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Home , Amphipolis, Kastoria, Kavala, Kozani, Lake Orestiada, Northern Greece

Archaeological Heritage of NORTHERN April 26–May 10, 2019

We invite you to join us as we explore the , and , the birthplace of , archaeological heritage of , as well as the historic city of . April 26 - May 10, 2019, with noted To the east, we will explore ancient archaeologist, Dr. Ken Sheedy! and , the “small Rome,” and the ancient We will explore the homeland of Alexander on the island of , all with the the Great, and King Philip II of Macedon, and superb leadership of Ken Sheedy. Dazzling gold the ancient cities of Northern Greece. We will objects from these sites are found in the see tombs which were discovered in the last 60 excellent archaeology museums on our route, years, including the famous Macedonian Tomb plus so much more! from the late 4th century BC, and others in the We hope you will join us as we delve into this 3rd century BC. fascinating heritage of Northern Greece! At Aegai, we will see the spectacular Museum Best Regards, of the Royal Tombs of Aegai which is underground and is extraordinary. It is believed to be the royal tomb of King Philip II. Elsewhere we will see superb Byzantine Margaret M. Betchart architecture and artifacts from the Paleolithic President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. to the Roman period, the ancient Royal Palace for AAAS, Sigma Xi, ACS & of , and ancient cities of Therma, Olynthus, The Planetary Society Archaeological Heritage LEADERSHIP of Northern Greece Leading this expedition will be Dr. Ken Sheedy, Director of the Australian Centre for Philippi Ancient Numismatics at Macquarie in Kavala Sydney, Australia. Formerly with the British Thessaloniki Abdera Museum and the Australian Archaeological Institute in , Greece, Ken is an archaeologist ALBANIA Island of whose special focus is the Greek world. Thasos Ken is an authority on Greek coins and has a particular interest in the archaeology of the Mt. Olympus Islands in the central Aegean. He has published papers on many Greek archaeology topics and has participated in excavations on Pindos Range and the Greek mainland. AEGEAN Ken is an experienced SEA lecturer and is a popular GREECE leader of many past Aegean IONIAN Odyssey Expeditions for SEA Sigma Xi and AAAS. He looks forward to sharing his love of Greek history and archaeology, and his Athens enthusiasm for the culture and people of Greece with you.

