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Treasures of the Mediterranean: A Grand Voyage from Sicily to Nice

Program Number: 21205RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/6/2013 - 5/23/2013;
Duration: 17 nights
Location: Italy/Malta/France/Spain
Price starting at: $14,980.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising
Meals: 46; 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

From ruggedly beautiful islands to energetic Barcelona to the French Riviera, discover the great treasures of the Mediterranean on this grand voyage aboard a yacht-like small ship. Many of the ports visited are relatively “undiscovered” because their harbors can’t be accessed by large cruise ships.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven and hilly terrain. Small boats are sometimes used for disembarkation and re-embarkation.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Aboard Corinthian, 16 nights.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Day 2: Arrival Palermo (Italy) / embark Corinthian


Day 3: Valletta (Malta):

Take a journey back to the time of knights as you walk Valletta’s medieval streets and step inside the Grand Master’s Palace.



Day 4: Trapani (Italy):

Back on Sicily, explore the medieval hilltop town of Erice then continue to Segesta to find a magnificent Doric temple, among the best preserved anywhere.



Day 5: Cagliari:

Sail to the island of Sardinia to discover Su Nuraxi, the archaeological site of a village that dates to the 16th century BC. Enjoy some independent time in Cagliari.



Day 6: Corsica (France):

Voyage onward to Corsica, the French island famed as Napoleon’s birthplace. Admire the fine Gothic architecture and dramatic scenery of Bonifacio, the capital.



Day 7: Alghero (Italy):

Return to Sardinia to explore the fishing port of Alghero with its picturesque cobblestone streets and flamboyantly decorated churches.



Day 8: Menorca (Spain):

Go ashore on this Spanish island to discover its renowned prehistoric sites including a 14-foot tall taula (“table”), a stone construction exclusive to Menorca, and the large settlement of Torre d’en Galmes.



Days 9-10: Barcelona (Spain):

Enjoy a morning to explore Barcelona independently before a field trip to the Picasso Museum. An expert-led city excursion highlights the imaginative creations of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Lodging: Four-star hotel in a historic building.



Day 11: Tarragona:

Go ashore in the seaside town of Tarragona to discover ruins from the time when it was a major city of the Roman Empire. Journey to the Poblet Monastery, founded in 1151.



Day 12: Palamós:

Sail along the rugged Costa Brava and enjoy a shore excursion to Girona, an ancient city at the confluence of four rivers, or the Greco-Roman archaeological site of Empúries.



Day 13: Port-Vendres (France):

Continue to the lovely bays of France’s Roussillon region, situated dramatically beneath the Pyrenees Mountains. Explore the ancient harbor town of Collioure and the charming artist haven of Céret.



Day 14: Port-la-Nouvelle:

Enjoy an excursion to Carcassonne, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Alternatively, visit Narbonne, an ancient city on the banks of the Robine River.



Day 15: Sète:

Venture to Nîmes, a richly historic city where the Emperor Augustus commanded the construction of splendid buildings including the beautiful Maison Carrée temple.



Day 16: Marseille:

Discover the old city of Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul. Stroll down the leafy Cours Mirabeau and examine the Aix Cathedral’s medieval art treasures.



Days 17-18: Nice / disembark / departure:

Sail along the French Riviera and go ashore for a field trip to medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Examine works by modern French masters at the Maeght Foundation and Nice’s Chagall Museum.



