July 27 - August 6, 2012
It is commonplace of guidebooks to speak of the long and rich and varied history of the Mediterranean and of the layers upon layers of civilizations whose remains are preserved here.

This voyage from shows why. The itinerary encompasses soem of the very oldest sites in Europe—prehistoric temples on Malta and magnificent Bronze Age sites on Sardinia and Crete. It takes in, as well, some of the most beautifully preserved Byzantine and Gothic art and architecture to be found anywhere in the Mediterraneean—on Chios and Corsica. And at the very heart of the voyage is Sicily, home to the stunning Doric temples of Selinunte.

CLICK HERE for BROCHURE (PDF)

Special Included Features to Note: 

Trip Itinerary:

JULY 27, FRI: FLY FROM USA

JULY 28, SAT: ISTANBUL, Turkey | EMBARK.  Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to Corinthian II (D)

JULY 29, SUN: 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. Vist 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.  (B, L, D)

JULY 30, MON: 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 Museum of Prehistoric Thira before continueing to the unspoiled town of Oia for time at leisure. Our musical performance will take place at the Nomikos Foundation. (B, L, D)

JULY 31, TUE: CHANIA or KNOSSOS | RETHYMNON, Crete. 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, which its historic walled town and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, you may tour 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. (B, L, D)

AUGUST 1, WED: AT SEA. Attend lectures and enjoy a concert aboard ship as we sail toward Malta. (B, L, D)

AUGUST 2, THURS: 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. Our music recital will be held in the ornate salon of the Palazzo Parisio, a private palace with stunning gardens and architecture. (B, L, D)

AUGUST 3, FRI: SELINUTE or MOTYA &SEGESTA, Sicily Italy. 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 ofr 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 commerial 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 lik in the ancient times. (B, L, D)

AUGUST 4, SAT: SU NURAXI | NORA | CAGLIARI, Sardinia. 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 ship, 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 (B, L, D)

AUGUST 5, SUN: 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. (B, L, D)

AUGUST 6, MON: CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME, Italy | FLY TO US. Disemark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome for return flights to U.S. (B)

Trip Price:

All-Includsive Cruise Rates See Brochure for Suites and traveler rates - CLICK HERE

Airfare:
Belle Meade Vacations will be happy to issue tickets at the least expensive rate and best schedule available in coach or business class.  Travellers are welcome to arrange their own air using mileage seats or upgrades. Please contact our agency BEFORE booking independent tickets because  round trip hotel/airport transfers are included only at set flight times.  Taxis are readily available at the airport for other flight times.  For information please call: 615-525-8889.

Insurance:
On receipt of deposit, trip cancellation medical/baggage insurance will go into effect and is non-refundable.  This covers illness or death in immediate family of traveller or traveller’s roommate and with this group rate, covers pre-existing conditions of a medical nature only.

CANCELLATION: 
• Deposit is non-refundable. After final payment, all monies become non-refundable. Insurance will be offered.