Classic Mediterranean Islands: Stepping Stones of Civilizations

Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey / Embark

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to Corinthian II.

Day 2 Chios, Greece

Awaken this morning in Chios, the Greek island claiming to be Homer’s birthplace. The island’s volcanic rock formations and deep green valleys forge a landscape of stunning color oppositions and intricate appearances. Visit the 11th-century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. The Monastery sits majestically in a wooded vale and is decorated throughout with exquisite frescoes and mosaics.

Day 3 Santorini

From the sea, enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Phira on Santorini. In the 2nd millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded the island in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many buildings in the town of Akrotiri. At the time of the eruptions, Akrotiri was inhabited by a sophisticated Bronze Age society. Visit the Nomikos Exhibition, where excellent reproductions of the frescoes at Akrotiri are on display, and the Prehistoric Museum of Thira. Then visit the unspoiled town of Oia and enjoy time at leisure. Musical performance will take place at the Nomikos Foundation.

Day 4 Rethymnon, Crete / Knossos

Land in Crete, the island that was home of the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. In the morning, 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. In the afternoon, tour the town of Rethymnon, with its unmistakable Venetian character.

Day 5 At Sea

Attend lectures and enjoy a concert aboard ship as you sail toward Malta.

Day 6 Valletta, Malta

Corinthian II will enter the historic Grand Harbor of Valletta, Malta’s capital. In the morning explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the National Museum of Archaeology. Then it’s a short drive to the remarkable Tarxien Temples, which date back to 2800 B.C. A music recital will be held in the ornate salon of the Palazzo Parisio, a private palace with stunning gardens and architecture.

Day 7 Marsala, Sicily / Selinunte or Motya

Call at Marsala for a choice of excursions that will reveal the wealth of the monuments of Sicily. Drive to Selinunte, the most westerly Greek colony in Sicily, founded in 650 B.C. A highland overlooking the sea provides a tranquil setting for the expansive ruins of what was once among the island’s most progressive cities. Return to the ship for lunch before exploring the Museo Anselmi, housed in a stone-vaulted warehouse. Its prime exhibit is a Punic warship discovered off the coast, possibly sunk during a naval battle in 241 B.C. and from which a number of relics have been recovered, including some intriguing contraband.

Alternatively, drive to Motya, an 8th-century B.C. Phoenician commercial base, founded on a small island, now connected to Sicily by a causeway. Continue to Segesta for a glimpse of its magnificent Doric temple, built in 420 B.C. and ranked as one of the best-preserved ancient Greek sites to be found anywhere. But what especially commends this site is its setting. The ruins stand in majestic solitude atop a bucolic hill with virtually no modern-day structures marring the vista, making it easy to imagine what Sicily was like in ancient times.

Day 8 Cagliari, Sardina / Su Nuraxi / Nora

Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, built on a hill facing the sea. Disembark and drive to the village of Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important and impressive nuraghic complex and a UNESCO Heritage Site. After lunch aboard, spend time at leisure to explore Cagliari on your own, or take an excursion to Nora, whose ancient remains date from the Carthaginian and Roman periods.

Day 9 Bonifacio, Corsica - France

Stroll through the striking village of Bonifacio, with its winding medieval lanes and brightly colored houses. Admire the fine Gothic architecture and dramatic limestone cliffs. Attend a final recital aboard ship.

Day 10 Civitavecchia / Rome / Disembark

Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome for your return flights home.