Westminster Classic Tours 2015

2015Cultural Tours • Private Charters • Classical Tours

Turkey, the Greek Islands & the Dalmatian Coast

2 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012

Spring Tours

6-19 April The Aegean in Bloom 8 with Martyn Rix and James McKay 24 May-5 June The Allure of Lycia: People and Places in South West Turkey 7 with John Weston26 May-6 June Illyrian Spring: Montenegro, Bosnia & the Croatian Coast 26 with John Shorter30 May-13 Jun Cruising the Cyclades on the Aegean Clipper 10 with Eve MacDonald 30 May-7 Jun Moments in the History of Western Art: the Islands of the 12 Northern Dodecanese with Amal Asfour5–14 June Cities of Aphrodite: Caria by Land and Sea 13 with Richard StonemanAutumn Tours

29 August- A Passage to Troy: Aegean Turkey & the Greek Islands 1412 September with Richard Seaford and Jeremy Barnett12-26 September Caria & Lycia through Writers’ Eyes 16 with Jeremy Seal12-19 September Pearls of the Dalmatian Coast 28 with John Shorter13-25 September Cities and Coasts: From Troy to Ephesos along the Ionian Shore 18 with Eve MacDonald21 September- Hittites & Carians: Golden Days with Midas & Mausolus 19 3 October with Richard Stoneman and Pınar Uşşaklı26 September- Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: Split to Dubrovnik 295 October with John Osborne3-10 October Islands and Peninsulas: An Autumn Cruise through 20 the Southern Dodecanese with Jeremy Seal3-17 October The Last Rays of Summer: the Best of Lycia & Caria 22 with James McKay

10-24 October Cruising and Walking in Caria with John Weston 24

24-31 October Fiery Monsters: Dragons, Snakes, Volcanoes and other 21 Unusual Island Beasts with Amal Asfour

to our 2015 seasonWelcome

Curetes Street, Ephesos2 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015

www.westminsterclassictours.com | 3Brıtısh Institute at AnkaraBIAA

Dear GuestsFor more than twenty years we have been taking small groups of people to Turkey, Greece and the Croatian coast. As a modestly sized company with a very loyal following we are always looking to create new journeys that will appeal to those who are regular guests as well as those who are travelling with us for the first time.

We make an early start to the cruising season with a visit to the Aegean in April when the ancient sites are carpeted with spring flowers. To lecture on this new tour of ‘The Aegean in Bloom’ we are delighted to welcome Martyn Rix, eminent botanist, expert on the flora of Greece and Turkey, plant collector and editor of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. James McKay, classist and poet will join Martyn in making this trip a special experience.

Also for the first time, as part of our Adriatic tours, we will be visiting Montenegro. Before a relaxing week’s cruise along the Dalmatian coast, guests on John Shorter’s ‘Illyrian Spring’ trip will set out from the beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia to spend two days exploring Risan, Kotor and Budva in Montenegro.

For those of you who love to walk, John Weston has scouted out a wonderful Autumn tour, much of it hiking along the recently opened Carian Trail, an 800 km path which encompasses magnificent archaeological sites, stunning scenery and crystal clear waters.

Not least in terms of new opportunities, Richard Stoneman will be lecturing on our inaugural tour of the fascinating lands of the ancient Hittite kingdom.

We are always thrilled when a new idea becomes an old favourite and so we are really pleased to be offering you another chance to join our very popular cruise to the Cycladic Islands. Add to this our well-loved tours to Turkey and some of the greatest monuments of Classical culture and we hope you will agree that this year’s programme has something for everyone!

We look forward to hearing from you.

Mandy Cunningham


Cabins are about 2 x 2 metres and double beds are usually about 1.4 x 2 metres.

Life on BoardBuilt in Turkey to traditional designs, the graceful, 26-metre wooden motor yachts in which we cruise are known as 'gulets'. These two-masted sailing boats are fully equipped to take advantage of favourable winds but also powered by modern diesel engines that ensure we remain on schedule. Boats accommodate about 12 people in comfortable twin or double cabins, each with its own bathroom. There is plenty of room for relaxation in the saloon or on the decks and the atmosphere is pleasantly informal.

