GardenS of the GoDS. Springtime in the Greek Isles. May 12 to 22, a program of the stanford alumni association

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y GardenS of the GoDS Springtime in the Greek Isles May 12 to 22, 2012 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 One of the most alluring destinations for travelers is a cruise through the Greek islands that dot the cobalt-blue Aegean Sea. Perennial favorite classics professor Marsh McCall is our guide as we explore this fabled archipelago. After viewing Athen s landmarks, we sail to the beautifully preserved Peloponnesian medieval town of Monemvasia. At Knossos on Crete, the vast palace of the Minoans recalls tales of the Minotaur, and Santorini s dramatic setting captures in time a cataclysmic volcanic eruption that left a deep-blue caldera framed by two cone-shaped islets. On the tiny island of Patmos, explore the massive Monastery of St. John the Theologian and its priceless treasures. Throughout our journey on the intimate Callisto, ancient echoes of both legend and history await! Brett S. Thompson, 83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study lindos, island of rhodes Highlights cruise among the Greek WALK the cobblestone climb to the majestic VIEW beautiful frescoes Isles on the small, intimate streets of the 6th-century acropolis and Temple of and mosaics from glass and luxurious Callisto, with fortress at Monemvasia, Athena at Lindos, on the walkways above the terrace only 17 cabins. situated at the base of a island of Rhodes. houses at Ephesus. steep, rocky islet. front cover: acropolis, athens, greece greek orthodox church on santorini

3 Piraeus Athens Syros G R E E C E Monemvasia Delos Patmos Ephesus Ku sadasi T URKEY A Santorini e g Chania Rethymnon e a n S CRETE ( G REECE) e a Lindos Rhodes santorini Itinerary Saturday & Sunday, May 12 & 13 Depart U.S. / Athens, Greece Depart the U.S. on overnight flights, arriving on Sunday in Athens. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception this evening. HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE Monday, May 14 Athens / Piraeus / Embark The birthplace of Western culture, Athens boasts a plethora of historic monuments. This morning, tour the Acropolis, including the Erechtheion and the majestic Parthenon. Enjoy free time in the Plaka district before a lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the National Archaeological Museum before continuing to Piraeus to embark our ship. Callisto (B,D) Tuesday, May 15 Monemvasia, Peloponnese Spend the morning cruising leisurely along the rugged Aegean coast of the Peloponnese. Early in the afternoon, dock in Monemvasia, one of the jewels of Greece. Built on the seaward side of a rocky promontory, Monemvasia is surrounded by walls, within of which is the beautifully preserved medieval town. Set out on foot to explore both the Lower and Upper towns, with their beautiful bastions, labyrinthine alleyways, stately old homes and chapels. Callisto (B,L,D) Wednesday, May 16 CHANIA / RETHYMNON Land on Crete, the island that was home of the Minoans, Europe s first civilization. This morning, opt to visit Chania, perhaps Crete s loveliest city, with its historic town walls and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, explore Knossos, the most imposing Minoan palace of the island, or explore Crete s magnificent southern country. In the afternoon, tour the town of Rethymnon with its unmistakable Venetian character. Callisto (B,L,D) Thursday, May 17 SANTORINI From the sea, enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Phira on Santorini. In the 2nd millennium B.C.E., volcanic eruptions shrouded the island in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many buildings in the town of Akrotiri. At the time of the eruptions, Akrotiri was inhabited by a sophisticated Bronze Age society. Visit the Nomikos Exhibition, where excellent reproductions of the frescoes preserved at Akrotiri are on display, and the Prehistoric Museum of Thira. Then visit the unspoiled town of Oia and enjoy time at leisure. Callisto (B,L,D)

4 fountain of trajan, ephesus Friday, May 18 LINDOS / RHODES The historic island of Rhodes was known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric and sculpture. Explore Old Town, one of the largest medieval towns remaining in Europe. Walk along the Street of the Knights, overflowing with mosaics, finely carved portals, balconies and coats of arms. Then visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Knights Great Hospital. Also travel to picturesque Lindos. Set high above the village, with spectacular views of the Aegean, are the remains of an acropolis and the Doric columns of Athena s Temple. Callisto (B,L,D) Saturday, May 19 PATMOS The rugged volcanic island of Patmos is to the Christian world what Delos was to the ancients: the most sacred island in the Aegean. This is where St. John the Evangelist is said to have been banished during the reign of the Roman emperor, Domitian. View the 11th-century Monastery of St. John the Theologian with its enormous towers, domed roofs, belfries and battlements. Inside, admire the artistry of the monastery s icons, manuscripts and fine embroideries. Callisto (B,L,D) Sunday, May 20 KUSADASi, Turkey / EPHESUS / PRIENE Drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its great mother goddess, Cybele, later identified as Artemis, or Diana of the Ephesians. For a time, Ephesus was the most important commercial city in Asia Minor. The immense Hellenistic and Roman excavation site includes an ancient theater, the imposing Library of Celsus, terrace houses with their fantastic mosaics and frescoes, and early Byzantine remains. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi or alternatively, tour Priene, a 4th-century-B.C.E. city located in a spectacular setting. Callisto (B,L,D) Monday, May 21 DELOS, greece / SYROS Today our ship calls at the pristine island of Delos, which legend identifies as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Our walking tour leads us to the excavation of the main shrines of Apollo and Artemis, as well as the Terrace of the Lions, guardians of the Sacred Lake. For centuries, Delos was considered so sacred that giving birth and dying were prohibited on the island. Later, it became the base of a confederacy of Aegean and Ionian states known as the Delian League. In the afternoon Callisto calls at the picturesque island of Syros, whose main town is built between two hills and where graceful neo-classical buildings line the waterfront. Callisto (B,L,D) Tuesday, May 22 PIRAEUS / DISEMBARK / ATHENS / U.S. Disembark in Piraeus and transfer to the airport in Athens for return flights to the U.S. (B)

