TURKEY: SAIL THE SAPPHIRE SEAS

With Dr. Jennifer Tobin
May 16 - 31, 2009

Picture yourself sitting on the teak deck of a 90-foot wooden yacht surrounded by breathless vistas, azure seas with an indigo sky above. Imagine watching a glorious crimson sunset and then the canopy of stars as it slowly appears overhead. Dream of the relaxation as a smiling crewman brings you a frosty drink and serves you delectable Turkish dishes created by your personal chef. See yourself standing next to the captain as he steers the craft into a silent bay, once an ancient port. Each day presents a new discovery! Explore the dazzling remains of former civilizations, fascinating crusader's castles, and remote fishing villages. Enjoy the leisure time to hike, swim in the crystal clear water of the Eastern Mediterranean or simply snooze on deck. And during the voyage, enjoy informal lectures on the culture, archaeology, and history of Turkey.

Far Horizons proudly presents a 16-day trip to western Turkey that includes nine days onboard a traditional wooden gulet, or motorsailer. Today, as in antiquity, the ancient cities along the Turkish Caria and Lykia coasts are most accessible to the outside world from the sea. This part of the Turkish coastline is so lush, verdant and bountiful in natural beauty and history that it takes your breath away. The itinerary has been specially designed to offer an in-depth view of Turkey’s history, culture, archaeology and maritime trade.

The trip includes many special highlights. In Bodrum, we visit the Underwater Archaeology Museum, 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 facilities and a lecture on underwater archaeology.

Join Dr. Jennifer Tobin, a classical archaeologist, and only 11 others for this fascinating journey through the cerulean seas of the Mediterranean and Aegean.

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

Day 1: Leave New York’s JFK Airport.

Day 2: Arrive Antalya. Transfer to our home for the next two nights - the Hotel Dogan, built in the Ottoman style and located in the Kaleiçi, the delightful old port section of the city. After the long flight, we will want to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool encircled by lush gardens.

Day 3: Begin our explorations this morning at the Antalya Archaeological Museum, an architectural delight. Here we meet with the archaeologist in charge of restoring sculptures for a private talk and tour of the stunning marble sculptures from nearby Perge. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the kaleici which will give 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 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 cobblestoned 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, and the 19th century Iskele Mosque that is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. Gather this evening for our gala welcome dinner party in Antalya’s finest restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 4: We leave Antalya and drive along the beautiful southern coast to see the remains of two memorable cities. 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. Then it’s on 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. Overnight at the Blue & White Chimera Hotel. (B/L)

Day 5: Travel to the rarely visited site of Arykanda, perched high in the Taurus Mountains. Its strategic location allowed it to control ancient trade routes. Perched high on a pine-forested slope, the city’s remains are truly magnificent. Built of huge basaltic stone blocks, many of the monumental buildings still stand, and the remnants of intricate mosaic floors are visible. We will explore its odeon, theater, stadium and immense Roman bath. This afternoon, we board our gulet, or yacht, and cruise to the Kekova region. This is our home for the next nine nights. All breakfasts, most lunches, and all dinners will be prepared by the vessel’s fabulous chef. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Kekova is a national underwater park that features submerged ruins of an earlier civilization, still visible beneath the crystal-clear waters. The area includes a protective island as well as an ensemble of picturesque scenic bays and ancient remains. 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 almost 100 feet long and 25 feet wide can still be viewed. Along the northern shore of Kekova Island at Apollonia, 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 Lykian 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 Lykian city with time to explore the teahouses and shops dotting the fishing village below (B/L/D)

Day 7: This morning’s exploration takes us to Demre, one of the most important towns of ancient Lykia. The Eastern Roman emperor Theodosius II made Myra, ancient Demre, the capital of Byzantine Lykia until the city fell to the Arabs in 808. We will visit 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. When we return to our vessel, we will have plenty of time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of our cove. (B/L/D)

