2015 SUSTAINING FELLOWS TOUR

Transcription

1 2015 SUSTAINING FELLOWS TOUR 1 unusual journey to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son We invite Sustaining Fellows to join us on an unusual journey to Turkey and Greece with Karen Manchester, Chair and Curator of Ancient Art, Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art. This special journey is offered in connection with the Art Institute s exhibition, Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections, which presents more than 60 superb artworks from the early Christian and Byzantine eras in the Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art. Many of these treasures including shimmering mosaics, marble sculptures, richly illustrated manuscripts, luxury glass, silver, personal adornments, liturgical textiles, and painted icons have never been exhibited outside of Greece. On our journey we complement this exhibition with mustsee sites in Istanbul (once, Byzantium), Thessaloniki, and Athens as a way to further illuminate the Byzantines and the remarkable legacy they left behind in Turkey and Greece. We also examine the Classical era of Greece with help from Karen. We begin in Istanbul, Turkey. After a welcome reception Dear Sustaining Fellows: Byzantium was known for its richness: luminous icons, textiles, architectural sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics. In May 2015, join curator Karen Manchester as we trace the evolution of the Byzantine aesthetic in Turkey and Greece. Cynthia and I just returned from Istanbul, we have been to Athens many times, and we have heard great things about Thessaloniki. These are phenomenal destinations, but they are difficult to navigate on one s own. I promise our group not Terry and Cynthia Perucca. only a spectacular, insightful journey back through history, but one that is also seamlessly executed on the labyrinthine streets of these ancient cities. The journey is brimming with excellent visits, great food, and lively company. We have also built into the schedule ample time to decompress, browse, and enjoy some leisure time. I look forward to your company next May. Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for generations. Istanbul. Terry Perucca Tour Chairman 1 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

2 KAREN MANCHESTER Chair and Curator of Ancient Art, Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art. Karen received Bachelor s, Master s, and Doctoral degrees in Art History from UCLA. Her career began at the J. Paul Getty Museum. She joined the Art Institute in 2001, and in 2007, she curated The Silk Road: Travel, Trade, and Transformation, part of a citywide celebration that included the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Yo-Yo Ma and his group, the Silk Road Project. More recently, she Karen Manchester. managed the reinstallation of the Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art, which opened in at our hotel and a good night s sleep, we enjoy an introduction to the defining characteristics of Byzantine art. Then we re off to see Istanbul s highlights with our own eyes. Topkapi, built in 1478, served as the official palace of Ottoman sultans for almost three centuries. In the palace courtyard, we enter Hagia Eirene, a former Eastern Orthodox church and the site of Constantinople s first church. Next, join us on a visit to the Blue Mosque, built in the early 1600s. This is a breathtaking architectural achievement, as awe-inspiring inside as out. Sit down to a very special dinner in the home of renowned Turkish interior designer, art historian, and Ottoman art collector Serdar Gülgün. He has restored his historic 1850s home to its former beauty. It is a testament to his remarkable ability to recapture Ottoman history and aesthetics. The following day, we visit Chora Church, also called Kariye Camii, just outside the city center. Justinian built the first Chora Church to serve as the court chapel for important religious ceremonies. In the 14th century, exquisite mosaics and frescoes were added. We learn the characteristic traits of the mosaics and frescoes, beautiful examples of Byzantine artistry. Holy Savior, a late Byzantine mosaic in Chora Church. Istanbul. Nearby Pammakaristos Church is a fine example of late Byzantine architecture and art. A mosque since 1591, it still contains well-preserved Byzantine mosaics, most from about We hear about the treasures before us both the architecture itself and the rich mosaics collection. Back in town, consider joining us for a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest in the world. It has been an important trading center since In 537, Emperor Justinian had artisans from all over the world construct the greatest church in Christendom, Hagia Sophia. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant monuments not only in Turkey, but on Earth, with its architectural and historical richness. This is where we begin our day on Wednesday, 6 May. Continue to the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, where we view outstanding artifacts unearthed during local excavations. KAREN MANCHESTER What are the three key themes that make this journey extraordinary? 1. Evolution of art. Examine artworks from the cradle of western civilization covering five thousand years in extraordinarily fascinating settings. 2. Evolution of religion. Learn firsthand about the development of the region s major religions, from paganism to Christianity, as well as Islam. 3. Evolution of a symbol. Discover how the Acropolis transitioned from a center of pagan worship to a Christian sanctuary, to a seat of Islam, and finally to an internationally recognized symbol of Greek nationhood. 2 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

