STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY VOYAGE ON THE Black Sea TURKEY, GEORGIA, UKRAINE & BULGARIA September 25 to October 6, 2016 a program of the stanford alumni association Every summer, Turks, Georgians, Russians, Ukrainians and Bulgarians flock to the sunny shores of the Black Sea to frolic in its deep-blue waters, belying the image of darkness and turbulence many Westerners have of this region. Yet, as the Black Sea grows as a popular tourist destination, it’s irrefutable that the lands surrounding this major crossroad of the ancient world have indeed seen their share of upheaval—during the Crimean War and World Wars I and II, as well as more recently during the dispute over Crimea. As we circumnavigate this historic body of water, Professor Jim Sheehan will put into context for us this complex region and the vastly different countries and cultures that have coexisted around its shores for millennia. Join us! BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY TBILISI, GEORGIA Highlights CAPTION FLY to Tbilisi on a private ENJOY a cappella sing- EXPLORE the historic VIEW the culturally and charter flight to explore ers at Odessa’s Uspensky Turkish town of Amasya, religiously significant Greek the Georgian capital’s Cathedral, private concerts where Pontic tombs honey- Orthodox Monastery of the bold Narikala Fortress and in Odessa and Varna, and a comb the mountains and Virgin Mary (Sumela Monas- Orthodox churches. lively performance of Geor- fine classical Ottoman tery), carved into the Pontic gian folk dancing in Batumi. buildings line the riverbanks. Mountains near Trabzon. COVER: HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL OF TBILISI, GEORGIA ARABIC MOSAIC, TBILISI, GEORGIA U KRAINE MOLDOVA Odessa RUSSIA ROMANIA B l a c S e a Varna k GEORGIA Tbilisi BULGARIA Batumi Samsun Trabzon Istanbul Amasya T URKEY VARNA, BULGARIA WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 artifacts from 13 civilizations Return by air to Batumi for SAMSUN / AMASYA Itinerary are on display. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) dinner onboard. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) Dock in the major Black Sea SUNDAY & MONDAY, port of Samsun, where Atatürk THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 SEPTEMBER 25 & 26 orchestrated the birth of the AT SEA / BATUMI, TRABZON, TURKEY U.S. / ISTANBUL, new Turkish republic in the GEORGIA After we arrive in Trabzon, TURKEY / EMBARK 1920s. From here travel over- Batumi, a seaport on the Black travel to the Greek Orthodox Depart the U.S. on an overnight land to Amasya, former capital Sea coast of Georgia, lies Monastery of the Virgin flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival on of the ancient Pontic Kingdom at the northern edge of the Mary (Sumela Monastery), Monday, transfer to the Island and a treasure trove of rock- humid subtropical zone. This spectacularly situated in the Sky for a welcome orientation hewn tombs, classical wooden afternoon, choose to visit either Pontic Mountains. Afterwards, and reception while cruising the mansions, and Seljuk and Ot- the Batumi Botanical Garden, enjoy a tasting of local cheese Bosphorus Strait. ISLAND SKY toman monuments. Visit the which overlooks the Black specialties and visit the color- (9/26: D) Archaeological Museum, where Sea and is one of the richest ful local market. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) botanical gardens in the world TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 or Gonio Fortress, built by the SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT SEA Romans in the 1st century AT SEA Relax aboard ship and enjoy C.E. and the site of ongoing Our onboard lecture series the beginning of our lecture excavations. Enjoy dinner off continues as the Island Sky program as the Island Sky the ship and a performance by cruises to Odessa. ISLAND SKY cruises along Turkey’s a noted Georgian folk dance (B,L,D) coastline. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) ensemble. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 ODESSA, UKRAINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 TBILISI Odessa is a city of resplen- Take an early-morning charter dent mansions and fine old flight from Batumi to Tbilisi, churches. On our city tour, the capital of Georgia. Upon visit the holocaust memorial; arrival explore the 4th-century the Potemkin Steps, famously Narikala Fortress, which depicted in Sergei Eisenstein’s dominates the Old Town classic 1925 silent film, Battle- skyline; Abanotubani, ship Potemkin; and the Odessa the historic bath house Archaeological Museum. Dine district; and the city’s this evening in central Odessa churches and Eastern at a historic venue, followed by Orthodox cathedral. a special performance of classi- cal music. