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S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y a program of the stanford alumni association Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean VOYAGE FROM CAIRO TO ATHENS October 4 to 19, 2011

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Page 1: Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean · PDF fileAncient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean ... just as the ancients did. ... the great Temple of Baal,

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

a program of the stanford a lumni assoc iat ion

Ancient Cities of the Eastern MediterraneanV O Y A G E F R O M C A I R O T O A T H E N S

October 4 to 19, 2011

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The Byzantine and Roman empires spanned over 2,000 years and controlled an area that encompasses 50 modern-day countries. They were ruled by nearly 250 emperors, and hundreds of generals commanded thousands of troops in battles for control of land. Evidence of these empires can be found throughout the Mediterranean region in the form of exceptionally well-preserved ruins and antiquities. Here, history seeps into daily life giving one a means to contrast ancient versus modern in a relevant and tangible way. Whether your passion is history, art, religion or culture, the Eastern Mediterranean is filled with the promise of fueling those passions. Because the region is so vast, there’s no better way to explore it than by ship – just as the ancients did. Join us on this incredible journey.

BRE T T S. THOMPSON, ’83, D IRECTOR, STANFORD TR AVEL /STUDY

HighlightsM A R V E L at the antiquities in Cairo, from The Great Pyra-mids to exquisite treasures displayed in the Egyptian Museum.

V E N T U R E to the ancient city of Petra and view its famous Treasury.

V I S I T Syria and spend the day either exploring Palmyra or visiting Krak des Chevaliers.

D I S C O V E R the charming island of Rhodes and stroll through its medieval walled Old Town.

THE ACROPOLIS

KOURRON, CYPRUS

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TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 & 5DEPART U.S. / CAIRO, EGYPTFly from the U.S. on overnight flights to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. HOTEL FOUR SEASONS CAIRO FIRST RESIDENCE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6CAIRO / SUEZ / EMBARKKnown as Memphis in ancient times, Cairo has been Egypt’s most important city since 3100 BC Today the city is meeting the challenge of providing for its enormous population while 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. This afternoon, embark our ship in Suez. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7AT SEA / AQABA, JORDANSpend the morning at sea; in the afternoon we dock in Aqaba. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8AQABA / PETRA / AQABAFrom Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport, spend a full day

exploring the wonders of Petra, the fabled, ancient, rose-red city. Stories of Petra’s beauty, history and immense wealth have spanned the centuries. Spectacularly carved into reddish sandstone cliffs and hills nearly 3,000 years ago, it has witnessed the flourishing trade routes of the Nabataeans, the Roman Empire, the Crusades and modern-day Bedouins. One of the most fascinating ancient sites in the Middle East, Petra was unknown to the outside world for almost 1,000 years until it was rediscovered in 1812; its excavations reveal two miles of truly monumental architecture. Follow the Siq, a narrow gorge, into the city to explore the famous Treasury, the grandiose tombs, the Roman-style theater and other landmarks, most dating from the 1st century BC CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9SHARM EL SHEIKH / ST. CATHERINE’S MONASTERYThis morning we dock at the town of Sharm El Sheikh, located on a beautiful natural harbor, for an excursion to St. Catherine’s Monastery. Built by the Emperor Justinian in 537 near the site where Moses is said to have seen the Burning Bush and received

the Ten Commandments, St. Catherine’s Monastery is a treasure trove of Byzantine art: the mosaic of the Transfiguration in the basilica is equal to anything seen in Ravenna; the monastery’s collection of pre-Iconoclast icons is unrivaled; and the library possesses a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10SUEZ CANAL, EGYPT Today is spent transiting the 120-mile-long Suez Canal, once named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11LIMASSOL, CYPRUS / KOURIONCyprus’ position as a steppingstone between the East and West has left an unusually rich legacy of the many civilizations that flourished on the island. Visit the ancient city of Kourion, set upon a dramatic cliff. View the mosaics depicting Achilles and gladiators near the Paphos Gate, and continue on to the ruined 5th-century basilica and its adjoining baptistery and the restored Sanctuary of Apollo. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12TARTUS, SYRIA / PALMYRA OR KRAK DES CHEVALIERSKnown as Tortosa by the Crusaders, Tartus was an important port town for the Knights Templar. Travel to fabled Palmyra at the edge of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. This desert oasis was a vital link on the historic Silk Route from China to Europe and a buffer between the Persian and Roman empires. The excavations of the 2nd-century AD city are vast and fascinating. See the great Temple of Baal, the 300-column colonnade flanking the main street, the beautiful theater-façade and the museum. Alternatively, drive to Krak des Chevaliers, the world’s best-preserved and most magnificent Crusader castle, which stands in its commanding site, essentially unchanged from the 12th century. Two mighty rings of fortifications defended the castle, which could support a garrison of 2,000 men. Explore this incredible landmark, and after lunch, view the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, originally built in the 6th century. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

