This coming summer, history comes alive for the whole family. Aboard the all-suite Corinthian II, embark on a voyage of discovery in the Mediterranean, where ancient cities, idyllic islands, myth, and history are intertwined. This prime itinerary is designed to enlighten the senses and inflame the imagination of your children or grandchildren. Their young minds will awaken to the wonders of Rome, the evocative sites of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the legendary Greek islands, and the classical antiquity of Athens. Our journey includes Pompeii, where children and adults alike will be in awe of the ruins. Discover Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games and become enchanted by Crete’s Minoan Palace of Knossos. On the cliffs of Santorini, see artifacts from Akrotiri, an ancient town buried—and preserved by—the pumice and ash of a volcanic eruption centuries ago. Explore the fortified town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Finally, voyage to Athens, a city capturing the best of the ancient and modern worlds. Youth education counselors will lead the Young Explorers Program, a series of educational and recreational activities developed to enhance children’s appreciation of the sites we visit.
A Family Learning Adventure in the Mediterranean itinerary:
Day 1: ROME | CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy | EMBARK
Arrive in Rome and transfer to Civitavecchia, the deepwater port of Rome, to embark Corinthian II.
Day 2: CIVITAVECCHIA | ROME | CIVITAVECCHIA
From a collection of huts on the banks of the Tiber, Rome became Empress of the World, the seat of western history’s most enduring empire. On a full-day excursion, travel to Rome and see the Colosseum, the vast elliptical amphitheatre dating from A.D. 70; the Pantheon, the most perfectly preserved ancient temple in Rome; and the Forum, the center of Imperial Rome for nearly 500 years. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy time at leisure to explore the eternal city.
Day 3: SALERNO | POMPEII or RAVELLO & AMALFI | SALERNO
From Salerno, an excursion leads to Pompeii, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. No other place so completely captures the character of life in the early Roman Empire. Tour highlights include the Forum, the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Stabian Baths, the best preserved and most complete in Pompeii. Alternatively, visit Ravello, a medieval hill-town with stellar views, and Amalfi, an 11th-century maritime city.
Day 4: AT SEA
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we cruise toward Greece.
Day 5: KATAKOLON | OLYMPIA | KATAKOLON, Greece
Travel to Olympia, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and one of four sites where the Panhellenic games were held. Tour the sacred area, including the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House, the Treasuries, and the stadium.
Day 6: RETHYMNON | KNOSSOS or IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMNON, Crete
Arrive in Crete, once home of the Minoans, Europe’s earliest developed civilization. From quaint Rethymnon, travel to Knossos and its fabled Minoan Palace, a maze of frescoed corridors and chambers showing life as it was 4,000 years ago. It is also home to the labyrinth of the legendary Minotaur. Then spend free time to explore Rethymnon and swim at a nearby beach. Alternatively, walk part of the rugged, scenic Imbros Gorge, ending at the coast, near the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello, for a swim. Then sail along Crete’s northwest coast to anchor near the isle of Gramvousa, an old Venetian stronghold, for another swim.
Day 7: SANTORINI
In the second millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded Santorini (or Phira) in pumice and ash and collapsed the island into a fractured caldera. This ultimately produced Santorini’s wild, multihued beauty while sending its Minoan civilization into irreversible decline. Adults will visit the Archaeological Museum while Young Explorers board a sailboat to Nea Kameni, the island in the center of Santorini’s caldera, and ascend to its volcano by donkey to learn about the area’s geology. Reunite for lunch and free time in Phira Town.
Day 8: RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES
The historic island of Rhodes was known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric, and sculpture. Today it boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval towns. Discover Old Town’s winding streets and splendid plazas, which owe their 14th-century charm to the Crusader Knights of St. John. In the lovely village of Lindos, take a donkey ride or walk up to the acropolis, set on a cliff 400 feet above the sea, with stunning views of the village and bay below. Or, opt to explore Lindos on your own or swim in the crystal waters of its white-sand beach.
Day 9: KUSADASI | EPHESUS | KUSADASI, Turkey
From Kusadasi, travel to Ephesus. Renowned as the center of worship of the mother-goddess Cybele, later known as Artemis, it was also the site where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians. Excavations continue and archaeologists are restoring the Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse of daily Ephesian life. See the facade of the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and Great Amphitheater.
Day 10: PIRAEUS, Greece | DISEMBARK | ATHENS
Arrive in Athens, a city with an incomparably dramatic and influential history. Disembark Corinthian II and explore the Acropolis, perhaps the most important ancient monument in the Western world and where our concept of democracy was born over 2,500 years ago. The ruins include the majestic Parthenon and the Erectheion. After lunch at a taverna, adults visit the stunning new Acropolis Museum while kids enjoy a youth-themed “treasure hunt” exploration of Athens. Overnight at the Hotel Plaza.
Day 11: ATHENS | USA
Transfer to the airport in Athens 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.
