2016 brochure - Westminster Classic Tours

Transcription

Turkey, the Greek Islands,
Croatia & Sicily
Cultural Voyages & Tailor-Made Charters
2016
Westminster Classic Tours
483 Green Lanes, London,
N13 4BS
Tel:
+44 (0) 208 785 3191
Email:[email protected]
Web:www.westminsterclassictours.com
Welcome to our 2016 season
Dear Guests
A distinguishing feature of WCT, and one that we acknowledge
with the utmost pride, is that our guests come on our tours again
and again, year after year.
10 – 21 May
Walking Mount Latmos & Cruising the Gulf of Gökova
26
14 – 27 May
An Aegean Odyssey I
14
22 May – 4 June
An Aegean Odyssey II
16
24 May – 4 June
The Colours of Sicily: The Greek Heartland
& Volcanic Islands
10
16 – 23 July
Tha Carian Coast with Symi
19
We are unique in our devotion to Classical culture, taking journeys
as the ancients did, by sea and sometimes over land, to the most
wonderful sites from the legendary to the more solitary.
23 – 30 July
Summer on the Lycian Coast
27
27 Aug – 10 Sept
A Passage to Troy: Aegean Turkey & Greek Islands
20
This year we are extending our programme and offering several
brand new tours. We are thrilled to announce three superb tours to
Sicily, each of which will explore a different part of this endlessly
captivating island. We are also very pleased to introduce two transAegean journeys between Athens and the Turkish mainland by way
of the Cyclades. And, to make the most of the summer holidays,
we have two tours setting sail in the month of July to some of our
very favourite parts of the Turkish coast.
1 – 10 September
Ephesos, Halikarnassos and the Carian Coast
28
3 – 10 September
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: Split to Dubrovnik
25
10 – 17 September
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik to Split
25
11 – 24 September
Caria & Lycia through Writers’ Eyes
30
11 – 23 September
Cities & Coasts: From Troy to Ephesos along the
Ionian Coast
29
As well as all this, there is going to be a new face to welcome to
WCT in November. James McKay will be taking over from me.
James is a Classicist with many years of experience in devising and
leading tours to a wide range of locations. I am certain that his
enthusiasm and know-how will serve the company very well!
23 Sept – 1 Oct
Carthaginians, Greeks & Normans: Northwest Sicily
& its Islands
12
24 Sept – 1 Oct
Samos and the Islands of the Northern Dodecanese
18
24 Sept – 4 Oct
Palermo & Western Sicily
11
Finally, we are delighted to offer a discount of 10% on all bookings
made before 30 November.
24 Sept – 1 Oct
The Lycian Shore: Kekova & Kastellorizo
22
3 – 13 October
Cruising to Rhodes: The Islands of the Knights
23
Mandy Cunningham
15 – 29 October
Cruising & Walking in Caria
32
22 – 30 October
A Tale of Two Temples: Ephesos, Samos & the
Dodecanese Islands (Half Term)
24
Whether it is the charm of our lecturers and tour leaders, the
relaxed atmosphere on board our comfortable gulets or the sheer
beauty of the landscape and coastlines of the Mediterranean and
Aegean–the warmth, the light and the refreshing sea breezes–there
is something simply irresistible about spending time with us.
2 | Westminster Classic Tours 2016
2016
The Aegean Clipper, Delos
XXXXXXXX
T. +44 (0) 208 785 3191 | E. [email protected] | www.westminsterclassictours.com | 3
Travelling with WCT
Great Lecturers
Our trips are accompanied by a lecturer who is also a tour leader, and sometimes by two
people. Our lecturers are closely involved in devising interesting routes and itineraries to
reflect and make the most of their expertise. Our tour leaders are resourceful and reliable
and will ensure the smooth running of the tour, attending to the details that make all
the difference. Our lecturers and leaders are a superb group of people. Young academics
or retired professors, they may be classicists, historians, archaeologists, art historians or
writers. They are always knowledgeable and enthusiastic and delighted to share their
scholarship in the most easy-going way.
Small Groups
Group sizes are small, normally about 10 to 12 people. Whether you come alone or with
friends or family you will find a pleasant informality, enough space to relax and yet enough
company to keep things lively. You are sure to meet congenial people with a wide range of
interests and a sense of fun.
What’s Included
Almost everything but the cost of your flight is included in the price of your WCT tour.
All road transfers by private minibus and accommodation on land and sea are included, as
are all entrance fees, local guides and gratuities. Also included are all meals on the gulet and
on land and all drinks while on the gulet. The one exception to this is the cost of alcoholic
drinks when on land. The only extras are your personal expenses and a final tip for the
crew for which we suggest an amount depending on the length of the tour. Please see full
details on page 34.
BIAA
Brıtısh Institute
at Ankara
Good Things to
Eat and Drink
Before You Travel
We will send you information by post on what to expect and
what to bring. This will include the name of your gulet and
telephone numbers for your Captain and Tour Leader. There
are also suggestions for reading, by no means required but
somewhere to start should you want to put yourself in the mood
beforehand! You will receive a copy of our popular Site Notes,
our own brief guide to each of the places you will visit. We will
meet you at the destination airport and from that moment your
WCT holiday really begins! And if you are interested in arriving
a few days before your cruise starts or staying on at the end, we
can assist with ideas and recommendations.
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 normally 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.
Out and About
Our tours are quite active with a fair amount of walking and
we like to ensure that some part of each day is spent on land.
There is a good deal of walking in towns, of climbing stairs in
museums and often more challenging walking on rough paths
and uneven ground. Our itineraries include an A/B/C guide to
describe the kind of terrain involved in the day’s walking. That
said, excursions are by no means compulsory and you are free to
choose to stay on board the gulet where there is always a member
of the crew in attendance. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that a
normal level of fitness and mobility is essential for the enjoyment
of our tours. If you are in any doubt about your ability to fully
take part in our tours, please contact our office.
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, Sicily and Dalmatia, our
captains have unrivalled knowledge of the
Aegean, the Mediterranean and the Adriatic.
Safety is of paramount importance. Regularly
monitored by 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.
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.
Lecturers & Tour Leaders
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.
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.
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.
Pınar Uşşaklı has taught English in many institutions in
Ankara. For several years she managed the British Council’s
literature work in Turkey and in this capacity she travelled
extensively throughout the country.
Amal Asfour has a D.Phil in the History of Art from
Oxford. She lectured at the University of Vienna for
many years and has published extensively on 18th century
British Painting. She has a special interest in Archaic Greek
temples in their landscape settings.
Matthew Nicholls is a Senior Lecturer in Classics at
Reading University. His interests include Roman
architecture, literary culture and ancient public libraries.
He has appeared on a number of radio broadcasts and is
currently working on programmes for BBC television.
Jeremy Barnett is a former Director of the British Council
in Turkey, where he lived for eight years. He read Arabic
at St Andrews and Turkish Politics and Economics at the
School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He has
a keen interest in the politics and economics of the Balkans
(including Greece), Turkey and the Middle East.
John Osborne graduated in Classics at Cambridge
University and taught classical subjects for over thirty years
at Marlborough College. He also worked for the British
Council in Turkey and Iran, which gave him a now longstanding interest in Islamic culture. He is a NADFASaccredited lecturer.
John Gaskin was Professor of Naturalistic Philosophy at
Trinity College Dublin. His publications include works
on the Epicureans, Hume, Hobbes and the philosophy of
religion. His latest book The Traveller’s Guide to Classical
Philosophy is published by Thames and Hudson.
John Penney has retired as University Lecturer in Classical
Philology at Oxford University, but he remains an Emeritus
Fellow of Wolfson College. He is a Classicist with a special
interest in ancient languages (including Greek and Latin
but also Hittite, Lycian and Carian) and their associated
cultures. He has travelled widely in Greece and Turkey.
Peter Jones worked for many years in the Classics
department in Newcastle University. He writes extensively
on the ancient world in academic publications and in the
press (including an Ancient & Modern column in The
Spectator), helps to run Friends of Classics and is involved
in fund-raising for the charity Classics for All.
Typical 8 Cabin Plan
A
A
B
C
A
A
A
A
B
Cabins are about 2 x 2 metres and double beds are usually about 1.4 x 2 metres.
Bar
A Double cabin
B Twin cabin
C Saloon
Martyn Rix is a botanist and plant collector who has served
as botanist to The Royal Horticultural Society. He studied
botany at Trinity College, Dublin, and did a PhD on Greek
and Turkish Fritillaria at Cambridge, contributing to the
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
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology in the UK and
Canada. She is the author of Hannibal: A Hellenistic Life.
She has a keen interest in the history and archaeology of
the Eastern Mediterranean especially the shifting influence
and prosperity of islands and regions from the Bronze Age
to Late Antiquity.
Richard Seaford was Professor of Ancient Greek at the
University of Exeter, and he has been Honorary President
of the Classical Association. He has written numerous
books and papers on ancient Greek literature, religion, and
history. He knows the Aegean well, and speaks modern
Greek fluently.
James McKay read Classics at Oxford, graduating in 1996,
and subsequently did graduate work at Newcastle. He has
taught Classics at both school and university. He has wide
experience of participatory arts projects and has worked in
urban regeneration. He is also an experienced tour leader
and is fluent in several languages, including modern Greek.
Jeremy Seal is a travel writer, author, teacher and TV
presenter. His most recent book Meander: East to West along a
Turkish River tells the story of his journey down the original
winding river. He is also the author of A Fez of the Heart:
Travels around Turkey in Search of a Hat which was short-listed
for the Daily Telegraph/Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
John Shorter worked for the British Council for many
years both in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. One of
his early postings was to Zagreb and he frequently returns
to Croatia, a country in which he feels very much at home.
He is an expert linguist and counts German, French,
Polish and Serbo-Croat among his languages.
Richard Stoneman is an Honorary Visiting Professor at
Exeter University and a former President of the Classical
Association. He is an expert on Alexander the Great and the
author of numerous books on Greece and Turkey including
The Ancient Oracles: making the gods speak. Richard is also
the Chairman of WCT.
John Weston lives most of the year in Kaş, in Mediterranean
South West Turkey. He retired to Turkey after a long
career with the British Council which included three years
as Director of the Istanbul office. John has a Master's
degree in Classical Studies from the Open University with
a specialism in Classical Lycia.
WCT is run by a board of directors: Andrew Hobson (founder of the
company in 1994), Silvan Robinson (Chairman from 1999-2011), Richard
Stoneman (Chairman), Matthew Nicholls (University of Reading), Amal
Asfour (Art Historian), June Robinson, Althea Stoneman (Company
Secretary), Mandy Cunningham (Managing Director) and James McKay
(Classicist).
Acknowledgements
The photographs in this brochure were taken by, among others, Fazilet
Daventry, Alan Duns, Nigel Rawson, Eve MacDonald, Amal Asfour,
Richard Stoneman, Roger Ritchie and Antonio Daroya.
Private Charters
Why not make the WCT experience truly your own and share
the fun with family and friends? A private charter with a tailormade itinerary to suit your personal requirements makes the
perfect holiday, honeymoon or celebration. Drawing on our
many years of know-how, we take the greatest pleasure in creating
individual cruises and carefully attending to every detail in order
to make your trip memorable and successful. We provide boats
to suit groups of any size, ranging from comfortably simple to
luxurious. We can chart a course to reflect the interests of the
group and can supply a guide on board to take care of all the
arrangements. We can also provide a lecturer from our team of
eminent academics to bring to life the history of the sites and
monuments you decide to visit. Alternatively, we can arrange
excellent local guides for specific sites. Sailing on your own boat
with your own crew and travelling at your own, flexible pace
gives you complete freedom to choose where and when to go.
Aegean Clipper
Arif Kaptan C
Linda
Samarkand
Cabins 12
4 Double, 8 Twin
Cabins 8
6 Double, 2 Twin
Cabins 6
2 Double, 4 Twin of which 2 can convert
into Doubles
Cabins 7
7 Double 2 of which can convert into Twins
Cabins 4
4 Master cabins: 2 Double, 2 Twin which can
convert into King size
Capacity
24 Guests
Capacity
16 Guests
Capacity
12 Guests
Capacity
14 Guests
Capacity
8 Guests
Crew
5
Crew
4
Crew
4 or 5
Crew
4
Crew
4
Length
Deck 33 metres
Length
Deck 27 metres
Length
Deck 27 metres
Length
Deck 25 metres
Length
Deck 24 metres
Air Conditioning
Available
Air Conditioning
Available
Air Conditioning
Available
Air Conditioning
Available
Air Conditioning
Available
This superb gulet is ideal for 12 to 24 guests. The unusual flying
bridge makes it feel very spacious even when there is a large party
on board.
