Turkey, the Greek Islands & the Dalmatian Coast - 2015 Cultural Tours Private Charters Classical Tours
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Turkey, the Greek Islands & the Dalmatian Coast Cultural Tours • Private Charters • Classical Tours 2015
Welcome to our 2015 season
Spring Tours
6-19 April The Aegean in Bloom 8
with Martyn Rix and James McKay
24 May-5 June The Allure of Lycia: People and Places in South West Turkey 7
with John Weston
26 May-6 June Illyrian Spring: Montenegro, Bosnia & the Croatian Coast26
with John Shorter
30 May-13 Jun Cruising the Cyclades on the Aegean Clipper10
with Eve MacDonald
30 May-7 Jun Moments in the History of Western Art: the Islands of the 12
Northern Dodecanese with Amal Asfour
5–14 June Cities of Aphrodite: Caria by Land and Sea13
with Richard Stoneman
Autumn Tours
29 August- A Passage to Troy: Aegean Turkey & the Greek Islands14
12 September with Richard Seaford and Jeremy Barnett
12-26 September Caria & Lycia through Writers’ Eyes16
with Jeremy Seal
12-19 September Pearls of the Dalmatian Coast28
with John Shorter
13-25 September Cities and Coasts: From Troy to Ephesos along the Ionian Shore18
with Eve MacDonald
21 September- Hittites & Carians: Golden Days with Midas & Mausolus19
3 October with Richard Stoneman and Pınar Uşşaklı
26 September- Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: Split to Dubrovnik29
5 October with John Osborne
3-10 October Islands and Peninsulas: An Autumn Cruise through 20
the Southern Dodecanese with Jeremy Seal
3-17 October The Last Rays of Summer: the Best of Lycia & Caria 22
with James McKay
10-24 October Cruising and Walking in Caria with John Weston 24
24-31 October Fiery Monsters: Dragons, Snakes, Volcanoes and other 21
Unusual Island Beasts with Amal Asfour
Curetes Street, Ephesos
2 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012
2015
Dear Guests
For more than twenty years we have been taking small groups of people to Turkey,
Greece and the Croatian coast. As a modestly sized company with a very loyal
following we are always looking to create new journeys that will appeal to those who
are regular guests as well as those who are travelling with us for the first time.
We make an early start to the cruising season with a visit to the Aegean in April when
the ancient sites are carpeted with spring flowers. To lecture on this new tour of ‘The
Aegean in Bloom’ we are delighted to welcome Martyn Rix, eminent botanist, expert
on the flora of Greece and Turkey, plant collector and editor of Curtis’s Botanical
Magazine. James McKay, classist and poet will join Martyn in making this trip a
special experience.
Also for the first time, as part of our Adriatic tours, we will be visiting Montenegro.
Before a relaxing week’s cruise along the Dalmatian coast, guests on John Shorter’s
‘Illyrian Spring’ trip will set out from the beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia to
spend two days exploring Risan, Kotor and Budva in Montenegro.
For those of you who love to walk, John Weston has scouted out a wonderful Autumn
tour, much of it hiking along the recently opened Carian Trail, an 800 km path which
encompasses magnificent archaeological sites, stunning scenery and crystal clear waters.
Not least in terms of new opportunities, Richard Stoneman will be lecturing on our
inaugural tour of the fascinating lands of the ancient Hittite kingdom.
We are always thrilled when a new idea becomes an old favourite and so we are really
pleased to be offering you another chance to join our very popular cruise to the
Cycladic Islands. Add to this our well-loved tours to Turkey and some of the greatest
monuments of Classical culture and we hope you will agree that this year’s programme
has something for everyone!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Mandy Cunningham
BIAA Brıtısh Institute
at Ankara www.westminsterclassictours.com | 3
Life on Board
Built in Turkey to traditional designs, the graceful, 26-metre wooden motor yachts in
which we cruise are known as 'gulets'. These two-masted sailing boats are fully equipped
to take advantage of favourable winds but also powered by modern diesel engines that
ensure we remain on schedule. Boats accommodate about 12 people in comfortable twin
or double cabins, each with its own bathroom. There is plenty of room for relaxation in the
saloon or on the decks and the atmosphere is pleasantly informal.
The captain of each boat has a crew of two or three under his command. With long
experience of sailing the warm and predominantly calm waters off the coasts of western
Turkey and Dalmatia, our captains have unrivalled knowledge of the Aegean, the
Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Safety is, of course, of paramount importance. Regularly
monitored by the Turkish and Croatian coastguards, our boats operate to the highest
possible standards, while the professionalism of our crews is second to none. As a general
rule, captains and crews have been working closely with us for many years and, as well as
being utterly dependable and unfailingly obliging, they are also old friends.
The food on board the gulets is superb. Many people consider it to be one of the highlights
of their holiday with us! Meals are typically Mediterranean, prepared with care and
expertise by a dedicated cook using fresh, seasonal local produce, beautifully presented.
Breakfast usually consists of eggs, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, melon or
other seasonal fruit, jams, yoghurt and honey. Lunch is usually a vegetable-based dish with
rice and salads. This may be a tray of aubergines, courgettes and tomatoes baked in the
oven, stuffed peppers, or green beans stewed in tomatoes and olive oil. At dinner grilled
meat, chicken or fish is accompanied by a varied and copious selection of delicious mezzes
and there is always deliciously ripe fruit after meals, according to the season. Excellent local
wines are served and we have a good choice of soft drinks, beer and spirits.
Typical 8 Cabin Plan
A Double cabins B Twin cabin C Saloon
A B
A
C A
A
A A Bar
B
Cabins are about 2 x 2 metres and double beds are usually about 1.4 x 2 metres.
4 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015
A normal day's sailing begins in the morning when we set out for our next port of call, a journey of
two or three hours. We usually start after breakfast, though occasionally the boat is already underway
before we get up. There is often time for a swim before lunch and in the afternoon we visit a site.
Depending on locations, from time to time we go ashore in the morning and take a private bus to
our destination. On these occasions we either take a picnic prepared by our cook or have lunch in a
local restaurant. We will generally be back on the boat in time for a swim and shower before drinks
and supper. Early evening is also a good time for the lecturer or tour leader to give a short talk and
to confirm the plan for the following day. The talks are very informal, a chance to enjoy the sunset, a
drink and a handful of nuts while listening to an informative and entertaining speaker, an expert in
his or her field of studies and a genial fellow traveller.
The WCT experience is a really special one. Invigorating and restful at the same time, the sense of
freedom and discovery engendered by the combination of looking at beautiful places and being on
the sea is incomparable. Bring books, bring watercolours, bring a friend or come as you are for ‘there
is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.’
T. +44 (0) 208 785 3191 | E. info@westminsterclassictours.com | www.westminsterclassictours.com | 5
Lecturers & Tour Leaders
Our lecturers and tour leaders are chosen for their knowledge, for their affability as travelling companions, and for their ability to communicate in a relaxed and stimulating way. Our tour leaders
know the area and sites intimately and ensure that all aspects of the tours run smoothly.
