Ship: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: A Voyage to Sacred Sites in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean
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Ephesus
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | ATHENS, Greece |
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| Day 2 : | ATHENS | PIRAEUS | EMBARK |
| Day 3 : | KUSADASI, Turkey | EPHESUS or PRIENE |KUSADASI |
| Day 4 : | RHODES, Greece | LINDOS | RHODES |
| Day 5 : | PAPHOS, Cyprus |
| Days 6-7 : | HAIFA, Israel |
| Day 8 : | AT SEA |
| Day 9 : | HERAKLION, Crete, Greece | KNOSSOS | HERAKLION |
| Day 10 : | PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS |
| 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 | ||
| 10 | Jul 12, 2010 | $6,795 | $7,795 | $8,795 | $9,795 | $10,795 | $11,795 | $12,795 | $13,795 |
| Destinations : Cyprus, Greece, Mediterranean, Turkey Activities : Cultural Activities, History, Photography |
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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!!
Three of the world’s great religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—were born along the shores of the Mediterranean. Over the centuries each developed its own traditions and cultures, yet all drew upon the legacy of the great civilizations that came before them: the philosophy and science of the ancient Greeks and the laws and technology of the ancient Romans. We invite you to join us during the sunny days of a Mediterranean summer as Corinthian II transports you to fascinating sites exploring the continuity and coexistence of three great faiths and many great civilizations. We’ve selected some of the most exciting, evocative ports of call in the Mediterranean for this voyage. In Athens we will explore some of the greatest monuments created by the ancient Greeks, but will also have the opportunity to see the remnants left behind by other cultures. In Ephesus, we will marvel at the glorious architecture of its Greco-Roman landmarks and also visit monuments from the Byzantine period. Jerusalem, whose history goes back to the mists of time, is holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. During our visit, we will explore sites that are sacred to all three religions. The vast ruins of Knossos on the island of Crete, the setting for the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, transport you back to the age of myth. Long afterwards, this glorious island, the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, was held by the Venetians for over 400 years and later by the Turks. These long occupations are evidenced in the surviving buildings and other sites. A walk through the Old Town of Rhodes is like stepping back to the era of the Crusades when, starting in the 16th century, Greeks, Latins, Jews, and Muslims lived in the same walled city.
Day 1 : ATHENS, Greece
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the Hotel King George, one of the city’s finest hotels overlooking Constitution Square, Athens’s center. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail reception held at the hotel’s roof garden, which provides superb views of the Acropolis and the city.
Day 2 : ATHENS | PIRAEUS | EMBARK
During its long history starting in deep antiquity, Athens has hosted many cultures which have left their mark on the city. The cradle of the Greek classical civilization, Athens continued to be an important center of culture and learning during the Roman period and the early Byzantine era. Following the invasions of the Knights (1205), Catalans (1311), Normans of Sicily (1312), and Florentine adventurers (1388), Athens was captured by Ottoman Turks in 1456, who held it for the next 377 years. During our stay, we will offer a choice of excursions that will explore the city’s major landmarks such as the Acropolis with its famed temples, as well as its lesser known monuments such as Roman buildings and Byzantine churches. Late in the afternoon, we will board Corinthian II in Piraeus and sail.
Day 3 : KUSADASI, Turkey | EPHESUS or PRIENE |KUSADASI
Arrive in Kusadasi for an excursion to the great city of Ephesus, first renowned in the 2nd millennium B.C., as the center of worship for the great mother-goddess, Cybele, later identified as Artemis, or Diana. Ephesus then became a center of Anatolian Christianity, addressed by Paul in one of his epistles and by John in the Book of Revelations. A large site with considerable excavation work still in progress, the remains of Ephesus reflect Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Visit the theater where Ephesians rioted against Paul; the Library of Celsus, with its imposing façade; and other monuments. Alternatively, you may explore the evocative remains of ancient Priene, founded in the 4th century B.C. on a series of terraces.
Day 4 : RHODES, Greece | LINDOS | RHODES
Rhodes’s strategic position has attracted settlers and invaders since the earliest times. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods (323 B.C. – 330 A.D.), Rhodes was renowned for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and the arts. The Colossus, a huge bronze statue dedicated to the Sun God and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood here. The island was captured in 1309 by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who held it until 1522 when it was taken over by the Ottoman Turks, whose rule lasted for the next 400 years. St. Paul stopped in Rhodes in A.D. 50. Explore the Old Town, which is dominated by the Knights’ Palace of the Grand Masters, and visit monuments that attest to the island’s domination by various powers. Also, travel to the picturesque village of Lindos to visit its superb Acropolis.
Day 5 : PAPHOS, Cyprus
Cyprus’s position as a stepping-stone between East and West has left an unusually rich legacy of the many civilizations that flourished on the island. Located on Cyprus’s west coast, Paphos was settled as early as the 15th century B.C. Visit Paphos’s sites that span the millennia, including the Byzantine Castle; the House of Dionysos, with its exquisite mosaics; the Villa of Theseus, the official residence of the island’s Roman governor; the Tombs of the Kings, dating from the 3rd century B.C.; the District Museum; and the ruined Basilica commemorating St. Paul’s visit to Paphos in A.D. 45.
Days 6-7 : HAIFA, Israel
Built on the green slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel’s main port. During our two days in Israel, we will have the choice of excursions that will include several of the country’s historic cities and landmark sites. On an overnight excursion, explore Jerusalem, one of the Near East’s oldest cities, and a place sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Visit the holy city’s principal monuments, including the Temple Mount, where Solomon and Herod built their temples; the Western Wall; the remnant of the Second Temple; the Dome of the Rock, believed to be where Mohammed ascended into heaven; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Stations of the Cross, and the Israel Museum to see the shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Alternatively, there will be full-day excursions to Capernaum, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilei Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea and one of the country’s most important archaeological sites, Megiddo, the legendary Armageddon, and Akko, with its Crusader remains and Islamic minarets.
Day 8 : AT SEA
Day 9 : HERAKLION, Crete, Greece | KNOSSOS | HERAKLION
Arrive in Crete, home of the Minoans, Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. An important island throughout history, Crete was the prized possession of Byzantium for more than 700 years, Venice from 1204 – 1669, and the Ottoman Turks from 1669 – 1898. From Heraklion, visit the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most imposing Minoan site on the island, and explore the remnants of the diverse cultures that flourished in Crete.
Day 10 : PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS
Dock in Piraeus and transfer to Athens’s airport for the return flight
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 |
