SAILING the BLACK SEA Round-Trip

T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT

N S AILING THE B LACK S EA N Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager

N April 22 to May 5, 2014 N T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT

Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Black Sea, that busy crossroad that has linked Europe and Asia for millennia, boasts a rich historic and cultural legacy. Join us in the spring as we discover its less-visited eastern shores. We are delighted to be accompanied by Dr. Helen C. Evans, the Mary and Michael Jaharis Curator of Byzantine Art at the Metropolitan Museum. She will be joined by Professor Carole Fink, a specialist in European International History who is currently finishing a book on the global Cold War. In Istanbul, visit the sixth-century basilica of Hagia Sophia before cruising along the Bosphorus to the Black Sea. Admire Ottoman mansions and ancient royal tombs carved into cliffs in Amasya, and see the former Byzantine capital of Trabzon. In Batumi, Georgia, discover the Adjara Arts Museum, with its Western European paintings. Spend a day in Sochi, Russia, to view Stalin’s summer villa and the Cathedral of St. Michael. In Yalta, Ukraine, tour Livadia Palace, site of the historic 1945 meeting of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. Discover Greek ruins at Chersonesus, then TRAVELING WITH YOU continue to Odessa with its five- domed Uspenski Cathedral. Tour Dr. Helen C. Evans is the Mary and Michael the painted churches of Romania Jaharis Curator of Byzantine Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has before concluding in 3,000-year-old traveled extensively in the Black Sea region, Nessebar, Bulgaria. in conjunction with her award-winning exhibitions The Glory of Byzantium (1997), For those wishing to spend Byzantium: Faith and Power (2004), and more time in Istanbul, an optional Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition three-night prelude is offered. (2012), and lecturing for the Museum’s Travel with the Met program. Please join us on this unique Dr. Evans graduated from Newcomb journey, in the congenial company College of Tulane University and received her Ph.D. from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. She has taught at the Institute of Fine of members of the National Trust Arts, New York University, Columbia University, and the University of for Historic Preservation and Yale Chicago; and acted as a consultant to museums and archaeological sites Educational Travel. in the Republic of Georgia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

Sincerely,

Suceava

MOLDOVA Odessa UKRAINE

Crimea RUSSIA Emily K. Rafferty Yalta ROMANIA Sevastopol President Constanta Sochi BULGARIA Black Sea Nessebar GEORGIA Batumi

Istanbul Samsun Amasya TURKEY Trabzon

T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT N 1000 FIFTH A VENUE N N EW Y ORK, N EW Y ORK 10028 N S AILING THE B LACK S EA N Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager April 22 to May 5, 2014

______N ______

NEW YORK TRABZON, TURKEY Tuesday, April 22 Saturday, April 26

Depart New York on an overnight flight to Istanbul. Step ashore in Trabzon, long an important trading port on the Black Sea. Drive to the Sümela Monastery, built in the ISTANBUL, TURKEY fourth century on the side of a steep mountain overlooking Wednesday, April 23 the forest. Also tour the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and bustling local bazaar. In the afternoon, visit the Arrive in Istanbul this morning. Following lunch, see the villa where Kemal Ataturk stayed, now dedicated to him. impressive sixth-century basilica of Hagia Sophia before The city’s late-Byzantine Hagia Sophia, converted from a continuing to the pier to board Variety Voyager. Toast our church to a mosque and then a museum, houses examples journey with a glass of champagne on deck as we cruise of vibrant frescoes and Islamic reliefs. the Bosphorus, past historic palaces, colorful yalis (traditional villas), and under two bridges that link Europe BATUMI, GEORGIA and Asia. Tonight we enter the Black Sea. Sunday, April 27

With its charming restored buildings, lovely tree-lined thoroughfares, and mild weather, Batumi is a popular seaside destination. Stroll through the peaceful Botanic Gardens and explore the ruins of ancient Gonio Fortress, where many of its towers still stand. At the Adjara Arts Museum see paintings by Georgian artists as well as graphic works and decorative art. After lunch, you may wish to walk along the beach promenade or visit the Archaeological Museum.

