Secret Art Treasures of Italy aboard Corinthian II
August 23 to September 2, 2012

Italy’s best-kept art secrets are revealed on this cruise that wraps around Italy’s entire coastline from the Gulf of Genoa to the Gulf of Venice. Visit ancient sites, Renaissance treasures, and medieval villages not often visited by tourists.

Embark the Corinthian II in Barcelona and sail to San Remo, a town on the Italian Riviera known for its artistic heritage. Visit the well-preserved city of Albenga, whose Baptistery houses a splendid 5th-century mosaic. See several incredible Etruscan sites in the charming town of Vulci and marvel at the collection of frescoes at the Duomo in Tuscania. Explore Paestum, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites, and see the interior of the Cathedral in the medieval town of Sicily’s Cefalu, which preserves some of the world’s most glorious Byzantine mosaics. In Taranto, view a magnificent collection of ancient Greek and Roman art that rivals the museums of Naples and Rome or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera. Discover the awe-inspiring trulli villages in Puglia, as well as the old towns of Chieti and Atri in Italy’s Abruzzo region, before disembarking in Venice.

SBMA members will be joined by a team of study leaders, whose lectures and informal discussions will help us better understand the history and present day culture of the places we visit. Giovanna Bellesia is Professor of Italian Language and Literature at Smith College, Ann Moyer is Associate Professor of History specializing in the intellectual and cultural history of Renaissance Europe at the University of Pennsylvania, and Alfonso Procaccini, also from Smith College, is Professor of Italian Literature, with a special interest in Dante. Also joining the cruise will be travelers from our cosponsoring organizations, which include the Smithsonian, National Trust for Historic Preservation, UPenn, Newark Museum, and Smith College.

The 114-guest, all-suite Corinthian II offers the amenities of a large cruise ship, such as a spacious restaurant, two comfortable lounges, and a sun deck with a Jacuzzi, but is intimate and small enough to navigate inlets and harbors not accessible by larger cruise ships.

There are only 57 suites aboard the Corinthian II and a limited number of cabins that can be reserved for solo travelers with no single supplement. I encourage you to call soon to reserve space and discover for yourself some of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

From $4,995

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Trulli House, Apulia