From the Walls of Troy to the Canals of Venice Landmarks of Mediterranean Civilizations
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FROM THE WALLS OF TROY TO THE CANALS OF VENICE Landmarks of Mediterranean Civilizations Private-Style Cruising Aboard the 50-Suite Corinthian September 12 – 23, 2013 Dear Traveler, From mythic prehistoric sites to magnificent Greek and Roman monuments, the Mediterranean features layer upon layer of history and culture set beautifully upon azure waters. Centuries of history imbue these shores, from ancient structures that remain remarkably intact to beautiful seaside walled towns that have retained their original character and architecture. And it was in these storied shores that our Western tradition was born. After the summer crowds have thinned, join us on a singularly unique cruise that is anchored between two historic cities of the sea, Istanbul and Venice. Each day you will revel in new vistas, historic and natural. Our voyage begins in Turkey—from the splendors of Istanbul to the walls of Troy and the magnificent monuments of Ephesus. Leaving the Anatolian coast, we journey to Crete, Zeus’s birthplace and home to the Labyrinth of the Minotaur at the remarkable palace of King Minos at Knossos. From here, Corinthian voyages to Syracuse in Sicily, one of the most important classical city-states, described by Cicero as the most beautiful of all Greek cities. Onward we travel to Otranto—once a Byzantine stronghold—on into the Adriatic, discovering back-to-back UNESCO World Heritage site ports in Montenegro and Croatia, and ending our journey in Venice, one of the world’s most remarkable cities. As our guides to the ancient cultures and empires we will encounter, we are privileged to have with us two renowned experts. Eric Frank is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, who will share his knowledge of classical traditions in Western Art with lecturers on Greek culture, mythology, and imperial Rome. Anthony T. Kronman, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School, will speak to us about Homer, the pre-Socratic philosophers, and the enigmatic character of Alcibiades as described by Plato and Thucydides. The cruise will be aboard an ideal ship for this expansive itinerary, the Corinthian, which accommodates only 100 guests, thus providing a uniquely intimate sailing experience. Join us on this special journey to discover the treasures of the fabled Mediterranean Sea. Sincerely, Jennifer Clarkson Soster ‘88 Executive Director of Alumni Relations DePauw University Right: Dubrovnik, Croatia Cover, Top: Frieze depicting the Trojan War in Troy, Turkey Cover, Bottom: Venice, Italy A Private-Style Cruise between Two Remarkable Cities—Istanbul and Venice There is an intimate quality to this voyage. The charm of small island ports and seaside villages, the eloquent silence of ancient sites—these are all best appreciated from a small, private cruise ship with a small assembly of like-minded travelers. In an intimate group, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can stroll or pause, take in impressions or focus on details, chat with residents or just spend the afternoon in a café or public square, watching people go about their daily lives. Our itinerary has been hand-crafted to reveal the myriad great civilizations that existed upon the shores of the Mediterranean—from the prehistoric to medieval periods—and you will have the time to deeply acquaint yourself with their history. Meander the ancient site of Troy, imagining the fabled Trojan War and the legendary battles of Agamemnon and Achilles, Hector and Paris. In Ephesus, you will have time to walk this extensive and immaculately preserved Greco-Roman city, immersing yourself in life as it was in ancient times. And in Rethymnon, enjoy breathtaking vistas from the ramparts of its 16th-century Fortezza, and then walk the narrow streets of the old city, taking in ornate Venetian monuments interspersed with graceful, wood-balconied houses. Istanbul, Turkey Among many memorable destinations, Kotor in Montenegro merits special mention. To reach this glorious medieval city, we sail Was There a King Priam? through a fjord, between towering limestone cliffs, emerging at In Homer’s Iliad, Priam is the king of Troy, and for last into the wide harbor. And there, at the foot of a mountain, is generations scholars have assumed that Priam was Kotor, a city of white limestone crowned by towers and belfries and a fictional character. Then, in the 1980s, something domes. Not far from Kotor is Dubrovnik, rich in fine art and distinct unexpected occurred: archaeologists found three architecture, influenced by centuries of Venetian rule. You will see 13th-century B.C. Hittite letters and a treaty, which this influence in the architecture as well as in the churches and referred to individuals and places that sounded strangely palaces—many of which display paintings by Venetian masters, familiar. One document