Amal Asfour has a D.Phil in the History of Art from James McKay read Classics at Oxford, graduating in 1996, Jeremy Seal is a travel writer, author, teacher and TV
Oxford. She lectured at the University of Vienna for and subsequently did graduate work at Newcastle. He has presenter. His most recent book Meander: East to West along a
many years and has published extensively on 18th century taught Classics at both school and university. He has wide Turkish River tells the story of his journey down the original
British Painting. She has a special interest in Archaic Greek experience of participatory arts projects and has worked in winding river. He is also the author of A Fez of the Heart:
temples in their landscape settings. urban regeneration. He is also an experienced tour leader Travels around Turkey in Search of a Hat which was short-listed
and is fluent in several languages, including modern Greek. for the Daily Telegraph/Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
Jeremy Barnett is a former Director of the British Council Matthew Nicholls is a Senior Lecturer in Classics at John Shorter worked for the British Council for many
in Turkey, where he lived for eight years. He read Arabic Reading University. His interests include Roman years both in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. One of
at St Andrews and Turkish Politics and Economics at the architecture, literary culture and ancient public libraries. his early postings was to Zagreb and he frequently returns
School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He has He has appeared on a number of radio broadcasts and is to Croatia, a country in which he feels very much at home.
a keen interest in the politics and economics of the Balkans currently working on programmes for BBC television. He is an expert linguist and counts German, French,
(including Greece), Turkey and the Middle East. Matthew is a Director of WCT. Polish and Serbo-Croat among his languages.
Shane Brennan received his PhD from Exeter and teaches John Osborne graduated in Classics at Cambridge Richard Stoneman is an Honorary Visiting Professor at
ancient history at Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey. University and taught classical subjects for over thirty years Exeter University and a former President of the Classical
He has travelled extensively in eastern Turkey and is the at Marlborough College. He also worked for the British Association. He is an expert on Alexander the Great and the
author of In the Tracks of the Ten Thousand: A Journey on Council in Turkey and Iran, which gave him a now long- author of numerous books on Greece and Turkey including
Foot Through Turkey, Syria and Iraq. standing interest in Islamic culture. He is a NADFAS- The Ancient Oracles: making the gods speak. Richard is also
accredited lecturer. the Chairman of WCT.
John Gaskin was Professor of Naturalistic Philosophy at John Penney has retired as University Lecturer in Classical Michael Tooley is Professor of Geography at St. Andrews
Trinity College Dublin. His publications include works Philology at Oxford University, but he remains an Emeritus and Emeritus Professor at Kingston University. He
on the Epicureans, Hume, Hobbes and the philosophy of Fellow of Wolfson College. He is a Classicist with a special lectures on environmental change, Mediterranean plants,
religion. His latest book The Traveller’s Guide to Classical interest in ancient languages (including Greek and Latin earthquakes and tsunamis. He has written books on
Philosophy is published by Thames and Hudson. but also Hittite, Lycian and Carian) and their associated Thomas Wright, William Andrews Nesfield and Gertrude
cultures. He has travelled widely in Greece and Turkey. Jekyll. He also lectures for NADFAS.
Peter Jones worked for many years in the Classics
department in Newcastle University. He writes extensively Martyn Rix is a botanist and plant collector who has served
Pınar Uşşaklı has taught English in many institutions in
on the ancient world in academic publications and in the as botanist to The Royal Horticultural Society. He studied
Ankara. For several years she managed the British Council’s
press (including an Ancient & Modern column in The botany at Trinity College, Dublin, and did a PhD on Greek
literature work in Turkey and in this capacity she travelled
Spectator), helps to run Friends of Classics and is involved and Turkish Fritillaria at Cambridge, contributing to the
extensively throughout the country.
in fund-raising for the charity Classics for All. Flora of Turkey. He is now the editor of Curtis’s Botanical
Magazine, published by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Eve MacDonald is an archaeologist who has lectured in Richard Seaford is Professor of Ancient Greek at the John Weston lives most of the year in Kaş, in Mediterranean
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology in the UK and University of Exeter, and has been Honorary President of South West Turkey. He retired to Turkey after a long career
Canada. She is the author of an upcoming biography the Classical Association. He has written numerous books with the British Council which included three years as
of Hannibal. She has a keen interest in the history and and papers on ancient Greek literature, religion, and Director of the Istanbul office. John has a Master's degree
archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean especially the history. He knows the Aegean well, and speaks modern in Classical Studies from the Open University with a
shifting influence and prosperity of islands and regions Greek fluently. specialism in Classical Lycia.
from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity.
6 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012
2015
The Allure of Lycia: People and LYCIA
Göcek
Places in South West Turkey Lydai
Fethiye
With John Weston
Gemiler
24 May – 5 June
Arykanda
Xanthos Olympos
Patara Myra Porto Genovese
Simena Finike
Kalkan Teimioussa
Kaş
Lycia boasts spectacular scenery and some of the most
impressive classical sites in Turkey. The azure waters Kastellorizo Aperlae
that line its coast offer fine swimming and diving. KEKOVA
This tour is ideal for keen walkers who will enjoy the
opportunity for longer walks on the chosen sites. TURKEY
The native Lycians had a distinct culture considerably
Ruins at Gemiler
influenced by their Persian rulers, and yet the ancient
Greeks and Romans who settled here felt at home in
this landscape. The lovely little island of Kastellorizo, Day 1 Our boat is waiting for us at Göcek, 30 Day 6 Set off for Myra (A) to visit the rock ancient Simena, we explore the Ottoman castle
the most easterly of the Dodecanese group, still raises minutes from Dalaman airport. tombs and the Roman theatre, as well as the (B). Later in the day we visit the necropolis
the Greek flag daily. Church of St Nicholas. We continue with a look at Teimioussa (B). Overnight is at one of the
Day 2 We cross to Gemiler (B/C), a small island
with a late antique settlement. We moor in a at the Roman granaries and the newly excavated wooden jetties or at anchor in the lagoon.
