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Request further details or information.A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean
This summer, join us on a voyage that brings together magnificent musical performances in the Mediterranean’s most beautiful settings. We begin in Sicily, an island whose culture has been influenced by every civilization around the Mediterranean. After embarking in Catania, we call in culturally rich Syracuse where we’ll explore its spectacular Greco-Roman ruins. In Malta, peer into the Neolithic temples of Tarxien as well as the Palace of the Grand Masters, and enjoy a music recital in the salon of the dazzling Palazzo Parisio. Visit the Doric temples of Agrigento and discover how Palermo’s Norman and Arabic influences mingled with the Byzantine and Romanesque to produce stunning cathedrals. In the Palazzo Raffadali’s lovely salon, we will enjoy an intimate musical performance. Next, we sail to the volcanic Aeolian Islands, named after Aeolus, god of the winds. Call in Lipari, with its imposing 16th-century Norman castle, which is now home to the island’s archaeological museum, and Panarea, the smallest of the seven islands, with its supreme natural beauty. Visit the magnificent 6th-century B.C. temple at Paestum and from Sorrento enjoy a choice of excursions either to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or the Amalfi coast and its delightful villages. Our ship for this memorable voyage is the deluxe, all-suite Corinthian II, offering the best in small-ship cruising.
Departures
A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean
14 June, 2012 to 22 June, 2012
14 June, 2012 to 22 June, 2012
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Category E
$7795.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft.
Category D
$8795.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft.
Category C
$9795.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft.
Category B
$10795.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft.
Category A
$11795.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
$12495.00 USD pp
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft.
Category VS
$13795.00 USD pp
Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft.
Category PHS
$14995.00 USD pp
Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft.
A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean itinerary:
Day 1: CATANIA, Sicily, Italy | EMBARK
Arrive in Catania and transfer to Corinthian II.
Day 2: SYRACUSE | NOTO | SYRACUSE
Syracuse sits at the head of a beautiful bay on Sicily’s southeast coast. Colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Syracuse became one of the most powerful and prestigious cities of the ancient world, rousing the hostility of Athens. Discover the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theater, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity, and the elliptical Roman amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind. After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, walk the winding lanes of Syracuse’s Old Town, situated on the island of Ortygia, and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. An afternoon excursion into Sicily’s southeast region, known for its Baroque towns, brings us to exquisitely preserved Noto, a jewel situated on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves.
Day 3: VALLETTA, Malta
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. Our music recital with Ms. von Stade will be held in the salon of the Palazzo Parisio, with its stunning gardens and architecture.
Day 4: PORTO EMPEDOCLE | AGRIGENTO | PORTO EMPEDOCLE
Arrive in Sicily’s Porto Empedocle for an excursion to the fabled temples of Agrigento. Set on a ridge facing the sea, Agrigento’s series of superb Doric temples are among the most captivating Greek ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Visit the Temple of Hercules, constructed in the 6th century B.C.; the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Concord; and the Temple of Juno, noted for its graceful proportions. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, whose extraordinary collection is devoted to finds from the surrounding area.
Day 5: PALERMO | MONREALE | PALERMO
Arrive in Palermo, one of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting cities. Founded by the Phoenicians in 827 B.C. and conquered by the Saracens in the 9th century, Palermo became one of Europe’s greatest cities by the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Seek out the Cappella Palatina, the royal chapel built by Roger II between 1132 and 1143. A wonder of Byzantine-Arab-Norman artistry, the chapel features dazzling mosaics, an exquisitely carved wooden ceiling, and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Then drive to Monreale to visit its famed Norman cathedral. In the afternoon, tour the private Palazzo Raffadali, a Gothic palace with 17th-century interiors, and enjoy a recital with Ms. von Stade in its lovely salon.
Day 6: LIPARI | PANAREA, Aeolian Islands
Arrive at Lipari, one of the seven islands of the Aeolian Archipelago claimed by Greek mythology as home of Aeolus, god of the winds. Dominating the twin-harbor town of Lipari is a 16th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis. In the afternoon, we sail to Panarea, the second smallest of the Aeolian Islands. Explore the island’s natural beauty and its promontory where, in 1948, a Bronze-Age village was excavated.
Day 7: AGROPOLI | PAESTUM | AGROPOLI
From Agropoli, built on a headland facing the sea, drive to Paestum, founded by Greeks in the 6th century B.C. Situated on an alluvial river plain, Paestum is one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites, containing Greek Doric temples that are among the best-preserved ancient buildings existing today.
Day 8: SORRENTO | POMPEII or HERCULANEUM or RAVELLO & AMALFI | SORRENTO
From Sorrento, a choice of excursions leads either to Pompeii or Herculaneum, cities both destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. While the excavations at Herculaneum may not be as extensive as those at Pompeii, many of the domestic buildings are much better preserved. For those on the Herculaneum excursion, there will also be an opportunity to explore the Villa of Poppaea at Oplontis, a remarkable residence excavated between 1964 and 1984. Alternatively, enjoy a drive to the picturesque Amalfi coast and its charming villages, including Ravello, a medieval hill-town with stellar views, and Amalfi, an 11th-century maritime city.
Day 9: CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME | 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.
