discover the history, art and cultures of the ancient … · –stroll through the ancient sites of...

Ruins at Ephesus, Turkey

CRUISE FROM ATHENS TO ISTANBUL

Athens

PEARLS OF

ANTIQUITY

310-206-0613travel.alumni.ucla.edu

UCLA Alumni Associatio

nJames West A

lumni Center

ngeles, C

A 90095-1397

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September 22 - October 9, 2014

Special airfares include round trip flights, fuel surcharges, taxes, transfers and baggage handling. Prices from other departure cities are available upon request.

SPECIAL AIRFARES FROM THESE CITIES

Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Miami, FL; Montreal, QC; New York, NY (JFK);Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC (Dulles); Toronto, ON

Baltimore, MD; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI;Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN;Phoenix, AZ; San Antonio, TX; St. Louis, MO; Tampa, FL

Albuquerque, NM; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Vancouver, BC

SPONSORED BY

SEPT. 22 - OCT. 9, 2014

EXTRAORDINARY VALUE

Air/Sea Program•SPECIAL AIRFARE to Athens, Greece, with return from Istanbul, Turkey,from select cities.• Includes all transfers and baggage handling between airports and embarkation/disembarkation piers for Air/Sea passengers.•All passengers who book their flights through AHI automatically receiveflight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms.

Land/Cruise Program•Two nights at the deluxe NJV Athens Plaza Hotel.•12 nights aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey from Athens to Istanbul.–An elegant but casual and relaxing atmosphere.–Well-appointed and comfortable staterooms.–Attentive and gracious service.–A library with a well-stocked selection of books, newspapers, magazinesand more.–Open seating in your choice of two indoor restaurants.– Room service for beverages and light snacks.–Afternoon tea with pastries, sandwiches and cakes; light snacks in theevening.–Historians and other experts who will enhance your experience with a series of lectures.–Musical entertainment each evening.

•Two nights at the deluxe Marti Istanbul Hotel.•Enjoy an extensive meal program, including 16 breakfasts, 11 lunchesand 12 dinners, including complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks at dinneronboard.•AHI Welcome and Farewell Receptions and a Captain’s Reception.•Expert guides, using a state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system, will offer informative commentary on all shore excursions.•Guided excursions in each city or port:– Uncover the history of Athens and visit the Acropolis.– Visit the whitewashed villages of Santorini and see ancient Minoan ruins.–Walk in the footsteps of Hippocrates on the island of Kos.– Delve into the rich history of Rhodes.– Stroll through the ancient sites of Aspendos and Perge.– Explore Bodrum, a city built on the Turkish coast by medieval Crusaders.– Discover the grand legacy of ancient civilizations in Ephesus and see the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater and the Temple of Hadrian.– Stroll through the ruins of Pergamon, an ancient spa and healing center.– Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Troy.– See the highlights of Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and

“If one had but a single

glance to give to the world,

one should gaze upon

Istanbul.”

Alfonso de Lamartine, French writer, poet and politician, 1790-1869

“[Constantinople] is the

real keystone of power; for

he who possesses it may

rule the world.”Napoleon

from “Journal of the PrivateLife and Conversations

of the Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena”

by Count de las Cases, 1824

“Experience, travel —

these are as education

in themselves.”Euripides,

Greek playwright, c. 480-406 B.C.

“I am not an Athenian

or a Greek, but

a citizen of the world.”Socrates

Greek philosopher,469-399 B.C.

Dear UCLA Alumni and Friends,Join us on a voyage to discover the treasures of ancient

Greece and Turkey. This journey will take you from Athens, the city that fostered the great philosophers, playwrights andscientists of yore, to exotic Istanbul, the crossroads that bridgeEurope and Asia.

Begin with two nights in Athens by visiting the Acropolis,which sits like a crown high above the city. Then embark on a 12-night cruise of the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea that will take you to sunny Greek islands and cities along theTurkish coast that are filled with history and ruins tied toancient mythology. Conclude your journey in Istanbul, whichallows you to immerse yourself in the flavors, sights and sounds of this ancient Byzantine and Ottoman city.

