SAIL THE SAPPHIRE SEAS
OF TURKEY  

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Today, as in antiquity, the ancient cities along the Turkish Caria and Lycia coasts are most accessible to the outside world from the sea. Far Horizons proudly presents a 16-day trip to western Turkey that includes nine days onboard a traditional wooden gulet, or motorsailer. The itinerary has been specially designed to offer an in-depth view of Turkey's history, culture, archaeology and maritime trade. Join only thirteen other participants and classics professor, Dr. Jennifer Tobin, to wander along these remote southern waters, while living onboard a comfortable yacht.

The trip includes many special highlights. While in Ephesus, we meet with one of the archaeological staff to gain an insider's view of the excavations. In Bodrum, we visit the Underwater Archaeology Museum, recently honored as one of Europe's most innovative museums; be treated to a private lecture on Turkish Maritime trade; and visit a Turkish shipyard to learn how the ancient vessels were made. And we go to the Institute of Nautical Archaeology for a tour of their new facilities and a lecture on underwater archaeology. And at Patara, we gain an insider's view of the work being done there as we walk through the ruins with a member of the archaeological staff.

Each day will present a new discovery as we explore the dazzling ruins of Lycian cities, fascinating crusader's castles, and remote fishing villages along the shore. There will be leisure time each day to hike to unexplored ruins, swim in the crystal clear water of the Eastern Mediterranean, or simply snooze on deck. And each day, we will enjoy informal lectures on the culture, archaeology, and history of Turkey.

Turkey Sailing Tour

ITINERARY:
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1: Leave New York's JFK Airport on Turkish Airlines.

Day 2: Arrive Izmir. This afternoon, enter the Selcuk Museum, containing marvelous artifacts found in Ephesus. Overnight for two nights in nearby Kusadaci, in the Hotel Kismet, owned and managed by the granddaughter of the last Sultan. Perched on a rocky crag overlooking the sea and the city, the hotel is charming. It is surrounded by lush flowering gardens and most rooms have views of the Aegean. Gather this evening for our welcome dinner party overlooking the turquoise sea. (D)

Day 3: Of all the cities of ancient Turkey, Ephesus is the best preserved and the most often visited. Dedicated to the virgin goddess of the chase, the city is the site of the Temple of Diana (Artemis), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Also found here is the Church of Saint John, one of early Christianity's Seven Churches of Revelations, and the location from which Paul wrote the Philippians and perhaps other letters now in the New Testament. This morning, walk through the famous temple, and the church where St. John spoke. In the afternoon, join a member of the Ephesus excavation staff (if available) for a private tour of the excavations. Many of the current excavations are closed to the public. As a project guest, we will enter these areas and have a private viewing of the team's latest discoveries, including the Terrace Houses, the dazzling villas of the wealthy filled with colorful wall frescoes and intricate mosaic floors. (B/L/D)

Day 4: As we drive south today we explore four memorable ancient cities. Priene was laid out according to the design of Hippodamus of Miletus, the famous town planner. Miletus was a powerful Greek force before the 5th century and features a colossal theater crowned with a crusader's castle. The colossal temple at Didyma housed the oracle that declared Alexander the Great to be the son of Zeus. And lovely Euromus contains a classically proportioned temple with columns still supporting the crossbeams. Located just north of the town of Bodrum on one of the loveliest coasts in western Turkey is the small whitewashed and flower-decked village of Yalikavak. Here, the elegant Lavanta Village is sited high up on a hillside surrounded by fields of fragrant herbs and overlooking the Aegean Sea. This charming bed-and-breakfast style inn has large, individually furnished rooms overlooking a huge swimming pool and gardens and is our home for the next two nights. (B/L/D)

Day 5: As a port city with a rich history that spans thousands of years of continuous inhabitation, charming Bodrum has an incredibly rich past. In ancient times known as Halicarnassus, this town is the location of the Tomb of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today this small city is home for Turkish artists and intellectuals and a major boat building and yachting center. After viewing the Mausoleum, visit the 15th century Castle of Saint Peter, built by the Knights of Saint John as part of a network of fortresses to defend the southeastern Aegean. It now houses the Bodrum Archaeology Museum, renowned for its wide range of fascinating underwater findings, many of them thousands of years old and displayed throughout the Castle in myriad of atmospheric halls and galleries. After lunch in a local restaurant, pay a visit to a tersane, a Turkish shipyard. Here, we learn how ancient trading vessels were constructed, and how these techniques carry through to the lovely wooden yachts that are used for charter like the one we board tomorrow. And then we visit the Turkish headquarters of Texas A&M University's Institute of Nautical Archaeology, noted for archaeological explorations under the sea, where we will enjoy a specially arranged talk on underwater archaeology. Tonight's dinner party will be in a local seafood restaurant along the shore. (B/L/D)