Corinthian

Launched in early 2009 after extensive refurbishment, redecoration, and other improvements, the private yacht-like Corinthian accommodates a maximum of 100 passengers in 50 suites, all offering ocean views. Public facilities include a single-seating restaurant, two lounges, expansive library, gym, spa, Jacuzzi and spacious sundeck.
Meals and Lodgings
   Corinthian
  Palermo, Sicily, Italy, Italy
Aboard the Corinthian, At Sea		 16 nights
 Corinthian
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites.
  Ship Information: Gross Tonnage: 4,077 Overall Length: 290 feet Beam: 50 feet Draft: 12 feet Flag Malta
  Contact info: 132 East 70th Street,
New York ,, NY 10021 USA
phone: 800-257-5767
web: www.traveldynamicsinternational.com/
  Room amenities: All accommodations aboard the Corinthian are suites. And include a bedroom with two twin-sized beds or one queen sized bed, sitting area, mini bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, Marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower and other amenities.
  Facility amenities: Public facilities include a restaurant tha accomodates guests at a single, unassigned seating, two lounges, expansive library with Internet access, state-of-the-art gym/spa, beauty salon, boutique,Jacuzzi, hospital and ample deck areas for sunbathing and relaxing.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins late in the afternoon of Day 2 on board the ship in Palermo You will be staying at Corinthian that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast on board the ship in Nice You will be staying at Corinthian the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Palermo, Sicily, Italy
  Nearest airport:  Palermo International Airport (PMO)
  Transportation to site: All participants who are arriving on May 7, 2013 will be met at the airport and transfered to the hotel. Participants arranging their own air should arrive no later than 3:00pm. Taxis are readily available at the airport for independent travelers.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Aboard the Corinthian
  Transportation from site: All participants who are departing on May 7th will be transfered from the port in Barcelona to the airport. Participants arranging their own air should not book flights that depart earlier than 12:00 pm.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight Flight from the US
(Monday, May 6)
   
