Venice & the Medieval World - A Musical Voyage

Day 1 Venice, Italy / Embark

Upon arrival in Venice, transfer to Corinthian II. In the evening, sail through the Giudecca and San Marco canals to the Adriatic Sea for Slovenia.

Day 2 Piran, Slovenia

Possessed by Venice in 1283, Piran is rich in Venetian-inspired architecture, its arched alleyways lined with exquisite homes, palaces, and churches. Visit the marble-surfaced Tartini Square, flanked by historic buildings; temple-like Church of St. George; and Sergej Masera Maritime Museum, housed in the elegant Gabrielli Palace. Also enjoy time at leisure to explore Piran.

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 naval center of the Venetian Republic. Explore the old city, including the Roman Forum, church of St. Donatus, Cathedral of Anastasia, and Archaeological Museum.

Day 4 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Explore Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the sea. Visit the Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries, view works by Titian and Andrea del Sarto in the Baroque Cathedral, and see the courtyard of the Rector’s Palace.

Day 5 Kotor, Montenegro

Arrive in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kotor’s commercial activities during the 13th and 14th centuries provoked the jealousy of Venice. Faced with the Turkish threat, Kotor was forced to seek protection from Venice in 1402. After a walking tour of the old town, reboard Corinthian II and sail, navigating the scenic fjord-like Bay of Kotor.

Day 6 Corfu, Ioninan Islands, Greece

Arrive in Corfu after a morning at sea. 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 architecture dates from the Venetian period, with its forts, loggias, palaces, narrow streets, and churches.

Day 7 Pylos & Methoni

Quaint Pylos is our gateway to Methoni, a strategic port the Venetians 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 and then reboard the ship, sailing to Crete.

Day 8 Rethymnon, Crete or Knossos

After touring the picturesque town of Rethymnon, drive to Chania to see its historic walled medieval town and postcard-perfect harbor. Alternatively, explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace of the island, and the Heraklion Museum’s superb collection. For nature enthusiasts, there will be an alternate excursion exploring the southern coast of Crete, including the beautiful Imbros Gorge.

Day 9 At Sea

Day 10 Anamur Limani, Turkey

From Anamur Limani, an excursion leads to Anamurium. Visit the ruins, including the necropolis tombs, many with murals of mythological scenes. Continue to Mamure Kalesi, a coastal castle with crenellated walls and watch towers. Tour the castle complex, once occupied by the Ottomans.

Day 11 Paphos, Cyprus

Arrive in Paphos on Cyprus’s west coast. Tour the city’s ancient remains, including the Roman houses with their spectacular mosaics. Notable is the House of Dionysos, which is decorated with a series of superb mosaics. Also visit the Tombs of the Kings, carved out of the rock, and the church of Aghia Kyriaki.

Day 12 Limassol, Cyprus

Transfer to the airport for your independent return flights home.