Ship: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Empires of the Sea: The Epic Struggle Between the Ottoman Empire and European Powers
* Great Discounts! [click here] * click to enlarge
Venice, Italy
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | ISTANBUL, Turkey |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | ISTANBUL | EMBARK |
| Day 3 : | CHIOS, Greece |
| Day 4 : | RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES |
| Day 5 : | HERAKLION | KNOSSOS | RETHYMNON | HERAKLION, Crete |
| Day 6 : | AT SEA |
| Day 7 : | VALLETTA, Malta |
| Day 8 : | ROCCELLA IONICA | GERACE, Italy |
| Day 9 : | NAFPAKTOS (LEPANTO), Greece |
| Day 10 : | OTRANTO, Puglia, Italy |
| Day 11 : | KOTOR, Montenegro | DUBROVNIK, Croatia |
| Day 12 : | AT SEA | VENICE, Italy |
| Day 13 : | VENICE | 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 | ||
| 13 | Oct 6, 2010 | $9,495 | $10,495 | $11,995 | $13,495 | $14,495 | $15,495 | $17,995 | $18,995 |
| Destinations : Europe, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Turkey |
|||||||||
| Savings | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| $4000 | Oct 6, 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!!
For thousands of years the Mediterranean has been the highway to empire. During the golden days of autumn, we will follow in the wake of empire-builders who not only struggled for power, but also spread civilization and brought about a great flourishing of art and architecture throughout the Mediterranean. In Istanbul we’ll explore the glorious monuments of the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans. On the island of Chios we’ll visit the 11th-century Nea Moni monastery, adorned with beautiful mosaics created by artists from Constantinople. We’ll wander through the streets of Valletta on the island of Malta, a city filled with exuberant architecture built by the Knights of St. John to celebrate their victory over the Turks. In the beautifully preserved medieval towns of Kotor and Dubrovnik we’ll see the interplay of Venetian, Slavic, and Islamic influences. And at Nafpaktos we’ll view the site of the Battle of Lepanto, where in 1571 a Christian fleet crushed the Turkish navy. Our ship is the regal Corinthian II, a beautiful all-suite vessel that accommodates no more than 114 guests.
Day 1 : ISTANBUL, Turkey
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the Hotel Hilton.
Day 2 : ISTANBUL | EMBARK
The battle for control of the Mediterranean between the Muslim Ottoman and Christian Europe is one of the world’s epic struggles. Explore the principal Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Istanbul, former Constantinople, one of the centers of the Ottoman Empire, including the basilica of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman sultans, and the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Blue Mosque). Board Corinthian II and sail.
Day 3 : CHIOS, Greece
Arrive at the rugged island of Chios, the reputed birthplace of Homer. Under Byzantine control from the 4th to the 13th centuries, the island became a possession of the Genoese, who lost it to the Turks in 1566. Visit the beautiful Nea Moni monastery, founded in 1042, and renowned for its richly colored mosaics and other treasures.
Day 4 : RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES
Positioned along the main Mediterranean maritime and trading routes, Rhodes was a major naval power in antiquity. In 1529, the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent led an invasion force against Rhodes, capturing the island after a six month siege. This battle marked the beginning of the struggle between rival powers and faiths for control of the Mediterranean. Tour Rhodes’s Old Town, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, and then take an excursion to Lindos, one of the island’s ancient towns, whose acropolis sits on a huge rock overlooking the sea and the white-washed village.
Day 5 : HERAKLION | KNOSSOS | RETHYMNON | HERAKLION, Crete
Arrive in Crete, home of Europe’s earliest civilization, the Minoan, which developed during the Bronze Age (c. 3500 – 1100 B.C.). Later a prominent Byzantine center, Crete fell to the Venetians in 1204, who held it as their prized possession until 1669, when they lost it to the Turks. See the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Museum, with its superb exhibits. Also tour Heraklion, the capital of Venetian Crete, or alternatively, drive to Rethymnon, one of Crete’s prettiest towns, with its strong Venetian and Turkish architectural character.
Day 6 : AT SEA
Day 7 : VALLETTA, Malta
Rich in prehistoric remains, the island of Malta became the home of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, after they were expelled from Rhodes in 1523. In May 1565, a formidable armada consisting of the finest Muslim forces appeared before Malta, but the Turkish forces were defeated after a bloody four-month fight. Tour Valletta’s medieval monuments, including the Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. In the afternoon, tour the Museum of Archaeology and the Tartien Temples, Malta’s most important megalithic structures, or explore Mdina, and Rabat, with its Roman remains.
Day 8 : ROCCELLA IONICA | GERACE, Italy
From Roccella Ionica in southern Italy, visit the medieval hill village of Gerace, with its castle ruins, and the 11th-century Duomo, the largest in Calabria.
Day 9 : NAFPAKTOS (LEPANTO), Greece
It was at Nafpaktos (the medieval Lepanto) that the celebrated Battle of Lepanto was fought in 1571 between the Turkish fleet and an allied fleet of Venice, Genoa, the Papal States, Spain, Sicily, and Naples. The overwhelming defeat of Muslim sea power was one from which they never recovered. Nafpaktos’s medieval appearance is well-preserved. Enclosing walls come down to the sea, while an imposing castle sits above the town in a beautiful forest of pines.
Day 10 : OTRANTO, Puglia, Italy
Built around an attractive bay, Otranto was the embarkation port of the Crusades and a leading trading center between Venice, the cities of Dalmatia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. In the center of the town stands a 15th – 16th-century castle, with its bastions facing the sea. Nearby is the 11th-century cathedral, known for its floor mosaic depicting biblical and other scenes and also the Byzantine church of San Pietro, whose interior is covered with frescoes. After touring the town, drive to a masseria, or farm house, to enjoy lunch, featuring specialties of Puglia.
Day 11 : KOTOR, Montenegro | DUBROVNIK, Croatia
In the morning, Corinthian II will navigate the fantastic fjord-like Bay of Kotor, where soaring mountains flank the scenic waterway, to dock in the town of Kotor, known during the medieval period for its flourishing maritime trade. Faced with the threat of Turkish expansion, Kotor was forced to ask for the protection of Venice in 1402. Tour Kotor’s old town, with its stately palaces, churches, and wonderful squares, and then drive along the scenic road to Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the Adriatic Sea and maritime trade. Today Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s best-preserved and loveliest medieval cities, which we will tour on foot. Reboard the ship in Dubrovnik.
Day 12 : AT SEA | VENICE, Italy
Day 13 : VENICE | DISEMBARK
Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights.
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.
|
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 |