5 Callisto The Callisto combines the comfort of larger vessels with the intimacy of a small sailing yacht. All 17 air-conditioned cabins are exterior with large windows or portholes that look out to sea and feature generous storage space, telephone, TV/VCR/DVD, refrigerator and marble bathroom with shower. The yacht s public areas include a spacious lounge, a dining room that accommodates all guests at a single seating, two broad decks for sunbathing and dining alfresco, and a library. Callisto is served by a crew of 18 and is equipped with the latest navigational instruments, including satellite communication systems. Phoebe Deck Program Costs * Categories Double Single** Category D $8,995 Daphne Deck, two twin beds, porthole. Average 130 sq. ft. Category C $9,795 $12,395 Daphne Deck, two twin beds, porthole. Average 130 sq. ft. Cleo Deck Category B $10,995 $13,590 Leto Deck, two twin beds or one double bed, window. Cabins 1 and 2 have double beds. Average 125 sq. ft. Leto Deck Category A $11,995 Leto Deck, two twin beds or one queen bed, large window. Cabins 3 and 4 have queen beds. Average 140 sq. ft. * Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single acommodations are limited. Daphne Deck Length: 170 ft. / Beam: 27.8 ft. / Draft: 10.8 ft. / Flag: Greece

6 Information Dates May 12 to 22, 2012 (11 days) Size Limited to 28 participants. INCLUDED 8-night cruise aboard the Callisto 1 night of deluxe hotel accomodations 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/ interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as , telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services Air Arrangements International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Lufthansa Airlines from San Francisco to Athens, Greece, is approximately $1,473 as of September 2011 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent. fuel costs In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this program to be mildly active. Most of our touring is done by motorcoach and boat. Daily excursions involve one to three miles of walking on city streets, which are, in some cases, uneven or cobblestone. Much of the walking takes place at ancient sites, where paths can be rocky and uneven. In some instances, such as museums, guided tours require climbing up and down several flights of stairs. Stairs may not have handrails, and elevators are limited or unavailable. Travelers will have opportunities to take in the beautiful Mediterranean scenery from the comfort of our ship. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for Gardens of the Gods voyage. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-perperson cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford. edu/goto/membership or call (650) Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in September 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. California Seller of Travel Program Registration # COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed on recycled, FSC-certified paper in the U.S.

7 Stanford Faculty Leader Our trip was a wonderful and memorable experience. I will always remember Professor McCall reading the last lines of The Illiad on the wind-swept island of Lindos. For a moment in time we were back in ancient Greece. Richard Sobelle 56, Aegean College, 2009 Marsh McCall, who has led more than 35 Travel/Study trips, has enchanted thousands of travelers with his enthusiasm for the ancient world. A frequent traveler to this region, he is eternally ready to set sail on the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean to explore new sites and study recent historical discoveries. Says Professor McCall, The ancient world has been my life for more than 50 years, and I m always eager to talk about its endless fascination. Professor of classics at Stanford since 1976 Also at Stanford: former chair, classics department; associate dean, undergraduate studies; chair, Western culture program committee; dean, Continuing Studies Recipient of the Dinkelspiel Award for outstanding service to undergraduate education, the Lyman Award for faculty volunteer service and the Phi Beta Kappa Teacher of the Year Award PhD, classics, Harvard S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Reservation Form Gardens of the Gods May 12 to 22, 2012 SIGN UP ONLINE! MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME age STANFORD CLASS I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. Category Preference: 1st choice: Twin Beds Double Bed 2nd choice: Twin Beds Double Bed Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s) Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express ADDRESS CARD # EXPIRES CITY / STATE / ZIP AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE HOME PHONE CELL PHONE WORK PHONE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?gods2012. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. ADDRESS 7512

8 GardenS of the GoDS Springtime in the Greek Isles May 12 to 22, 2012 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Stanford Alumni Association alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy We were impressed with the care with which the tour was planned and the excellent way that it was carried out. We returned having seen things we hadn t expected, and learned things that we much appreciated. MARTHA, 59, AND TOM PIWONKA, Gods and Heros of the Ancient World, 2010 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y syros