Ship:  Corinthian II

Itinerary:  Venice and the Medieval World

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Day 1 : Venice, Italy / Embark
Day 2 : Zadar, Croatia
Day 3 : Dubrovnik and Kotor, Montenegro
Day 4 : Corfu, Ionian Island, Greece
Day 5 : Pylos and Methoni, Peloponnese
Day 6 : Rethymno / Chania or Knossos / Rethymno, Crete
Day 7 : At Sea
Day 8 : Tasucu and Silifke, Turkey
Day 9 : Tartus and Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
Day 10 : Haifa, Israel and Akko or Jerusalem
Day 11 : Larnaca, Cyprus / 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
11 May 14, 2010 $9,495 $10,495 $11,895 $13,495 $14,495 $15,495 $17,995 $18,995
Destinations : Crete, Croatia, Cyprus, Europe, Greece, Italy, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey
Savings Dates  
$4000 May 14, 10 Save $2500 per person in Cat E-AA and $4000 per person in Cat VS or PHS if you book early!
id: 471
These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details.

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!!

Over six centuries during the middle ages, The Most Serene, the public of Venice and the Byzantine Empire collaborated on one of the world’s great stories: a saga of power and influence that would consume the Mediterranean. Venice, which gained independence from Byzantium in the 9th century, aided the Empire against the Normans and was granted free trade throughout the realm. But rampant Venetian expansion through the Adriatic and Aegean brought centuries of war—eventually leaving both states too weak to forge a common front against the Ottoman Turks, who conquered Constantinople in 1453 and consumed Venice’s Adriatic possessions.

Day 1 : Venice, Italy / Embark

Arrive in Venice and embark on Corinthian II. Built on an archipelago of small islands in a lagoon, Venice rose to power and flourished, shaping and dominating for many years the affairs of the Eastern Mediterranean. Embark Corinthian II and sail in the evening through the Giudecca and San Marco canals to the Adriatic Sea.

Day 2 : Zadar, Croatia

Controlled by Illyrian tribes, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Hungarians, Zadar came under the Venetians in 1409, who held it until 1797, becoming an important navel center of the Venetian Republic. Explore the old city, including the Roman Forum, the 9th-century church of St. Donatus, the Cathedral of Anastasia, one of the finest Romanesque churches in Dalmatia, and the Archaeological Museum, whose exhibits trace the history of the city.

Day 3 : Dubrovnik and Kotor, Montenegro

Arrive in Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the sea and maritime trade. Tour Dubrovnik’s palaces and other landmarks, then drive along the scenic road to Montenegro’s Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the head of a fantastic bay and below towering mountains, Kotor was an important maritime center under the control of Venice.

Day 4 : Corfu, Ionian Island, Greece

After a morning at sea, arrive in Corfu. A stronghold of the ancient Corinth, Corfu was a valuable possession of Venice from 1386 to 1797, guarding the approach to the Adriatic and the maritime lanes to the Eastern Mediterranean. The city’s characteristic architecture dates from the Venetian period, with its forts, loggias, palaces, narrow streets, and churches.

Day 5 : Pylos and Methoni, Peloponnese

Set in a magnificent natural harbor, quaint Pylos is our gateway to Methoni, a strategic port the Venetians took over and fortified in the 12th century. Overlooking the east-west shipping routes, and deriving great wealth from its commercial activities and as a port of call for pilgrims to and from the Holy Land, Methoni was known as the “eye of Venice.” Tour the imposing fortress, built on a promontory facing the sea.

Day 6 : Rethymno / Chania or Knossos / Rethymno, Crete

Land in Crete, the island that was home of the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete was under Venice from 1204 to 1669, when they lost it to the Turks. Crete was important to the Venetians not only as a source of grain and other commodities, but also because of its strategic position. Tour the town of Rethymnon, with its unmistakable Venetian character and Turkish remains. In the afternoon, visit Chania, perhaps Crete’s loveliest city, with its historic walled town and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, you may explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace of the island, or explore Crete’s magnificent southern country, including the Imbros Gorge, and the lovely Venetian fort of Frangokastello.

Day 7 : At Sea

Day 8 : Tasucu and Silifke, Turkey

Dock in Tasucu on Turkey’s south coast, and drive to nearby Silifke, a picturesque town built along the banks of a river. The ancient Seleucia ad Calycadnum, Sifilke was an early center of Christianity and an important point of embarkation for pilgrims to the Holy Land. The Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, who was leading the Third Crusade, died here in 1190. Explore the town and see the remains of the 2nd-century A.D. Temple of Zeus and visit the Archaeological Museum. Continue to Corycus to visit the nearby fantastic castles, built in the 12th century, when this area was part of the Armenian Cilician Kingdom. The Maiden’s Castle is built on a small island that seems to be floating above the sea.

Day 9 : Tartus and Krak des Chevaliers, Syria

Known as Tortosa by the Crusaders, Tartus was an important port town for the Knights Templar. Drive to Krak des Chevaliers, the world’s best-preserved and most magnificent Crusader castle, which stands in its commanding site essentially unchanged from the 12th – 13th centuries. Two mighty rings of fortifications defended the castle, which could support a garrison of 2,000 men. Explore this incredible landmark, and after lunch, visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, originally built in the 6th century in the valley below the castle.

Day 10 : Haifa, Israel and Akko or Jerusalem

From Haifa, drive to nearby Akko (or Acre), one of the oldest towns in the world, first mentioned in Egyptian texts of the 19th century B.C. Taken over by the Crusaders in 1104, and renamed Saint-Jean d’Acre, it became the main commercial center for trade between the east and Europe. In 1187 Akko surrendered to Saladdin, but four years later was retaken by Richard the Lionheart and remained the capital of the Latin kingdom until 1287. Visit Akko’s Old City, with its twisting medieval alleyways, including the quarter of the Knights Hospitallers. After lunch aboard, take an excursion to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea for 600 years, and one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites. Alternatively, spend the day in Jerusalem visiting the city’s most important monuments.

Day 11 : Larnaca, Cyprus / Disembark

Standing in the crossroad of civilizations, Cyprus has absorbed just about all the currents of Mediterranean history. The island was handed to Venice in 1489, remaining in their possession until 1570 when it was taken over by the Ottoman Empire. From Larnaca, where the Ottoman forces landed in 1570, transfer to the airport for return flights

Ship Description: Corinthian II

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Corinthian II | slide show
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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
Corinthian II - Deck Plan

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