Day 6:  This morning's drive takes us to Göcek, a charming village nestled at the foot of pine-clad mountains, where we board our yacht. After lunch and time for exploring the tiny shops in the town, we lift anchor and enter the Bay of Fethiye, undoubtedly one of Turkey's most beautiful areas. Dotted with small islands, the Bay is a naturally protected harbor. Tonight will be spent in a tranquil cove in the bay. For the next nine days, most of our meals will be prepared onboard by the vessel's chef. (B/L/D)

Day 7: The Gulf of Fethiye is surrounded by the lower slopes of the Taurus Mountains, pine clad to the water's edge and surrounded by the ruins of ancient sites. We cruise to Tomb Bay, an exquisite setting with the remains of a half submerged Byzantine monastery. From here, stroll through the lush forest to ancient Lydae, twice visited by Cleopatra. Off the beaten path and rarely visited, Lydae features mausolea, temple walls, cisterns, Corinthian columns and inscribed tablets from the Roman and Byzantine periods. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Fethiye, a modern town built over ancient Telmessos, has the best harbor in Lycia and is protected by 12 isles. We spend the morning exploring the tombs towering over the city, cut over 2,000 years ago from the living rock. Then, drive to the small village of Kaya where we will enjoy a local Gözleme lunch. Return to the yacht, anchored at Gemile Island, a Byzantine trading port dominated by a basilica. During the Byzantine period this was an important trading port, and remains of the city completely cover the small island and are visible beneath the water's surface along the shore. As we climb to the summit, we pass the ruins of churches, small chapels, tombs and sarcophagi, and walk along an immense covered walkway which leads to the Byzantine basilica dominating the island to observe exquisite, still intact mosaic floors. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Travel past the longest white-sand beach along this coast (blocking the port of ancient Patara) to the charming fishing village of Kalkan, still protected by an ancient Greek mole, or breakwater. From here, travel by minibus to three important cities of the Lycian federation. The Letoon was a shrine dedicated to the goddess, Leto, and her children by Zeus - Apollo and Artemis - the principal deities of Lycia. The sanctuary became the place of assembly during the height of the Lycian League and national festivals were celebrated here. In Xanthos, the fine theater is dominated by monumental tombs. As we contemplate this fascinating civilization from the theater's bleachers, the spicy aroma of wild sage and mint from nearby fields permeates the air. After the 4th century BC, nearby Patara was the capital of the Lycian Federation and its port. Today the harbor has completely silted in and the resulting five-mile-long beach is one of the most beautiful in southern Turkey. Over the centuries, the magnificent buildings have been covered by the blowing sand. Turkish archaeologists have been excavating here for the past six years, and we meet with a member of the team to learn how they are restoring the city to its former grandeur. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Fishing boats fill the harbor of the exquisite village of Kas. Founded on the ruins of the Lycian city Antiphellus, today's buildings are scattered among the ancient rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi. After walking to the ancient theatre and tombs, there will be time to wander in the sleepy town square, or sit down to tea in one of the shore-side gardens.

Day 11: This part of the coast, heavily indented and full of isolated caves and islets, encompasses some of Lycia's most spectacular scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the countryside, many rising from the waters of the coves. Encircled by a tall wall of perfectly carved stone blocks, Aperlae can only be reached from the sea. Once the capital of a confederation of Lycian cities, today the city stands deserted but for the herds of goats wandering among the silent ruins. Immense middens of murex shells found here suggest that the city manufactured purple dye, the vivid color used for the robes of royalty and a prized commodity in the ancient world. Continue to Kekova, a national underwater park that features submerged ruins of an earlier civilization, still visible beneath the crystal-clear waters. The Kekova area includes a protective island as well as an ensemble of picturesque islands, scenic bays and ancient cities. One of these cities, Theimussa, existed as early as the ninth century. A multitude of sarcophagi from Hellenistic and Roman times lie in the nearby fields, and the remains of a massive dock more almost 100 feet long and 25 feet wide can still be viewed. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Along the northern shore of Kekova Island at Apollania, earthquakes have disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. Our vessel will circle the island to see this city, and stop to see the remains of a Byzantine chapel. The village of Kale was set on the ancient city of Simena. We climb to both the Lycian citadel and a crusader's fortress, perched at the top of the mountain. On the way down, stop to investigate a theater that is the smallest built in a Lycian city with time to explore the teahouses and shops dotting the fishing village below. We then drive to Demre, one of the most important towns of ancient Lycia. The Eastern Roman emperor Theodosius II made Myra, ancient Demre, the capital of Byzantine Lycia until the city fell to the Arabs in 808. This afternoon's exploration takes us to the ancient necropolis at Myra where hundreds of stunning tombs are cut into the cliff-face, many with finely carved reliefs of funeral scenes. But the fame of the city is primarily due to St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century AD. He is buried in the church dedicated to him, still standing today. The rarely visited site of Arykanda is set on a pine-forested slope high in the Taurus Mountains and once controlled ancient trade routes. Built of huge basaltic stone blocks, many of the monumental buildings still stand, and the remnants of intricate mosaic floors are still visible. This evening we dine on fresh trout in a traditional mountain restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Today's journey takes us to Olympos, named for the nearby mountain, one of more than 20 mountains of the same name throughout Greece and Asia Minor. The city was inhabited since Hellenistic times, and was a hidden home for pirates during the Byzantine period. Located where a river meets the Mediterranean Sea, the site is especially lovely in the summer when it is overgrown with flowering pink oleander bushes. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Today we head for Antalya. Along the way, visit a spectacular site. Ideally positioned to be an important commercial center, Phaselis was settled many centuries before Christ by Greeks from the island of Rhodes. Located between the rocky crags of the Tahtali Mountain and the sea, the town had three natural harbors, the largest protected by a mole still visible today. The location is beautiful, with Roman and Byzantine ruins still standing within a grove of pine trees, encircled by lovely, tempting beaches. Leave the yacht and drive to the Roman port of Antalya, one of Turkey's loveliest cities. Our home for the next two nights is the Hotel Dogan, built in the Ottoman style and located in the Kaleiçi, the delightful old port section of the city. There will be time to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool encircled by lush gardens. (B/L/D)   

