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Request further details or information.from the Adriatic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean
Throughout the Middle Ages the art, architecture, music, and science of Venice were influenced and enriched by the Byzantine and Islamic civilizations that flourished in the Aegean, Asia Minor, and the Middle East. Beginning in Venice, we’ll explore the rich interplay of cultures that is the hallmark of the old Venetian colonies in the Eastern Mediterranean: Piran’s Venetian-inspired architecture; Croatia’s Zadar and Dubrovnik; Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its old town; the Byzantine churches and Venetian-style loggias and palaces of Corfu; the Minoan civilization at Knossos; and Anamurium and Silifke, ancient sites rarely included on a Mediterranean cruise. Finally, we explore ancient Cyprus, which preserves beautiful ancient Greek and early Christian works of art. Our ship for this idyllic spring voyage is the incomparable all-suite Corinthian II, a ship that is modeled on the comforts of a private yacht and the elegance of a private club.
Departures
from the Adriatic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean itinerary:
Day 1: VENICE, Italy | EMBARK
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. Upon arrival, transfer to embark Corinthian II.
Day 2: VENICE | PIRAN, Slovenia
Today, sail through the Giudecca and San Marco canals to the Adriatic Sea for Slovenia. Possessed by Venice in 1283, Piran is rich in well-preserved Venetian-inspired architecture, its arched alleyways lined with exquisite homes, palaces, and churches. Explore the spacious marble-surfaced Tartini Square flanked by historic buildings, the temple-like Church of St. George, originally built in the 14th century, and the Sergej Masera Maritime Museum, housed in the elegant Gabrielli Palace. There will be free time to explore Piran and on your own.
Day 3: 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 naval 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.
Day 4: DUBROVNIK, Croatia | KOTOR, Montenegro
Arrive in Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the sea and maritime trade. Today, it is one of Europe’s best-preserved and loveliest medieval cities. After touring Dubrovnik, drive to Montenegro’s Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and another of the Adriatic’s gems. Situated at the head of a fantastic bay and below towering mountains, Kotor’s commercial activities during the 13th and 14th centuries provoked the jealousy of Venice. Faced with the Turkish threat, Kotor was forced to seek the protection from Venice in 1402. After touring on foot Kotor’s attractive old town, enclosed by walls, reboard Corinthian II in Kotor and sail, navigating the scenic fjord-like Bay of Kotor.
Day 5: CORFU, Ionian Islands, 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 6: PYLOS | METHONI | PYLOS, 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, and then reboard the ship to sail to Crete.
Day 7: RETHYMNON | CHANIA or KNOSSOS or IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMNON, Crete
Land in Crete, 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. In the morning, visit Chania, with its historic walled town and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, 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, which dominates a small bay.
Day 8: AT SEA
AT SEA
Day 9: ANAMUR LIMANI | ANAMURIUM | MAMURE KALESI | ANAMUR LIMANI, Turkey
From Anamur Limani an excursion leads to Anamurium. Founded by Phoenicians, Anamurium thrived in the 3rd century A.D., and most of the ruins date from this era. Of special interest are the necropolis tombs, many with murals of mythological scenes. Continue to Mamure Kalesi, a coastal castle with crenellated walls and watch towers. Tour the castle complex, which the Ottomans occupied through the late-19th century.
Day 10: TASUCU | SILIFKE | TASUCU
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, Silifke was 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.
Day 11: LIMASSOL | KOURION | LIMASSOL, Cyprus
Cyprus’s position as a stepping-stone between the East and West has left an unusually rich legacy of the many civilizations that flourished on the island. Travel to Kourion, an ancient city set upon a great cliff. Visit the mosaics depicting Achilles and gladiators near the Paphos Gate, the ruined 5th-century Basilica and adjoining Baptistery, and the restored Sanctuary of Apollo.
Day 12: LIMASSOL|DISEMBARK | USA
Transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
Corinthian II
The deluxe Corinthian II is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 114 guests. Built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2005, it has 57 suites, each with:
• Sea view
• Queen-sized bed separable into two twin-sized beds
• Sitting area
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
• 225 square feet or more
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
The Penthouse Suites and Veranda Suites (400 and 300 square feet, respectively) feature private balconies accessed via sliding-glass doors, as well as white glove butler service.
FINE DINING
Corinthian II’s superb Continental cuisine is created by master chefs who select fresh local ingredients at many ports of call. Meals are served either in the stately restaurant or al fresco on the umbrella-studded sun deck. Fine regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner, and beginning in 2008 open bar service will be available throughout the day.
BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Returning from excursions, guests enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Before or after dinner, cocktails are served to live music performed by the ship’s pianist.
Other Corinthian II features include:
• Library with Internet access
• Lounge with audiovisual facilities
• Dining room
• Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
• Exercise Room
• Beauty salon
• Medical facilities with available doctor
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Swimming platform
Corinthian II complies with the latest international safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull, and a fleet of Zodiacs. Corinthian II’s 75 officers and crew ensure gracious personalized service and a convivial atmosphere akin to a private club.
