Ship: Corinthian II
Itinerary: The Heroic Shores: A Voyage Exploring World War II Sites in the Mediterranean
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Carthage
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | TUNIS, Tunisia |
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| Day 2 : | TUNIS | CARTHAGE | TUNIS | EMBARK |
| Day 3 : | TUNIS | KASERINE PAS | TUNIS |
| Day 4 : | VALLETTA, Malta |
| Day 5 : | LICATA , Sicily, Italy | GELA and SCOGLITI or PIAZZA ARMERINA | LICATA |
| Day 6 : | LICATA | RAGUSA | CROCE | SYRACUSE |
| Day 7 : | AT SEA | MESINA | TAOR MINA or REGIO DI CALABRIA | MESSINA |
| Day 8 : | AGROPOLI | PAESTUM | SALERNO |
| Day 9 : | SALERNO | AMALFI COAST or POMPEII | SALERNO |
| Day 10 : | GAETA | MONTE CASINO | GAETA |
| Day 11 : | GAETA | ANZIO or SPERLONGA | GAETA |
| Day 12 : | CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME |
| 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 | ||
| 12 | Sep 10, 2010 | $6,995 | $7,995 | $9,495 | $10,995 | $11,995 | $12,995 | $13,995 | $14,995 |
| Destinations : Italy, Malta, Mediterranean, Sicily, Tunisia Activities : Cultural Activities, Modern 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!!
Join us aboard the all-suite Corinthian II as we sail the Mediterranean to the historic battlefields of the North African and Italian Campaigns on a unique voyage crafted in collaboration with the National World War II Museum. We begin in Tunisia where at Kasserine Pass we learn how Field Marshal Erwin Rommel deployed his Afrika Korps to defeat the American forces. Embarking Corinthian II, we sail to the island of Malta, vital to Allied supply lines during the North African and Italian Campaigns. In Sicily, follow in the footsteps of the U.S. 1st, 3rd, and 45th Infantry Divisions at their landing places on the beaches of Gela and Scoglitti. And on mainland Italy, visit the ancient Abbey of Monte Cassino, reconstructed after it was bombed to rubble in 1944. Since so many of these World War II sites are near fascinating ancient sites, we also include visits to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, explorations of the beautifully preserved Greek temples of Paestum, and a drive along the spectacular Amalfi Coast. And to bring to life this extraordinary chapter in the history of the United States and of the world, we will travel in the company of expert historians and a World War II veteran who served on the front lines in this region.
Day 1 : TUNIS, Tunisia
Arrive in Tunis and transfer to The Residence Tunis. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2 : TUNIS | CARTHAGE | TUNIS | EMBARK
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. Visit the North Africa American Cemetery located in close proximity to Carthage. The cemetery is the final resting place for 2,841 American Soldiers, most from WWII. In the afternoon, tour the Bardo Museum which houses one of the world’s finest collections of Greco- Roman mosaics. Embark Corinthian II late in the afternoon with dinner and overnight aboard ship docked in Tunis.
Day 3 : TUNIS | KASERINE PAS | TUNIS
Drive to the site of one of the first large-scale engagements between American and German forces in WWII – Kasserine Pass, where the untested American troops suffered heavy casualties at the hands of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the “Dessert Fox” and his notorious Afrika Korps. We will hear stories of how individual American soldiers valiantly resisted but were ultimately overwhelmed by the German onslaught. The tragic loss of more than 6,500 killed, wounded, and captured men was a temporary setback to morale as the Americans learned valuable lessons that helped them expel the Germans from North Africa permanently. Return to our ship late in the afternoon and sail for Malta.
Day 4 : VALLETTA, Malta
We spend the afternoon in Valletta on the strategically-located island of Malta. During WWII, Malta played an important role as a key stronghold and was vital to supply lines for the Allies in the North African and Italian campaigns. Visit the National War Museum, St. John’s Cathedral, and the Magisterial Palace.
