E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: North Africa\'s Mediterranean Coast Through the Centuries
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Pyramids of Giza
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Cairo, Egypt |
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| Day 2 : | Cairo / Giza / Alexandria / Embark |
| Day 3 : | Alexandria |
| Day 4 : | Tubruq, Libya |
| Day 5 : | Derna / Cyrene / Apollonia |
| Day 6 : | At Sea |
| Day 7 : | Khoms / Leptis Magna |
| Day 8 : | Tripoli / Sabratha |
| Day 9 : | Sfax / El Djem, Tunisia |
| Day 10 : | Sousse / Kairouan |
| Day 11 : | Tunis / Carthage |
| Day 12 : | At Sea |
| Day 13 : | Bejaia / Djemila |
| Day 14 : | Algiers / Tipasa |
| Day 15 : | At Sea / Ghazaouet |
| Itinerary continues - click for full itinerary | |
| Day 18 : | Malaga / Disembark |
| 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 | ||
| 18 | Oct 25, 2009 | $9,695 | $10,695 | $11,995 | $13,295 | $14,595 | $15,595 | $17,595 | $18,595 |
| Single supplement for D-A: $3495 | |||||||||
| Destinations : Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mediterranean, Morocco, Tunisia Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Photography |
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On this expansive journey encompassing North Africa's entire Mediterranean coast, voyage from Egypt to Morocco and discover a remarkable collection of sites whose history spans the centuries. Our portrait of this storied world between the desert and the sea will take us to seldom-visited places like the well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila, found in a splendid setting, and the attractive old city of Tlemcen; the World War II battlefields of Tubruq; and Libya's amazing Greco-Roman cities. We will also explore the walled holy city of Kairouan, Tunisia, the Islamic world's most important pilgrimage site after Mecca and Medina, and appraise the checkered legacy of successive questers in Tangier, Morocco, from the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C. to the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths and, in the 8th century, the Arabs. Our passage takes place aboard Corinthian II, an ideal vessel for seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity across North Africa's sands of time.
Day 1 : Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, Egypt\'s bustling capital, and transfer to the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception.
Day 2 : Cairo / Giza / Alexandria / Embark
This morning, visit the Egyptian Museum, a dazzling collection of antiquities from such fabled archaeological sites as the Valley of the Kings and others. Travel to Giza to tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren, at the foot of which stands the imperious and enigmatic Sphinx, built between 2600 and 2530 B.C. Continue to Alexandria to embark Corinthian II. Overnight aboard docked in Alexandria.
Day 3 : Alexandria
In the morning, tour Alexandria\'s ancient ruins, including the site of the famous lighthouse of Pharos, now occupied by a fort; the Anfushi tombs, a 3rd century B.C. necropolis cut in the limestone; Pompey\'s Pillar, a red granite column erected in honor of Diocletian, emperor of Rome (284-305); the Ptolemaic theater; and the Greco-Roman Museum, whose exhibits include many of the finds from the recent excavations in the city\'s harbor.
Day 4 : Tubruq, Libya
Arrive in the naturally protected deep harbor town of Tubruq, once an ancient Greek colony named Antipygro. The town was of strategic importance throughout history, most notably during World War II, when it witnessed some of the most prolonged fighting in North Africa. Spend the day touring the WWII memorials and cemeteries.
Day 5 : Derna / Cyrene / Apollonia
This morning, Corinthian II docks in Derna on Libya\'s Cyrenaican coast. Take a full day excursion to Cyrene, one of North Africa\'s great cities of antiquity. Founded by Greek colonists from Thera (Santorini) in the 7th century B.C., Cyrene was built on the side of a hill, facing the plain and the sea. Its substantial ruins and monuments testify to its wealth and power. Continue to Apollonia to explore the site and the Museum, which displays excellent mosaics from the region\'s early Byzantine churches.
Day 6 : At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
Day 7 : Khoms / Leptis Magna
This morning, call at Khoms on Libya\'s Tripolitanian coast. Nearby are the ruins of Leptis Magna, one of the Mediterranean\'s most compelling ancient sites. Leptis Magna achieved its prominence in the A.D. 3rd century under the Severan emperors, who launched an unprecedented, lavish building scheme, embellishing the city with extraordinary public buildings. Excellently preserved to the present day because of its burial under shifting sands, this glorious coastal city is a unique example of ancient town planning. Spend the day exploring the city\'s magnificent buildings, monuments, temples and streets. Also visit Villa Sileen, a recently restored Roman residence with vivid mosaics depicting chariot races and gladiatorial combat scenes.
Day 8 : Tripoli / Sabratha
Tripoli was settled by Phoenicians, colonized by Greeks, and conquered by Romans, who erected the impressive triumphal arch honoring Marcus Aurelius. Later, Tripoli grew wealthy from the Saharan caravan trade. Explore the Medina, the medieval walled town built on the site of the Roman settlement. Also tour the Jamahiriya Museum, housed in the massive medieval Citadel, and the city\'s colorful souks. In the afternoon, travel to nearby Sabratha, the ancient city that began as a Carthaginian trading post, became a permanent settlement in the 4th century B.C. and flourished in the Roman period. Located by the sea, Sabratha\'s ruins include temples, public baths, fountains and a museum noted for its collection of mosaics.
Day 9 : Sfax / El Djem, Tunisia
Arrive in Sfax and drive to El Djem to explore its great Roman amphitheater, built in the 3rd century A.D. to house 35,000 spectators. Many of the amphitheater\'s stones were used to build the village of El Djem in the 17th century. Continue to the Museum, with its find collection of mosaics.
Day 10 : Sousse / Kairouan
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C., Sousse is one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean. Drive to Kairouan, the spiritual and religious capital of Tunisia. Founded in 671, the town is surrounded by the original walls. Enclosed within the walls are historic buildings, including the Great Mosque of Sidi Okba and the Sidi Sahab Mausoleum. Kairouan is also the center of traditional carpet weaving.
Day 11 : Tunis / Carthage
From Tunis, travel to storied Carthage, founded by Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C. The site includes several Phoenician remains, such as Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal, as well as many monuments from the Roman period. Also tour the Bardo Museum, world-renowned for its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics, and enjoy time at leisure visiting the Medina and its souks.
Day 12 : At Sea
Cruising along North Africa\'s coast.
Day 13 : Bejaia / Djemila
Disembark in Bejaia for an excursion through impressive countryside to the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila. The site includes the Triumphal Arch to Emperor Caracalla, built in A.D. 216; the Grand Baths; the market; and the Old Forum, featuring stunning friezes and a 3rd-century alter. Also visit the museum with its collection of superb mosaics and other artifacts.
Day 14 : Algiers / Tipasa
Tipasa\'s ancient temples and ruins overlook the Mediterranean to dramatic effect. Explore the Villa of Frescoes, a large Roman mansion, on the water\'s edge; the 2nd-century A.D. Judicial Basilica; and the 4th-century Christian Basilica. Also visit the site\'s museum as well as the nearby Tombeau de la Chretienne, a massive ancient tomb known as the burial place of Mauretanian King Juba II and of his wife Cleopatra Selene. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Algiers, Algeria\'s capital city.
Day 15 : At Sea / Ghazaouet
Sail for Ghazaouet, arriving in the evening.
Day 16 : Ghazaouet / Tlemcen
Drive inland for a full-day excursion to the beautiful city of Tlemcen, one of Algeria\'s finest cities noted for its cultural and architectural heritage. Visit the Great Mosque, built in the 11th century by Youcef Ben Tachfin. Also visit the deconsecrated Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque, which now houses a museum with intricate mosaics, 12th-century carved woodwork and pottery.
Day 17 : Tangier, Morocco
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C., Tangier was subsequently held by the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines and Visigoths, followed by the Arabs in 709, who used it as the base for their invasion of Spain. Spend the afternoon exploring the medina, a classic Moroccan town of narrow alleyways and stepped passages, dominated by its old citadel or kasbah. Also visit the Dar el Makhzen, the former palace of the sultans, now a museum of antiquities and crafts, and the Old America Legation, a former palace given to the U.S. government in 1777 to house America\'s first embassy (Morocco was the first overseas country to recognize the independent United States).
Day 18 : Malaga / Disembark
Disembark in Malaga and transfer to the airport for return 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 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.
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