Burc-u Zafer
A classic gulet with simple cabins but lots of space on deck to find
a peaceful shady corner. A fabulous crew with an exceptional chef.
An elegant gulet offering excellent service. All cabins are
approximately the same size which makes this gulet ideal for groups
of friends traveling together.
On board this wonderful traditional gulet guests can visit Croatia’s
glorious islands in the capable hands of Captain/Owner Toni and his
dedicated and attentive crew.
A great gulet for those who want to have fun in the clear waters.
There are 2 kayaks, water skis, banana boat and tube, plus there
is wifi and ipod hook ups.
SICILY
Stromboli
Panarea
Filicudi
Vulcano
The Colours of Sicily: the Greek
Heartland and the Volcanic Islands
Lipari
Milazzo
Messina
Taormina
with Eve MacDonald, 24 May – 4 June
SICILY
Salina
with Amal Asfour, 24 September – 4 October
Parco Regionale
dell Etna
Eve is an experienced archaeologist who knows
Sicily very well indeed. She is the ideal person to
accompany you on this fabulous trip. She will inspire
you with her knowledge of the history, the art and
the broader cultural significance of the incomparable
island that is Sicily.
Tour cost £2,995
Included: accommodation based on two people sharing, all meals,
drinks on gulet, excursions & site entries.
Not Included: flights, travel insurance, visa, tip to crew, drinks on
land, single supplement £600.
2016
Erice
Lèvanzo
Favignana
ITALY
SICILY
Syracuse
Ruins at Taormina, Mount Etna
Day 1 Arrive in Catania and make the one
hour transfer to Syracuse where we stay for
two nights.
our gulet in Reggio and set off for the Aeolian
Islands. Overnight is on board at anchor off the
island of Vulcano.
Day 2 A full day in Syracuse visiting the
museum and the important main sites of
the town including the mesmeric Duomo
constructed around the interior of the Doric
temple to Athena.
Day 6 Our destination is the active volcano of
Stromboli, the lighthouse of the Mediterranean,
where we can walk up to the crater (B/C) and
then circumnavigate the island by sea before
heading to Panarea to spend the night at anchor.
Day 3 Leaving Syracuse, we visit the impressive
rock cut Necropolis of Pantelica (B) that dates
from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC. We
then head up to Mt. Etna for a look a Europe’s
largest active volcano (B) and its magnificent
landscape. We spend two nights in Taormina.
Day 7 We explore the beauty of Panarea where
we walk to the Bronze Age settlement of Punta
Milazzese (A/B) through the bougainvilleafilled gardens of the island. Overnight is at
anchor off Panarea.
Day 4 The morning is free to explore Taormina
(A) or visit the ruins of the coastal town of
Naxos below (B). In the afternoon, we have
a tour of Taormina to include the famous
theatre (A).
Day 5 An early departure and a drive to
Messina where we catch the ferry across to
Reggio Calabria. In Reggio we visit the Riace
Bronzes, two masterpieces of classical bronze
sculpture now back on display after years in
restoration (A). In the afternoon, we board
Day 8 We move over to Salina whose dormant
twin volcanoes rise up to the clouds. Here we
walk along the coast between picturesque villages
(A/B) and then taste some of the delicious wines
of the islands. Overnight at anchor.
Day 9 We leave early for remote Filicudi
(weather permitting) where we can see another
of the important Bronze Age settlements, Capo
Graziano (B/C) and explore this stunning
island. Overnight at anchor.
Day 10 In the morning we move on to Lipari,
the largest and most populous of the Aeolian
Islands. We will begin with its important
archaeological collection and visit the cathedral
and citadel of the town (A). Once a Carthaginian
naval base, Lipari played a significant role in the
early battles of the First Punic War and has been
occupied from Neolithic times. Overnight at
anchor off Lipari or Vulcano.
Day 11 We explore our last volcano, the crater
of Vulcano where the ancients believed the
smith god Hephaestus/Vulcan had his forge (B).
The rich landscape of Vulcano and its steaming
crater are utterly fascinating. In the afternoon,
we head back to Milazzo on Sicily proper and
spend our final night on board there.
Day 12 We disembark at Milazzo and head
back towards Catania for our departure. For
those interested in seeing the famous mosaics
at the Piazza Armerina (A) and the nearby site
of Morgantina it is possible to book an extra
night at a small extra cost. We will depart from
Milazzo and drive directly to Piazza Armerina
(3 hours) and spend a night in the hill top town
of Enna. Departure will be the following day
from Catania.
In the words of Goethe, ‘Sicily is the clue to
everything.’ It is a land of myth and legend, an island
with a long history and a dazzling cultural legacy,
host to Phoenician and Greek colonies, witness to
battles and ruled successively by Vandals, Ostrogoths,
Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. There is no finer
display of this fascinating past than the capital city of
Palermo where we begin our travels. Here, the Capella
Palatina, the chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily
located at the heart of the Palazzo dei Normanni,
is an extraordinary architectural embodiment of
Sicily’s story. It is a unique building in which 12th
century Byzantine mosaics glow from the walls of a
Norman structure with a Byzantine dome, an Islamic
muqarnas wooden ceiling, a precious inlaid marble
floor and re-used classical columns.
Our tour also includes the Cathedral of Monreale the
Norman cathedral-church at Cefalù; Segesta, with its
Doric Temple and breathtaking views; the acropolis
of Selinunte, and the renowned Valley of the Temples
at Agrigento.
Amal is delighted at the prospect of exploring this
part of Sicily with you. She is an experienced art
historian and will aim to supplement the informative
guided visits with occasional informal talks and
readings on relevant themes.
Tour cost £2,895
Castellamare
del Golfo
San Vito
Lo Capo
Palermo and Western Sicily
Reggio di
Calabria
Catania
This superb, new Sicilian itinerary is a journey of
discovery to the Greek eastern coast of Sicily and
the lush Aeolian Islands. We begin in Syracuse, one
of the most important ancient cities in the western
Mediterranean whose power reached its zenith with
the defeat of the Athenians in 413 BC. We continue
up Sicily’s dramatic east coast taking in towering
Etna and the simply lovely town of Taormina before
crossing to the mainland at Reggio Calabria. Here,
we pay homage to the celebrated Riace Bronzes also
called the Riace Warriors. Next, we board our ship
and set out for our exploration of mythical Sicily
and its stunning scenery. The dramatic panorama
of the volcanic Aeolian islands is breath-taking. An
archipelago that dots the seascape north of Sicily,
each island is fascinatingly different in geology and
in colour – shimmering landscapes in deep hues of
black, green, blue and grey.
SICILY
Scopello
Mozia
Marsala
Mazara
del Vallo
Palermo
Monreale Solunto
Alcamo
Cefalù
Segesta
Selinunte
Agrigento
The Christ Pantokrator, Cefalù Cathedral
Day 1 Arrive at Palermo Airport and make
the 30 minute transfer to the Grand Hotel
Piazza Borsa in Palermo where we are based for
3 nights.
Day 2 We launch into our sojourn in Palermo
with a walking tour of the historic centre of the
city in the company of our local guide (A). The
afternoon is free for you to explore further at
your leisure.
Day 3 This morning, our guide takes us to
visit the Archaeological Museum, a wonderful
collection of ancient Greek, Phoenician and
Punic art housed in a former monastery. In
the afternoon we continue to the magnificent
Palazzo dei Normanni and to Monreale (A).
Day 4 We set out on an excursion eastwards
along the coast to Cefalù pausing on the way to
see the Punic city of Solunto (A/B). We arrive
in time for lunch in Cefalù where we spend
the afternoon with our guide (A). In the early
evening we join our gulet, ‘My Bubu’, moored
on the eastern mole just outside the La Cala
yacht harbour in Palermo.
Day 5 We sail west for about three hours to
the beautiful port of Castellamare del Golfo, in
ancient times the main harbour of Segesta. We
take a guided visit to the stunning site of Segesta
(A/B). Overnight is at anchor near Scopello or
in the marina at Castellamare.
Day 9 We head for Marsala where we visit
the Archaeological Museum (A). We hope to
sample some of Marsala’s famous wine while we
are in the area. We then continue nearby Mozia,
ancient Greek Motya, a powerful city on an
island (A/B). Overnight is in the harbour.
Day 6 We move on to a bay near San Vito Lo
Capo, about an hour further west along the
coast. From here we make a trip through lovely
countryside to the hilltop town of Erice with its
stunning views over Trapani, the western coast
towards Marsala and the Egadi Islands (A/B).
Overnight is at anchor at San Vito or nearby.
Day 10 To Mazara del Vallo where we visit
the Casbah, the old Arab city centre (A). In
the afternoon, we set out for a guided visit to
Selinunte to see the Acropolis and the Eastern
Temples (A/B). We return to Mazara and spend
the night in the harbour.
Day 7 To Lèvanzo, about a two and half hour
sail from San Vito, the smallest of the three
main Egadi Islands with a population of 450
and an area of 5.82 square kilometers (A/B).
Here we visit the Grotta del Genovese to see the
prehistoric cave paintings. There will be time
later in the day for swimming and overnight is
at anchor.
Day 11 A two hour journey along the southern
coast brings us to Agrigento. Joined by our
local guide we visit the impressive Valley of
the Temples and the Archaeological Museum
(A/B). After lunch at the restaurant on the site,
we proceed to Palermo Airport, a two and a half
hour drive away, for evening flights back home.
Day 8 We move on to the Island of Favignana,
excellent for walking and swimming (A/B).
Overnight is at anchor.
A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 11
SICILY
Stromboli
Panarea
SICILY
Scopello
Carthaginians, Greeks and
Normans: Northwest Sicily
and its Islands
San Vito Lo Capo
Lèvanzo
Favignana
with Eve MacDonald , 17 September – 1 October
Mazara
del Vallo
Erice
Castellamare
del Golfo
Milazzo
Palermo
Monreale Solunto
Cefalù
Alcamo
Himera
Segesta
Caccamo
Capo d'
Orlando
Tyndari
Selinunte
Catania
Agrigento
Temple at Segesta
Day 1 Arrive at Catania Airport and transfer to
our gulet in Milazzo, a drive of about one and
a half hours.
Day 2 In the morning, we set off to explore the
Aeolian Islands beginning with Panarea about three
and a half hours away. When we get there, we walk to
the Bronze Age settlement of Punta Milazzese (A/B)
through the bougainvillea filled gardens of the island
and then explore the offshore islets. Overnight is at
anchor off Panarea.
Day 3 Our destination is Stromboli, a sail of about
2 hours. Known as the lighthouse of the Mediterranean
on account of its active volcano, we can walk up to
the crater (B/C). We then circumnavigate the island
by sea before heading back to Panarea to spend the
night at anchor.
As an archaeologist who knows Sicily very well, Eve is
the ideal person to accompany you on this fabulous
trip. She will be there, along with specialist local
guides, to inspire you with her knowledge of the
history, the art and the broader cultural significance
of the incomparable island that is Sicily.
Day 4 In the morning, we move on to Lipari, the
largest and most populous of the Aeolian Islands.
We start with its important archaeological collection
and cathedral while enjoying the lively atmosphere
(A). Once a Carthaginian naval base, Lipari played a
significant role in the early battles of the First Punic
War and has been occupied from Neolithic times.
Overnight is at anchor off Lipari or Vulcano.
Tour cost £3,995
2016
Mozia
Marsala
Sicily is at the very heart of the Mediterranean. It is
and always has been a cultural crossroads, a uniquely
diverse place, an alluring land for travellers as well as
for conquerors. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians,
Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish have all left
their distinctive mark on the island. The legacy of
each of these important cultures can be found in the
rich and diverse art and architecture of the island as
well as in its incomparably delicious food and wine.
On this wonderful new tour, we will visit islands
and sites that perfectly display this diversity: we
will see the remains of early Bronze Age settlements
and ancient Greek temples and cult centres; the
intriguing Carthaginian Tophet of Mozia; the
Norman splendour of the city of Palermo, and the
cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. Add to this the
drama of the active volcano on Stromboli and you
have an unmissable trip in store for you!
Trapani
Lipari
Vulcano
Day 5 We leave the Aeolian Islands and move to
Capo d’Orlando on the coast of Sicily (3 hours) for
some relaxation and overnight at anchor. Time and
weather permitting, we take in the site of Tyndari,
ancient Tyndaris, high up on the north coast of Sicily,
described by Cicero as ‘nobilissima civitas’, the most
noble city.