The captain of each boat has a crew of two or three under his command. With long experience of sailing the warm and predominantly calm waters off the coasts of western Turkey and Dalmatia, our captains have unrivalled knowledge of the Aegean, the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Safety is, of course, of paramount importance. Regularly monitored by the Turkish and Croatian coastguards, our boats operate to the highest possible standards, while the professionalism of our crews is second to none. As a general rule, captains and crews have been working closely with us for many years and, as well as being utterly dependable and unfailingly obliging, they are also old friends.

The food on board the gulets is superb. Many people consider it to be one of the highlights of their holiday with us! Meals are typically Mediterranean, prepared with care and expertise by a dedicated cook using fresh, seasonal local produce, beautifully presented. Breakfast usually consists of eggs, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, melon or other seasonal fruit, jams, yoghurt and honey. Lunch is usually a vegetable-based dish with rice and salads. This may be a tray of aubergines, courgettes and tomatoes baked in the oven, stuffed peppers, or green beans stewed in tomatoes and olive oil. At dinner grilled meat, chicken or fish is accompanied by a varied and copious selection of delicious mezzes and there is always deliciously ripe fruit after meals, according to the season. Excellent local wines are served and we have a good choice of soft drinks, beer and spirits.

A

A B

B Bar

C

A

AA

A

Typical 8 Cabin PlanA Double cabins B Twin cabin C Saloon

A normal day's sailing begins in the morning when we set out for our next port of call, a journey of two or three hours. We usually start after breakfast, though occasionally the boat is already underway before we get up. There is often time for a swim before lunch and in the afternoon we visit a site. Depending on locations, from time to time we go ashore in the morning and take a private bus to our destination. On these occasions we either take a picnic prepared by our cook or have lunch in a local restaurant. We will generally be back on the boat in time for a swim and shower before drinks and supper. Early evening is also a good time for the lecturer or tour leader to give a short talk and to confirm the plan for the following day. The talks are very informal, a chance to enjoy the sunset, a drink and a handful of nuts while listening to an informative and entertaining speaker, an expert in his or her field of studies and a genial fellow traveller.

The WCT experience is a really special one. Invigorating and restful at the same time, the sense of freedom and discovery engendered by the combination of looking at beautiful places and being on the sea is incomparable. Bring books, bring watercolours, bring a friend or come as you are for ‘there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.’

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6 | Westminster Classic Tours 20126 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015

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.

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.

Shane Brennan received his PhD from Exeter and teaches ancient history at Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey. He has travelled extensively in eastern Turkey and is the author of In the Tracks of the Ten Thousand: A Journey on Foot Through Turkey, Syria and Iraq.

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.

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.

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 an upcoming biography of Hannibal. 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.

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.

Lecturers & Tour Leaders

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.

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. Matthew is a Director of WCT.

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 long-standing interest in Islamic culture. He is a NADFAS-accredited lecturer.

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.

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.

Richard Seaford is Professor of Ancient Greek at the University of Exeter, and 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.

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.

Michael Tooley is Professor of Geography at St. Andrews and Emeritus Professor at Kingston University. He lectures on environmental change, Mediterranean plants, earthquakes and tsunamis. He has written books on Thomas Wright, William Andrews Nesfield and Gertrude Jekyll. He also lectures for NADFAS.

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.

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.

Day 1 Our boat is waiting for us at Göcek, 30 minutes from Dalaman airport.

Day 2 We cross to Gemiler (B/C), a small island with a late antique settlement. We moor in a sound between the island and the mainland, with dramatic views of Baba Dağı, Father Mountain, rising to the east.

Day 3 An early start for Kaş, ancient Antiphellos (A), an overgrown village of whitewashed houses covered with bougainvillea. We spend a leisurely day looking at Lycian tombs and a theatre with fine views to Kastellorizo.

Day 4 We exit Turkey and make the short crossing to Kastellorizo where we explore the small museums, the castle and cemeteries. If time and weather conditions permit, we visit the famous blue grotto. Overnight is in the harbour.

Day 5 We return to Turkey and, after clearing customs in Kaş, we leave for Kekova. A short walk across an isthmus abundant in the murex shells from which the famous purple dye was made, we come to the unexcavated and little visited site of Aperlae. We explore what we can and enjoy the setting.

Day 6 Set off for Myra (A) to visit the rock tombs and the Roman theatre, as well as the Church of St Nicholas. We continue with a look at the Roman granaries and the newly excavated Roman harbour at Andriake (A).

