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Overview
Dates Aug 04 — Aug 15, 2008
Activity Level Moderately active
The legendary Black Sea, situated between Southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, has been an intersection of influences from East and West throughout history. Today six countries share its coast, whose sunny beaches and natural beauty have long attracted visitors. Discover this lovely region from the deck of Le Levant, an elegant French ship. Cruise from Turkey's ancient capital to its Anatolian villages. Delve into the area's multilayered Byzantine and Ottoman past, and explore the fascinating military history of the Crimea. Marvel at such stunning sights as the Lividia Palace of Yalta and the pristine wetlands of the Danube Delta. Observe contrasts in architecture, cultures, and landscapes, from the soaring minarets and vibrant bazaars of Istanbul to the colorful folkloric history of the Ukraine. Throughout the journey, enjoy lectures and informal discussions with outstanding study leaders.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1 and 2 U.S. / Istanbul, Turkey
- Days 3 and 4 Istanbul
- Day 5 Istanbul / Embark Le Levant
- Day 6 Amasra / Safranbolu
- Day 7 Samsun / Amasya
- Day 8 Yalta, Ukraine / Sevastopol
- Day 9 Odessa
- Day 10 Danube Delta, Romania
- Day 11 Nessebur, Bulgaria
- Day 12 Istanbul / U.S.
Highlights
- Spend three days in the fabled city of Istanbul, which has captivated the worlds imagination since its earliest days as Byzantium and later Constantinople.
- Discover the ancient Silk Road junction of Safranbolu, a World Heritage site of winding streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman-style houses.
- Stroll the promenade to Odessa's stunning Hapsburg-style opera house, view rare Scythian gold at the city's Archaeology Museum, and visit Ukranian families in their homes.
- Navigate the canals and marshes of the Danube Delta, a World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve where birdlife is abundant.
- Meet with local journalists and dignitaries who reveal insights into the history and current events of this rapidly changing region.
Pre-Tour Extension
Ephesus, Turkey
August 2-5, 2008
Highlights include the iconic Celsus Library; the Great Theater and the Sacred Way; a stroll along a quaint hilltop village; and treasures in the Ephesus Museum. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Post-Tour Extension
Cappadocia, Turkey
August 15-18, 2008
Highlights include Ankara and the Museum of Anatolian civilizations; Cappadocia's World Heritage site of "fairy chimneys" and underground cities; colorful Byzantine cave churches; the ethereal towns of Urgup and Zelve; and a 2,000 year-old, eight-story underground sanctuary in Derinkuyu.
Program Leaders
Jodi Magness
Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received a Ph.D. in classical archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in archaeology and history from the Hebrew University of Pennsylvania. She has participated in more than 20 excavations in Israel and Greece and currently directs excavations at the Roman fort at Yotvata, Israel. Her publications include an award-winning book, The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Eerdmans 2002).
Duncan Smith
Duncan Smith is Professor Emeritus at Brown University, where he taught German studies. He was a frequent visitor to the former Soviet Union where he lectured at the Gorki Institute of World Literature and the former Soviet Writers' Union. He has traveled widely in Central Europe, primarily in countries which were part of the Hapsburg "Double Monarchy," and he has lectured and written widely about the Hapsburg, Ottoman, and German presence in what are now Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Ukraine. Professor Smith has lectured on the transformation of the Ottoman Empire into the modern Turkish state, the enduring legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Islam and the modern nation-state, and the politics of Islamic and Judaic-Christian fundamentalists.
Rhodica Ghiserel
Rhodica Ghiserel was born in Romania and is recently retired from teaching English in her home town of Constanta. Rodica has been a tour guide for nearly 40 years, cruising with travelers on the Danube, the Nile and the Dnieper Rivers, and the Black and Mediterranean Seas. Exceptionally popular with passengers, Rodica brings an astute insider's perspective into this rapidly changing part of the world.
Sponsors
American Museum of Natural History Expeditions
Smithsonian Journeys
Accommodations
Accommodations
Le Levant
Le Levant is a superb yacht-like cruise ship built in France and staffed by a 50-person European crew dedicated to outstanding service. The ship carries no more than 90 guests in 45 staterooms, each with a sitting area, private marble bath with shower, and generous storage space. A large picture window affords views of the water and landscape. Public areas include the Grand Salon for lectures and presentations, two restaurants that can accommodate all passengers at one seating, two bars, a library, small exercise room and wading pool, steam room, boutique, and salon. An aft marina features a swimming platform, freshwater shower, and fleet of sturdy motorized Zodiacs.
Program Rates
Airfare
Airfare is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your travel arrangements for this program.
Program Rates
From $6,995 per person, double occupancy; $11,892 single