HIDDEN GEMS OF THE AEGEAN The Cyclades Islands aboard Harmony V With Harvey Cox and Nina Tumarkin July 23 August 1, 2014
Hidden Gems of the Aegean aboard Harmony V July 23 August 1, 2014 (9 nights/10 days) Strewn like pearls across the Aegean waters between the Greek mainland and Crete, the Cyclades are the poster islands for Greece. Circling the island of Delos (hence their name, from the Greek word for circle, kyklos), they are renowned for their beautiful beaches, whitewashed villages scattered among the rocky hills overlooking the sea, and long stretches of hot, sunny weather. While many of these islands are well known and much visited, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This specially designed itinerary has been created to do just that. Aboard the privately chartered 25-cabin Harmony V, you will avoid the throngs of visitors and the paths oft-traveled to focus on some out-of-the-spotlight islands in the Cyclades chain, arguably the most fascinating of all the Greek island groups. In addition to always popular Naxos and Santorini, you will visit Tinos, Syros, Folegandros, Milos, and Sifnos each with its own personality and ambience, and all contributing to lasting memories of an incomparable Greek island adventure. Before embarking, you will also enjoy visiting a selection of outstanding sites and museums in Athens. The Harmony V is the perfect size for a cruise to uncrowded archaeological sites, tucked-away coves, and unspoiled villages where daily life continues as it has for centuries. ABOVE: The sun sets behind a pair of iconic windmills in the village of Oia on Santorini; INSET: Fresh-off-the-boat octopus waits to be prepared and served at a harbor-side restaurant To book a trip call 800-422-1636 or visit alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel
HAA Study Leaders Harvey Cox, Hollis Research Professor of Divinity, received his PhD in the history and philosophy of religion at Harvard in 1962. Since 1965, he has taught in both the Divinity School and the College, eventually being named Hollis Professor, the oldest endowed chair at the university, before retiring from full-time teaching in 2009. His courses focus on the interaction of religion, politics, and culture. Among his many books, the best known are The Secular City (the fiftieth-anniversary edition of which has just been issued), When Jesus Came to Harvard, Fire From Heaven, and most recently, The Future of Faith. Harvey s wife, Nina Tumarkin, professor of History and director of Russian Area Studies at Wellesley College, is a longtime associate of Harvard s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies (formerly the Russian Research Center). At Wellesley College, where she has taught since 1975 (after receiving her PhD from Harvard the same year), Nina teaches courses in all periods of Russia s history as well as modern European history. She has published books on the Lenin cult and the Soviet and Russian cult of World War II. Harvey & Nina s lectures will focus on ancient Greek mythology and religion, the convergence of Greek-Hellenistic with Hebrew-Christian culture which became the basis for Western civilization, and modern European history leading up to contemporary issues, plus current Greek representations of its ancient and recent past. ON THE COVER: A Greek church showing off the islands trademark whitewash perches serenely above the Aegean on Santorini; BELOW: Ermoupolis, on the island of Syros, is the cultural and administrative capital of the Cyclades For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
Schedule by Day ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Donkeys, often colorfully draped, are a common sight on the islands; The National Archaeological Museum in Athens from Greek antiquity; The quiet alleyways on Milos Island are a fine place to dine alfresco; INSET BELOW: Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea Wednesday Thursday, July 23 24 Home / Athens, Greece Depart home on an overnight flight to Athens. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. This evening enjoy an orientation and welcome reception. Electra Palace Hotel (R) Friday, July 25 Athens Enjoy a special guided tour of the world-class National Archaeological Museum, viewing the top highlights then delving deeper into the treasures from the Cyclades Islands. Also explore the excellent Benaki Museum, which houses Greek works of art from prehistoric to modern times. Embark the Harmony V in the late afternoon and depart for the Cyclades Islands. Harmony V (B,L,D) Saturday, July 26 Tinos / Syros Our ship docks this morning in Tinos, an important Greek Orthodox pilgrimage destination. Tinos is a green and mountainous island dotted with unspoiled