Day 6 In the morning, we sail for four and a half
hours to Cefalù, Greek for ‘headland’ and explore
the town and its Norman Cathedral (A). Later
in the afternoon we set off by minibus to visit
ancient Himera (B). Overnight in the harbour or at
anchor nearby
Day 7 An early departure for a leisurely five hour
cruise to Palermo. First, we walk through the vibrant
markets of the city and then take in the stunning
Cappella Palatina built for the Norman king Roger
II. We then visit the Archaeological Museum that
contains finds from sites all over the island (A).
Overnight at the quayside just outside the La Cala
yacht harbour.
Day 8 From our mooring near Palermo, we set off on
an excursion to Monreale, one of the most fascinating
churches in Sicily and then take in the towns of
Caccamo and the hill top ancient site of Solunto
(A/B). Overnight at the quayside near Palermo.
Day 9 We leave early for the harbour of Castellamare
del Golfo from where we depart on land for an
excursion to the famous unfinished Doric temple of
Segesta and its lovely hilltop ruins (A/B). Overnight
is at anchor near the town of Scopello, once a thriving
centre of the 19th century tuna fishing industry.
Day 10 We sail along the marine reserve known as
the Zingaro National Park and come to anchor in
a bay near San Vito Lo Capo. After swimming and
exploring the natural beauty, we visit the city of
Erice that commands Sicily’s north west coast (A/B).
The site was once sacred to the Phoenician goddess
Astarte, the Greek Aphrodite and Roman Venus.
Overnight at San Vito or nearby.
Day 11 From San Vito we set out to the west
towards the Egadi Islands and Lèvanzo where the
recent discovery of the site of the final battle of the
First Punic War (241BC) has created a flurry of
underwater archaeological activity. We can also visit
the pre-historic cave paintings and enjoy some lovely
swimming (A/B). Overnight at anchor.
Day 12 More time to enjoy the Egadi Islands as we
move on to the scenic Favignana and visit the town
and the fascinating museum that depicts the early
days of the tuna fishing industry that made the
islands wealthy. Along with some beautiful walking
(A/B) and swimming, these islands are magical places
to explore. Overnight at anchor.
Day 13 Our gulet drops us off in the busy port of
Trapani and we travel on land to the salt pans and
ancient site of Motya/Mozia, the Carthaginian
island settlement destroyed by the Syracusan tyrant
Dionysius in 396 BC. From Mozia we drive to
the famous city of Marsala where we can visit the
museum and sample some of their renowned wines
(A). Our gulet meets us in Marsala where we spend
the night in the harbour.
Day 14 On to Mazara del Vallo at the southwest
corner of Sicily. Here we walk through the atmospheric
Casbah and take the chance to look at one of the
most famous bronze statues found in the sea nearby,
the Dancing Satyr (A). In afternoon, we set out on an
excursion to Selinunte (A/B) to see the Acropolis and
the impressive temples before returning to Mazara for
our last night on board. Overnight in the harbour.
Day 15 We leave our gulet and head home.
For those departing from Palermo airport on an
evening flight we offer, at a small additional cost, an
excursion to the city of Agrigento to visit the valley
of the temples and museum there before connecting
with late flights back to the UK.
Cathedral, Monreale
GREECE
GREECE
Euboea
Karystos
Athens
Andros
An Aegean Odyssey I
Lavrio
with James McKay, 14 - 27 May
Makronisos
Kea
Syros
Kithnos
The first of our two Odysseys sets out from Bodrum,
sailing to some of the loveliest islands of the Northern
Aegean, the Dodecanese and the Cyclades before
arriving in Athens. There is a marvellous variety in
what there is to see along the way as we visit places
with incredibly rich architectural and cultural
histories. We stop at the harbour of Lakki with its
1930s Italian modernist architecture; we spend time
on Samos with its sanctuary of Hera and remarkable
tunnel of Eupalinos; we explore beautiful, green
Ikaria; legendary Delos with its incomparable
Classical heritage; and the important island of
Euboea, just off the Greek mainland. In Athens, we
will be expertly guided around the city and there will
be plenty of time to visit the Acropolis, the National
Archaeological Museum or to discover some of
Athens’ more unusual sights. As well as all this, we
will pause to enjoy several idyllic smaller islands, to
relax, walk, swim and sample delicious wines and
local cuisine and simply to enjoy the Spring sunshine
and glittering blue sea!
Sifnos
Paros
Samos
Ikaria
Patmos
Naxos
Leros
Bodrum
Kalymnos
Kos
Statues of Cleopatra & Dioscrides, Delos
Day 1 Bodrum harbour, where we board the Aegean
Clipper, is 40 minutes' drive from the airport.
Day 2 Leaving Bodrum, we sail to Lakki on Leros
where we enter Greece. Lakki was planned and built
by the Italians in the 1930s to be their main naval
base in the eastern Mediterranean. We take a late
afternoon walk to view its superb, if faded, modernist
architecture (A).
Day 3 We set sail for the fertile island of Samos,
stopping at the tiny island of Arki for lunch and a
swim. Arriving at Pythagoreio, in classical times the
capital of Samos, we anchor on the mole constructed
by the tyrant Polycrates. The ruins of the ancient city
are easily visited on foot in the early evening (A).
Day 4 A full day on Samos. With our excellent local
guide, we visit the site of the huge sanctuary of Hera
(A), the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a marvel of ancient
engineering (B), and then cross the island to Vathy to
see the main Archaeological Museum with its colossal
Kouros. We return to Pythagoreio in time to visit its
outstanding new Archaeological Museum and/or to
swim from the beach by the harbour.
Tour cost £2,900
Day 5 We set out early for Ikaria and the harbour at
Agios Kyriakos. On arrival, we take a tour around this
unspoilt island with its stunning mountain scenery,
2016
Tinos
Rhenia
Mikonos
Delos
Serifos
James is thrilled to be leading this tour. He is a
knowledgeable and inspiring classicist who will
enliven your visits to the array of ancient sites
you will explore along the way. He is also a poet,
comedian and, above all, a delightfully light-hearted
fellow traveler.
TURKEY
visiting the traces of ancient Oenoe (A), the sanctuary
of Artemis at Nas (B), and the Theoktistis monastery,
sometimes known as the Mushroom monastery
(A). We expect to visit a local winery for tastings
and mezzes.
Day 6 A long sail across the Ikarian Strait brings us
to Rhenia, where we overnight in preparation for
visiting Delos the next morning.
Day 7 Delos, legendary birthplace of Apollo and
Artemis, was one of the ancient world's most
sacred sites and the whole island is now a restricted
archaeological area. The remains of the sanctuary and
ancient city, undisturbed by modern development,
will keep us fully occupied for the morning (A).
After lunch, we cross to Ermoupoli on Syros, the
administrative capital of the Cyclades. This elegant
neo-classical city feels like it belongs more on the
French Riviera than on an Aegean island. We go
ashore in the evening to sample the night life and hear
some of the rembetika music the island is famous for.
Day 8 After an early breakfast, those who wish can
take taxis up to enjoy spectacular views from the
Catholic settlement of Ano Syro above the town.
Mid-morning we depart, sailing for the rest of the
day, protected from the north winds by the long,
wooded islands of Tinos and Andros. We come to the
sleepy harbour of Karystos in Euboea. This port grew
rich on the export of fine marble, known as cipollino
in Renaissance Italy, and much in evidence in the
baroque churches of Rome.
Day 9 A day on Euboea. We take a minibus up
Mount Ochi to investigate the Venetian castle at
Castelrosso (B). Those who wish can continue on foot
up the mountainside to the ancient marble quarry at
Kylindri (C) where half-quarried columns seem to
grow out of the living rock. We moor for the evening
by the Petallioi islands, a famous swimming spot.
Day 10 After breakfast and a last swim, we head for
Attica. We anchor for lunch off the deserted island
of Makronisos, a place with a macabre past as an
internment camp during the Greek Civil War of
1945-9. Those who wish may go ashore. Our last
night on board is spent in harbour in the pleasant
Attic port of Lavrio.
Day 11 Leaving the Aegean Clipper after breakfast,
we transfer to Athens via the temple of Poseidon (A),
spectacularly situated on the headland at Sounion.
After checking into our hotel in a quiet backstreet by
the central markets, the evening is free to explore and
adjust to the pace of city life.
Day 12 Our Athens guide takes us on a morning
tour of the city, with a stop at the rarely visited First
Cemetery, with its spectacular tombs (including
Heinrich Schliemann's), and an unrivalled view of the
Acropolis. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit
the Acropolis (A) and/or the National Archaeological
Museum, or to track down some of the more unusual
sights suggested by your Tour Leader.
Day 13 A guided excursion along the Sacred Way,
the route followed by Athenian pilgrims to the site
of the Eleusinian Mysteries (A). We begin with the
excavations around the ancient gate, an area known
in antiquity as the Kerameikos before proceeding
out to the site at Eleusis itself. Rarely visited by
tour groups, the excellent site and museum are
surrounded by industrial sprawl, a juxtaposition to
delight photographers. We go out in the evening for
a goodbye drink in Athens.
Day 14 Depart at leisure.
Terrace of Lions, Delos
Detail of the Erechtheion Temple, Acropolis
GREECE
GREECE
TURKEY
Athens
An Aegean Odyssey II
Lavrio
with Richard Stoneman, 22 May - 4 June
Ikaria
Kea
Mikonos
Patmos
This is the second of our two Aegean Odysseys, setting
out from Athens and sailing among the Cycladic
islands for ten days before arriving in Bodrum on the
Turkish coast. The visit to the Museum of Cycladic
Art in Athens is the perfect prelude to this journey,
giving us a foretaste of the wonderful works of art
we are going to see along the way. There is plenty
more in store for us in Athens where we will have an
excellent city guide to accompany us. Our Cycladic
adventure begins with an exploration of the island
of Kea and then the little-visited Serifos. We sail
on to Paros, famous for the supreme quality of its
marble and we take a ferry across to quiet, unspoilt
Antiparos. We explore Naxos where Ariadne was
abandoned to her sad fate by Theseus. Here, we
will have the opportunity to see the full variety of
the island’s history in its buildings and art works.
Then, as we sail around Amorgos we will be treated
to beautiful scenery and fine swimming. Kalymnos
with its excellent Archaeological Museum is the last
island we visit before we make for the Turkish coast.
Serifos
Milos
Antiparos
Bodrum
Kalymnos
Amorgos
Day 2 Our Athens guide takes us on a tour of the city,
including a visit to the superb Museum of Cycladic
Art. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit
the Acropolis and/or the National Archaeological
Museum, or to track down some of the more unusual
sights suggested by your Tour Leader.
Day 3 We drive down through rural Attica to meet
the Aegean Clipper at Lavrio. On the way we see the
spectacular Marathon Dam and visit the secluded
temple of Amphiaraos at Oropos. We even cross the
battlefield of Marathon itself. We board our gulet in
the late afternoon and dine on board.
Day 4 Setting sail from Lavrio, we view the Temple
of Poseidon at Sounion before crossing over to the
island of Kea. In the afternoon we take a minibus up
to Chora, the main settlement, stretched out along a
ridge, and we take a gentle walk out of town to see
the Lion of Ioulis (A), carved from the living rock and
considered extremely ancient even in Classical times.
Kos
Ios
Day 1 Arrive and transfer to our Athens hotel,
situated in a quiet backstreet by the central markets.
We go out in the evening for a welcome drink and
orientation meeting.
Tour cost £2,990
2016
Kimolos
Folégandros
This is an outstanding tour and Richard, who
is your lecturer, is an outstanding Classicist and
historian, with a wide-ranging expertise which he is
delighted to share with you. He is looking forward to
embarking on this special sea Odyssey and making
it unforgettable!
Naxos
Paros
Day 5 Those who wish can take a minibus to the top
of the deep Vathypotamos Gorge and walk for an
The Ekatontapiliani Church, Paros
hour down to the beachfront site of ancient Carthaia
(C). Others may choose to stay on board and sail
round to the site instead. After lunch, we continue
round the island to swim and stay overnight at the
bay of Poiesses on the west coast.
Day 6 Our destination is the little-visited island
of Serifos, where we stop for a swim in one of the
island's excellent sheltered bays. In the evening we
take taxis up to Chora and one of the most delightful
town squares in the Cyclades where we try the local
wine before taking the ancient road back down to
the harbour.
Day 7 A morning's sail takes us to the island of
Paros and its capital Parikia. On arrival, we visit the
Archaeological Museum with its fine collection of
ancient sculpture, much of it carved from the famous,
local Parian marble. We visit the 6th century church
of the Ekatontapiliani (A). The rest of the afternoon
is free to explore this pleasant and prosperous town.
Overnight in harbour.