Day 7 We sail to Finike and take taxis to the spectacular site of Arykanda (A/B/C) in the Taurus mountains. Often referred to as the Turkish Delphi, its terraces support tombs, temples, an agora, a theatre and a stadium. After lunch at a local trout restaurant, we visit Limyra (A), the scene of a Lycian rebellion against the Persians. Overnight is in the marina at Finike.

Day 8 Rounding Cape Gelidonya, the scenery consisting of cliffs topped with pines and seductive little bays is breathtaking. We anchor in the natural harbour at Porto Genovese and set out for Ancient Olympos where, amidst the lush foliage, we discover ancient buildings, tombs and inscriptions. We walk up to the Chimaera where a supply of underground natural gas feeds flames that cover the mountainside.

Day 9 A relaxed cruise back to Kekova along the coast studded with islets and inlets. At Kaleköy,

ancient Simena, we explore the Ottoman castle (B). Later in the day we visit the necropolis at Teimioussa (B). Overnight is at one of the wooden jetties or at anchor in the lagoon.

Day 10 We cruise to the pretty village of Kalkan and take a minibus to Xanthos (A), capital of ancient Lycia, and the nearby port of Patara (A) where we try to identify the location of the famous temple of Apollo which is yet to be found.

Day 11 A full day excursion to remote and little-visited Sidyma and Pınara (C), set stunningly high in the Taurus mountains. Both these Lycian cities combine significant archaeological remains with a charmingly bucolic atmosphere. We rejoin our gulet in Fethiye where we stay the night.

Day 12 We cross the Bay of Fethiye to the beautiful inlet of Ağlimanı and walk to the lonely site of Lydai (B), past a ridge crowned with two mausolea. Overnight in the inlet.

Day 13 We go back to Göcek and Dalaman airport.Tour cost £2,700

Single Supplement £600

The Allure of Lycia: People and Places in South West TurkeyWith John Weston 24 May – 5 June

Lycia boasts spectacular scenery and some of the most impressive classical sites in Turkey. The azure waters that line its coast offer fine swimming and diving. This tour is ideal for keen walkers who will enjoy the opportunity for longer walks on the chosen sites.

The native Lycians had a distinct culture considerably influenced by their Persian rulers, and yet the ancient Greeks and Romans who settled here felt at home in this landscape. The lovely little island of Kastellorizo, the most easterly of the Dodecanese group, still raises the Greek flag daily.

The ancient Greeks approached Lycia from the sea and this is still the best way to reach many of its cities. Our tour takes us to several of them, including Kaş (ancient Antiphellos), Kekova and its idyllic lagoon, as well as Olympos where the nearby mountain was the home of the ancient fire-breathing monster Chimaera. We also visit Myra, which has one of the finest ancient theatres in Turkey.

John, your tour leader, has a passion for all aspects of Lycian culture. He is a thoroughgoing specialist in Lycian history and he has a talent for making his subject enjoyable and entertaining. He feels that this trip is the perfect combination of site visits, lovely natural landscapes and complete relaxation.

Ruins at Gemiler

A: Easy terrain | B: Some steep or rough terrain | C: Steep and rough terrain | 7

Kalkan

Olympos

Finike

Arykanda

Myra

Aperlae

TeimioussaKaş

Kastellorizo

XanthosPatara

Göcek

Fethiye

Gemiler

KEKOVA

SimenaPorto Genovese

LYCIA

TURKEY

Lydai

8 | Westminster Classic Tours 20128 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Fritillaria Pelinaia

Tour cost £2,495Single Supplement £650

The Aegean in Bloom With Martyn Rix and James McKay 6-19 April

In April the wild flowers on the Aegean coast of Turkey and on the Greek islands are truly magnificent. Many of the sites we visit on this special tour will be covered in carpets of colourful blooms. As well as admiring some of Europe’s best-known Classical and Byzantine monuments, we will wander well off the beaten track and visit unspoiled islands where the flora has been undisturbed by modern agricultural methods and nature can be appreciated in all its springtime glory.

The first few days on land give us the opportunity to explore Ephesos and the area to its south. Lake Bafa, with its particular microclimate, is home to a variety of wildlife and, in the mountains above it, is beautiful Labranda with its sweeping views, its clear air and fresh green terraces watered by ancient springs. After this we will enjoy ten days on board the Aegean Clipper, exploring the landscape and flora on some the loveliest islands of the Aegean.