SOCHI, RUSSIA Monday, April 28

Hagia Sophia interior. Spend a day in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics. View World War II monuments, the Russian AT SEA Orthodox Cathedral of St. Michael, and Stalin’s summer Thursday, April 24 villa. Then visit the Sochi Art Museum, built by the Soviets in the 1930s. This afternoon explore a nearby tea During a day at sea, relax on deck, enjoy the amenities of plantation. Alternatively, enjoy a day trip into the our ship, and attend lectures about upcoming visits. Caucasus Mountains to the Alpine resort of Krasnaya Polyana, site of some of the Olympic facilities. The SAMSUN, TURKEY Western Caucasus, with extensive areas of forests, has Friday, April 25 been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

From Samsun, drive to the charming city of Amasya, AT SEA situated in a deep river gorge. The capital of the kings Tuesday, April 29 of Pontus from 333 to 26 BCE, Amasya was later part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Explore the 15th- As Variety Voyager sets a western course, you may century mosque and 19th-century Hazeranlar Mansion, wish to visit the captain on the bridge or relax with now home to an ethnographic museum. After lunch, admire agood book. Attend lectures in preparation for our the traditional Ottoman houses or climb the steps to see visits in Ukraine. Dinner is planned on deck as we sail the Pontus royal tombs carved into the rock cliffs. this evening.

N S AILING THE B LACK S EA N NNN

CONSTANTA N SUCEAVA, ROMANIA Saturday, May 3

Arrive in Constanta and fly by chartered plane to Suceava. Drive through the bucolic Romanian countryside, passing horse-drawn carts and peasant farmers, to Humor Monastery. Built in 1530, the church is the first in this region painted by refugee Byzantine artists. It is illustrated not only with biblical scenes but a historical depiction of the fall of Constantinople. At the Church of Moldovita, from 1532, view the vibrant blues and reds, and the fascinating exterior paintings. After lunch, see Voronets Monastery, where the intense blue of the frescoes has become famous as “the blue of Voronets.” Return by chartered plane to Constanta and the awaiting Variety Voyager. Dinner is on board. Chersonesus and Church of St. Vladimir.

YALTA, UKRAINE Wednesday, April 30

Today’s visits in Yalta include the landmark Alupka Palace, designed and built between 1828 and 1846 by English architects. The palace is a combination of a Scottish castle on its landward side and Arabian fantasy facing the sea. Continue to Livadia Palace, originally a summer residence of Tzar Nicolas II and the site of the historic 1945 meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. After lunch, see White Dacha, the house where Anton Chekhov wrote some of his most famous works, or tour Nikitsky Botanic Gardens, one of the most extensive of its kind in Eastern Europe.

SEVASTOPOL, UKRAINE Thursday, May 1

Depart from the port of Sevastopol to visit Chersonesus, an ancient Greek and Roman site overlooking the sea, where we hope to meet the excavation director. Alternatively, drive to nearby Balaclava, where a former Fresco at the Voronets Monastery, Romania. Soviet underground submarine base is now open as a museum. Following lunch on board, see the Crimean War NESSEBAR, BULGARIA panorama by Russian painter Franz Roubaud, depicting Sunday, May 4 the first main assault of Sevastopol on June 18, 1855. Step ashore in the town of Nessebar, whose Byzantine ODESSA, UKRAINE ruins and picturesque fishermen’s houses have long Friday, May 2 attracted artists and poets. Discover the Archaeological Museum and the richly decorated churches on a guided Variety Voyager approaches Odessa this morning, docking walking tour. Return to the ship for lunch, and set sail this near the base of the Potemkin Steps. Visit the five-domed afternoon. In the evening gather for the captain’s farewell Uspenski Cathedral with its extraordinary icons and see reception and dinner. the renowned opera house. Continue to the Archaeology Museum to view the extensive treasures from early ISTANBUL N NEW YORK Black Sea civilizations, including a 3,000-year-old gold Monday, May 5 breastplate and a collection of ancient coins. Conclude with a private concert in a neighboring 19th-century Disembark Variety Voyager after breakfast and transfer to palace, now home to the Literature Museum. the airport for the return flights home. N

N R OUND-T RIP I STANBUL A BOARD VARIETY V OYAGER N NNN DECK PLAN VARIETY VOYAGER

HORIZONS DECK Christened in 2012, the luxury yacht M.Y. Variety Voyager is built according to the most up-to-date international standards. Relax in

301 303 305 307 the main lounge, enjoy a drink on the sun deck or use the internet in

DINING ROOM the library. The glass-enclosed dining room offers panoramic views and an al fresco option, while the spa and fitness suite features 302 304 306 308 massage, fitness equipment, a sauna, and beauty treatments. All cabins have DVD players, flat-screen televisions, and bathrooms with RIVIERA DECK marble finishing.

