• Main
• 1. Old World Tradition
• 2. Small-Ship Cruises
• 3. Culture Cruises
• 4. Outdoor Adventure Cruises
• 5. Family Cruises
• 6. Gay and Lesbian Cruises
• 7. Themed Cruises
• 8. Guide to Cruising Regions

Culture Cruises

THE VIBE: Immerse yourself in a destination’s culture with lectures and tours by noted scholars and experts that delve into local cuisine, history, and folklore.

EMBARK ON: Travel Dynamics International’s Corinthian II is a luxury yacht with 57 suites and a crew of 75 for a mere 114 guests, resulting in truly excellent service. Fine regional wines and open bar service are complimentary, while food is often purchased locally to create meals indigenous to the region. Onboard lectures encourage in-depth exploration of featured ports.

ULTIMATE ITINERARY: The “Landmark Ancient Sites of the Mediterranean” cruise, featuring legendary journalist Bill Moyers as guest lecturer, leaves November 11, 2008, from Athens. It stops at Kirrha, home of the Oracle of Delphi; ancient Carthage in the North African state of Tunisia; and Djemila, an Algerian mountain village with North Africa’s best-preserved Roman ruins. From $6,995/person; 10 days

NOTA BENE: Few westerners even think of going to Tunisia or Algeria, so you’ll be entitled to some bragging based on your itinerary.

ALTERNATIVE: Viking River Cruises’ “Waterways of the Czars” (one leaves on May 7, 2008) itinerary follows the Volga River and the Stalin Canal from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Become immersed in Russian culture from the Mongol invasion to the rise of Putin. Sit in on a lecture by a leading Russian expert or take a tour with a dedicated guide through the Kremlin, Kirov Ballet, or Moscow Circus, among other sights. From $2,799/person; 13 days

See Turkey Travel Guide | See Europe Travel Guide