Within sight and sound of this tranquil inland sea, history began its long march in step with civilization, as new ideas about city life, trade, democracy and religion rode the waves to every corner of the known world. Where these ideas came ashore, great cities grew and prospered, ringing the ocean from which they'd sprung.

To the east lay the epicenter: Athens, mother of all western civilizations. To the south, on the coast of Africa, Carthage rose to rival Rome. Westward at Moorish Granada, the Arabs established their stronghold in Europe, and Barcelona brought trade to medieval Spain. Northern Venice, gateway of the Renaissance, reigned supreme for three hundred years, in competition with easternmost, Euro-Asian Istanbul.

In June, 2001 Circumnavigating the Mediterranean will visit them all, winging through empires and across centuries on a 23-day adventure made possible only by private air travel and Abercrombie & Kent's expertise in Europe.

It's a rare opportunity to visit these great capitals of history, in conjunction with the more modern pleasures of Nice and Monte Carlo, and launched with a stop at Lisbon, the "explorer's city" from which the Old World reached out to touch the New.

The word "Mediterranean" alone is enough to conjure images of an ancient and enviable way of life: simple yet sophisticated, relaxed and pleasure-loving. This extraordinary journey is your entrée to that world...as it was then, and is now, around the "Sea of Time."

Explore ten exciting and important destinations ringing the Mediterranean basin: a decade's-worth of travel, yours to enjoy at leisure and in style in just 23 days.

Travel in a select group of just 45 passengers, ensuring personal service and access to an "insider's Europe" closed to larger parties.

Discover the history, arts and folkways of Mediterranean Europe as you've never known them before, courtesy of specialist local guides, as well as the A&K Tour Managers who accompany your program throughout.

Celebrate at special dining events, where local cultures flavor world-class entertainment, fine food and drink. On evenings when special events have not been planned, dine à la carte at your hotel and A&K picks up the bill.

Circumnavigating the Mediterranean offers a unique look at these Mediterranean, European and North African destinations. Their grand themes and historic relationships are clearly presented, but never at the expense of the charming details and unique pleasures of life on these sunny shores. This is an extraordinary journey for the mind as well as the eye, the heart as well as the soul.