The ancient Greeks approached Lycia from the sea Roman harbour at Andriake (A).
and this is still the best way to reach many of its cities. sound between the island and the mainland, Day 10 We cruise to the pretty village of Kalkan
Our tour takes us to several of them, including Kaş with dramatic views of Baba Dağı, Father Day 7 We sail to Finike and take taxis to the and take a minibus to Xanthos (A), capital of
(ancient Antiphellos), Kekova and its idyllic lagoon, Mountain, rising to the east. spectacular site of Arykanda (A/B/C) in the ancient Lycia, and the nearby port of Patara (A)
as well as Olympos where the nearby mountain Day 3 An early start for Kaş, ancient Antiphellos Taurus mountains. Often referred to as the where we try to identify the location of the famous
was the home of the ancient fire-breathing monster (A), an overgrown village of whitewashed houses Turkish Delphi, its terraces support tombs, temple of Apollo which is yet to be found.
temples, an agora, a theatre and a stadium. After
Chimaera. We also visit Myra, which has one of the covered with bougainvillea. We spend a leisurely Day 11 A full day excursion to remote and little-
lunch at a local trout restaurant, we visit Limyra
finest ancient theatres in Turkey. day looking at Lycian tombs and a theatre with visited Sidyma and Pınara (C), set stunningly
fine views to Kastellorizo. (A), the scene of a Lycian rebellion against the high in the Taurus mountains. Both these
John, your tour leader, has a passion for all aspects Persians. Overnight is in the marina at Finike. Lycian cities combine significant archaeological
Day 4 We exit Turkey and make the short
of Lycian culture. He is a thoroughgoing specialist crossing to Kastellorizo where we explore the Day 8 Rounding Cape Gelidonya, the scenery remains with a charmingly bucolic atmosphere.
in Lycian history and he has a talent for making his small museums, the castle and cemeteries. If consisting of cliffs topped with pines and We rejoin our gulet in Fethiye where we stay
subject enjoyable and entertaining. He feels that this time and weather conditions permit, we visit the seductive little bays is breathtaking. We anchor the night.
trip is the perfect combination of site visits, lovely famous blue grotto. Overnight is in the harbour. in the natural harbour at Porto Genovese and set Day 12 We cross the Bay of Fethiye to the
natural landscapes and complete relaxation. out for Ancient Olympos where, amidst the lush beautiful inlet of Ağlimanı and walk to the
Day 5 We return to Turkey and, after clearing foliage, we discover ancient buildings, tombs and
customs in Kaş, we leave for Kekova. A short lonely site of Lydai (B), past a ridge crowned
inscriptions. We walk up to the Chimaera where with two mausolea. Overnight in the inlet.
walk across an isthmus abundant in the murex a supply of underground natural gas feeds flames
shells from which the famous purple dye was Day 13 We go back to Göcek and Dalaman
Tour cost £2,700 made, we come to the unexcavated and little
that cover the mountainside.
airport.
Day 9 A relaxed cruise back to Kekova along the
Single Supplement £600 visited site of Aperlae. We explore what we can
coast studded with islets and inlets. At Kaleköy,
and enjoy the setting.
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 7
The Aegean in Bloom
With Martyn Rix and James McKay
6-19 April
In April the wild flowers on the Aegean coast of
Turkey and on the Greek islands are truly magnificent.
Many of the sites we visit on this special tour will
be covered in carpets of colourful blooms. As well
as admiring some of Europe’s best-known Classical
and Byzantine monuments, we will wander well off
the beaten track and visit unspoiled islands where the
flora has been undisturbed by modern agricultural
methods and nature can be appreciated in all its
springtime glory.
The first few days on land give us the opportunity
to explore Ephesos and the area to its south. Lake
Bafa, with its particular microclimate, is home to a
variety of wildlife and, in the mountains above it,
is beautiful Labranda with its sweeping views, its
clear air and fresh green terraces watered by ancient
springs. After this we will enjoy ten days on board
the Aegean Clipper, exploring the landscape and flora
on some the loveliest islands of the Aegean.
Martyn is the editor of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine,
the world’s longest-running botanical journal,
published by Kew Gardens. He is a frequent visitor
to the Aegean coast of Turkey. James is a classicist,
poet and highly experienced tour leader. Together
they will ensure that this unique trip will be full of
interest with lots of enjoyment along the way.
Tour cost £2,495
Single Supplement £650
Fritillaria Pelinaia
8 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012
2015
Chios
Izmir
Çeşme
Selçuk
Ephesos
Samos
Heracleia
Patmos Euromos
Labranda
Bodrum
TURKEY
Kos
Kindos
Monastery of St John, Patmos
Day 1 Arrive at İzmir Airport. Our hotel in flower site at Gündoğan and a stand of the rare Treasury we see a very fine display of early see the magnificent mansions and estates
Selçuk is 45 minutes from the airport by palm Phoenix theoprasti. Christian literature. We then walk down to the belonging to Greek shipping magnates. An
private bus. Day 5 Sail across the mouth of the Gulf of boat on the old donkey path, stopping to see evening stroll to the Kastrou or fortified village
Day 2 In the morning we make an extended Keramos to the magnificent site of Knidos the cave where St John the Divine wrote the is recommended. We spend overnight on the
tour of the site of Ephesos which includes a for a day full of visits to ancient temples Revelations which form the final book of the quayside in Chios town.
special visit to the famed houses with mosaics and theatres, Byzantine churches and New Testament. We aim to cross to the tiny Day 12 We bus up to the fine Byzantine
and frescoes. In the early afternoon we go to other picturesque ruins. The remoteness of island of Arki for an evening walk. Monastery of Nea Moni. In the hills above, we
the Museum of Ephesos, recently reopened Knidos makes it a wonderful site for botanic Day 9 We move on to Pythagoreio on the will see anemones as well as Fritillaria pelinaia.
after extensive renovation. We hope to follow exploration and many rare plants with Cretan island of Samos and anchor on the ancient If time allows, we stop at the abandoned village
this with a walk in the wooded hills above the affinities, including the Tulipa saxatilis and the Mole constructed by the tyrant Polycrates. of Anavatos, where in 1822, the inhabitants
delightful Ottoman village of Şirince. Arum creticum thrive here. In the afternoon, some may wish to visit the hurled themselves off the cliff rather than
Day 3 We spend much of the day in and Day 6 We sail back to Bodrum, from where excellent Archaeological Museum and walk submit to the Turks. After lunch in the village
around the charming village of Kapıkırı we exit Turkey and make the short crossing round the remains of the town of ancient square at Avgonyma, we head north and rejoin
(ancient Heracleia) wedged between Lake to the Greek island of Kos. After visiting the Samos; others may prefer to bus up into the our boat at Langada.
Bafa and the extraordinary rock formations of ancient Asklepieion, set amidst fragrant pines mountains and explore the plant life. Day 13 A full day of botanic exploration
Beşparmakdağı – the five-fingered mountain. and cypress trees, we take a short drive into the Day 10 Another full day on Samos. We on the northeast of the island, including the
The Hellenistic ruins are scattered all over the hills to see and smell the famous scent of the start with the beautiful site of the Heraion picturesque valley of Kardamyla. We hope to
landscape and we can expect to find ourselves Muscari macrocarpum. or Sanctuary of Hera. We then cross the climb on Mount Pelinaion to see snowdrops,
walking through countryside full of wild Day 7 A long, leisurely sail past Kalymnos island to the town of Vathy to see the main orchids and many other wild flowers.
flowers. and Leros to Patmos and the famous fortified Archaeological Museum which houses an Day 14 We return early to Chios town, exit
Day 4 We visit the well-preserved temple of Monastery of St John the Theologian. We excellent collection of ceramics and sculpture Greece and make the short crossing to Çeşme
Euromos in a beautiful sylvan setting and take taxis up to Chora to see the ‘Cretan’ including the famous colossal Kouros. in Turkey. The motorway takes us swiftly to
then picnic at ancient Labranda, high in the architecture of this dazzlingly white village and Day 11 A long sail to bustling Chios, an Izmir and a late afternoon flight to London via
mountains. We continue to Bodrum where our examine the battlements of the Monastery. island which owes much of its wealth to the Istanbul.
boat will be waiting for us in the harbour. If Day 8 An early visit to the Monastery in production of gum mastic. Those who wish (Please note – wine and spirits are not included
time allows, there may be an optional visit to a order to try and have it to ourselves. In the to do so may take taxis out to Kampos to during the land portion of this tour.)
