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Voyage to the Lands of Gods & Heroes: A Family Learning Adventure in the Classical World
This summer, history comes alive for the whole family on a trip to the lands that gave rise to Western Civilization. Our custom-crafted itinerary and the activities planned during the journey are designed to enlighten the senses and ignite the imagination of adults as well as children.
During the voyage to the fabled Greek Islands and Turkey, grandparents, parents, and children will explore islands and sites associated with the beloved myths and legends and important historical events. In Athens, we will discover the ageless monuments of Athens and learn about the origins of democracy, philosophy, theater, and so much more that we cherish today. Impressive Santorini will bring alive the legend of the lost continent of Atlantis; in Crete, the birthplace of Zeus, we will learn about the Minoans, who created Europe’s first civilization, and explore Knossos, the palace that is associated with the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth; in Troy we will recall that legendary war and get acquainted with the great Homeric epics, while in Ephesus we will admire the awesome remains of one of the world’s great ancient sites; and in glorious Olympia, we will walk on the same grounds known to athletes and champions of antiquity.
Accompanying us are expert lecturers and trained youth counselors who will conduct special learning programs for the children.
Our ship for this voyage, the delightful Corinthian II, features 57 suites, each facing outward for sea views, as well as open, inviting public areas. Corinthian II is ideally suited for a family program not only because of its superb facilities but also because the great majority of its suites feature a sofa that converts to a single bed.
If you have ever dreamed of introducing your children or grandchildren to the wonders of Classical antiquity, here is the opportunity to do so. We hope you will join us this coming summer on this enriching Voyage to the Lands of Gods and Heroes.
Itinerary
Day 1 • FLY FROM USA
Day 2 • ATHENS | PIRAEUS, Greece | EMBARK
Day 3 • ATHENS
Day 4 • CANAKKALE | TROY | CANAKKALE, Turkey
Day 5 • KUSADASI | EPHESUS | KUSADASI
Day 6 • RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES, Greece
Day 7 • SANTORINI
Day 8 • RETHYMNON | KNOSSOS or IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMNON, Crete
Day 9 • KATAKOLON | OLYMPIA | KATAKOLON
Day 10 • PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS | FLY TO USA
Click here to view the voyage reading list from Longitude Books.
Young Explorers Program
For Children Ages 7-18
Experienced youth education counselors will lead groups of similarly aged children in the Young Explorers Program, a series of educational and recreational activities designed from a child’s perspective, enhancing their appreciation of the sites visited. This is the perfect opportunity to inspire young minds with the poetry of Homer, the legends of The Iliad and The Odyssey, the ideas of Socrates, and real-life examples of great architecture.
Accompanied by their parents or grandparents, children will take guided shore excursions specifically created to bring alive legend and history. Or, flexibility being the key, they may also enjoy independent time to relax or explore together as a family. In addition, while adults attend lectures or enjoy free time, Young Explorers may:
- Participate in their own archaeological “excavation”
- Discover how sailors navigate by the stars
- Visit the ship’s bridge and keep a log of their journey
- Learn about the heroes of Greek mythology
View Detailed Itinerary
Guest Lecturers
We will be joined on our voyages by expert study leaders who will present lectures and lead thoughtful discussions on the history and cultures associated with our ports of call.
June 26 - July 5, 2010
Please see the brochure.
July 4 - 13, 2010
Dr. Diane Cline is a professorial lecturer in Classics at The George Washington University. With a B.A. in Classics from Stanford University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Princeton University’s Department of Art and Archaeology, she lived for three years as a member of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. She has worked on excavations in Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. Dr. Cline taught Greek and Roman history and archaeology at California State University Fresno, and then at the University of Cincinnati. She has authored numerous articles and books on topics ranging from philosophy and Classics to history and art history. She has been a popular presenter and appears regularly on A&E and The History Channel.
Albert Leonard, Jr. is Professor Emeritus in both the Departments of Classical Archaeology and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Arizona. He is an archaeologist who specializes in the trade between and among the Bronze Age cultures of the Mediterranean, and has been active throughout his career in educational outreach, lecturing on art and archaeology. As his alter ego, the Timetraveling Gourmet©, Al combines his command of archaeological, historical, and literary material with culinary skills he has mastered at Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America in order to reconstruct the meals that were served to such ancient notables as the pharaoh Tutankhamun.