hill villages, windmills, and whitewashed dovecotes. Visit the artists colony of Pirgos, where green marble is quarried and sculpted, and explore the Museum of Marble Crafts, which displays the techniques and tools used in marble carving. In the afternoon continue to the island of Syros, capital of the Cyclades. Enjoy music, mezes, and ouzo in the town square of Ermoupolis, noted for its ornate churches and neoclassical mansions. Harmony V (B,L,D) Sunday, July 27 Naxos Cruise to Naxos, the largest and most agriculturally fertile island of the Cyclades. Its rugged mountains and lush green valleys also make it one of the most beautiful, and its many churches and monasteries illuminate the island s Byzantine heritage. Sample some of the wines and cheeses produced on island farms and enjoy a performance of Greek dances. Harmony V (B,L,D) Monday, July 28 Santorini Santorini is renowned for its iconic half-moon-shaped caldera that was created by a great volcanic eruption around 1500 B.C. Cruise the caldera, surrounded by steep cliffs, and explore the beautiful cliff-side towns of Oia and Fira. Enjoy a private visit to the reopened Akrotiri archaeological site, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was preserved in volcanic ash until its excavation in the early 1900s (usually closed on Mondays). Also stop at the Nomikos Foundation, which promotes the study of archaeology, geology, and art history in Greece and Santorini. Enjoy free time to browse the shops and wander the alleyways of the artistic town of Oia. Harmony V (B,L,D) Tuesday, July 29 Folegandros / Milos To the west of Santorini lies Folegandros, a quiet island less frequently visited. Explore one of its three small villages, Chora, the capital, built on the edge of a 656-feet-high cliff. This afternoon, cruise to Milos, where, in 1820, a farmer found the famous Venus de Milo statue, which now resides in the Louvre in Paris. Cruise along the coast to observe its fascinating rock formations. Harmony V (B,L,D) Wednesday, July 30 Milos / Sifnos Enjoy a morning stroll in Plaka, the main town of Milos, and views of the ancient city of Tripiti, where the Venus de Milo statue was excavated. Also enjoy swimming at some of the island s beautiful beaches. In the late afternoon, cruise to Sifnos, arriving around dinner time for an overnight in port. Harmony V (B,L,D) For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
GREECE Aegean Sea Athens Tinos Syros Sifnos Naxos Milos Folegandros Santorini contains the world s richest collection of artifacts, was an especially important figure in the islands Thursday, July 31 Sifnos / Cruising Enjoy your last day in the Cyclades on the island of Sifnos. Explore the ancient Citadel at Agios Andreas, a Mycenaean archaeological site dating to the 13th century B.C., and the bright-white Panagia Chrysopigi monastery, built on a small islet connected to the rest of Sifnos by a bridge. Visit the walled, medieval, cliff-top village of Kastro, with its magical buttressed alleys and whitewashed houses, and the pretty village of Artemonas. Sifnos has a long tradition of producing superior pottery due to the high quality of its clay, and you will have time to visit a potter s workshop and try your hand at the wheel. This evening, enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in the village of Vathy to celebrate your Greek island adventure. Then reboard the ship and cruise to Athens. Harmony V (B,L,D) Friday, August 1 Athens / Home Disembark the ship in Athens and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) Photo credits (From Dreamstime.com): Syros, Greece Panorama Freesurf69; Santorini Sunset Nixite; octopus Olivier Meerson; Head of Donkey from Santorini Nadezhda1906; National Archaeological Museum Barbar1; Plaka Village, Milos Island Lefpap; Statue of Poseidon Maksym Dragunov. Details Ship size: 50 guests Activity Level: Moderate Co-sponsor: Princeton Journeys What to Expect We consider this a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Daily excursions involve up to two miles of walking at a time, often on uneven terrain. In some instances, elevators are unavailable and stairs may not have handrails. Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Summer days in the Cyclades are sunny and warm; daytime temperatures in the 90s are possible, with evenings somewhat cooler. Rain showers are rare but it can be breezy on the coast. In Athens at this time of year, daily temperatures can reach into the 90sF, with very little rain. Highlights.Attend a lecture program featuring Harvard study leaders and other guest speaker(s)..cruise among the Cyclades Isles, focusing on those that retain their unspoiled beauty, simple rhythms of everyday life, and less frequently visited sites. Relax aboard the Harmony V, an intimate, 25-cabin yacht entirely rebuilt and refurbished in 2009. On a circumnavigation of Milos, where the famous marble statue of the Venus de Milo was unearthed, investigate the geology of dramatic cliff formations and swim in hidden coves. During a private visit, marvel at the newly reopened Minoan Bronze Age archaeological site of Akrotiri on Santorini which had been shuttered for seven years. On Naxos, most beautiful of the Cyclades, observe its patchwork of gardens, vineyards, and villages and enjoy the enthusiasm of Greek dancers. In Athens, visit the Cycladic treasures in the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
