E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Sicily: Crossroads of Mediterranean Civilizations
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Syracuse, Italy
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Palermo, Sicily, Italy / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Palermo / Monreale / Palermo |
| Day 3 : | Naxos / Taormina / Naxos / Syracuse |
| Day 4 : | Syracuse / Noto / Syracuse |
| Day 5 : | Valletta, Malta |
| Day 6 : | Porto Empedocle | Agrigento | Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Italy |
| Day 7 : | Tunis/ Carthage, Tunisia |
| Day 8 : | Palermo / Disembark / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Europe, Italy, Malta, Mediterranean, Sicily, Tunisia Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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On this circumnavigation of Sicily aboard the all-suite Corinthian II, we discover more than 3,000 years of diverse cultural innovation—wave after wave of new peoples, new ideas, and new artistic techniques sweeping the island of Etna, leaving in their wake sublime temples, great cities, captivating villages, and extraordinary works of art. Our journey includes a treasure trove of riches, from the Doric temples of the ancient Greeks to the colossal works of the Romans and the spectacular artistic achievements of the Byzantine era. Also discover Sicily’s inviting towns, including medieval Erice and historic Monreale, with its Norman Cathedral. Late September is an ideal time to explore this storied island. The temperature is ideal for touring the sites, and the summer crowds of visitors are gone.
Day 1 : Palermo, Sicily, Italy / Embark
Arrive in Palermo, one of Europe’s most visually stunning and energetic cities and Sicily’s capital. Built around a bay at the foot of Mt. Pellegrino, Palermo was one of the world’s most important cities from the 9th to the 12th centuries. Transfer to the port to board Corinthian II. Spend the night aboard ship docked in port.
Day 2 : Palermo / Monreale / Palermo
In the morning, visit the Cappella Palatina, a wonder of Norman-Saracenic artistry built by Roger II around 1132-40, and the Archaeological Museum, housing one of the most interesting collections in Italy. Notable among its treasures are the famous metopes of Selinunte. In the afternoon, drive to Monreale to visit its Norman Cathedral whose interior contains a magnificent series of mosaics. Sail for Naxos late in the evening.
Day 3 : Naxos / Taormina / Naxos / Syracuse
In the morning, Corinthian II will navigate the Strait of Messina, the mythical narrow waterway of Scylla and Charybdis that separates Sicily from the Italian mainland, to arrive in the spacious bay of Naxos early in the afternoon for an excursion to nearby Taormina. Clinging to the edge of Mount Tauro, Taormina looks out to the sea and the dramatic cone of Mt. Etna. A Greek colony was founded here in 403 B.C. and prospered throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Visit the magnificent Greek theater. Then, spend time at leisure to explore on your own. While enjoying dinner aboard, sail along to the coast of Syracuse and arrive late in the evening.
Day 4 : Syracuse / Noto / Syracuse
In the morning, explore Syracuse, which once rivaled Athens as the most important city of the ancient world. Visit the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theater, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity; the elliptical Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind; and the Archaeological Museum, with its rare Sicilian artifacts. Also enjoy a walking tour of Syracuse’s old town on the island of Ortygia. An afternoon excursion brings us to Noto, the best-preserved and loveliest of Sicily’s 18th-century Baroque cities.
Day 5 : Valletta, Malta
Dock in the Grand Harbor of Valletta, the fortified bastion of the Knights of Malta. Ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, Valletta’s 320 monuments make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Wander the narrow streets, pause in the picturesque squares surrounded by palaces, and peek inside John’s Co-Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Masters and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Day 6 : Porto Empedocle | Agrigento | Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Italy
After our arrival in Porto Empedocle, we enjoy an excursion to Agrigento, whose foundation was legendarily attributed to the inventor Daedalus. Set on a ridge facing the sea, Agrigento’s series of superb Doric temples are among Sicily’s most captivating Greek ruins. Marvel at the Temple of Hercules, constructed in the 6th century b.c.; the remarkably preserved Temple of Concord; and the Temple of Juno, noted for its graceful proportions. Admire the extraordinary collection at the Archaeological Museum before returning to Porto Empedocle to reboard Corinthian II
and sail for Tunis.
Day 7 : Tunis/ Carthage, Tunisia
Tour the Bardo Museum, world-renowned for its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics, and enjoy time at leisure visiting the Medina and its souks. From Tunis, travel to storied Carthage, founded by Phoenicians in the 9th century b.c. The site includes several Phoenician ruins, including Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal, as well as many monuments from the Roman period. Reboard Corinthian II and sail to Palermo, Sicily.
Day 8 : Palermo / Disembark / Return Home
Disembark in Palermo and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
-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 |