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) STATUE OF ATATÜRK, SAMSUN, TURKEY OPERA THEATER, ODESSA, UKRAINE VARNA, BULGARIA ISTANBUL, TURKEY SUMELA MONASTERY, TURKEY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 ODESSA Pre-trip Extension to Istanbul This morning tour Odessa’s SEPTEMBER 22 TO 26 stunning Hapsburg-style opera house and delight in Spend three days exploring the exceptional treasures the enchanting singing of the of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, once the largest cathedral Eastern Orthodox Uspensky in the world and now a museum; Sultan Ahmed Cathedral choir. Enjoy free Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque time for an independent look at the heart of Odessa before for the blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior; Chora returning to our ship. ISLAND SKY Church, a Byzantine marvel of fine mosaics and (B,L,D) frescoes; Topkapi Palace, an opulent royal enclave; the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine life; WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 VARNA, BULGARIA Suleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman imperial mosque Arrive in Varna, the largest city and the largest in the city; and the Grand Bazaar, and resort on Bulgaria’s Black where 61 covered labyrinthine streets house more Sea coast, for an afternoon BLUE MOSQUE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY than 3,000 shops. of exploration. Marvel at the world-class collection of Scythian gold from the 5th millennium B.C.E. at Varna’s CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY archaeological museum, visit Post-trip extension to Cappadocia the imposing domed Cathedral OCTOBER 6 TO 9 of the Assumption and enjoy an Spend three nights in World Heritage–listed Cappadocia, a cappella choir performance there. Our ship departs for land of “fairy chimneys,” troglodytic villages and under- Istanbul this evening as we ground cities. Fly to Kayseri, once an important stop on celebrate our Black Sea the Silk Road and rich in historical monuments, primarily voyage at a festive farewell from the Seljuk period. Explore Byzantine cave churches reception and dinner onboard. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) decorated with colorful frescoes in the Göreme Valley, visit an underground city in the Zelve Valley, marvel at the THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 thousands of dovecotes in “Pigeon Valley” and attend a ISTANBUL, TURKEY / DISEMBARK / U.S. Whirling Dervish ceremony. Disembark in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) Additional extension details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants. CATEGORY C CABIN ISLAND SKY RESTAURANT Island Sky Program Cost* Originally built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2015, the Island Sky Rates are per person, based on double or single accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly occupancy, as specified. furnished with a sitting area, flat-screen TV, safe, mini-refrigerator and an en suite DOUBLE SINGLE bathroom with robes, slippers, hair dryer and toiletries. Several suites have private CATEGORY RATE RATE** balconies. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a large lounge, an Category A: Magellan Deck $8,990 $13,490 elegant bar and a library. The dining room accommodates all guests in a single 230 sq. ft. with portholes seating where house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the vessel (at additional cost and dependent Category B: Magellan Deck $9,990 $14,990 230 sq. ft. with portholes upon satellite reception). The ship also offers a hairdresser, onboard Category C: Columbus Deck $11,490 $17,240 clinic and doctor, elevator serving all 235 sq. ft. with window passenger decks, and two sun decks, one with a bar. The Island Sky is served Category D: Marco Polo Deck $11,990 by 75 experienced officers and crew. 225 sq. ft. with window BLUE MOSQUE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY Explorer Deck Category E: Marco Polo Deck $13,490 240 sq. ft. with forward & side windows Category F: Erikson Deck $15,490 269 sq. ft. with private balcony Erikson Deck Category G: Explorer Deck $16,490 325 sq. ft. with window & private balcony *Association nonmembers add $300 per person. Marco Polo Deck ** Single accommodations may be limited to as few as 2 cabins. Flag: Bahamas / Length: 297 ft. / Beam: 50 ft. / Draft: 12 ft. Columbus Deck Explorer Deck Erikson Deck Marco Polo Deck Columbus Deck Magellan Deck Magellan Deck Explorer Deck 603 601 Sun Deck & Jacuzzi Beauty Centre 604 602 Erikson Deck Outdoor Café Pantry Office 511 509 507 505 Bridge Lido Deck Chief Captain 512 510 508 506 Engineer Marco Polo Deck 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 The Club Library 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 Columbus Deck 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Lounge Reception 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Magellan Deck Galley 261 259 257 255 Hospital Restaurant 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Information Terms & Conditions DATES Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility September 25 to October 6, 2016 (12 days) A $1,000-per-person deposit is The Stanford Alumni Association, required to hold your space. An Stanford University and our additional $200-per-person deposit operators act only as agents SIZE is required for each of the optional for the passenger with respect This program can accommodate a total of 96 participants, pre-/post-trip extensions. Sign to transportation and ship including travelers from Stanford, the Harvard Alumni Association, up online at alumni.stanford.edu/ arrangements and exercise every the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Archaeological trip?blacksea2016 or call the Travel/ care possible in doing so.