Expert speakers and guides will enhance your journey asthey explain the history and significance of the places you willvisit. An experienced Travel Director will accompany youthroughout your program to handle every detail, allowing you toenjoy your trip to the fullest. Space is limited on this boutiquecruise, so please call today to make your reservation.

Regards from Westwood,

Christel Pailet Director, Alumni Travel

310-206-0613 travel.alumni.ucla.edu

the Blue Mosque.– Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque and theChurch of St. Savior in Chora.

•Gratuities for cabin and onboard restaurant staff. AHI extends the additional benefit of providing gratuitiesto guides and drivers on included excursions.• Services of an experienced AHI TravelDirector throughout the trip.• Services of a Passenger ServiceRepresentative prior to departure.

Send to: UCLA Alumni AssociationAttn: Alumni TravelJames West Alumni CenterLos Angeles, CA 90095-1397Phone: 310-206-0613 Fax: 310-209-4271Email: [email protected]

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� Please send me information on upgrading my flights.Please note: Air prices will be sent to you with your Reservation Confirmationand air schedule sent at 90 days before departure. International flight arrange-ments can be canceled with no obligation up to 75 days before departure.

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� I/we will make my/our own air arrangements and transfers. � Please contact me/us regarding air options.� I prefer single accommodations at an additional cost (limited availability).� I request assistance in securing a roommate but will accept a single, if one isavailable at this time, and pay the single supplement. Should a roommate befound, I understand the supplement will no longer apply.

Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, firstserved basis. Reservations to be paid in full by June 24, 2014 (90 days prior todeparture). Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by pay-ment in full. Credit cards cannot be accepted for final payment.UCLA Alumni Travel is a benefit of membership in the UCLA Alumni Association.The Association requires all alumni and friends to join to use our services. Youmay invite one companion to travel with you as a guest on your membership.

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Need pre- or post-trip assistance? If you are interested in making independent travel arrangements before and/orafter this program, please contact us no later than 60 days prior to departureand we will be happy to assist you with your reservations.A nonrefundable service fee and additional air/land charges based on reservations apply.

Reserve your cruise from Athens to Istanbul today!

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NOT INCLUDED-Fees for passports; personal gratuities; laun-dry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineralwaters and meals not mentioned in this brochure underincluded features; travel insurance; all items of a strictly per-sonal nature.MOBILITY AND FITNESS TO TRAVEL-The right is retained todecline to accept or to retain any person as a member of thistrip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel orwhose physical or mental condition may constitute a dangerto themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to therequirement that the portion of the total amount paid whichcorresponds to the unused services and accommodations berefunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, includingwithout limitation those who permanently or periodically usea wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fitand able to assist them, and who will be totally responsiblefor providing all required assistance.AIR TRANSPORTATION-The price of air transportation offeredby AHI Travel is based on Advance Purchase Excursion fares.After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticketprice may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, spe-cial promotional fares may be used, in which case penaltiesof as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reser-vations are changed or canceled after ticketing. After depar-ture, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged thehigher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THEGROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. Passengers who choose tomake their own airline reservations independently will bewholly responsible for any airline fees or penalties incurredas a result of program cancellation and/or change in traveldates, or airline schedule(s).CANCELLATION-In addition to airline cancellation penalties,all cancellations for any reason whatsoever will be subject toa $350 (AHI-$250, UCLA-$100) per person administrative fee.{Please note that you may choose, at the time of cancella-tion, to apply the withheld administrative fee to a future AHItravel program that will operate in the current calendar yearor year following.} Cancellation from 120 days to 90 daysprior to departure will result in forfeiture of 10% of theentire cost of the trip per person; 89 days to 31 days, 50% ofthe trip cost per person; cancellation from 30 days up to thetime of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entirecost of the trip. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAIL-ABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOURESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing toAHI International Corporation.BAGGAGE-Baggage restrictions vary according to the airlinepolicy and the class of service flown. Details will be providedwith your pre-departure information. Baggage allowances aresubject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess bag-gage charges for additional or oversized/overweight piecesare expensive and not included in your trip price; plan yourwardrobe accordingly. Transport of baggage and personaleffects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program. AUTHORITY TO USE IMAGES AND AUDIO RECORDINGS - Onoccasion, AHI Travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip par-ticipants, photographic or video images of passengers andtrip activities. By participating in this travel program, youauthorize AHI Travel, without providing compensation to you,or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photo-graphic and video recordings of you, as well as voice record-ings included with any videos, in AHI Travel's sales, market-ing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities.RESPONSIBILITY - AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Associationdo not own or operate any entity which provides goods orservices for this program, and act only as agents for theindependent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport,accommodations or other services. All such persons or enti-ties are independent contractors. As a result, AHI Travel andthe Sponsoring Association are not liable for any negligenceor willful act of any such person or entity or any third person.In addition and without limitation, AHI Travel and theSponsoring Association are not responsible for any delays,delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections,loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or acci-dent, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any naturehowsoever caused in connection with any accommodations,transportation or other services or for any substitution ofhotels or of common carrier equipment, with or withoutnotice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby.Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given ingood faith and based on tariffs, exchange rates and otherinformation current at the time of printing, are subject tochange at or before the time of departure. No revisions ofthe printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated;however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with orwithout notice, that might become necessary, with the mutu-al understanding that any additional expenses will be paid bythe individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects arethe sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If theentire program is canceled for any reason, participants shallhave no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding thedeposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical,mental or other condition of disability that would create ahazard for himself/herself or other passengers and acceptsthe terms of this contract set out herein and in more specif-ic pre-departure passenger information. The airlines andother transportation companies concerned are not to beheld responsible for any act, omission, or event, during thetime passengers are not on board their conveyances. Thepassage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute thesole contract between the company(ies) and the passengerand/or purchaser of this trip.

