How To Visit The Ancient City Of Istanbul

Transcription

1 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT S AILING THE B LACK S EA Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager September 24 to October 7, 2015

2 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Black Sea, that busy crossroad that has linked Europe and Asia for millennia, is steeped in history and legend. Join us next fall, when summer s heat and crowds are gone, on an enchanting cruise to discover the cultural riches and lesser-visited shores of this inland basin. We are delighted to be accompanied by Dr. Elizabeth J. Milleker, Senior Research Fellow and recently retired curator in the Department of Greek & Roman Art. TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS The cultural treasures of Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia and the exquisite Rustem Pasha Mosque The painted churches of Romania, world-renowned masterpieces of Byzantine art A visit to the 9th-century Bulgarian capital of Veliki Preslav, to see the medieval Round Church A morning excursion by small craft into the Danube Delta, home to over 300 species of birds Amasya, Turkey, with its picturesque Ottoman houses and ancient kings tombs carved into cliffs The seaside resort of Batumi, Georgia, or an excursion to the monastery and cathedral of Kutaisi For those wishing to spend more time in Turkey, an optional three-night postlude in Cappadocia is offered. We hope to welcome you aboard this delightful autumn voyage, in the congenial company of members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Sincerely, TRAVELING WITH YOU Dr. Elizabeth Milleker joined the Greek and Roman Department at the Metropolitan Museum in 1986 and worked as a curator there until her retirement in She is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Museum and pursues her own work on marble sculpture from Corinth, Greece. After graduating from Radcliffe College, Dr. Milleker studied at the École du Louvre and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. On her return to New York she founded and ran an art school, then continued her studies at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, where she earned her doctorate. Dr. Milleker was closely involved in the reinstallation of the Greek and Roman galleries at the Metropolitan Museum. She has traveled widely, and has been a lecturer on numerous Met trips to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Suceava ROMANIA Constanta BULGARIA Varna Nessebar MOLDOVA Istanbul Emily K. Rafferty President TURKEY UKRAINE Crimea Black Sea Samsun Amasya Trabzon RUSSIA Sochi GEORGIA Batumi

3 S AILING THE B LACK S EA Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager September 24 to October 7, 2015 TRABZON, TURKEY Monday, September 28 Step ashore in Trabzon, long an important trading port on the Black Sea. Drive to the Sümela Monastery, built in the 4th century on the side of a steep mountain. In the afternoon, visit the villa where Kemal Ataturk stayed, now dedicated to him. The city s late-byzantine Hagia Sophia, converted from a church to a mosque, houses examples of vibrant frescoes and Islamic reliefs. BATUMI, GEORGIA Tuesday, September 29 Fresco in Sümela Monastery near Trabzon NEW YORK Thursday, September 24 Depart New York on an overnight flight to Istanbul. ISTANBUL, TURKEY Friday, September 25 Arrive in Istanbul this morning. Following lunch, see the impressive 6th-century basilica of Hagia Sophia before continuing to the pier to board Variety Voyager. Enjoy a champagne toast on deck as we cruise the Bosphorus, past historic palaces and colorful yalis (villas), and under two bridges that link Europe and Asia. Tonight we enter the Black Sea. AT SEA Saturday, September 26 During a day at sea, relax on deck, enjoy the amenities of our ship, and attend lectures about upcoming visits. SAMSUN, TURKEY Sunday, September 27 From Samsun, drive to the charming city of Amasya, situated in a deep river gorge. The capital of the kings of Pontus from 333 to 26 B.C., Amasya was later part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Explore the 15thcentury mosque and the archaeological museum, and admire the traditional Ottoman houses along the river. You may wish to climb the steps to see the Pontus royal tombs carved into the rock cliffs before lunch. With its lovely tree-lined thoroughfares and mild weather, Batumi is a popular seaside destination with an air of finde-siècle elegance. Stroll through the peaceful Botanical Gardens and see works by Georgian artists at the Adjara Arts Museum. After lunch, discover the city s fanciful architecture on a walking tour. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to Kutaisi, the country s second city, to visit the 12th-century Gelati Monastery and Academy, still housing mosaics and wall paintings from the period. Continue to the 11thcentury Bagrati Cathedral, which has recently undergone a controversial renovation. After lunch, admire the collections of the State Historical Museum before returning to Variety Voyager. Dinner this evening features Georgian wines. SOCHI, RUSSIA Wednesday, September 30 Arrive today in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics. See Stalin s fascinating summer villa painted green for camouflage and visit the impressive Olympic facilities in nearby Adler. This afternoon sample local teas and snacks at a charming chalet in the hills, or drive into the Caucasus Mountains to the ski resort of Krasnaya Polyana, popular in summer for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. With extensive areas of forests, the Western Caucasus has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. AT SEA Thursday, October 1 As Variety Voyager crosses the Black Sea to Romania, you may wish to visit the captain on the bridge or relax with a good book. Attend lectures in preparation for our visits on the western coast. S AILING THE B LACK S EA