201 203 205 207 209 211 213 215 MAIN LOUNGE RECEPTION 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 BAR

MARINA DECK

SPA & 101 103 105 107 109 111 113 GYM

108 110 112 102 104 106 LIBRARY

RATES & ACCOMMODATIONS CRUISE RATES RATES INCLUDE (Per Person, Double Occupancy) N Twelve nights cabin accommodations aboard the Variety Voyager Cabins Decks Rates N All meals on the cruise, complimentary wine with lunch and dinner Cabins 108 to 113 Marina Deck $9,995 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds N Sightseeing via private transportation, as per itinerary Cabins 101 to 107 Marina Deck $10,995 N Entrance fees for all included visits Staterooms, double bed or twin beds N Lecture series Cabins 212 to 215 Riviera Deck $11,495 N Airport/pier/airport group transfers Staterooms, double bed or twin beds Cabins 201 to 211 Riviera Deck $12,995 N Taxes, service and porterage charges; port charges; Staterooms, double bed or twin beds gratuities aboard and ashore Cabins 301 to 306 & 308 Horizons Deck $14,995 N Pre-departure material and reading list Master Staterooms, double bed or twin beds NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare, passport and visa Cabin 307 Horizons Deck $16,995 fees; transfers for those not on suggested group flights; alcoholic beverages Owner’s Suite, double bed other than wine at lunches and dinners; personal expenses; trip insurance; Single cabin rates will be calculated at a supplement ranging from 30 to 100 percent of the cruise rate. optional prelude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT

Sailing the Black Sea N April 22 to May 5, 2014 RESERVATION APPLICATION

To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of OPTIONAL PRELUDE IN ISTANBUL $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative Ë I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Istanbul fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the ($1,245 per person; single supplement $480). Americas, New York, NY 10018-3721. Hotel Room Preference Ë Double Ë Twin Ë Single FORM OF PAYMENT ______Ë Names in Full as on Passports. Please Print. Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Ë Credit card (may be used for deposit only) ______Name on Credit Card Address ______Credit Card Number ______City State Zip ______3- or 4-Digit Security Code Expiration Date ______Telephone (Home) (Business) I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program. I/We agree to full payment by check ______120 days prior to departure. Each participant must sign below. Fax E-mail

ACCOMMODATIONS ______Signature (Required) Date Stateroom Preference (1) ______(2) ______I wish to share a cabin with ______Signature (Required) Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: 212-514-8921 or 800-221-1944 N Fax: 212-344-7493 N E-mail: [email protected] N www.metmuseum.org/travel The Blue Mosque.

OPTIONAL ISTANBUL PRELUDE April 19 to 23, 2014 Explore the rich artistic and architectural heritage of fabled Istanbul, an ancient world capital that straddles Asia and Europe. During a three-night stay, highlights include the magnificent tiled interior of the Blue Mosque, legendary Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Admire the striking mosaics in the Byzantine Savior in Chora Church, and view the collections of the famed Archaeological Museum. We will also enjoy a private viewing of beautifully decorated Ottoman manuscripts and have the opportunity to attend services on Easter Sunday. Deluxe accommodations are at the Hilton Istanbul, surrounded by gardens and featuring views of the Bosphorus. $1,245 per person. $480 single supplement. Includes three nights at the Hilton Istanbul; buffet breakfast daily, two lunches, and one dinner with wine/soft drinks; sightseeing as noted. Photo Photo © Gloria De Luca

Iznik tile.

NNN N T ERMS & C ONDITIONS N AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights, or your own individual requests, for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your Confirmation Mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs or, in some cases, videotapes of participants of Travel With the Met trips may be used for educational and promotional purposes by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select an alternative insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of The Met is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services relating to The Program. AAA, the Met and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or the Met and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. The Met and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or the Met to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the ofﬁces of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; the Met shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notiﬁcation of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days prior to departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor the Met shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or the Met, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright © 2013 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST 2059789-40

Front cover and top back cover: Saint George. Medallion. Gold, silver and cloisonné enamel. Byzantine, Constantinople. Late 11th to early 12th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.674). Bottom back cover: The monastery at Sucevita. T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT 1000 Fifth Avenue N New York, NY 10028 www.metmuseum.org/travel

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N S AILING THE B LACK S EA N Round-Trip Istanbul Aboard Variety Voyager N April 22 to May 5, 2014