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BalconyClass

Voyages toAntiquity cruiseline proudly offersBalcony Class, a special level ofaccommodationdesigned especially forguests in thesuites, juniorsuites and staterooms incabin categories A to D. In additionto standard cabinfeatures, whichinclude a flat-screen TV,safe, hair dryerand plush bedding,guests in BalconyClass also enjoyaccommodationswith a balcony, a welcome bottleof champagne, a refrigeratorstocked with soft drinks, complimentarybottled water,plush robes andslippers andMolton Brownbathroom amenities.

Trip #:2-21366

SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 9, 2014CRUISE PRICES Price Savings Special Price

M Standard Inside (Belvedere/Columbus) $4,645 $250 $4,395*Categories H-M: 130 sq. ft. Two twin beds with private shower.

L Premium Inside (Columbus) $4,945 $250 $4,695*

K Premium Inside (Belvedere) $5,245 $250 $4,995*

J Standard Outside (Columbus) Porthole views. $5,550 $250 $5,300*

I Premium Outside (Bridge) Obstructed views. $5,850 $250 $5,600*

H Premium Outside (Belvedere/Columbus) $6,195 $250 $5,945*

G Premium Outside (Lido/Bridge) $6,550 $250 $6,300*130-150 sq. ft. Private shower. Double bed or two twin beds.

F Deluxe Outside (Lido/Bridge/Belvedere) $6,900 $250 $6,650*170-200 sq. ft. Bath/shower or walk-in shower. Double bed or two twin beds.

E Deluxe Outside (Belvedere) $7,200 $250 $6,950*215 sq. ft. Bath/shower or walk-in shower. Double bed or two twin beds.

D Deluxe Balcony (Belvedere) $7,995 $250 $7,745*275 sq. ft. Bath/shower or walk-in shower, sitting area and private balcony. Double bed or two twin beds.

C Deluxe Balcony (Lido/Bridge) $8,095 $250 $7,845*275 sq. ft. Bath/shower or walk-in shower, sitting area and private balcony. Double bed or two twin beds. Cabins onLido Deck are smaller and do not have a sitting area.

B Junior Suite, Balcony (Lido) $8,995 $250 $8,745*310 sq. ft. Marble bathroom, walk-in closet, sitting area and private balcony. Double bed or two twin beds.

A Owners Suite, Balcony (Lido) $9,750 $250 $9,500*550 sq. ft. Marble bathroom, dressing area, separate sitting area and private balcony. Double bed or two twin beds.

All suites, staterooms and cabins have flat-screen TV, safe and hair dryer and are fully air-conditioned.