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 9
Cruising the Cyclades on the
Aegean Clipper
With Eve MacDonald
30 May-13 June
This idyllic tour presents a special opportunity
to experience the incomparably rich and varied
history of the Cycladic islands. Come and see some
spectacular landscapes dotted with dazzling white
villages, windmills and blue-domed chapels, wonder
at the intriguing simplicity of Bronze Age Cycladic
art with its distinctive figurines, and explore the
extensive archaeological remains on these islands.
We will visit the sacred island of Delos, birthplace of
the twins Apollo and Artemis; Naxos, where Theseus
cruelly abandoned Ariadne; and Santorini (ancient
Thera), where a devastating volcanic eruption 3600
years ago had enormous consequences for ancient
civilisation across the Aegean. The tour includes a
number of less-visited islands, among them solitary
Astypalaia, and beautiful Amorgos, where the
Chozoviotissa Monastery clings vertiginously to the
cliff-face. There is something for everyone on this
tour ranging from art and architecture to geology
and springtime sunshine – little wonder that this is
one of the most popular trips we offer.
As an archaeologist who knows these islands well,
Eve is the ideal person to accompany you on this
trip. She will take you round the sites, sometimes
with specialist local guides, and is sure to inspire you
with talks about the history, the art and the broader
cultural importance of the Cyclades from the Bronze
Age to the Byzantine era.
Tour cost £3,580
Single Supplement £650
Chozoviotissa Monastery, Amorgos
10 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012
2015Mykonos
Delos
Paros Naxos
Kalymnos Bodrum
Levitha
Amorgos
Ios
Kos
Astypalaia
Santorini
TURKEY
Chora, Kalymnos
Day 1 The beautiful Aegean Clipper awaits on the other side of the island (B/C), set at can walk to the famous Portara, a monolithic Chora, followed by the archaeological site of
us in Bodrum harbour, 40 minutes from the the top of a limestone cliff high above the sea. 6th century BC doorway and explore the Apollo Dalios (A/B). Here, we also see the
airport. After lunch at a seaside restaurant, we head for Venetian quarter. Overnight in the harbour. remains of the early Christian basilica of Christ
Day 2 We aim to arrive in Kos by midday Akrotiri where, with the help of an expert local Day 10 To Amorgos, perhaps the most in Jerusalem. Our final stop on the island is
and go directly to the ancient healing centre guide, we visit the unique ash-covered houses. beautiful island in the Aegean, where we the marvellous Archaeological Museum. At
of the Asklepieion (A). We then leave for Another night at anchor in the caldera. head first for Katapola and then, late in the midday, we leave for Bodrum.
Kephalos Bay at the other end of the island. Day 6 We cross to the neighbouring island of afternoon, we drive up to Minoa (B/C), one of Day 15 The airport is some 40 minutes from
If time allows, we may make a short visit to Ios with its beautifully preserved Chora where the island’s three ancient cities. A night in the Bodrum harbour.
the ruins of the 5th century basilica of Aghios we can wander among the chapels, taking in harbour or nearby. (Early June provides the best chance for favourable
Stephanos, perched on rocks close to the shore. the stunning views and enjoying some of the Day 11 We set off early for the unforgettable weather conditions to cruise the Cyclades. While
Overnight in the bay of Kephalos. lovely nearby beaches. Chozoviotissa Monastery (B), looking in on we will do our utmost to ensure that the itinerary
Day 3 We leave for Astypalaia, the most Day 7 Our destination is Parikia, built over Amorgos’s picturesque former capital at Chora. goes to plan, please bear in mind that the weather
westerly island of the Dodecanese. The ancient Paros. We visit the Ekatontapyliani, Our gulet then moves on to Aigiali at the other is changeable and that alterations may have to be
shimmering white houses of the main town the oldest church in the Aegean and the end of the island. This is some of the most made according to the whims of Zeus!)
climb up from the quayside to the huge 15th small Archaeological Museum with its fine dramatic scenery of the tour. A quiet bay for
century Venetian castle which once had over sculptures. Overnight in the harbour or nearby. the night.
one thousand residents. We spend the night at Day 8 An early start for Delos (A) and an in- Day 12 We leave for tiny Levitha, an island
the quiet quayside or in a bay nearby. depth tour of this magnificent site. We spend farmed by a single family. There is an excellent
Day 4 A long sail to Santorini (Thera) where the night in a quiet bay after a full day of walk up to the Hellenistic fort (C).
we spend the night at anchor just off the town exploration. Day 13 A leisurely day spent crossing to
of Fira positioned dramatically on the rim of Day 9 We leave for Naxos and take a bus Kalymnos and a quiet bay surrounded by steep
the crater. tour that includes the Sanctuary of Apollo at cliffs overlooking the islet of Telendos.
Day 5 We take the cable car to the Museum Yria, the Temple of Demeter at Sangri and the Day 14 Off to Pothia, Kalymnos’s bustling
of Prehistoric Thera and then move on to the unfinished Kouros at Flerio (all A). Lunch is at capital, for an early breakfast. We take taxis
site of ancient Thera, the Dorian settlement a village taverna. Back in the town of Naxos, we to visit the Church of the Gentle Virgin at
11 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012 A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 11TURKEY
Moments in the History of
Western Art: the Islands of the
Northern Dodecanese
With Amal Asfour Samos
30 May – 7 June
Patmos Arki
This is a journey of contrasts; of beginnings and
endings, words and images, ancient and modern, Leros
sacred and secular, pagan and Christian, bustling Kalymnos
Bodrum
harbours and still bays. Our first stop is Kos, where Pserimos
Kos
the perfectly proportioned marble temple to the god
Asklepios once presided over a sweep of Aegean land
and sea, its columns and pediment the very epitome
Kalymnos
of the Classical Greek temple. But the story of the
Greek temple begins in Samos, our next port of
call. A few hundred years earlier in the history of Day 1 Arrive in Bodrum airport. A minibus will Pythagoreio, hometown of the great Pythagoras exiled from his native Ephesos to Patmos by
architecture, the Temple of Hera was the first sacred take us to the harbour where our gulet and crew whose statue presides over the entrance to the the Romans, took refuge in a cave that we can
building ever to be surrounded by a stone colonnade. are waiting to welcome us on board. port. There is time for a walk to the Logothetis see on the walk back down to the harbour (B).
