treasures Black Sea aboard Le Levant 5 oCtober 7–16, 2009

•With retired U.S. Navy captain &

deep-sea explorer Fred McLaren and archaeologist Diane Cline

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our study leader“Although I have spent most of my life on and beneath the

world’s oceans and seas, they have never lost their fascination

for me, particularly the black Sea. during our voyage together on

Le Levant, we will take about the ancient peoples who populated

the black Sea’s vast shoreline and about the black Sea’s unusual

evolution, its bathymetry (a measurement of depth), and the

exotic marine species it nurtures. You will learn about exciting prospects for

marine archaeology and about the influence of the black Sea on the danube

delta, a unique aquatic environment of highly diverse flora and fauna. We will

also take a look at some of the major maritime conflicts that have taken place

on the black Sea in recent times. I am certain that the black Sea will not only

capture and hold your imagination, but that you will long, as I have, to return to it

in the future.

“The black Sea region connects to the Mediterranean and

Aegean through the bosphorus Strait, known in antiquity as the

Hellespont. When the greeks traveled to the lands bordering the

black Sea, they colonized and settled there, and the ruins of their

settlements dot the landscapes that we will see in Turkey and

Romania. The Romans also settled here and left their mark, and

the eastern orthodox churches of Romania and ukraine reflect their greek and

Roman architectural heritage. As a classical archaeologist, I have spent a great

deal of time in Turkey and other parts of the Aegean and Mediterranean. The

modern histories and conflicts of the region are deeply fascinating to me. on this

trip, I will share my understanding of the classical world with you, as well as the

modern cultures and peoples of the countries around the black Sea.

along the shores of the black sea, the fortunes of ancient empires waxed and waned. explore legendary Istanbul, fascinating ports in ukraine and bulgaria, and the danube delta, a World Heritage site and biosphere Reserve in Romania, aboard elegant Le Levant.

Captain alfred S. mclaren, uSn (ret.), Phd, is an arctic and deep-sea explorer, climate change research scientist, and former u.S. nuclear submarine commander. he has used russian MIR submersibles to dive to the wrecks of the titanic and the german battleship Bismarck, and has been a lecturer on voyages to most parts of the world. he holds teaching appointments at the university of Colorado, boulder, and at the u.S. naval War College.

diane Cline has taught greek and roman history and archaeology for more than 13 years and is currently a professorial lecturer at the george Washington university in Washington, d.C. While working on her dissertation at Princeton, she was awarded a fulbright fellowship in greece, where she researched art and archaeology for three years. She has worked on excavations in greece and israel, won teacher of the year awards and neh grants, and appears regularly on the history Channel and a&e.

hagia SoPhia, iStanbul•

•

•thiS Page: Ceiling, blue moSque

Cover: ortakoy moSque and boSPhoruS bridge, iStanbul

mail Panel: matryoShka dollS

baCk Cover: SevaStoPol

highlight 5 istanbul’s splendid hagia Sophia basilica5 a sunset cruise along the bosphorus Strait

5 nessebur’s intricately decorated byzantine churches5 the danube delta biosphere reserve

5 visiting the home of a ukrainian family5 the famous Potemkin Steps in odesa

oPera houSe 5 odeSa

•

Amasra

Nessebur

Odesa

Safranbolu

Sevastopol

Istanbul

DanubeDelta

BLACK SEA

Cappadocia

R O M A N I A

B U L G A R I A

T U R K E Y

U K R A I N E

R U S S I A

Yalta

SHIP

LAND

AIR

CherSoneSuS

itineraryu.S. 5 iStanbul, turkey 5 embark Le LevantWednesday & Thursday, October 7–8

depart the u.S. for Istanbul on the

recommended overnight flight or

independently, arriving in the late

afternoon. embark Le Levant, then

gather for an evening reception and

welcome dinner. Le Levant (r,d)

iStanbulFriday, October 9

Choose from a variety of excursion

options for today’s exploration

of historic Istanbul. explore the

highlights of old Town including the

Hippodrome, center of byzantine

civic life; the splendid Sultan Ahmet

Mosque, commonly called the

blue Mosque for its dazzling blue

Iznik tiles; and the breathtaking

Hagia Sofia basilica, the “Church of

divine Wisdom.” or discover lesser-

known sites such as the luxurious

dolmabahçe, the first european-

style palace in Istanbul; the beautiful

byzantine Chora Church; the golden

Horn, an inlet of the bosphorus that

divides the city; and the basilica

Cistern, built by Justinian in 532 a.d.

This evening relax on the decks of

Le Levant during a cruise along the

bosphorus Strait, flanked by opulent

waterside palaces, embassies, and

mansions, and into the black Sea.

Le Levant (b,l,d)

amaSra 5 SafranboluSaturday, October 10

Call this morning at Amasra and

transfer to Safranbolu, named for

the saffron fields that blanketed this

region in the 19th century. once an

important junction on the Silk Road,

Safranbolu today is a World Heritage

site of winding streets and beautifully

preserved ottoman-style wooden

houses. Tour the Çarsi district, a

treasure trove of period architecture, make your reServation today. Call (800) 395-3288.

and explore the ethnographic

museum, the city’s vibrant market

square, and a restored ottoman

caravansary (inn). Le Levant (b,l,d)

yalta, ukraineSunday, October 11

disembark in historic Yalta on

the southern tip of the Crimean

Peninsula. Yalta entered the global

spotlight in 1945, when Stalin,

Roosevelt, and Churchill met here

to determine the fate of europe

after World War II. Tour the Italian

Renaissance–style livadia Palace,

which contains many mementos of

the conference as well as personal

belongings of the deposed Romanov

family. Le Levant (b,l,d)

SevaStoPolMonday, October 12

In Sevastopol, a former top-secret

Soviet military zone, visit the unique

Panorama Museum, which recreates

scenes from the city’s heroic 349-

day defense during the Crimean

War. Continue to the 4th-century

greek ruins of Chersonesus and then

balaklava, where the tragic “Charge

of the light brigade” unfolded.

Le Levant (b,l,d)

odeSaTuesday, October 13

odesa is a city with a short but

dynamic history. See the Potemkin

Steps, famously depicted in the

1925 silent film classic Potemkin,

which portrayed the 1905 uprising

of the crew of the Russian battleship

Potemkin against the oppressive

officers of the Tsarist regime. Stroll

along the promenade to the stunning

and newly renovated Hapsburg-style

opera house, and stop to admire

an exhibit of rare Scythian gold at

the Archaeology Museum. In the

afternoon, choose to either visit

with local ukrainian families in their

homes or explore odesa’s rich Jewish

heritage with a tour of the Jewish

Museum and synagogue.

Le Levant (b,l,d)

danube delta, romaniaWednesday, October 14

The danube River culminates in the

only delta in the world to be declared

a World Heritage site and biosphere

Reserve. At more than 5,000 square

kilometers, the delta is one of the

world’s largest wetlands and a living

natural museum of biodiversity; its

23 natural ecosystems teem with an

astonishing variety of flora and fauna,

including numerous rare species.

board small boats to navigate

the delta’s canals, reed beds, and

marshes for close-up views of the

abundant wildlife. Le Levant (b,l,d)

neSSebur, bulgariaThursday, October 15

Nessebur has earned World Heritage

status for its eclectic architectural

styles, which stretch across millennia.

Journey to the site of a greek

acropolis and a Roman agora and

visit the remarkable Archaeology

Museum. Admire the town’s

intricately decorated byzantine

churches, including 11th-century St.

Stephen’s with its richly ornamented

iconostasis and gilded bishop’s

throne. Return to Le Levant for a

festive farewell reception and dinner.

