Empires of the Sea
Cultural Legacies of the Mediterranean aboard the Corinthian II
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $7995 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 14 days |
| Arrive: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Depart: | Venice, Italy |
| Lodging: | 11 nights luxury vessel, 1 night hotel in Istanbul describe |
| Meals: | All meals and wine, beer, soft drinks included aboard ship |
| Activity: | Archaeology, Small Ship Cruising |
| Trip Level: |
11-day cruise, cultural exploration and walking tours
|
Highlights
- The cultural monuments of Istanbul, Gateway to the Orient
- Explore Rhodes and ancient Lindos
- Visit Crete, home of the Minoans, Europe’s earliest civilization
- Malta’s medieval monuments and Roman remains
- Castles and cathedrals of Gerace and Otranto, Italy
- Roam the cobbled streets of Kotor and Dubrovnik
We were blown away by the camaraderie of the group (partly a result of the Trip Leader), the quality of the guides, the accommodations. We felt privileged to be part of such an extraordinary operation.Lisa and David T.—Hamden, CT
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
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Resources
On our journey across the sea from Istanbul to Venice, we witness the fascinating interplay of cultural influences set against the glorious backdrop of the sun-splashed Mediterranean. Empire after empire rose and fell over the centuries, bequeathing a magnificent heritage of art, architecture, cultures, and cuisine, from Minoan ruins to Byzantine churches and beautifully preserved medieval walled towns. As we voyage aboard the regal 114-guest Corinthian II, we discover enduring legacies of the past as we call at Crete, home of the ancient Minoans, who built elaborate multi-storied palaces; and Malta, rich in prehistoric and Roman remains; and we see the influences of Venetian, Slavic, and Islamic cultures in the seaside towns of Kotor and Dubrovnik.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-3
Istanbul, Turkey / Embark
The battle for supremacy of the Mediterranean between the Ottoman Empire and Christian Europe was one of the epic struggles of antiquity. In Istanbul, theformer Constantinople and one of the centers of the Ottoman Empire, we explore the basilica of Hagia Sophia, the wondrous Topkapi Palace, seat of Ottoman sultans, and the Blue Mosque. On Day 3 we embark on the Corinthian II and begin our voyage on the Mediterranean.
Days 4-5
Chios, Greece / Rhodes
Our island visits include rugged Chios, reputed birthplace of Homer, where we explore its 11th century Nea Moni monastery, adorned with mosaics created by artists from Constantinople. In Rhodes, a major naval power of antiquity, we tour the Old Town, encircled by medieval walls, and the whitewashed village of ancient Lindos, whose lofty acropolis overlooks the sea.
Days 6-7
Heraklion, Crete / Knossos
Crete is the home of the Minoans, Europe’s oldest civilization, and the exquisite Palace of Knossos was the seat of legendary King Minos. At the Heraklion Museum, we view the most magnificent collection of Minoan art in the world, including elaborate frescoes, gold and bronze figures, and pottery with graceful designs. Alternately, we explore Rethymnon, one of Crete’s prettiest towns, with its strong Venetian and Turkish character. Day 7 is at sea en route to Malta.
Days 8-9
Valletta, Malta / Gerace, Italy
Malta is rich in prehistoric remains, including the Tartien Temples, Malta’s most important megalithic structures. Valletta, the capital and a World Heritage Site, is filled with exuberant architecture built by the Knights of St. John to celebrate their victory over the Turks. Heading to Italy, we explore the medieval hill village of Gerace, with its castle ruins and 11th century duomo.
Days 10-11
Nafpaktos (Lepanto), Greece / Otranto, Italy
Nafpaktos’ medieval appearance is well preserved, with enclosed walls facing the sea and a striking castle above the town. It is here that the Turks were overwhelmingly defeated by an allied fleet in the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. In Otranto, the embarkation port of the Crusades and the leading trade center between Venice, the cities of Dalmatia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, we explore its ancient cathedral, which has the largest floor mosaics in Italy, and the Byzantine church of San Pietro.
Days 12-14
Kotor, Montenegro / Dubrovnik, Croatia
Kotor, scenically located on a fjord-like bay and surrounded by soaring mountains, has an Old Town full of stately palaces, churches, and squares. In Dubrovnik, a lovely old medieval stronghold that once rivaled Venice for control of maritime trade in the Adriatic, we roam the cobbled streets on foot. We arrive in Venice on Day 13. Disembark and fly home on Day 14.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. There are daily shore excursions featuring walks and sightseeing.
Departures
Oct 5-18, 2010
Tour Costs
Cruise Rates by Cabin Category
Per person, double occupancy
| Categories | Cruise Price |
| E | $9,495 |
| D | $10,495 |
| C | $11,995 |
| B | $13,495 |
| A | $14,495 |
| AA | $15,495 |
| VS | $17,995 |
| PHS | $18,995 |
Single Supplement (Cat D-A): $1995 subject to availability
Deck Plan

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E
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Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250, 252. |
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D
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Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332. |
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C
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Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254-262. |
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B
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Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333-348. |
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A
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Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416-428. |
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AA
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Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 414-415. |
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VS
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Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. Suites 505-512.* |
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PHS
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Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. Suites 601-604.* |
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| *VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities. |
Tour Cost Includes:
- 1 night hotel in Istanbul
- Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; all meals, house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner aboard ship; open bar throughout the cruise; complete program of tours and excursions
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
- Professional tour staff
- Complete pre-departure materials
- Baggage handling and transfers on the designated program departure and arrival dates
- Port fees and embarkation taxes
- Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Airfare; visa and passport fees; baggage, cancellation and accident insurance; meals other than specified in the Full Trip Brochure; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes and e-mail service; and gratuities toshipboard personnel.
Corinthian II
The Corinthian II accommodates just 114 guests in 57 outside-facing suites offering views of the sea and landscape. There are expansive open deck areas and attractive facilities, including an exercise area, library, beauty salon, two lounges, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor cafe. A spacious restaurant accommodates all guests in an open, unassigned seating and the cuisine is outstanding. Served by 70 seasoned officers and crew, Corinthian II complies with the latest international safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational technology.
Deck Plan

|
E
|
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250, 252. |
|
|
|
|
D
|
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332. |
|
|
|
|
C
|
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254-262. |
|
|
|
|
B
|
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333-348. |
|
|
|
|
A
|
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416-428. |
|
|
|
|
AA
|
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 414-415. |
|
|
|
|
VS
|
Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. Suites 505-512.* |
|
|
|
|
PHS
|
Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. Suites 601-604.* |
|
|
|
| *VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities. |