Thessaloniki 1917

ITINERARY

Days 1/2 Depart USA for Greece Beautifully situated on the shore of Lake , Depart the USA for Athens, Greece, arriving on the in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains, morning of Day 2. Transfer to the Herodion Hotel (2 Kastoria is renowned as a rare example of nights) for rest and leisure. Depart by metro in late Byzantine churches and post-Byzantine traditional afternoon for the Byzantine and Christian Museum. houses built in the 17th to 19th centuries. Hotel Have an introduction to at the finest (1 night). B,L Byzantine art museum in the world. Day 5 Kozani & Veroia Day 3 & New Acropolis Museum This morning, we will visit the important National Archaeology Museum Archaeological Museum in Kozani, and enjoy great This morning we will visit the Acropolis and the views of the Pindos Range.Many antiquities from the Parthenon. The height of the Golden Age of Athens prehistoric to the Byzantine period have been is displayed on this hilltop. The Acropolis will give unearthed here. The museum includes artifacts from you a feel for the artistic beauty, richness, and the Paleolithic to the Roman period. We will then importance of ancient Athens, the empire that ruled explore Veroia, where important Byzantine the Eastern Mediterranean. We will also visit the New monuments and post-Byzantine churches are found. Acropolis Museum. This afternoon explore the We will then arrive at modern Lefkadia, where the collections at the National Archaeology Museum. famous Macedonian Tomb from the late 4th century Welcome dinner. B,D BC was found in 1954. Arrive in the Greek port city of Day 4 Athens to Kastoria Thessaloniki. Hotel (5 nights). B,L This morning we will fly from Athens to the Day 6 Ancient Masterpieces in Thessaloniki coastal city of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, Today, we’ll explore the Archaeological Museum of and then drive to the lovely city of Kastoria in the Thessaloniki which includes masterpieces of ancient northwest of the Greek region of Macedonia. from prehistoric times to . We’ll see the stunning finds from the royal tombs of sacred town of ancient Macedon, and the Dion the Macedonian kings, plus the Dervini Krater, a archaeological site. B,L spectacular gold container discovered in 1962 in the Day 8 Pella Royal Palace & Ancient City Derveni cemetery. Also of special interest at the We’ll travel this morning to the royal city of Pella, Museum are the Aravissos Hoard, 5 spectacular birthplace of Philip II and Alexander, and explore the royal prehistoric gold pendants from 4,500 - 3,200 BC, and city of Pella and museum. The city of Pella is built on the the Petralona Hoard of bronze tools from the Early former island of Phacos, a promontory which dominated Bronza Age (3rd millennium BC). the sea to the south in the Hellenistic period. Pella was The (dated from 340 to 320 BC) once a harbor. The palace is situated on the central hill is the oldest surviving book in , and was also and covered an estimated 60,000 sq metres. Pella’s found in the Derveni cemetery. In the afternoon, pebble- floors are famous and now are seen in we will explore Roman and Byzantine monuments the museum. Afternoon visit to the Museum of Kilkis. B,L and churches in Thessaloniki. B Day 9 Chalkidiki: Therma, Olynthus Day 7 (Aegai) & Dion & & Royal Tomb of King Philip II Today we will visit ancient Therma, founded by the This morning we will depart for the ancient site of Eretrians in the 7th century BC. It was located on the Aegai, the of Macedon until it was superseded on what was swampland, and was later by Pella. We’ll see the recently discovered royal tomb renamed . By that of King Philip II (the father of time, the port of the previous , who left capital of Macedonia, Pella, had Aegai and changed the history of begun silting up, so Greece and the Western world). took advantage of the deepwater We’ll visit the spectacular port to the NW of Therma to Museum of the Royal Tombs of expand the settlement. Aegai which is underground (the tombs are extraordinary). This We’ll continue to Olynthos afternoon explore Dion, the (“fruit of the wild fig tree”), a very important and powerful Greek city in the 4th century BC, built on two hills at the Gulf of Torone. It was destroyed by Philip II and deserted. Excavation under the American School of Classical Studies at Athens uncovered more than 5 hectares of the city. It is an important site for the study of urban planning and we’ll visit the archaeological museum. The colony of Potidaea from around 600 BC lies at the narrowest point of the peninsula of Pallene. While besieged by the Persians in 479 BC, the town was saved by the earliest recorded tsunami in history, which is reported by Day 12 The Island . B,L of Thasos Day 10 Argilos, We’ll take the ferry to Stagira & the island of Thasos this morning and then En route to explore the ancient Kavala forum within the main We’ll depart for Kavala town and climb up the this morning. Our first wooded slopes to stop will be Argilos, a The admire its Hellenistic Greek colony on the theatre, the well- Strymona. The literary Dervini preserved city walls tradition dates the Krater and the ancient foundation of Argilos to acropolis. Return ferry 655/654 BC, which makes to Kavala. B,L it the earliest Greek colony on the Thracian coast. Day 13 - Komotini - Xanthi Argilos occupied a privileged area and benefitted from We will explore Thrace today, often called the the trading activities along the Strymona and probably breadbasket of . Its Ottoman and Greek from the gold mines of the Pangeion. It is now being heritage is reflected in the towns, which have people excavated by a team from Canada. with Turkish and Greek backgrounds. We’ll visit Abdera, We will then visit Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. a colony of the city in Asia Minor, Klazomenai, 654-544 It was founded in 655 BC by Ionian settlers from the BC. We’ll continue to the town of Xanthi, famous for its Cyclades island of . We’ll have lunch near distinctive architecture, combining many Byzantine Amphipolis, whose impressive remains date from both Greek churches and neoclassical mansions of Greek Greek and Roman times. There was a famous battle merchants from the 18th and 19th centuries. We’ll visit here between the Spartans and Athenians in 422 BC. the important archaeological museum. Alexander’s wife Roxane and their small son Alexander We’ll then depart for Komotini, a 4th century AD IV were exiled and murdered here. There is a huge city, with Byzantine churches, Ottoman , and burial mound to visit as well as an important neoclassical mansions. We’ll visit the excellent museum archaeological museum. Kavala Hotel (4 nights). B,L Day 11 Kavala () & Philippi This morning we will visit the archaeological museum of Kavala and tour the ancient town. We’ll see prehistoric artifacts found in Neapolis (old Kavala, the port of Philippi), marble stela and statues, and many pots and figurines. We’ll then explore the site of Philippi, founded by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC. Philippi developed into a “small Rome” after the in 42 BCE. The Hellenistic city was supplemented by Roman public buildings and became a center of the Christian faith in 49-50 CE. We will see the theatre and stroll around parts of this extensive site, including the early Christian and the Roman forum. B,L • SIGM A THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY

which has collections which explore the heritage of Thrace, Roman coins, gold wreaths, ceramics, and clay ESERVATIONS #1538 figures. B,L R Day 14/15 Kavala to Athens Yes! I/we want to join the Archaeological Heritage of Today, we’ll return to Thessaloniki for our flight to Northern Greece Expedition, April 26-May 10, 2019,

Athens. Transfer to our hotel. Farewell dinner. On Day offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi, ACS, and The X 15, take return flights home. B,D/B Planetary Society. Please reserve ____ space(s). As a deposit, I/we enclose a check for $______($1,000 per person)

payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account. I

Name(s) ______Age______• ACS ______Age______

Address ______

City ______State ____ Zip ______

Phone: Home (______) ______• Th e Work (______) ______

Email Address ______

Membership: ___ AAAS ___ Sigma Xi ___ ACS ___ Planetary Society

Accommodations Preference: Planetar y ___ Twin ___ Single Twin Share: ___ with a friend or RESPONSIBILITY ___ Nonsmoker ___ Smoker ___ assign a roommate Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Signature ______Date ______Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, the American Chemical Society (ACS), and The Planetary Society act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transpor tation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we Signature ______Date ______can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor coach, or any other Please Mail To: Northern Greece 2019 conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept Betchart Expeditions Inc. any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, acts of God, 17050 Montebello Road or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 by the passenger, as tour rates pro vide for arrange ments only for the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise or reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be Society refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per son as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange ments are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. ©2018 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia. Map by April Milne. CST# 2036304-40 AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions The Planetary Society BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

FIRST CLASS

Discover the Archaeological Heritage of Northern Greece April 26-May 10, 2019

Travel is by motorcoach, with daily outings on foot of OSTS & ONDITIONS 1 to 2 miles at a leisurely pace suitable for exploring C C archaeological sites and museums. Exploration requires Trip Fee: $4,295 per person twin share for 15 days, plus some walking up and downhill. Please be prepared to air fare of approximately $1,695 from New York to Athens, actively explore on foot. This expedition is a round trip and in tour flights Athens/Thessaloniki, $295 RT. tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure and discovery who would like to explore sites of Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport with an excellent leader. (No smoking in transfers; accommodations in first class and country style vehicles, during lectures, or meals, please.) hotels which reflect the cultural heritage of Greece; some meals; tips to drivers and guides; group entrance fees; Accommodations: Are in first class or country style baggage handling; leadership, administration. hotels which reflect the charm and heritage of Greece, and are well situated for visits to archaeological sites and Expedition Fee Does Not Include: International air fare museums. We encourage singles to register on a “twin share” and in tour air (quoted separately); some meals; independent basis. Limited singles are available for a supplement of $895. airport transfers; gratuity to expedition leader; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, Reservations, Deposits, & Payments: Please mail a bottled water, snacks, passport, personal insurance. deposit of $500 per person with the completed reservation form to: What to Expect: This expedition is planned for the travel enthusiast who would enjoy exploring and learning Heritage of Northern Greece 2019 about the fascinating archaeological heritage and history Betchart Expeditions Inc. of Northern Greece, the land of Alexander the Great! 17050 Montebello Road Explore archaeological sites and superb museums, ancient Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 cities, and tombs! The balance is due 60 days before departure. Questions: Please call Terri Stevens at Betchart Expeditions Inc. Telephone: (800) 252 4910 (USA) or (408) 252 4910 (International) Fax: (408) 252 1444 Email: [email protected] Look on the web: www.betchartexpeditions.com Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is refundable up to 60 days before departure, less a handling fee of $100 per person. There is no refund for any cancellation after the 60 day period unless your space can be resold; then a $100 per person handling fee applies. No refunds are made for unused services