HISTORIC CITIES of the SEA
A Voyage in the Western Mediterranean
Aboard the All-Suite Small Cruise Ship Corinthian II
Special Feature
Performances by Renowned Musicians Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie
June 13 - 22, 2012

What makes a city historic? Is it the power it once enjoyed on the world stage? Or is it the role it now plays in the popular imagination? Is it the grandeur of its cobblestoned lanes, piazzas, and ancient walls? Maybe it’s the sheer magic evoked by its name. Next June, one of the loveliest months to cruise the fabled Mediterranean Sea, unravel the secret of historic cities on a unique voyage that takes you from Sicily to Rome, calling at some of the most storied cities along the coasts of Italy, Tunisia, Spain, and France as well as the islands of Malta and Sardinia.

On this handcrafted itinerary, marvel at Malta’s Valletta, lauded by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. Ponder the evocative ruins of legendary Carthage, or discover the grandeur of Rome in Dougga. Stand in awe of the dramatic prehistoric dwellings in Su Nuraxi on Sardinia. Explore the kaleidoscope of Barcelona’s remarkable architecture. And admire the magical light of Aix-en-Provence and the French Riviera that was an endless source of inspiration to artists.

In addition to a superb itinerary, we are pleased to inform you that we will be joined by two renowned artists and musicians, Frederica von Stade, the mezzo-soprano whose voice has graced the world’s greatest music halls, and composer-pianist Jake Heggie. “Flicka” and Jake’s concerts, performed just for us, will add a dimension rarely experienced on cruises. To shed light on the cultures we will encounter and the sites we will explore on the voyage, we will be joined by one of the great classical scholars of his generation, Prof. Alan Cameron of Columbia University.

Your home for the voyage will be the small cruise ship Corinthian II. Accommodating only 114 travelers, Corinthian II is known for its spacious suite accommodations, elegant lounges, and exceptionally fine service and cuisine.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Sincerely,

Mary T. Dailey
President
Dailey-Thorp Travel

P.S. With unprecedented low selling rates, we expect that the trip will sell out quickly. Reserve today to take advantage of the substantial savings offered. See Rates.

* * BRIEF ITINERARY * *

Wednesday, June 13 • Fly from USA to Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Thursday, June 14 • CATANIA, Sicily, Italy | EMBARK
Friday, June 15 • VALLETTA, Malta
Saturday, June 16 • TUNIS | CARTHAGE or DUGGA, Tunisia
Sunday, June 17 • CAGLIARI | SU NURAXI | NORA, Sardinia, Italy
Monday, June 18 • AT SEA
Tuesday, June 19 • BARCELONA, Spain
Wednesday, June 20 • MARSEILLE | AIX-en-PROVENCE, France
Thursday, June 21 • NICE | ST. PAUL-DE-VENCE or EZE
Friday, June 22 • CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME, Italy | Fly to USA

CALL TODAY (800-998-4677) FOR THE COMPLETE DETAILS!

AND

Click here to see the brochure in pdf format.

* * DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY * *

Wednesday, June 13 - USA

Fly from USA to Catania, Sicily, Italy.

Thursday, June 14 - CATANIA, Sicily, Italy | EMBARK

Arrive in Catania on Sicily's east coast and transfer to Corinthian II. Sail late in the evening.

Friday, June 15 - VALLETTA, Malta

Corinthian II sails into the dramatic Grand Harbor of Malta’s Valletta, renowned for its architectural beauty, medieval relics, and ancient monuments. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, later the Knights of Malta, established a base here in the 16th century.

Saturday, June 16 - TUNIS | CARTHAGE or DOUGGA, Tunisia

Arrive in Tunis and tour storied Carthage, founded by Phoenicians in the 9th century b.c. The site contains Phoenician remains and monuments from the Roman period. Also tour the Bardo Museum, renowned for its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics. Also, in Tunis, visit the Medina and its souks. Alternatively, take an excursion to Dougga, the largest and most imposing Roman site in Tunisia. Built on the side of a low hill, Dougga’s remains include many buildings from the 2nd century a.d., when the city reached the height of its prosperity.

Sunday, June 17 - CAGLIARI | SU NURAXI | NORA, Sardinia, Italy

Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, built on a hill facing the sea. Drive to the village of Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important and impressive prehistoric nuraghic complex and a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity site. After lunch aboard, take an excursion to ancient Nora, beautifully built by the sea. Nora’s remains date from the Carthaginian and Roman periods.

Monday, June 18 - AT SEA

Tuesday, June 19 - BARCELONA, Spain

The exuberant capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is rich in exceptional works of art and architecture. Tour the narrow alleyways of the Barrio Gotico, the original site of the ancient city, and the extraordinary Templo de la Sagrada Familia, begun in the 19th century by the architect Antoni Gaudi and still unfinished. Also visit the 14th-century cathedral, La Seu, and tour the Museum of Catalonian Art.

Wednesday, June 20 - MARSEILLE | AIX-en-PROVENCE, France

Travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, immortalized by the works of Cezanne. Tour the Old City, down the leafy Cours Mirabeau, noting the perfect classical proportions of the Hotel de Ville en route to the Cathedral of St.-Sauveur, with its medieval art treasures. Continue to Cezanne’s old studio, which remains as it was at the time of the artist’s death in 1906, or the Musee Granet, containing works by Cezanne and others.

Thursday, June 21 - NICE | ST. PAUL-DE-VENCE or EZE

From Nice—renowned for its lovely gardens, splendid sea-views, and chic boulevards— visit delightful St.-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval village that became a favorite artists’ retreat in the 1920s. Largely rebuilt in 1537 by Francois I, the old fortified town reveals the ramparts that once defended it, while the heights still afford a spectacular view of the mountains and Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Maeght Foundation, whose modern building blends harmoniously with its surroundings and displays an acclaimed collection of 20th-century works by artists including Braque, Chagall, Miro, and Picasso. Alternatively, explore the quaint village of Eze, set in the hills just above Nice, and visit the Chagall Museum.

Friday, June 22 - CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME | FLY to USA

Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome for return flights to the U.S.

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All cancellations must be in writing. All tour programs subject to change.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HEARTILY RECOMMENDED!

#1205 (DATH 12418) --- Rev 12/15/11