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Venice and the Medieval World: A Voyage from the Adriatic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean
Throughout the Middle Ages the art, architecture, music, and science of Venice were influenced and enriched by the Byzantine and Islamic civilizations that flourished in the Aegean, Asia Minor, and the Middle East. Setting forth from Venice, we’ll explore the rich interplay of cultures that is the hallmark of the old Venetian colonies in the Eastern Mediterranean: the Roman and Romanesque monuments of Zadar in Croatia; the Byzantine churches and Venetian-style loggias and palaces of Corfu; the magnificent Crusader castle, Krak des Chevaliers, in Syria; and the beautiful Venetian fortress of Frangokastello on the island of Crete. Finally, we offer you the option of exploring the Roman city of Caesarea and the Crusader sites of Akko, or joining a full-day excursion to the holy places in Jerusalem. Our ship for this idyllic spring voyage is the incomparable all-suite Corinthian II, a ship that is modeled on the comforts of a private yacht and the elegance of a private club.
Itinerary
Day 1 • USA
Day 2 • VENICE, Italy | EMBARK
Day 3 • ZADAR, Croatia
Day 4 • DUBROVNIK | KOTOR, Montenegro
Day 5 • CORFU, Ionian Islands, Greece
Day 6 • PYLOS | METHONI | PYLOS, Peloponnese
Day 7 • RETHYMNON | CHANIA or KNOSSOS & IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMON, Crete
Day 8 • AT SEA
Day 9 • TASUCU | SILIFKE, Turkey
Day 10 • TARTUS | KRAK DES CHEVALIERS | TARTUS, Syria
Day 11 • HAIFA | AKKO or JERUSALEM | HAIFA, Israel
Day 12 • LARNACA, Cyprus | DISEMBARK | USA
View Detailed Itinerary
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 |
|---|---|---|
| E | Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. | $8,395 |
| D | Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. | $9,395 |
| C | Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. | $10,395 |
| B | Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. | $11,595 |
| A | Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. | $12,595 |
| AA | Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. | $13,395 |
| VS | Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. | $14,295 |
| PHS | Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. | $15,895 |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $1,995 to the per person, double occupancy rates indicated above. Singles in Categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.
AIRFARE: Airfare is not included in the cost of the program. Please call the Air Travel Desk at toll-free 877-711-9896 or 212-592-1340 to make your reservations, or see your travel agent.
Corinthian II Deck Plan
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
- 1-night stay in Larnaca at the Amathus Beach Hotel
- 10-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II
- 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 the cruise
- Complete program of tours and excursions
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
- Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
- Complete pre-departure materials
- Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates
- Port and embarkation taxes
- Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); 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.
Day 1
USA
Fly from the U.S. to Venice, Italy.
Day 2
VENICE, Italy | EMBARK
Built on an archipelago of small islands in a lagoon, Venice rose to power and flourished, shaping and dominating for many years the affairs of the Eastern Mediterranean. Embark Corinthian II and sail in the evening through the Giudecca and San Marco canals to the Adriatic Sea.
Day 3
ZADAR, Croatia
Controlled by Illyrian tribes, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Hungarians, Zadar came under the Venetians in 1409, who held it until 1797, becoming an important navel center of the Venetian Republic. Explore the old city, including the Roman Forum, the 9th-century church of St. Donatus, the Cathedral of Anastasia, one of the finest Romanesque churches in Dalmatia, and the Archaeological Museum, whose exhibits trace the history of the city.
Day 4
DUBROVNIK | KOTOR, Montenegro
Arrive in Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the sea and maritime trade. Tour Dubrovnik’s palaces and other landmarks, then drive along the scenic road to Montenegro’s Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the head of a fantastic bay and below towering mountains, Kotor was an important maritime center under the control of Venice.
Day 5
CORFU, Ionian Islands, Greece
After a morning at sea, arrive in Corfu. A stronghold of the ancient Corinth, Corfu was a valuable possession of Venice from 1386 to 1797, guarding the approach to the Adriatic and the maritime lanes to the Eastern Mediterranean. The city’s characteristic architecture dates from the Venetian period, with its forts, loggias, palaces, narrow streets, and churches.
Day 6
PYLOS | METHONI | PYLOS, Peloponnese
Set in a magnificent natural harbor, quaint Pylos is our gateway to Methoni, a strategic port the Venetians took over and fortified in the 12th century. Overlooking the east-west shipping routes, and deriving great wealth from its commercial activities and as a port of call for pilgrims to and from the Holy Land, Methoni was known as the “eye of Venice.” Tour the imposing fortress, built on a promontory facing the sea.
Day 7
RETHYMNON | CHANIA or KNOSSOS & IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMON, Crete
Land in Crete, the island that was home of the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete was under Venice from 1204 to 1669, when they lost it to the Turks. Crete was important to the Venetians not only as a source of grain and other commodities, but also because of its strategic position. Tour the town of Rethymnon, with its unmistakable Venetian character and Turkish remains. In the afternoon, visit Chania, perhaps Crete’s loveliest city, with its historic walled town and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, you may explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace of the island, or explore Crete’s magnificent southern country, including the Imbros Gorge, and the lovely Venetian fort of Frangokastello.
Day 8
AT SEA
Day 9
TASUCU | SILIFKE, Turkey
Dock in Tasucu on Turkey’s south coast, and drive to nearby Silifke, a picturesque town built along the banks of a river. The ancient Seleucia ad Calycadnum, Sifilke was an early center of Christianity and an important point of embarkation for pilgrims to the Holy Land. The Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, who was leading the Third Crusade, died here in 1190. Explore the town and see the remains of the 2nd-century A.D. Temple of Zeus and visit the Archaeological Museum. Continue to Corycus to visit the nearby fantastic castles, built in the 12th century, when this area was part of the Armenian Cilician Kingdom. The Maiden’s Castle is built on a small island that seems to be floating above the sea.
Day 10
TARTUS | KRAK DES CHEVALIERS | TARTUS, Syria
Known as Tortosa by the Crusaders, Tartus was an important port town for the Knights Templar. Drive to Krak des Chevaliers, the world’s best-preserved and most magnificent Crusader castle, which stands in its commanding site essentially unchanged from the 12th – 13th centuries. Two mighty rings of fortifications defended the castle, which could support a garrison of 2,000 men. Explore this incredible landmark, and after lunch, visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, originally built in the 6th century in the valley below the castle.
Day 11
HAIFA | AKKO or JERUSALEM | HAIFA, Israel
From Haifa, drive to nearby Akko (or Acre), one of the oldest towns in the world, first mentioned in Egyptian texts of the 19th century B.C. Taken over by the Crusaders in 1104, and renamed Saint-Jean d’Acre, it became the main commercial center for trade between the east and Europe. In 1187 Akko surrendered to Saladdin, but four years later was retaken by Richard the Lionheart and remained the capital of the Latin kingdom until 1287. Visit Akko’s Old City, with its twisting medieval alleyways, including the quarter of the Knights Hospitallers. After lunch aboard, take an excursion to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea for 600 years, and one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites. Alternatively, spend the day in Jerusalem visiting the city’s most important monuments.
Day 12
LARNACA, Cyprus | DISEMBARK | USA
Standing in the crossroad of civilizations, Cyprus has absorbed just about all the currents of Mediterranean history. The island was handed to Venice in 1489, remaining in their possession until 1570 when it was taken over by the Ottoman Empire. From Larnaca, where the Ottoman forces landed in 1570, transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.