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
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 Code |
Cabin Description |
Regular Rate |
Special Savings Rate |
Your Savings |
| E |
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. |
$7,995
|
$6,495 |
$1,500 |
| D |
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. |
$8,995
|
$7,495 |
$1,500 |
| C |
Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. |
$9,995
|
$8,495 |
$1,500 |
| B |
Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and
sitting area. 235 sq. ft. |
$10,995
|
$9,495 |
$1,500 |
| A |
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. |
$11,995
|
$10,495 |
$1,500 |
| AA |
Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. |
$12,995
|
$11,495 |
$1,500 |
| VS |
Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. |
$14,995
|
$12,495 |
$2,500 |
| PHS |
Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. |
$15,995
|
$13,495 |
$2,500 |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $2,295 to the per person double occupancy rates indicated above. Singles in Categories AA, VS, and 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.
CHILDREN’S EARLY BOOKING RATES:
- 1 or 2 children sharing with 2 adults = $3,995
(All Categories)
- 1 child sharing with 1 adult = 15% off adult rate
(Categories E - A)
- 2 children sharing with 1 adult = 40% off adult rate
(Categories E - A)
- 2 children sharing with each other = $5,495
(Categories E - A)
- 3 children sharing with each other = $4,995
(Categories E - A)
- 4 children sharing with each other = $4,595
(Categories E - A)
Corinthian II Deck Plan
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
- 9-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
- Young Explorers Program, a series of educational and recreational activities for children ages 7 - 18, led by youth education counselors
- Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
- Complete pre-departure materials
- Transfers and baggage handling abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
- Port and embarkation taxes
- Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
Day 1
FLY FROM USA
Day 2
ATHENS | PIRAEUS, Greece | EMBARK
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Piraeus to board Corinthian II. Overnight aboard in port. For those interested, after dinner there will be an orientation drive through Athens, seeing its beautifully illuminated ancient monuments, including the Acropolis.
Day 3
ATHENS
Explore the Acropolis, perhaps the most important ancient monument in the Western world and where our concept of democracy was born over 2,500 years ago. The ruins include the majestic Parthenon and the Erectheion. After lunch at a taverna, adults visit the stunning new Acropolis Museum while kids enjoy a youth-themed “treasure hunt” exploration of Athens. Sail from Piraeus in the evening.
Day 4
CANAKKALE | TROY | CANAKKALE, Turkey
After sailing in the Aegean, the ship enters the Dardanelles, the narrows separating Asia from Europe, to call in Canakkale for an excursion to Troy. Ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was to one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in his Illiad. The city of King Priam finally fell to Odysseus’s ruse of the Trojan Horse.
Day 5
KUSADASI | EPHESUS | KUSADASI
Travel to Ephesus. Renowned as the center of worship of the mother-goddess Cybele, later known as Artemis, it was also the site where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians. Excavations continue and archaeologists are restoring the Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse of daily Ephesian life. See the facade of the Library of Celsus; Temple of Hadrian; and Great Amphitheater.
Day 6
RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES, Greece
The historic island of Rhodes was known in the ancient world for its philosophy and rhetoric schools. Today it boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval towns. Discover Rhodes Town’s winding streets and splendid plazas, which owe their 14th-century charm to the Crusader Knights of St. John. In the lovely village of Lindos, take a donkey ride or walk up to the acropolis, set on a cliff 400 feet above the sea, with stunning views of the village and bay below. Or, opt to explore Lindos on your own or swim in the crystal waters of its white-sand beach.
Day 7
SANTORINI
In the second millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded Santorini (or Phira) in pumice and ash and collapsed the island into a fractured caldera. This ultimately produced Santorini’s wild, multihued beauty while sending its Minoan civilization into irreversible decline. Adults will visit Phira’s Archaeological Museum while Young Explorers board a sailboat to Nea Kameni, the island in the center of Santorini’s caldera, and ascend to its volcano by donkey to learn about the area’s geology. Reunite for lunch and free time in Phira Town.
Day 8
RETHYMNON | KNOSSOS or IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMNON, Crete
Arrive in Crete, once home of the Minoans, Europe’s earliest developed civilization. From quaint Rethymnon, travel to Knossos and its fabled Minoan Palace, a maze of frescoed corridors and chambers showing life as it was 4,000 years ago. It is also home to the labyrinth of the legendary Minotaur. Then spend free time to explore Rethymnon and swim at a nearby beach. Alternatively, walk part of the rugged, scenic Imbros Gorge, ending at the coast, near the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello, for a swim. Then sail along Crete’s northwest coast to anchor near the isle of Gramvousa, an old Venetian stronghold, for another swim.
Day 9
KATAKOLON | OLYMPIA | KATAKOLON
Travel to Olympia, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and one of four sites where the Panhellenic games were held. Tour the sacred area, including the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Council House, the Treasuries, and the stadium. Spend the afternoon cruising the Gulf of Corinth. Later, Corinthian II navigates the narrow Corinth Canal, separating the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese.
Day 10
PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS | FLY TO USA
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