3 If you wish, come with us inside one of Byzantium s more unusual and intriguing structures, Yerebatan Saray, a cistern built in 532 by Justinian. Or, if you prefer, indulge in a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath, on your own. We wrap up our time in Istanbul with a relaxing private dinner cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. On 7 May, enjoy some leisure time before we head to the airport for a flight to Thessaloniki, Greece s second-largest city and the cultural capital of Byzantium. Founded in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki was an important metropolis by the Roman period, and it was the second-largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. After a restful night, we visit Agios Georgios, also called the Rotunda. This is the oldest monument in Thessaloniki, a massive building that was first a Roman mausoleum, then a Christian church, then a mosque. Its interior is decorated with Byzantine mosaics. Next door is the Arch of Galerius. Fourth-century Roman Emperor Galerius commissioned both the Rotunda and the arch as elements of an imperial precinct. At the intersection of the major axes of the city, the structures symbolized the emperor s power. Enter the fourth-century Church of St. Demetrios, dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki. Today, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the 16th-century Virgin of Tenderness icon at the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Thessaloniki. Next, the White Tower. In 1826, Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II massacred rebellious janissaries (elite troops of forcibly Islamicized Christian boys) here. After the 1913 Greek reconquest, the so-called Bloody Tower was whitewashed to expunge its grisly past. Though the whitewash is long gone, the name has stuck. A panoramic drive brings us to Thessaloniki s Byzantine city walls. Emperor Theodosius (A.D ) originally built them, but they were reconstructed in the 14th century. At the fifth-century Monastery of Latomou, we view a stunning Byzantine mosaic depicting Christ as a youth. Our final morning in Thessaloniki, we have special access to the excellent Museum of Byzantine Culture.* We are guided through its permanent exhibitions, which focus on early Christian churches, dwellings, and funerary rites. We then visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, exhibiting artifacts from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. Next, we fly to Athens. With the conversion of the Roman Empire from paganism to Christianity, monuments such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Hephaisteion were converted into churches. As the empire turned increasingly anti-pagan, Athens became a somewhat provincial town whose fortunes waxed and waned. Some of its art was taken by the emperors The Bosphorus, main artery of old Istanbul. 3 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

4 to Constantinople, but much of the Byzantine world remains here. We have special access to the Benaki Museum,* and we get an overview of Greek history from antiquity to the medieval Byzantine period and beyond. No visit to Athens would be complete without spending time at the magnificent Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.* Karen puts the site into historical context for us. After lunch on your own, take some time at leisure. The Byzantine and Christian Museum* boasts some of the world s most significant Byzantine treasures. We view the most important pieces among its pictures, scriptures, frescoes, pottery, fabrics, and manuscripts. Relief of Hera and Athena from B.C. Acropolis Museum. Continue to the National Archaeological Museum* to view some of Greece s most outstanding treasures. Our final full day in Athens begins at the sixth-century Daphni Monastery. Within, we view extraordinary mosaics from the early 12th century. One of the masterpieces? The Christ Pantocrator image inside the dome. Enjoy the remainder of the day in Athens as you wish. We gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner and fly home the following day, Wednesday, 13 May. *Lenders to the Art Institute s Heaven and Earth show. Parthenon. Athens. Turkey & Greece Sustaining Fellows Tour with Curator Karen Manchester. Day 1: U.S. Saturday, 2 May 2015 Overnight flight to Istanbul. Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey Sunday, 3 May 2015 Arrive Istanbul, transfer to hotel, check-in, welcome reception. Four Seasons Sultanahmet or Bosphorus. Day 3-5: Istanbul Monday-Wednesday, 4-6 May 2015 Byzantium art presentation, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Eirene, option to Blue Mosque, dinner at the private home of Serdar Gülgün, Chora Church, Pammakaristos Church, option to Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, options to Yerebatan Saray or a hammam (on your own), Bosphorus dinner cruise. Four Seasons Sultanahmet or Bosphorus. Day 6: Istanbul; Thessaloniki, Greece Thursday, 7 May 2015 Morning at leisure, fly to Thessaloniki, transfer to hotel, check-in. Thessaloniki hotel TBD. Day 7: Agios Georgios, Thessaloniki Friday, 8 May 2015 Agios Georgios Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, Church of St. Demetrios, special private access to Museum of Byzantine Culture, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Monastery of Latamou, Byzantine walls, evening at leisure. Thessaloniki hotel TBD. Day 8: Thessaloniki, Athens Saturday, 9 May 2015 White Tower, fly to Athens, transfer to hotel, check-in, evening at leisure. Hotel Grande Bretagne. Day 9-11: Athens Sunday-Tuesday, May 2015 Special private access to Benaki Museum, Acropolis site and Acropolis Museum, leisure time, Byzantine Museum, National Archaeological Museum, leisure time, Daphni Monastery, farewell dinner. Hotel Grande Bretagne. Day 12: Athens; U.S. Wednesday, 13 May 2015 Transfer to the airport, fly home. This itinerary is subject to change. 4 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

5 BOOKING DEADLINE The booking deadline for this journey is Friday, 20 February The Turkey & Greece Sustaining Fellows tour is based on a minimum of 20 travelers. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. To register, please , fax, or mail the included form on pages 6-8. Prices Tour per person sharing room...$9,250 Single supplement... $2,990 Internal air (estimate) per person... $390 The tour is sold as described. There are no refunds for unused portions of these segments. The tour price is based on a minimum number of 20 travelers as well as present currency exchange and fuel rates. If fewer than 20 travelers participate, or if there is a major change in exchange rates, a price supplement may apply and/or the itinerary may be adjusted. After booking, members receive a confirmation. Expect a detailed itinerary a few weeks before departure. R. Crusoe strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. To book this journey, contact R. Crusoe s Nina Choi at nchoi@rcrusoe.com or call her at GREECE Ionian Sea Thessaloniki Athens Meals. All breakfasts are included plus at least one lunch or dinner each day. Eligibility. All travelers must be AIC Sustaining Fellows, be in good health, and be able to walk during touring. This tour requires travelers to walk on uneven and possibly slippery surfaces, and to go up and down stairs. Many venues do not have elevators. Walking is mandatory. By forwarding the deposit for this tour, the traveler certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/her or others. It is essential that persons with any medical problems or related dietary restrictions inform Crusoe well before departure. All travelers are expected to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Inclusions. Accommodations based on double occupancy; airport arrival transfer; internal air (priced separately); ground transportation, meals, and sightseeing as indicated; wine and local beer with included meals; lectures and special events; hotel Aegean Sea taxes; entrance fees to museums and places of interest; baggage handling; gratuities for local guides, drivers, porters; professional tour escort throughout; tour development and planning; reservation management by Crusoe senior tour consultant; preparation and delivery of preliminary and final documents. Exclusions. Costs of obtaining passports and visas; airport departure transfer; personal expenses such as laundry and beverages (mixed drinks); room service; excess baggage fees; communication charges; and personal insurance coverage, gratuity to tour escort. Visas. Please contact Nina Choi at nchoi@rcrusoe.com or for information regarding required entry visas. Airfare. Air travel from/to the U.S. is not included in the price of the tour. Internal flights within the tour are included as a separate price. Internal air is nonrefundable at all times. Registration. A deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 days prior to Mediterranean Sea TURKEY your departure date. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. Cancellation. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure are subject to a $350 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of Istanbul tour cost: days, 35 percent of tour cost; days, 50 percent of tour cost; 29 days or less, 100 percent of tour cost. Internal air is nonrefundable at all times. R. Crusoe & Son strongly recommends travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption; illness or injury while abroad; baggage loss, theft, or damage; and emergency medical evacuation. Information on our policy is available R. Crusoe & Son. 26 January Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

