Sailing the Black Sea Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager April 22-May 5, 2014

Carole Fink Ph.D. Yale ’68

Lecturing on the History of the Black Sea Region & Art Historian Helen Evans A LUPK A PA L ACE , YA LTA

Dear Yale Traveler Experience a Black Sea free of the summer crowds: April 22May 5, 2014 with Yale Educational Travel. I very much look forward to representing Yale as lecturer on this fascinating program. I earned my Ph.D. in European International History at Yale in 1968 and am currently Professor Emeritus at Ohio State University in Columbus. In the course of our journey, I shall be presenting lectures on the history of the Black Sea region to supplement the rich experiences of Yale travelers. Traveling around this vibrant crossroads of ancient and modern empires, we’ll be visiting six countries and observing the elements of trade, religion, language, culture, and politics that have united and divided their inhabitants. Beginning in Istanbul, we will view the basilica of Hagia Sophia before boarding Variety Voyager to cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to the Black Sea. On the Turkish side of the sea, we will discover Amasya, a beautifully sited ancient city with well-preserved Ottoman buildings, and Trabzon, one of the Black Sea’s most important trading ports. Heading further east to Georgia, we will visit the charming resort of Batumi and enjoy the collection of Georgian, Russian, and European art at the Adjara Arts Museum. Moving north to Russia, we will stop at Sochi, which will be the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics, and will either spend the day there or drive to the beautiful Alpine resort of Krasnaya Polyana. Next, in Ukraine, we will explore three important historical sites: Yalta, where Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill met in February 1945; Sevastopol, where a major Crimean War battle occurred in 1855; and Odessa, made famous in Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 film Battleship Potemkin, depicting the 1905 revolution in that city. Heading westward to Constanta, Romania, the group will fly to Suceava to view its famous 16thcentury Byzantine churches, and in Nessebar, Bulgaria, we will also see decorated churches and a charming fishing village before heading south and ending our journey in Istanbul.

LIVA DIA PA L ACE , YA LTA

For those who wish to experience more of Istanbul, there will be an optional prelude that includes Topkapi Palace and other iconic sights. A highlight is a private viewing of beautifully decorated Ottoman manuscripts. Home for this journey is Variety Voyager, a modern luxury yacht that was christened in 2012. Yale Black Sea programs often sell out fast! Register today at: www.yaleedtravel.org/blacksea14. Or call Yale Educational Travel at (203) 432-1952 or email [email protected] with any questions. Travel with Yale next spring and create lifetime memories on this unforgettable voyage! With best wishes from Yale,

Carole Fink, Ph.D. ’68 Humanities Distinguished Professor Emeritus The Ohio State University

C A RO LE FIN K Carole Fink, who earned her M.A. and Ph.D. at Yale University, is a specialist in European international history and historiography. She is the author of Defending the Rights of Others: The Great Powers, the Jews, and International Minority Protection, 1878-1938 and The Genoa Conference: European Diplomacy, 1921-1922; both of which were awarded the George Louis Beer Prize of the American Historical Association. Her biography Marc Bloch: A Life in History has been translated into six languages. She is currently finishing a book entitled Cold War, 1917-1991. Humanities Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Ohio State University in Columbus, Dr. Fink has lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad. Professor Fink is delighted to join Yale alumni and friends in exploring the remarkable Black Sea.

www.yaleedtravel.org/blacksea14

Suceava MOLDOVA

UKRAINE KEY

Odessa

ROMANIA

air travel motorcoach

Constanta

Sevastopol / Chersonesus / Balaclava Yalta

BULGARIA

Black Sea

Nessebar

cruise

RUSSIA Sochi

GEORGIA TURKEY

Istanbul

TURKEY

Samsun Amasya

Batumi Trabzon

DEPART U.S. A . Tu e s d ay, A p r i l 2 2

Depart on an overnight flight to Istanbul. ISTANBUL , TURKEY / EMBARK VARIET Y VOYAGER

Arrive in Istanbul this morning. After lunch, see the sixth-century basilica of Hagia Sophia before continuing to the pier to board Variety Voyager. Toast your journey with a glass of champagne on deck as you cruise the Bosphorus, past colorful yalis (traditional villas) and under two bridges that link Europe and Asia. Tonight, enter the Black Sea. AT SEA T h u r s d ay, A p r i l 2 4

During a day at sea, relax on deck, enjoy the amenities of our ship, and attend lectures about upcoming visits. SA MSUN / A M ASYA , TURKEY Fr i d ay, A p r i l 2 5

From Samsun, drive to the city of Amasya, dramatically situated in a deep river gorge. The capital of the kings of Pontus from 333 to 26 B.C.E., Amasya was later part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Explore the 15th-century mosque and 19th-century Hazeranlar Mansion, now home to an ethnographic museum. After lunch, admire the traditional Ottoman houses or climb the steps to see the Pontus royal tombs carved into the rock cliffs.

photo by Tamra Hays

We d n e s d ay, A p r i l 2 3

Ceiling fresco at Hagia Sophia, Trabzon.