Harmony V The Harmony V was launched in 2003 and refurbished in 2009. This sleek, high-tech yacht fits in well with the elegant private yachts found in the world s most famous ports. With only 25 guest cabins, Harmony V offers an intimate and comfortable cruise experience with ample public spaces that include a lounge and bar, indoor singleseating dining room with large windows, al fresco dining area, sun deck, mini-spa, and swim platform for easy access to the ship and for a wide range of sea-related activities. All cabins have windows, en suite bathrooms, wood paneling, twin or queen beds, flatscreen TV, and mini-fridge. RATES per person Double Single Category C $5,990 $9,590 Category B $6,490 Category A $6,990 Category P $7,490 Air Arrangements U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare between Boston and Athens is approximately $1,350 as of November 2013 and is subject to change without notice. In order to give you as much flexibility as possible with the variety of air travel options, you are free to make your own air arrangements for this program. GENERAL INFORMATION TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: All accommodations and meals as specified in the itinerary; All excursions, including entrance fees, as specified in the itinerary; Private sedan or minivan transfers for all participants on group arrival day, and choice of two scheduled group coach transfers on departure day; Baggage handling; Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, drivers, and shipboard personnel for all group activities; Port charges; Welcome and farewell wine receptions;wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners aboard ship; Bottled water on excursions; Complete packet of pre-departure information; Professional tour manager throughout; $50,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: U.S. domestic and international airfare; Passport and visa fees; Medical expenses and immunizations; Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance; Deviations from the scheduled tour; Excessbaggage charges; Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; Alcohol or soft drinks except where indicated as included; Private transfers or transfers not on program arrival and departure days; Personal items such as room service; internet, telephone, and fax charges; laundry; gratuities for non-group services; and other items of a personal nature. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806 or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Final payment deadline is March 25, 2014, 120 days prior to departure. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations within 14 days of booking: full refund; cancellations received up to 120 days prior to departure will be assessed a cancellation fee of $1,000 per person. Cancellations received within 120 days prior to departure are subject to 100% penalty of all deposits and payments. Itinerary Changes: The itinerary contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing. We reserve the right to change the program or accommodations as conditions warrant. INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by HAA upon confirmation. RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/ aegean-2014. If you are not able to access the internet, please call HAA Travels at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806. DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Neither HAA nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this brochure is subject to change. QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806, email: haatravels@harvard.edu. California Seller of Travel Program CST #2088800-40 TO book A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