6 REGISTRATION & PAYMENT FORM ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO SUSTAINING FELLOWS TOUR TO TURKEY & GREECE 2015 Please return all three pages of this completed form by to Nina Choi at by mail to R. Crusoe & Son, 566 W. Adams St. No. 505, Chicago, IL 60661; or by fax to Any questions? Contact Nina Choi at R. Crusoe, tel or Traveler Name (s) Date: TOUR RESERVATION q Per person sharing room $9,250 q Single supplement $2,990 Internal air is $390 (estimate) per person. Tour prices are based on a minimum of 20 participants, and reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Nina Choi at nchoi@rcrusoe.com or with questions or to book. TOUR RESERVATION BOOKING DEADLINE: Friday, 20 February 2015 After that date, reservations are offered on a space-available basis. A per person deposit of $1,000 is required to guarantee your reservation for this tour. Payment by personal check is preferred. In addition, payment may be made using the credit cards listed below. Method of Payment: q Personal check (made payable to R. Crusoe & Son) q Visa q MasterCard q Diner s Club $ Amount to charge Credit Card Number Expiration Date Month/Year Security Code On Back of Card Cardholder s Name (as it appears on the card) Billing Address City State Zip Code Shipping Address (if different from billing address) City State Zip Code Cardholder s Daytime Telephone Number Cardholder s Evening Telephone Number Cardholder s Address Cardholder s Signature q Yes, I have read and signed the Terms & Conditions on the following page. Payment constitutes acceptance of the Terms & Conditions as stated. 6 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

7 Traveler Name(s) Date: T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S On the advancement of deposit, the depositor acknowledges that he or she has read and understands the specific inclusions, exclusions, registration, and cancellation policies of the tour, the terms and conditions listed below, and that he or she agrees to be bound by them. Signature above authorizes payment to R. Crusoe & Son ( R. Crusoe ) for all tour charges. This tour is sold as described, and R. Crusoe makes no refund for unused portions of the tour. Cancellation penalties apply. Expect a detailed itinerary a few weeks before departure. Prices: Prices are per person and based on a minimum number of 20 participants. If fewer than the minimum number of travelers participates, a price supplement may apply and/or the itinerary may be adjusted. Inclusions: Accommodations based on double occupancy; internal air (priced separately); ground transportation, meals, and sightseeing as indicated; wine and local beer with included meals; curator/lecturer and special events; hotel taxes; entrance fees to museums and places of interest; gratuities for local drivers; tour development and planning; reservation management by R. Crusoe senior tour consultant; preparation and delivery of preliminary and final documents. Exclusions: Airfare; airport arrival and departure transfers; personal expenses such as laundry and beverages (mixed drinks); room service; excess baggage fees; communication charges; personal insurance coverage. Visas: Please contact Nina Choi at nchoi@rcrusoe.com or for information regarding required entry visas. Registration: Full payment is required at the time you book. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Nova, and Diner s Club. Cancellation: Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of the tour cost: days, 35 percent; days, 50 percent; 29 days or less, 100 percent. Internal air is nonrefundable at all times. Travel Insurance: R. Crusoe strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. Details will follow. Arrangements: Quoted tour prices include planning, handling, and operational charges and are quoted in U.S. dollars based on the current rate of exchange, tariff, and fuel prices. Responsibility: R. Crusoe and its operating partners purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant services, and other services from various independent suppliers that are not subject to its control. R. Crusoe and its operating partners cannot, therefore, be liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage to person or property that may occur due to (1) a wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary act by others not under direct control of R. Crusoe and its operating partners, (2) defects in, or failures of, any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle, or other means of transportation not under its control, or (3) acts of God. R. Crusoe and its operating partners also reserve the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of any tour or part thereof any person at any time, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by airline schedule changes, delays, or events beyond its control. R. Crusoe and its operating partners are not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penaltycarrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses. Eligibility: All travelers must be AIC Sustaining Fellows, be in good health, and be able to walk during touring. Walking and stair climbing are commonly part of many tours. Travelers with physical disabilities must make them known to R. Crusoe & Son at the time of booking. Persons with any medical problems or related dietary restrictions must inform R. Crusoe & Son well before departure. Smoking: Smoking is not permitted during situations that involve fellow travelers. This applies when travelers are in restaurants, sightseeing vehicles, and when participating in group activities R. Crusoe & Son. 26 January 2015 Signature(s) Date: Printed Name(s) 7 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son

