E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Landmark Ancient Sites of the Mediterranean: Greece, Sicily, North Africa and Spain
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Athens, Greece
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| Day 1 : | Athens / Piraeus, Greece / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Piraeus / Corinth Canal / Itea / Delphi / Itea |
| Day 3 : | Katakolo / Olympia / Katakolo |
| Day 4 : | Syracuse, Sicily, Italy |
| Day 5 : | Porto Empedocle / Agrigento / Porto Empedocle |
| Day 6 : | Tunis / Carthage / Tunis, Tunisia |
| Day 7 : | Cagliari / Nora / Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy |
| Day 8 : | Sant'Antioco |
| Day 9 : | Bejaia / Djemila / Bejaia, Algeria |
| Day 10 : | At Sea |
| Day 11 : | Motril / Granada / Motril, Spain |
| Day 12 : | Malaga, Spain / Disembark |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Africa, Algeria, Europe, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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Nowhere in the world does natural beauty come together with magnificent ancient remains like the Mediterranean. Trace the progress of Western civilization’s greatest empires on an idyllic cruise from Athens to Granada. Every day brings a new marvel: from celebrated sites in Greece, including the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, once considered the meeting place of heaven and earth, to the lesservisited, dramatic ruins of North Africa, including Tunisia’s legendary remains of Carthage, and the Roman ruins at Djemila in Algeria. Along the way, visit the islands of Sicily, which has witnessed the rise and fall of every major civilization in the Mediterranean, and Sardinia, with its Phoenician remains. The grand voyage concludes in Granada, the pride of the Moors, with a visit to the fabled Alhambra Palace. There is no better way to explore these sites than in the same way as the ancients—by sea. Our ship, the elegant 114-guest Corinthian II, is the perfect vessel for this unforgettable voyage across the Mediterranean.
Day 1 : Athens / Piraeus, Greece / Embark
Arrive in Athens. Transfer to Piraeus to board Corinthian II. Overnight aboard docked in port.
Day 2 : Piraeus / Corinth Canal / Itea / Delphi / Itea
In the morning, Corinthian II will transit the Corinth Canal, the narrow waterway that separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese. Later, arrive in Itea for an excursion to Delphi. The famed Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi is one of the most impressive sites in Greece. Our exploration of the site begins at the Castalian Spring and continues up the Sacred Way, passing the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the stadium. Also visit the Archaeological Museum.
Day 3 : Katakolo / Olympia / Katakolo
Visit Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, and a vast sanctuary of well-preserved altars, temples, and other ruins. Highlights of the site include the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House, and the Treasuries. The Archaeological Museum houses exquisite sculptures from the site.
Day 4 : Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
Arrive in 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.
Day 5 : Porto Empedocle / Agrigento / Porto Empedocle
From Porto Empedocle, we enjoy an excursion to Agrigento. Set on a ridge facing the sea, Agrigento’s series of superb Doric temples are among Sicily’s most captivating Greek ruins. View 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. Also visit the impressive Archaeological Museum.
Day 6 : Tunis / Carthage / Tunis, Tunisia
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. Also tour the Bardo Museum, world-renowned for its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics, and enjoy time at leisure visiting the Medina and its souks.
Day 7 : Cagliari / Nora / Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
From the port Cagliari, on the southern coast of Sardinia, travel to Nora, beautifully situated on a promontory overlooking the sea. Settled initially by Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C., Nora came under the control of Carthage in the 6th century and developed into the island’s largest urban and commercial center. In 238 B.C., the city fell to the Romans, who made it Sardinia’s capital. A temple dedicated to the goddess Tanit occupies the ancient city center. Remains from the Roman city include a theater, an aqueduct, a temple of Juno, a nyphaeum, baths, and private villas. Just outside of Nora we enjoy a memorable Sardinian lunch, followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Cagliari. There will be time to explore Cagliari on your own before sailing.
Day 8 : Sant'Antioco
Call in the morning in Sant’Antioco, a small port in the southwest corner of Sardinia. Technically an island, Sant’Antioco has been connected to the Sardinian mainland by a causeway since Carthaginian times. Serving as a base for the Cathaginians and later for the Romans, Sant’Antioco’s upper town has been continuously inhabited since the 8th century B.C., when it was founded by the Phoenicians. Tour the excavated remains of the Carthaginian acropolis, including the Tophet and the Catacombs, and visit the Archaeological Museum, which contains finds from the excavation.
Day 9 : Bejaia / Djemila / Bejaia, Algeria
Disembark in Bejaia for an excursion through beautiful countryside to the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila. The site includes the Triumphal Arch to Emperor Caracalla built in A.D. 216; the Grand Baths; the market; and the Old Forum, featuring stunning friezes and a 3rd-century altar. Also visit the museum with its collection of superb mosaics.
Day 10 : At Sea
While relaxing at sea, attend lectures by the accompanying guest lecturers or partake of the ship’s amenities.
Day 11 : Motril / Granada / Motril, Spain
Dock in Motril for an excursion to Granada, the fabled last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. Founded in the 8th century, Granada exemplifies the best of Moorish culture, art, and architecture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the enchanting Alhambra, a striking 13th-century palace begun by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty, the last to rule over the Moorish kingdom in Spain. See the Patio de los Leones, whose intricate arcades are supported by 124 marble columns; the Sala de los Dos Hermanos, thought by many to be the pinnacle of Spanish-Islamic architecture; and the splendid Generalife Gardens, adjacent to the Alhambra. For those who have visited Granada before, we will offer an excursion to explore Las Alpujarras, the beautiful southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, with its traditional villages, including Pampaneira and Bubión.
Day 12 : Malaga, Spain / Disembark
Disembark in Malaga and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
-Please note the following fuel surcharge information:
*$250/person for departures from Oct 11-Dec 22, 2008
*$275/person for all Antarctic departures, Dec 2008 - March 2009.
- 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 |
