How To Visit Turkisand

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1 Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad Turkey: Timeless Treasures MAY 5 17, 2009 With Professor Michael W. Cothren With a four-day extension to Ankara and Cappadocia MAY 17 21, 2009 Library of Celsus, Ephesus

2 Dear Swarthmoreans, We invite you to discover Turkey, an exotic and fabled land fashioned by emperors, sultans, princes and priests. Join Michael W. Cothren, Professor of Art History at Swarthmore, fellow alumni, family and friends from May 5 17 in exploring Turkey s mosaic of East and West, past and future. Be amazed by the incomparable architecture of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires; discover the beauty of Turkey s turquoise shores and stunning landscapes; and delve into its modernity, fashioned by Turkey s unique cultural heritage. Our program includes four days in Istanbul, allowing for ample time to explore its many bazaars, mosques, and palaces. We will enjoy a private cruise on the Bosphorus before traveling south to Bodrum on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, including a day cruise aboard a traditional gulet. We will spend a full day at Ephesus, the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the world. Our journey then takes us to Çanakkale, home of the presumed site of Homer's Troy and the WWI battlefields at Gallipoli. Travelers who join us on the post-program extension will explore the spectacular, otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, once a major center of Christian monasticism and home to elaborately frescoed cave churches, and Ankara, Turkey s modern 21st century capital. Professor Cothren s insights and commentary will give you a thorough appreciation for and understanding of the world of classical Byzantine and Islamic art. Our program is further enhanced when Ottoman expert and Swarthmore graduate Amy Singer 82 joins us from Israel to lecture and lead informal discussions about the empire s legacy. Our accompanying guides will also share their insights on daily life in Turkey, its rich history, its mercantile system and extraordinary culture. I welcome you on this exclusive discovery of Turkey s Timeless Treasures. Sincerely, Lisa Lee 81 Director of Alumni Relations Superior Our programs are classified in three categories: Value, Superior and Luxury STUDY LEADER MICHAEL W. COTHREN Michael W. Cothren is Professor of Art History at Swarthmore. He joined the faculty in 1978 after receiving his B.A. from Vanderbilt University and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. Professor Cothren has taught specialized courses on Medieval, Roman, and Islamic art and architecture, as well as on art historical theory and method; he especially enjoys teaching introductory courses to Swarthmore beginners. His research focuses on French Gothic art and architecture, and his recent book, Picturing the Celestial City: The Medieval Stained Glass of Beauvais Cathedral was published by Princeton Press in He also serves as consultative curator of medieval stained glass at the Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. He looks forward to once again traveling with Swarthmore alumni on this enticing program. ALUMNI GUEST LECTURER Amy Singer 82 majored in Modern History and minored in Ancient Greek and then received her Ph.D. in Ottoman History from Princeton University (1989). Professor Singer teaches Ottoman and Turkish History at Tel Aviv University. Istanbul has become a second home, both as the main location of her research and as one of the world s most incredible cities. Professor Singer now focuses on the study of imperial philanthropy, in particular the Ottoman phenomenon of building large public kitchens around the empire. Her latest book, is entitled Charity in Islamic Societies (Cambridge U.P., 2008). A minimum number of passengers is required for Faculty participation For more information, please call or fax to or alumni_travel@swarthmore.edu A gulet on Turkey's Mediterranean coast