 Depart From: Depart the US for international flights to Palermo, Italy

Day 2: Arrivals
(Tuesday, May 7)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive in Palermo, Italy and transfer to the ship
 Dinner: In the evening, join your group leader for a welcome dinner and program orientation
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Valletta, Malta
(Wednesday, May 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters and the National Museum of Archaeology. Then it's a short drive to the remarkable Tarxien Temples, which date back to 2800 B.C.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Visit Hagar Qim, even older than the Tarxian Temples, that stands atop a hill on the southern edge of the island overlooking the sea.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trapani, Sicily / Erice / Segesta / Trapani
(Thursday, May 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Drive up winding roads to the medieval town of Erice. The town was known for its temple to the fertility goddess, Astarte. Look around the 12th-Century Venus Castle.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue on to Segesta for a glimpse of its magnificent Doric temple, built in 420 b.c. and among the best preserved ancient Greek sites.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Cagliari / Su Nuraxi / Nora or Cagliari, Sardinia
(Friday, May 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: 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 of Humanity Site.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Spend time at leisure to explore Cagliari, or take an optional excursion to Nora.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Bonifacio, Corsica, France
(Saturday, May 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Call in Bonifacio, built on spectacular high cliffs on Corsica's south coast. Admire the fine Gothic architecture and dramatic scenery.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Bonifacio.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Aleghero, Sardinia, Italy
(Sunday, May 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Experience Alghero, the region's major fishing port, and explore the picturesque cobblestoned streets and flamboyantly decorated churches of its historic core. Also visit the nearby Anghelu Ruiu Necropolis - a pre-Nuraghic cave complex with more than 30 hypogea and Nuraghe Palmavera.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Aleghero
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mahon, Menorca, Spain
(Monday, May 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Explore two prehistoric sites: Torralba d'en Salord, with its spectacular 4.3 meter-high taula, a stone construction that is exclusive to Menorca, and the large prehistoric settlement of Torre d'en Galmes.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Learn more about the island's history and archaeology in Mahon's Museum of Menorca.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Barcelona, Spain
(Tuesday, May 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Explore the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Barcelona.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: At Sea
(Wednesday, May 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Spend a leisurely morning at sea sailing towards Sardinia. Enjoy a presentation by one of the guest lecturers on board.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue sailing towards Sardinia.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Sant'Antioco Island, Sardinia
(Thursday, May 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Located off the southwest corner of Sardinia, and connected to it by a causeway, Sant'Antioco was a flourishing Phonenician center, going back to the 9th century B.C. Explore Sulcis, the Phoenician town, later taken over by the Romans. You will also explore the old church of Sant'Antioco, with its catacombs, dating from the 2nd to the 7th centuries, which is linked to the Punic underground chambers.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Dinner on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue to explore Sant'Antioco.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Cefalu, Sicily
(Friday, May 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Built between an imposing rock and the sea, picturesque Cefalu, with its cobbled streetslined with fine buildings, has retained its lovely medieval character. Founded at the end of the 5th century B.C. by Greeks, Cefalu's many attractions include the stunning Norman cathedral, begun in 1131, with its soaring ancient Roman columns and exquisite mosaics. In addition to visiting the cathedral, we will also tour the Mandralisca Museum, which houses a once-private collection of fine ancient and medieval artifacts.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: You will have time to enjoy Cefalu on your own before sailing.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Vibo Valentia, Calabria
(Saturday, May 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Call at Vibo Valentia Marina, on Calabria's Tyrrhenian Coast, and drive the short distance to Vibo Valentia, originally an ancient Greek settlement, famed for its horses bred on the pastures of the plateau on whcih the town is set. Explore this unspoiled town including the imposing Greek walls, the Archaeological Museum, with its fascinating collection of artifacts from the ancient town, and the church of Santa maria Maggiore, with its impressive 18th-century decorations.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Vibo Valentia, with its narrow streets, is an ideal town to enjoy on your own and you may do so in the afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Agropoli / Paestum / Agropoli, Campania
(Sunday, May 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: The old town of Agropoli is built on a headland above a beautiful ay. A short distance away is Paestum, the ancient Poseidonia (City of Poseidon), founded by Greeks around 600 B.C. and later taken over by the Romans, famed for its magnificent Doric temples, which are among the best preserved ancient monuments in the Mediterranean. In antiquity Paestum was famous for roses, which flowered twice a year. You will spend the morning exploring the celebrated temples, other ancient remains and the museum.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant or on board the ship
 Afternoon: Return to Agropoli where you will have some time at leisure in town.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: The Ancient Sites of the Vesuvian Shore
(Monday, May 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: The Small port of Castellamare di Stabia, where the, where Corinthian will dock for the day, makes for a convenient base for our exploration of the ancient sites that were destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Included are Pompeii, the fabled Roman town, which has been excavated and brought back to life in the past two centuries; and Herculaneum, the residential town dedicated to its patron deity, Hercules. Alternatively you may explore the exquisite Villa of Poppaea at Oplontis, which was unearthed between 1964 and1984.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploring the Vesuvian Shore before the ship sets sail to Tuscany.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: The Realm of the Etruscans, Tuscany
(Tuesday, May 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: The western part of Central Italy was known as Etruria, the homeland of the Etruscans, who thrived in this area from about 900 B.C. to the 3rd century B.C. when Etruria was absorbed by the expanding Roman Empire. From the port of Civitavecchia, drive to Tarquinia, which was probably the lead city of the Etruscan Confederacy, famous for its painted tombs. 5,735 tombs have been found, the most notable of which are those dating from the 6th century B.C. Visit several of the most prominent tombs and the National Museum, housed in a splendid Renaissance palazzo.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Tuscany before returning to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Bastia / Aleria / Bastia, Corisica, France
(Wednesday, May 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: From Bastia, Corsica's main commerical city, drive along the island's fertile and pleasant east coast to Aleria, the ancient Roman capital of Corsica. Aleria was first settled in 564 B.C. by Greeks, who introduced olive trees. Occupied briefly by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century B.C., Aleria was then conquered by the Romans, under whom the city prospered. Explore the remains of the ancient city, built on a gentle slope by a river, and visit the museum, which houses objects from the site.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: This region of Corsica is well known for its oysters and mussels and we will have the opportunity to taste these delicacies.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Nice / Disembark
(Thursday, May 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Book of Mediterranean Food


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Barcelona


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Empires of the Sea


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Homage to Catalonia


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Ironfire, A Novel of the Knights of Malta and the Last Battle of the Crusades


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Master and Commander


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Mediterranean Cruises Map


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Mediterranean by Cruise Ship


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Description: The best-selling, compact guide, featuring excellent local maps, hundreds of color photographs, concise background information and recommended excursions for ports-of-call throughout the Mediterranean.



