Travel-Learn Program
Island Life in Greece and Turkey
When: September 05, 2010 - September 13, 2010 (iCal)
Description
Relive the mythical tales of Homer and the glories of ancient heroes and gods on this enlightening voyage through the Greek Isles and along Turkey’s enchanting coast aboard the deluxe M.S. LE BOREAL. Journey from the bustling bazaars and sparkling mosques of Istanbul across the glistening waters of the Aegean to Athens, setting your own pace in each port by choosing from the attractively priced shore excursions or time at leisure. Along Turkey’s history-rich coast, stroll along the marble-paved boulevards of Ephesus and sail in the wake of Achilles and Agamemnon to legendary Troy. Explore Greece’s most fabled islands, including Santorini, renowned for its dramatic black cliffs, and Delos, mythical birthplace of Olympian deities. Learn how monks on the sacred isle of Pátmos preserve spiritual traditions traced directly to St. John, walk in the footsteps of crusading knights through medieval Rhodes and saunter under the warm gaze of Helios along the golden shores of Mykonos. Extend your journey with a two-night Pre-Program Option in Istanbul and/or a two-night Post-Program Option in Athens.
Optional Pre-Program: Istanbul
Optional Post-Program: Athens
Cost
From $3,795 per person, based on double occupancy.
Contact
For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Travel Learn Program Director, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-843-2586 or 617-627-5323.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart U.S.
Day 2 - Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive in Instanbul and embark the M.S. LE BOREAL.
Day 3 - Çanakkale (Troy)
Located near the port of Çanakkale on Turkey’s Aegean coast, the ancient city of Troy was immortalized by Homer in The Iliad, which chronicled the Trojan Wars of the 13th century B.C.E. and inspired many of the tales central to ancient Greek mythology. On the optional guided excursion, explore remnants of the Bronze Age citadel and ruins of the sixth-century B.C.E. Temple of Athena and the Roman Theater, and see how over the millennia, subsequent civilizations built nine new cities and settlements over those of their predecessors.
Day 4 - Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Accessible from the Turkish port of Kusadasi through the sunflower-brightened countryside, the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are among the world’s greatest relics of antiquity. The optional guided tour takes us to the multistory Library of Celsus, a breathtaking example of Greco-Roman architecture, and down Harbor Street, which was one of the few illuminated roads during the classical period. Continue along Marble Way to the astonishing 24,000-seat amphitheater, where gladiators battled to the death and St. Paul preached to some of the world’s first Christians. After the tour, we will have some free time to explore the coastal resort of Kusadasi.
Day 5 - Pátmos
This morning, we have the opportunity to explore the “Jerusalem of the Aegean.”Pátmos is the island where St. John the Divine received thevision of fire and brimstone in C.E. 95 that he dictated as the Book of Revelation. Founded in 1088, the Monastery of St. John was built to protect religious treasures and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John is said to have received his vision. Opt to tour the Monastery of St. John on Pátmos, Greece, and relax on the island this afternoon. We will also participate in the exclusive Village Forum with local residents to discuss life in the Greek Isles.
Day 6 - Rhodes
Today, take an optional excursion to the island of Rhodes. Located closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece, Rhodes has been one of the most prosperous islands and important strategic strongholds in the eastern Mediterranean since the dawn of history. Its most important cultural center, Rhodes Town, is an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval city. Built over a great Hellenistic metropolis, its array of monuments and architectural styles reflects the past rule of the Byzantines, Ottomans and the crusading Knights of St. John, who erected the splendid 14th-century fortifications of the Palace of the Grand Masters.
Day 7 - Santorini
Wake to awe-inspiring black cliffs soaring above the ship in Santorini, the “black pearl of the Aegean.” Join the optional excursion to the picturesque village of Oia, renowned for its traditional architecture and cliffside setting, with panoramic views of the island’s coastline and the surrounding seas. Far below, in what remains of an extinct volcano’s caldera, may be the legendary remains of Atlantis—possibly lost during a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C.E. Ride a cable car from the town of Thíra, whose stunning white walls stand in stark contrast against the dark volcanic cliffs.
Day 8 - Delos/Mykonos
This morning, join an optional walking tour of the Isle of Delos’ classical ruins. The birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos was as central to Greek spiritual life as Olympia or Delphi. Close to the shore, we’ll see the magnificent Lion Terrace and have the opportunity to visit Delos’ awe-inspiring ruins, which include ancient temples, an entire district of homes dating from 700 B.C.E. and the Theater built in 300 B.C.E. After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon on Mykonos. With windmills, whitewashed homes and golden sandy beaches, this picturesque island epitomizes life in the Greek Isles.
Day 9 - Athens/U.S.
Arrive in Athens and return to the U.S.
Istanbul Pre-Program Option
Join this special two-night extension in Istanbul, Turkey, one of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities with centrally located accommodations. The Pre-Program includes two city tours, featuring Byzantium’s most enduring architectural monument at the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the ornate Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Istanbul’s legendary Grand Bazaar, the sprawling Topkapi Palace and the graceful Süleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century for the legendary sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Complete details will be provided with reservation confirmation.
Athens Post-Program Option
Preceding our Island Life in Ancient Greece travel program, spend two nights in Athens, Greece—Western civilization’s first great center of democracy and philosophy—with deluxe accommodations and an included city tour of ancient Athens featuring Olympic Stadium, Adrian Gate, the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. Complete details will be provided with reservation confirmation.
Price and Itinerary remain tentative and subject to change
