Empires of the Sea: The Epic Struggle Between the Ottoman Empire and European Powers

Day 1 ISTANBUL, Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the Hotel Hilton.

Day 2 ISTANBUL | EMBARK

The battle for control of the Mediterranean between the Muslim Ottoman and Christian Europe is one of the world’s epic struggles. Explore the principal Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Istanbul, former Constantinople, one of the centers of the Ottoman Empire, including the basilica of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman sultans, and the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Blue Mosque). Board Corinthian II and sail.

Day 3 CHIOS, Greece

Arrive at the rugged island of Chios, the reputed birthplace of Homer. Under Byzantine control from the 4th to the 13th centuries, the island became a possession of the Genoese, who lost it to the Turks in 1566. Visit the beautiful Nea Moni monastery, founded in 1042, and renowned for its richly colored mosaics and other treasures.

Day 4 RHODES | LINDOS | RHODES

Positioned along the main Mediterranean maritime and trading routes, Rhodes was a major naval power in antiquity. In 1529, the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent led an invasion force against Rhodes, capturing the island after a six month siege. This battle marked the beginning of the struggle between rival powers and faiths for control of the Mediterranean. Tour Rhodes’s Old Town, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, and then take an excursion to Lindos, one of the island’s ancient towns, whose acropolis sits on a huge rock overlooking the sea and the white-washed village.

Day 5 HERAKLION | KNOSSOS | RETHYMNON | HERAKLION, Crete

Arrive in Crete, home of Europe’s earliest civilization, the Minoan, which developed during the Bronze Age (c. 3500 – 1100 B.C.). Later a prominent Byzantine center, Crete fell to the Venetians in 1204, who held it as their prized possession until 1669, when they lost it to the Turks. See the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Museum, with its superb exhibits. Also tour Heraklion, the capital of Venetian Crete, or alternatively, drive to Rethymnon, one of Crete’s prettiest towns, with its strong Venetian and Turkish architectural character.

Day 6 AT SEA

Day 7 VALLETTA, Malta

Rich in prehistoric remains, the island of Malta became the home of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, after they were expelled from Rhodes in 1523. In May 1565, a formidable armada consisting of the finest Muslim forces appeared before Malta, but the Turkish forces were defeated after a bloody four-month fight. Tour Valletta’s medieval monuments, including the Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. In the afternoon, tour the Museum of Archaeology and the Tartien Temples, Malta’s most important megalithic structures, or explore Mdina, and Rabat, with its Roman remains.

Day 8 ROCCELLA IONICA | GERACE, Italy

From Roccella Ionica in southern Italy, visit the medieval hill village of Gerace, with its castle ruins, and the 11th-century Duomo, the largest in Calabria.

Day 9 NAFPAKTOS (LEPANTO), Greece

It was at Nafpaktos (the medieval Lepanto) that the celebrated Battle of Lepanto was fought in 1571 between the Turkish fleet and an allied fleet of Venice, Genoa, the Papal States, Spain, Sicily, and Naples. The overwhelming defeat of Muslim sea power was one from which they never recovered. Nafpaktos’s medieval appearance is well-preserved. Enclosing walls come down to the sea, while an imposing castle sits above the town in a beautiful forest of pines.

Day 10 OTRANTO, Puglia, Italy

Built around an attractive bay, Otranto was the embarkation port of the Crusades and a leading trading center between Venice, the cities of Dalmatia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. In the center of the town stands a 15th – 16th-century castle, with its bastions facing the sea. Nearby is the 11th-century cathedral, known for its floor mosaic depicting biblical and other scenes and also the Byzantine church of San Pietro, whose interior is covered with frescoes. After touring the town, drive to a masseria, or farm house, to enjoy lunch, featuring specialties of Puglia.

Day 11 KOTOR, Montenegro | DUBROVNIK, Croatia

In the morning, Corinthian II will navigate the fantastic fjord-like Bay of Kotor, where soaring mountains flank the scenic waterway, to dock in the town of Kotor, known during the medieval period for its flourishing maritime trade. Faced with the threat of Turkish expansion, Kotor was forced to ask for the protection of Venice in 1402. Tour Kotor’s old town, with its stately palaces, churches, and wonderful squares, and then drive along the scenic road to Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the Adriatic Sea and maritime trade. Today Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s best-preserved and loveliest medieval cities, which we will tour on foot. Reboard the ship in Dubrovnik.

Day 12 AT SEA | VENICE, Italy

Day 13 VENICE | DISEMBARK

Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights.