The Undiscovered Greek Islands Aboard the 50-guest Harmony V
October 4 – 15, 2015 Christina Kraus, Thomas A. Thacher Professor, Yale Classics
Dear Yale Traveler The Greek islands are the jewels of the Aegean, scattered across Homer’s “wine-dark sea.” While the largest islands attract the greatest numbers of visitors, it is the delightful little islands unknown to the throngs of tourists that give a quite different picture of this great and ancient culture. Each of the islands visited on this carefully crafted itinerary has very much its own character, landscape, and cultural heritage. Each day will find Yale travelers amid a constantly changing variety of landscapes and seascapes, visiting forgotten ancient ruins and tucked-away Byzantine chapels, hidden harbors and undisturbed towns. Explore the whitewashed villages of Amorgos and the magnificent volcanic island of Nisyros; on Chios visit the panoramic 11th-century monastery of Nea Moni, adorned with recently-restored mosaics. Sail to pine-forested Skopelos, with fine examples of local Aegean architecture, and to Skyros, known for its legends about Achilles and Theseus. Discover remote Samothraki and visit the remains of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods—an archaeological treasure hidden in the island’s mountainous interior, amidst a landscape of massive gnarled oak trees and cool waterfalls. It was here that the enthralling sculpture Winged Victory, now in the Louvre, was excavated. Your home for this journey is the privately chartered Harmony V— an elegant, modern motor-yacht with comfortable accommodations for fewer than 50 guests, thus providing an intimate yachting experience, the perfect way to explore the Greek Isles. The vessel’s small size allows visits to ports and inlets inaccessible to larger ships and fosters a congenial atmosphere of like-minded and intellectually curious travelers. To introduce myself, I am a classicist with wide interests, though my particular focus is on Latin literature. I have taught Homer and Greek tragedy frequently in a long career, and am very interested in how both those art forms have been taken up by later readers, writers, and artists. I have taught at NYU and in London and Oxford; since coming to Yale I have served as Chair of the Classics department, as well as on our Cultures of the Classical committee, which encourages research into the ways Classics continues to speak in later ages. I am currently working as graduate co-coordinator of the Yale Initiative for the Study of Antiquity and the pre-modern World, an exciting new opportunity for scholars and students who work on antiquity across the globe to come together and discuss big questions such as the nature of empire, the relation between material and literary culture, and the ways in which cultures from east to west communicated ideas. I look forward to discussing these topics with Yale travelers next fall. Join Yale in October 2015—the ideal time to visit the Aegean Islands—and sail this age-old sea in pursuit of the untrodden, the unspoiled, and the undiscovered. Register at www.yaleedtravel.org/ greece15 or call 203-432-1952 to hold your space today! Sincerely yours, Christina Kraus Thomas A. Thacher Professor, Yale Classics
Cover: Neoclassical mansions line the harbor of Symi Right: The ancient remains of Samothraki
Yale Lecturer
Prof. Christina Kraus
Christina Shuttleworth Kraus is the Thomas A. Thatcher Professor of Latin at Yale University. Chris received her BA from Princeton and PhD from Harvard. She taught at New York University, University College London, and Oxford University before coming to Yale in the summer of 2004. She has research interests in ancient narrative (especially historiography and tragedy), Latin prose style, and the theory and practice of commentaries. She is a member of Yale’s program in Renaissance Studies and currently serves as acting chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. In her spare time she collects American publisher’s trade bindings and watches detective television. Professor Kraus looks forward to returning to the Greek Islands with Yale travelers. She hopes to engage guests through lecture and discussion on the topics of Homer’s Odyssey and voyaging through antiquity; the Greek gods and Troy; volcanic revelations; and Rome in the Greek islands.