We will also see some wonderful sculpture, gleaming Day 2 We complete Turkish exit formalities Castle (A). After lunch we move on to Leros and the port
Byzantine icons and striking, modernist architecture. and set out for Kos and a morning visit to the Day 4 We start the day with a visit to the of Lakki built in the 1930s. A walk through the
Asklepieion. This is a beautiful, terraced site (A) sanctuary of Hera (A), where the temple streets of the town in the fading light of evening
Put all this together and you have an unusually is an evocative experience.
varied excursion through the history of Western dedicated to Asclepios, the ancient Greek god of dedicated to the goddess was the first of the
healing and medicine. The afternoon is free for great Archaic temples, rivalled in size only by Day 7 A minibus will take us around the island
Art, diverse and yet beautifully held together by the
a walk around the town of Kos and the array of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos. We go on of Leros for visits to the castle at Platanos (A),
idea of ancient Greece. Just as importantly, in early
Classical ruins which meet the eye at every turn. the Archaeological Museum in Vathy and then the Commonwealth war cemetery and an
June the days are long, the heat still gentle and the
We move to a bay on the island of Pserimos for to the Eupalinos tunnel, a spectacular feat of interesting museum explaining the importance
evenings draw themselves out into fresh starry nights, the night. ancient engineering (B/C). Later in the day we of the Battle of Leros during the Second World
the perfect setting for enjoying the superb cuisine on head for the quiet island of Arki where there War. At the end of the day we head for a quiet
board our gulet. Day 3 A long cruise northward to the island
of Samos. We moor in the ancient harbour of should be time for a swim and a sunset walk. bay on the island of Kalymnos.
Amal is an art historian with a fondness for the art Day 5 A leisurely morning making the most Day 8 We sail into Pothia, the bustling capital
and architecture of early Greek civilisation. These of the blue waters of Arki before setting off for of Kalymnos and take taxis to see the most
are her favourite islands for being so easy-going, Patmos and the harbour of Skala. We take taxis interesting sights including the Sanctuary of
so attractive in terms of natural landscape and for uphill to Chora, where the view to the sea over Delian Apollo and the excellent Archaeological
offering so much to see. the cascade of whitewashed houses and bright Museum (A). After lunch we move on towards
blue domes is marvellous. We will have a first Bodrum stopping for a last swim on the way.
look at the fortifications of the monastery and Day 9 We say goodbye to our gulet and crew
Tour cost £1,980 pause for a drink in the square (A). and head for the airport, 40 minutes from
Day 6 An early visit to the Monastery and its Bodrum harbour.
Single Supplement £450 treasures. Founded in honour of St John who,
12 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012
2015Izmir
TURKEY
Cities of Aphrodite:
Caria by Land and Sea
Aydın
With Richard Stoneman Nysa
5 – 14 June
Aphrodisias
Alında
This inspiring tour takes us to three ancient Labranda
cities associated with the goddess of love. First is Bodrum
Aphrodisias, where the Anatolian deity became
the presiding spirit of a flourishing Roman city,
renowned for the quality of its marble statuary and for Kindos
Datça Kaunos
Göcek
its beautifully preserved buildings and monuments. Symi Dalaman
Lydai
Next is Knidos, the home of Praxiteles’ famous statue
Loryma Tetrapylon Gate, Aphrodisias
of Aphrodite, the first female nude in Western art.
We also visit the extensive site of Kaunos by the
Dalyan river, where a belvedere overlooking the city Day 1 Arrive in İzmir and transfer to the hotel Day 5 To Datça where we exit Turkey. After a pleasant walk up to ancient Lydai (B). This
was probably another temple of Aphrodite. in Aydın – a little over an hour. We stay here lunch we cross to Symi and those who wish to unexcavated site in a hidden valley is a rural idyll.
for two nights. can walk up the main stepped street to Chora Day 9 A long and lazy morning after which
Our tour also includes the enchanting Greek island for a glorious view of the town’s many churches
Day 2 We visit Aphrodisias (A), one of the we move slowly over to the charming port of
of Symi, its harbour now dominated by the elegant and double harbour (B/C).
most beautiful and memorable sites in Turkey. Göcek.
houses and mansions of the prosperous mariners and On to Nysa (A/B), situated on a ravine with its Day 6 We re-enter Turkey and spend the night Day 10 We set off early for Dalaman airport,
merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. And yet, theatre, stadium and library in which Strabo the at anchor in the fjord at Loryma (C) overlooked
some 500 years ago the Turkish admiral Piri Reis about half an hour away, for our flight home.
geographer may well have studied in the last by its massive fortress walls.
described the magnificent deep harbour as being decades BC. (Please note – wine and spirits are not included
lined with vineyards, an apt reminder that wine was Day 7 We move on to Ekincik and moor in a during the land portion of this tour.)
always a friend to Aphrodite! Day 3 We leave our hotel and board a minibus bay underneath the umbrella pines. A local boat
which will take us by way of a scenic road and takes us up the Dalyan
Richard is your lecturer on this delightful and some lovely sites to join our boat at Bodrum River and past the famous
relaxed tour. He is a prolific author and experienced in the evening. First is the village of Karpuzlu rock tombs, high above
Classicist with extensive knowledge of the history and the site of Alında (B). A short walk upwards us in the cliff face. We
and civilizations of Turkey and Greece. Always takes us to the hellenistic market-building and continue to Kaunos (B)
interesting and informative, he is also a most genial the breathtakingly beautiful theatre. We then and explore the site before
and forthcoming travelling companion. cross a range of mountains to Labranda (B), an returning to our gulet as
ancient site of religious pilgrimage dedicated to the sun is setting across
Zeus. Overnight on board the gulet in Bodrum the sea.
or a quiet bay nearby. Day 8 We sail on, stopping
Day 4 We go to the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos for breakfast at ‘Unknown
Tour cost £2,450 and/or the Knights’ Castle in Bodrum before Tooth Bay’ where the
heading for Knidos. Late in the afternoon we waters are the deepest
Single Supplement £500 visit the main monuments of the ancient city aquamarine. Then on to
(A/B/C) and stay the night in the idyllic harbour. ‘Fisherman’s Net Bay’ and
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 13A Passage to Troy: Aegean Turkey
and the Greek Islands
With Richard Seaford and Jeremy Barnett
29 August – 12 September
This unique tour heads north from Bodrum, taking
in some of the high points in the architectural and
artistic legacy of an area exceptionally rich in cultural
heritage from the Classical to the Byzantine, Genoese,
Venetian and Ottoman. The trip ends in more recent
times with the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli.
The journey along the Aegean coast of Turkey and
to the neighbouring Greek Islands highlights the
physical, historical and cultural links between
the mainland and the islands, a reminder of the
importance of ancient trade routes from the Levant to
the Black Sea. In this context, Kos, Samos and Chios
were once immensely prosperous islands and we visit
several of their most impressive monuments. Troy
and Pergamon are amongst the most notable Classical
sites worldwide. But we explore less familiar locations
on the Turkish coast for example Erythrae, the temple
of Apollo Smintheus and Alexandria Troas.