4 NESSEBAR, BULGARIA Monday, October 5 Step ashore in Nessebar, whose Byzantine ruins and picturesque fishermen s houses have long attracted artists and poets. Admire the richly decorated churches on a guided walking tour and enjoy free time in town. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sail to Istanbul. Costel Slincu Voronets Monastery, Romania CONSTANTA, ROMANIA Friday, October 2 Arrive in Constanta and fly by chartered plane to Suceava. Drive through the bucolic Romanian countryside, passing horse-drawn carts and farmers, to Humor Monastery. Built in 1530, the church is the first in this region painted by refugee Byzantine artists, illustrated with biblical scenes and a depiction of the fall of Constantinople. At the Church of Moldovita, from 1532, view the vibrant blues and reds, and the fascinating exterior paintings. Following lunch, see Voronets Monastery, where the captivating blue hue of the frescoes has become famous as the blue of Voronets. Return by chartered plane to Constanta and the awaiting Variety Voyager. Dinner is on board. CONSTANTA Saturday, October 3 A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Danube Delta area is home to rare birds and wildlife, including Europe s largest pelican colony. On a morning excursion into the delta region by small craft, discover the unique flora and fauna. After lunch, see the remains of a Roman floor mosaic dating from the 4th century and tour Constanta s National History and Archaeology Museum, with its collection of Greek, Romanian, Byzantine, and medieval objects. VARNA, BULGARIA Sunday, October 4 Drive to Veliki Preslav, capital of the Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century, to visit the ruins of the medieval Round Church. Also known as the Golden Church, its interiors were decorated with mosaics, ceramics, and marble. We will also stop at the Archaeological Museum housing gold, silver, and bronze jewelry from the era, some of which appeared in the Met s Glory of Byzantium exhibit in Following lunch, see the ruins of the royal palace at Pliska before returning to Variety Voyager. Those who wish to remain in Varna today will tour the impressive Archaeological Museum and sample local wines before a free afternoon. Rustem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul ISTANBUL Tuesday, October 6 Today explore the magnificent city of Istanbul, including the Great Palace Mosaic Museum and Rustem Pasha, one of the most exquisite Ottoman mosques by the 16thcentury architect Sinan. The afternoon is free, perhaps to visit the Spice Market or the new Istanbul Modern. An optional visit to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts will be offered (pending reopening). Gather this evening for the captain s farewell reception and dinner. ISTANBUL NEW YORK Wednesday, October 7 Disembark Variety Voyager this morning and transfer to the airport for the return flights home. Or continue on the optional postlude to Cappadocia. Gloria De Luca R OUND-T RIP I STANBUL A BOARD VARIE T Y V O Y A GER

5 HORIZONS DECK DINING ROOM RIVIERA DECK DECK PLAN V ARIE T Y VO Y A GER Christened in 2012, the luxury M.Y. Variety Voyager is built according to 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 glass-enclosed dining room features panoramic views and an al fresco option, while the spa and gym offer massage, fitness equipment, and a sauna. All cabins have DVD players, flatscreen televisions, and bathrooms with marble finishing. Variety Voyager does not have an elevator. RECEPTION MAIN LOUNGE BAR MARINA DECK SPA & GYM LIBRARY CRUISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy) Cabins Decks Rates Cabins 108 to 113 Marina Deck $9,995 Cabins 101 to 107 Marina Deck $10,995 Cabins 212 to 215 Riviera Deck $11,495 Cabins 201 to 211 Riviera Deck $12,995 Cabins 301 to 306 & 308 Horizons Deck $14,995 Master Cabin 307 Horizons Deck $16,995 Owner s Suite, double bed Single cabin rates will be calculated at a supplement ranging from 30 to 100 percent of the cruise rate. R ATES INCLUDE Twelve nights cabin accommodations aboard Variety Voyager All meals on the cruise, complimentary wine with lunch and dinner Sightseeing via private motorcoach and chartered flight, with local English-speaking guides, as per itinerary Entrance fees for all included visits Lecture series Airport / pier / airport group transfers Taxes, service and porterage charges; port charges; gratuities aboard and ashore NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare, passport and visa fees; transfers for those not on suggested group flights; alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; personal expenses; trip insurance; optional postlude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Sailing the Black Sea September 24 to October 7, 2015 RESERVATION APPLICATION To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY Names in Full as on Passports. Please Print. OPTIONAL POSTLUDE IN CAPPADOCIA I/We wish to join the optional postlude in Cappadocia ($1,860 per person; single supplement $525). Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single FORM OF PAYMENT Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Credit card (may be used for deposit only) Name on Credit Card Address Credit Card Number City State Zip Telephone (Home) (Business) 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Expiration Date I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program. I/We agree to full payment by check 150 days prior to departure. Each participant must sign below. Fax ACCOMMODATIONS Stateroom Preference (1) (2) I wish to share a cabin with Signature (Required) Signature (Required) Date Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: met@arrangementsabroad.com

6 T ERMS & C ONDITIONS Balloons over Cappadocia OPTIONAL CAPPADOCIA POSTLUDE October 7 to 10, 2015 Spend three nights in Cappadocia s moonlike landscape of fairy chimneys and troglodyte villages. Once part of the Hittite Empire, the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Marvel at the painted cave churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit a beautifully restored ancient caravanserai to witness a whirling dervish ceremony, inspired by the 13th-century mystical Sufi poet Rumi, and enjoy a bird s-eye view of Cappadocia s unique topography on an optional hot-air balloon ride. Accommodations are at the Argos in Cappadocia Hotel, built on the site of an ancient monastery. OPTIONAL CAPPADOCIA POSTLUDE $1,860 per person. $525 single supplement. Includes three nights at the Argos in Cappadocia Hotel, three lunches, and one dinner. Internal flights Istanbul / Cappadocia / Istanbul. 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 group flights, or your own 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 150 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces and 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. PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs or, in some cases, videotapes of participants of Travel With the Met trips may be used for educational and promotional purposes by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select an alternative insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) 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 The Met 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, the Met 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 the Met 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 the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. The Met 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 the Met 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 AAA 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; the Met shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 150 and 121 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 90 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 the Met 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 the Met, 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 2015 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST Cave dwellings of Cappadocia Front cover: Saint George. Medallion. Gold, silver and cloisonné enamel. Byzantine, Constantinople. Late 11th to early 12th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 ( ).