Day 8: This part of the coast, heavily indented and full of isolated caves and islets, encompasses some of Lykia's most spectacular scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the countryside, many rising from the waters of the coves. We will explore Aperlae, completely encircled by a tall formidable wall of perfectly carved stone blocks. Once the capital of a confederation of Lykian cities, today the city can only be reached from the sea and 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. Fishing boats fill the harbor of the exquisite village of Kas. Founded on the ruins of the Lykian 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. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Travel to the fishing village of Kalkan, Turkish for shield, still protected by an ancient Greek mole, or breakwater. We anchor in Yesilkoy Harbor and take some time to enjoy this lovely bay either lolling on the deck admiring our view of white-washed homes sparkling amidst the green of the surrounding hills, reading a favorite novel, taking a dip in the sea which never ceases to beckon, or even snoozing in the warm sun. For the adventurous explorer, the afternoon offers an optional hike through olive groves and with views of the Aegean at our feet to the Delikkemer Aqueduct. Built by the Romans to deliver water to the city of Patara, the aqueduct is considered an engineering feat. Unlike other aqueducts that are built on a gradual gradient to allow the flow of water by gravity, in this instance the interlocking square stones form a siphon allowing the water to be transported uphill. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Today we visit three important cities of the Lykian federation by mini-bus. Letoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a shrine dedicated to the goddess, Leto, and her children by Zeus - Apollo and Artemis - the principal deities of Lykia. The sanctuary became the place of assembly during the height of the Lykian League and national festivals were celebrated here. In Xanthos, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fine theater is dominated by monumental tombs. As we contemplate this captivating 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 Lykian Federation and its port. Today the harbor has completely silted in and the resulting five-mile-long beach is considered 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 several years, and if onsite, we meet with a member of the team to learn how they are restoring the city to its former grandeur. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Cruise to Gemiler Island, a Byzantine trading port dominated by a basilica, and enjoy a vist to the island after breakfast. 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. Following lunch, drive by minibus to visit Pinara one of the three major cities in the Xanthos valley and one of the six principal cities of Lykia. Settlement at Pinara existed as early as the 5th century BC, and was probably founded as an extension of the overpopulated Xanthos. It is dramatically located in a mountain setting of fragrant pines, ancient olive trees, wildflowers, thyme-scented breezes, and is rarely visited. We will enjoy this untouched city with its splendid view over the Xanthos Valley. Explore Kayaköy where Anatolian Greeks lived until approximately 1923. The ghost town, now preserved as a museum village, consists of hundreds of mostly intact Greek-style houses and churches covering a small mountainside. Return to the yacht anchored at Gemiler Island. (B/L/D)

Day 12: 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, including. Dotted with small islands, the Bay is a naturally protected harbor. The adventurous will want to hike to Lydae, twice visited by Cleopatra. Off the beaten path and rarely visited, the city features the remains of mausolea, basilica, temple walls, cisterns, Corinthian column parts, and inscribed pedestals from the Roman and Byzantine periods as well as a vaulted Carian rock tomb in two levels dating from the 5th or 4th century BC. Tonight will be spent in a tranquil cove in the bay. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Our cruise takes us further north to Ekincek. In the afternoon, climb aboard a small boat to putt-putt up the meandering Dalyan River. As we travel between the reed-lined banks of the river, we will see royal temple tombs cut into the cliff face towering above. At the end of the short boat ride is Caunos, an important Carian fishing center in ancient times. Although initially settled during the 9th century BC, the buildings standing today are Greco-Roman and include a Byzantine church. Recent excavations and restorations are bringing the ancient city back to life. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Cruise to Marmaris where we leave our yacht and drive to Bodrum. 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. We will 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. Continue 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. We also 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. Overnight in a charming bed-and-breakfast hotel with views over the Aegean Sea. (B/L/D)

Day 15: Transfer to the Bodrum airport for our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, visit The Church of St. Saviour in Chora Monastery, or Kariye Museum, built between the 11th- and 14th-centuries. When restored, a striking series of mosaics and vibrant frescoes were found within the interior of the building which belong to the last great renaissance of Byzantine art. Lunch will be in the gardens of a restored wooden konak, or mansion, now a restaurant serving Imperial Ottoman cuisine. In the afternoon, walk through the Egyptian, or Spice, Bazaar, and visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque, designed by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan for the husband of one of the daughters of Suleiman the Magnificent. This exquisite building is renowned for its delicate, tomato-red Iznik tiles of beautiful floral and geometric designs. Dinner is on our own. Overnight in the historic section of Istanbul. (B/L)

Day 16: Return to the USA. (B)

TRIP DATES: May 16 -31, 2009

TRIP LEADER: Dr. Jennifer Tobin received her BA in Classical Studies from Stanford University and her PhD in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. From 1992-97, she was an Assistant Professor at Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey. In 1997, she returned to the United States and is now an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Tobin is a specialist on both the Greeks and the Romans, speaks Greek and Turkish, reads Lykian, and has worked on archaeological projects in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. Dr. Tobin's enthusiasm for this part of the world and her fun-loving personality make her a most appropriate study leader.

TRIP COST: $9,895.00 (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 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: $1295.00. Please note that single cabins are extremely limited while on the yacht.

FUEL SURCHARGES: Far Horizons must pass on price increases for uncontrollable charges such as flights and other services due to additional fuel charges.

TO REGISTER: A deposit of $500.00, and a separate check for $150.00 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 (March 2, 2009). Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. 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: Any cancellation received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in a cancellation fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the starting date of March 2, 2009 will not receive a refund. Travel protection that includes trip cancellation is strongly recommended. If for any reason you are unable to complete the tour, we will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.

PRIVATE TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists 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.

NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes in our itinerary, accommodations and transportation schedules may occur. The itinerary on the yacht is based upon weather. Should the winds decide to change, our itinerary will change. A flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.

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.

YACHT: You will be spending ten 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, 90 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.

DONATION CHECKS: The cost of the trip does not include the separate donation check for $150.00 (per person) to ‘The Institute of Nautical Archaeology’. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an 'insider's view' of work being done in each country.

LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS

To register for this trip
Click the button above for a Printable Registration Form. Or click here.