3 Bodrum Ancient ruins of Ephesus The Blue Mosque, Istanbul Cappadocia

4 I T I N E R A RY USA (Tuesday, May 5) Depart from your home city for Istanbul, Turkey. ISTANBUL (Wednesday, May 6) Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel, located near Taksim Square. Tonight, gather for an orientation briefing followed by a welcome dinner. THREE NIGHTS, GRAND OZTANIK HOTEL (D) ISTANBUL (Thursday, May 7) Today, we embark on a full day tour of Old Istanbul. Start with a visit to the Church of Divine Wisdom, better known as Hagia Sophia. Now a museum, it was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century and reigned as the grandest church in Christendom until its conversion into a mosque by Sultan Mehmet II after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople. Our next stop is the Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine civic life for over 1,000 years. We take time to examine the base of the Obelisk of Thutmosis III and visit the nearby church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Continue to the Blue Mosque, its name derived from the 20,000 predominately blue tiles on its interior walls. After lunch, we explore the mysterious Underground Cistern, an important source of water for the city during the Byzantine and Ottoman times. We end the day at the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, which houses spectacular pieces from ancient Babylon, Persia, and Mesopotamia. Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner on your own tonight. (B,L) ISTANBUL (Friday, May 8) We continue our exploration of Istanbul. First, we visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, a beautiful 19th-century palace right by the Bosphorus. Then, we board a private boat for an exciting cruise on the Bosphorus, the historic waterway between Europe and Asia. After lunch at Arsipel Restaurant, we visit the Ortakoy Mosque and the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. Then, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner on your own tonight. (B,L) ISTANBUL BODRUM (Saturday, May 9) This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Bodrum, located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Upon arrival, we visit the Castle of St. Peter, which dates from the time of the Crusades and now houses the Museum of Nautical Archeology. We also visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum. Then, check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure for swimming, sunbathing, or shopping. Tonight, we gather for dinner at the hotel. TWO NIGHTS, KARIA PRINCESS HOTEL (B,D) BODRUM (Sunday, May 10) Today we board a private gulet, a traditional two-masted wooden sailing vessel. We cruise the turquoise waters along the spectacular coastline and visit some of the most beautiful bays for an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water. Lunch is included on board. We also sail to Black Island, famous for its healing hot springs, to bathe in the warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks. We return to Bodrum and enjoy dinner together tonight. (B,L,D) BODRUM APHRODISIAS KUSADASI (Monday, May 11) This morning, we visit the ancient city of Aphrodisias, famous in antiquity for its high quality sculpture and its white marble. We also visit a local museum that displays artifacts found in the city. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Kusadasi and check into our seaside hotel. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together. TWO NIGHTS, KISMET HOTEL (B,L,D) EPHESUS (Tuesday, May 12) Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion to Ephesus, touted as the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the world, dating back to 1000 B.C. Once a highly developed society of over 500,000 citizens, the protector of Ephesus marble-lined streets was the goddess Artemis. While only a few traces of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, remain today, the spectacular ruins of the Celsus Library and the cavernous Grand Theatre, still used today, are in remarkable shape. Our tour also includes visits to other highlights such as the Odeon, the Temple of Domitian, two agoras, and the Roman villas with their elaborate wall paintings and mosaic-decorated floors. After lunch, we visit the house of the Virgin Mary on top of Nightingale Hill and explore the Museum of Ephesus. We end our tour with a visit to the Basilica of St. John, where he was buried. Return to Kusadasi in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner tonight. (B,L,D) KUSADASI PERGAMUM ASSOS (Wednesday, May 13) After breakfast, we drive north to Pergamum and visit the ancient acropolis, with the temples of Athena and Trajan, the Altar of Zeus, and the steepest theater in the world. After lunch, we explore the most important healing center in Asia Minor, dedicated to the God of healing, Asklepios, where Galen practiced and taught medicine. We continue to Assos for dinner and overnight at our hotel. EDEN GARDEN HOTEL (B,L,D)

5 ASSOS TROY CANAKKALE (Thursday, May 14) This morning, we visit the Temple of Athena in Assos, an ancient port and center of Platonic learning with views of the island of Lesbos. After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive to the city of Troy, the legendary gold filled city state described in Homer s lliad. In the late afternoon, we drive to Canakkale and tonight we enjoy dinner at the hotel. KOLIN HOTEL (B,L,D) CANAKKALE GALLIPOLI ISTANBUL (Friday, May 15) We will cross the Dardanelles by ferry to the peninsula of Gallipoli, where in World War I British Empire and French troops fought the Ottomans in their effort to capture Constantinople. Our tour includes Anzac Cove, the British, New Zealander, and Australian cemeteries, and the war museum. After lunch, we continue to Istanbul. The evening is at your leisure. TWO NIGHTS, GRAND OZTANIK HOTEL (B,L) ISTANBUL (Saturday, May 16) On our final day of sightseeing, we visit the Mosque and complex of Suleiman the Magnificent, perhaps the most prominent example of Ottoman architecture. We also explore the Chora Museum, housed in an 11th-century church with Byzantine mosaics and frescoes considered to be among the world's most important. After lunch, we visit Hagia Irene (pending special permission) and Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for three centuries. Finally, we explore the Grand Covered Bazaar and its dizzying array of items, from furniture and carpets to jewelry and clothing, in the bazaar's 4,000 shops. Return to the hotel and enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D) ISTANBUL USA (Sunday, May 17) This morning, transfer to the Istanbul airport for flights back home or join the post-trip extension to Ankara and Cappadocia. (B) POST-TRIP EXTENSION ISTANBUL ANKARA (Sunday, May 17) This morning, transfer to the Istanbul airport for the flight to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Our visit of Ankara includes the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. After lunch, we visit the Mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey, Ataturk. Tonight, we dine together in a local restaurant. IC KALE HOTEL (B,L,D) ANKARA CAPPADOCIA (Monday, May 18) After breakfast in our hotel, we drive south to Cappadocia, the land of fairy-chimneys, via the Salt Lake. We start our tour from Goreme, a former monastic complex where we see early Christian chapels and churches that were carved from the soft stone and covered with impressing frescoes. Continue to Pigeon's Valley and the Castle of Uchisar, a natural rock citadel with spectacular views over the entire region of Cappadocia. TWO NIGHTS, LYKIA LODGE HOTEL (B,L,D) CAPPADOCIA (Tuesday, May 19) This morning, we visit the underground city of Kaymakli. This city was used in times of danger by the local population as a hiding place when invading armies were passing through. Continue to the Valley of Dervent and Pasabagi to see its sculpture-like rock formations, before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, one of the earliest monastic settlements in the area. Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner together tonight. (B,L,D) CAPPADOCIA ISTANBUL (Wednesday, May 20) Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy a final afternoon and evening at leisure. GRAND OZTANIK HOTEL (B) ISTANBUL USA (Thursday, May 21) This morning, transfer to the Istanbul airport for flights back home. (B) Gallipoli Canakkale Troy Pergamum Ephesus Kusadasi Bodrum Cappadocia

