Byzantium and Beyond: A Black Sea Voyage

BYZANTIUM & BEYOND A BLACK SEA VOYAGE R O U N D -T R I P I S T A N B U L A B O A R D VA R I E T Y V OY A G E R

JUNE 12 TO 25, 2016

Dear Friend, The Black Sea, that busy crossroad that has linked Europe and Asia for millennia, is steeped in history and legend, home to the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and perhaps even to the great flood described in the Bible. Join us on an enchanting cruise to discover the cultural riches and lesser-visited shores of this inland sea.

We are delighted to be accompanied by Yelena Rakic, Curator in the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Vladimir Alexandrov, Professor of Slavic Languages & Literatures at Yale.

Begin in Istanbul with a visit to the awe-inspiring basilica of Hagia Sophia—the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years—before embarking the luxury yacht Variety Voyager for a twelve-night cruise. In Amasya, admire picturesque Ottoman houses and tombs of ancient royalty, carved into cliffs.

Call at the former Byzantine capital of Trabzon to see the fourth-century Sümela Monastery, built into the mountainside, and the villa where Kemal Ataturk stayed. Spend a day in the fin-de-siecle seaside resort of Batumi, Georgia, or choose an inland excursion to Kutaisi to explore its UNESCO-recognized monastery and cathedral. Sunny Sochi, Russia, beckons next, with its impressive Olympic facilities and Stalin’s summer hideaway. Call in Romania to tour the world-renowned painted churches in the countryside and discover the Danube Delta, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for its unique flora and fauna. View treasures of the 9th-century Bulgarian Empire in Veliki Preslav before returning to Istanbul to see more of its many cultural highlights, including the exquisite Rustem Pasha Mosque.

For those wishing to spend more time in Turkey, an optional three-night prelude in Istanbul is offered, to explore this extraordinary city.

We hope to welcome you aboard this delightful summer voyage, in the congenial company of members of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Yale Alumni Association.

Suceava MOLDOVA UKRAINE Crimea

RUSSIA

Sincerely,

ROMANIA BULGARIA Varna

Constanta

Sochi

Black Sea

Nessebar

GEORGIA Batumi

Istanbul TURKEY

Samsun Amasya

Trabzon

John J. Guerra Director, Continuing Education & The Renaissance Academy

BYZANTIUM & BEYOND A B L A C K S E A V O YA G E R O U N D - T R I P I S TA N B U L A B O A R D VA R I E T Y V O Y A G E R J U NE 12 TO 25, 2016 NEW YORK 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Sunday, June 12 Depart New York on an overnight flight to Istanbul.

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Monday, June 13 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.

part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Explore the 15th-century mosque and the archaeological museum, and admire the traditional Ottoman houses along the river. Before lunch you may wish to climb the steps to see the Pontus royal tombs carved into the rock cliffs.

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Thursday, June 16 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.

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Hagia Sophia interior, Istanbul

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Tuesday, June 14 During a day at sea, enjoy the amenities of our ship, and attend lectures about upcoming visits.

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Wednesday, June 15 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.E., Amasya was later

Friday, June 17 With its lovely tree-lined thoroughfares and mild weather, Batumi is a popular seaside destination with an air of fin-de-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 11th-century 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.

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Saturday, June 18 Arrive today in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics. See Stalin’s 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, also popular in summer for other outdoor activities. With extensive areas of forests, the Western Caucasus has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Sunday, June 19 As Variety Voyager crosses the Black Sea to Romania, you may wish to visit the captain on the bridge and attend lectures in preparation for our upcoming visits.

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Monday, June 20 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 by small craft, discover the unique flora and fauna of the delta.

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.

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Tuesday, June 21 Fly by chartered plane to Suceava and drive through the bucolic Romanian countryside, passing horse-drawn carts and farms, to Sucevita Monastery. Protected by high exterior walls, the church features a number of frescoes, including a depiction of the Tree of Jesse and a Ladder to Paradise. 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.

Tiled façade, Nessebar

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Wednesday, June 22 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 are decorated with mosaics, ceramics, and marble. We will also stop at the museum housing gold, silver, and bronze jewelry from the era. 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.

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Thursday, June 23 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.

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Friday, June 24 Today explore the magnificent city of Istanbul, including the Museum of Great Palace Mosaics and Rustem Pasha, one of the most exquisite Ottoman mosques by the 16th-century architect Sinan. The afternoon is free, perhaps to visit the Spice Market or the new Istanbul Modern.

