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From the Cape of Good Hope to Gibraltar: A Grand Voyage Exploring Africas Natural and Cultural Treasures
Following in the wake of the early explorers and along the route of prosperous merchant ships of the 18th and 19th centuries, Corinthian II will ply a remarkable course that encompasses the grand scope of Africa, as we traverse the length of its Atlantic coast. It is an astonishingly rare itinerary, calling at ports and exploring destinations largely unknown to travelers.
Embarking in Cape Town, the bustling port city that was founded near the landmark Cape of Good Hope, we will explore practically every country along Africa’s west coast: South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco, before the ship arrives at the Rock of Gibraltar, another of the world’s great sea landmarks, ending the voyage in historic Seville. It is an unprecedented opportunity to observe the differences in ancient cultures and tribal customs, landscape, and animal life, from the towering dunes of Namibia, to the remarkable wildlife of Gabon’s rain forests; from the markets of Ghana and Senegal, to the medinas of Morocco. Our voyage presents a richly kaleidoscopic, lushly complex experience of a continent that defies description. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 • USA
Day 2 • CAPE TOWN, South Africa
Day 3 • CAPE TOWN | CAPE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK | EMBARK
Day 4 • AT SEA
Day 5 • LUDERITZ, Namibia
Days 6-7 • WALVIS BAY
Days 8-9 • AT SEA
Day 10 • LUANDA, Angola
Day 11 • AT SEA
Days 12-14 • PORT-GENTIL, Gabon
Day 15 • SÃO TOMÉ, São Tomé and Príncipe
Day 16 • PRÍNCIPE
Day 17 • AT SEA
Day 18 • COTONOU, Benin | PORTO-NOVO
Day 19 • TEMA, Ghana | ACCRA
Day 20 • TAKO RADI and the GOLD COAST
Day 21-22 • AT SEA
Days 23 • FREETOWN, Sierra Leone
Day 24 • AT SEA
Day 25 • DAKAR, Senegal
Day 26 • NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania
Day 27 • AT SEA
Day 28 • DAKHLA, Western Sahara, Morocco
Days 29 • LAAYOUNE
Days 30 • AT SEA Days 31-32 • AGADIR | MARRAKECH | CASABLANCA, Morocco Day 33 • CASABLANCA | RABAT | CASABLANCA Day 34 • GIBRALTAR
Day 35 • SEVILLE, Spain | DISEMBARK | USA
View Detailed Itinerary
On this program as on all Travel Dynamics International Voyages, a guest lecturer will present lectures and lead discussions that will enhance your educational experience. At this time, the guest lecturer who will accompany the program has not yet been confirmed. All Travel Dynamics International lecturers share a love for both teaching and travel. Their presence ensures that our journeys are not only pleasant travel experiences but also intellectually rewarding.
Corinthian II
Our ships are known for their effortless elegance, bespoke service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie.
SPACIOUS SUITES
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
| Cabin Code | Cabin Description | Regular Rate | Special Savings Rate | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. | $23,995 | $23,995 | $0 |
| D | Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. | $25,995 | $25,995 | $0 |
| C | Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. | $27,995 | $27,995 | $0 |
| B | Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. | $29,995 | $29,995 | $0 |
| A | Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. | $31,995 | $31,995 | $0 |
| AA | Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. | $33,995 | $33,995 | $0 |
| VS | Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. | $37,995 | $37,995 | $0 |
| PHS | Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. | $39,995 | $39,995 | $0 |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $8,995 to the per person, double occupancy rates. Singles in Categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.
AIRFARE: Airfare from the U.S. to Cape Town, South Africa, returning from Seville, Spain, is not included in the rates. Please call your preferred travel agent or Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. for competitive airfares in your selected class of service. To reach VWTI, kindly call toll-free 877-711-9896 or 212-592-1340 for air reservations and ticketing information, and please have your tour code (9409) handy for reference.
Corinthian II Deck Plan
• 32-night cruise aboard the all-suite,114-guest Corinthian II
• 1-night stay in Cape Town at the Mt. Nelson Hotel, with breakfast •1 night stay in Marrakech at the Hotel La Mamounia, with breakfast
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout voyage
• Complete program of tours and excursions, as described (including overnight/air excursions in Gabon and Morocco)
• Educational program of lectures by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Payment Schedule: An initial deposit of 10% of the trip cost (per person) is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your initial deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover or MasterCard or pay it by check. A second deposit of 20% of the trip cost (per person) is due 270 days (9 months) prior to departure and is payable only by check. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and is payable only by check. Credit cards are not accepted for the second deposit or the final payment. Personal checks are accepted for both initial deposit and second deposit as well as for final payment.
Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 91-270 days (3-9 months) prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 10% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable. Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. You may enroll with Travel Dynamics International’s insurance carrier, Travelex, or you may obtain coverage through a company of your choice. If you choose to purchase travel insurance from Travelex, we have negotiated a special insurance policy for this program. After your initial trip deposit, you would pay an insurance premium based on only 30% of the trip cost. (The 30% is based on the 10% initial trip deposit and the 20% second deposit rather than on the full cost of the trip.) The 30% insurance premium is fully refundable up to nine months prior to departure. Final payment of the insurance premium is due 90 days prior to departure (which is the same time your final trip payment is due.)
Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International.
Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International and the tour’s sponsoring organization. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel’s owner/ operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics International and the tour’s sponsoring organization act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger’s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger’s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person’s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger’s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be affected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in the City of New York, pursuant to applicable New York law.
Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
USA
Fly from the U.S. to Cape Town, South Africa.
Wednesday, April 1
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
Arrive in Cape Town in the evening. Transfer to the distinguished Mt. Nelson Hotel.
Thursday, April 2 CAPE TOWN | CAPE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK | EMBARK
Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and discover Cape Point’s spectacular cliffs, among the highest in the world. Also delight in the celebrated Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden before embarkation in the afternoon.
Friday, April 3
AT SEA
Cruise along the coast of South Africa and Namibia.
Saturday, April 4
LUDERITZ, Namibia Call at the Namibian city of Luderitz, one of the most charming and interesting towns in all of Africa, sandwiched incongruently between the waters of the Atlantic and the forbidding, shifting sands of the Namib Desert. Also enjoy an excursion to nearby Kolmanskop. While Luderitz has survived its wild, diamond-mining past, Kolmanskop, a ghost town and favorite of photographers, was not quite as lucky.
Sunday, April 5 & Monday, April 6
WALVIS BAY
Arrive the morning of April 5 in Walvis Bay, a naturalists’ paradise. Explore the Namib Desert Park, ending with a memorable dinner by the sand dunes. The following day, visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, an outstanding bird sanctuary.
Tuesday, April 7 & Wednesday, April 8
AT SEA
Cruise toward Luanda, Angola, while enjoying the lecture series and relaxing on board the ship.
Thursday, April 9
LUANDA, Angola
Luanda, Angola’s capital, exemplifies Angola’s breathtaking terrain of mountains rising dramatically from the sea. It is home to museums documenting the region’s history and culture.
Friday, April 10
AT SEA
Cruise toward Port-Gentil, Gabon, and continue with the ship’s lecture series.
Saturday, April 11 to Monday, April 13
PORT-GENTIL, Gabon
Spend three days in Gabon, home to some of the richest wildlife in all of Africa. In Port-Gentil, visit the Church of Saint Louis, town market, and a local artisan’s workshop. Take a boat ride to Cap Lopez’s white-sand beaches, and spend time relaxing or exploring the nearby mangroves. Enjoy a choice of overnight air excursions on either April 11 or 12 into one of Gabon’s pristine national parks, including the option to tour Loango National Park, with its concentration of elephants and apes.
Tuesday, April 14
SÃO TOMÉ, São Tomé and Príncipe
A tour of the beautiful island of São Tomé includes the main town’s cathedral, the National Museum, the Fortress of San Sebastian, and a hike through the rain forest. Visit a coffee plantation where life has remained unchanged for centuries.
Wednesday, April 15
PRÍNCIPE
Ancient forests cover much of Príncipe. Enjoy a range of options for the day: tour the capital, Santo Antonio; walk through the abandoned plantation of Porto Real; witness Sao Joachim villagers making palm oil; drive to Terreiro Velho, a chocolate plantation with stunning surroundings; or relax on white-sand beaches after a hike through pristine rain forest.
Thursday, April 16
AT SEA
Cruise in the Gulf of Guinea.
Friday, April 17
COTONOU | PORTO-NOVO | COTONOU, Benin The small country of Benin, home to an ancient sophisticated culture, is emerging as a popular travel destination. From the port of Cotonou, drive to the nearby capital Porto-Novo, set on green hills surrounding a large lagoon. Formerly the center of an indigenous prosperous kingdom, it later became the capital of the French colony of Dahomey. Explore this pleasant city, including visits to the Ethnography Museum, the restored palace of King Toffa and the Handicraft Center. After lunch, board local motorboats for a ride across Lake Nokoué to the picturesque fishing village of Ganvié, built on stilts.
