E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Journey of Aeneas: Retracing The Aeneid
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Carthage
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Arrive in Athens |
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| Day 2 : | Ancient Troy |
| Day 3 : | Delos and Syros |
| Day 4 : | Crete |
| Day 5 : | Nikopolis |
| Day 6 : | At Sea, Syracuse |
| Day 7 : | Syracuse |
| Day 8 : | Carthage (Tunis, Tunisia) |
| Day 9 : | Trapani, Erice, and Segesta, Sicily |
| Day 10 : | Naples: Cumae and Pompei |
| Day 11 : | Disembark in Naples |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Africa, Europe, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Sicily, Tunisia, Turkey Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Photography |
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Virgil's epic poem Aeneid is a story of inherited glory- the glory that passed from fallen Troy to Rome. This September we invite you to join us on a rare voyage retracing Aeneas' route across the Mediterranean and exploring centers of four of the great civilizations of the ancient world: the Minoan, Phoenician, Greek, and Roman. With Virgil's Aeneid as our guide, we will visit sites that have strong mythological links to the classical world. At Troy, site of the Trojan War and the beginning of Aeneas's epic voyage, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of not one, but nine cities built over a period of 3,400 years. On the island Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and site of the oracle that Aeneas visited, marvel at the excavated shrines to the gods. At Cumae, see where the Sibyl guided Aeneas into the Underworld.
Day 1 : Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the port of Piraeus to embark Corinthian II. Sail in the evening.
Day 2 : Ancient Troy
Arrive at the port of Canakkale on Turkey’s north Aegean coast to visit the ancient site of Troy. Before the walls of Troy, Aeneas fought bravely by the side of Hector during the Trojan War until the city of old King Priam finally fell to a clever scheme of Odysseus—the Trojan Horse. The archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann began the first of a series of excavations, uncovering an extraordinary treasure trove that he promptly identified as the “treasure of Priam.” The excavations have revealed not one city, but 46 cities built on top of each other from 3000 B.C. to 400 A.D. Explore the site and visit the town’s archaeological museum, which has an excellent collection of Trojan artifacts.
Day 3 : Delos and Syros
Legend identifies the pristine island of Delos, situated in the center of the Aegean, as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Here, the oracle of Apollo informed Aeneas that he must seek out the “ancient mother” which Aeneas interpreted to be Crete. A walking tour includes the shrine of Apollo, as well as the Terrace of the Lions, which guards over the Sacred Lake. Sail from here to the beautiful island of Syros, where the town is divided by two hills, one home to the Roman Catholic district, and the other, to the Greek Orthodox. Each hill is crowned by its respective church, and the streets lined with ornate villas, monasteries, and cathedrals.
Day 4 : Crete
Arrive in Crete, where Aeneas and his followers began to build a city, but were soon driven away by plague and warnings from the gods. An excursion leads to one of the finest achievements of Minoan civilization: the partially reconstructed Palace at Knossos. The palace contains an underground labyrinth—legendary domain of the Minotaur—and its corridors, stairways, and chambers are decorated with frescoes illustrating life as it was 4,000 years ago. Tonight, Corinthian II navigates past the Strophades Islands, where Aeneas and his companions landed after being thrown off course by a storm.
Day 5 : Nikopolis
Sail to Actium, the area where the Trojans called after Crete. From Preveza, a port town that faces Actium on the Ambracian Gulf, tour Nikopolis, the most extensive Roman site in Greece. Driving along the coast, we reach the Nekromanteion of Ephyra, the sanctuary of Persephone and Hades, where in Homer’s Odyssey, Charon rowed the dead across the mythological river Styx to the Underworld and Odysseus saw the spirits of his fallen comrades. The ruins, set on a low, rocky hill, are still visible, including the chamber where audiences with the dead took place.
Day 6 : At Sea, Syracuse
Spend the morning at sea, arriving this evening in Syracuse and following the course of the Trojans who also landed in Sicily, only to be driven away by the Cyclops.
Day 7 : Syracuse
This morning, explore the town’s ancient sites including the spectacular 15,000- seat Greek theater and other remains. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, which contains an extensive collection of artifacts.
Day 8 : Carthage (Tunis, Tunisia)
Visit the ruins of the legendary city of Carthage, where Aeneas met the lovely Dido. Highlights include Tophet, the sanctuary of the Carthaginian divinities Tanit and Baal; Bystra Hill; and the Antonine Baths. Also see splendid mosaics in the Bardo Museum and enjoy time shopping in the souks.
Day 9 : Trapani, Erice, and Segesta, Sicily
Another storm forced Aeneas and his people to seek refuge in Eryx, near the present-day port of Trapani. Visit the medieval town of Erice (Eryx), whose foundation goes back to the Phoenician period. Then, drive to Segesta to explore the Doric temple and theater. Reboard Corinthian II and set sail for Naples.
Day 10 : Naples: Cumae and Pompei
Arrive in Naples for an excursion to the Phlegraean Fields, where Aeneas traveled to the Underworld and met his father, Anchises. Also visit the ancient site of Cumae. In the afternoon, either tour the ruins of Pompeii, the city both destroyed and remarkably preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., or visit the national Archaeological Museum.
Day 11 : Disembark in Naples
Disembark Corinthian II this morning and transfer to the Naples airport for return flights home.
Program Includes:
* Ten-night cruise aboard the 114-guest yacht Corinthian II
* Welcome and farewell receptions aboard ship, hosted by the captain
* All meals aboard ship, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
* Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner aboard ship
* Complete program of tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary
* Educational program of lectures by accompanying study leader
* Complete pre-departure materials, including destination information, travel portfolio, document wallet, and name badge
* Baggage handling and transfers aboard on the program's designated departure and arrival dates
* Port and embarkation taxes
* Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare; visas; passports; baggage, cancellation, and accident insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel
-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 |
