Overview

The awe-inspiring sites of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas and the civilizations that created them have attracted, inspired, and fascinated travelers throughout the centuries. On a cruise aboard the all-suite Corinthian II, explore compelling sites in Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Turkey, learning from lectures at sea along the way.

The eastern Mediterranean is the birthplace of the societies and religions that shaped the history of Western civilization.

This Voyage into Antiquity takes us to places that resonate with the legacy of Greek and Roman cultures and Christian and Jewish traditions. It invites us to explore ancient monuments and encourages us to reflect on the enduring influence of the past on contemporary life.

Sailing from Istanbul, our first call is Dikili, gateway to Pergamon, an important center of learning in the Hellenistic world, with a library that rivaled that of Alexandria. We then explore the magnificent ruins at Ephesus, including the marvelously restored mosaics and frescoes of the hill houses. During two days in Israel, we discover the Roman city of Caesarea as well as Jerusalem or Galilee. After a day in Egypt with excursions to Cairo and Giza, we sail into the Minoan and Bronze Age worlds preserved on the beautiful islands of Crete and Santorini. Our final stop, before we end in Istanbul, is at ancient Troy, legendary site of the Greek attack on Trojans that is the subject of Homer’s great epics.

We have assembled a team of gifted scholars and educators to bring to life an itinerary so rich in history and to tell the stories of the monuments and archeological sites we visit. Joining the American Museum of Natural History study leader, Inge Reist, is Albert Leonard of the Archaeological Institute of America, who has spent decades excavating sites throughout the Mediterranean, and Christina Kraus, Professor of Classics at Yale. To gain insight into the importance of this part of the world to current events, Ambassador Mark Johnson will also be aboard to discuss international relations and U.S. national security.

Your home for this voyage is the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II, the perfect small ship for traveling far, yet docking close to sites. Large enough to offer all of the amenities for a comfortably elegant experience - a spacious restaurant, two lounges, and a sun deck with a Jacuzzi - she is small enough to provide for a private yacht-like experience, a rarity in the world of cruising.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for what promises to be an enjoyable and intellectually rewarding Voyage into Antiquity.