Itinerary

Side

Sharm el Sheikh

St. Catherine’s Monastery

Petra

Aqaba

Aleppo

Cairo

IskenderunAntioch

KourionTartus

Lindos

PergeAntalya

HeraklionCRETE Knossos

Athens

E G Y P T

T U R K E Y

S Y R I A

J O R DAN

I S R A E L

CYPRUS

G R E E C E

Krak des ChevaliersLimassol

L IBYASAUDIARABIA

M e d i t e r r a n e a n S e a

RHODES

Suez Canal

Red Sea

Ugarit

IBU TULUN MOSQUE, CAIRO

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13LATAKIA / QALA’AT SALADIN AND UGARIT OR ALEPPO Visit Latakia, originally a Phoenician trading port, for an excursion to Qala’at Saladin (Saladin’s Castle), a Crusader castle built on a spectacular gorge-surrounded site originally occupied by the Phoenicians. This afternoon, explore Ugarit, now known as Ras Shamra. Once the most important and prosperous city in the Mediterranean, Ugarit was also a center of learning responsible for the Ugaritic alphabet, an early 28-letter script that influenced both the Phoenician and the Hebrew alphabets. The site offers some of the best Bronze Age relics in the Middle East, including the ruins of a 14th-century BC palace and the Temple of Baal, as well as an elaborate system of Bronze Age waterworks. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to Aleppo, a city whose settlement history reaches back to the 4th-century BC Its Citadel, which dates to the middle of the 3rd-century BC, sits upon a hill, towering over the city center, and was once a bastion against foreign invasion. See its Great Mosque and Halwiye Madrasa, founded in 1124 on the site of the Cathedral of St. Helena, mother

of the Emperor Constantine who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 326 AD CORINTHIAN

II (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14ISKENDERUN, TURKEY / ANTIOCHDrive from Iskenderun to modern Antakya, or ancient Antioch. Founded in the 4th century BC by Seleucus I – a general under Alexander the Great and one of his successors, Antioch was destined to rival Alexandria during the Hellenistic period, and later, be a powerful seat of Christianity. Saint Paul climbed a 3,000-foot-high plateau here to preach in the city where art and culture flourished. Our visit to the ancient site includes the magnificent collection of Roman mosaics in the Archaeological Museum and the Grotto of Saint Peter, which is cut out of a hillside. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15ANTALYA / PERGE / ASPENDOSFrom Antalya, travel to two of Turkey’s most famous ancient sites. Perge’s Hellenistic ruins include its great stadium; colonnaded, marble main street; and theater. At Aspendos, tour the 20,000-seat theater commissioned by Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd

century AD CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16RHODES, GREECE / LINDOSThe historic island of Rhodes was known in antiquity for its schools of philosophy, rhetoric and sculpture. Explore Old Town, one of the largest medieval towns in Europe. Walk along the Street of the Knights, overflowing with mosaics, finely carved portals, balconies and coats of arms. Then visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Knights’ Great Hospital. Also travel to picturesque Lindos. Set high above the village are the remains of the Acropolis and the Doric columns of Athena’s Temple, among other structures, with spectacular views of the Aegean. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17HERAKLION, CRETE / PHAESTOS AND GORTYN /KNOSSOSCrete, Zeus’ legendary birthplace, was home to the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. In the morning take the opportunity to visit the sites of Phaestos and Gortyn. Alternatively, spend time at leisure in

Heraklion, Crete’s capital and largest city. After lunch, visit the excavations at Knossos, where the brilliance and refinement of the Minoans are revealed. The largest palace of the period on Crete, Knossos is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers decorated with frescoes illustrating life as it was 4,000 years ago. Continue to the Heraklion Museum’s temporary exhibit. CORINTHIAN II (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18PIRAEUS / ATHENS / DISEMBARKThe birthplace of Western culture, Athens boasts a plethora of historic monuments. In the morning, tour the Acropolis, including the Erechtheion and the majestic Parthenon. After lunch at a taverna, continue to the stunning new Acropolis Museum. KING GEORGE II HOTEL.

(B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19ATHENS | U.S.

Transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

IBU TULUN MOSQUE, CAIRO THE GREAT MOSQUE, ALEPPO, SYRIA

birthplace, was home to the Minoan civilization, Europe’s first. In the

Transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

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Program Cost*Rates are per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise specified.

Explorer Deck

Erickson Deck

Columbus Deck

Marco Polo Deck

Magellan Deck

603 601

602604

Sun Deck

Gym

Sun Deck

427

428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

425 423 421 419 417 415

The Club

Beauty Salon

Library

333335 331 329

330332336 334338340342344346348

347 345 343 341 339

Reception

Hospital

Lounge

Restaurant

261 259 257 255

262 260 258 256 254 252 250

Bridge

OutdoorCafé

Jacuzzi

511 507 505509

512 510 508 506

Corinthian IIOriginally built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2004 and early 2005, the 114-guest Corinthian II accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly furnished with a sitting area, TV, safe, mini-refrigerator and other amenities, as well as a marble-appointed bathroom. Several suites include private balconies accessed via sliding glass doors. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a library, an elegant lounge and The Club bar. The restaurant, serving fine cuisine prepared by European chefs, accommodates all guests at a single seating. The ship also includes a gym, beauty salon, eleva-tor serving all passenger decks, sun deck with Jacuzzi and outdoor bar and café. Corinthian II is served by 70 experienced officers and crew.