All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and include governmental taxes and cruise fuel surcharges. Port charges are an additional $450 per person. Tipping of cabin staff,restaurant staff and included excursion guides and drivers is included. Single prices availableupon request.

*Special Price valid if booked by the date found on the address panel.

A word about your Tour OperatorAHI Travel is the premier operator of deluxe travel programs sponsored by alumni associations. Their experienced, professional staff has offered the highest level of service in innovative travel programs since 1962.In AHI Travel’s care, you can rely on:• An exceptional travel value. It would be impossible for an independent traveler to arrange all these unique experiences, inclusionsand services at a comparable price.• Unique access to local sites. Take advantage of over 50 years of travel experience to gain preferred entrance to popular sites and to uncover the region’s hidden treasures.• Experienced Travel Directors who attend to every detail of your journey. • Expertise of local guides who possess authoritative knowledge of the region and offer personal insight into local culture.• Flexibility and customization. Free time during the trip allows you to pursue your own interests. They will also help you tailor your dreamtrip with add-ons and extensions.• Safety and security. In a country where you might not know the language or culture, their professional staff is on hand to ease your way and get you any help you need.

Grand Bazaar, IstanbulGrand Bazaar, Istanbul KnossosKnossosMycenaeMycenaeSkiathosSkiathos

Propylea, Acropolis, AthensPropylea, Acropolis, AthensMykonosMykonosBlue Mosque, IstanbulBlue Mosque, Istanbul PergamonPergamon

MyrinaMyrina

Local man, Local man, GreeceGreece

MV AEGEAN ODYSSEY... Cruise in comfort, relax in style. DISCOVER THE HISTORY, ART AND CULTURES OF THE ANCIENT WORLDNJV Athens Plaza HotelA deluxe lodging on Syntagma Square, one ofAthens’ best addresses, the NJV Athens PlazaHotel offers a quiet refuge from the bustleoutside with fantastic views of the Acropolis,Parliament and Voukourestiou Street. Thehotel’s restaurant specializes in Greek cuisine,and more restaurants, fine shopping andsome of the city’s most interesting historicneighborhoods are just steps away.

Top Lecturers and Fascinating Talks

The lecturers and speakers on a Voyages to Antiquity cruise are leaders in their fields,often affiliated with the world’s prestigiousuniversities, including Oxford and Cambridge;best-selling authors; and experts from fine museums and organizations such as the Archaeological Institute of America. They areselected for their knowledge of Europe andtheir ability to bring the history, archaeology,architecture and art of ancient civilizations to life.

Assisting the speakers during lectures andon trips ashore will be a team of young classical history graduates whose enthusiasmand specialized knowledge will enhance yourexplorations.

Classicallyelegant, yet far fromformal, MV Aegean

Odyssey is theideal ship for touring antiquity. This is a premium-classvessel, rebuilt for cruising the coastal waters of theMediterranean Sea. The ship easily approaches islands, enters remote inlets and explores ancient sites inaccessibleto larger vessels, opening up experiences to you that othersmiss. This is boutique-style cruising. The ship carries anaverage of 350 passengers accommodated in comfortableand well-appointed suites, junior suites and staterooms.Enjoy a casual dress code, open-seated dining and many diversions, including the outdoor pool, a full-service spaand stimulating talks in the lecture theater.Two restaurants celebrate the Mediterranean’s glorious

culinary tradition with the best ingredients in deliciousand healthful dishes. Enjoy full waiter service and easy sophistication in the Marco Polo, the ship’s more formaldining room, where lunches and dinners feature delectableentrees. At dinner, complimentary house wines are carefully sourced from noted wine regions around theworld. The Terrace Café offers cooking on the open grilland indoor and alfresco seating for breakfast, lunch anddinner. The bistro-style restaurant serves appetizers, paellaand authentic Italian pizzas. For a special treat, take afternoon tea — an English tradition made magical when enjoyed at sea. Aegean Odyssey’s crowning touchis the fine service of the crew, whose attention to detailand graciousness will complete your unforgettable voyageto antiquity.

PROGRAMHIGHLIGHTS

• Stand on the Acropolis,one of the great ancientsites, which sits high abovemodern Athens.