speaks of trouble at the city of including Titian. Wilusa between a warlord named Piyama-Radu. Another document mentions the king of Wilusa, Alaksandu. Some Our custom-made itinerary focuses mainly on places that the scholars have suggested that Piyama-Radu could have mega cruise ships cannot access. And we also seek out the been the inspiration for Priam, and Alaksandu for Priam’s unexpected. In many ports, you will have the option to choose son Alexander (better known by his nickname, Paris). And among various excursions at no additional cost, or if you prefer, Wilusa sounds like Ilios, the Greek name for Troy. to go off on your own to make your own discoveries. On a private cruise, you have the freedom to design your own experience. [4] For reservations or information, please call 800-257-5767 A Private-Style Cruise between Guided tour of Kotor, Montenegro Two Remarkable Cities—Istanbul and Venice A Small Shipboard Community of Like-Minded Travelers Meeting and mingling with your fellow travelers is one of the greatest pleasures of the voyage. Returning travelers write to us again and again about this. Your traveling companions are well-traveled, friendly, accomplished in their careers, and have interesting stories to share. They enjoy exploring places, learning about them, and making new friends. Aboard Corinthian, you are not an anonymous tourist in a crowd of strangers; you are a welcome member of a small shipboard community. Travel, Learn & Enrich Your Experience with a Team of Experts Our voyage is accompanied by an experienced team of lecturers and expert local guides who are intimately familiar with the destination. Through lectures and discussion, they will introduce you to the culture and history of these unforgettable lands. Educated at Dartmouth College and New York Anthony Kronman is Sterling Professor University’s Institute of Fine Arts, Eric Frank of Law at the Yale Law School, where he is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome has researched and taught since 1978 in and an expert in Italian Renaissance art with areas including contracts, bankruptcy, legal a special interest in the history of the classical philosophy, and most recently, law and tradition in western art, from Greece to Rome religion. Since stepping down as Dean of the and into the Middle Ages. A noted scholar, he Law School in 2004, Tony has taught all three served for many years as Dean of the College of the courses in the Directed Studies Program and Vice-president for Academic Affairs at in Yale College—philosophy, literature and Occidental College in Los Angeles. Currently he history, and politics. He is currently working on is Chair of the Art and Art History Department a new book that combines philosophical and at Occidental. historical themes, and is devoted in significant part to the art and philosophy of the ancient world. Travel, Learn & Enrich Your Experience with a Team of Experts Cruise Director Peter Graham’s many years Tour Manager Brian Goyette’s interest in Originally from Moscow, Nina Padden began of experience in the travel industry began travel has led him to over 60 countries on all working as a tour guide in 1987 for English- when he left his native London and first seven continents. An experienced sommelier speaking groups visiting the USSR. Soon went to sea. Peter worked as Cruise Director and a student of art and design as well as after, she worked for several years for ESPN and Expedition Leader on Travel Dynamics a knowledgeable traveler, Brian received Films, visiting places as diverse as Costa Rica International’s small cruise ships, not only his early culinary education at the hands and Siberia. Since then, Nina has continued throughout the Mediterranean, but also to of some of California’s greatest chefs and her work in the travel business and as a some of the remotest places in the world. wine experts, including Jeremiah Tower and language instructor. Nina is an avid skier, Travelers praise Peter for his knowledge, Barbara Tropp. mountain climber, and tango dancer. leadership skills, and warmth. Ephesus, Turkey There’s a sense of freedom on a bicycle. Pedaling through the How Active countryside, you get to intimately know the landscape. It is a joyful way to explore. And it’s fun. To enable you to experience some of the most scenic regions Do You of the Mediterranean in a more unique way, Corinthian carries a fleet of bicycles on board. When circumstances allow, as an alternative to our traditional excursions, you will have the option Want to of joining a bicycle excursion led by our resident Bicycle Master. We have selected the routes carefully so that you will be biking Be? leisurely over easy-to-moderate terrain. And all of our bicycle excursions are available at no additional cost. Itinerary Thursday, September 12, 2013 USA Fly from the U.S. to Istanbul, Turkey. Friday, September 13 ISTANBUL, Turkey | EMBARK Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to Corinthian.