Le Levant (b,l,r,d)

iStanbul 5 u.S.Friday, October 16

disembark Le Levant in Istanbul this

morning and transfer to the airport

for flights home. (b)

Photography ortakoy Mosque © Timdeboeck / dreamstime.com; Hagia Sofia © iStockphoto.com / Yusuf Anil Akduygu; blue Mosque © Jivko Kazakov / dreamstime.com; blue Mosque interior © iStockphoto.com / Jivko Kazakov; Chersonesus © iStockphoto.com / Natalia bratslavsky; opera House © Hohotuk4ik / dreamstime.com; girl © Iconotec / Alamy; Cappadocia © iStockphoto.com / Svetlana Tikhonova; galata Tower © gmv / dreamstime.com; dolls © iStockphoto.com / david Cox; Sevastopol © iStockphoto.com / Valentyn Volkov

bulgarian girl in traditional CoStume

or viSit WWW.hCPtravel.Com or ContaCt your ProfeSSional travel adviSor.

byzantine ChurCh 5 neSSebur

terms & conditionsreServationS & PaymentS A deposit of $1,000 per person (payable to High Country Passage) is required to confirm all reservations. Please mail the check to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107. Final payment deadline is June 9, 2009, 120 days prior to departure.

CanCellationS & refundS deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by High Country Passage within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% non-refundable. Cancellations after final payment deadline: 100% penalty. All cancellations must be made in writing.

itinerary, Program, & CoSt modifiCationS The itinerary, as contained in this brochure, is subject to modifications and change by High Country Passage. every effort will be made to carry out this program as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. Costs, although given in good faith and based on information available upon publication of the brochure, are also subject to change and revision. due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. details and costs will be advised prior to your departure.

inSuranCe Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is highly recommended and should be considered for your financial protection. Another important consideration is medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage. A comprehensive package will be made available to you upon receipt of your initial deposit. early purchase will provide coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

health All participants should be in good health and capable of walking over rough terrain. by forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers.

reSPonSibility High Country Passage (HCP) acts only as an agent for the suppliers and contractors providing transportation and/or all other travel-related services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for personal injury, or for personal or property loss or damage, in connection with any service. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, weather, strikes, terrorism, wars, or other such causes. HCP reserves the right to make changes to the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. occasionally, unforeseen changes in transportation schedules or other pressing matters necessitate a change in the land portion of the tour or cause a tour to be extended beyond its scheduled completion; any extra costs incurred in such cases are the responsibility of the passenger. HCP reserves the right at their discretion to alter, change, omit, and/or feature any part of the itinerary or any reservation, conveyance, or routing at any time and without notice and for any reason whatsoever without allowance of refund. HCP also reserves the right to decline or accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any person to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by their representative to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant. HCP reserves the right to withdraw without penalty any tour announced. Personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times.

CST #2070901-40090523 bSl HCP

reserve your space onTreasures of the black Sea

Call (800) 395-3288 or visit www.hcptravel.com

or contact your professional travel advisor.extensiondetails and rates for both extensions

will be provided to confirmed

participants.

oPtional Pre-tour extenSion to CaPPadoCia, turkey October 5–8, 2009

Arrive in Ankara and tour the

remarkable Museum of Anatolian

Civilizations. Spend three days

in Cappadocia (above), a World

Heritage site of “fairy chimneys”

and underground cities. explore

byzantine cave churches decorated

with colorful frescoes in the goreme

Valley; the whimsical troglodyte

(cave) houses in urgup; and a 2,000-

year-old, eight-story underground

sanctuary in derinkuyu.

oPtional PoSt-tour extenSion to iStanbul, turkey October 16–19, 2009

explore some of the attractions of

Istanbul on the Asian side of the

bosphorus, including the waterfront

baroque-style beylerbeyi Palace;

Çamlica Hill, which offers magnificent

views of the city and the sea; and

uskudar, Istanbul’s oldest established

residential suburb. Also visit the

Military Museum, galata Tower (below),

and bustling Istiklal Street, lined with

shops, cafes, and restaurants, and

browse through the spice market and

the old books market.

le levantLe Levant, built in 1998 to the highest international standards of safety and

comfort, transports passengers to destinations around the world, providing

the amenities and pleasures of a private yacht.