www.yaleedtravel.org/greece15
ITINERARY USA
Sunday, October 4, 2015 Fly from the U.S. to Athens, Greece. ATHENS, GREECE | PIRAEUS | EMBARK
Monday, October 5, 2015 Arrive in Athens, transfer to Piraeus, and embark Harmony V. (D) SIFNOS
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Call at the unspoiled island of Sifnos, where the distinctive cubic style of Cycladic architecture prevails. Explore the former island capital at Kastro, an impeccably kept village that has retained much of its medieval character. Continue to Apollonia, a Cycladic labyrinth of white houses, flowers, and belfries, and its twin village Artemonas, with its impressive Venetian-style houses and their distinctive chimneys. (B, L, D) volcano. The drive to the crater provides magnificent views and, upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to walk to the caldera. Continue to the charming village of Nikiá, positioned atop the crater. (B, L, D)
AMORGOS
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Arrive at Amorgos, a seldom-visited island in the Cyclades group, whose whitewashed villages are set in a rugged and mountainous landscape. A tour leads to the 11th-century Monastery of Khosoviotissa, a strikingly white structure built into the base of precipitous cliffs that face the sea. For over 1,000 years, the monastery has been a place of pilgrimage for worshippers who come to venerate an icon of the Virgin. (B, L, D) SYMI
Thursday, October 8, 2015 Today sail into Symi’s beautiful Italianate harbor, where you will be greeted by picturesque pastel-colored homes. This delicate island was once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John and the coveted object of a succession of invaders. With tiers of beautifully proportioned neoclassical mansions rising above its harbor, today Symi is one of Greece’s most attractive islands. Enjoy a walking tour and free time for independent exploration. (B, L, D) NISYROS
Friday, October 9, 2015 Photogenic Nisyros is a fertile, volcanic island boasting dazzling hilltop villages and unique flora. Today explore the island and this impressive The majestic Parthenon dominates the Acropolis of Athens
IKARIA
Saturday, October 10, 2015 Named for the mythological Icarus, Ikaria is arguably the most magical of the northeastern Aegean Islands. Its dramatic and varied terrain is comprised of deep, forested gorges, rocky landscapes, and secluded beaches framed by aquamarine waters. Enjoy a guided tour of this rugged island including a visit to Christos Raches village, known for the unusual schedule of its inhabitants. Also sample the island’s signature local red wine—Ikaria is also considered to be the birthplace of Dioysos, god of wine, and Homer claimed the Ikarians were the world’s first winemakers. (B, L, D) CHIOS
Sunday, October 11, 2015 Awake this morning in Chios, the Greek island purported to be Homer’s birthplace. The island’s volcanic rock formations and deep green valleys forge a landscape of stunning color oppositions and intricate appearances. Visit the 11th-century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. The Monastery sits majestically in a wooded vale and is decorated throughout with exquisite frescoes and mosaics. (B, L, D) SAMOTHRAKI
Monday, October 12, 2015 An island of great beauty, remote Samothraki remains outside most tourist itineraries and, for this reason, has retained its original character. Samothraki’s central massif rises to the great peak of Mount Fengari. According to Homer, it was from this peak that Poseidon watched the fighting during the Trojan War. Explore the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, an ancient place of worship where the Mysteries were held. The Winged Victory, now in the Louvre, was discovered here in 1863, and subsequent excavations have revealed the Hieron, or Sanctuary; Anaktoron, which served as a hall of initiation into the
Mysteries; Temonos; and the Rotunda. Also visit the island’s main town, where whitewashed homes sit beneath the hills of Mount Fengari and the ruins of a Byzantine fort. (B, L, D) SKOPELOS
Tuesday, October 13 , 2015 Call today in Skopelos, one of the greenest islands in the Aegean that blooms with forests of pine, oak, and fruit trees and olive groves. Skopelos’s main town is built against a hill rising from the sea. On this handsome island, discover some of the most characteristic Aegean architecture—whitewashed, cube-shaped houses with terracotta tiled roofs and small churches that dot the hillside. (B, L, D) EVIA
Wednesday, October 14, 2015 The medieval hilltop town of Kymi and dramatic Mt. Ortari rise above as the ship sails to Evia (Euboea), Greece’s second-largest island. Of interest is the narrow Euripus Strait that separates Evia from mainland Greece, where the rapidly-flowing water currents reverse direction approximately four times daily—which has perplexed observers since ancient times. Enjoy the spectacular views and lush flora as we drive along the winding roads exploring the island’s natural wonders and picturesque Kymi, surrounded by olive groves and set into the mountainside. (B, L, D)
Harmony V Harmony V is an elegant, modern small cruise ship, launched in 2009, with accommodations for 50 guests in comfortable surroundings. All 25 cabins feature wood paneling and warm fabrics, twin-size or double beds (with Upper Deck cabins allowing for flexible bed configuration), a private bathroom with shower, a flat-screen TV, music channels, minirefrigerator, telephone, safe, and climate control. A spacious lounge and bar lead into a dining area, all with large windows providing for beautiful views. The Sun Deck offers a shaded outdoor area for all-day dining, a bar, and sun chairs and loungers. The swimming platform at the stern allows for easy access between the ship and sea-related activities. Harmony V complies with Eurosolas safety regulations while its twin stabilizers allow for comfortable cruising.
PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS | USA
Lounge
Thursday, October 15, 2015 Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights. (B)
The geometric architecture patterns of Nisyros
Dining area
deck plan
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
Enrichment program of lectures and discussions by Yale Professor Christina Kraus ■ 10-night cruise aboard Harmony V ■ All tours and excursions ■ Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship ■ All meals aboard ship ■ Wine with dinner aboard ship ■ Comprehensive pre-departure materials ■ Baggage handling and airport transfers abroad on the designated arrival and departure dates ■ Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers ■ Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff ■ Port taxes and charges ■
not included
c r u i s e a n d l a n d r at e s |
per person , double occupancy
category
description
rate
Airfare Visa and passport fees (if applicable) ■ Trip cancellation and baggage insurance ■ Meals and beverages other than those specified above ■ Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.) ■ Gratuities to shipboard personnel
C
Category C cabins are located on the Main Deck and offer one double bed and large windows.
$7,990
B
Category B cabins are located on the Main Deck and offer two twin beds or one double bed, and large windows.
$8,690
A
Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck and offer two twin beds or one double bed, and large windows.
$9,590
air reservations
P
Category P cabins are located on the Upper Deck offering a small sitting area, two twin beds or one double bed, and large windows.
$9,990
■ ■
Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. To make your air reservations, please contact your preferred airline, travel agent, or the Travel Dynamics International air desk toll-free at 1-877-711-9896 Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (EST). Please mention tour code 15401 for reference.
Reader’s Corner
Want to learn more about the Greek Islands? Here are some selections to get you started. Hyperion, Or the Hermit in Greece
by Friedrich Holderlin (FRE542)—Archipelago title An epistolary novel comprised of letters from Hyperion, a Greek hermit, to Bellarmin, his German friend. Hyperion writes richly and lyrically of matters dear to his heart, including nature and beauty, spirituality and philosophy and the quest for freedom and harmony.
Ancient Greece: Art, Architecture, and History
by Marina Belozerskaya (GRE194) This lively illustrated guide covers the architecture, painting and sculpture of Ancient Greece from the third millennium to the end of the Hellenistic period. With 282 color and 28 black-and-white illustrations.
Single occupancy: Single accommodations are limited and are available in Categories B & A at a supplement to the per person, double occupancy rates. Singles rates (per person) are $10,985 in Category B & $12,585 in Category A.
Category B cabin
reserve your space on the undiscovered greek islands today
YALE15401
To reserve today, please register online at www.YaleEdTravel.org/ greece15 or fax this reservation form to Yale Educational Travel at (203) 432-0587. To hold a cabin for one week, pending receipt of your reservation form and deposit, please phone (203) 432-1952.
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p A Photographer’s Dream of New Mexico June 5-12, 2015 Michael Marsland, Yale University Photographer
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August 6-14, 2015 Murray Biggs, Yale University Adjunct Professor of English, Francis Writer in Residence
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Payment Schedule A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposit and final payment. Cancellations & Refunds All cancellations are subject to a $300 per person fee. In addition, cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. No cancellation is valid until received in writing in the office of the Association of Yale Alumni. Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. In the event you must cancel your participation on this program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Please note: Most insurance companies will include pre-existing conditions only if one purchases travel insurance within a short window of time after paying a trip deposit. Yale travelers are free to purchase the insurance of their choice. Itinerary The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and Yale Educational Travel. Responsibility Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International Ltd., Yale University, and the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA), hereafter referred to as “tour’s sponsoring organization”. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel’s owner/operator, which will constitute the
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The Undiscovered Greek Islands Christina Kraus, Thomas A. Thacher Professor, Yale Classics
October 4 – 15, 2015
Cruise Highlights for “The Undiscovered Greek Islands” n
Enjoy lectures by Yale faculty lecturer Christina Kraus.
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ruise the Aegean Sea aboard an elegant, modern small cruise C ship, the 50-guest Harmony V.
ravel to remote Samothraki to visit the remains of the Sanctuary of T the Great Gods.
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n the lush island of Chios visit Nea Moni, a monastery begun in O 1042, famous for its fine mosaics.
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isit a 1,000-year-old monastery on Amorgos, built against a V sheer cliff overlooking the sea.
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ay a special visit to Ikaria, famed for its signature red wine and the P extraordinary longevity of the island’s residents.
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mbark on a truly unusual voyage to the lesser-known islands of E Greece, each with its own character and cultural heritage. Explore the classic Cycladic architecture of the homes on Sifnos and the volcanic landscape of Nisyros.
The Amorgos countryside is dotted with chapels
