Venice, its Sea Empire & the Medieval World: A Voyage Exploring Seminal Sites from Venice to Cyprus

12 Days/11 Nights: 2012 Departures:• May 6 Benefiting from its unique and defensible position, Venice, which is spread over 118 islands in a lagoon in the northern shore of the Adriatic Sea, dominated in the Middle Ages not only the nearby Dalmatian shore, but also the Ionian and Aegean Seas. The 15th century saw the pinnacle of Venetian power, with the navy of the Serene Republic controlling the sea lanes of the Eastern Mediterranean, and its merchants gaining unprecedented wealth and prosperity for themselves and their fabled city. The elegant cities and strategic outposts the Venetians built still stand today as testimony to the glorious era enjoyed by Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Our voyage will take us to the port cities and strongholds built by Venice, as well as allow us to explore the pivotal role the city played in the history of the Mediterranean from about the 9th to the 17th centuries. We will also examine Venice’s rich legacy in architecture and the arts. Joining us will be six talented musicians, who will perform classical music aboard ship and at exclusive venues ashore. Also onboard will be a team of study leaders, including art historian Steve Clancy; distinguished writer and historian Peter Lauritzen, an expert on Venice; and Dale Kinney, professor of late antique and Byzantine art and architecture. Their expertise, lectures, and discussions will enhance your travel experience and understanding of the sites visited along this journey. Day 1 VENICE, Italy | EMBARK Upon arrival in Venice, transfer to Corinthian II. In the evening, sail through the Giudecca and San Marco canals to the Adriatic Sea for Slovenia. Day 2 PIRAN | Slovenia Possessed by Venice in 1283, Piran is rich in Venetian-inspired architecture, its arched alleyways lined with exquisite homes, palaces, and churches. Visit the marble-surfaced Tartini Square, flanked by historic buildings; temple-like Church of St. George; and Sergej Masera Maritime Museum, housed in the elegant Gabrielli Palace. Also enjoy time at leisure to explore Piran. Day 3 ZADAR, Croatia Controlled by Illyrian tribes, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Hungarians, Zadar came under the Venetians in 1409, who held it until 1797, becoming an important naval center of the Venetian Republic. Explore the old city, including the Roman Forum, church of St. Donatus, Cathedral of Anastasia, and Archaeological Museum. Day 4 DUBROVNIK Explore Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the sea. Visit the Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries, view works by Titian and Andrea del Sarto in the Baroque Cathedral, and see the courtyard of the Rector’s Palace. Day 5 KOTOR, Montenegro | RISAN Arrive in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kotor’s commercial activities during the 13th and 14th centuries provoked the jealousy of Venice. Faced with the Turkish threat, Kotor was forced to seek protection from Venice in 1402. After a walking tour of the old town, reboard Corinthian II and sail, navigating the scenic fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Day 6 CORFU, Ionian Islands, Greece Arrive in Corfu after a morning at sea. Corfu was a valuable possession of Venice from 1386 to 1797, guarding the approach to the Adriatic and the maritime lanes to the Eastern Mediterranean. The city’s architecture dates from the Venetian period, with its forts, loggias, palaces, narrow streets, and churches. Day 7 PYLOS | METHONI | PYLOS, Peloponnese Quaint Pylos is our gateway to Methoni, a strategic port the Venetians fortified in the 12th century. Overlooking the east-west shipping routes, and deriving great wealth from its commercial activities and as a port of call for pilgrims to and from the Holy Land, Methoni was known as the “eye of Venice.” Tour the imposing fortress and then reboard the ship, sailing to Crete. Day 8 RETHYMNON | CHANIA or KNOSSOS or IMBROS GORGE | RETHYMNON, Crete After touring the picturesque town of Rethymnon, drive to Chania to see its historic walled medieval town and postcard-perfect harbor. Alternatively, explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace of the island, and the Heraklion Museum’s superb collection. For nature enthusiasts, there will be an alternate excursion exploring the southern coast of Crete, including the beautiful Imbros Gorge. Day 9 AT SEA Day 10 ANAMUR LIMANI | ANAMURIUM | MAMURE KALESI | ANAMUR LIMANI, Turkey From Anamur Limani, an excursion leads to Anamurium. Visit the ruins, including the necropolis tombs, many with murals of mythological scenes. Continue to Mamure Kalesi, a coastal castle with crenellated walls and watch towers. Tour the castle complex, once occupied by the Ottomans. Day 11 PAPHOS, Cyprus Arrive in Paphos on Cyprus’s west coast. Tour the city’s ancient remains, including the Roman houses with their spectacular mosaics. Notable is the House of Dionysos, which is decorated with a series of superb mosaics. Also visit the Tombs of the Kings, carved out of the rock, and the church of Aghia Kyriaki. Day 12 LIMASSOL | DISEMBARK Disembark and transfer to the airport. Musical Program As you sail to the places that inspired Antonio Vivaldi, Claudio Monteverdi, the brothers Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli, and many other masters, enjoy exquisite music performed in glorious settings ashore as well as aboard ship. Each concert is completely exclusive, performed only for you by a group of six remarkably gifted and accomplished musicians, featured below. Concerts May 7 • Tartini Theatre, Piran, Slovenia May 8 • St. Donat Church, Zadar, Croatia May 10 • St. Tryphon Church, Kotor, Montenegro May 13 • Historical venue, Rethymnon, Greece May 14 • Concert aboard ship May 16 • Historical venue, Paphos, Cyprus