Day 8 Those who wish to could attend part of the
Sunday service at the Ekatontapiliani. After breakfast,
we embark on a full day excursion by minibus and
local ferry to the neighbouring island of Antiparos
(A), where traditional Cycladic life continues
undisturbed, and which boasts a cave containing
graffiti by Byron and King Otto of Greece amongs
others. We transfer to a bay for swimming and dinner.
Day 9 It is a short journey to the port of Naxos. In
the morning, we take a walking tour of the old town
(B) which extends from the 6th century BC remains
of Portara on the headland to the late medieval castle
on the hill. In the afternoon, we take a short tour of
the rest of the island, viewing the gigantic half-carved
kouros at Flerio (A) and the monastery of Panaghia
Drosiani with its fine wall paintings. Overnight
in harbour.
Day 13 Off to Pothia, Kalymnos's bustling capital for
an early breakfast. We take taxis to visit the Church of
the Gentle Virgin at Chora, the archaeological site of
Apollo Dalios (A) and the marvellous Archaeological
Museum. At midday, we leave for Bodrum.
Day 14 The airport is 40 minutes' drive from
Bodrum harbour.
Day 10 There is time to visit the Archaeological
Museum, with its fine collection of Cycladic figures,
before setting sail for Amorgos. Our first stop is a fine
bay for swimming. Later in the afternoon, we transfer
to the harbour and make a pre-dinner visit to the site
of Ancient Minoa (B).
Day 11 An early start for the unforgettable
Chozoviotissa monastery (B), looking in on Amorgos'
picturesque former capital at Chora. We then move
on to Aigali at the other end of the island enjoying
the very dramatic scenery. A quiet bay for the night.
Day 12 A long sail to the island of Kalymnos, where
we stay overnight in a bay.
Parikia, Paros
Porch of the Erechtheion, Acropolis, Athens
GREECE
GREECE & TURKEY
İzmir Airport
Samos
Kuşadası
TURKEY
Bodrum
Samos and the Islands of the
Northern Dodecanese
The Carian Coast with Symi
Arki
with Jeremy Barnett, 16 - 23 July 2016
Patmos
Kaunos
with Jeremy Barnett, 23 September - 1 October
Leros
Bodrum
Island hopping in the Northern Dodecanese is always
a treat, particularly in late September when the
weather is warm and mellow and the sea at perfect
temperatures for relaxed swimming. There’s plenty to
see too. The temple of Hera on Samos when it was
built was the largest structure of its kind and the first
building to be surrounded by a stone colonnade, an
architectural device that soon came to characterise
the Classical Greek temple. Second only to Mount
Athos, the Monastery of St John on Patmos is still a
place of pilgrimage, home to priceless manuscripts
and works of art in its own museum, including the
11th century Chrysobull signed by the emperor in
Constantinople giving title to the monastery. On
the tiny island of Arki we suggest a walk along the
donkey-track that leads up to the little church of the
most Holy Virgin or a stroll to the turquoise lagoon
at Tiganaki. For a complete contrast, a walk around
the port of Lakki on the island of Leros built by the
Italians in the 1930s is like wandering onto a film set,
a haunting visual experience, particularly at night.
It is fair to say that Jeremy knows these islands better
than anyone and will guide you with great expertise
and unfailing good humour. With Jeremy, there’s
always a surprise and a treat in store!
Tour cost £1,950
2016
Kalymnos
Kos
TURKEY
Monastery of St John the Theologian, Patmos
Day 1 We transfer from İzmir Airport to our
gulet which will be waiting for us in the marina
at Kuşadası, about 50 minutes away.
for walking and swimming. Refreshment at one
of the three tabernas on the village square is
a must (A).
Day 2 We leave Turkey and sail to Pythagoreio
on the island of Samos, where we tie up on
the ancient mole constructed by the tyrant
Polycrates in the 5th century BC. We visit
the excellent new Archaeological Museum. In
the afternoon there will be time to swim and,
in the evening, to stroll to the Church of the
Metamorphosis and the Castle of Logothetis,
the local hero (A).
Day 5 An early start for Patmos and the
celebrated monastery of St John the Theologian
at Chora. In the evening we make a second
visit to Chora to examine the fortification
walls of the monastery and the dazzlingly white
‘Cretan’ village (A).
Day 3 We start with the Temple of Hera (A),
originally reached by a paved sacred way from
the city of Samos. We then move on to the
nearby Monastery of The Great Virgin, where
there are important frescoes and a lovely,
carved wood iconostasis. We cross the island
to Vathy, where we see the gigantic kouros in
the Archaeological Museum. The remainder of
the day is free for personal exploration and we
spend a second night at the quayside.
Day 4 We sail to tiny, laid-back Arki with a
population of less than 100. This is one of the
least visited islands of the Dodecanese, excellent
Day 6 We move on to the island of Leros, a
beautiful, often green island with a turbulent,
and sometimes dark history. The
Italians established a major naval
base at Porto Lago or Lakki and the
architecture of this planned town, now
crumbling, is decidedly art deco (A).
We also visit the Castle of the Knights
of St John (B) and the Commonwealth
cemetery (A) where those who fell at
the ill-fated battle of Leros in World
War II are laid to rest.
Day 7 We spend much of the day
relaxing at Palionissos Bay in the
north of the island of Kalymnos.
Towards evening we will make a visit
to the local taberna (A), run by Niko, a onetime
schoolteacher and sponge-diver.
Day 8 We sail early to Pothia, the island’s
bustling capital and have breakfast on board
once we are in the harbour. The morning is
spent visiting the island’s cathedral and the fine
Archaeological Museum housing wonderful
statuary including some magnificent bronzes
(A). We leave Greece and head for Bodrum.
Day 9 We leave from Bodrum Airport. The
transfer by minibus takes around 40 minutes.
If the sound of such unusual place names as
‘Unknown Tooth Cove’ or ‘Fisherman’s Net Bay’
is intriguing, then this journey is for you! Enjoy a
summer holiday with lots of swimming in unexpected
places and pleasant walks in the cool of the evening
as the sun sets on another fun-filled day. Knidos is
our first port of call where you can swim in the once
bustling ancient commercial harbour overlooked by
the Classical theatre and the ruins of marble temples
to Dionysus and Aphrodite. Next is the Greek island
of Symi and its pretty, colourful houses and mansions
overlooking the harbour, an interesting comparison
with Selimiye, a picturesque fishing village on the
Bozburun peninsula in Turkey. From Ekincik and its
fragrant pines we take a flat-bottomed boat through
the Delta of the River Dalyan to visit the site of
Kaunos surrounded by pomegranate orchards. And
if a week seems a little short, why not stay on and
join Jeremy on his tour of the Lycian coast which
follows on directly from this one?
Knidos
Datça
Loryma
Rhodes
Day 1 Arrive at Bodrum Airport and board
our gulet.
Day 2 After breakfast, we sail to Knidos in time
to do some swimming in the ancient harbour
and then have lunch. In the late afternoon we
explore the magnificent site of Knidos itself
(A/B/C). Overnight under the stars in harbour.
Day 3 We set off early and have breakfast and a
swim at İnce Burnu near Datça. Here we leave
Jeremy is excellent company. He is full of information
about the history and culture of the places you will
visit and, no doubt, can tell you the story of how the
‘Unknown Tooth Cove’ came by its name!
Dalyan
Göcek
Symi
Tour cost £2,095
Monastery Agios Savvas, Kalymnos
Selimiye
Ekincik
Theatre, Knidos
Lydai
Harbour, Symi
Turkey and sail to Symi where we enter Greece.
We enjoy a walking tour at sunset to the top
of Symi town where the views are fabulous (B).
We spend the night in the harbour, one of the
prettiest in the Mediterranean.
Day 4 After breakfast, we re-enter Turkey
and sail to Kameriye island where we stop at
the crumbling Greek church for a swim and
lunch. Then we move into the bay at unspoilt,
relaxed Selimiye with
its microclimate and
pleasant waterside cafés.
Day 5 A relaxing and
unhurried day. In the
morning we continue
to Loryma. If the wind
is right, we might try
to get the sails up. We
moor in the splendid
natural harbour below
the Rhodian castle, with
its great Hellenistic
walls almost perfectly
preserved.
Towards
sunset, we visit the castle
with its great views all
the way over to the island of Rhodes (B). Then
back to the boat for a refreshing swim and
drinks before another delicious dinner.
Day 6 The boat moves early and we pass
below towering cliffs. This is arguably the most
dramatic stretch of coastline in all Turkey. We
swim and have breakfast in the turquoise waters
beside Arab Island, once a haven for pirates and
smugglers. Then we go on to Ekincik where
we moor in a bay beneath the umbrella pines.
From here, a flat-bottomed boat takes us up the
Dalyan river to see the fascinating temple tombs
high above and the beautifully situated site of
classical Kaunos, still under active excavation
(B). We return to our gulet as the sun is sinking
low and spend a peaceful night.
Day 7 Breakfast and swimming at ‘Unknown
Tooth Cove’ and then on to ‘Fisherman’s Net
Bay’. Perhaps a quick walk up to see the roman
tombs and a peek into the hidden valley where
the unexcavated site of Lydai lies (B). A last
swim and a splendid sail into lively little Göcek,
perfect for a last evening stroll.
Day 8 Half an hour gets us to the airport
at Dalaman.
Gallipoli Çanakkale
GREECE & TURKEY
Tenedos
Troy
Alexandria Troas
Smintheion
Assos
Baba Kale
Ayvalık
A Passage to Troy: Aegean Turkey
and the Greek Islands
Bademli
Chios
Erythrae
ÇeŞme
İzmir
Samos
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.
TURKEY
Pserimos
Bodrum
Temple of Hera, Samos
Kos
Day 1 Arrive in Bodrum harbour, 40 minutes from
the airport, and board our gulet.
Day 2 We leave Turkey and enter Greece at Kos. We
visit the Hellenistic healing centre of the Asklepieion
(A) in its terraced setting surrounded by pine trees.
We move to a bay off the tiny island of Pserimos for
the night.
Day 3 To the port of Pythagoreio on Samos in
time for an evening stroll to the Church of the
Metamorphosis and the Logothetis Castle (A).
Day 4 We visit the main sites of Samos: the temple of
Hera (A), the Archaeological Museum in Vathy and the
Eupalinos tunnel (B/C). A visit to the excellent new
Archaeological Museum in Pythagoreio is also possible.
Richard is your lecturer on this tour. He is a Classicist
and prolific author with extensive knowledge of
the history and civilizations of Turkey and Greece.
Always interesting and informative, he is a wonderful
travelling companion.
Day 5 The day begins with a leisurely sail to Chios
where we berth in the harbour for two nights. The
rest of the day is spent getting acquainted with this
vibrant town.
Day 6 An entire day spent touring the island of Chios.
We visit the monastery of Nea Moni (A), founded
in 1042 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
the medieval village of Avgonyma with its gorgeous
views; the extraordinary abandoned cliff-top village
of Anavatos; and the once fortified villages of Pirgi
and Mesta.
Tour cost £3,500
2016
Aigai
Phokaia
with Richard Stoneman, 27 August - 10 September
Pergamon
Day 7 Leaving Greece, we make the 45 minute
crossing to Çeşme to re-enter Turkey. We then head
north to the forgotten site of Erythrae set all around
the pleasant fishing village of lldır. The view towards
the islands from the acropolis (B) is unequalled. We
moor for the night near the gendarmerie.
Day 11 We cross to the thriving fishing port of Baba
Kale and take our minibus to Assos (B), a wonderful
site with great views over to the island of Lesvos.
We wind our way around the site by way of the
modern village and the necropolis. We also visit the
temple of Apollo Smintheus (A).
Day 8 A leisurely morning cruising to the charming
seaside town of Eski Foça, ancient Phokaia. We also
take a short drive to visit an elaborate rock tomb with
possible Persian and Lycian influences. Overnight in
the harbour.
Day 12 A five hour sail brings us to the vine-covered
island of Bozcaada, ancient Tenedos. We tie up in
harbour and take a tour of the island, stopping to
swim and sample the local wines.
Day 9 Our dedicated bus takes us to Aigai (B/C),
an ancient hilltop city with interesting architectural
remains. In the early afternoon we rejoin the boat
in the tranquil setting of the lagoon at Bademli, a
perfect place to relax.
Day 10 An exhilarating day during which we visit
spectacular Pergamon. We start with the Acropolis
(B) and go on the Library, the Altar of Zeus and the
astonishingly steep theatre. We also see the Lower
City (B) and, after lunch, the Asklepieion (A). We
rejoin our boat at Ayvalık and stay the night at
the quayside or at anchor in the Hekatonisi – the
Hundred Isles.
