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Sicily and Southern Italy

Every destination on this cruise is extraordinary. We sail from Athens via the scenic Corinth Canal to Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, to visit Argostoli, which was once a strategic port in the Byzantine Empire. We then continue to Sicily, the largest, and perhaps the most magnificent, island in the Mediterranean, that has attracted colonists, conquerors, and visitors since the earliest times, and its volcanic Aeolian Islands. In Lipari, we will visit the remains of its ancient city and its 16th-century Norman castle, and in Pompeii and Herculaneum, we see the remains of the towns preserved by the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius. Then there is Paestum, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites; Monreale, a medieval town outside Palermo where the Norman kings of Sicily built an incredible cathedral; and Selinunte, in ancient times, a progressive city. We end our voyage in Syracuse and walk across the bridge to the Old Town on Ortygia Island, where we’ll find ancient Greek and medieval monuments. For this unique voyage, our ship is the deluxe, all-suite Corinthian II, offering the best in small-ship cruising.
Departures
Sicily and Southern Italy
06 June, 2012 to 14 June, 2012 Make a booking request

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Category E $7795.00 USD pp
Category D $8795.00 USD pp
Category C $9795.00 USD pp
Category B $10795.00 USD pp
Category A $11795.00 USD pp
Category AA $12495.00 USD pp
Category VS $13795.00 USD pp
Category PHS $14995.00 USD pp

Sicily and Southern Italy itinerary:

Day 1: ATHENS | PIRAEUS, Greece | EMBARK
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Piraeus to board Corinthian II.
Day 2: ARGOSTOLI | CEPHALONIA | ARGOSTOLI
Cephalonia (Kefalloniá in Greek) is the largest Ionian island, and it possesses some of the most dramatic scenery of all the islands of western Greece. Its striking beauty made it the ideal location for the filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Arrive in Argostoli, Cephalonia’s capital, delightfully situated on the Gulf of Argostoli. Visit the Archaeological Museum, as well as the Folklore Museum, with exhibits revealing the rich culture of the island. Then, drive to the quaint seaside village of Fiskardo with its characteristic architecture. Late in the afternoon, anchor at the beautiful bay of Fokis for swimming.
Day 3: LIPARI, Sicily, Italy
Arrive at the white pumice slopes of Lipari, one of the seven islands of the Aeolian Archipelago claimed by Greek mythology as home of Aeolus, the god of the winds. Dominating the unspoiled, twin-harbor town of Lipari is a 16th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis.
Day 4: SORRENTO | POMPEII and HERCULANEUM | SORRENTO
From Sorrento, travel to visit Pompeii and 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. At Herculaneum, there will also be an opportunity to explore the Villa of Poppaea at Oplontis, a remarkable residence excavated between 1964 and 1984.
Day 5: 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 6: PALERMO | MONREALE | PALERMO, Sicily
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.
Day 7: MARSALA | SELINUNTE | MARSALA or MOZIA or ERICE | MARSALA
From Marsala, enjoy a morning excursion to Selinunte, the most westerly ancient Greek colony in Sicily. A highland overlooking the sea provides a tranquil setting for the expansive ruins of what was once among the island’s most progressive cities. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Marsala. Alternatively, explore Mozia, founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century B.C. as a commercial base. Its museum exhibits superb sculptures. Or, drive to Erice, a mountainous town in the Trapani province.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: CATANIA | DISEMBARK | USA
Disembark in Catania and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
Map for Sicily and Southern Italy

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.
Cabin layout for Corinthian II