Day 15: This morning's walking tour of the Kaleici gives us the opportunity to study both the Ottoman and Roman architecture within this area. This picturesque quarter has won several national and international awards for its recent renovation. The charm of the ancient Roman and later Ottoman architectural styles has been maintained, with outdoor cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops still housed in the old buildings along the twisting streets. We will see a beautifully decorated three arched monumental Roman Gate built into the city wall to celebrate Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 A.D., the Karatay Medrese (theological college that exemplifies the best of Selcuk stone carvings, the elegant fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque, the 19th century Iskele Mosque that is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring, and the wonderful Kaleici Museum to catch a glimpse of Turkish life in the 19th Century Antalya. The afternoon is free to enjoy Antalya, with lunch on our own. Gather this evening in an elegant outdoor restaurant overlooking the ancient harbor and shadowed by a 2000-year-old Roman wall. (B/ /D)

Day 16: : Return to the USA. (B

NOTE: Our itinerary aboard the yacht is dependent upon the weather.

TRIP LEADER

2005 STUDY LEADER: Dr. Jennifer Tobin received her BA at Stamford University and her Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. >From 1992-97, she was Assistant Professor at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey. In 1997 Dr. Tobin returned to the United States and is now an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She has worked on archaeological projects throughout Turkey, including Zeugma, and since 1994 she has been the director of the Küçük Burnaz Project in southern Turkey. Dr. Tobin is the author of numerous articles and two books dealing with the Mediterranean World. She has presented papers at conferences in Italy, Turkey and the United States, and has been an invited lecturer at several renowned institutions including The Art Institute of Chicago and the Phoenix Art Museum. Dr. Tobin speaks both Turkish and Greek and reads ancient Greek and Latin. Her love of Turkey and the Turkish people and her knowledge of the area makes her an outstanding study leader.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Register for this Trip

TRIP DATES: No trip currently scheduled

TRIP COST:
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes international airfare from New York in coach, all hotels, meals as noted, entry fees, and ground transportation in Turkey.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: The price does not include the separate donation check to the Institute of Nautical Archaeology; passport or visa fees, beverages or food not on regular menus, departure taxes, laundry, excess baggage charges and other items of a personal nature.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
Please note that single cabins are extremely limited while on the yacht.

AIRLINE NOTE: Turkish Airlines requires that tickets be issued 60 days before departure. Participants who register after that date may be charged an additional fee due to price changes. Business Class airfares (at a special rate) on request. Air can be arranged from your home city.

MEALS: While on the land portion of the trip, wherever possible meals will be in charming restaurants instead of in your hotel. Meals onboard will feature the delightful tastes of the Turkish countryside cuisine: lamb, eggplant, cheeses, seasonal fruits, yogurt, honey and olives. Breakfast is continental.

SAILING YACHT: You will be spending nine days aboard a traditional gulet, or wooden motorsailer, built in Turkey based on designs of vessels that have sailed these waters for centuries. Our yachts are carefully selected and larger than many, but they are still yachts, with all the limitations of sea travel. Our double-occupancy cabins are finished in varnished pine and fitted with beds, a small wardrobe and a private bathroom. These accommodations are Spartan but quite comfortable. We therefore recommend that you pack with comfort and limited storage space in mind. Even though our gulet is quite large, 85 feet long, it draws only a few feet of water, thus enabling us to anchor each night in secluded coves close to the shore. You will be tempted to begin and end each day with a refreshing swim in the azure waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, as the temperature will be inviting and the visibility excellent.

PRIVATE TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MUSEUMS: The private tours as listed to museums and archaeological projects are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

Sail the Sapphire Seas Tour
RESERVATIONS

A deposit of $500.00, and a separate check for $50.00 made out to the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, is required along with your completed and signed registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest, will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.