Registration form A Sampling of 2014 HAA Trips LAND & RAIL World of the MAYA: GUATEMALA, MEXICO, BELIZE JAN 26-FEB 5, 2014 MARK VAN BAALEN South India: Tamil, Nadu, Kamataka, & Kerala Mar 6 22, 2014 Sugata Bose EXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODA MAR 10 23, 2014 Michael Herzfeld QATAR, OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A MIDDLE EASTERN EXPLORATION Mar 13 24, 2014 William Granara GRAND SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAIL MAR 24 APR 5, 2014 Maya Jasanoff Art & Architecture of Berlin: An Insider s View Apr 4 10, 2014 Peter Madsen TURKISH TREASURES APR 25 MAY 9, 2014 John JAY ELLISON Highlights of China & Tibet May 17 28, 2014 MARTIN K. WHYTE MOROCCAN ODYSSEY MAY 17 30, 2014 susan GILSON MILLER THE ULTIMATE SILK ROAD JOURNEY: XIAN TO ISTANBUL MAY 19 JUN 8, 2014 NIna Tumarkin INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAM MAY 22 30, 2014 DAVID AGUILAR Mozambique: Rebirth of a Country Jun 3 16, 2014 Tales of Wales: Adventures in Celtic Literature Jun 4 14, 2014 Catherine McKenna Remembering the Great War: Belgium, France, & Germany Jun 6 15, 2014 Sue Weaver Schopf English Landscapes and Literature: The Towns, Villages and Gardens of AustEn and Hardy JUN 7 14, 2014 MICHAEL WEISHAN Hidden Secrets of Madagascar Jun 15 27, 2014 Ultimate Tanzania Safari: Exploring the Cradle of Humankind JUN 21 JUL 5, 2014 DANIEL LIEBERMAN Santa Fe: Art & Landscape in the City of Enchantment JUL 23-27, 2014 John Stewart HIDDEN DOLCE VITA: TUSCANY & UMBRIA Sep 10 18, 2014 LADAKH TO BHUTAN SEP 13 27, 2014 In the Footsteps of St. James: Camino de Santiago Sep 26 Oct 8, 2014 Mary Gaylord JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, & ARMENIA SEP 27 OCT 11, 2014 Peter Galbraith SPAIN & PORTUGAL: PARADORES & POSADAS SEP 27 OCT 11, 2014 SOUTHERN AFRICA ODYSSEY OCT 23 NOV 8, 2014 MARK VAN BAALEN CRUISES Panama Canal Centennial: Costa Rica, Panama, & a Canal Crossing JAN 19-31, 2014 Expedition to Antarctica on L AUSTRAL Jan 31 Feb 13, 2014 David Aguilar TAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUIN FEB 20-MAR 2, 2014 JAMES SIMPSON Cruising the Rio de la Plata & Southeastern Brazil: Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on Sea Explorer Mar 11 24, 2014 Diana Sorensen JAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN on CALEDONIAN SKY MAY 7 20, 2014 HELEN HARDACRE In the Wake of Vikings: Copenhagen to Reykjavik on Sea Explorer MAY 23 JUN 4, 2014 STEPHEN MITCHELL Circumnavigation of the Black Sea on VARIETY VOYAGER May 27 Jun 9, 2014 Thomas Simons MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS ON CORAL II MAY 27 JUN 10, 2014 JEFFREY QUILTER The Baltic s Amber Coast on SEA CLOUD II Jun 28 Jul 9, 2014 Timothy Colton Hidden Gems of the AEGEAN SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGER JUL 23 AUG 1, 2014 HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKIN ICELAND TO GREENLAND: VOYAGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON L AUSTRAL AUG 2 14, 2014 JAMES MCCARTHY Bell Italia on VARIETY VOYAGER Sep 16 26, 2014 Richard Thomas ISLANDS & RIVIERAS OF FRANCE, SPAIN, & ITALY ON TERE MOANA SEP 19 27, 2014 Susan Suleiman BEYOND RAPA NUI: EASTER ISLAND on CLIPPER ODYSSEY Sep 29-oct 17, 2014 Voyage to Mdagascar ON ISLAND SKY Nov 28-Dec 16, 2014 New Zealand by sea ON Caledonian SKY dec 29, 2014-jan 11, 2015 Lawrence buell RIVERS & LAKES INDIA S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON BENGAL GANGA JAN 1 17, 2014 DIANA ECK AMAZON RIVER EXPEDITION JAN 17-26, 2014 Zarin Machanda THE ELBE RIVER: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBY APR 29 MAY 10, 2014 WERNER SOLLORS PORTUGAL & SPAIN: THE ENCHANTING DOURO RIVER ON AMA VIDA May 5 14, 2014 Mary Gaylord WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA: MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG ON VOLGA DREAM JUL 16 26, 2014 JULIE BUCKLER TOWN & COUNTRY LIFE: PARIS TO PROVENCE ON M.S. AMADEUS SYMPHONY SEP 8 16, 2014 ROBERT DARNTON SYMPHONY ON THE BLUE DANUBE: A CLASSICAL MUSIC CRUISE ON M.S. AMADEUS SYMPHONY SEP 13 25, 2014 FAMILY ADVENTURES Scotland: A Family Exploration Jun 25 Jul 6, 2014 WILLIAM & VALERIE GILLIES Voyage to the Lands of Gods & Heroes on Corinthian JUL 3 14, 2014 Jonathan Walton GALAPAGOS FAMILY ADVENTURE ON SANTA CRUZ JUL 7 15, 2014 Scott Edwards Baja Family Adventure Dec 26, 2014 Jan 1, 2015 To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please return this form by mail to: HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA 02138 Or by FAX: 617-496-4011 Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806 I am not able to make this trip, but please add me to your mailing list PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT EMAIL ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT EMAIL ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT START DATE date OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE date OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL. 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