Day 13 Our boat drops us off on the mainland at
Odun İskelesi from where our minibus takes us to
Alexandria Troas (B). We look at selected parts of this
enormous site before moving on to legendary Troy
(A). Here, our excellent local guide will explain the
site. We rejoin our gulet at Çanakkale.
Day 14 We cross the Dardanelles to visit the
battlefields, cemeteries and memorials of Gallipoli
(A), a most evocative place with the events in the
campaign of 1915 very well presented. Overnight is
in the harbour at Çanakkale.
Day 15 Our minibus takes us to Istanbul airport for
early afternoon flights. A drive of about five hours
through the pleasant countryside of Eastern Thrace.
Doorway, Chios
Temple of Trajan, Pergamon
GREECE & TURKEY
GREECE & TURKEY
TURKEY
TURKEY
Bodrum
Kos
The Lycian Shore:
Kekova and Kastellorizo
with Jeremy Seal, 24 September – 1 October
We begin this early Autumn break in relaxed mode
with plenty of swimming in some of our favourite
coves and some walking along ancient tracks and paths
that lead around picturesque ruins. There is much
more to enjoy as our journey progresses. The pristine
waters in the twin natural harbours on the little Greek
island of Kastellorizo are always the deepest cobalt
blue. At the lovely terraced site of Arykanda we will
see some fine tombs, the remarkably well-preserved
baths, the political forum, a jewel of a theatre and,
on the top-most terrace, a stadium with glorious
views. Phaselis, once a major trading centre, is one
of the most evocative sites on the coast, with three
harbours, a theatre and baths. At Kaleköy, ancient
Simena, we will explore the Ottoman castle and we
visit the necropolis at Teimioussa. We will take a stroll
around the village of Kaş, ancient Antiphellos, with
its whitewashed houses covered with bougainvillea.
Late September is the perfect time for this leisurely
cruise along Turkey’s loveliest coastline.
Your tour leader, Jeremy, is a renowned travel writer.
His book, Santa: A Life, is the story of St Nicholas of
Myra, the Byzantine bishop who would be remade
posthumously into Santa Claus, just one of the
characters you will meet on this illuminating and
entertaining journey.
Tour cost £1,850
2016
Göcek
Lydai
LYCIA
Fethiye
Cruising to Rhodes:
The Islands of the Knights
Antalya
Nisyros
Datça
Marmaris
Symi
with Jeremy Barnett, 3 – 13 October
Arykanda
Tilos
Phaselis
Myra Andriake
YeŞilköy Teimoussa
Finike
KaŞ
Simena
Kekova
Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo
Day 1 Arrive at Dalaman Airport, 30 minutes
by minibus to our boat in the harbour at Göcek.
is in one of the most idyllic harbours in the
Mediterranean.
Day 2 In the morning we set out for Ağlimanı
(Fisherman’s Net Harbour) from where we walk
up to ancient Lydai (B). After a swim and some
lunch, we continue to Gemiler. We explore the
island and visit the churches of the medieval
monastery (B/C). Overnight is at anchor in the
sound adjacent to the island.
Day 5 If the weather is right we transfer to a
local caique to see the Blue Grotto, just as
impressive as the one in Capri. We then head
back into Turkey and move on to Kekova. We
visit the sites of Simena and Teimioussa (B) and
stay the night at anchor in one of the myriad
inlets or the inner lagoon.
Day 3 Early to Kaş, breaking the long journey at
Yeşilköy Koyu (Green Village Bay) for breakfast
and a swim. We arrive at Kaş in the early
afternoon and explore this vibrant little town
with its little theatre looking over to Greece and
a grand Lycian tomb in the main pedestrian
thoroughfare (A). Overnight is in the harbour.
Day 6 We make an early start for Myra where the
Byzantine Church of St Nicholas, with beautiful
marble inlay, is often busy with
Russian pilgrims. We also
visit the great Roman theatre
(A). We go on to Hadrian’s
Granaries at Andriake, the best
preserved Roman buildings
on the Turkish coast (A).
We then head for Snail Cove for
a late lunch and an afternoon
of relaxation. Overnight is
at anchor.
Day 4 We cross to enchanting Kastellorizo,
until very recently one of the most isolated of
all Greek islands. We explore the island with
its fine neo-classical houses, little museums
and huge churches and have a lazy lunch in a
waterside taberna. In the late afternoon, those
with energy to spare can take a walk up to
Palaiokastro (B/C) where some of the remains
date back to the 9th century BC. Overnight
Knidos
Day 7 A short cruise brings us
to Finike with a stop to swim
at Telegraph Bay. We lunch
on board in the marina and then take taxis for
some 30 minutes to the splendid mountain
site of Arykanda (A/B/C), often referred to as
the Turkish Delphi. The views from the upper
terraces are truly fantastic. Overnight is in
the marina.
Day 8 After having a leisurely breakfast, we
leave for Antalya, breaking our journey to visit
the pine-clad site of Phaselis (A). We aim to be
in Antalya shortly after mid-day to catch one of
the afternoon departures for London.
This is a tour that celebrates the long and varied
history of this lovely region, taking in the classical
site of the Asklepieion on Kos, the remote Hellenistic
port of Knidos on Turkey’s Datça Peninsula and the
medieval walled city of Rhodes, headquarters of the
Knights of St John. Expelled from the Holy Land
in the 13th century, the Knights of St John settled
on Rhodes and established bases on many of the
Dodecanese islands. They held out and flourished
for over two hundred years in this area that occupies
a historic place on the fault-line between East and
West, Christendom and Islam. On Rhodes, we will
also visit the major archaeological sites of Lindos and
Kameiros, the latter sometimes likened to a smaller
version of Pompeii.
This is also a journey that glories in stunning natural
landscapes, not least of which is the dramatic, active
volcanic caldera on Nisyros, all the while leaving
plenty of time to enjoy the warm waters of deserted
clear, blue bays as well as many of the Mediterranean’s
most enchanting harbours.
Jeremy has chosen early October as the ideal time for
a leisurely, uncrowded cruise to Rhodes. He knows
this region very well indeed and will accompany you
with great expertise and unfailing good humour.
Tour cost £2,450
Lycian Tomb at Kaleköy
Rhodes Town
Halki
Alimia
Skala Kameiros
Rhodes
Lindos
Ruins at Kameiros, Rhodes
Day 1 Arrive in Bodrum and join our gulet in
the harbour, 40 minutes from the airport.
Day 2 We cruise to nearby Kos for a guided visit
to the ancient healing centre of the Asklepieion,
a splendid site which provides a wealth of
insights into the origins of modern medicine
(A). After a late lunch, we sail for Nisyros and
venture into the other-worldly volcanic caldera,
with its fumaroles and bubbling mud pools
(A/B). We enjoy an early evening drink in the
village of Nikia high above the crater. Overnight
is in the port at Mandraki.
Day 3 An early morning walk through the town
of Mandraki brings us to the delightful shaded
Plaka Ilikiomenis (Square of the Elderly). Those
who reject such a title may push on uphill to the
massive walls of the acropolis (B/C). On the
way back, we visit the Archaeological Museum
before sailing on southwards for the island of
Tilos. We enjoy an afternoon of swimming and
spend the night in a bay.
Day 4 We continue to the island of Halki
where pay a visit to the Knights’ castle and then
move on to a bay on the island of Alimia for
swimming and overnight.
Day 5 An early start brings us to the fishing
port of Skala Kameiros on the island of Rhodes
where a minibus takes us to the ancient town
of Kameiros (A). We then head for Rhodes
town where we rejoin our gulet in the harbour
where the Colossus, one of the Seven Ancient
Wonders, once stood and dominated the view.
In the afternoon, we stroll through the medieval
town with its massive walls and labyrinthine
streets (A). Overnight is in harbour.
Day 6 We sail early to Lindos to visit the
charming town and walk up to the beautifullyrestored Acropolis and the Temple of Athena
(B). Overnight is in the natural harbour
at Lindos.
Day 7 We return to Rhodes town to visit the
superb Archaeological Museum housed in the
hospital of the Knights of St John and to see
some of the town’s churches and mosques (A).
In the late afternoon, we take a stroll through
the new part of town to see the Italian modernist
architecture (A). Overnight is in the harbor.
quarter of Rhodes town with its Synagogue and
Museum (A). Later in the morning, we leave
Rhodes and head for the island of Symi. We
stop at St George’s Bay to swim and have lunch
and then enter the charming, colourful, neoclassical harbour of Symi for an evening stroll
(A/B) and overnight.
Day 9 We enter Turkey at Datça and then
head to the extreme tip of the Datça peninsula
to Knidos. We sail into the ancient harbour
where a magnificent theatre spills down to the
water’s edge. We explore this extensive and
evocative site, once home to the lion statue now
prominently displayed in the Atrium of the
British Museum (A/B/C). A peaceful night in
the harbour.
Day 10 We leave for Bodrum where the
afternoon is free for visits to the great
mausoleum of Mausolos, one of the Seven
Wonders, or to the Crusader castle with its
fascinating Underwater Archaeology Museum.
Day 11 Departure from Bodrum airport.
Day 8 This morning we pay a visit to the Palace
of the Grand Master and then explore the Jewish
GREECE & TURKEY
Ephesos
Samos
İzmir airport
CROATIA
Kuşadası
CROATIA
Nisko
BOSNIA
Split
Trogir
A Tale of Two Temples: Ephesos,
Samos and the Dodecanese Islands
with Amal Asfour, 22 – 30 October
Omotski
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast
Arki
with John Shorter
Split to Dubrovnik 3 - 10 September
Dubrovnik to Split 10 - 17 September
Patmos
Leros
Brač
Hvar
Korčula
Bodrum
What do you picture in your mind when you think
of an ancient Greek temple? Is it made of dazzling
white marble? Does it have many columns? The tale
of the Greek temple is a long and fascinating one
and it begins with the Temple of Hera at Samos and
the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos. And it is with
the story of these two buildings that we begin our
autumn tour. These were the two most important
religious buildings of their day. They were rivals in
size and magnificence, and both are set in outstanding
locations. These are the great ancient Ionic temples,
marvels of the ancient world and they set the style
for Greek temple construction for centuries to come.
What you imagine when you think of the Classical
Greek temple all began here. After the excitement of
Ephesos and Samos we move on to the idyllic, quiet
little islands of Agathonisi and Arki for some leisure,
walking and swimming. We then visit the island of
Patmos and the superb fortified Byzantine monastery
of St John with its wall paintings and dazzling
treasury of precious icons and manuscripts.
The islands you will visit on this tour are Amal's
favourite. She is looking forward to enjoying the half
term holiday showing you some wonderful places
and making the most of the late autumn sunshine.
Tour cost £1,995
2016
Kalymnos
Kos
TURKEY
Sanctuary of Hera, Samos
Day 1 Arrive in İzmir Airport and join our gulet
in the marina at Kuşadası.
Day 2 Our minibus picks us up for an exciting
day trip. We start with the Selçuk Mosque of
İsa Bey in the town of Selçuk. We then meet
our guide at the recently reopened Museum of
Ephesos and make a brief stop to see the site of
the Temple of Artemis though only one of its
columns remains standing today! After an early
lunch at a charming local restaurant, we visit the
great site of Ephesos itself (A/B). We return to
the marina in the late afternoon in time for a
swim in the pool or a nearby beach
Day 3 We clear customs, leave Turkey and
set out for Samos arriving at the harbour of
Pythagoreio in time for lunch on the boat in
harbour. There is a small and pleasant beach
across the harbour for anyone who would like a
swim in the afternoon. Later on, we can walk to
the Castle of Logothetis or take a stroll to view
the ruins of the ancient city on the road out of
town (A).
Day 4 A day spent exploring Samos, starting
with the Heraion (A), the site of the Temple
of Hera, a delightful spot by the sea with views
across to the neighbouring islands as well as
the Turkish coast. We then cross the island to
the town of Vathy to visit the Archaeological
Museum where we will see the giant statue
of a kouros or young Greek male. Next is the
intriguing tunnel of Eupalinos (B/C), a feat
of ancient engineering. After a late lunch on
the boat we can visit the new Archaeological
Museum, a short walk from the harbour.
There is then some free time for a swim or
evening stroll.
Day 7 Early in the morning, we take taxis up
to the Monastery. Inside, we visit the church
with its Byzantine wall paintings, and the little
museum full of icons and precious manuscripts.
We walk back down to the harbour by way of
the cave-church (B) where St John is said to
have received the Revelation that is the final
book of the New Testament. We then leave for
Kalymnos where we arrive in time for lunch, an
afternoon of swimming and a restful night in
Palionisos Bay.
