Historic Cities of the Sea: A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean Featuring Renowned Mezzo-Soprano Frederica von Stade

Join us on a voyage that brings together magnificent musical performances in some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful settings. Featuring special guest artist Frederica von Stade, described by the New York Times as “one of America’s finest artists and singers."

This June, one of the loveliest months to cruise the fabled Mediterranean Sea, unravel the secret of historic cities on a unique voyage from Sicily to Rome, calling at some of the most storied cities along the coasts of Italy, Tunisia, Spain, France, and the islands of Malta and Sardinia.

Marvel at Malta’s Valletta, lauded by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. Ponder the evocative ruins of legendary Carthage, or discover the grandeur of Rome in Dougga. Stand in awe of the dramatic prehistoric dwellings in Su Nuraxi on Sardinia. Explore the kaleidoscope of Barcelona’s remarkable architecture. And admire the magical light of Aix-en-Provence and the French Riviera that was an endless source of inspiration to artists. In addition to a superb itinerary, we will be joined by two renowned artists and musicians, Frederica von Stade, the mezzo-soprano whose voice has graced the world’s greatest music halls, and composer-pianist Jake Heggie. “Flicka” and Jake’s concerts, performed just for us, will add a dimension rarely experienced on cruises.

Music is of course only part of the allure. On our voyage Alan Cameron, Anthon Professor Emeritus of Latin Language and Literature at Columbia University and one of the great classicists of our generation, whose critically-acclaimed work on The Last Pagans of Rome was described as “sheer brilliance” by the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, will share the history of many the spectacular sites.

Dates & Prices

Trip Dates: June 13 - 22, 2012
Prices:  from $4,495 - $9,995 per person based upon double occupancy

Trip Summary:

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - FLY FROM USA

Thursday, June 14 - CATANIA, Sicily, Italy | EMBARK
Arrive in Catania on Sicily’s east coast and transfer to Corinthian II. Sail in the evening. (D)

Friday, June 15 - VALLETTA, Malta
Corinthian II sails into the dramatic Grand Harbor of Malta’s Valletta, renowned for its architectural beauty, medieval relics, and ancient monuments. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, later the Knights of Malta, established a base here in the 16th century. (B, L, D)

Saturday, June 16 - TUNIS | CARTHAGE or DOUGGA, Tunisia
Arrive in Tunis and tour storied Carthage, founded by Phoenicians in the 9th century b.c. The site contains Phoenician remains and monuments from the Roman period. Also tour the Bardo Museum, renowned for
its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics. Also, in Tunis, visit the Medina and its souks. Alternatively, take an excursion to Dougga, the largest and most imposing Roman site in Tunisia. Built on the side of a low hill, Dougga’s remains include many buildings from the 2nd century a.d., when the city reached the height of its prosperity. (B, L, D)

Sunday, June 17 - CAGLIARI | SU NURAXI | NORA, Sardinia, Italy
Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, built on a hill facing the sea. Drive to the village of Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important and impressive prehistoric nuraghic complex and a UNESCO Heritage
of Humanity site. After lunch aboard, take an excursion to ancient Nora, beautifully built by the sea. Nora’s remains date from the Carthaginian and Roman periods. (B, L, D)

Monday, June 18 - AT SEA (B, L, D)

Tuesday, June 19 - BARCELONA, Spain

The exuberant capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is rich in exceptional works of art and architecture. Tour the narrow alleyways of the Barrio Gotico, the original site of the ancient city, and the extraordinary Templo
de la Sagrada Familia, begun in the 19th century by the architect Antoni Gaudi and still unfinished. Also visit the 14th-century cathedral, La Seu, and tour the Museum of Catalonian Art. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, June 20 - MARSEILLE | AIX-en-PROVENCE, France
Travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, immortalized by the works of Cezanne. Tour the Old City, down the leafy Cours Mirabeau, noting the perfect classical proportions of the Hotel de Ville en route to the Cathedral of St.-Sauveur, with its medieval art treasures. Continue to Cezanne’s old studio, which remains as it was at the time of the artist’s death in 1906, or the Musee Granet, containing works by Cezanne and others. (B, L, D)

Thursday, June 21 - NICE | ST. PAUL-DE-VENCE or EZE
From Nice—renowned for its lovely gardens, splendid sea-views, and chic boulevards— visit delightful St.-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval village that became a favorite artists’ retreat in the 1920s. Largely rebuilt in 1537 by
Francois I, the old fortified town reveals the ramparts that once defended it, while the heights still afford a spectacular view of the mountains and Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Maeght Foundation, whose modern building
blends harmoniously with its surroundings and displays an acclaimed collection of 20th-century works by artists including Braque, Chagall, Miro, and Picasso. Alternatively, explore the quaint village of Eze, set in the hills just above Nice, and visit the Chagall Museum. (B, L, D)

Friday, June 22 - CIVITAVECCHIA | DISEMBARK | ROME, Italy | FLY TO USA (B)

Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to the airport in Rome for return flights to the U.S.

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
• 8-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• Two private recitals by renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade in exclusive venues ashore

•All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers

NOT INCLUDED: 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; gratuities to shipboard personnel and any item not specifically listed as included in the program brochure.

Please call us toll-free at (866) 325-8664 or email us at travelstudy@columbia.edu for more details.