Along the Ancient Coast of Turkey

9 Days/8 Nights: 2012 Departures:•Aug. 30 About 3,000 years ago Greek colonists sailed across the Aegean to the coast of Asia Minor. There, on hillsides and sun drenched plains, they founded new cities Ephesus, Pergamum, and Priene, among others but greatest of all was Constantinople, the city we now know as Istanbul. On this voyage you will come to know them all. Day 1 ISTANBUL, Turkey | EMBARK Named Constantinople by Emperor Constantine the Great in A.D. 330, Istanbul has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Here the traditions of East and West commingle, which is especially evident in the diverse architecture of the city. Tour the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Board Callisto and sail. Day 2 CANAKKALE | TROY | CANAKKALE Arrive in Canakkale, set at the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Strait. Take an excursion to the ruins of fabled Troy, which consists of nine cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the "wind-swept" plain of Ilium. Explore the excavations that Heinrich Schliemann began in 1872 and archaeologists have continued over the last century. In this crucible that inspired the Iliad and the Odyssey, you may be able to discern the spot where Helen, "the face that launched a thousand ships," named the Greek heroes as they appeared upon the Troad plain. Day 3 DIKILI | PERGAMUM | DIKILI From Dikili, travel to the great ancient city of Pergamum. Settled by Aeolic Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Pergamum rose to power during the Hellenistic period, becoming a center of learning and the arts. Built on the ridge of a mountain, its ancient ruins include several temples and shrines, a theater, an agora, and the famous Library, which rivaled Alexandria`s and is said to have once housed 200,000 books. Tour the acropolis, crowned by the temple of the Roman emperor Trajan, the 10,000-seat Greek theater and the Temple of Demeter. Return to Dikili and sail for Kusadasi. Day 4 KUSADASI | EPHESUS | KUSADASI Upon arrival in Kusadasi, set off on a scenic drive to Ephesus, one of the grandest and best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean, with extensive ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Ephesus was founded in the 10th century B.C. and flourished between 600 B.C. and A.D. 500. Ancient Ephesus was a great trading city and the center of worship of the great mother-goddess Cybele (Artemis). Walk along the very stone streets that did St. Paul and visit the large theater in which the Ephesians rioted against him. Also admire the Library of Celsus, with its imposing facade, and the Temple of Serapis. Day 5 EKINCIK | DALYAN | CAUNOS, Turkey Arrive at Ekincik Bay, with its crystalline waters, where we board a small craft for the journey up the Dalyan River to view the spectacular ancient temple tombs carved into the rock cliffs in the 4th century B.C. Following lunch in the town of Dalyan, we return by local boats back down the Dalyan River to explore the remains of Caunos, in antiquity a thriving port city, now landlocked and isolated by the receding sea. Overnight at anchor in Ekincik Bay. Day 6 KASTELLORIZO, Greece | KEKOVA, Turkey Arrive at the small island of Kastellorizo, one of the hidden gems of the Greek archipelago. Formerly a prosperous trading and shipping center, it now supports a tiny population, most of whom live in the island`s quaint and only town. Old and imposing mansions line the spacious harbor, lending a sense of architectural harmony to this peaceful island. Conditions permitting, we will board local boats to explore the famous Blue Grotto, a vast cavern renowned for the iridescent blue light that fills the cave when the sun reflects on the water. Also enjoy the beauty of the main town with its small museum, winding pathways and inviting outdoor cafes. Enjoy time exploring the island and swimming in the inviting waters of Kekova Bay. Day 7 FETHIYE | XANTHOS | FETHIYE Callisto glides through stunningly turquoise waters to Fethiye, nestled in an idyllic cove. Travel to Xanthos, ancient Lycia`s prominent capital, built on a great cliff overlooking the Xanthos River and the sea beyond. One of Turkey`s most astonishing sites, Xanthos boasts significant ruins, including the Nereid Monument, an exquisite Ionic building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. Visit the acropolis, the theater, and the unusual pillar tombs. Day 8 BODRUM Arrive in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, the birthplace of the "father of history," Herodotus, and Queen Artemisia, a military advisor to Xerxes and the only female commander of a naval vessel during the famous Battle of Salamis. The city was also the site of the famous Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the 15th century, the Knights of St. John built the massive castle of St. Peter here. Visit the citadel, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the Carian Princess Hall, displaying finds from the sarcophagus of Ada, sister of Artemisia. Day 9 PIRAEUS | ATHENS | DISEMBARK Disembark in Piraeus and transfer to the airport in Athens.

RATES INCLUDE
• 8-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 34-guest Callisto
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Young Explorers Program, a series of educational and recreational activities for children ages 7 - 18, led by youth education counselors
• Professional tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers on the designated program departure and arrival dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
• Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable)
• Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
• Meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service
• Gratuities to shipboard personnel

BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
At the time when/if you decide to go ahead with your cruise on board the Callisto Yacht we will send to you our booking confirmation document. Our booking confirmation document includes detailed terms and conditions applicable to your cruise.
The deposit of USD 1,500.00 per person will secure your reservation. Payment for the reservation is to be accomplished within one week from the day when we issue and send to you by email our booking confirmation document. Final payment due will be no later than 95 days prior to your embarkation.


CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $US 400,00 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary.
Cancellations received 71-95 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person.
Cancellations received within 70 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate.
Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable.