Program photograph
Upcoming Programs:

Glory of Ancient Greece & Rome

June 27–July 8, 2011
Faculty: Lisa Reilly, Professor of Architectural History

Price: Rates starting from $7,595
registration

Registration is Open

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Overview

Focusing on the 1st century A.D., we will explore the cities and sites that were centers of classical Greek and Roman civilization, and were about to be dramatically transformed. We are all the heirs of ancient Greece and Rome. Our philosophy, our government, our science and mathematics, even our ideal of what is beautiful comes to us from the Greeks and Romans. The spread of Christianity from Palestine to the lands of the Mediterranean brought to an end the old pagan world, and inaugurated a new era. This transitional period of late antiquity, one of the most crucial epochs in human history, is the theme of our voyage. We are privileged to be accompanied on this voyage by a team of scholars whose expertise will bring to life the history and events that took place more than 2,000 years ago and which changed the course of the world.

The sites that we have selected are among the finest in the Mediterranean. Begin in Athens, the birthplace of western civilization and a city with incomparably dramatic and influential history. Journeying to Ephesus, in present-day Turkey, we wander through the vast ancient site filled with grand monuments and visit, through special arrangements, a recently excavated complex of homes from the 1st century filled with frescoes and mosaics that have survived for 2, 000 years. From there, we call on the island of Crete and visit the labyrinthine Palace of Knossos that inspired the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. At Syracuse on Sicily, we'll explore the remains of the city that was one of the most powerful of the ancient world. In Pompeii, we will marvel at the perfectly preserved Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We’ll call in Malta, sail through the Strait of Messina and along Italy’s beautiful coast. Our journey will conclude in Rome, one of the great cities of the world and the center of the Roman Empire.

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Program Highlights

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Accommodations

All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All include two twin-size beds that can convert to a queen-size bed, sitting area, mini-refrigerator, safe, spacious closets, climate control, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, and bathroom with marble vanity, shower, and other amenities. There are expansive open deck areas and other facilities, including a gym, library, beauty salon, two lounges, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor cafe. A spacious restaurant accommodates all guests in an open, unassigned seating. The cuisine is outstanding, and the overall service is efficient and friendly while unobtrusive. An elevator serves all decks. A resident physician attends a well-equipped infirmary. Served by 70 seasoned officers and crew, Corinthian II complies with the latest international safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational technology.

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Meals

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Faculty

Lisa Reilly, Professor of Architectural History, University of Virginia
In addition to teaching, Lisa is the Director of Graduate Studies for the McIntire Department of Art and Art History and co-teaches a course entitled "Renaissance Art on Site" in Florence and Rome during U.Va.’s January term. She earned her PhD from New York University. Her chief research interest in is in the history of Norman architecture, and she is currently preparing a book on Norman visual culture throughout the Romanesque world. Lisa teaches survey lectures in the Department of Architectural History, an introduction to architecture for non-architecture students and offers upper level courses on medieval architecture, which include a broad spectrum of architectural topics such as urban planning, vernacular architecture, the medieval Mediterranean lay piety as well as ecclesiastical and secular monuments. Ms. Reilly co-wrote Campus Guide: Vassar College for Princeton Architectural Press. She is also a resident fellow at the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the University of Virginia, a member of the board of directors of the International Center for Medieval Art, and held the NEH/Horace Goldsmith Distinguished Teaching Chair of Art and Architectural History from 1999–2002. Lisa lives in Charlottesville with her two children and her husband, Allan, who works for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Additional Faculty:

Josiah Osgood, Professor of Classics, Georgetown University

Professor Bart Ehrman, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chair, Department of Religious Studies

Professor Robin Jensen, Vanderbilt University
Luce Chancellor's Professor of the History of Christian Art and Worship

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Itinerary

Day 1 -- Monday, June 27
Fly From USA

Day 2 -- Tuesday, June 28
Athens, Greece

Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to the King George II Hotel.

