The Ancient Lands of Syria, Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece aboard the Callisto

Voyage Into Antiquity

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The age of antiquity saw a flourishing of civilizations that would bequeath a legacy of rich cultures and awe-inspiring monuments. As we voyage through the eastern Mediterranean aboard the 34-guest yacht Callisto, we step into the storied past as we discover such jewels as Damascus, thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world; legendary Palmyra, once a wealthy caravan town on the Silk Road between Persia and the sea; Cyprus, where we view the famed mosaics of the House of Dionysos at Paphos; and the sun-splashed isles and classical sites of Turkey and Greece. Throughout our journey, our guest lecturer, classical archaeologist Frederick Winter, PhD, shares his knowledge and insights.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-4
US / Damascus, Syria

We meet in Damascus, whose monuments attest to its rich and ancient history. Our explorations here include the Straight Street, the city’s main thoroughfare during the Greek and Roman eras, as well as the splendid Umayyad Mosque, Azem Palace, and the National Museum.

Days 5-6
Palmyra / Crac Des Chevaliers / Tartus / Embark

Our overland journey leads us to fabled Palmyra, a desert oasis and a buffer between the Persian and Roman Empires. This 2nd century AD ruin is vast and fascinating, with its great Temple of Baal and 300-column colonnade flanking the marble-paved street. Before embarking aboard the Callisto in Tartus, we visit the romantic Crac des Chevaliers, the most magnificent Crusader castle in the Middle East.

Days 7-9
Limassol, Cyprus / Kourion / Paphos / Kastellorizo, Greece

Cyprus’ position as a stepping-stone between the East and West has endowed this beautiful Mediterranean isle with an unusually rich legacy. At ancient Kourion, perched on a cliff above the sea, we visit the restored Sanctuary of Apollo, then explore the World Heritage Site of Paphos, mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, where the delights include the House of Dionysos, a 2nd century Roman villa with exquisite mosaics. On Day 9 we call at Kastellorizo, one of the hidden gems of the Greek archipelago.

Days 10-11
Fethiye, Turkey / Xanthos / Bodrum

After cruising to Fethiye, we travel to Xanthos, whose significant ruins include the Nereid Monument, an exquisite Ionic building whose figured friezes are in the British Museum. We continue to Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus and the birthplace of Herodotus, “the father of history.” Here we visit the tomb of 4th century BC King Mausolus and the massive 15th century castle of St. Peter, including the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Days 12-13
Naxos, Greece / Piraeus / Disembark / Athens

Returning to Greece, we visit Naxos and explore the Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum. The next morning we arrive in Piraeus and disembark, then transfer to the Athens airport for flights home.

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Tour Costs From $7995 per person Prices are based on double occupancy and depend on cabin type Prices are for 2009 dates **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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