Richard is looking forward to sharing with you his
lifelong interest in the history of Ionia from Homer
to the present day, and to showing you some of
the beautiful places where the ‘Greek Miracle’ in
philosophy, art and architecture took place.
Jeremy has a taste for the unusual and has enjoyed
putting together this route tracing an interesting
path between Turkey and Greece, with the mainland
and the islands always within sight.
Tour cost £3,450
Single Supplement £650
Temple of Trajan, Pergamon
14 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Gallipoli Çanakkale
Troy
Tenedos
Alexandria Troas
Smintheion
Baba Kale Assos
Ayvalık
Pergamon
Bademli Aigai
Phokaia
Chios Erythrae Izmir
ÇeŞme
Samos
TURKEY
Pserimos Bodrum
Temple of Athena, Assos Chios
Kos
Day 1 Arrive in Bodrum harbour, 40 minutes Day 6 An entire day spent touring the island (B/C), an ancient hilltop city with interesting We tie up in harbour and take a tour of the
from the airport, and board our gulet. of Chios. We visit the monastery of Nea Moni architectural remains. In the early afternoon island, stopping to swim and sample the local
Day 2 We leave Turkey and enter Greece at (A), founded in 1042 and now a UNESCO we rejoin the boat in the tranquil setting of the wines.
Kos. We visit the Hellenistic healing centre World Heritage Site; the medieval village lagoon at Bademli, a perfect place to relax. Day 13 Our boat drops us off on the mainland
of the Asklepieion (A) in its terraced setting of Avgonyma with its gorgeous views; the Day 10 An exhilarating day during which we at Odun İskelesi from where our minibus takes
surrounded by pine trees. We move to a bay off extraordinary abandoned cliff-top village of visit spectacular Pergamon. We start with the us to Alexandria Troas (B). We look at selected
the tiny island of Pserimos for the night. Anavatos; and the once fortified villages of Acropolis (B) and go on the Library, the Altar parts of this enormous site before moving on
Pirgi and Mesta. of Zeus and the astonishingly steep theatre. We to legendary Troy (A). Here, our excellent local
Day 3 To the port of Pythagoreio on Samos in
time for an evening stroll to the Church of the Day 7 Leaving Greece, we make the 45 minute also see the Lower City (B) and, after lunch, guide will explain the site. We rejoin our gulet
Metamorphosis and the Logothetis Castle (A). crossing to Çeşme to re-enter Turkey. We then the Asklepieion (A). We rejoin our boat at at Çanakkale.
head north to the forgotten site of Erythrae Ayvalık and stay the night at the quayside or at Day 14 We cross the Dardanelles to visit
Day 4 We visit the main sites of Samos: set all around the pleasant fishing village of anchor in the Hekatonisi – the Hundred Isles.
the temple of Hera (A), the Archaeological the battlefields, cemeteries and memorials
lldır. The view towards the islands from the Day 11 We cross to the thriving fishing port of Gallipoli (A), a most evocative place with
Museum in Vathy and the Eupalinos tunnel acropolis (B) is unequalled. We moor for the
(B/C). A visit to the excellent new of Baba Kale and take our minibus to Assos the events in the campaign of 1915 very well
night near the gendarmerie. (B), a wonderful site with great views over to presented. Overnight is in the harbour at
Archaeological Museum in Pythagoreio is also
possible. Day 8 A leisurely morning cruising to the the island of Lesvos. We wind our way around Çanakkale.
charming seaside town of Eski Foça, ancient the site by way of the modern village and the Day 15 Our minibus takes us to Istanbul
Day 5 The day begins with a leisurely sail to Phokaia. We also take a short drive to visit an necropolis. We also visit the temple of Apollo
Chios where we berth in the harbour for two airport for early afternoon flights. The drive
elaborate rock tomb with possible Persian and Smintheus (A). of about about 5 hours takes us through the
nights. The rest of the day is spent getting Lycian influences. Overnight in the harbour.
acquainted with this vibrant town. Day 12 A five hour sail brings us to the vine- pleasant countryside of Eastern Thrace.
Day 9 Our dedicated bus takes us to Aigai covered island of Bozcaada, ancient Tenedos.
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 15Caria and Lycia through
Writers’ Eyes
With Jeremy Seal
12 – 26 September
The writings of those who have been there before
inform and enhance the best journeys, and nowhere
is the literary store more rewardingly varied than
along the coast of southwest Turkey. For the shores
of Caria and Lycia are not only astonishingly
beautiful and scattered with picturesque ruins; they
are also home to an inspirational tangle of evocative
names and narratives beginning with Herodotus
of Halicarnassus, the very first historian and travel
writer and a native of the port of Bodrum where our
own journey kicks off.
We travel in the tracks of a varied band of antiquaries
and archaeologists, for example Charles Fellows, who
‘discovered’ Xanthos in the early 19th century. But
we are also in the company of some distinguished
modern travel writers and novelists among them
Freya Stark and Louis de Berniere, whose novel Birds
Without Wings is set in Kayaköy, one of the villages
we visit.
Jeremy, your tour leader, is a renowned travel writer
and seasoned gulet hand who has made Turkey his
patch. His Santa: A Life tells the story of the Byzantine
bishop St Nicholas of Myra, who would be remade
posthumously into Santa Claus and whose tale you
will hear on this literary adventure. This promises to
be an exceptionally illuminating and entertaining
journey.
Tour cost £2,995
Single Supplement £600
Theatre and ruins, Xanthos
16 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015CARIA
Bodrum
Kos
Dalyan
Kaunos Dalaman
Knidos Selimiye Göcek
Kadyanda
Loryma Lydai Fethiye
Gemiler LYCIA
Pinava
Rhodes Sidyma Xanthos
Dereağzi Sura
Patara
Kalkan Myra
Simena
KaŞ
TURKEY KEKOVA
Theatre and harbour, Kindos
Day 1 Arrive at Bodrum airport and transfer Day 7 We continue to the island of Gemiler in (A/B). We rejoin the gulet at Kaş where we to the rock tombs and theatre at Pınara (A/B),
to our gulet in the harbour about 40 minutes the bay of Fethiye. From here we take a short spend the night. one of the most beautifully sited of all Turkey’s
away. minibus ride to see the ruins of Kayaköy, a Day 12 We make our way along the coves and ancient cities. We rejoin the gulet at Fethiye
Day 2 We cross the Gulf of Gökova to Knidos Greek speaking Christian village, abandoned inlets of the coast between Kaş and Kalkan. for the night.
where we moor in the magnificent harbour. In in 1923. We have lunch in a village restaurant. There is free time in the afternoon for shopping Day 14 A morning visit to lovely Kadyanda
the late afternoon we visit the site (A/B/C) and In the early evening, we visit the Byzantine in Kalkan where we stay the night. (A/B) in the hills overlooking Fethiye. After
learn of the 1858 British excavations and the monastic settlement on Gemiler itself. lunch we cross to Göcek stopping on the way
Day 13 A minibus takes us for a day trip to
contentious removal to the British Museum of Day 8 We sail to Kalkan. We visit Xanthos (A), the lesser-known sites of the mountainous for a last swim.
the city’s magnificent stone lion. the capital of ancient Lycia, and the port city hinterland. We see Pydnai (A), an ancient Day 15 We leave for Dalaman airport, about
Day 3 A leisurely day spent working our way of Patara (A), site of one of the world’s oldest shore fortress, before heading to remote half an hour’s drive from Göcek.
along the Datça Peninsula. We stop in the bay extant lighthouses. Overnight in Kalkan. Sidyma (A). In the afternoon there is a visit
of Bencik and in the lovely bay of Selimiye Day 9 We set off for the ancient port of Aperlae
where we stay the night. where we stop for lunch before continuing
Day 4 We make for Loryma where, in the to Kekova. We make an evening visit to the
cool of the late afternoon, we visit the ancient delightful waterside village of Kaleköy, ancient
fortifications (B). Simena, and walk up to its citadel (B).