Day 3 -- Wednesday, June 29
Athens | Corinth | Piraeus | Embark

Enjoy a tour of the Acropolis and the majestic ruins of the Parthenon, one of the world’s most perfect structures. Also visit the Hill of the Aeropagus, where in A.D. 51, Paul disputed with the philosophers of Athens and preached his sermon on "the Unknown God." Next, depart for Corinth, one of the ancient world’s most prominent cities, and a place St. Paul visited in A.D. 51 and 52. Visit the many monuments, including the Doric Temple of Apollo and the Theater. Embark Corinthian II in Piraeus and sail. (B, L, D)

Day 4 -- Thursday, June 30
Kusadasi | Ephesus | Kusadasi or Miletus | Kusadasi, Turkey

From Kusadasi, visit Ephesus, one of the most important sites in the history of the ancient world. Ephesus contains extensive ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Visit the theater where the Ephesians rioted against St. Paul; the Library of Celsus with its imposing facade; the Temple of Serapis; the great Roman theater; and the Basilica of St. John. Return to Kusadasi and enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join an excursion to ancient Miletus. (B, L, D)

Day 5 -- Friday, July 1
Rethymnon | Knossos | Gortyn | Rethymnon, Crete, Greece

Explore one of the finest achievements of the Minoan civilization, the partially reconstructed Palace at Knossos. The palace contains an underground labyrinth, legendary domain of the Minotaur. Knossos’s corridors, stairways, and chambers are decorated with frescoes illustrating life as it was 4,000 years ago. Continue to Gortyn, the Roman capital of Crete. (B, L, D)

Day 6 -- Saturday, July 2
At Sea

(B,L,D)

Day 7 -- Sunday, July 3
Valetta, Malta

Malta was home to a rich prehistoric culture that created megalithic structures that are among the world’s most impressive. The structures at Tarxien and elsewhere on the island were built before Egypt's Great Pyramids. The island was later occupied by Phoenicians and Carthaginians, followed by the Romans (218 B.C.- A.D. 318). During this period, St. Paul spent three months on Malta (A.D. 60). Our tour of lovely Malta will afford the opportunity to visit its prehistoric sites, the historic sites of Valletta, the island’s capital, and sites associated with St. Paul. (B, L, D)

Day 8 -- Monday, July 4
Syracuse | Noto | Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Founded by settlers from Corinth in 733 B.C., fabled Syracuse rivaled Athens as the most powerful city of the Greek world. With its ancient monuments, its splendid archaeological museum, and its setting, partly on an island, Syracuse is one of Italy’s most interesting cities. Explore Syracuse’s monuments and then drive to Sicily’s southeast region to visit Noto, a beautifully preserved Baroque city (18th century). (B, L, D)

Day 9 -- Tuesday, July 5
Messina | Taormina | Messina

From Messina, guarding its narrow street, set out on an excursion to picturesque Taormina. Clinging to the edge of Mount Tauro, Taormina looks out to sea and the dramatic cone of Mount Etna. A Greek colony was founded here in 403 B.C. and prospered throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Visit the magnificent Greek theater before spending time exploring on your own. (B, L, D)

Day 10 -- Wednesday, July 6
Naples | Pompeii | Naples

From Naples, set on its magnificent bay, travel to Pompeii, where Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, just 19 years after St. Paul sailed past it. The volcanic eruption both destroyed and preserved the city of Pompeii. More than 200 years of excavations have revealed an extraordinary wealth of information that has become the foundation of our knowledge of domestic life in the Roman Empire. Tour Pompeii and then return to Naples to visit the Archaeological Museum. (B, L, D)

Day 11 -- Thursday, July 7
Civitavecchia | Rome | Civitavecchia

One of the great cities of the world and the center of the Roman Empire, Rome continues to fascinate visitors with its splendid monuments that span the centuries. From the port of Civitavecchia, drive to the Eternal City for the day, where options will be available for touring its historic sites. Included will be monuments associated with St. Paul, who spent two years here. Overnight aboard docked in Civitavecchia. (B, L, D)

Day 12 -- Friday, July 8
Civitavecchia | Disembark | USA

Disembark and transfer to the airport in Rome for return flights to the U.S. (B)

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Program Fees

Starting at $7,595 per person, double occupancy, land only.

Categories and Rates:

E- $7,595 Green [SOLD OUT]

D- $8,595 Violet

C- $9,595 Orange

B- $10,595 Pink

A- $11,595 Pale Blue

AA- $12,115 Yellow

VS- $12,995 Mauve

PHS- $13,995 Aqua

A limited number of single rooms in certain cabin categories are available without a single supplement.

Corinthian II Deck Plan

Price includes:

Does not include:

Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel

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How To Register

Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646. Or, e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.

A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done upon receipt of deposit. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Deposits can be made via check or credit card.

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

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General Terms & Conditions

Payments: A $1,000 deposit per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure & must be by personal check.
Cancellations & REFUNDS: All cancellations are subject to a $300 per person fee. Cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.
Insurance: We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. Details will be sent upon registration.
Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International.
Ship’s Registry: Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDI
Due to space limitations, this is abbreviated information.
Please contact us for complete Terms and Conditions.

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