Day 5 A leisurely day in which we sail off to the
island of Arki for swimming, a walk to the small
church at the top of the hill behind the town
square and a drink at Nikolas’s taverna before
dinner (A/B).
Day 8 We move into Pothia, the main port of
Kalymnos and stroll through the town over to
the Archaeological Museum. Also interesting
are the sponge museum and the naval museum
both also within easy walking distance of the
harbour (A). After that, we begin our journey
to Bodrum.
Day 6 After breakfast, we move on to Patmos
where make an afternoon visit to the main town
of Chora and take a preliminary look at the
exterior of the Monastery of St John with its
impressive fortification walls. We continue with
a walk around the dizzyingly twisting, narrow
streets lined with whitewashed houses (A/B)
before going back to the boat for dinner.
Day 9 To Bodrum airport, 40 minutes from
the harbour.
Make the most of the late summer sunshine and
discover the historical region of Dalmatia on the
beautiful Croatian coast! There is much to see and
enjoy on this wonderful cruise, in terms of history
and culture as well as glorious natural scenery. The
itinerary features three important World Heritage
Sites: the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace at
Split, the Adriatic harbour town of Trogir, settled
by Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and Dubrovnik,
one of the Europe’s most beautifully-preserved cities
with an impressively rich and varied architectural
heritage. We will sail to two of the best-known
islands off the mainland: Hvar, often called ‘the
island of lavender’ which is cultivated for use in the
production of oils and soap, and Korčula, said by
locals to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. We will
also visit the quieter, charming islands of Šipan and
Mljet. Wherever we turn, the landscape is breathtaking and the clear, turquoise sea is very inviting.
Having spent many years in this part of Europe, John
is thoroughly familiar with its culture and history. He
still loves travelling in Croatia and especially enjoys
showing visitors its rich visual heritage. He is a man
of many interests and languages and will make your
trip a most enjoyable one.
Tour cost £2,250
Mljet
CROATIA
Dubrovnik
BOSNIA
Korčula
Day 1 The journey from Split airport to the
nearby city of Trogir, where our boat is moored,
takes about 15 minutes.
Day 2 A full day visiting Diocletian’s Palace in
the heart of Split, the ancient site of Salona and
the illustrious city of Trogir. We spend the night
in Trogir or a nearby bay.
Day 3 We set off for Hvar (A). From the citadel
(B), we take in the splendid view of Hvar’s walls,
churches, arsenal, monasteries, and Venetian
theatre and loggia. We visit the Cathedral of
St Stephan with its nine baroque altars and
bell tower before going on to the Franciscan
monastery and its museum. We spend the night
in a bay.
Day 4 On to the island of Korčula (A), known
to the Greeks as Black Corcyra because of
its dense forests. This beautifully preserved
medieval city is one of the highlights of any trip
to Dalmatia. We trace the city walls and visit
the 15th century Cathedral of St Mark and All
Saints Church with its rich collection of icons.
The Ecclesiastical Museum in the Bishop’s
Palace and the Town Museum have fine displays
of medieval and ancient artefacts. Overnight
on Korčula.
Day 5 We head for the island of Mljet (Melita),
a National Park covered in pine and jasmine.
We pass through the narrows between Korčula
and the Pelješac Peninsula, famous for its
vineyards; islets, lighthouses and monasteries
abound. After a hike or a minibus trip, we
take a boat across a lake to the 12th century
Benedictine Monastery and Church of St Mary
(A). Overnight at anchor just off Mljet.
and the Cathedral. We will have a guided
tour of the Franciscan Monastery and the
Rector’s Palace. There may be time for personal
exploration of the synagogue and other churches
and museums.
Day 8 We leave the Linda for the 50 minute
journey to Dubrovnik airport.
Please contact the WCT office for the
reverse itinerary.
Day 6 We set off early for Dubrovnik, stopping
for breakfast and a swim en route. We spend
two nights moored near Dubrovnik, just 30
minutes by bus from the gate of the old city.
After an early supper we pay our first visit to
this historic, pedestrianised walled city. We
walk down Stradun – the main thoroughfare
made of marble - visit the small fishing
harbour and a couple of churches and take
a drink in one of the many pleasant cafes.
Day 7 A full day in the old city of Dubrovnik,
starting with a stroll around the fully-restored
walls (B) and visits to the Church of St. Blaise
Dubrovnik
Priene
TURKEY
TURKEY
Kapıkırı
Lake Bafa
Gölyaka
Karina
Labranda
Didyma
Milas
Güllük
Walking Mount Latmos and
Cruising the Gulf of Gökova
with Jeremy Seal, 10 - 21 May
Jeremy is a renowned travel writer and seasoned gulet
hand who has made Turkey his patch. In his company
you are sure to enjoy an exceptionally illuminating
and entertaining journey.
Tour cost £2,550
2016
Ören
Akbük
Çökertme
Kos
Stratonikeia
Summer on the Lycian Coast
Bodrum
Yedi Adalar
Değirmenbükü
Lake Bafa and the Beşparmak Range – sacred Mount
Latmos to the ancients - are among the outstanding
natural and historical marvels of southwest Turkey.
The Hellenistic ruins of Heracleia are scattered
in romantic profusion along the shore of the lake
while the adjacent heights are strewn with gigantic
weathered boulders, caverns daubed with prehistoric
cave paintings and abandoned Byzantine monasteries.
The convivial and comfortable Agora Pansiyon, with
an alluring setting right among the ruins, is our
base while we walk this area and visit regional sites
including Labranda, the Meander Delta’s Apollonian
Temple of Didyma and the superbly intact Greek
city of Priene. We then transfer to Bodrum where we
join our gulet and spend a leisurely week discovering
the Gulf of Gökova’s secluded bays and beaches,
and making minibus forays to remarkable inland
sites like Stratonikeia. A reasonable level of walking
competence will be required to cope with walks
of perhaps three hours’ duration often over
uneven ground.
TURKEY
with Jeremy Barnett, 23 - 30 July
Akyaka
Sedir Adası
Fethiye
Marmaris
Datça
İzmir
TURKEY
Byzantine Castle, Lake Bafa
Day 1 Fly into Bodrum and transfer to the
Agora Pansiyon in the village of Kapıkırı.
Day 2 After breakfast, we take a walk into
enchanting countryside to reach Eski Latmos
(A), where the fascinating pre-Hellenic ruins
are interspersed with Byzantine monastic
settlements including a 7th century monks’ cave
with frescoed walls. We return to the Agora for
lunch before taking a fishing boat trip out on
Lake Bafa. Later in the day, we explore the ruins
of Heracleia (B), including its spectacular walls
and the Temple of Endymion.
Day 3 After breakfast, we drive to the
monumental Temple of Apollo at Didyma (A),
one of the most startling survivals of the ancient
world. A half-hour’s drive brings us to the fishing
village of Karina on the mouth of the Meander
River where we lunch at a local fish restaurant.
In the afternoon we continue to Priene (A/B),
a beautifully sited Greek city with views over the
Meander Delta.
Day 4 We head for the village of Karahayıt
in the Beşparmak Mountains to begin a
spectacular walk, taking in the prehistoric cave
paintings and Byzantine monastery ruins (C).
After a picnic lunch at the Yediler monastery we
LYCIA
Göcek
descend to the village of Gölyaka for tea to the
sound of the saz (a traditional Turkish stringed
instrument) which Mehmet, the local minstrel,
will play for us.
Day 5 We check out of our pansiyon and drive
to the beautiful hillside ruins of Labranda
(B/C), a holy sanctuary site dedicated to Zeus.
Another drive of 30 minutes brings us to Milas
where we pause for lunch before exploring the
old town with its traditional Ottoman houses
and the imperial tomb of Hecatomnus. We
then head for Bodrum where we visit the great
mausoleum of Hecatomnus’ son, Mausolus,
(A), before walking down to joining our gulet
in the harbour.
Day 6 A leisurely day cruising along the
northern shores of the Gulf of Gökova,
swimming and lunching in a secluded bay
before arriving at Çökertme where we stay for
the night.
Day 7 This morning we take a minibus to Ören.
We walk among the ruins of ancient Keramos
(A) fascinatingly interspersed among the
modern village. We continue to the beautiful
bay of Akbük. Overnight in the bay.
Day 8 After breakfast, we put ashore at Akbük
and drive to Stratonikeia (A/B), a little visited
but astonishingly beautiful 2nd century Roman
site, one of the highlights of this tour. We lunch
locally before returning to rejoin our gulet
at Akyaka.
Day 9 We continue down this beautiful,
indented coast to Sedir Adası, the ancient island
site of Kedreae (A), reputed pleasure resort of
Cleopatra. After lunch we go on to Yedi Adalar
where we stay for the night.
Day 10 We sail on along the coast, stopping
to have lunch and swim, before arriving at
Değirmenbükü, where we begin a two and
a half hour walk into the ancient promontory
port of Knidos (B). We explore the city and its
ruins before rejoining the gulet at anchor in
Knidos’ spectacular ancient harbour.
It’s July! and time to enjoy the summer at its height
with plenty of warm sunshine, lots and lots of
swimming in crystal blue waters, leisurely sunset
walks; time to discover and explore marvellous new
places and see interesting new things; to have dinner
under the stars out on the sea, sometimes in idyllic
quiet bays and sometimes in lively harbour towns.
This week-long tour of the beautiful coast of Lycia in
southern Turkey promises all this and more. Walking
on Gemiler island is a treasure hunt for the sharpeyed with the ruins of little Byzantine chapels, the
ghostly remains of wall paintings and marble mosaic
floors hiding amongst the vegetation and waiting
to be found. The tiny theatre at Simena is just the
place for some amateur theatricals or readings; and
paddling in the ice-cold water that gushes from the
mountain at Saklıkent gorge is thrilling refreshment
for the adventurous. Add to this the impressive
Greek and Roman ruins at the ancient Lycian city
of Xanthos and the beautiful site of Tlos with its
Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments and
you must agree that there’s plenty for everyone to
enjoy on this fabulous tour!
Jeremy is the perfect person to spend the week with.
He is lots of fun but he also knows a great deal about
Classical and modern Greece and Turkey.
Day 11 Further exploration of Knidos (A/B/C).
After lunch we head for Bodrum where guests
are free to spend the rest of the afternoon
shopping or visiting the city’s fine castle housing
the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Tour cost £2,095
Day 12 Transfer to Bodrum Airport for
flights home.
Gemiler
Island
Patara
Tlos
Xanthos
Kalkan
Kaş
Kyaenae
Üçağız
Myra
Demre
Simena
KEKOVA
Theatre, Myra
Day 1 Arrive at Dalaman Airport. Half an hour
by minibus brings us to our boat in the harbour
at Göcek.
Day 2 After breakfast, we sail off for a short
visit to the former Greek village of Kayaköy,
abandoned in the exchange of populations after
World War I. Shortly before sunset, we cross
over a narrow stretch of water to Gemiler island,
once a thriving medieval monastic settlement
(B/C). Overnight in the sound overlooking
the island.
Day 3 The boat moves early and we get up as we
pass Patara where St Paul changed ships during
his third missionary journey. Breakfast and a
swim in the broad sweep that is Yeşilköy Bay.
Then on to Kaş and overnight in the picturesque
little harbour. We explore the town and there
will be an optional trip to the ancient theatre at
Kyaenae (A) at sunset.
Day 4 We continue to Kekova, an area dotted
with islets, creeks and crumbling buildings
- Greek, Roman, Lycian, Byzantine and
Ottoman. We wander up to the picture book
castle at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, and discover
a little theatre carved out of the rock (B). In
the extensive Lycian graveyard nearby, in an
olive grove, goats have made their home in the
sarcophagae. In the course of this relaxing day
we also visit the little town of Üçağız (Three
Mouths) prettily situated on the inner lagoon.
We aim to stay overnight at Snail Cove on the
island at Kekova where the swimming is superb.
Day 5 We get to the huge Roman theatre
at Myra (A) before the crowds do. With its
backdrop of Lycian house-tombs hewn from
the rock, it is truly impressive. Then on to the
Byzantine Church of St Nicholas in the little
town of Demre and the Roman granaries at
the ancient river-port of Andriake (A). These
massive structures, dedicated to Emperor
Hadrian, are perfectly preserved. We have
a simple kebab lunch in one of the best local
eateries on the southern shore. Back on our
boat there is plenty of time for swimming before
dinner. We tie up for the night in one of the
many little creeks nearby.
Day 6 We leave early for Kalkan. Early
risers will be able to catch a glimpse of the
magnificent double harbour on the Greek
island of Kastellorizo where the awardwinning film Mediterraneo was made. After
breakfast and a quick swim our minibus takes
us to Xanthos (A), capital of Ancient Lycia,
where there are extraordinary pillar tombs.
