The Dodecanese Islands of Greece and stunning coast of Datça in Turkey offer a lavish cornucopia of history. The little-explored-but-rich-in-history Dodecanese islands are a remote part of Greece located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and have a long history that is quite separate from that of mainland Greece. Although these exotic islands are primarily recognized by the 12 major islands of its namesake, the Dodecanese actually include a total of 163 islands of which only 26 are inhabited. They have a history of habitation beginning in prehistoric times with influences ranging from the Bronze-Age Minoans to the Italians, and remain one of the top vacation destinations within Greece for other Greeks. 
Throughout their rich history, the Dodecanese have been a part of the infamous Delian League, the 18th district of Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire prior to being ceded to Greece by the British post-World War II, ending seven long centuries of separation.
The best way to see these marvelous islands is by sea. Travel across the azure Aegean Sea aboard a Turkish wooden gulet (yacht) with only 11 others for a 16-day journey through these stunning islands as well as the southern coast of the Datça Peninsula, and learn about the past while exploring the remains of former civilizations. Begin in the Greek islands that hug the coast of Turkey — Kos , Nisyros, Tilos, Rhodes, Simi — where even the smallest boast dozens of Byzantine churches and medieval castles. Then move to the mountainous, pine forested Datça Peninsula, a 50-mile-long narrow strip of land jutting into the Aegean. Along this coast are tiny fishing villages, spectacular archaeological sites that span more than 3,000 years of history and are virtually inaccessible from land and incredible natural wonders - pine forests, secluded beaches, and massive basaltic cliffs dropping to the sea. 
Join Dr. Jennifer Tobin and Dr. Kyra Nourse on this fascinating Voyage through History.
| "When I want to picture paradise, I just think of the days we spent onboard our gulet and I know it cannot be better than that." - Barbara Matula |
ITINERARY:
(B)
breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner |
|
DAY
1: Depart the USA for Istanbul.
Day 2: Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our flight to Bodrum. Upon arrival, board our yacht to enjoy lunch. Dominating the harbor is the Castle of St. Peter, begun in 1402 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John as a hospital for pilgrims to Jerusalem. We will enter the fortress, now the Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum. It houses a wide range of fascinating underwater findings, many brought to modern day viewers from thousands of years ago and displayed throughout the Castle in a myriad of atmospheric halls and galleries. This evening, we will set sail and enjoy dinner aboard our yacht. Overnight on board tonight in Karaada. (L/D)
Day 3: Clinging to the coast of Asia Minor, the islands of the Dodecanese group in the eastern Aegean are beautiful and varied. One of these, Kos, was prominent in antiquity because of the healing Temple of Asklepios, founded after the death of the famed physician Hippocrates. The Asklepion functioned as a hospital for about a thousand years, finally falling into disrepair. The Knights of St. John, who were established on Rhodes, took control of Kos in 1315 AD. A century later, they built the superb fortress that stands today at the entrance of Kos’ harbor where we will overnight. Dinner will be on our own tonight to enjoy the local cuisine. (B/L)
Day 4: This morning, we will pull anchor and mortor to Nisyros. According to Greek mythology, Nisyros was formed during the battle between the Giants and the Gods. Mandraki, the capital of Nisyros, is built at the foot of a steep hill which was fortified in the Middle Ages. To the northwest of the capital clinging to the tip of a tall rocky hill lies the Monastery of the Madonna of the Caves (Panagia Spiliani), the patroness of the island. Built in 1600, it is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis. Yet another castle erected by the Knights of St. John looms above the small town. A highlight of the island is the still active volcanic crater in the center. We will enjoy dinner in the old part of Nisyros town. Overnight onboard in Nisyros. (B/L/D)
Day 5: The Datça peninsula is a thin strip of lush unpopulated land. Well-known for its natural beauty, the forests contain wild goats and brown bear, and the area is an important habitat for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal. This morning we motor-sail across the Aegean and make landfall in Datça, a sleepy village surrounded by four bays and lovely sand beaches. Take time to explore this charming hamlet before gathering in the gallery of a collector of antique costumes and jewelry to examine elegant reminders of the wealth of the 
Ottoman Empire and learn of the many highly-creative artisans who worked during this time. After clearing customs, it’s on to the ruins of Knidos. The city was founded in the 3rd century B.C. With fine harbors at both ends of the city, Knidos became a trading center noted especially for wine. Among the remains here is the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to Aphrodite Euploia, the patroness of navigation. Discovered in 1969 by the aptly named archaeologist, Iris Love, Aphrodite’s shrine stands below the acropolis with views over both harbors and the sea beyond. (B/L/D)
Photos: Ruins
at Knidos | Theatre
at Knidos | Knidos
close-up
Day 6: Our morning cruise takes us to Tilos. According to legend, it was named after the youngest son of Alia and Apollo who collected herbs from the island hoping to cure his mother when she became ill. 