An optional visit to the recently re-opened Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts will be offered. Gather this evening for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

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National History and Archaeology Museum, Constanta

Saturday, June 25 Disembark Variety Voyager this morning and transfer to the airport for the return flights home.

DECK PLAN

VARIETY VOYAGER 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 glassenclosed 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, flat-screen televisions, and bathrooms with marble finishing. Variety Voyager does not have an elevator.

HORIZONS DECK 301

303

305

307

DINING ROOM 302

304

308

306

RIVIERA DECK RECEPTION

201

203

205

207 209 211

213 215

MAIN LOUNGE 202

BAR

204

206

212 214

208 210

MARINA DECK 101 103

SPA & GYM

102

LIBRARY

105

104

107

106

109 111

113

108

112

110

RATES & ACCOMMODATIONS CRUISE RATES

(Per Person, Double Occupancy) Cabins Decks Cabins 108 to 113 Marina Deck

Rates $9,995

Staterooms, double bed or twin beds

Cabins 101 to 107

Marina Deck

$10,995

Riviera Deck

$11,495

Riviera Deck

$12,995

Horizons Deck

$14,995

Staterooms, double bed or twin beds

Cabins 212 to 215 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds

Cabins 201 to 211 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds

Cabins 301 to 306 & 308

Master Staterooms, double bed or twin beds

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.

Rates Include Twelve nights cabin accommodations aboard Variety Voyager All meals; wine with lunch and dinner Sightseeing via private transportation, including chartered flights Constanta / Suceava / Constanta Entrance fees for all included visits Enrichment program of lectures 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 prelude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

THE RENAISSANCE ACADEMY 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION RO U ND- T RI P I S T ANBU L A B O AR D V A R IE T Y V OYA G E R 1 JUN E 12 T O 25, 2016 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT

DATE OF BIRTH

NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT

DATE OF BIRTH

Optional Prelude in Istanbul I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Istanbul ($1,445 per person; single supplement $580).

Hotel Room Preference

Twin

Single

Form of Payment Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad).

Credit card deposit of $2,500 per person.

Final payment must be made by check or wire transfer.

NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD

ADDRESS

Double

3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE

CREDIT CARD NUMBER CITY

STATE

TELEPHONE (HOME)

(BUSINESS)

FAX

E-MAIL

Accommodations Variety Voyager Cabin Preference 1.

I wish to share a cabin with

EXPIRATION DATE

ZIP

Each participant must sign below. 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 or wire transfer 120 days before departure.

2.

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

DATE

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

DATE

For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: 212.514.8921 or 800.221.1944 1 Fax: 212.344.7493 1 E-mail: trips@arrangementsabroad.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS 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 flights, or 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 120 days prior to departure.

HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances, including tenders. 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.

INSURANCE T RIP C ANCELLATION / E MERGENCY M EDICAL E VACUATION / B AGGAGE / A CCIDENT A ND S ICKNESS I NSURANCE P ROTECTION I S S TRONGLY R ECOMMENDED .

C ANCELLATION P ENALTIES A RE S TRICTLY E NFORCED . AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of reservation and deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice.

CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Renaissance Academy (RA) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual.

Church of the Savior in Chora

OP T ION A L I S T A N B U L PR E LU DE June 9 to 13, 2016

RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of RA 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, RA, and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that 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 RA 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 RA. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAA and RA 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 RA to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants.

Explore the rich artistic and architectural heritage of fabled Istanbul, an ancient world capital that straddles Asia and Europe on the Bosphorus.

During a three-night stay, focus on less-visited sites, including an Ottoman mansion in the Asian part of the city and the Sakip Sabanci Museum, with its impressive calligraphy collection and beautiful Bosphorus views. Admire the striking mosaics in the Byzantine Church of the Savior in Chora, and sample traditional Turkish cuisine at some of the city’s fine restaurants. We will also spend a day on Büyükada, one of the Princes’ Islands, arriving by private boat then traveling by horsedrawn carriage, as motorized vehicles are not permitted on this peaceful oasis. Deluxe accommodations are at the historic Pera Palace Hotel, first opened in 1892 to serve passengers arriving on the Orient Express.

© Gloria De Luca

PRELUDE RATE $1,445 per person. $580 single supplement. Includes three nights at the Pera Palace Hotel, two lunches, and one dinner.

Spice Market

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; RA shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 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 RA 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 RA, 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.

Blue Mosque

On the front cover: Sulemaniye Mosque on the Istanbul skyline.

CST 2059789-40