The unique atmosphere of Mediterranean life, as it exists today, was built upon millennia of cultural movements, invasions, and religious transitions. Their monuments remain all around, each influencing, commenting upon, and building upon one another. This autumn voyage aboard Corinthian II will create a superb sense of this history—this interaction between cultures, faiths, and ideas—that changes the character of a place, while retaining its continuity.

Arriving in Naples, we wander through Pompeii, to get a sense of the remarkable wealth and high standards of living in early Imperial Rome. Then we explore Palermo and Monreale, where Norman and Arabic influences mingle with the Byzantine and Romanesque to produce stunning cathedrals. The Tunisian cities of Carthage and Kairouan, Malta, and Crete, Rhodes, and Sardis—all were ancient and medieval centers of fruitful cultural interaction. We pay our respects at the cemeteries of Gallipoli, where members of many nations fell together during the memorable World War I battle. Finally, we head to Istanbul, where the ancients founded an “eastern Rome,” which became Christian Byzantium and then a Turkish metropolis; and Thessaloniki, where artifacts of Macedonian tombs mingle with Greek Orthodox churches.

Unlike their bigger and better known counterparts, these islands have preserved their architectural and cultural treasures intact. This spectacular voyage will ply the Aegean waters in pursuit of pristine, undeveloped destinations aboard the 114-guest Corinthian II. Each day will find us amid ravishing vistas, from forgotten ancient ruins and tucked-away Byzantine chapels to hidden harbors and idyllic villages. We will explore the whitewashed villages on the island of Amorgos and visit Chios, purported to be Homer’s birthplace. At far-flung Samothraki, we’ll conjure Homer’s vision of Poseidon observing the salvos of the Trojan War and crown our journey on the peaceful island of Limnos. On many evenings we’ve included free time in port to graze the shops and streets at leisure, and take in the authentic Greek ambience. Though many of our destinations are well off the beaten tourist path, we’ll call on some famous locales as well: we inaugurate our voyage in Athens, the cultural home of the Western world.

 “Architecture,” Goethe said, “is frozen music.” And when exquisite music is heard in magnificent surroundings, one is immersed in a universe of wonder. It is our pleasure to invite you on a musical adventure from Athens to Venice, where you will have the chance to hear special concerts in the most spectacular ancient, medieval and Renaissance settings located along the coasts of Greece, and its islands, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia; as well as enjoy onboard chamber recitals while the ship sails the indigo waters and the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas.

Imagine violin harmonics in Santorini’s Nomikos Foundation, surrounded by frescoes of Minoan bull-leapers; or a baroque concerto in Dubrovnik’s 16th-century Sponza Palace. Particularly memorable will be our time in Kefallonia, the island on which Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed. Here, we will enjoy a recital in the stalactite-filled Dhrogarati Cave, whose central chamber, the “Salon of Apotheosis,” was so named for its naturally ideal acoustics.

Virtually every day will feature a musical performance by our extraordinary onboard musicians and performers. We are thrilled to have Lowell Liebermann on our voyage, one of America’s most important composers, whose work is regularly performed by the world’s most distinguished orchestras. Noted by The New York Times for being “as much of a traditionalist as an innovator,” Maestro Liebermann’s music is known both for its technical command and audience appeal. Robert White, the celebrated tenor, whose long career has included singing for six U.S. Presidents, will also be joining us, as well as Timothy Fain, the “charismatic young violinist with a matinee idol profile, strong musical instincts, and first rate chops” (Boston Globe). The ensemble of eminent musicians is rounded out by soprano, Brenda Rae; pianist, William Hobbs; cellist, Scott Kluksdahl and flutist, Marya Martin. We are also delighted to have aboard Martina Arroyo, the world-class soprano, who will share with us the highlights of her illustrious career, which included twenty seasons at the Met, during an informal evening of conversation.

The musical events promise to be utterly magical, and together with the other unique adventures that await you—be it a luncheon at an organic 17th-century farm in Crete or a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of Montenegro’s stunning medieval city of Kotor—this voyage promises to be nothing short of its own kind of unforgettable opus.

Your home for this enchanting journey will be the graceful, 114-guest, all-suite Corinthian II, which is at once large enough to offer all the amenities of a large cruise ship, such as a spacious restaurant, two comfortable lounges, a gym and a sun deck with a Jacuzzi, but small enough to navigate small inlets and harbors and lend an intimate feel to our musical adventure.

If you love classical music, as well as thought-provoking travel, don’t miss the opportunity to combine both passions on this melodic odyssey in what is arguably the most beautiful part of the Mediterranean.