We cool off in the Saklıkent Gorge and, after
refreshments, continue to Tlos (A/B) one of
the most beautifully situated ancient cities in
Turkey, high in the Taurus mountains, where
recent excavations have made some amazing
discoveries. We re-join our boat at Fethiye and
overnight in the harbour or nearby.
Day 7 A relaxing day in the Gulf of Fethiye. If
the wind is right, we may get a sail up. There will
be plenty of time for swimming and canoeing.
If anyone wants to hike, there are trails up
from Cleopatra’s Bay or Fisherman’s Net Cove
(B). We may take a stroll on one of the myriad
islands that dot the gulf where, locals say,
Nelson gathered his fleet before sailing to meet
the French at the Battle of the Nile. Overnight
in the harbour at Göcek or nearby.
Day 8 Departure from the airport at Dalaman.
TURKEY
Gallipoli
TURKEY
İzmir
TURKEY
Çanakkale
Tenedos
Ephesos, Halikarnassos
and the Carian Coast
with John Osborne, 1 - 10 September
Ephesos
Cities and Coasts: From Troy to
Ephesos along the Ionian Shore
Miletos
Didyma
Baba Kale
Alexandria Troas
Smintheion
Assos
Ayvalık
Lesvos
with Richard Seaford, 11 – 23 September
Euromos
Troy
Bademli
Pergamon
Aigai
Phokaia
On this tour we visit two of the Seven Wonders,
the Temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesos and the
Mausoleum of Mausolus at Halikarnassos. Our first
two nights are spent in a comfortable hotel in Selçuk
right by Ephesos, this allows us to explore this huge
site and its surroundings in greater depth than is
possible on our other tours. The next day takes us to
Halikarnassos (modern Bodrum) via the vast Roman
theatre at Miletos, the oracular Temple of Apollo
at Didyma and the Temple of Zeus at Euromos in
a sylvan setting that is a true delight.
Once on our gulet in Bodrum, the pace slows
somewhat, but our odyssey still takes us to grand
and dramatic sites: the double harbour and extensive
excavations at Knidos, the rock tombs of Kaunos
and the unexcavated city of Lydai. The settlements of
Caria, cut off from the rest of the world by mountains,
were mostly situated on or near the sea, so travelling
by boat in the wake of the ancients is just common
sense. The swimming should be excellent.
John is a long-time teacher of Classics and a veteran
traveller in Turkey and the Balkans. He will explain
and enliven the cultural and historical context of the
beautiful sites that you will visit on this superb tour.
Tour cost £2,200
2016
Bodrum
Knidos
Palamutbükü
Kaunos
Ekincik
Dalaman
Göcek
Lydai
Loryma
Day 1 We arrive at İzmir airport, about 40
minutes from our hotel in Selçuk.
Day 2 In the course of the day we will visit the
Museum of Ephesos at Selçuk, the Temple of
Artemis and the main site of the city of Ephesos
(A/B). The highlight of the visit will probably
be the houses with mosaics which have been
painstakingly restored. A second night at the
hotel in Selçuk.
Day 3 After an early breakfast we leave for
the Theatre at Miletos (A/B) and the Temple
of Apollo at Didyma (A). We expect to have
lunch near Lake Bafa and will have a short stop
to see the Temple of Zeus at Euromos (A). Time
permitting, we will also visit the Roman tomb
(the Gümüşkesen) in Milas (A). Our boat is
moored in Bodrum. A long day but a richly
rewarding one.
Day 4 We walk to the Mausoleum of Mausolus.
We will also visit the Knight’s Castle, which
houses a fine sub-aqua archaeological collection
(A). We will spend the night in a quiet bay
outside Bodrum.
Day 5 An early start across the mouth of the
Ceramic Gulf to Knidos, one of Turkey’s most
Theatre, Ephesos
attractive and interesting archaeological sites
(A/B/C). There has been major archaeological
activity and a number of monuments are now
part restored. We overnight in the ancient
commercial harbour.
Day 6 We spend much of a second day at
Knidos and then move on to Palamutbükü
where Turkey’s best almonds are grown.
Day 7 An early start for Loryma, passing
between the Greek islands of Nimos and Symi.
Loryma was a Rhodian garrison after the
death of Alexander, and the
Fortress (B) is remarkably wellpreserved. Overnight at anchor
in the fjord.
Day 8 On to Ekincik and a
flat-bottomed river boat to
negotiate the shallow Dalyan
River to see the rock tombs in
the cliff high above the river and
the important site of Kaunos
(B), where the archaeologists
have been busy in recent years.
We aim to be back on board as
the sun sets.
Day 9 A long sail to Ağlimanı (Fisherman’s Net
Cove). In the late afternoon we go up a Roman
cattle track to a hidden ridge crowned with
the Mausolea (B) of a rich local family, one of
whose members made it to the Roman Senate.
The unexcavated city of Lydai lies below. The
overriding sense here is one of discovery. We
move on to overnight near the village of Göcek.
Day 10 An early start for Göcek and
the minibus to Dalaman airport, about 30
minutes away.
This journey begins at the Dardanelles, the narrow
strait that links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of
Marmara. Strategically positioned, these waters have
been fought over throughout history. Here, near the
western entrance to the strait, Homer's Troy faces
the monuments that commemorate the battles at
Gallipoli during the First World War. This wideranging tour also takes us to two of Turkey's most
magnificent Classical sites: Pergamon and Ephesos.
We also explore sites well off the beaten track,
discovering the array of cities and settlements that
populated this stretch of coast during antiquity. To
facilitate our excursions we will have the luxury of
our own minibus following our route as we sail along
the Ionian coast. There is an excellent balance here
between an exciting schedule of visits and time to
unwind and reflect on what we see. The swimming,
whether in the clear waters off Tenedos or in the
lagoon at Bademli, is excellent.
Until recently, Richard Seaford was Professor of
Ancient Greek at the University of Exeter. He is
very much looking forward to sharing with you his
lifelong interest in the history of this part of Turkey
from Homer to the present day.
Tour cost £2,990
Spice Market, Bodrum
Chios
TURKEY
Erythrae
ÇeŞme
Sığacık
Teos
KuŞadası
İzmir
SelÇuk
Ephesos
Temple of Athena, Assos
Day 1 We arrive at Istanbul airport, about 5
hours by minibus from our gulet in Çanakkale.
to visit the Temple of Apollo Smintheion (A),
the mouse-god.
take a short drive to visit an elaborate rock tomb
with Persian and Lycian influences.
Day 2 We cross the Dardanelles by ferry to
visit the battlefields, cemeteries and memorials
of Gallipoli (A). This is an especially evocative
place and the events of the 1915 campaign are
well presented.
Day 6 A leisurely morning cruising through
the archipelago of the Hekatonisi, the Hundred
Isles, where we swim in a secluded bay before
crossing to Ayvalık which, until the 1920s, was
largely populated by Greeks.
Day 10 Today’s journey takes us along the
beautifully bare coast of the Karaburun
peninsula. We walk up to the site of Erythrai
(B). From the Temple of Athena Polias there are
fine views over to the Greek Island of Chios.
Day 3 We visit the Çanakkale Museum and
continue by minibus to Alexandria Troas (B)
to see the harbour and selected parts of this
enormous site. Late in the afternoon, we visit
Troy (A) with an excellent local guide.
Day 7 We visit the fabulous site of Pergamon
(B), a drive of about an hour. We start with
the Acropolis (B) and go on to the library, the
remains of the Altar of Zeus and the steep theatre
with its sweeping views. We also visit the Lower
City (B) before lunch at a local restaurant. Next
we visit the Asklepieion (A) before rejoining our
gulet at the lagoon of Bademli.
Day 11 We cruise through the straits between
Çeşme and Chios and then head for Sığacık,
a walled town with a fishing harbour and
marina. Our bus takes us to the nearby site of
Teos (B) to see the harbour, odeion, theatre and
temple of Dionysos. It is a large but charming,
unfrequented site.
Day 4 An early start for the splendid transit
through the Dardanelles to the Island of
Tenedos, modern Bozcaada. We anchor in a
bay to which the Greeks are reputed to have
withdrawn their ships during the siege of Troy.
We tour this vine-covered island, stopping for
a swim on one of the many pristine beaches,
ending the day with a visit to a local winery.
Day 5 We move on to Baba Kale, a thriving
fishing port, where our minibus takes us to
Assos (B). We visit the Temple of Athena and
then inspect the mighty defence walls and the
necropolis. We return to the boat making a stop
Day 8 Another day spent in this delightful
anchorage. Those with energy enough to tackle
a slightly more difficult but glorious site can
visit Aigai (B/C), a drive of about 75 minutes.
If not, there is the opportunity to stay on
board, swim in the lagoon or stroll through the
olive groves.
Day 12 We move on to Kuşadası. Our bus
takes us to the museum of Ephesos in Selçuk
and then to the Temple of Artemis. We visit the
site itself (A/B), walking down the street of the
Curetes, past the library and then to the theatre
where St Paul was denounced. We also see the
famous houses with their mosaics and frescoes.
Overnight in the marina or nearby.
Day 9 A leisurely day cruising to Eski Foça,
ancient Phokaia, a lovely seaside town. We also
Day 13 The transfer to the airport at İzmir takes
just under an hour.
TURKEY
CARIA
Bodrum
Kos
Caria and Lycia
through Writers’ Eyes
Knidos
Selimiye
Loryma
with Jeremy Seal, 10 - 24 September
Dalyan
Dalaman
Kaunos
Göcek
Lydai
Rhodes
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. The shores of
Caria and Lycia are astonishingly beautiful and
scattered with picturesque ruins. They are also
home to an inspirational tangle of evocative names
and narratives. Not least among these is Herodotus
of Halikarnassos, the very first historian and travel
writer and a native of the port of Bodrum.
TURKEY
Day 1 Arrive at Bodrum airport and transfer to our
gulet in the harbour about 40 minutes away.
Day 2 We cross the Gulf of Gökova to Knidos
where we moor in the magnificent harbour. In the
late afternoon we visit the site (B) and learn of the
1858 British excavations and the contentious removal
to the British Museum of the city’s magnificent
stone lion.
Day 3 A leisurely day spent working our way along
the Datça Peninsula. We stop in the bay of Bencik
and in the lovely bay of Selimiye where we stay
the night.
Jeremy, your tour leader, is a renowned travel writer
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.
Day 4 We make for Loryma where, in the cool of the
late afternoon, we visit the ancient fortifications (B).
Day 5 An early start for Ekincik where a local boat
ferries us up the Dalyan River past dramatic rock
tombs to visit the extensive ruins at Kaunos (A/B).
Overnight at Ekincik.
Day 6 A long sail to Ağlimanı. In the afternoon
we walk up a Roman path (B) to the ridge of a
hill crowned with the remains of the mausolea of a
wealthy local family. The unexcavated site of Lydai
lies in the valley below.
Tour cost £2,995
2016
LYCIA
Pınara
Sidyma Xanthos
Dereağzı Sura
Patara
Kalkan
Myra
Simena
KaŞ
KEKOVA
Ruins, Xanthos
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 Bernières.
Kadyanda
Fethiye
Gemiler
Day 7 We continue to the island of Gemiler in the
bay of Fethiye. From here we take a short minibus
ride to see the ruins of Kayaköy, a Greek speaking
Christian village, abandoned in 1923 (A/B). We have
lunch in a village restaurant. In the early evening,
we visit the Byzantine monastic settlement on
Gemiler itself (B).
Day 8 We sail to Kalkan. We visit Xanthos (A),
the capital of ancient Lycia, and the port city of
Patara (A), site of one of the world’s oldest extant
lighthouses. Overnight in Kalkan.
Day 12 We make our way along the coves and inlets
of the coast between Kaş and Kalkan. There is free
time in the afternoon for shopping in Kalkan where
we stay the night.
Day 13 A minibus takes us for a day trip to the lesserknown sites of the mountainous hinterland. We see
Pydnai (A), an ancient shore fortress, before heading
to remote Sidyma (A). In the afternoon there is a visit
to the rock tombs and theatre at Pınara (A/B/C), one
of the most beautifully sited of all Turkey’s ancient
cities. We rejoin the gulet at Fethiye for the night.
Day 14 A morning visit to lovely Kadyanda (A/B) in
the hills overlooking Fethiye. After lunch we cross to
Göcek stopping on the way for a last swim.
Day 15 We leave for Dalaman airport, about half an
hour’s drive from Göcek.
Day 9 We set off for the ancient port of Aperlae
where we stop for lunch before continuing to Kekova.
