Mediterranean. Exploring Historic Port Towns & Sites Along the Adriatic & Ionian Seas

Transcription

1 Mediterranean Idyll Exploring Historic Port Towns & Sites Along the Adriatic & Ionian Seas Aboard the All-Suite, 100-Guest Corinthian July 23 August 8, 2014 Book by April 14, 2014 to save up to $5,090 per person No Single Supplement (see inside)

2 Dear Traveler, Increasingly rare today is the opportunity for an extended sea voyage, taken at a leisurely and blissful pace. This Mediterranean Idyll explores some of the most charming, historically fascinating, and naturally beautiful sites in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas at a relaxed and mindful speed, set during the unhurried days of summer. Take advantage of the 15-night itinerary to savor a complete cruising experience: soak up the atmosphere of a small seaside village, muse over fine works of art, and sample fresh local cuisine while sailing in perfect comfort aboard the elegant small cruise ship Corinthian. Our itinerary virtually defines picturesque. The Greek, Roman, medieval, and Renaissance sites we ll visit tell the story of the ebb and flow of great civilizations and empires against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Experience Venice, with its romantic waterways; the exquisitely preserved medieval town of Piran; the gleaming stone buildings of Split and Dubrovnik; Kotor, stunningly situated at the head of Europe s southernmost fjord; Urbino, one of Italy s best-preserved Renaissance towns overlooking the glorious countryside of the Marches; and the 2,500 years of history represented in the ruins of Butrint, Albania. Accompanying you will be a team of experienced study leaders, whose lectures and informal discussions will enhance and enrich the journey. Anne-Marie Bouché is Associate Professor of Art History at Florida Gulf Coast University, and she will offer her expertise on the subject of western medieval art. Eric Frank is currently the Chair of the Art and Art History Department at Occidental College, and is an expert in Italian Renaissance art. This summer, join our experts and like-minded travelers aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Corinthian for a leisurely sojourn that celebrates the art of unhurried living. From undiscovered Piran to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik, these leisurely days navigating through the lush island-dappled waters will undoubtedly place Mediterranean Idyll in the firmament of your most treasured memories. Sincerely, Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. For AAAS Travels, ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions Cover: Piran, Slovenia

3 Cruise, Learn & Be Inspired The cruise will be accompanied by expert speakers and local guides who will lecture on various topics relating to our destinations and introduce you to the culture and history of the places we will explore. Educated at Dartmouth College and New York University s Institute of Fine Arts, Eric Frank is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome and an expert in Italian Renaissance art with a special interest in the history of the classical tradition in western art, from Greece to Rome and into the Middle Ages. A noted scholar, he served for many years as Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Currently he is Chair of the Art History and Visual Arts Department at Occidental. Anne-Marie Bouché is Associate Professor of Art History at Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers, Florida), where she teaches courses on all aspects of Western art and architecture before She was for nine years Assistant Professor of Western Medieval Art at Princeton University and has taught at Columbia University, C.W. Post University, and Mills College. She also spent several years as a staff lecturer and researcher at The Cloisters Museum in New York. Her scholarship focuses on problems of communication and interpretation through visual language. She is the author of several articles and has co-edited a cross-disciplinary volume of essays, The Mind s Eye: Art and Theology in the Middle Ages (Princeton University Press, 2005). Beautiful Padova, Italy

