A Voyage into Antiquity
My Dream Trip by
Nicole Beattie, Arabia & N. Africa Destination Manager
The countries of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas have attracted, inspired, and fascinated travelers for centuries. Take this custom-made voyage aboard the All-Suite 114-Guest Corinthian II, to explore these ancient lands and learn about the civilizations that inhabited them. From the glory of ancient Greece to the pharaonic treasures of Egypt, you’ll sail in style on your luxury ship, discovering the wonders of history. Along the way, stop at gorgeous Santorini, evocative Crete, little-visited Cyprus, the Holy Land of Israel and the ancient sites of Turkey.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Athens, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative and transferred to the port of Piraeus to embark Corinthian II. Sail in the evening. Corinthian II – 11-nights (D)
In the 2nd millennium B.C., volcanic eruptions shrouded the island of Santorini in a blanket of ash. Discover this ancient site where houses, streets and squares remain as they were 3,600 years ago. (B, L, D)
Crete, Zeus’s legendary birthplace, was home to the Minoan civilization. In the morning, drive across the island to see the Minoan palace at Phaestos, and explore Gortyn. After lunch, visit the excavations at Knossos and continue to the Heraklion Museum, which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts. Alternatively, visit the beautiful town of Rethymnon, whose architecture reveals the influence of Venice. (B, L, D)
Relax and enjoy the onboard amenities as you cruise through the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean. (B, L, D)
Cairo has been Egypt’s most important city since 3100 B.C. Visit the renowned Egyptian Museum, a repository of the finest antiquities, including finds from the tomb of Tutankhamen. In Giza, see the famed Sphinx and Pyramids, still among the wonders of the world. (B, L, D)
From Haifa, head to Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Then follow the Via Dolorosa, along which Jesus carried the cross. Also visit the Western Wall, the only remnant of the Second Temple, destroyed in A.D. 70. Alternatively, take an excursion to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea for 600 years. Continue to Megiddo and visit the ruins of ancient Ein Gedi, one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites. (B, L, D)
Cyprus has a rich legacy of the many civilizations that flourished on the island. Discover Kourion, an ancient city set beautifully on a bluff overlooking the sea. Continue to Paphos, famed for the exquisite floor mosaics in the House of Dionysus. (B, L, D)
Sail in the morning for the small island of Kastellorizo, one of the hidden gems of the Greek archipelago. You can explore the quaint town on your own. (B, L, D)
Arrive at the island of Rhodes. In its Old Town, walk along the Street of the Knights, replete with mosaics, carved portals and coats of arms. Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Knights’ Great Hospital. In lovely Lindos, discover the remains of the Acropolis and the Doric columns of Athena’s Temple set high above the village, with stunning Aegean views. Tonight, enjoy the restaurants and bars of the Old Town while your ship waits in the harbor nearby. (B, L, D)
After disembarking, drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. The immense Hellenistic and Roman excavation site includes the ancient theater, the imposing Library of Celsus, the hill houses with their fantastic mosaics and frescoes, and the remains of an early Byzantine settlement. (B, L, D)
Explore the fabled city of Troy, where excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was in one of these cities that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in his Iliad. (B, L, D)
Today, you will disembark in Istanbul and be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
Extend Your Journey
- Stroll through the past in the preserved city of Akrotiri
- Discover the grandeur of the Minoan civilization in the palace at Knossos
- See Giza’s wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
- Walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem
- Experience the intersection of East and West on the island of Cyprus
- Explore the medieval Old Town of Rhodes
- Delve into history at the ancient sites of Ephesus and Troy
12 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS
Santorini, Crete, Cairo, Giza, Jerusalem, Cyprus, Kastellorizo, Rhodes, Ephesus, Troy & Istanbul
Oct 2 - 14, 2012
aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II
Category:
E - Deluxe Suite
D - Deluxe Suite
C - Deluxe Suite
B - Deluxe Suite
A - Deluxe Suite
AA - Deluxe Suite
VS - Veranda Suite
PHS - Penthouse
A - Single Suite
B - Single Suite
Prices From:
$7,995
$8,995
$9,995
$10,995
$11,995
$12,795
$13,995
$14,995
$13,495
$12,495
Includes:
11-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; 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.