6 INCLUDED FEATURES Ongoing lectures and field commentary by Michael W. Cothren, Professor of Art History at Swarthmore. Tel Aviv University Professor Amy Singer 82 lecturer in Istanbul. Eleven nights accommodations at charming and well-located hotels (Four nights on the extension) Breakfast daily, nine lunches and eight dinners, including festive welcome and farewell dinners (Breakfast daily, three lunches and three dinners on the extension) Airfare from Istanbul to Bodrum. (Airfare from Istanbul to Ankara and from Cappadocia to Istanbul on the extension) All sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, including entrance fees and gratuities to drivers and guides A Siemer & Hand tour manager plus an English-speaking local guide throughout the trip All transfers (including to/from the airport) with luggage handling while in Turkey for those passengers traveling on the program dates Pre-trip assistance, including suggested reading list and pre-departure information PROGRAM RATE......$4,395 Per person based on double occupancy SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:......$795 Subject to availability EXTENSION PROGRAM COST $1,795 Per person based on double occupancy SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:......$395 Subject to availability PROGRAM RATE EXCLUDES: International airfare, airport and departure taxes; airport /hotel transfers for those not traveling on the program dates; meals and beverages other than those specified as included; charges for items of a personal nature including laundry, beverages and excess baggage charges; baggage and trip cancellation insurance; independent travel arrangements; immunizations; and passport/visa fees. HEALTH: All participants must be in good health. This program is active and involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. All locations may not be handicapped accessible. Any condition that may require special medical attention or other accommodation must be reported at the time of your reservation. TOUR SIZE: The program cost is based on a minimum of 30 participants. We cannot guarantee the size of the Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad group. We reserve the right to substitute or cancel lecturers. DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT: Reservations will be accepted in order of receipt if accompanied by a completed reservation form and a deposit of $500 per person. Deposits can be made by check or be paid by credit card. Final payment, payable by check only, is due by March 5, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Refunds, less a cancellation fee of $350 per person, will be made if Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad is notified on or before March 5, No refunds are granted after that date. All cancellations must be in writing. TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend for your protection that all participants purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, baggage, accident and medical insurance for their program. Further information will be sent upon registration. RESPONSIBILITY: A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of Siemer & Hand Travel, Inc., and Swarthmore College and its agent Travel Study Services LLC for loss of property, injury, illness or death will be provided to passengers upon enrollment and is available to prospective travelers upon request. SIEMER & HAND TRAVEL, INC.: Seller of fine travel programs since CST

7 RESERVATION FORM For more information, please call or Please make check payable to Siemer & Hand Travel and mail to: Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad 245 Mill St, 2nd Floor Greenwich, CT If paying by credit card please fax to: (203) Enclosed is my deposit for $ ($500 per person) to hold place(s) on Turkey s Timeless Treasures. Or, charge my deposit to: MasterCard Visa Diners Club American Express Discover Card Number Expiration Signature as it appears on credit card Name Class Year Name Class Year Address City/State/ZIP Telephone: Home Business I/We would like to participate in the optional extension to Ankara and Cappadocia ACCOMMODATIONS I desire single accommodations for the main program, if available, and will pay the single supplement of $795 (subject to availability). I desire single accommodations on the optional extension, if available, and will pay the single supplement of $395 (subject to availability). I will share accommodations with: I prefer to share with a: smoker non-smoker (shares cannot be guaranteed) I/We have read the General Information and understand and agree to the terms and conditions stated herein: Signature Date Signature Date SWATUR09

8 Spice Bazaar, Istanbul Frescoes, Goreme Rock dwellings, Cappadocia Grand Bazaar, Istanbul HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY: TIMELESS TREASURES Travel with Swarthmore Faculty Lecturer Michael W. Cothren Spend four days in Istanbul, including lunch in the gardens of Topkapi Palace, tours of the famous Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, and a private boat cruise on the Bosphorus See Ephesus, the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the world On a post-trip extension, see Ankara, the capital, and explore Cappadocia, a spectacular surrealist landscape of smooth rock cones, towering pinnacles, rock-cut churches and underground cities For more information, please call or fax to or alumni_travel@swarthmore.edu Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad 245 Mill St, 2nd Floor Greenwich, CT PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 90 Santa Clara, CA