Meeting Place of Empires: Exploration of the Balkans
« All Corinthian II cruise options
- Day 1 Venice, Italy / Embark
- Day 2 Split, Croatia
- Day 3 Ploce, Croatia / Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Day 4 Dubrovnik, Croatia / Kotor, Montenegro
- Day 5 Saranda, Albania
- Day 6 Nafpaktos (Lepanto), Greece
- Day 7 Athens or Brauron & Sounion
- Day 8 Izmir, Turkey / Sardis
- Day 9 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Day 10 At Sea
- Day 11 Nessebur, Bulgaria
- Day 12 Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| Cat E | Cat D | Cat C | Cat B | Cat A | Cat AA | Cat VS | Cat PHS | |
| Sep 2 '12 |
$9,995 | $10,995 | $11,995 | $12,995 | $13,995 | $14,995 | $15,995 | $16,995 |
Single travelers can opt to pay a single supplement for a private cabin or opt for a willing to share on select departures
Please note: Cruise fare does not include fuel surcharges.
Deposit & Payment Please note: Cruise fare does not include fuel surcharges.
Day 1 Venice, Italy / Embark
Arrive in Venice and transfer to Corinthian II.
Day 2 Split, Croatia
Originally a Greco-Illyrian settlement called Aspalathos, Split is an ancient city centered around the formidable Palace of Diocletian, built in A.D. 295. An extensive structure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split’s medieval town, making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Also visit the Archaeological Museum.
Day 3 Ploce, Croatia / Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sail to Ploce for an excursion to Mostar, which became a thriving center in the 15th century under the Ottoman Turks. Admire the ethereally graceful Stari Most (“The Old Bridge”), originally built in 1566, and the nearby Tabacica Mosque.
Day 4 Dubrovnik, Croatia / Kotor, Montenegro
For hundreds of years, Dubrovnik (the “Pearl of the Adriatic”) was an independent city-state set in competition with Venice for Constantinople’s trade routes. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, and the Baroque Cathedral, containing works by Titian and Andrea del Sarto. Also view the wonderful courtyard of the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady, known for its rich treasury. In the afternoon, Corinthian II navigates the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of the same name, located at the head of the bay beneath towering mountains. One of the most quaint and best-preserved medieval towns along the Dalmatian coast, Kotor is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s fortifications and most of its monuments, which we will visit on a walking tour, date from the time of Venetian rule.
Day 5 Saranda, Albania
From Saranda, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city was founded by the Trojans, or so claimed the poet Virgil. A gem of an archaeological site, its ruins span 2,500 years and include the remains of a Greek acropolis, Roman theater, 6th-century baptistery, and 19th-century fortress. Sail for Italy in the afternoon.
Day 6 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 pine.
Day 7 Athens or Brauron & Sounion
The birthplace of Western culture and one of the world’s most venerable cities, Athens boasts a plethora of historic monuments. In the morning, tour the Acropolis, including the Erechtheion and the majestic Parthenon, one of the world’s most perfect structures. After lunch at a taverna, continue to the stunning new Acropolis Museum. Alternatively, travel northeast of Athens to visit Brauron’s graceful Sanctuary of Artemis in the morning and Sounion’s majestic temple on the sea in the afternoon.
Day 8 Izmir, Turkey / Sardis
Arrive in Izmir and take an excursion to the ruins of the ancient city of Sardis. Sardis was one of the world’s wealthiest cities from the 7th to the mid-6th centuries B.C. and was most likely inhabited as far back as 1200 B.C. First settled by the Lydians, natives of Anatolia, the city was also home to Persians, Macedonians, and Romans. During the first major excavations here in the 1950s, archaeologists unearthed an ancient synagogue. Later excavations revealed remnants of a flourishing Jewish settlement, which coexisted peacefully with Christian ones. Explore the massive 4th-century A.D. synagogue, whose walls are covered by impressive mosaics; the bath complex; the Temple of Artemis, built by the Lydian king Croesus and later rebuilt by Alexander the Great; and other ruins.
Day 9 Thessaloniki, Greece
Arrive in Thessaloniki, justly famous for its late Classical and Medieval remains as well as early Christian churches. On a tour of the city, explore several of these monuments, including visits to several Byzantine churches as well as the Byzantine Museum (or the Archaeological Museum).
Day 10 At Sea
Attend lectures while sailing toward Bulgaria.
Day 11 Nessebur, Bulgaria
Arrive in charming Nessebur, known in ancient times as Messembria, or “town amid the sea,” according to Herodotus. Enjoy a walking tour of the town and its old timbered houses. Visit the Byzantine churches of St. Stephen and Christ of the Pantocrator and the Archaeological Museum. View the city’s ancient ruins, which date mostly from the Hellenistic period and include an acropolis, a Temple of Apollo, and an agora.
Day 12 Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark
Disembark in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Itinerary Notes
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS:- 11-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II
- Complete program of tours and excursions
- 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
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
- Professional 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.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | $400 per person |
| 90-61 days | 55% trip cost |
| 60-0 days | 100% trip cost |
| For Itineraries with 19+ days | . |
| 91 days or more | $850 per person |
| 90-61 days | 55% trip cost |
| 60-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Corinthian II
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 114
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The distinguished 114-guest Corinthian II offers a classic yacht-like atmosphere and fine accommodations. Corinthian II is ice-strengthened for voyages into Antarctic waters, and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore. Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005, Corinthian II accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly appointed with a sitting area, TV, mini-refrigerator, safe, and other amenities as well as a marble bathroom. Several suites include private balconies accessed via sliding glass doors. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a library stocked with books related to the itinerary and other volumes, and four computer terminals for e-mail access; an elegant lounge; and The Club, a space for convivial relaxation, with picture windows for panoramic views. The restaurant, serving fine cuisine prepared by European chefs, accommodates all guests at a single unassigned seating. The ship also includes a gym, beauty salon, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor café and bar, where meals may be served al fresco. Corinthian II is served by 70 experienced European officers and crew. There is also an elevator offering access to all decks.
Cabin Categories & Descriptions
All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All suites include a bedroom with twin or queen-size beds, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator, TV, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, and other amenities.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat E Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250 - 252 |
| Cat D Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332 |
 | Cat C Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254 - 262 |
 | Cat B Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333 - 348 |
 | Cat A Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416 - 428 |
 | Cat AA Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 265 sq. ft. Suites 414 - 415 |
 | Cat VS Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 505 - 512 |
 | Cat PHS Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 601 - 604 |
