E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Ancient Lost Cities of the Mediterranean
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Leptis Magna
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Barcelona, Spain / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Palma, Majorca |
| Day 3 : | Bejaia / Djemila / Bejaia, Algeria |
| Day 4 : | Annaba / Hippo Regius / Annaba |
| Day 5 : | Tunis / Carthage / Tunis, Tunisia |
| Day 6 : | Porto Empedocle / Agrigento / Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Italy |
| Day 7 : | Valletta, Malta |
| Day 8 : | At Sea |
| Day 9 : | Heraklion / Knossos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece |
| Day 10 : | Piraeus / Disembark / Athens / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Africa, Algeria, Crete, Europe, Greece, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mediterranean, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Photography |
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Colonized by Phoenicians and Greeks around the 7th century B.C., the ancient northern coast of Africa was eventually conquered by Rome, which turned the entire coast into its breadbasket. Powerful cities rose to rival Rome itself in scope, scale and lavishness. 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, while Tunis beckons with its acclaimed Bardo Museum and the neighboring settlement of Phoenician-founded Carthage. This handcrafted itinerary includes not only well-known places such as Knossos and the island of Majorca, but also lesser-known sites such as Hippo Regius, which are equally evocative. Aboard Corinthian II, the ideal vessel for embracing this unique opportunity, sample the varied sites of the Mediterranean.
Day 1 : Barcelona, Spain / Embark
Arrive in Barcelona, the vibrant and dynamic capital of Catalonia, and a city endowed with exceptional architecture and an unrivalled artistic heritage. Transfer to the pier to board Corinthian II. Sail in the evening.
Day 2 : Palma, Majorca
Arrive in Majorca, Spain’s main Balearic island, known for the beauty of its landscape. From Palma, Majorca’s capital, explore the island’s stunning west coast, including the 14th-century Valldemossa Carthusian Monastery, in the lovely hill town of Valldemossa; the quaint town of Soller, its narrow lanes lined with 18th and 19thcentury stone houses; and the beautiful 14th-century Alfabia Gardens. In Palma, visit the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art.
Day 3 : Bejaia / Djemila / Bejaia, Algeria
Disembark in Bejaia for an excursion through beautiful countryside to the remarkably well-preserved ancient Roman city 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 altar. Also visit the museum with its collection of superb mosaics and other artifacts.
Day 4 : Annaba / Hippo Regius / Annaba
From Annaba, visit the ancient site of Hippo Regius, which bears the mark of Phoenicians, Berbers, and Romans. St. Augustine was a bishop here from 396 until his death in 430. Explore the Roman Forum, the largest and oldest in North Africa, and the Baths, dedicated to Septimius Serverus. Also visit the modern-day Basilica of St. Augustine, which crowns the hill overlooking the site.
Day 5 : Tunis / Carthage / Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, has a cosmopolitan, almost Western atmosphere unlike most cities in North Africa. Here we visit the Bardo Museum—one of the world’s finest collections of Punic, Roman, and early Christian art, including magnificent mosaics from throughout Tunisia—and explore the medina and its colorful souks. Later travel to Carthage, originally the great Phoenician center of the Western Mediterranean and subsequently conquered by the Romans in 146 B.C. and refounded as a Roman colony that flourished into the early Middle Ages. We visit the ruined Baths of Antoninus; the Christian Basilica; the Amphitheater, where many Christians were martyred; and the cemetery, where thousands of Carthaginian children were sacrificed to the goddess Tanit.
Day 6 : Porto Empedocle / Agrigento / Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Italy
Arrive in Sicily’s Porto Empedocle for an excursion to the fabled temples of Agrigento. Set on a ridge facing the sea, Agrigento’s series of superb Doric temples are among the most captivating Greek ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Visit the Temple of Hercules, constructed in the 6th century B.C.; the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Concord; and the Temple of Juno, noted for its graceful proportions. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, whose extraordinary collection is devoted to finds from the surrounding area.
Day 7 : Valletta, Malta
Corinthian II will enter the historic Grand Harbor of Valletta, Malta’s capital, renowned for its architectural beauty, medieval relics, and monuments. In the morning explore the Palace of the Grand Masters and the National Museum of Archaeology. Then it’s a short drive to the remarkable Tarxien Temples, which date back to 2800 B.C., and onto Hagar Qim, an even older temple that stands atop a hill on the southern edge of the island overlooking the sea.
Day 8 : At Sea
While relaxing at sea, attend lectures by the accompanying guest lecturers or partake of the ship’s amenities.
Day 9 : Heraklion / Knossos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Crete, Zeus’s legendary birthplace, was home to the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. A morning tour visits the excavations at Knossos, where the brilliance and refinement of the Minoans are revealed in the excavations found here. The largest palace of the period on Crete, Knossos is a labyrinth of corridors, stairways, and chambers decorated with frescoes illustrating life as it was 4,000 years ago. Continue to the Heraklion Museum, where a vast number of treasures and artifacts from Knossos and other Cretan sites are on display. There will also be the opportunity to visit other sites, including Phaestos and Gortyn.
Day 10 : Piraeus / Disembark / Athens / Return Home
Disembark Corinthian II and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
• 9-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard
ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional International tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroadon the designated program departure and arrival dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
Sabratha, Libya
-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 |
