Of the many seaborne idylls possible in the Mediterranean, this has to be one of the loveliest. Our adventure aboard the all-suite Corinthian II sets forth from Civitavecchia, Rome’s deepwater seaport. We continue down Italy’s central coast, calling in Agropoli for an excursion to the magnificent 6th-century B.C. temple at Paestum. On Sicily’s eastern coast, visit Taormina, clinging to the edge of Mount Tauro with dramatic views of Mount Etna. And in Italy’s Puglia region we’ll visit the unique Trulli villages, conical dwellings built without mortar. Corinthian II then sails across the Adriatic Sea to Montenegro, where we’ll visit the town of Kotor, reached through southern Europe’s only fjord. Continuing to Croatia we’ll explore the medieval splendors of Dubrovnik and Rab; Korcula Island, caressed by gentle breezes and graced with Venetian spires; and the ancient city of Split. Before our journey concludes in the romantic waterways of Venice, we’ll visit the charming and seldom-visited town of Piran in Slovenia with its well-preserved Venetian-inspired architecture.
Treasures of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas 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: 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 3: TAORMINA, Sicily
Taormina, a small town on the east coast of the island of Sicily, offers stunning views out to sea and the cone of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. An 8th-century B.C. Greek colony prospered here throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, this area draws visitors to its pristine, warm-watered beaches. Visit the Greek theater, which offers dramatic views of Etna and the Sicilian coastline, and amble among Taormina’s quaint streets and gardens.
Day 4: MONOPOLI and the TRULLI VILLAGES
The fishing town of Monopoli is dominated by its 1552 castle. Explore the region’s unique trulli villages, with their curious whitewashed conical dwellings built without mortar. Focus on two of the main villages, Alberobello, where trulli line the streets, and hilltop Locorotondo. Also stop at Ostuni, an ancient town enclosed within ramparts.
Day 5: KOTOR, Montenegro | DUBROVNIK, Croatia
Corinthian II navigates the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, flanked by soaring mountains. Disembark in Kotor, whose lovely palaces and churches reveal the former Venetian domination, for a walking tour. Then take a scenic drive to Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. See the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, and the Baroque cathedral. Spend some free time strolling in the city.
Day 6: KORCULA
Approaching Korcula, take in its skyline of white towers and green hills. Note the medieval town’s layout: western streets run straight to funnel refreshing maestral breezes; eastern streets slightly curve to minimize bura winds. See St. Mark’s Cathedral’s Venetian imprint and visit the Cathedral Treasury, Bishop’s Palace, Church of All Saints, and Icon Museum.
Day 7: SPLIT
Originally a Greco-Illyrian settlement called Aspalathos, Split is an ancient city centered around the formidable Palace of Diocletian, built in B.C. 295. An extensive structure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split’s medieval town, making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Also visit the Archaeological Museum.
Day 8: RAB
Arrive at the island of Rab to tour the medieval town, noted for its impressive 12th-century churches and campaniles.
Day 9: PIRAN, Slovenia
Built on a narrow peninsula that projects into the sea, Slovenia’s Piran is one of the most delightful towns of the Adriatic. Possessed by Venice in 1283, Piran is rich in well-preserved Venetian-inspired architecture, its arched alleyways lined with exquisite homes, palaces, and churches. Highlights of our tour of Piran include the spacious marble-surfaced Tartini Square flanked by historic buildings; the temple-like Church of St. George, originally built in the 14th century; and the Sergej Masera Maritime Museum, housed in the elegant Gabrielli Palace. There will be free time to explore Piran’s maze of streets.
Day 10: 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.