4 Kotor, Montenegro Urbino, Italy

5 Itinerary Wednesday, July 23, 2014 FLY FROM USA Thursday, July 24 VENICE, Italy EMBARK Built on an archipelago of small islands in a lagoon and famed for its romantic canals, Venice rose to power and dominated the affairs of the Eastern Mediterranean for many years. Upon arrival, transfer to Corinthian. Overnight aboard ship docked in Venice. (D) Friday, July 25 VENICE Enjoy a tour of Venice, with visits to St. Mark s Square, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. (B, L, D) Saturday, July 26 PIRAN, Slovenia Cephalonia s scenic coast Slovenia s Piran, one of the jewels of the Adriatic, is superbly sited on the tip of a long peninsula, and boasts elegant Venetian inspired architecture and arched alleyways that accentuate its medieval past. Leisurely explore the town, including the historic buildings around Tartinjen Square. Stroll through Piran on your own before the ship sails in the evening. (B, L, D) Sunday, July 27 ANCONA, Italy URBINO ANCONA From Ancona drive to Urbino, known as the ideal city of the Renaissance. Visit the famed Palazzo Ducale, which houses the National Gallery of the Marches. Also, see the house of native son Raphael. (B, L, D) Monday, July 28 AT SEA (B, L, D) Tuesday, July 29 CROTONE Ancient Crotone was one of the most prominent cities of Magna Graecia. Visit the impressive Archaeological Museum and then drive to the small town of Santa Severina, dramatically situated on an isolated outcrop of sheer rock, to see the Norman cathedral with its 9 th -century baptistery and Carafa Castle. (B, L, D) Wednesday, July 30 SYRACUSE, Sicily Colonized by the Greeks in the 8 th century b.c., Syracuse became one of the most powerful and prestigious cities of the ancient world. Discover the 15,000-seat Greek theater, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity, and the elliptical Roman amphitheater. After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, walk the winding lanes of Syracuse s Old Town and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. (B, L, D) Thursday, July 31 CEPHALONIA, Greece Arrive at Argostoli, Cephalonia s main town, in the late afternoon. Enjoy time at leisure. (B, L, D) Friday, August 1 ITHACA Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus, is a stunning island of pristine beaches and verdant forest. Visit the bay of Dexia, believed to be Homer s harbor of Phorkys. Admire the Cyclopean Walls, a ruined site known locally as Odysseus s Castle, and stand atop the Plateau of Marathia, where Odysseus s loyal servant Eumaeus kept his swine. (B, L, D) Saturday, August 2 IGOUMENITSA DODONI IOANNINA IGOUMENITSA Call at Igoumenitsa and travel to Dodoni, the oldest oracular site in Greece. Beautifully situated in a valley below Mount Tomaros, the site includes a superb theater, with walls 65 feet high and a seating capacity of 20,000. Continue to the charming old market town of Ioannina, beautifully built on the shores of a scenic lake. (B, L, D) For reservations or information, please call us at

6 PROGRAM INCLUSIONS 15-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Corinthian All meals aboard ship, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship All tours and excursions Enrichment program of lectures and discussions by onboard expert lecturers Comprehensive pre-departure materials Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated arrival and departure dates Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff Not Included Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); trip cancellation and baggage insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.); port taxes and charges; gratuities to shipboard personnel Air Reservations Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. For assistance with flights, you may contact Taunya DeYoung at Betchart Expeditions Inc., (800) , or Sunday, August 3 SARANDA, Albania BUTRINT SARANDA From Albania s Saranda, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city was founded by the Trojans, or so claimed the poet Virgil. A gem of an archaeological site, its ruins span 2,500 years. (B, L, D) Monday, August 4 KOTOR, Montenegro Sail the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the town of the same name, located at the head of the bay beneath towering mountains. One of the most striking and best-preserved towns along the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. A tour of this delightful town reveals its magnificent walls, palaces, and churches. (B, L, D) Tuesday, August 5 SPLIT, Croatia Split is an ancient city centered around the formidable Palace of Diocletian, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. An extensive structure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split s medieval town, making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Our tour includes a thorough exploration of this ancient structure. (B, L, D) Wednesday, August 6 KORCULA Arrive at Korcula Island and dock at the town of the same name. Steps away from our ship stands the medieval city with its walls and guard towers still intact. Visit St. Mark s Cathedral and its Treasury, the Bishop s Palace, the Church of All Saints, the Icon Museum, and Marco Polo s home. Also enjoy time at leisure on this enchanting island. (B, L, D) Thursday, August 7 DUBROVNIK Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe s bestpreserved medieval cities and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The city contains within its ramparts the Rector s Palace; the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a 13 th -century pharmacy (the oldest in Europe); and the baroque Cathedral, with works by Renaissance painters Titian and Andrea del Sarto. After a walking tour of this splendid ancient town, enjoy free time. Spend the night aboard ship docked in Dubrovnik, which will allow you more time for exploration on your own. (B, L, D) Friday, August 8 DUBROVNIK DISEMBARK The ampitheater at Dodoni, Greece FLY TO USA (B)