CATEGORIES RATES

Category E $8,995

Category D $9,995 Category C $11,295 Category B $12,295 Category A $12,995 Category AA $13,695

Category VS $14,495 Category PHS $15,995

Single/Category C** $13,790

Single/Category B** $14,790

Single/Category A** $15,490

Cabins range in size from 225 to 400 square feet, depending on the category. PHS and VS suites also feature private balconies and windows; AA suites have forward- and side-facing windows; A, B and D suites have windows; C and E suites have portholes.

*Association nonmembers add $200 per person.

**Single accommodations are limited.

Flag: Malta / Length: 297 ft. / Beam: 50 ft. / Draft: 12 ft.

THE TREASURY. PETRA SHARM EL SHEIKH

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D A T E S

October 4 to 19, 2011 (16 days)

S I Z E

Limited to a total of 114 participants, including travelers from Stanford, the Harvard Alumni Association and Smithsonian Journeys.

I N C L U D E D

2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 12-night cruise aboard the Corinthian II 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Open bar while aboard ship Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

N O T I N C L U D E D

International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees

Immunization fees Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges

Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

A I R A R R A N G E M E N T S

International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Lufthansa from San Fran-cisco to Cairo, Egypt, and return from Athens, Greece, is approximately $1,280 as of December 2010 and is subject to change without notice.

W H A T T O E X P E C T

Daily tours are busy, involving one to three miles of walking. Much of the walking takes place at ancient sites, where paths can be rocky and uneven. In some instances, such as museums, guided tours require climbing up and down several flights of stairs. Stairs may not have handrails, and elevators may not be available. Some sites and museums do not allow buses to pull up in front, thus requiring a several minutes’ walk to reach the entrance. Some days necessitate early morning starts. We often have a full schedule of excursions, lectures and special events. These busy days are contrasted with the relaxed pace onboard ship, where daily shore excursions are complemented by lectures and leisure time. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

Deposit & Final PaymentA $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

Cancellations & RefundsDeposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.

InsuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancella-tion insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.

EligibilityWe encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, svisit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/member-ship or call (650) 725-0692.

ResponsibilityThe Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury,

damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in December 2010 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

© COPYRIGHT 2010 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Information Terms & Conditions

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

RHODES, GREECE

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MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE

CELL PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean October 4 to 19, 2011

Stanford Faculty LeaderPROFESSOR FRANK ROMER, MA ’71, PHD ’74, a classicist and ancient historian, works

primarily with texts, languages and material culture and has taught Greek and Roman history,

literature and religion. Professor Romer is chair of the department of foreign languages and

literatures at East Carolina University where he teaches classical culture and language courses.

Currently, Professor Romer’s research focuses on ancient geography and ethnography, and his

Pomponius Mela’s Description of the World provides a scholarly translation of and commentary on

the earliest surviving geography book in Latin, the Chorographia of Pomponius Mela (ca. 44 AD).

In addition, he has analyzed historical evidence related to the archaeological finds for excavations

at Lugnano in Teverina and Chianciano Terme, Italy, and is working now on Roman and

Romanized communities in North Africa and Spain. He has led study tours to destinations all

around the Mediterranean and has inspected Phoenician, Greek and Roman sites in North Africa.

On our trip, Professor Romer looks forward to sharing with our group his love of history and

culture and his passion for geography through his lectures and on-site commentary.

“What a

wonderful way

to continue

the education

we started

long ago.” C Y N T H I A S WA I N S TA F F O R D , ’ 6 2

Reservation Form

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature _________________________________________________

If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations.

OR I plan to share accommodations with __________________________OR I’d like to know about possible roommates. Category Preference: 1st choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Double Bed

2nd choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Double Bed Here is my deposit of $________ ($1,000 per person) for ___ space(s) on the program.

Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express

CARD # EXPIRES

AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE

Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?ancient2011. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 6385

SIGN UPONLINE!

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“The incredibly rich culture of the Greek and Roman empires came to life at the many sites we visited.” E L L E N M A C K E , ’ 7 2 , V E N E T I A N E M P I R E O F T H E M E D I E VA L W O R L D , 2 0 1 0

Stanford Travel/StudyFrances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center326 Galvez StreetStanford, CA 94305-6105(650) 725-1093

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DStanford Alumni

Association

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

Ancient Cities of the Eastern MediterraneanV O Y A G E F R O M C A I R O T O A T H E N S

October 4 to 19, 2011

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y