• Cruise to the Greek islandsof Syros, Santorini, Kosand Rhodes, where ruinsof ancient palaces, templesand agoras take you backin time.

• Visit the beautiful city ofBodrum, built on the ruinsof the great ancient city ofHalicarnassus.

• Explore ancient Ephesus,which was devoted to theGreek goddess Artemis before it became an important site in earlyChristian history.

• Discover the wonders ofPergamon, an ancientGreek city that had one of the great libraries of the ancient world, a grandtheater and monumental temples.

• Wander through the ruinsof Troy, the storied ancientcity on the Turkish coast.

• Explore Istanbul, and discover the treasures ofthe exotic crossroads between Europe and Asia.

A casual and relaxed atmosphere on board

Friendly, attentive service

Elegantly appointed accommodations

UNESCOThe Historic Areas of Istanbul and theArchaeological Sites of Troy and Xanthos-Letoon inTurkey and the Medieval City of Rhodes in Greece areUNESCO World Heritage sites featured on this program.

This journey through antiquity begins in thestoried city of Athens. From here, embark on acruise to beautiful Greek islands and storiedcities along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.See remarkable ruins of temples and palaces,visit fascinating museums and admire idyllicscenery. Your journey concludes in Istanbul,whose odyssey through history involves a complex web of cultures, peoples and influences from East and West. During thecruise, a roster of expert speakers will bringhistory to life during a series of engaging lectures. These lectures are interspersedthroughout the cruise as the itinerary permits.

Day One

Depart your gateway city for Athens, Greece.AAProvided for Air/Sea Program participants.

Day twoAthens, Greece

Upon arrival, transferA to the NJV AthensPlaza.Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception.

Day ThreeAthens B

Excursion: Athens and the Acropolis.Roam the remnants of Pericles’ extravagantarchitectural display, which crowns the city.Study the Parthenon’s illusory column design.Examine treasures and legendary sculpturesin the Acropolis Museum.Independent Exploration: The rest ofthe day is at leisure.

Day FourAthens/At Sea B | D

Excursion: Benaki Museum. Delve into

Greek history at the Benaki Museum, whichhas an extensive collection that will take youfrom antiquity through the early 20th century.This afternoon, embark MV Aegean Odyssey.

Day FiveSyros B | L | D

Visit the island of Syros in the heart of the Cyclades. The island first reached prominenceas a trading center of the Venetian Republic,but it blossomed as Greece’s first major portand industrial center in the 19th century.

Day SixSantorini B | L | D

Excursion: Santorini. The cliffs of Santorinirise from a great half-moon caldera. Visit Oia, a village of whitewashed houses, blue-domedchurches and tavernas carved into the cliffs.Wealthy sea captains built the pastel mansionsthat now are homes to cafés, boutiques and art galleries. Continue to Akrotiri to see the excavations at the ancient Minoan settlement.The Captain’s Welcome Reception is tonight.

Day SevenKos B | L | D

Just off the Turkish coast, Kos is best known as the birthplace of Hippocrates. The father ofWestern medicine was born on Kos in 460 B.C.

The Asklepeion is the island’s most famouslandmark. Named after the god of healing, it was a temple as well as a hospital whereHippocrates received his training.Day EightRhodes B | L | D

The famed Colossus of Rhodes, one of theSeven Wonders of the Ancient World, oncestood watch over the island’s harbor. Duringthe Crusades, armies used the strategicallylocated island to resupply and stage theircampaigns. The Knights Hospitaller occupiedthe city in the early 14th century. Over thenext two centuries they built a magnificentmedieval city. The city fell to the Ottomans,whose improvements add an Eastern flair.

Day NineRhodes B | L | D

The Acropolis of Lindos stands watch over avillage of whitewashed houses that stand instark contrast to the deep, blue water of thesea. This fascinating archaeological site features the Temple of Athena, a theater andmore. The island of Rhodes is known for itsunique style of ceramics, and many artisanswho produce these items are based in Lindos.

Day TenAntalya, Turkey B | L | D

Excursion: Aspendos & Perge. These sitesonce were part of the ancient kingdom of Pergamon. Aspendos, a major port city inRoman times, boasts a marvelous aqueductand a well-preserved Roman theater. In Perge,whose ruins date from 1,000 B.C., visit thebasilica where St. Paul preached his first sermon before heading out to spread Christianity, and walk through the Roman Gate.