7 Nautilus Club Veranda Suite Corinthian Sets the Standard for Private-Style Cruising In an era of mega cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers, Corinthian is a delightful alternative. More like a private yacht than a cruise ship, Corinthian accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites. Corinthian s limited guest capacity, fine facilities, and distinctive style of operation attract like-minded travelers who return again and again to enjoy its custom-crafted itineraries and a style of cruising that is rarely found today. All of Corinthian s suites face outside, providing views of the sea and landscape. Several have a private balcony. There are expansive open deck areas and attractive facilities, including a gym, spa, library (with Internet access), beauty salon, two lounges, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor cafe. An elegant restaurant accommodates all guests in an open, unassigned seating. An elevator serves all decks. A resident physician attends a well-equipped infirmary. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. Served by 65 seasoned officers and crew, Corinthian complies with the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, meets the requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology. Corinthian is equipped with retractable fin stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore.

8 DECK PLAN Sun Deck/ Outdoor Café Beauty Salon/ Massage Rm Elevator Elevator Jacuzzi Phoebe Deck Early Booking Savings Gym Nautilus Club Cleo Deck Elevator Leto Deck Bridge Book by April 14, 2014 to save up to $5,090 per person Lounge/Lecture Hall Elevator Reception Restaurant Ariadne Deck No Single Supplement (limited number of suites available) Elevator Hospital Athena Deck Cruise and Land Rates per person, double occupancy All accommodations aboard Corinthian are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and include a bedroom with two twin-size beds that can convert to a queen-size bed, sitting area, mini-refrigerator, safe, spacious closets, climate control, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connection, and bathroom with marble vanity, shower, and other amenities. All suites are non-smoking. category description Early Booking Rate Published Rates E D C B A AA VS Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342 - *345,*428,*429 * PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTED VIEW $6,990 $9,780 Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites , 433 $7,990 $10,580 Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites $8,990 $11,780 Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites $9,990 $13,580 Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with windows and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites , $10,990 $14,580 Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites $11,590 $15,780 Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites $12,590 $17,380 Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony and PHS sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites $13,490 $18,580 Port taxes and charges: $380 per person Single Supplement Waived: A limited number of suites are available at no single supplement. Once these suites are booked, additional suites will be available for single occupancy at a supplement of $2,490 in Category B and $2,990 in Category A.

9 Registration Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $ ($1,500 per person) as a deposit to hold place(s) on Mediterranean Idyll. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure and is payable by check only. Please make check payable to and mail with this registration form to: Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA BTEX14226C Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last age Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last age Address City/State/Zip o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard No. Telephone (day) (evening) Exp. 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Please select cabin category in order of preference: PHS VS AA A B C D E o Twin Beds o Double Bed o Single Occupancy o Share (cannot be guaranteed) Membership (please circle): AAAS ACS SIGMA XI PLANETARY SOCIETY Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the General Information section and agree to its terms. Signature Signature Date Date general information Payment Schedule: A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposits and final payment. Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations are subject to a $400 per person fee. In addition, cancellations received days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International Ltd. Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour s sponsoring organization. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel s owner/operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this cruise and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International Ltd. Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour s sponsoring organization act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour s itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Passenger tickets are not transferable and are not subject to alteration by the passenger. No suit shall be maintainable against the carrier, or vessel, for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passengers, unless written notice of the claim, with full particulars, is delivered to the carrier or its agents at its office at the port of sailing or at the port of termination within six months from the day when such incident occurred. In no event shall any such suit or any claim against the carrier or vessel for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger be maintainable unless such suit is commenced within one year from the day when the incident causing such losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger occurs, notwithstanding any provision of law of any state or country to the contrary. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, pursuant to the applicable general maritime law, and applying the applicable general maritime law and Federal maritime statutes. Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Fuel Supplement: Travel Dynamics International Ltd. reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement, without prior notice, if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $85 per barrel. This supplement may be charged even if the cruise fare has been paid in full. Ship s Registry: Malta CST # TDI QUESTIONS? Please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) or via at Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com.

10 Explore the Historic Shores of the Adriatic & Ionian Seas Book by April 14, 2014 to save up to $5,090 per person No Single Supplement (see inside) PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Hackensack, NJ Permit No. 291 For reservations or information, please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) or via at BTEX14226C View of Ithaca, Greece