Day 5 An early start for Ekincik where a Day 10 We head for Andriake to visit the
local boat ferries us up the Dalyan River past splendid theatre at Myra (A) and the impressive
dramatic rock tombs to visit the extensive ruins remains of Hadrian’s imperial granaries (A).
at Kaunos (A/B). Overnight at Ekincik. Overnight off Kekova Island.
Day 6 A long sail to Ağlimanı. In the afternoon Day 11 We put ashore in Üçağız for an inland
we walk up a Roman path (B) to the ridge of a trip, stopping off for views of the renowned
hill crowned with the remains of the mausolea fish oracle at Sura on the way to the dramatic
of a wealthy local family. The unexcavated site road up the Demre Canyon and the ruins of
of Lydai lies in the valley below. the remarkable Byzantine basilica at Dereağzı
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 17Gallipoli
Cities and Coasts: From Troy to Çanakkale
Ephesos along the Ionian Shore Tenedos
Troy
Alexandria Troas
With Eve MacDonald Smintheion
Baba Kale Assos
13 – 25 September
Lesvos Ayvalık
Pergamon
Bademli Aigai
This journey begins at the Dardanelles, the narrow Phokaia
strait that links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of
Marmara. Strategically positioned, these waters Chios Erythrae Izmir
ÇeŞme
have been fought over throughout history. Here, Sığacık
near the western entrance to the strait, Homer's TURKEY
Teos
SelÇuk
Troy faces the monuments that commemorate the
KuŞadası Ephesos
battles at Gallipoli during the First World War. Our
Temple of Hadrian, Ephesos
exploration of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a thought-
provoking and moving experience. This wide-
ranging tour also takes us to two of Turkey's most Day 1 We arrive at Istanbul airport, about 5 necropolis. We return to the boat making a stop take a short drive to visit an elaborate rock tomb
magnificent Classical sites: Pergamon and Ephesos. hours by minibus from our gulet in Çanakkale. to visit the Temple of Apollo Smintheion (A), with Persian and Lycian influences.
But we also explore sites well off the beaten track, Day 2 We cross the Dardanelles by ferry to the mouse-god. Day 10 Today’s journey takes us along the
discovering the array of cities and settlements that visit the battlefields, cemeteries and memorials Day 6 A leisurely morning cruising through beautifully bare coast of the Karaburun
populated this stretch of coast during antiquity. To of Gallipoli (A). This is an especially evocative the archipelago of the Hekatonisi, the Hundred peninsula. We walk up to the site of Erythrai
facilitate our excursions we will have the luxury of place and the events of the 1915 campaign are Isles, where we swim in a secluded bay before (B). From the Temple of Athena Polias there are
our own minibus following our route as we sail along well presented. crossing to Ayvalık which, until the 1920s, was fine views over to the Greek Island of Chios.
the Ionian coast. There is an excellent balance here Day 3 We visit the Çanakkale Museum and largely populated by Greeks. Day 11 We cruise through the straits between
between an exciting schedule of visits and time to continue by minibus to Alexandria Troas (B) Day 7 We visit the fabulous site of Pergamon Çeşme and Chios and then head for Sığacık,
unwind and reflect on what we see. The swimming, to see the harbour and selected parts of this (B), a drive of about an hour. We start with a walled town with a fishing harbour and
whether in the clear waters off Tenedos or in the enormous site. Late in the afternoon, we visit the Acropolis (B) and go on to the library, the marina. Our bus takes us to the nearby site of
lagoon at Bademli, is excellent. Troy (A) with an excellent local guide. remains of the Altar of Zeus and the steep theatre Teos (B) to see the harbour, odeion, theatre and
with its sweeping views. We also visit the Lower temple of Dionysos. It is a large but charming,
Eve is an experienced archaeologist and enthusiastic Day 4 An early start for the splendid transit
through the Dardanelles to the Island of City (B) before lunch at a local restaurant. Next unfrequented site.
traveller with a keen interest in this part of Turkey, we visit the Asklepieion (A) before rejoining our
both ancient and modern. She is looking forward to Tenedos, modern Bozcaada. We anchor in a Day 12 We move on to Kuşadası. Our bus
bay to which the Greeks are reputed to have gulet at the lagoon of Bademli. takes us to the museum of Ephesos in Selçuk
arriving at these sites the way the ancients did, by
boat, and sharing with you the new perspective that withdrawn their ships during the siege of Troy. Day 8 Another day spent in this delightful and then to the Temple of Artemis. We visit the
this gives the landscape. We tour this vine-covered island, stopping for anchorage. Those with energy enough to tackle site itself (A/B), walking down the street of the
a swim on one of the many pristine beaches, a slightly more difficult but glorious site can visit Curetes, past the library and then to the theatre
ending the day with a visit to a local winery. Aigai (B/C), a drive of about 75 minutes. If not, where St Paul was denounced. We also see the
Day 5 We move on to Baba Kale, a thriving there is the opportunity to stay on board, swim famous houses with their mosaics and frescoes.
Tour cost £2,990 fishing port, where our minibus takes us to in the lagoon or stroll through the olive groves. Overnight in the marina or nearby.
Single Supplement £600 Assos (B). We visit the Temple of Athena and Day 9 A leisurely day cruising to Eski Foça, Day 13 The transfer to the airport at İzmir takes
then inspect the mighty defence walls and the ancient Phokaia, a lovely seaside town. We also just under an hour.