8 TOUR PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification and Consent In exchange for my being allowed to participate in the Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece (the Program ) sponsored by the Art Institute of Chicago ( AIC ) to take place 2-13 May 2015, I agree to be bound by each of the following: 1. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION. I confirm that my participation in the Program is voluntary. 2. IDENTIFICATION OF RISK. I understand that there are risks associated with my participation in the Program. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) loss of any or all money paid by me or on my behalf to participate in the Program as a result of bankruptcy, insolvency, mismanagement or fraud on the part of the travel agent, tour operator, hotel, transportation provider or any other Program vendor; (b) injury, loss, damage and/or harm to person or property as a result of crime, civil unrest or acts of terrorism occurring during the Program; (c) actions, inactions, or negligence on the part of AIC or its directors, officers, trustees, employees, agents (including Program vendors), volunteers, successors, or assigns, including but not limited to, risks created by the following: (i) the use and condition of various modes of transportation, premises, facilities, and equipment; (ii) the lack or inadequacy of policies, rules, or regulations of the Program; (iii) the failure of AIC to foresee or to protect me from actions, inactions, negligence, recklessness, or international or criminal misconduct of persons, other than those affiliated with AIC; (iv) the inadequacy or unavailability of medical facilities or treatment; or (v) the lack or inadequacy of supervision. I understand that the risks associated with my participation in the Program include the possibility of permanent disability and death. 3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I understand that this Waiver and Release of Liability is intended to address all risks associated with the Program and I voluntarily assume all such risks, whether known and unknown, foreseeable and unforeseeable, in any way connected with my participation in the Program. I accept personal responsibility for any liability, injury, loss, or damage in any way connected with my participation in the Program. 4. RELEASE, WAIVER AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE. I release AIC and its directors, officers, trustees, employees, agents, volunteers, successors, and assigns from and waive all claims and covenant not to sue for any liability, injury, loss, or damage, including attorneys fees, in any way connected with my participation in the Program, whether or not caused in whole or part by the negligence or other misconduct of AIC or any of the individuals mentioned above. 5. INDEMNIFICATION. I agree to indemnify and to hold harmless (in other words, to reimburse and to be responsible for) AIC and its trustees, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, successors, and assigns from all claims for any liability, injury, loss, damage, or expense, including attorneys fees (including cost of defending any claim I might make, or that might be made on my behalf, that is released or waived by this instrument), in any way connected with or arising out of my participation in the Program, whether or not caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other misconduct of AIC or any of the individuals mentioned above. 6. BINDING EFFECT. This instrument shall be binding upon my relatives, personal representatives, heirs, beneficiaries, next of kin, or assigns and shall inure to the benefit of AIC and its respective successors and assigns. 7. CONSENT TO MEDICAL TREATMENT. I authorize AIC to provide to me, through medical personnel of its choice, customary medical assistance, transportation, and emergency medical services. This consent does not impose a duty upon AIC to provide such assistance, transportation, or services. 8. SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABLE LAW. If any provision (or portion of any provision) of this instrument is held to be invalid or unenforceable in part to the fullest extent permitted by law, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall not otherwise affect any other provision of this instrument. Because AIC is headquartered in the State of Illinois, and in order to provide certainty in the law to be applied to the construction of this instrument, this instrument shall be governed, construed, and enforced in accordance with the law of the State of Illinois. THIS IS A WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. I HAVE READ THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION, AND CONSENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT. I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND AM SIGNING THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION, AND CONSENT VOLUNTARILY. PRINTED NAME PRINTED NAME SIGNATURE SIGNATURE DATE 8 Art Institute of Chicago 2015 Sustaining Fellows Tour to Turkey & Greece with R. Crusoe & Son