Midnight in Sicily, On Art, Food, History, Travel and La Cosa Nostra


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Description: Combining interviews, research and essays on Sicilian history and culture, this vivid report by journalist Peter Robb is a superb introduction to Italy's glorious, corrupt and troubled south.



Napoleon


Author: Paul Johnson


Description: In just over 200 blistering pages, British historian Johnson not only traces the major events of the emperor's life, from his birth on Corsica to his death on St. Helena, but also exposes Napoleon's ruthless appetite for power and his naked opportunism.



On Persephone's Island


Author: Mary Taylor Simeti


Description: Strong on the delights of rural life, Simeti's portrait of Sicily takes the form of a yearlong journal, capturing the spirit of the people, daily life, traditions and the land.



On the Shores of the Mediterranean


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Description: A sparkling observer and famously entertaining, Newby tackles the Mediterranean in this merry classic account of travels to North Africa, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cairo and Jerusalem.



Paul, The Mind of the Apostle


Author: A.N. Wilson


Description: A richly detailed portrait of the apostle Paul, firmly grounded in the everyday details of life in the Roman Empire. It's a mind-opening, partly historical study of the culture, politics and religion of the early years of Christianity.



Pillars of Hercules


Author: Paul Theroux


Description: Theroux seems to have had an exceptionally good time on his tour of the Mediterranean, circling the celebrated sea on foot, horseback, train and boat from Gibraltar to North Africa.



Plant Life in the World's Mediterranean Climates


Author: Paul Dallman


Description: Richly illustrated, clearly written and engaging, this book is an ecological overview of the landscapes, plants and vegetation types found in Mediterranean climates.



Sea and Sardinia


Author: D.H. Lawrence


Description: A marvelous account of a trip to Sardinia, evoking both the charms and travails of the then-remote island, and the personality of the author. It's a pleasingly exaggerated, accessible portrait of life on the island, circa 1921.



Sea of Faith


Author: Stephen O'Shea


Description: O'Shea brings a traveler's eye and a poet's touch to this gripping tale of conquest, co-existence and conflict in the medieval Mediterranean. He focuses on seven key battles between Christians and Muslims from Yamuk (AD 636) to the Siege of Malta (1565).



The Ancient Mediterranean


Author: Michael Grant


Description: Grant explores the realms of archaeology, geography, art and economics to sketch this classic portrait of the ancient world, from prehistory through the Roman Imperium, and the influence on western civilization.



The Disorderly Knights


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Description: The third volume in the Lymond Chronicles follows Francis Crawford of Lymond to Malta, where he has been sent to help the Knights of Hospitallers defend their island against the invading Turks.



The Leopard


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Description: Evoking a lost world of privilege and tradition, Giuseppe Di Lampedusa's memorable tale, set on a rural Sicilian estate during the days of independence, follows the world-weary Don Fabrizio, Prince of Salina. A classic, now in a 50th anniversary edition.



The Mediterranean in History


Author: David Abulafia (Editor)


Description: A professor at Cambridge, David Abulafia leads a team of eight historians in this engaging, richly illustrated overview of the civilizations, societies and grand themes in the history of this great sea at the heart of Europe. Published in conjunction with the J. Paul Getty Museum, the book features 150 well-integrated color and 150 black-and-white illustrations.



The Middle Sea


Author: John Julius Norwich


Description: A marvelous writer who has already tackled Byzantium, the Normans in Sicily and Venice, Norwich spins his magic in this story of culture, trade and politics, royalty and rulers, wars and religion in the Mediterranean.



The Wine-Dark Sea


Author: Leonardo Sciascia, Avril Bardoni (Translator), Alberto Mobilio (Introduction)


Description: A collection of 13 stories, all set in the celebrated writer's native Sicily and featuring mafiosi, carabinieri and villagers.



Travelers' Tales Italy


Author: Ann Calcagno (Editor), Jan Morris (Introduction)


Description: A collection of 48 stories on traveling in Italy and Italian life, featuring the writing of Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Frances Mayes, Jonathan Keats, Stanley Crouch and others.



Treason's Harbour


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