Hidden Treasures of the Mediterranean: A Voyage to Spain, Italy and France

Itinerary

May 13-14 - U.S., Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Embark
Depart the U.S. for Barcelona, Catalonia's magnificent capital. Upon arrival, embark Corinthian.

May 15 - At Sea
Enjoy the pleasures of a day at sea aboard your small ship Corinthian.

May 16 - Sant’Antioco Island, Sardinia, Italy
Located off the southwest corner of Sardinia, Sant’Antioco was a flourishing Phoenician center, dating back to the 9th century B.C. Explore Sulcis, the Phoenician town, later taken over by the Romans. Also visit the old church of Sant’Antioco, with its catacombs, dating from the 2nd to the 7th centuries, which are linked to the Punic underground chambers.

May 17 - Cefalu, Sicily
Built between an imposing rock and the sea, picturesque Cefalu 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, you will also tour the Mandralisca Museum, which houses a once private collection of fine ancient and medieval artifacts. Time will be available to enjoy Cefalu on your own before sailing.

May 18 - Vibo Valentia, Calabria
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 which the town is set. Explore this unspoiled town, including the imposing Greek walls, the Archaeological Museum, and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its impressive 18th-century decorations. Vibo Valentia is an ideal town to enjoy on your own and you may do so in the afternoon.

May 19 - Agropoli, Paestum, Campania
The old town of Agropoli is built on a headland above a beautiful bay. A short distance away is Paestum, the ancient Poseidonia (City of Poseidon) was founded by Greeks around 600 B.C. and later taken over by the Romans. Paestum is famed for its magnificent Doric temples, which are among the best preserved ancient monuments in the Mediterranean. After exploring the celebrated temples, other ancient remains and the museum, return to Agropoli, for time at leisure.

May 20 - Ancient Sites of the Vesuvian Shore: Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis
The small port of Castellammare di Stabia, 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 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 and 1984.

May 21 - Realm of the Etruscans: Tarquinia
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 and is famous for its remarkable painted tombs. Approximately 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 superb National Museum, housed in a splendid Renaissance palazzo.

May 22 - Bastia, Aleria, Corsica, France
From Bastia, Corsica’s main commercial 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 the cultivation of grape vines and olive trees. Occupied briefly by 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. This region of Corsica is well known for its oysters and mussels and we will have the opportunity to taste these delicacies.

May 23 - Nice, Disembark, U.S.
Disembark in Nice and transfer to the airport for return flights home.