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Request further details or information.Classic Mediterranean Islands
The islands of the Mediterranean are steeped in history, rich in art treasures, and celebrated for their natural beauty. Explore these islands in the manner from which they were meant to be seen—from the deck of a beautiful ship. Setting forth from Istanbul we first call in Chios, where we will visit the 11th-century Nea Moni monastery, adorned with beautiful mosaics created by artists from Constantinople. Look out over the multihued cliffs of Santorini, where the Minoans achieved their artistic zenith. On the island of Crete, visit the impressive remains of Knossos. In Malta, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tarxien Temples, which date back to 2800 B.C. Next we’ll call in Sicily, an island whose culture has been influenced by every civilization around the Mediterranean. Su Nuraxi, on Sardinia, is a mysterious place built by a long-forgotten Bronze Age people, while Bonifacio is a jewel of brightly colored houses and fine Gothic architecture crowning a promontory overlooking the sea. Carrying us from one idyllic island to the next is Corinthian II, a beautiful all-suite vessel that accommodates no more than 114 guests.
Departures
Classic Mediterranean Islands
28 July, 2012 to 07 August, 2012
28 July, 2012 to 07 August, 2012
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Category E
$7995.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft.
Category D
$8995.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft.
Category C
$9995.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft.
Category B
$10995.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft.
Category A
$11995.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
$12695.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft.
Category VS
$13595.00 USD pp
Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft.
Category PHS
$14795.00 USD pp
Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft.
Classic Mediterranean Islands itinerary:
Day 1: ISTANBUL, Turkey | EMBARK
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to Corinthian II.
Day 2: CHIOS, Greece
Awake this morning in Chios, the Greek island claiming to be Homer’s birthplace. The island’s volcanic rock formations and deep green valleys forge a landscape of stunning color oppositions and intricate appearances. Visit the 11th-century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. The Monastery sits majestically in a wooded vale and is decorated throughout with exquisite frescoes and mosaics.
Day 3: SANTORINI
From the sea, enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Phira on Santorini. In the 2nd millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded the island in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many buildings in the town of Akrotiri. At the time of the eruptions, Akrotiri was inhabited by a sophisticated Bronze Age society. Visit the Nomikos Exhibition, where excellent reproductions of the frescoes at Akrotiri are on display, and the Prehistoric Museum of Thira. Then visit the unspoiled town of Oia and enjoy time at leisure.
Day 4: RETHYMNON | CHANIA or KNOSSOS | RETHYMNON, Crete
Land in Crete, the island that was home of the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. In the morning, visit Chania, perhaps Crete’s loveliest city, with its historic walled town and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, you may explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace of the island, or explore Crete’s magnificent southern country. In the afternoon, tour the town of Rethymnon, with its unmistakable Venetian character.
Day 5: AT SEA
Attend lectures and enjoy the ship’s amenities as we sail toward Malta.
Day 6: VALLETTA, Malta
Corinthian II will enter the historic Grand Harbor of Valletta, Malta’s capital. In the morning explore the Palace of the Grand Masters and the National Museum of Archaeology. Then it’s a short drive to the remarkable Tarxien Temples, which date back to 2800 B.C., and onto Hagar Qim, an even older temple that stands atop a hill on the southern edge of the island overlooking the sea.
Day 7: MARSALA | SELINUNTE or MOTYA & SEGESTA | MARSALA, Sicily, Italy
Call at Marsala for a choice of excursions that will reveal the wealth of the monuments of Sicily. Drive to Selinunte, the most westerly Greek colony in Sicily, founded in 650 B.C. A highland overlooking the sea provides a tranquil setting for the expansive ruins of what was once among the island’s most progressive cities. Return to the ship for lunch before exploring the Museo Anselmi, housed in a stone-vaulted warehouse. Its prime exhibit is a Punic warship discovered off the coast, possibly sunk during a naval battle in 241 B.C. and from which a number of relics have been recovered, including some intriguing contraband. Alternatively, drive to Motya, an 8th-century B.C. Phoenician commercial base, founded on a small island, now connected to Sicily by a causeway. Continue to Segesta for a glimpse of its magnificent Doric temple, built in 420 B.C. and ranked as one of the best-preserved ancient Greek sites to be found anywhere. But what especially commends this site is its setting. The ruins stand in majestic solitude atop a bucolic hill with virtually no modern-day structures marring the vista, making it easy to imagine what Sicily was like in ancient times.
Day 8: CAGLIARI | SU NURAXI | NORA | CAGLIARI, Sardinia
Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, built on a hill facing the sea. Disembark and drive to the village of Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important and impressive nuraghic complex and a UNESCO Heritage Site. After lunch aboard, spend time at leisure to explore Cagliari on your own, or take an excursion to Nora, whose ancient remains date from the Carthaginian and Roman periods.
Day 9: ALGHERO
Tour Alghero, the region’s major fishing port. Known as “Barcelonetta” because of its predominantly Catalan flavor, our tour will explore the picturesque cobblestoned streets and flamboyantly decorated churches of its historic core. A scenic drive brings us to the Sella & Mosca Winery for a delightful wine tasting and tour of the estate’s museum. Continue to the nearby Anghelu Ruiu Necropolis—a pre-Nuraghic cave complex with more than 30 hypogea (underground temples or tombs)—before returning to Alghero.
Day 10: BONIFACIO, Corsica, France
Stroll through the striking village of Bonifacio, with its winding medieval lanes and brightly colored houses. Admire the fine Gothic architecture and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Day 11: CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME, Italy | USA
Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome 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.