Martyn is the editor of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, the world’s longest-running botanical journal, published by Kew Gardens. He is a frequent visitor to the Aegean coast of Turkey. James is a classicist, poet and highly experienced tour leader. Together they will ensure that this unique trip will be full of interest with lots of enjoyment along the way.


Day 1 Arrive at İzmir Airport. Our hotel in Selçuk is 45 minutes from the airport by private bus.

Day 2 In the morning we make an extended tour of the site of Ephesos which includes a special visit to the famed houses with mosaics and frescoes. In the early afternoon we go to the Museum of Ephesos, recently reopened after extensive renovation. We hope to follow this with a walk in the wooded hills above the delightful Ottoman village of Şirince.

Day 3 We spend much of the day in and around the charming village of Kapıkırı (ancient Heracleia) wedged between Lake Bafa and the extraordinary rock formations of Beşparmakdağı – the five-fingered mountain. The Hellenistic ruins are scattered all over the landscape and we can expect to find ourselves walking through countryside full of wild flowers.

Day 4 We visit the well-preserved temple of Euromos in a beautiful sylvan setting and then picnic at ancient Labranda, high in the mountains. We continue to Bodrum where our boat will be waiting for us in the harbour. If time allows, there may be an optional visit to a

flower site at Gündoğan and a stand of the rare palm Phoenix theoprasti.

Day 5 Sail across the mouth of the Gulf of Keramos to the magnificent site of Knidos for a day full of visits to ancient temples and theatres, Byzantine churches and other picturesque ruins. The remoteness of Knidos makes it a wonderful site for botanic exploration and many rare plants with Cretan affinities, including the Tulipa saxatilis and the Arum creticum thrive here.

Day 6 We sail back to Bodrum, from where we exit Turkey and make the short crossing to the Greek island of Kos. After visiting the ancient Asklepieion, set amidst fragrant pines and cypress trees, we take a short drive into the hills to see and smell the famous scent of the Muscari macrocarpum.

Day 7 A long, leisurely sail past Kalymnos and Leros to Patmos and the famous fortified Monastery of St John the Theologian. We take taxis up to Chora to see the ‘Cretan’ architecture of this dazzlingly white village and examine the battlements of the Monastery.

Day 8 An early visit to the Monastery in order to try and have it to ourselves. In the

Treasury we see a very fine display of early Christian literature. We then walk down to the boat on the old donkey path, stopping to see the cave where St John the Divine wrote the Revelations which form the final book of the New Testament. We aim to cross to the tiny island of Arki for an evening walk.

Day 9 We move on to Pythagoreio on the island of Samos and anchor on the ancient Mole constructed by the tyrant Polycrates. In the afternoon, some may wish to visit the excellent Archaeological Museum and walk round the remains of the town of ancient Samos; others may prefer to bus up into the mountains and explore the plant life.

Day 10 Another full day on Samos. We start with the beautiful site of the Heraion or Sanctuary of Hera. We then cross the island to the town of Vathy to see the main Archaeological Museum which houses an excellent collection of ceramics and sculpture including the famous colossal Kouros.

Day 11 A long sail to bustling Chios, an island which owes much of its wealth to the production of gum mastic. Those who wish to do so may take taxis out to Kampos to

see the magnificent mansions and estates belonging to Greek shipping magnates. An evening stroll to the Kastrou or fortified village is recommended. We spend overnight on the quayside in Chios town.

Day 12 We bus up to the fine Byzantine Monastery of Nea Moni. In the hills above, we will see anemones as well as Fritillaria pelinaia. If time allows, we stop at the abandoned village of Anavatos, where in 1822, the inhabitants hurled themselves off the cliff rather than submit to the Turks. After lunch in the village square at Avgonyma, we head north and rejoin our boat at Langada.

Day 13 A full day of botanic exploration on the northeast of the island, including the picturesque valley of Kardamyla. We hope to climb on Mount Pelinaion to see snowdrops, orchids and many other wild flowers.

Day 14 We return early to Chios town, exit Greece and make the short crossing to Çeşme in Turkey. The motorway takes us swiftly to Izmir and a late afternoon flight to London via Istanbul.

(Please note – wine and spirits are not included during the land portion of this tour.)

