Monuments of Cultures & Faiths
A Voyage to Sacred Sites in Greece, Turkey, Israel & Egypt
July 11–21, 2010
Faculty: Daniel Ehnbom, Professor of Art History
Price: Early booking rates from $6,795 as well as special family & young adult rates.
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Registration is Open |
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Overview
Three of the world's great religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—were born along the shores of the Mediterranean. Over the centuries each developed its own traditions and cultures, yet all drew upon the legacy of the great civilizations that came before them. We invite you to join us during the sunny days of a Mediterranean summer as the Corinthian II transports you to fascinating destinations exploring landmark sites of the civilizations and faiths that arose in the eastern Mediterranean.
We've selected some of the most exciting, evocative ports of call in the Mediterranean for this voyage. In Athens we will explore some of the greatest monuments created by the ancient Greeks such as the Acropolis and its famed temples, but will also have the opportunity to see the remnants left behind by other cultures. In Ephesus, we will marvel at the glorious architecture of its Greco-Roman landmarks and visit monuments from the Byzantine period. On Rhodes, a walk through the old town is like stepping back to the era of the Crusades when Greeks, Latins, Jews and Muslims lived in the same walled city. In Israel, we will spend a full day in Jerusalem, exploring sites that are sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives and the Cave of Gethsemine. Next, we visit the fabled Spinx and Pyramids in Giza outside of Cairo. And finally, the island of Crete will transport us back to the age of myth. The vast ruins of Knossos, the setting for the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, are the largest and most imposing Minoan site on the island. Long afterwards, this glorious island, the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, was held by the Venetians for over 400 years and later by the Turks.
Experience for yourself how intimately art and history, culture, and faith are linked in the lands that border the Mediterranean on Monuments of Cultures and Faiths.
Program Highlights
- Explore some of the world's greatest monuments in Athens such as the Acropolis with its famed temples, as well as its lesser-known monuments such as Roman buildings and Byzantine churches;
- Visit the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most imposing Minoan site on the island, and explore the remnants of the diverse cultures that flourished in Crete;
- Special education sessions for young learners;
- Visit Jerusalem wnd see sights such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Stations of the Cross; the Mount of Olives; and the Dead Sea Scrolls;
- In Egypt, see the famed Sphinx and Pyramids, still among the wonders of the world;
- Enjoy outstanding cuisine, open bar throughout the cruise and friendly, efficient and unobtrusive service;
- Much, much more.
Accommodations
The deluxe Corinthian II offers a classic yacht-like atmosphere and fine accommodations for 114 guests. Originally built in 1992, Corinthian II was refurbished and redecorated in 2005 to create an ambience of elegance and easy conviviality. The 75 experienced officers and crew ensure an atmosphere akin to a private club for the length of each voyage. Corinthian II accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and featuring a sitting area, generous storage space, air conditioning, mini-refrigerator, safe, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, marble-appointed bathroom and other amenities. All of the cabins are suites that face outside, providing views of the sea and landscape. Several suites include private balconies accessed via sliding-glass doors. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a library with Internet access, an elegant lounge and The Club, an inviting space for relaxation, with musical arrangements by the ship's pianist and picture windows for panoramic views. Superb international cuisine by European chefs is served either in the stately restaurant or al fresco on the wide sun deck, which is specially equipped for outdoor dining. The ship also includes an exercise area, beauty salon, elevator serving all passenger decks and a sun deck with Jacuzzi.
Meals
All meals aboard ship including nine breakfasts, eight lunches, nine dinners.
Includes Open Bar throughout the cruise. Includes house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
^ back to topFaculty
Dan Ehnbom is a professor of Art History in the McIntire Department of Art at U.Va. Dan teaches undergraduate survey lecture courses on art history, and both undergraduate and graduate courses in specialized topics. Prof. Ehnbom is the author of Indian Miniatures: The Ehrenfeld Collection (1985), articles on painting and architecture, and contributions to various exhibition catalogues. Dan has been a consultant for many institutions, including the National Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was a project co-director for The National Endowment for the Humanities. He received his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Dan is also leading the very popular Cavalier Travels trip to Egypt in October.
^ back to topItinerary
Day 1 - Sunday, July 11
Depart USA
Depart the United States for Athens, Greece.
Day 2 - Monday, July 12
Athens
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the Hotel King George, one of the city's finest hotels, overlooking Constitution Square, Athens's center. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail reception held at the hotel's roof garden, which provides superb views of the Acropolis and the city.
Day 3 - Tuesday, July 13
Athens / Piraeus / Embark
During its long history starting in deep antiquity, Athens has hosted many cultures that have left their mark on the city. The cradle of Greek classical civilization, Athens continued to be an important center of culture and learning during the Roman period and the early Byzantine era. Following the invasions of the Knights (1205), Catalans (1311), Normans of Sicily (1312) and Florentine adventurers (1388), Athens was captured in 1456 by Ottoman Turks, who held it for the next 377 years. During our stay, we will offer a choice of excursions that will explore the city's major landmarks, such as the Acropolis with its famed temples, as well as its lesser known monuments such as Roman buildings and Byzantine churches. Late in the afternoon, we will board Corinthian II in Piraeus and set sail.
