Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29
Venice, Italy
 First settled in the 2nd century by
Roman refugees fleeing Germanic
invasions, the archipelago of Venice is
Europe’s largest urban car-free area. In
medieval times, its strategic location
made Venice the most critical trading stop between East and West. The
resulting economic boom laid the foundation for the grandeur and
beauty that remains today, such as the pristine Piazza San Marco.
Thursday, July 30
Ravenna, Italy
 As the Roman Empire was collapsing,
Ravenna thrived on the northern
Adriatic and later became one of the
centers of Christianity. Under Byzantine
rule, the city flourished with the
construction of opulent palaces,
basilicas, and stunning works of art,
many of which remain today, such as the mosaics at the tomb of Galla
Placida, the Church of San Vitale, the Baptistery, and the Basilica of
Saint Apollinaris.
Friday, July 31 • Seminars-at-Sea
 Enjoy thought-provoking seminar
sessions, while meeting like-minded
people in a relaxed but elegant
atmosphere.
Saturday, August 1
Corfu, Greece
 Its lovely coastline is speckled with beaches of
all shapes and sizes, accompanied by waterfront
restaurants and activities, including diving.
Located between Italy’s heel and the Greek
mainland, the island changed hands numerous
times through the centuries. On its highest
peaks remain battle stations and armories,
evidence of fierce battles. The famous Fortress
of Saint Mark overlooks the Old Harbour and
for many years was its primary fortification.
Sunday, August 2 • Seminars-at-Sea
Delve deeply into the fascinating history of lands that gave birth
to Western Civilization, discuss politics and economics, and
meet and mingle with your distinguished speakers.
Monday, August 3
Rhodes, Greece
 Most famous as the site of the Colossus
of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of
the ancient world, Rhodes still displays
influences from a number of cultures and
ruling classes, most notably, the Order of
St. John of Jerusalem, which helped
establish the city as a bastion of
Christianity in the 16th century. The city’s Upper Town is widely
considered one of the most beautiful urban representations of Gothic
architecture in the world.
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Tuesday, August 4
Bodrum, Turkey
 Bodrum is one of the artistic centers
of the Mediterranean, and numerous
writers, painters, musicians, and
thinkers have called it home. Bodrum
Castle houses one of the world’s finest
museums of underwater archaeology.
Bodrum was the location of a wonder
of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus. Travellers
can visit the original site and view artifacts and replicas of the
spectacular tomb.
Wednesday, August 5
Mykonos, Greece
 The labyrinthine streets of central
Mykonos were originally designed to
confuse pirates. Mykonos is one of
Greece’s most popular tourist
destinations, with many beaches and a
lively nightlife. There is also a maritime
museum, a folklore museum, and an
archaeological museum.
Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7
Istanbul, Turkey
 The dome- and minaret-studded
bi-continental city of Istanbul is a
melting pot of culture, art, and
religion. Like Rome, the city is built
on seven hills and served as a capital
for some of the most powerful
empires in the history of the world. Stroll past stunning architecture at
every turn, including the famous Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia,
once a Christian church, then a mosque, and currently a museum.
 Saturday, August 8 • Seminars-at-Sea
Enjoy the ship’s luxurious amenities and
relax between conference events.
Sunday, August 9
Disembark in Athens
 Extend your journey by joining the
Hillsdale College post-cruise tour and
explore one of the great cities of the
Western world. As a hub of ancient
civilization and thought, and home of
the first Olympic
Games, Athens
boasts myriad sites of interest, such as
Panathinaikos Stadium, the Acropolis, the
Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus the
Olympian. Athens is full of museums,
including the National Archaeological
Museum, which houses an extensive
collection of early treasures, some dating
back to 2,000 BC. Filled with history and
beauty, Athens is the ideal place to
end your journey through
the Mediterranean. |
