venice a n d t h e MEDIEVAL WORLD A voyage to the adriatic, aegean & the eastern Mediterranean seas Aboard the all-suite, 114-Guest Corinthian II May 13-24, 2010 SPECIAL savings reduced rates no single supplement -See Inside
Jerusalem, Israel Columbia university guest lecturer We make it a priority to provide an outstanding Columbia University affiliated guest lecturer who will accompany each program. Education is central to the mission of the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, and we intend that you will be joined by a guest lecturer. Our lecturers are chosen for the depth of their knowledge as well as their approachability. We trust that their enthusiasm and insight, experienced through formal lectures and informal conversations, will greatly enhance the educational value of the trip. As this brochure goes to press, however, we are unable to guarantee a lecturer. Please feel free to contact our office for an update on the guest lecturer status. Additional onboard lecturer Dr. Herant Katchadourian, of Stanford University, has extensive knowledge of the Middle East and will illuminate the region s history on this voyage. He shares with us his knowledge of the Minoans, provincial Roman towns, seafaring, and travel in the ancient Mediterranean. Leader on 21 previous travel/study programs throughout Europe and the Middle East, Dr. Katchadourian is well-known for his engaging personality and his lively, interesting lectures on many diverse topics. Cover: Methoni, Greece Below: Corfu, Greece CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY & SAVE 50% Make this the year to celebrate your birthday in a very special way. If your birthday or that of your traveling companion falls within the dates of this trip, our tour operator, Travel Dynamics International, will extend a celebratory 50% off from one person s listed cruise and land rates. In addition to having the single supplement waived, solo travelers whose Cover: birthday Dubrovnik, occurs Croatia during the voyage will receive a $500 discount. Please note that this offer Right: cannot Seville, be Spain combined with any other offers.
Dear Columbian, Late in the 11 th century, Western Europe began to look east. Drawn by the artistic and intellectual achievements of the Byzantine Empire, attracted by the rich trade routes of the Middle East and China, inspired by the cause to liberate the Holy Land, artists, philosophers, merchants, and crusaders began to travel eastward in unprecedented numbers. Today, all along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, we can see marvelous examples of the blending of East and West. Our voyage begins in Venice, the city that played a key role in the events of the period and dominated the trade with the Eastern Mediterranean. For 800 years Venice ruled over a cultural and mercantile empire in the Eastern Mediterranean. See countless reminders of Venice s influence and power as we sail through this beautiful region. Walk the streets and squares of Chania s waterfront Old Town on the island of Crete and find Byzantine monuments embellished with Venetian flourishes. In Zadar, Croatia, see at least majestic Romanesque churches and elegant Venetian Renaissance loggias. On the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese, explore the immense ruins of Methoni, a formidable Venetian fortress that guarded the trade routes from Asia Minor to Venice. In Syria, visit an even grander fortress Krak des Chevaliers, the castle of the Knights Templar and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. All the lands we visit were centers of civilization long before the coming of the Venetians. On Crete, explore the ruins of Knossos, the birthplace of Europe s first civilization. At Silifke, visit the Temple of Zeus and in Israel discover one of the Middle East s most important archaeological sites, Roman Caesarea. May is the perfect time to visit the Mediterranean. The days are warm but not too hot. The towns and ports are lively but not over-crowded. And the countryside is in the full blossom of spring. Join fellow alumni and friends, along with travelers from our cosponsors including Duke and Harvard aboard Corinthian II as we trace the fascinating currents of ancient and medieval civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Sincerely, LUXURY Susan K. Feagin Executive Vice President Columbia University Office of Alumni and Development Telephone: 866-325-8664 E-mail: travelstudy@columbia.edu
VENICE CROATIA Zadar ITALY Dubrovnik Kotor MONTENEGRO GREECE TURKEY Corfu Tasucu Pylos Methoni Silifke SYRIA Tartus Rethymnon CYPRUS Knossos LARNACA Krak des MEDITERRANEAN SEA Chevaliers Haifa Akko ISRAEL itinerary Thursday, May 13, 2010 4 USA Fly from the U.S. to Venice, Italy. Friday, May 14 4 VENICE, italy EMBARK Built on an archipelago of small islands in a lagoon, Venice rose to power and flourished, shaping and dominating for many years the affairs of the Eastern Mediterranean. Embark Corinthian II and sail in the evening through the Giudecca and San Marco canals to the Adriatic Sea. (D) Saturday, May 15 4 ZADAR, croatia Controlled by Illyrian tribes, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Hungarians, Zadar came under the Venetians in 1409, who held it until 1797, becoming an important naval center of the Venetian Republic. Explore the old city, including the Roman Forum; the 9 th -century church of St. Donatus; the Cathedral of Anastasia, one of the finest Romanesque churches in Dalmatia; and the Archaeological Museum, whose exhibits trace the history of the city. (B, L, D) Venice, Italy Sunday, May 16 4 DUBROVNIK, croatia KOTOR, montenegro Arrive in Dubrovnik, the medieval stronghold of Ragusa, which rivaled Venice for control of the sea. Tour Dubrovnik s palaces and