Day 4 - Wednesday, July 14
Kusadasi / Ephesus or Priene
Arrive in Kusadasi for an excursion to the great city of Ephesus, first renowned in the 2nd millennium B.C. as the center of worship for the great mother-goddess, Cybele, later identified as Artemis, or Diana. Ephesus then became a center of Anatolian Christianity, addressed by Paul in one of his epistles and by John in the Book of Revelation. A large site with considerable excavation work still in progress, the remains of Ephesus reflect Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Visit the theater where Ephesians rioted against Paul; the Library of Celsus, with its imposing façade; and other monuments. Alternatively, you may explore the evocative remains of ancient Priene, founded in the 4th century B.C. on a series of terraces.
Day 5 - Thursday, July 15
Rhodes / Lindos
Rhodes's strategic position has attracted settlers and invaders since the earliest times. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods (323 B.C.–330 A.D.), Rhodes was renowned for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric and the arts. The Colossus, a huge bronze statue dedicated to the Sun God and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood here. The island was captured in 1309 by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who held it until 1522 when it was taken over by the Ottoman Turks, whose rule lasted for the next 400 years. St. Paul stopped in Rhodes in A.D. 50. Explore the Old Town, which is dominated by the Knights' Palace of the Grand Masters, and visit monuments that attest to the island's domination by various powers. Also, travel to the picturesque village of Lindos to visit its superb Acropolis.
Day 6 - Friday, July 16
At Sea.
Today, we will enjoy talks and interactive lectures with our faculty.
Day 7 - Saturday, July 17
Ashod and Jerusalem, Israel
From Israel’s port of Ashdod, take a full-day excursion to Jerusalem,
one of the Near East’s oldest cities, and a place sacred to Jews,
Christians, and Muslims. Visit the holy city’s principal monuments,
including the Western Wall; the remnant of the Second
Temple; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Stations of the
Cross, and the Israel Museum to see the shrine of the Book, which
houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Also visit the Mount of Olives, including
the Garden and Cave of Gethsemane where Christ prayed
before his arrest and visit the Mosque of the Ascension.
Day 8 - Sunday, July 18
Port Said | Cairo | Giza, Egypt
This morning, Corinthian II enters Port Said, located at the entrance
to the Suez Canal. From here, travel to Cairo and Giza for a
full-day excursion. Known as Memphis in ancient times, Cairo has
been Egypt’s most important city since 3100 B.C. Today the city
is meeting the challenges of providing for its enormous population
and preserving its magnificent array of historical and cultural sites.
Visit the renowned Egyptian Museum, a repository of the finest
antiquities, including finds from the tomb of Tutankhamun. In
Giza, see the famed Sphinx and Pyramids, still among the wonders
of the world. Also visit the Solar Boat Museum and for those who
wish, enjoy time at leisure for a camel ride.
Day 9 - Monday, July 19
At Sea
Day 10 - Tuesday, July 20
Heraklion / Knossos
Arrive in Crete, home of the Minoans, Europe's earliest advanced civilization. An important island throughout history, Crete was the prized possession of Byzantium for more than 700 years, Venice from 1204–1669 and the Ottoman Turks from 1669–1898. From Heraklion, visit the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most imposing Minoan site on the island, and explore the remnants of the diverse cultures that flourished in Crete.
Day 11 - Wednesday, July 21
Piraeus / Disembark / Athens / USA
Dock in Piraeus and transfer to the Athens airport for the return flight to the U.S.
Program Fees
Land/cruise rates based on cabin choice. Rates are per person, double occupancy, not including air.
Category E – $6,795
Category D – $7,795
Category C – $8,795
Category B – $9,795
Category A – $10,795
Category AA – $11,795
Category VS – $12,795
Category PHS – $13,795
Per child/young adult (ages 7-22) rates as low as $2,595 when sharing with two adults. Two children/young adults sharing together as low as $5,495 per person.
A limited number of single rooms are available.
There is no single supplement required (categories A through D only).
Price includes:
- 1-night stay at the Hotel King George in Athens
- 8-night cruise 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 cruise
- Complete program of tours and excursions
- Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
- Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
- Complete pre-departure materials
- Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
- Port and embarkation taxes
- Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
Does not include: Airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage, cancellation and accident insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel.
^ back to topHow To Register
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 90 days prior to departure. Final payment is due on April 12, 2010.
Deposits can be made via MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express or check.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
^ back to topGeneral Terms & Conditions
Payment Schedule: A deposit of $1,000 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 deposits and final payment.
Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. 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. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable.
Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. You may enroll with Travel Dynamics International's insurance carrier, Travelex, or you may obtain coverage through a company of your choice.
Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International.
Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International and the 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 sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics International and the tour's sponsoring organization act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger's safety and satisfaction, but we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in effecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger's behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour's itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person's health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger's risk entirely, and we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be effected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in the City of New York, pursuant to applicable New York law.
Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change.
Ship's Registry: Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDI