Art & Culture are alive in the lands that border the Mediterranean Sea. In Seville and Barcelona, Marseille and Bonifacio, Dubrovnik and Split, every corner and piazza preserves cultural and artistic memories of the intrepid Portuguese, the Romans and Moors, and the vast seaborne trading empire of the Venetians. During this Mediterranean sojourn, every day brings a new marvel: the fabled Alhambra Palace in Granada; Gaudi’s creative, anarchic architecture in Barcelona; the dramatic natural scenery of the Corsican coast; the marvels of Pompeii, stately Kotor, once Venice’s rival in commerce and trade; and the medieval splendor of Dubrovnik. And there is no better way to explore these cities and towns than to experience them as they were centuries ago by Roman magistrates, Crusader knights, and Venetian merchant princes—by sea. Our ship, Corinthian II, is the perfect vessel for this marvelously varied and constantly illuminating voyage from Seville to Venice.
from Seville to Venice itinerary:
Day 1: SEVILLE, Spain | EMBARK
Arrive in Seville and transfer to Corinthian II. Overnight aboard ship, docked in port.
Day 2: SEVILLE
Occupied by the Romans, conquered by the Moors, and ruled by a succession of Catholic monarchs, Seville is one of Europe’s most important and affluent maritime cites. Visit the Alcazar, with its charming Murillo Gardens, and the Gothic Cathedral.
Day 3: MOTRIL | GRANADA | MOTRIL
Granada exemplifies the best of Moorish culture, art, and architecture. Tour the Alhambra, a striking 13th-century palace begun by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty. Also see the Sala de los Dos Hermanos and stroll through the splendid Generalife Gardens, adjacent to the Alhambra.
Day 4: AT SEA
While spending a day at sea, attend lectures and enjoy the ship’s amenities.
Day 5: BARCELONA
The exuberant capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is rich in extraordinary works of art and architecture. Tour the narrow alleyways of the Barrio Gotico, the original site of the Carthaginian city, and the extraordinary Templo de la Sagrada Familia, begun in the 19th century by the architect Antonio Gaudi and still unfinished. Also visit the 14th-century cathedral, La Seu, and tour the Picasso Museum.
Day 6: MARSEILLE | ARLES or AIX-en-PROVENCE | MARSEILLE, France
Drive to Arles and visit the theater, amphitheater, and the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime. Alternatively, travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, immortalized by the works of Cézanne.
Day 7: BONIFACIO, Corsica
Corinthian II navigates the scenic, fjord-like waterway leading to Bonifacio on Corsica, an island of high cliffs and spectacular scenery. 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 8: NAPLES | POMPEII or HERCULANEUM | NAPLES, Italy
From Naples, tour either Pompeii or Herculaneum, two Roman cities that faced radically divergent fates after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in a.d. 79. Return to Naples for an afternoon visit of the Archaeological Museum.
Day 9: AT SEA
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail toward Montenegro.
Day 10: KOTOR, Montenegro
Magnificently set amid Europe’s southernmost fjord, Kotor was well regarded for its masons and icon artists. On a walking tour through this car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon, as well as the Cathedral Square and the Lapidarium.
Day 11: DUBROVNIK, Croatia
A tour of the once Venetian-ruled Dubrovnik includes the Rector’s Palace, the Gothic cloister, the garden of the Dominican Monastery, and the baroque cathedral, which contains works by Renaissance painters Titian and Andrea del Sarto.
Day 12: SPLIT
Split is most famous for its stunning fortress-like palace, built in a.d. 295 by the Roman Emperor Diocletian and today is one of the world’s most impressive Roman ruins. Explore the palace and old fortified town, including the Rotunda, Mausoleum of Diocletian, and preserved Temple of Jupiter.
Day 13: VENICE, Italy | DISEMBARK | USA
Disembark in Venice and 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.
