Ship: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Fabled Islands of the Mediterranean: Stepping Stones of Civilization
* Great Discounts! [click here] * click to enlarge
Knossos
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Larnaca, Cyprus |
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| Day 2 : | Limassol / Kourion / Embark |
| Day 3 : | Paphos |
| Day 4 : | Lindos / Rhodes, Greece |
| Day 5 : | Heraklion, Crete / Knossos |
| Day 6 : | At Sea |
| Day 7 : | Valetta, Malta |
| Day 8 : | Trapani, Sicily, Italy / Erice / Segesta |
| Day 9 : | Cagliari, Sardina / Su Nuraxi / Nora |
| Day 10 : | Porto Vecchio, Corsica / Aleria |
| Day 11 : | Civitavecchia / Disembark / Rome, Italy |
| 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 | ||
| 11 | May 23, 2010 | $9,395 | $10,395 | $11,395 | $12,395 | $13,495 | $14,495 | $17,295 | $18,295 |
| Destinations : Corsica, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Mediterranean, Sardinia, Sicily Activities : Cultural Activities, History, Photography |
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| Savings | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| $4000 | May 23, 10 |
Contact us for less expensive triple occupancy rates on any program!
Single travelers can opt to pay a single supplement for a private cabin or opt for a willing to share triple space at LESS than double occupancy rates!!
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
* 1-night stay in Larnaca at the Amathus Beach Hotel, with welcome cocktail reception and breakfast
* 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 excursions
* Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
* Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
* Port and embarkation taxes
* Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
Next May, as the wildflowers blanket the hillsides of the fabled islands of the Mediterranean, you are invited to observe something equally euphoric: the blooming of civilizations. On this unique voyage, you will explore remnants of the distant past—enigmatic stone monuments from the islands’ most ancient inhabitants— and compare them to the Doric temples of Magna Graecia, the palaces of the ancient Minoans and Mycenaeans, and the Baroque majesties of Malta. Trace a record of history and artistry more than 6,000 years in length and visit some of the most unusual, rarely visited treasures in Europe’s most celebrated region. It’s an itinerary you simply will not find anywhere else, and it’s the perfect way to explore a side of the Mediterranean very few have the opportunity to see. Beginning in Larnaca, you will have three days to explore Cyprus, including the remarkable Greek, Roman, and Byzantine monuments at Paphos. Next visit Rhodes, which preserves one of the finest medieval towns in Europe; its acropolis at Lindos offers one of the loveliest views of the Aegean. Then, after seeing the home of the Minoan civilization on Crete, spend a day on Malta, which will include both the 16th-century capital of Valletta and the megalithic temples of Tarxien. In Sicily, see Venus Castle in the medieval town of Erice and the serene temple at Segesta. Sardinia presents you with the extraordinary site of Su Nuraxi, where towering conical structures called nuraghi, dating from 1400 B.C., stand amid the ruins of an ancient village. And on Corsica, explore the beautifully situated Greco-Roman town of Alalia, which occupies a plateau above the sea. Spring is undoubtedly the ideal time to see the Mediterranean. The days are sunny and the hillsides covered in flowers, yet the summer crowds are nowhere to be seen, allowing you to explore world-famous sites in peace—and enabling us to be virtually the only visitors in many of them. And there’s no better way to explore these romantic islands than by sea, aboard the elegant Corinthian II, the perfect vessel for traveling far, but docking close.
Day 1 : Larnaca, Cyprus
Arrive in Larnaca on Cyprus’s south coast, and transfer to the Amathus Beach Hotel, located on a private beach near Limassol. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Limassol / Kourion / Embark
Spend the morning at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s lovely grounds and facilities. In the afternoon, visit Kourion and see mosaics depicting Achilles and gladiators near the Paphos Gate, the ruined 5thcentury Basilica and adjoining Baptistery, and the restored Sanctuary of Apollo. Board Corinthian II in Larnaca and sail.
Day 3 : Paphos
Located on Cyprus’s west coast, Paphos was settled as early as the 15th century B.C. Visit Paphos’s Byzantine Castle, the House of Dionysos, the Villa of Theseus, the Tombs of the Kings, and the District Museum. Enjoy the afternoon at sea cruising to Rhodes.
Day 4 : Lindos / Rhodes, Greece
The historic island of Rhodes was known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and sculpture. Explore Old Town and walk along the evocative Street of the Knights, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in what was once the Knights’ Great Hospital. In the afternoon, travel to Lindos. Set high above the village are the remains of the Acropolis, with its Temple of Athena.
Day 5 : Heraklion, Crete / Knossos
Crete, Zeus’s legendary birthplace, was home to the Minoan civilization. A morning tour visits the excavations at Knossos, where the brilliance and refinement of the Minoans are revealed. 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’s temporary exhibit. There will also be the opportunity to visit other sites, including Phaestos and Gortyn.
Day 6 : At Sea
Relax aboard the Corinthian II as your ship sails to Malta.
Day 7 : Valetta, Malta
Corinthian II will enter the historic Grand Harbor of Valletta, Malta’s capital. In the morning explore the Palace of the Grand Masters and the National Museum of Archaeology. Then visit the remarkable Tarxien Temples and Hagar Qim.
Day 8 : Trapani, Sicily, Italy / Erice / Segesta
Drive up winding roads to the medieval town of Erice. The town was known for its temple to the fertility goddess, Astarte. Look around the 12th-century Venus Castle and continue to Segesta for a glimpse of its magnificent Doric temple, built in 420 B.C. and among the best-preserved ancient Greek sites.
Day 9 : Cagliari, Sardina / Su Nuraxi / Nora
Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, built on a hill facing the sea. Disembark and drive to the village of Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important and impressive nuraghic complex and a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity site. After lunch aboard, spend time at leisure to explore Cagliari on your own, or take an excursion to Nora, whose ancient remains date from the Carthaginian and Roman periods.
Day 10 : Porto Vecchio, Corsica / Aleria
Disembark in Porto Vecchio in the morning and drive along the island’s east shore to Aléria, the site of ancient Alalia, founded by Greeks in 565 B.C. and later taken over by the Carthaginians and Romans, who made it the capital of Corsica. Explore the ruins, mostly from the Roman period. Alternatively, drive to Bonifacio, one of the most striking towns in the Mediterranean.
Day 11 : Civitavecchia / Disembark / Rome, Italy
Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome for return flights to the U.S.
Ship Description: Corinthian II
click to enlarge
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 |