After her recovery, he returned to the island and established a sanctuary in honor of Apollo and Poseidon in order to express his appreciation. It is an unspoiled Aegean island with nineteen beaches, twelve mountains, seven medieval castles, 
a Byzantine monastery and two hundred churches, a cave full of natural discoveries, a village that is a declared a cultural monument, one hundred bird species, hundreds of wild flowers and herbs, and five hundred residents. We will have time to explore the island including St. Panteleimon Monastery, originally built in 1470. The monastery’s zenith was reached during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as it printed bank notes used on the island, owned vast tracts of land with animal herds and served as a key economic as well as spiritual center. We will see a walled courtyard leading to the church whose inspiring, centuries-old frescoes have been restored after the removal of the plaster covering by the Turkish occupation, and the 18th century wood-carved iconostasis. In Megalo Chorio view the Fortress of Misaria, a medieval building of 1366 founded by the Knights of Saint John. At the foot of the fortress we can see the preserved vestiges of a Byzantine settlement and several 13th and 14th century churches. The Church of Archaengel Mihail Taxiarchis contains large silver icons originally from the fortress. (B/L/D)
Day 7: We move on to the rocky, mountainous island of Simi, northwest of Rhodes, and one of the most beautiful of the Dodecanese. Most of the inhabitants live off sponge diving. The deep harbor is like an amphitheatre, with multi-colored two- and three-story 19th century neo-classical grand homes of the former sponge trading merchants, and churches with colored domes climbing up the steep hillsides. The high hill overlooking the harbor is Kastro, with the original settlement of Chorio and dominated by the Church of Megali Panagia containing beautiful frescoes and the ruins of the castle. Dinner is on our own to explore the town’s restaurants. (B/L)
Photos: Church
of Megali Panagia | Simi
harbor
Day 8 & 9: We will spend two days on Rhodes, the island that has always been an important strategic stronghold. Its position on the vital trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean has greatly influenced the course of its history. Protected by impregnable 14th-century walls, the medieval city is renowned for its archaeological treasures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523 and set about transforming the city into a stronghold. It subsequently came under Turkish and Italian rule. With the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights, the Upper Town is one of the most beautiful urban centers of the Gothic period. In the Lower Town, Gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings dating from the Ottoman period. The Archeological Museum contains a large collection including the tombstones of many of the crusading Knights of St. John who once made this island their own. On the south-eastern part of the island, Lindos is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena. (Day 8: B/L/D, Day 9: B/D)
Day 10: Along Turkey’s remote coastline, there are out-of-the-way settlements little-changed over the centuries. These small communities are inhabited by direct descendants of the ancient fishermen and shepherds who populated this region. Come ashore this afternoon to visit the charming hamlet of Bozburun and enjoy free time to explore the village and its tiny shops, or perhaps relax in a tea garden along the shore. (B/L/D)
Photos: Bozburun
harbor and Mosque | Bozburun
harbor overview
Day 11: Towering over the clear waters of Bozuk Bay is Loryma with its impressive fortification wall crowning the summit of the mountain. The eight-foot-thick walls of finely-finished blocks hold nine watch towers. This military structure was sacred to Zeus Atabyrius, a deity peculiar to Rhodes. 