Day ElevenFethiye B | L | D

Excursion: Patara & Xanthos-Letoon.Enjoy a guided tour of Patara, which offers oneof Turkey’s best beaches and is the birthplaceof St. Nicholas, the model for Santa Claus.Later, visit the archaeological site of Xanthos-Letoon, which was the capital of Lycia.

Day TwelveBodrum B | L | D

Bodrum sits on the ruins of a great ancient cityand the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one ofthe Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Anearthquake destroyed the mausoleum in the13th century, but the Knights Hospitaller, who

founded Bodrum, used the tomb’s ruins inthe construction of the Castle of St. Peter.The castle sits on a promontory, which at one time was an island in the bay, according to the historian Herodotus. Near Bodrum iswhat many believe to be the last home of theVirgin Mary. Built on a mountain overlookingthe Aegean Sea, the home is a sacred site for both Catholics and Muslims and its spring is believed to have healing powers. The foundation dates from the first century.

Day ThirteenIzmir B | L | D

Excursion: Ancient Ephesus. During itsheyday, the cosmopolitan city of Ephesus wason par with Athens and Rome. The seasideport that fueled the city’s prosperity in an-cient times is filled with silt, leaving the grandsites frozen in a state of remarkable preser-vation. Over the centuries, Ephesus has beenboth a Roman stronghold and a center ofChristianity. Highlights of your walking tour include the Library of Celsus with its splendidcolumned façade, the Grand Theater whereSt. Paul once preached his sermons, the terraced houses and the Temple of Hadrian.Few places bring antiquity so vividly to life.

Day FourteenIzmir B | L | D

Excursion: Pergamon. Ride a cable car to the hilltop capital of Pergamon and visit the city’s ancient healing center on this adventure. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans left their mark on Pergamon. Passthrough the Royal Gate to explore the notedlibrary, the 10,000-seat theater carved into the steep slopes and the dramatic Temple ofTrajan overlooking the Selinus River below.See a shrine to Dionysus, a sanctuary ofDemeter, the gymnasium, the Agora and theAsklepeion, an ancient spa and sanitarium.

Day FifteenCanakkale B | L | D

Canakkale is the gateway to the storied city of Troy, a city described in ancient Greek lore.Troy itself was long believed to be a mythicalcity until the late 19th century, when a seriesof excavations uncovered the ruins of afortress and other evidence of a great city.These digs provided vital information aboutthe ancient Greeks and Romans who built the city, which as a great trading port helpeddevelop this region as the crossroads between East and West.

Tonight, attend a Farewell Reception.

Day SixteenIstanbul B

Disembark the ship and explore the city before checking in to the Marti Istanbul Hotel.Excursion: Inspiring Istanbul. See theglittering mosaics in Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine church that later became a mosque and now is a museum. Tour SultanAhmet I’s 17th-century Blue Mosque,renowned for the blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior. Wander through Topkapi Palace,residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years.Independent Exploration: The afternoonis at leisure.

Day SeventeenIstanbul B

Excursion: Profound Moments. Tour Süleymaniye Mosque, which crowns one of Istanbul’s seven hills. Imperial architectMimar Sinan combined space and tranquilityinto one expression of 16th-century Ottomanculture. See Byzantine mosaics and frescoesin the Church of St. Savior in Chora.Independent Exploration: The afternoonis at leisure.

Day Eighteen B

Depart for the Istanbul airport and the returnflight to your gateway city.A

NOTE: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events maychange. Some included sightseeing itineraries can bestrenuous, therefore a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Some passengers may decide to take abreak on certain days and explore the environs aroundthe port.Included meals indicated each day as B | L | D = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.Any Optional Excursions offered on site will be at an additional cost.

Marti Istanbul HotelThe elegant Marti Istanbul Hotel is in thefashionable Taksim district and close to thecity’s historic landmarks and best shoppingand entertainment venues. Among its manyamenities are a spa offering a broad variety ofpampering massage and beauty treatments, a fully equipped fitness center and tworestaurants serving a combination of localand international dishes.