The ship accommodates up to 90 passengers in 45 well-appointed,

outside-facing cabins of approximately 200 square feet that feature a

sitting area, marble bath with shower, bathrobes, hair dryer, satellite TV,

generous storage space, mini-bar, safe, and individual temperature controls.

A large picture window affords scenic views from the comfort of each

cabin, and beds can be configured as queen-size or two twins.

Le Levant’s five decks include a 95-seat panoramic restaurant for

breakfast and lunch, a gourmet restaurant for dinner, library, lounge, two

bars, elevator, hair salon, sauna, pool, and a boutique. Le Levant is equipped

with four anti-roll stabilizers to provide smooth sailing and an INMARSAT

communications system that can be used from each cabin.

PROGRAM RATES DOUBLE SINGLE

CATEGORY C CHAMPLAIN DECK $0 $0 LEAST EXPENSIVE

CATEGORY B LA PÉROUSE DECK $0 $0

MOST EXPENSIVE

CHART PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY; OK TO REBUILD IN InDESIGN

CATEGORY A BOUGAINVILLE DECK $0 -

LA PÉROUSE DECK

BOUGAINVILLE DECK

CHAMPLAIN DECK

POOLBAR

GYM

508 506 504 502

507 505 503 501

RESTAURANT

316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302

319 317 315 313 311 309 307 305 301303

LOUNGE

H

418 416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402

419 417 415 413 411 409 407 405 403 401

LINENS

SHOP

LIB-RARY

LINENS

new pricingPricing includes $2,200 savings (doubles)

and up to $7,900 savings (singles) off of

original rates.

double SINgle

Category 1 $5,995 $6,995

Category 2 $7,295 $8,295

Category 3 $8,285 —

airfare Round-trip airfare between New

York and Istanbul is not included in the

program rates. As of october 2008, economy-

class airfare is estimated at $1,375 (subject to

change). Cost savings may be available through

High Country Passage, who is happy to assist

you with making your air travel arrangements.

Potential fuel SurCharge every

effort is made to keep program costs as low as

possible, and rates do not include allowances to

cover possible increases in fuel costs. Please be

aware that the volatile nature of oil prices may

make it necessary to assess a fuel surcharge.

We appreciate your understanding.

inCluded eight nights aboard Le Levant 5

Meals as indicated in the itinerary 5 Welcome

and farewell receptions 5 Comprehensive

educational program by study leaders and local

guides 5 All sightseeing and visits as noted in

the itinerary 5 Transfers to and from airports

for those participating in or meeting group

flights 5 baggage handling for one bag plus

one carry-on bag per person while on tour 5 All

on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted

5 gratuities to guides, porters, drivers, and

ship’s crew 5 Complete packet of pre-departure

information including suggested reading list

and luggage tags 5 State-of-the-art headsets

for clear reception of expert commentary

during excursions

not inCluded u.S. domestic and

international airfare 5 Passport and visa fees

5 Immunization costs 5 Airport security

fees imposed by the government or airline

5 Meals and beverages, including alcohol and

wine, not specified as included 5 baggage

and cancellation insurance 5 Transfers to and

from airports for those not using or meeting

group flights 5 Personal items such as laundry,

telephone, fax, and email charges, gratuities

for non-group services, and other items not

specified as included

•Stateroom 5 ChamPlain & la PÉrouSe deCkSbar 5 main lounge

500 Third Street, Suite 455

San Francisco, CA 94107

www.hcptravel.com

treasures Black Sea aboard Le Levant 5 oCtober 7–16, 2009

oFTHe

•

share this exciting black Sea cruise

with explorer Fred Mclaren and

archaeologist diane Cline.

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