Saturday, April 18 TEMA | ACCRA | TEMA, Ghana Accra, Ghana’s sprawling capital, vibrates with energy and an air of excitement and industry. While in the city, visit the excellent crafts market, which showcases the best of local artisans throughout the region, as well as the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. Also enjoy a series of traditional cultural and musical performances at Accra’s Labadi Beach.
Sunday, April 19
TAKO RADI and the GOLD COAST The stretch of coastline near Takoradi is one of West Africa’s most scenic, often referred to as the “Castle Coast” for the string of forts and castles that line its shores. On a full-day excursion, tour the Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Museum. At Elmina, see the colorful fishing harbor and historic St. George’s Castle, the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, built before the discovery of the New World, on a rocky promontory facing the sea. You will also have the opportunity to visit nearby Kakum National Park, one of the most extensive rainforest habitats in Ghana, featuring a series of canopy walkways that reveal the rainforest’s ecosystems.
Monday, April 20 & Tuesday, April 21
AT SEA
Cruise along the Gold, Ivory, and Grain Coasts, and attend lectures and enjoy relaxing on board.
Wednesday, April 22
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone
Explore Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, including the newly refurbished Sierra Leone Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and colorful markets. Also visit Regent Village with its 19th-century Krio-style houses.
Thursday, April 23
AT SEA
Our lecture series continues as the ship cruises toward Dakar, Senegal.
Friday, April 24
DAKAR, Senegal
Experience African arts and culture at Dakar’s IFAN Museum (Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noir) or visit the artisan market. Take a ferry to UNESCO landmark Gorée, the notorious “Slave Island.”
Saturday, April 25
NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania Built predominantly in traditional Berber style, Nouakchott is the capital of the only nation governed by a nomadic people. Its colorful markets are awash in engraved silver, carpets and other Berber handicrafts. A tour includes a visit to the National Museum, with its fine collection of artifacts, as well as a late-afternoon stroll along Fisherman’s Beach, while boats return with the day’s catch.
Sunday, April 26 AT SEA Cruise towards Dakhla
Monday, April 27
DAKHLA, Western Sahara
The southernmost town of the Western Sahara area, Dakhla is located on a long peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. Capital of the old Spanish colony Rio de Oro, and known until 1975 as Villa Cisneros, Dakhla is now mostly populated by Moroccans and tribesmen who previously lived in the desert. Whitewashed houses and low-rise buildings characterize this easygoing and friendly town, just north of the Tropic of Cancer.
Tuesday, April 28
LAAYOUNE From the port of El Marsa, drive inland across Saharan dunes to reach Laayoune, the main city in Morocco’s Western Sahara and an area that was held by Spain until 1975. On a tour of this decidedly unique settlement, explore the Spanish-Saharan architecture of the Souk ez Saj, the city’s old district; the Museum of Traditional Arts; and the Artisans Center, with its workshops for jewelry, metal, wood and other crafts. After visiting a nearby oasis, where keepers will put on an elaborate Saharan tea show, end the day with a thrilling drive in the dunes through late afternoon light, ideal for photographers.
Wednesday, April 29
AT SEA
Relax on board as the ship cruises Morocco's coast.
Thursday, April 30 & Friday, May 1
AGADIR, Morocco | MARRAKECH | CASABLANCA Disembark in Morocco’s Agadir and drive through the impressive scenery of the High Atlas Mountains for an overnight excursion to fabled Marrakech. One of Morocco’s Imperial Capitals, Marrakech was founded in the 11th century and is set among beautiful gardens and palm groves. During our two-day stay, see the city’s principal monuments, including the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, the Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Medersa. Also explore the city’s labyrinthine souks and experience historic Djemma el-Fna square at dusk, as it comes alive with a fascinating population of snake charmers, storytellers, food-stall vendors and the like. Spend the night of April 30 at the famed Hotel La Mamounia and reboard the ship in Casablanca on the afternoon of May 1.
Saturday, May 2
CASABLANCA | RABAT
From Casablanca, drive to elegant Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Tour its Medina, home to colorful souks, the evocative Kasbah des Oudaias, and the Chellah Citadel. Alternatively, spend the day in Casablanca to explore this cosmopolitan city.
Sunday, May 3
GIBRALTAR
Like the Cape of Good Hope, Gibraltar is one of the world’s great sea landmarks and has guided mariners for centuries. Explore this remnant of the British Empire, before sailing through the strait to Seville.
Monday, May 4
SEVILLE, Spain | USA
Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.