Monastery of St John, Patmos

Euromos

Bodrum

Kos

Izmir

Ephesos

Patmos

ChiosÇeşme

Samos

Heracleia

Selçuk

Kindos

Labranda

TURKEY

10 | Westminster Classic Tours 2012Chozoviotissa Monastery, Amorgos


Cruising the Cyclades on the Aegean Clipper With Eve MacDonald 30 May-13 June

This idyllic tour presents a special opportunity to experience the incomparably rich and varied history of the Cycladic islands. Come and see some spectacular landscapes dotted with dazzling white villages, windmills and blue-domed chapels, wonder at the intriguing simplicity of Bronze Age Cycladic art with its distinctive figurines, and explore the extensive archaeological remains on these islands. We will visit the sacred island of Delos, birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis; Naxos, where Theseus cruelly abandoned Ariadne; and Santorini (ancient Thera), where a devastating volcanic eruption 3600 years ago had enormous consequences for ancient civilisation across the Aegean. The tour includes a number of less-visited islands, among them solitary Astypalaia, and beautiful Amorgos, where the Chozoviotissa Monastery clings vertiginously to the cliff-face. There is something for everyone on this tour ranging from art and architecture to geology and springtime sunshine – little wonder that this is one of the most popular trips we offer.

As an archaeologist who knows these islands well, Eve is the ideal person to accompany you on this trip. She will take you round the sites, sometimes with specialist local guides, and is sure to inspire you with talks about the history, the art and the broader cultural importance of the Cyclades from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine era.



Chora, Kalymnos


Day 1 The beautiful Aegean Clipper awaits us in Bodrum harbour, 40 minutes from the airport.

Day 2 We aim to arrive in Kos by midday and go directly to the ancient healing centre of the Asklepieion (A). We then leave for Kephalos Bay at the other end of the island. If time allows, we may make a short visit to the ruins of the 5th century basilica of Aghios Stephanos, perched on rocks close to the shore. Overnight in the bay of Kephalos.

Day 3 We leave for Astypalaia, the most westerly island of the Dodecanese. The shimmering white houses of the main town climb up from the quayside to the huge 15th century Venetian castle which once had over one thousand residents. We spend the night at the quiet quayside or in a bay nearby.

Day 4 A long sail to Santorini (Thera) where we spend the night at anchor just off the town of Fira positioned dramatically on the rim of the crater.

Day 5 We take the cable car to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and then move on to the site of ancient Thera, the Dorian settlement

on the other side of the island (B/C), set at the top of a limestone cliff high above the sea. After lunch at a seaside restaurant, we head for Akrotiri where, with the help of an expert local guide, we visit the unique ash-covered houses. Another night at anchor in the caldera.

Day 6 We cross to the neighbouring island of Ios with its beautifully preserved Chora where we can wander among the chapels, taking in the stunning views and enjoying some of the lovely nearby beaches.

Day 7 Our destination is Parikia, built over ancient Paros. We visit the Ekatontapyliani, the oldest church in the Aegean and the small Archaeological Museum with its fine sculptures. Overnight in the harbour or nearby.

Day 8 An early start for Delos (A) and an in-depth tour of this magnificent site. We spend the night in a quiet bay after a full day of exploration.

Day 9 We leave for Naxos and take a bus tour that includes the Sanctuary of Apollo at Yria, the Temple of Demeter at Sangri and the unfinished Kouros at Flerio (all A). Lunch is at a village taverna. Back in the town of Naxos, we

can walk to the famous Portara, a monolithic 6th century BC doorway and explore the Venetian quarter. Overnight in the harbour.

Day 10 To Amorgos, perhaps the most beautiful island in the Aegean, where we head first for Katapola and then, late in the afternoon, we drive up to Minoa (B/C), one of the island’s three ancient cities. A night in the harbour or nearby.

Day 11 We set off early for the unforgettable Chozoviotissa Monastery (B), looking in on Amorgos’s picturesque former capital at Chora. Our gulet then moves on to Aigiali at the other end of the island. This is some of the most dramatic scenery of the tour. A quiet bay for the night.

Day 12 We leave for tiny Levitha, an island farmed by a single family. There is an excellent walk up to the Hellenistic fort (C).

Day 13 A leisurely day spent crossing to Kalymnos and a quiet bay surrounded by steep cliffs overlooking the islet of Telendos.

Day 14 Off to Pothia, Kalymnos’s bustling capital, for an early breakfast. We take taxis to visit the Church of the Gentle Virgin at

Chora, followed by the archaeological site of Apollo Dalios (A/B). Here, we also see the remains of the early Christian basilica of Christ in Jerusalem. Our final stop on the island is the marvellous Archaeological Museum. At midday, we leave for Bodrum.