TR ABZON, TURKEY

of some Olympic facilities. The Western Caucasus, with its extensive undisturbed forests, has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

S a t u r d ay, A p r i l 2 6

Step ashore in Trabzon, long an important trading port on the Black Sea. Drive to the Sümela Monastery, built in the fourth century on the side of a mountain. Also tour the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and bustling bazaar. In the afternoon, see a villa where Kemal Ataturk stayed. Continue to the late-Byzantine Hagia Sophia; converted from a church to a mosque and now a museum, it is decorated with vibrant frescoes and Islamic reliefs.

AT SEA Tu e s d ay, A p r i l 2 9

As Variety Voyager sets a western course, you may wish to visit the captain on the bridge or relax with a good book. An on-deck dinner is planned this evening. YALTA , UKR AINE We d n e s d ay, A p r i l 3 0

Today’s visits in Yalta include the landmark Alupka Palace, designed and built between 1828 and 1846 by English architects. This eclectic palace resembles a Scottish castle on its landward side; and facing the sea, it’s

BATUMI, GEORGIA S u n d ay, A p r i l 2 7

With its charming architecture, treelined thoroughfares, and mild weather, Batumi is an attractive and popular seaside destination. Stroll through the tranquil Botanical Gardens and explore the ancient ruins of Gonio Fortress, where many towers still stand. At the Adjara Arts Museum, see paintings by Georgian artists as well as decorative art. After lunch, you may wish to walk along the beach promenade or visit the Archaeological Museum. SOCHI, RUSSIA

Amasya.

Spend a day on the Russian Riviera in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics. View World War II monuments, the Cathedral of St. Michael, and Stalin’s summer villa. Then visit the Sochi Art Museum, built by the Soviets in the 1930s, and explore a nearby tea plantation. Alternatively, enjoy a day trip into the Caucasus Mountains to the alpine resort of Krasnaya Polyana, site

photo © Vladislav Feoktistov

M o n d ay, A p r i l 2 8

Krasnaya Polyana.

an Arabian fantasy. Continue to Livadia Palace, originally a summer residence for Tzar Nicolas II and the site of the historic 1945 meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. Its collections relate to Romanov history as well as the Crimea Conference of 1945. After lunch, see White Dacha, the house where Anton Chekhov wrote some of his most famous works, or tour the vast Nikitsky Botanical Gardens.

PRELUDE IN ISTANBUL

CONSTANTA / SUCEAVA / CONSTANTA , ROM ANIA

April 19–23, 2014

Arrive in Constanta and fly by chartered plane to Suceava. Drive through the bucolic countryside to Humor Monastery. Built in 1530, the church was the first in this region painted by refugee Byzantine artists. Its frescoes depict not only biblical scenes but the fall of Constantinople. At the 16thcentury Church of Moldovita, admire the fascinating exterior and interior paintings, whose red, blue, and yellow colors are well preserved. After lunch, see Voronets Monastery, where the intense blue of the frescoes has gained fame as the “blue of Voronets.” Return by chartered plane to Constanta and the awaiting Variety Voyager. Dinner is on board.

SEVASTOPOL / CHERSONESUS, UKRAINE T h u r s d ay, M ay 1

From the port of Sevastopol, drive to the ancient Greek and Roman archaeological site of Chersonesus on the sea. We hope to meet the excavation director. Alternatively, visit a former Soviet underground submarine base in Balaclava that has been opened as a museum. Following lunch on board, see the Crimean War panorama by Russian painter Franz Roubaud, depicting the first main assault of Sevastopol in 1855.

photo by LordKhan

S a t u r d ay, M ay 3

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul.

Explore the rich artistic and architectural heritage of fabled Istanbul. During a threenight stay, highlights include the tiled interior of the Blue Mosque, the legendary Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. See the collections of the famed Archaeological Museum, and admire the mosaics in the Savior in Chora Church. A private viewing of beautiful Ottoman manuscripts is also arranged. You will have the opportunity to attend services on Easter Sunday. Accommodations are at the deluxe Hilton Istanbul, surrounded by gardens and featuring views of the Bosphorus.

ODESSA , UKR AINE Fr i d ay, M ay 2

photo by Рomаh Дhепр

Variety Voyager enters the harbor of Odessa this morning, docking near the base of the Potemkin Steps. Visit the five-domed Uspenski Cathedral with its extraordinary icons and see the renowned opera house. Continue to the Archaeology Museum to view treasures from early Black Sea civilizations. Conclude with a private concert in a 19th-century palace, now home to the Literature Museum.

Church of Christ Pantocrator, Nessebar.

NESSEBAR, BULGARIA S u n d ay, M ay 4

Odessa Opera House.

