 experienced European officers and crew. There is also an elevator offering access to all decks.

Cabin Categories & Descriptions

All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All suites include a bedroom with twin or queen-size beds, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator, TV, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, and other amenities.

Cat E
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250 - 252
Cat D
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332
Cat C
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254 - 262
Cat B
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333 - 348
Cat A
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416 - 428
Cat AA
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 265 sq. ft. Suites 414 - 415
Cat VS
Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 505 - 512
Cat PHS
Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 601 - 604
Corinthian II - Deck Plan

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