E-mail a friendShip: Corinthian II
Itinerary: A Voyage to the Aegean Sea: An Exploration of Greece, the Greek Islands and Turkey
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Voyage to the Aegean Sea
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Athens, Greece |
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| Day 2 : | Athens/ Amphiareion/ Thermoplylae/ Larissa |
| Day 3 : | Larissa/ Portaria/ Makrynitasa/ Volos |
| Day 4 : | Larissa/ Meteora/ Larissa |
| Day 5 : | Larissa/ Dion/ Vergina/ Thessoloniki/ Embark |
| Day 6 : | Cankkale/ Troy |
| Day 7 : | Kusadasi/ Ephesus/ Priene |
| Day 8 : | Santorini |
| Day 9 : | Kalilmenes, Crete/ Phaestos/ Gortyn |
| Day 10 : | Heraklion/ Knossos |
| Day 11 : | Nafplion/ Mycenae/ Tiryns/ Argos |
| Day 12 : | Piraeus/ Disembark/ Athens |
| 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 | Oct 28, 2008 | $5,995 | $6,895 | $8,195 | $9,495 | $10,495 | $11,195 | $11,995 | $13,495 |
| A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $2,695 to the per person, double occupancy rates. | |||||||||
| Destinations : Europe, Greece, Turkey Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Photography |
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When sailing the enchanted blue waters of the Aegean, you hear the whisper of heroes in the wind and the echo of ancient empires in the lapping waves. After exploring the Acropolis in Athens, our voyage brings us to legendary Troy, where the mythical Trojan War was fought over the mesmerizing beauty of the half-goddess, Helen. In Ephesus, walk upon the same stones as St. Paul, and venturing to Crete, which was the home of the Minoans, Europe’s first civilization, see the famed Palace of Knossos. Behold in the Peloponnese, Agamemnon’s traditional home of Mycenae, and Tiryns, with its massive red walls still standing as they did 3,400 years ago.
Day 1 : Athens, Greece
Arrive in Athens. Spend the night at the Sofitel Airport Hotel.
Day 2 : Athens/ Amphiareion/ Thermoplylae/ Larissa
This morning we depart for Amphiareion to visit this small uncrowded site with the remains of a Doric 4th century B.C. shrine to the healing diety Amphiaraus. We continue to Thermoplylae, stopping for lunch enroute. At Thermoplylae, a narrow pass defended by Leonidas and his Spartans during the Persian invasion of 480 B.C., we will be using Herodotus’ Histories as a guide to follow the vivid and dramatic depiction of the battle. After touring the site, continue to the town of Larissa for a three night stay at the Imperial Hotel. This evening there will be a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel, followed by dinner.
Day 3 : Larissa/ Portaria/ Makrynitasa/ Volos
Morning at leisure. This afternoon we enjoy the magnificent scenery and charming, historic villages of the Pelion peninsula. Drive through Portaria, where the houses are beautifully painted in vibrant colors, to Makrynitsa, one of Greece’s prettiest villages that boasts a panoramic view of Volos. Continue to Volos to visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses items from the Neolithic age, dating from 6,500 B.C., as well as pieces from the Mycenaean period. Return to the Imperial Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 : Larissa/ Meteora/ Larissa
Today we will enjoy a full day excursion to Meteora. About 1335, hermit monks seeking religious isolation and a secure retreat from turbulent times began to build small monasteries and chapels atop massive natural rock pillars that tower above the valley floor. Access was intentionally difficult, being made either by a series of vertical wooden ladders which could be retracted in an emergency or in a net drawn by rope and windlass to specially built towers overhanging the abyss. The monasteries soon became refuges from war and persecution. Visit a monastery and church, admiring their late Byzantine frescoes and touring the small museums. Return to the Imperial Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 : Larissa/ Dion/ Vergina/ Thessoloniki/ Embark
Visit the archaeological site at Dion, comprising sanctuaries honoring both Greek and foreign gods. Continue to Vergina, the ancient Macedonian royal capital of Aigai, to visit the ruins of the palace and the unique chamber tombs of Macedonian kings. Also visit the nearby museum. Continue to Thessaloniki where we embark Corinthian II in the late afternoon and sail.
Day 6 : Cankkale/ Troy
Call at Canakkale for an excursion to famed Troy, which consists of nine cities, superimposed in rings, on a massive mound rising above the “windswept” Plain of Ilium. It was to one of these cities, as legend has it, that Paris abducted the beautiful Helen, igniting the Trojan War.
Day 7 : Kusadasi/ Ephesus/ Priene
From the seaside town of Kusadasi, visit the great ancient city of Ephesus, settled since the second millennium B.C. One of the most important sites in the history of Asia Minor, Ephesus displays extensive ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Visit the large theater in which the Ephesians rioted against St. Paul, the Library of Celsus with its imposing façade, and the Temple of Serapis. Continue to Priene, founded in 350 B.C., to see the Acropolis and Temple of Athena.
Day 8 : Santorini
Corinthian II cruises into the flooded volcanic crater that forms the great circular bay of Santorini. From the sea, enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Phira, set atop a 1,000-foot-high palisade. In the second millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded the island in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many of the buildings in the town of Akrotiri, which centuries ago was inhabited by a sophisticated Bronze Age society. Visit the Nomikos Exhibition, where excellent reproductions of the frescoes at Akrotiri are on display, the Prehistoric History Museum of Thira, and drive to the unspoiled town of Oia.
Day 9 : Kalilmenes, Crete/ Phaestos/ Gortyn
From the port of Kali Limenes drive to the beautifully situated Minoan palace at Phaestos, noted for its breathtaking view of Mount Dikti and the Plain of Massara. Continue to the archaeological site at Gortyn, the Roman capital of Crete, where the Gortyn Law Code was written.
Day 10 : Heraklion/ Knossos
Heraklion, Crete’s main port, is the gateway to one of the finest achievements of Minoan civilization—the partially reconstructed Palace at Knossos. After visiting the Minoan site, continue to Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s finest repositories of Minoan artifacts, where many of Knossos’ frescoes are on display.
Day 11 : Nafplion/ Mycenae/ Tiryns/ Argos
Arrive at Nafplion for an excursion to Mycenae, one of the main centers of the Mycenaean world, an extraordinary civilization that flourished in the second millennium B.C. Homer referred to Mycenae, the traditional home of Agamemnon, as “rich in gold.” A tour of the citadel includes the royal beehive-shaped tombs that lie outside its walls, and the dramatic Lion Gate, which leads to the acropolis and grand palace. Continue to Homer’s “wall-girt” city of Tiryns, situated on a rocky summit, where imposing, massive walls of red and gray limestone still stand 3,400 years after construction. Also tour Argos, an important ancient city with remains that include the Mycenaean necropolis, the Sanctuary of Apollo and Athena, and the Agora.
Day 12 : Piraeus/ Disembark/ Athens
Disembark and transfer to the Athens airport for return flights.
-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 |