ISTANBUL / U.S. A . M o n d ay, M ay 5

Disembark Variety Voyager after breakfast and transfer to the Istanbul airport for the flights home.

photo by Patrick Colgan

photo © autoar tnc

Step ashore in the town of Nessebar, whose Byzantine ruins and picturesque fishermen’s houses have long attracted artists and poets. Visit the Archaeological Museum and see the richly decorated churches on a guided walking tour. Return to the ship for lunch, and set sail this afternoon. In the evening, gather for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

A ceiling in Topkapi Palace.

VARIETY VOYAGER HORIZONS DECK 301 303 305 307 DINING ROOM

302 304 306 308

RIVIERA DECK 201 203 205 207 209 211 213 215 MAIN LOUNGE RECEPTION BAR

202 204 206 208 210 212 214

MARINA DECK SPA & GYM LIBRARY

101 103 105 107 109 111 113 102 104

106

108 110 112

C RU ISE R AT E S (Per Person, Double Occupancy)

108 to 113 Marina Deck $9,995 Staterooms with double or twin beds 101 to 107 Marina Deck $10,995 Staterooms with double or twin beds 212 to 215 Riviera Deck $11,495 Staterooms with double or twin beds 201 to 211 Riviera Deck $12,995 Staterooms with double or twin beds 301 to 306 & 308 Horizons Deck $14,995 Master staterooms with double or twin beds 307 Horizons Deck $16,995 Owner’s suite with double bed Cabins are available for single occupancy at a supplement of 30 to 100 percent of the cruise rate.

R AT E S I NC LU DE

From the top: Variety Voyager, a cabin on Riviera Deck, the main lounge, and the bar on the sun deck. Christened in 2012, the luxury yacht Variety Voyager has the most up-to-date international standards. Relax in the main lounge, enjoy a drink on the sun deck, or use the internet in the library. The glassenclosed dining room offers panoramic views and an al fresco option, while the spa and gym feature massage, fitness equipment, a sauna, and beauty treatments. All cabins have DVD players, flat-screen televisions, and bathrooms with marble details.

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Twelve nights cabin accommodations aboard Variety Voyager

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All meals during the cruise. Wine with lunches and dinners

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Enrichment program of lectures and special events

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Escorted sightseeing by motorcoach and entrance fees for visits

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Round-trip chartered flight Constanta / Suceava

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Airport / pier group transfers and porterage

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Taxes, service charges, and port charges

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Gratuities to guides and drivers

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Customary shipboard gratuities

NOT INCLUDED IN RATES  International airfare; passport and visa fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; optional prelude in Istanbul; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. PRELUDE IN ISTANBUL  $1,245 per person. Single supplement $480. Three nights at the Hilton Istanbul. Breakfast daily, two lunches, and one dinner. Sightseeing as noted.

TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE  Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested flights, or individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE  A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. Mail to: The Association of Yale Alumni, Yale Educational Travel, Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010 (Telephone 203-432-1952). HEALTH  All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. Please note: Variety Voyager does not have an elevator. INSURANCE  Yale Educational Travel highly recommends that participants purchase travel insurance as the cancellation policy will apply. However, Yale does not recommend a particular insurance company and Yale travelers are free to purchase the insurance of their choice. There is usually a short window of time (7-21 days from the first payment date) when one can purchase travel insurance and still be covered for certain provisions (such as pre-existing conditions). If travel insurance is important to you, please do not wait to purchase insurance. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS  The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE  The participation of AYA is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, AYA, and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or AYA and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages, or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays

and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or AYA. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AYA and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or AYA to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY  AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses; and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of the Association of Yale Alumni, and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; AYA shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AYA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor AYA shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or AYA, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright © 2013 Arrangements Abroad, Inc.

CST 2059789-40

Visit www.yaleedtravel.org/blacksea14 to book online. Or return the form below, with credit card authorization or check payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, to Association of Yale Alumni, P.O. Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010. Reservation contact: 203-432-1952 or [email protected] To see further details of all Yale Educational Travel Programs, visit www.yaleedtravel.org

YALE EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION SAILING T HE B LA C K S EA : RO U N D- T RI P I STA N B U L A B O A R D VA R I E T Y VO Y A G E R 1 AP RIL 2 2 –M AY 5, 2014 Accommodations Variety Voyager Cabin Preference  (1)  _______________ (2) _____________

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Sailing the Black Sea Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager

April 22 –May 5, 2014

Program Highlights Enhance your appreciation of the Black Sea region with lectures by historian Carole Fink, ’68 Ph.D. Discover the less-visited cities on the Black Sea’s eastern shore.

Spend a day on the Russian Riviera in Sochi, or take a day trip to an alpine resort in the Western Caucasus. Visit Livadia Palace, site of the historic 1945 conference in Yalta.

CH E RSO N ESUS

CH URCH O F MO LDOVITA , SUCE AVA

photo by Marcus Temme

photo © Jonathan Wallace

See the 16th-century painted churches of the Romanian countryside.