Day 15 The airport is some 40 minutes from Bodrum harbour.

(Early June provides the best chance for favourable weather conditions to cruise the Cyclades. While we will do our utmost to ensure that the itinerary goes to plan, please bear in mind that the weather is changeable and that alterations may have to be made according to the whims of Zeus!)

TURKEY

Bodrum

Kos

AstypalaiaSantorini

Delos

Mykonos

AmorgosLevitha

Kalymnos

Ios

Paros Naxos


Bodrum

Kos

Patmos Arki

Leros

Samos

KalymnosPserimos


TURKEY

Day 1 Arrive in Bodrum airport. A minibus will take us to the harbour where our gulet and crew are waiting to welcome us on board.

Day 2 We complete Turkish exit formalities and set out for Kos and a morning visit to the Asklepieion. This is a beautiful, terraced site (A) dedicated to Asclepios, the ancient Greek god of healing and medicine. The afternoon is free for a walk around the town of Kos and the array of Classical ruins which meet the eye at every turn. We move to a bay on the island of Pserimos for the night.

Day 3 A long cruise northward to the island of Samos. We moor in the ancient harbour of

Pythagoreio, hometown of the great Pythagoras whose statue presides over the entrance to the port. There is time for a walk to the Logothetis Castle (A).

Day 4 We start the day with a visit to the sanctuary of Hera (A), where the temple dedicated to the goddess was the first of the great Archaic temples, rivalled in size only by the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos. We go on the Archaeological Museum in Vathy and then to the Eupalinos tunnel, a spectacular feat of ancient engineering (B/C). Later in the day we head for the quiet island of Arki where there should be time for a swim and a sunset walk.

Day 5 A leisurely morning making the most of the blue waters of Arki before setting off for Patmos and the harbour of Skala. We take taxis uphill to Chora, where the view to the sea over the cascade of whitewashed houses and bright blue domes is marvellous. We will have a first look at the fortifications of the monastery and pause for a drink in the square (A).

Day 6 An early visit to the Monastery and its treasures. Founded in honour of St John who,

exiled from his native Ephesos to Patmos by the Romans, took refuge in a cave that we can see on the walk back down to the harbour (B). After lunch we move on to Leros and the port of Lakki built in the 1930s. A walk through the streets of the town in the fading light of evening is an evocative experience.

Day 7 A minibus will take us around the island of Leros for visits to the castle at Platanos (A), the Commonwealth war cemetery and an interesting museum explaining the importance of the Battle of Leros during the Second World War. At the end of the day we head for a quiet bay on the island of Kalymnos.

Day 8 We sail into Pothia, the bustling capital of Kalymnos and take taxis to see the most interesting sights including the Sanctuary of Delian Apollo and the excellent Archaeological Museum (A). After lunch we move on towards Bodrum stopping for a last swim on the way.

Day 9 We say goodbye to our gulet and crew and head for the airport, 40 minutes from Bodrum harbour.


Moments in the History of Western Art: the Islands of the Northern DodecaneseWith Amal Asfour 30 May – 7 June

This is a journey of contrasts; of beginnings and endings, words and images, ancient and modern, sacred and secular, pagan and Christian, bustling harbours and still bays. Our first stop is Kos, where the perfectly proportioned marble temple to the god Asklepios once presided over a sweep of Aegean land and sea, its columns and pediment the very epitome of the Classical Greek temple. But the story of the Greek temple begins in Samos, our next port of call. A few hundred years earlier in the history of architecture, the Temple of Hera was the first sacred building ever to be surrounded by a stone colonnade. We will also see some wonderful sculpture, gleaming Byzantine icons and striking, modernist architecture.

Put all this together and you have an unusually varied excursion through the history of Western Art, diverse and yet beautifully held together by the idea of ancient Greece. Just as importantly, in early June the days are long, the heat still gentle and the evenings draw themselves out into fresh starry nights, the perfect setting for enjoying the superb cuisine on board our gulet.

Amal is an art historian with a fondness for the art and architecture of early Greek civilisation. These are her favourite islands for being so easy-going, so attractive in terms of natural landscape and for offering so much to see.

Kalymnos

Göcek

Lydai

Kaunos

Bodrum

Izmir

Alında

Loryma

Symi

DatçaKindos

Dalaman

Day 1 Arrive in İzmir and transfer to the hotel in Aydın – a little over an hour. We stay here for two nights.