other landmarks, then drive along the scenic road to Montenegro s Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the head of a fantastic bay and below towering mountains, Kotor was an important maritime center under the control of Venice. (B, L, D) Monday, May 17 4 CORFU, ionian islands, greece After a morning at sea, arrive in Corfu. A stronghold of ancient Corinth, Corfu was a valuable possession of Venice from 1386 to 1797, guarding the approach to the Adriatic and the maritime lanes to the Eastern Mediterranean. The city s characteristic architecture dates from the Venetian period, with its forts, loggias, palaces, narrow streets, and churches. (B, L, D) Tuesday, May 18 4 PYLOS METHONI PYLOS, peloponnese Set in a magnificent natural harbor, quaint Pylos is our gateway to Methoni, a strategic port the Venetians took over and fortified in the 12 th century. Overlooking the east-west shipping routes, and deriving great wealth from its commercial activities and as a port of call for pilgrims to and from the Holy Land, Methoni was known as the eye of Venice. Tour the imposing fortress, built on a promontory facing the sea. (B, L, D) Wednesday, May 19 4 RETHYMNON CHANIA or KNOSSOS RETHYMNON, crete Land in Crete, the island that was home of the Minoan civilization, Europe s first. The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete was under Venice from 1204 to 1669, when they lost it to the Turks. Crete was important to the Venetians not only as a source of grain and other commodities, but also because of its strategic position. In the morning, visit Chania, perhaps Crete s loveliest city, with its historic walled town
and picturesque Venetian harbor. Alternatively, you may 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. (B, L, D) Thursday, May 20 4 AT SEA (B, L, D) Friday, May 21 4 TASUCU SILIFKE I TASUCU, turkey Dock in Tasucu on Turkey s south coast, and drive to nearby Silifke, a picturesque town built along the banks of a river. The ancient Seleucia ad Calycadnum, Sifilke was an important point of embarkation for pilgrims to the Holy Land. The Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, who was leading the Third Crusade, died here in 1190. Explore the town and see the remains of the 2 nd -century a.d. Temple of Zeus and visit the Archaeological Museum. Continue to Corycus to visit the nearby fantastic castles, built in the 12 th century, when this area was part of the Armenian Cilician Kingdom. (B, L, D) Saturday, May 22 4 TARTUS KRAK DES CHEVALIERS TARTUS, syria Known as Tortosa by the Crusaders, Tartus was an important port town for the Knights Templar. Drive to Krak des Chevaliers, the world s best-preserved and most magnificent Crusader castle, which stands in its commanding site essentially unchanged from the 12 th 13 th centuries. Two mighty rings of fortifications defended the castle, which could support a garrison of 2,000 men. Explore this incredible landmark, and after lunch, visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, originally built in the 6 th century. (B, L, D) Sunday, May 23 4 HAIFA AKKO or JERUSALEM HAIFA, israel From Haifa, drive to nearby Akko (or Acre), one of the oldest towns in the world, first mentioned in Egyptian texts of the 19 th century b.c. Taken over by the Crusaders in 1104 and renamed Saint-Jean d Acre, it became the main commercial center for trade between the east and Europe. In 1187 Akko surrendered to Saladdin, but four years later was retaken by Richard the Lionheart and remained the capital of the Latin kingdom until 1287. Visit Akko s Old City, with its twisting medieval alleyways, including the quarter of the Knights Hospitallers. After lunch aboard, take an excursion to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea for 600 years, and one of Israel s most important archaeological sites. Alternatively, spend the day in Jerusalem visiting the city s most important monuments. (B, L, D) program inclusions 10-night voyage aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Open bar aboard ship throughout the voyage Complete program of tours and excursions Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers Professional Travel Dynamics International program staff Complete pre-departure materials Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates Port and embarkation taxes Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel Zadar, Croatia Monday, May 24 4 LARNACA, cyprus DISEMBARK USA Standing in the crossroad of civilizations, Cyprus has absorbed just about all the currents of Mediterranean history. From Larnaca, transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)
corinthian II the ideal combination of cruise-ship grandeur and small-ship intimacy Corinthian II is a deluxe yacht accommodating all guests in 57 suites amidst an atmosphere of effortless elegance and easy conviviality. All suites feature sea views, are a minimum of 225 square feet, and are appointed with fine furnishings and thoughtful amenities. Guests in the Penthouse Suites and Veranda Suites (400 and 300 square feet, respectively) will also enjoy a private balcony, butler service, and other exclusive in-suite amenities. Superb Continental cuisine is created by Corinthian II s European chefs and served in the stately restaurant or al fresco on the wide sun deck. Select regional wines are complimentary The Club with lunch and dinner. Fresh ingredients are chosen locally at many ports of call. All meals are served at one unassigned seating, with varied seating arrangements assuring comfort for all. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea, and all-day coffee in The Club, a relaxing space with panoramic windows. Savor an evening cocktail while the pianist plays jazz, classical, or contemporary arrangements. Corinthian II also features a library with Internet access, beauty salon, exercise area, elevator, and a wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi. The 75 officers and crew ensure an atmosphere akin to a private club during your voyage. Cruise and Land Rates p e r pe r s o n, d o u b l e oc c u p a n c y All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All include 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, and bathroom with marble vanity, shower, and other amenities. category regular rates reduced rates E Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250-252 $9,495 $6,995 D Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332 $10,495 $7,995 C Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254-262 $11,895 $9,395 B Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333-348 $13,495 $10,995 A Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416-428 $14,495 $11,995 AA Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 414-415 $15,495 $12,995 VS Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. Suites 505-512 $17,995 $13,995 PHS Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. Suites 601-604 $18,995 $14,995 VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities. NO Single Supplement: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at no supplement. Singles in Categories AA, VS, and PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates. AIRFARE: Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. Please contact your preferred airline, travel agent, or the Travel Dynamics International air desk operated by Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. (VWTI) for airfare information and to reserve flights to Venice, Italy, returning from Larnaca, Cyprus. Consultants are available Monday Friday from 9:00 am 5:30 pm (EST) toll-free at 1-877-711-9896. Please have your tour code (10411) handy for reference.
deck plan Sun Deck Outdoor Café Library Lounge The Club Reception Beauty Salon 603 601 604 427 602 Sun Deck Exercise Area 511 509 507 505 512 510 508 506 Explorer Deck Erickson Deck 425 423 421 419 417 415 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 347345 343 341 339 Marco Polo Deck 335 333331 329 348 346 344 342 340 338 336334332 Columbus Deck 261259 257255 Jacuzzi Bridge Hospital 330 Suite an exceptional value for the times Now more than ever, a cultural or an expedition voyage can be an antidote to these changing times, but we recognize the need for increased incentives. That is why for this exceptional voyage, our tour operator, Travel Dynamics International, is offering unprecedented incentives, including rates that are substantially lower than our normal prices as well as waiving the single supplement for solo travelers. Lowering the prices, however, does not mean that we have compromised the quality and standards of our operation, or that we have taken away services and arrangements we normally include. The voyage prices still include the excursions and special shore events; transfers from the airport to the ship (and vice versa) are provided; wine is served with meals aboard; and the open-bar policy is continued. And the operating standards of our ships are among the highest in the industry. We urge you to take advantage of the lower prices and other incentives we are presenting. We will deliver to you an experience of a lifetime. Restaurant 262 260 258256 254 252 250 Magellan Deck Registration COLU 10411 Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $ ($1,000 per person) as a deposit to hold place(s) on Venice and the Medieval World. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure. Please make check payable to: Travel Dynamics International and mail with this registration form to: Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, 245 Mill St., 2nd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830 (Or, fax to 203-724-0844) Phone: 866-3-ALUMNI (866-325-8664) E-mail: travelstudy@columbia.edu Website: www.alumni.columbia.edu/travel o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard No. 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) Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last school/degree/year d Date of birth Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last school/degree/year d Date of birth Address City/State/Zip Telephone (day) E-MaiL (evening) columbia uni Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the General Information section and agree to its terms. SignaturE SignaturE Date Date
SPECIAL savings reduced rates no single supplement -See Inside Alumni Travel Study Program 245 Mill St., 2 nd Floor Greenwich, CT 06830 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Travel Dynamics Int l COLU 10411 For further information about this travel program, please contact the Columbia University Alumni Travel Study Program. You may reach us toll-free at 866-325-8664. Fax: 203-724-0844 r E-mail: travelstudy@columbia.edu Website: www.alumni.columbia.edu/travel general information Payments: A $1,000 deposit per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure & must be by personal check. Cancellations & REFUNDS: All cancellations are subject to a $400 per person fee. Cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty of 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to a 100% penalty. Insurance: We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. Details will be sent upon registration. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change. We cannot guarantee the size of the Columbia group. We reserve the right to cancel or substitute lecturers. Ship s Registry: Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDI Due to space limitations, this is abbreviated information. Please contact us for complete Terms and Conditions.