Day 5 : LICATA , Sicily, Italy | GELA and SCOGLITI or PIAZZA ARMERINA | LICATA
Upon arrival in Licata, Sicily we will explore the town that served as an Allied landing point in Operation Husky, the “Invasion of Sicily.” Walk along the beaches of Gela and Scoglitti and stand where the US 1st, 3rd, and 45th Infantry Divisions landed during the initial assault, as well as where elements of the 82nd Airborne Division parachuted onto the island. Eisenhower teamed up the American General George S. Patton and the British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery to execute this awesome Allied operation with a combined force of over 500,000 men who struggled with German and Italian forces for control of this rocky outpost that was critical in order for any invasion of “Fortress Europe” to take place. Alternatively, an excursion will lead to Piazza Armerina to explore the Roman Villa at Casale. One of the best preserved Roman country houses, the Villa is famed for its splendid mosaic pavements and is considered one of the most outstanding monuments of the entire Roman period. Overnight aboard Corinthian II in Licata.
Day 6 : LICATA | RAGUSA | CROCE | SYRACUSE
We continue to follow in the footsteps of the Allied invasion of Sicily and visit Ragusa, Croce, and Syracuse. We will walk along the beaches and see the remaining pillboxes in Ragusa and visit the archeological Park in Syracuse. Colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Syracuse became one of the most powerful and prestigious cities of the ancient world, rousing the hostility of Athens. Here, we will visit the Catacombs of San Giovanni. Also discover the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theatre, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity, and the elliptical Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind. Walk the winding lanes of Syracuse’s old town, situated on the island of Ortygia, and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. We meet up with the Corinthian II late in the afternoon in Syracuse and sail for Messina.
Day 7 : AT SEA | MESINA | TAOR MINA or REGIO DI CALABRIA | MESSINA
Spend the morning at sea. Following lunch aboard ship, Corinthian II docks in Messina, a key strategic objective in the Italian Campaign. It served as the primary transit point between Sicily and the Italian mainland and the Axis forces would have been cut off from supply and reinforcement unless it was captured. From Messina, a choice of tours is offered. Travel south to the charming hillside town of Taormina with its winding medieval streets, Greco-Roman theater, and breathtaking views of the 10,000- foot high volcano of Mount Etna. Alternatively, travel to Reggio di Calabria to visit the rugged, narrow beaches that served as British landing sites and tour the museum which displays the famous bronze sculptures of ancient warriors that were discovered at the bottom of the sea. Sail to Agropoli overnight.
Day 8 : AGROPOLI | PAESTUM | SALERNO
From Agropoli, we spend the day at Paestum, a popular seaside resort, walking the landing beaches of the US 36th Infantry Division during the Allied invasion of Italy. We will also stop and visit many ancient Roman temple ruins as we travel to Salerno. Salerno, a key city in the Allied invasion plan, was the site of a bitter week-long battle with the Germans. We will visit the landing beaches and survey the surrounding hills that provided a dramatic backdrop to this battle. We reboard our ship in Salerno.
Day 9 : SALERNO | AMALFI COAST or POMPEII | SALERNO
From Salerno, guests enjoy a choice of excursions today – a drive to the picturesque Amalfi coast and its charming villages or the dramatic remains of ancient Pompeii. Amalfi lies at the mouth of a deep ravine and is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and coastal scenery. Pompeii was destroyed and completed buried in A.D. 79 by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Archaeological excavations have exposed the well preserved glimpse into ancient Roman life. Rejoin the ship in Salerno in the afternoon.
Day 10 : GAETA | MONTE CASINO | GAETA
A tour of the town of San Pietro Infine made famous by Director John Huston’s war time documentary, “The Battle of San Pietro” and a visit to the Abbey of Monte Cassino fill the day. The hillside abbey, rebuilt after WWII, was totally destroyed in a controversial series of Allied bombings due to the belief that it was being used as a part of German defenses. Overnight aboard ship docked in Gaeta.
Day 11 : GAETA | ANZIO or SPERLONGA | GAETA
“Operation Shingle” was the amphibious operation that took place at Anzio in January 1944. The goal of the operation was to bypass the stiff German resistance that the Americans had faced since the Salerno landings in September 1943, and gave them a clear path to Rome. This attempt at an end-run turned into a costly four month struggle for the gates of Rome. Alternatively, drive to the attractive nearby town of Sperlonga, its whitewashed houses and narrow streets built against a hill. Explore the town, including the remains of the villa of Tiberius and the Museum, housing items excavated at the villa. Aboard the Corinthian II, we enjoy a farewell dinner and say good-bye to our fellow travelers as we sail to Civitavecchia.
Day 12 : CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME
Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome’s airport for return flights
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 |