18 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Hittites and Carians: Golden Days
with Midas and Mausolus
With Richard Stoneman and Pınar Uşşaklı
Çorum
21 September – 3 October Ankara
Gordion
This year, for the very first time, WCT is offering
Denizli
a really special tour to the lands of the ancient Aphrodisias
Hittite Kingdom. The Hittites ruled central Anatolia Bodrum Dalaman Airport
for much of the second millennium BC and have Selimiye Kaunos
GÖcek
Knidos
recently been the subject of a fascinating television Loryma Lydai
documentary. In preparation for the site visits that TURKEY
we make on this tour, we start off in Ankara with
Sphinx Gate, Alaca Höyük
the superb Museum of Anatolian Civilisations,
arguably the finest museum in Turkey. We visit
the Hittite capital, Hattuşa, with its temples and Day 1 We arrive in Ankara and check into our comfortable hotel in Denizli. up the Dalyan River to visit the site of Kaunos
sculptures and learn about a people whose history hotel, approximately an hour from the airport. Day 6 We visit Aphrodisias, one of the most where the ancient inhabitants, half Carian and
was unknown until their language was deciphered Day 2 A full morning visiting the Citadel and beautiful sites in Turkey where excavations are half Lycian, worshipped Zeus in the form of a
just a century ago. the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. In the ongoing. The recently updated museum houses meteorite (A/B). Overnight in Ekincik.
afternoon we see the Anıt Kabir, the Mausoleum an unparalleled collection of sculpture. In the late Day 11 Our gulet takes us to the bay of
We then cross the vast, dramatic landscape of of Kemal Atatürk (A). A symbol of the birth of afternoon we arrive in Bodrum and we spend the Ağlimanı where the swimming is marvellous
the Anatolian plateau to the greener lands of the the Turkish Republic, this impressive complex night in a bay just outside the harbour. and there is a good walk along a Roman way to
Phrygian kingdom, once ruled by Midas of the with its gardens and museum is a moving the bucolic valley in which lies the site of Lydai,
golden touch, and on through Caria to Bodrum, Day 7 A leisurely morning visiting Bodrum
experience, essential to understanding what Castle and the remains of the Mausoleum as yet unexcavated.
ancient Halikarnassos. Along the way we meet the drives modern Turkey. A second night in our
goddess of love at ancient Aphrodisias. of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Ancient Day 12 We proceed to the pretty harbour town
hotel in Ankara. Wonders of the World (A). In the afternoon we of Göcek for our last night.
Richard, your lecturer and chairman of WCT, is an Day 3 An early start for a tour of the major sail to Knidos and begin our exploration of the Day 13 Transfer to Dalaman airport, about half
expert on the ancient history of Turkey and loves to Hittite sites, the capital at Hattusa and the site. We stay the night in the beautiful harbour an hour from Göcek, for the flight to London.
communicate his enthusiasm for the country. Pınar, mysterious rock carvings of Hittite gods and where it is always a pleasure to swim.
kings at Yazılıkaya (A). We spend the night at (Please note – wine and spirits are not included
your tour leader, is from Ankara and is your link to Day 8 We further investigate Knidos and the during the land portion of this tour.)
modern Turkey, a gracious and dependable organiser the excellent Hotel Anitta in Çorum. location of the Temple of Aphrodite which
of all practical aspects of the tour. Together, they look Day 4 After enjoying the lovely, small collection sheltered the world’s first female nude statue
forward to making your trip work like a dream! in Çorum Museum, we visit the Hittite site of (B). Later in the day we move on to charming
Alaca Höyük (A). We return to our hotel in village of Selimiye where we spend the night.
Ankara for the night. Day 9 On to the bay of Loryma to swim and to
Day 5 An exhilarating drive over the Anatolian climb to the spectacular fortress with its views of
Tour cost £2,800 plateau and through the rolling hills of Phrygia the island of Rhodes (C).
Single Supplement £600 to Denizli. On the way we visit Gordion (A), Day 10 We continue to Ekincik and transfer
once King Midas’s capital. Overnight is in a by flat-bottomed boat through the reed beds
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 19Islands and Peninsulas: An
Autumn Cruise through the Bodrum
Southern Dodecanese Kos
With Jeremy Seal Knidos Datça
3 October – 10 October Nisyros
Symi
The crowds thin long before the warmth dissipates Rhodes
in the southern Dodecanese. Now’s the time to visit
a lovely region that boasts two of the ancient world’s Skala Kameiros
Seven Wonders, many of the Mediterranean’s most
Rhodes
enchanting harbours and some truly exceptional
TURKEY
swim spots.
This is a tour that celebrates the long and varied Medieval City Walls, Rhodes Town
history of this area, taking in the classical site of the
Asklepieion on Kos, the remote Hellenistic port of Day 1 The transfer from Bodrum Airport to the in Rhodes town where the Colossus, one of the its Underwater Archaeology Museum. The
Knidos on Turkey’s Datça Peninsula, the medieval harbour takes about 40 minutes. Seven Wonders, once dominated the view. In fruit and vegetable market and the streets of
walled city of Rhodes as well as the colourful beauty the afternoon we stroll through the medieval Bodrum brimming with artisan-made leather
Day 2 We cruise to nearby Kos for a visit to
of Symi’s neoclassical harbour. This is also a journey town with its massive walls and labyrinthine sandals, olive oil soap, cotton hamam towels
the ancient healing centre of the Asklepieion,
that glories in stunning natural landscapes, not least streets leaving time to admire the Italian and ‘geniune fake’ bags are always a temptation!
a splendid site which provides a wealth of
of which is the dramatic, active volcanic caldera on insights into the origins of modern medicine rationalist architecture in the new part of town. Day 8 An early departure for the airport.
Nisyros, all the while leaving plenty of time for the (A). After lunch we sail for Nisyros and venture Day 5 We visit the Archaeological Museum, the
still-warm waters of deserted clear, blue bays. into the other-worldly volcanic caldera, with its synagogue and the Jewish Museum. After lunch
fumaroles and bubbling mud pools (A/B). We we sail for Symi, stopping to swim in St George’s
Your guide is Jeremy Seal, a renowned and good-
enjoy an early evening drink in the village of Bay. There is an optional climb (C) up the broad
humoured travel writer who has been exploring these
Nikia high above the crater. stairways lined by handsome neoclassical houses
compelling regions for thirty years. Jeremy, especially
to the church-topped heights above the harbour.
at home on gulets, is richly versed in the literature, Day 3 A walk through the town of Nisyros
history and lore of an area defined by its location brings us to the delightful shaded Plaka Day 6 We enter Turkey at Datça, stopping for
on the faultline between East and West. He will Ilikiomenis (Square of the Elderly). Those swimming and lunch at İnci Burnu. At the
be delighted to share his stories and experiences who reject such a title may push on uphill to uninhabited extremity of the Datça Peninsula
with you. the massive walls of the acropolis (B/C). We we enter the ancient harbour at Knidos,
then sail south stopping for a swim and lunch where a magnificent theatre spills down to the
off Tilos before moving on to the twin islets water’s edge. After walking this extensive and
of Halki and Alimia where we anchor for the evocative site, once home to the lion statue now
night. prominently displayed in the Atrium of the
Day 4 An early start brings us to the fishing British Museum, we spend a peaceful night in
Tour cost £1,850 port of Skala Kameiros on Rhodes where a bus the harbour.
delivers us to the ancient town of Kameiros (A). Day 7 We leave for Bodrum where the afternoon
Single Supplement £450 After a visit to the castle of Knights of St John is free for visits to the great mausoleum, one
at Kritinia, we rejoin our gulet at the harbour of the Seven Wonders, or to the castle with
20 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015You can also read