We make an evening visit to the delightful waterside
village of Kaleköy, ancient Simena, and walk up to
its citadel (B).
Day 10 We head for Andriake to visit the splendid
theatre at Myra (A) and the impressive remains
of Hadrian’s imperial granaries (A). Overnight off
Kekova Island.
Day 11 We put ashore in Üçağız for an inland trip,
stopping off for views of the renowned fish oracle at
Sura on the way to the dramatic road up the Demre
Canyon and the ruins of the remarkable Byzantine
basilica at Dereağzı (A/B). We rejoin the gulet at Kaş
where we spend the night.
Knidos
TURKEY
Bodrum
Cruising & Walking in Caria
Keramos
Hurma Bay Çökertme Akbük
with John Weston, 15 - 29 October
Longoz
Knidos
This exciting tour includes some of the finest
walks in Caria, a number of them on the newly
inaugurated Carian Trail. Beginning at Bodrum,
our journey faithfully traces the heavily indented
Carian shoreline and, on several days, the boat
drops us at one point and picks us up at another.
In October we are virtually guaranteed warm water,
comfortably pleasant air temperatures and certainly
no crowds. The trip includes two of the biggest and
most enchanting ancient cities in Caria – Knidos
and Kaunos – as well as a host of rarely visited
smaller sites. A particular feature of this tour is the
truly magnificent vistas, many of them over to the
Greek islands.
Kedreai
English Harbour
Dalaman Airport
Datça
Triopium
Selimiye
Kumlu Bükü
Tula
Loryma
Göcek
Lydai
TURKEY
Rhodes
Knidos
Day 1 Our boat awaits us in Bodrum harbour,
40 minutes from the airport.
yellow sand brought, so legend has it, from Egypt for
Antony’s queen.
century BC (A). Excavations have revealed ancient
harbours, as well as domestic and public buildings.
deep in the pine forests (B). We spend the night at
anchor in the bay or nearby.
Day 2 We begin with a walking tour of Bodrum (A),
its castle and underwater museum, the mausoleum
of Mausolus, the theatre and the Myndos Gate.
After lunch, we set sail for the beautiful and isolated
Kisebükü Cove to swim and stroll.
Day 6 We walk to the magical setting of ancient
Kedreai. We then sail along the northern side of the
Datça Peninsula to the remote English Harbour.
From here we follow the Carian Trail through thick
pine forests to Longoz, a deep inlet that feels like a
hideaway from the world (B/C).
Day 10 We sail to Selimiye to visit the place where,
in 546 BC, the Knidians tried to cut a deep channel
through the narrow isthmus to prevent an attack by
the Persian general, Harpagus. Selimiye is a charming
village with its own microclimate in which bananas
and palms thrive. A brisk walk and a short climb
bring us to an Ottoman castle with fine views over
the bay (B/C).
Day 14 A long sail to Ağlimanı where we take a walk
up a Roman path (B) to the ridge of a hill crowned
with the remains of the mausolea of a wealthy local
family. The unexcavated site of Lydai lies below. In
the late afternoon we move on to the pretty harbour
town of Göcek for the night.
The tour is designed for walkers and requires a certain
level of fitness. On most days there will be between
three and five hours of walking. Some of the going is
quite rough and you will need fell boots and trekking
poles. That said, you return each day to enjoy the
comfort of our fine gulet and there will be plenty of
time for swimming and relaxing on board.
Day 3 On to Hurma Bay where we explore one
of the most attractive villages in the region. From
here, we take our first extended walk using both the
Carian Trail and local tracks (B). The coastal views
over to Çökertme bay, where our gulet is waiting for
us, are splendid. There are interesting sailors’ bars in
the village.
John is a keen and experienced hiker and has carefully
researched this wonderful route. He is particularly
enthusiastic about the new Carian Trail with its
stunning scenery and idyllic anchorages.
Day 4 Our minibus takes us to Ören, site of ancient
Keramos. We see the newly excavated underground
Carian tombs and other classical remains scattered
around the modern village. The minibus drops us at
the village of Alatepe from where we walk along a
high level section of the Carian Trail (B). At Akbük
Bay we rejoin our gulet.
Day 8 There is a choice of a fairly challenging walk to
the well-preserved acropolis with magnificent views,
or a gentler ascent to the Sanctuary of Demeter
where, in 1857, Charles Newton excavated the statue
of the goddess, now in the British Museum. Later we
sail to Palamutbükü. From here we take a bus and
walk up to the site of ancient Triopium (B).
Day 5 A relaxed day swimming and walking in and
around Akbük with its magnificent backdrop of high
mountains and forests. In the late afternoon we sail
to Cleopatra's island, renowned for its extraordinary
Day 9 To Datça, a pleasant village with shops
selling local honey, olive oil and almonds. We take a
coastal walk to the site of Old Knidos dating back to
the 11th
Tour cost £2,490
2016
Day 7 A long passage to Knidos at the tip of the Datça
Peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean.
After lunch, we visit the main excavation area of this
huge and important site. A walk to the lighthouse
to see the sun set over the Greek islands is highly
recommended (B).
Day 15 Transfer to the airport at Dalaman.
Day 11 We sail to the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula,
a wild and remote spot with historical links to
Rhodes. The gulet anchors in the ancient port of
Tula. From there we hike over rough territory to the
Byzantine church at Kalamaka with views over to the
island of Symi (C). The walk continues to Loryma
where the gulet meets us.
Day 12 We walk up to explore the well-preserved
ancient fortress before moving along a spectacular
coastline past towering cliffs to Gerbekse, a former
Byzantine trading station (B/C). Gerbekse is a great
place for scrambling, exploration and swimming.
Day 13 A short voyage to Kumlu Bükü or Sandy Bay.
We walk up to the ancient Rhodian city of Amos and
follow the Carian Trail to an arched Byzantine church
The Carian Coast between Fethiye & Marmaris
AITO Quality Charter
Association of Independent Tour Operators
Westminster Classic Tours (1999) Ltd is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).
The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality
and service.
Our consumer promise
AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member companies, usually ownermanaged, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and
personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.
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AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are
admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct which encourages high
operational standards and conduct.
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An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including
accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection
applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have
booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations.
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and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.
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Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome
suggestions for improving standards.
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AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire
the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.
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Members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism ethos, which recognises the social, economic
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All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event
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WCT Booking Conditions
All bookings are subject to our full booking conditions which appear on our website www.westminsterclassictours.com.
A copy of these can also be e-mailed or posted to you on request. By asking us to make your booking, you confirm you
have had access to and agree to the full booking conditions which you should read. The booking conditions provide for
the payment of cancellation charges if you cancel or fail to make payment when due. They also include limitations and
exclusions of our liability to you. For international travel by sea or rail, our liabilities are limited and excluded as if we
were a carrier within the applicable international convention or EU regulation (for example, the Athens Convention).
A surcharge may be payable in limited circumstances where certain costs increase after booking.
Your contract will be with Westminster Classic Tours (1999) Limited t/a Westminster Classic Tours, Third Floor,
111 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6AW, company number 03679094. For all bookings a binding contract
between you and the Company only comes into existence when the Company despatches its written confirmation
of the booking to you.
How to Book
To make a booking please contact us to check availability. Once availability is confirmed, please complete a booking
form and send it to us with a deposit of £500 per person. (Deposits vary for Private Charters)
We welcome payment by credit card (Visa and MasterCard) but regret that we must make a charge of 2.5% to cover
the charges levied upon us by card companies. We make no charge for payments by debit card.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us not less than 10 weeks prior to departure. This date will be
shown on the confirmation invoice. Reminders are not sent.
What the cost of your tour includes
Unless otherwise stated your tour cost includes:
Unless otherwise stated your tour cost does not include:
(a) Road transfers by minibus
(a) Any flights and associated costs to your destination
(b) Accommodation
(b) Visas
(c) All meals
(c) Travel insurance
(d) Entrance fees to sites
(d) Alcoholic drinks on the land portion of tours
(e) Local beer, wines and spirits while on the gulet
(e) Gratuities on the gulet. Please note: It is customary
to tip the crew at the end of the tour. We recommend
£8 per person per day for the whole crew.
(f ) All non-alcoholic drinks at meal times when on land
(g) All gratuities on land
Travel Insurance
We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential for all tours, covering medical expenses and repatriation.
You accept full responsibility for ensuring that all members of your party comply with the terms and conditions of
the travel insurance purchased. You must give details in writing of your insurance policy (insurer, policy number and
24 hr emergency number) no later than the date the balance of the cost of your tour is due. If you fail to do so, we
reserve the right to cancel your booking. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular
needs. We do not check insurance policies.
Financial Protection
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the
Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Westminster Classic Tours (1999)
Limited, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
1. Non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;
2. Non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and
3. Flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.
1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation.
Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with
Westminster Classic Tours (1999) Limited.
Minimum Numbers
Please note, our tours require a minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them. If the minimum
number of bookings required for a particular tour has not been received, we are entitled to cancel it. We will notify
you of cancellation for this reason at least 8 weeks prior to departure of your tour.
Passports, visa and health requirements
British citizens currently require a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey and 3 months
from date of exit from Turkey. Your passport must also be valid for at least 60 days beyond the expiry date of your
visa, e-visa or residence permit (visas and e-visas are often issued with 6 months validity so your passport may need
to have 8 months validity at the time your visa is issued). A visa must be obtained prior to travel and can presently
be obtained through www.evisa.gov.tr/en. For all our other tours to the destinations we feature British citizens only
require a passport valid for the period of their stay.
Requirements may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. A British
passport presently takes approximately 2 to 6 weeks to obtain. If you or any member of your party is 16 or over and
haven't yet got a passport, you should apply for one at least 6 weeks before your holiday. The UK Passport Service
has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to
do this. If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non British passport, you must check
passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are
intending to travel.
There are presently no compulsory health requirements for entry into the destinations we feature. However, it is your
responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before
departure. Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org. Information on health abroad is also available on www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Travelhealth. At the
time of publication of this brochure, we are not aware of any compulsory health requirements applicable to British
citizens taking any of the holidays featured in this brochure. For holidays in the EU/EEA you should obtain an
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure from www.ehic.org.uk. An EHIC is not a substitute
for travel insurance. Vaccination and other health requirements/recommendations are subject to change at any time
for any destination. Please therefore check with a doctor or clinic not less than six weeks prior to departure to ensure
that you have met the necessary requirements and have the applicable information.
Fitness and Disabilities
A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required for the arrangements we offer. All tours involve a significant
amount of walking often over uneven terrain, hillsides or steps. Guests on all tours should be able to walk at a
reasonable pace, unaided, for a significant part of each day.
If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has
any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking
process), please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of
the arrangements and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of
booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any
medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed.
If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we must
reserve the right to decline their reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking or the condition /
disability develops after booking, cancel when we become aware of these details.
If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you or any member
of your party is physically unable to take part in or complete any part of your tour we are entitled, without prior
notice, to terminate all or part of the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation we will have no further
responsibility for all or part of the tour in question of such person(s) including any return travel arrangements
if their arrangements are terminated in full. No refunds will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs
incurred as a result of the termination.
FCO Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website
www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time
before departure.
Delay
Except where otherwise stated in our brochure or on our website, we regret we cannot provide any assistance in such
circumstances other than information and advice to the extent we are in a position to do so.
Brochure Accuracy
The information contained in our brochure is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing
or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur and information may subsequently change. You must
therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen tour (including the price) with us at the time of booking.
Data Protection
For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 we are a data controller. Our privacy policy is available to view on
our website and sets out how we collect and use the personal information you provide us with. We will only process
personal data as set out in our privacy policy (as amended or added to) or otherwise notified to or agreed by you or
as we are otherwise permitted to do in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Cancellation by you
Should you or any member of your party need to cancel your holiday once it has been confirmed, the party leader
must immediately advise us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective when it is received in
writing by us at our offices. As we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the following cancellation
charges will be payable. Where the cancellation charge is shown as a percentage, this is calculated on the basis of the
total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding.
Period before departure within which written notification of cancellation is received by us
More than 70 days 70 – 36 days 35 – 22 days 21 days or less Cancellation charge per
person cancelling
Deposit only
50%
75%
100%
Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any
applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance
company concerned.
Where any cancellation reduces the number of full paying party members below the number on which the price,
number of free places and/ or any concessions agreed for your booking were based, we will recalculate these items
and re-invoice you accordingly.
See clause 6 “Changes by you” of our main booking conditions if any member(s) of your party are prevented
from travelling.

2016 brochure - Westminster Classic Tours

Transcription

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