Those who do not wish to hike to the summit to visit this spectacular site may choose to swim in the lovely and secluded bay where the boat is anchored or beach-comb along its shore. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Cruise to Marmaris where we leave our yacht. Then it’s on to the village of Dalyan. Here we climb aboard a small boat to motor down the meandering Dalyan River. As we putt-putt between the reed-lined banks of the river, we will see magnificent royal temple tombs cut into the cliff face towering above. At the end of our 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. From Caunos, we drive south to Xanthos, ancient capital city of the Lycian Federation and an UNESCO World Heritage site. The lovely Nereid Monument in the British Museum comes from this site. We will be able to view a wealth of amazing items still in situ, including the Harpy Tomb and the Xanthian Obelisk. Continue to Kalkan to overnight. (B/L/D)
Photos: Caunos
ruins | Theatre
at Caunos
Day 13: Today’s explorations take us to two remote sites. Andriake is located at the extreme southeastern tip of the Yavu mountain region, where the ancient River Andrakos meets the Plain of Kale. 
The ancient harbor is now marshland. The Andrakos River flows down from its source passing an ancient water-mill and divides the town into north and south. The north town is mainly sand dunes with a still recognizable ruined church. Several buildings in the south town are in good condition including a warehouse, harbor wall, granarium (grain store), temple, market-place, parts of the harbor road, residences, water tanks, a number of churches and chapels. A wall surrounded the town and an aqueduct supplied water from the nearby karst spring. Limyra, one of the oldest cities in Lykia, existed in the fifth century B.C. It had rich lands which grew even richer over time. Pericles of Lycia used Limyra as a capital to establish the Lycian Union against the Persians, and he lit the eternal flame of freedom of Lycia in this city. Drive on to Antalya and overnight for two nights in the Hotel Dogan. Dinner is free to enjoy one of the city’s fabulous restaurants. (B/L)
Day 14: Depart this morning for the Roman city of Selge, strikingly situated in the mountains at the top of Köprülü Valley. The site contains a spectacular theater, stadium, agora, necropolis, and temples to Zeus and Artemis. Nearby Bridged Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon Milli Park), takes its name from the Roman bridge spanning the river and still in use. Gather this evening in one of Antalya’s fine restaurants for a gala dinner party. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Transfer to Antalya airport for the morning flight to UNESCO World Heritage site-filled Istanbul. We begin today at the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora Monastery, or Kariye Museum, built between the 11th- and 14th-centuries. The mosaics and frescoes inside are masterpieces of Byzantine art. Continue to Suleymaniye, the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent that dominates the skyline of Stamboul (Old Istanbul). This magnificent edifice is considered the finest creation of Sinan, the greatest of the Ottoman architects. We will dine on classical Ottoman cuisine for lunch, in a restaurant housed within a 16th-century soup kitchen built by Sultan Suleyman. Thousands of shops, a mosque, a school, a post office and police station are all housed underneath the vast covered Grand Bazaar. Within this maze of shops is a bountiful selection of all of Turkey’s crafts: leather items, hand-beaten copper and brass, intricate carpets and nomadic kilims (flat weave rugs), exquisite gold and antique silver jewelry. Dinner tonight in Kumkapi, a delightful, boisterous neighborhood where seafood restaurants abound and musicians entertain with lively music. (B/L/D)
Day 16: Depart for the USA. (B)
STUDY LEADER: Drs. Jeremy and Maud McInerney
TRIP DATES: September 12 – 27, 2009
TRIP COST: TO BE ANNOUNCED
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flights from North America to Istanbul; a tax-deductible check for $150.00 per person to ‘The Institute of Nautical Archaeology’, passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; alcoholic drinks; telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature. 
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: TO BE ANNOUNCED
REGISTRATION: A deposit of $500.00 is required along with your 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 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.
NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes in our itinerary, accommodations and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00 per person. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. 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.
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