Day 2 We visit Aphrodisias (A), one of the most beautiful and memorable sites in Turkey. On to Nysa (A/B), situated on a ravine with its theatre, stadium and library in which Strabo the geographer may well have studied in the last decades BC.

Day 3 We leave our hotel and board a minibus which will take us by way of a scenic road and some lovely sites to join our boat at Bodrum in the evening. First is the village of Karpuzlu and the site of Alında (B). A short walk upwards takes us to the hellenistic market-building and the breathtakingly beautiful theatre. We then cross a range of mountains to Labranda (B), an ancient site of religious pilgrimage dedicated to Zeus. Overnight on board the gulet in Bodrum or a quiet bay nearby.

Day 4 We go to the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos and/or the Knights’ Castle in Bodrum before heading for Knidos. Late in the afternoon we visit the main monuments of the ancient city (A/B/C) and stay the night in the idyllic harbour.

Day 5 To Datça where we exit Turkey. After lunch we cross to Symi and those who wish to can walk up the main stepped street to Chora for a glorious view of the town’s many churches and double harbour (B/C).

Day 6 We re-enter Turkey and spend the night at anchor in the fjord at Loryma (C) overlooked by its massive fortress walls.

Day 7 We move on to Ekincik and moor in a bay underneath the umbrella pines. A local boat takes us up the Dalyan River and past the famous rock tombs, high above us in the cliff face. We continue to Kaunos (B) and explore the site before returning to our gulet as the sun is setting across the sea.

Day 8 We sail on, stopping for breakfast at ‘Unknown Tooth Bay’ where the waters are the deepest aquamarine. Then on to ‘Fisherman’s Net Bay’ and

a pleasant walk up to ancient Lydai (B). This unexcavated site in a hidden valley is a rural idyll.

Day 9 A long and lazy morning after which we move slowly over to the charming port of Göcek.

Day 10 We set off early for Dalaman airport, about half an hour away, for our flight home.



Cities of Aphrodite: Caria by Land and SeaWith Richard Stoneman 5 – 14 June

This inspiring tour takes us to three ancient cities associated with the goddess of love. First is Aphrodisias, where the Anatolian deity became the presiding spirit of a flourishing Roman city, renowned for the quality of its marble statuary and for its beautifully preserved buildings and monuments. Next is Knidos, the home of Praxiteles’ famous statue of Aphrodite, the first female nude in Western art. We also visit the extensive site of Kaunos by the Dalyan river, where a belvedere overlooking the city was probably another temple of Aphrodite.

Our tour also includes the enchanting Greek island of Symi, its harbour now dominated by the elegant houses and mansions of the prosperous mariners and merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. And yet, some 500 years ago the Turkish admiral Piri Reis described the magnificent deep harbour as being lined with vineyards, an apt reminder that wine was always a friend to Aphrodite!

Richard is your lecturer on this delightful and relaxed tour. He is a prolific author and experienced Classicist with extensive knowledge of the history and civilizations of Turkey and Greece. Always interesting and informative, he is also a most genial and forthcoming travelling companion.

Tetrapylon Gate, Aphrodisias


TURKEY

Aydın Nysa

Labranda

Aphrodisias

14 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Temple of Trajan, Pergamon


A Passage to Troy: Aegean Turkey and the Greek Islands With Richard Seaford and Jeremy Barnett 29 August – 12 September

This unique tour heads north from Bodrum, taking in some of the high points in the architectural and artistic legacy of an area exceptionally rich in cultural heritage from the Classical to the Byzantine, Genoese, Venetian and Ottoman. The trip ends in more recent times with the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli. The journey along the Aegean coast of Turkey and to the neighbouring Greek Islands highlights the physical, historical and cultural links between the mainland and the islands, a reminder of the importance of ancient trade routes from the Levant to the Black Sea. In this context, Kos, Samos and Chios were once immensely prosperous islands and we visit several of their most impressive monuments. Troy and Pergamon are amongst the most notable Classical sites worldwide. But we explore less familiar locations on the Turkish coast for example Erythrae, the temple of Apollo Smintheus and Alexandria Troas.

Richard is looking forward to sharing with you his lifelong interest in the history of Ionia from Homer to the present day, and to showing you some of the beautiful places where the ‘Greek Miracle’ in philosophy, art and architecture took place.

Jeremy has a taste for the unusual and has enjoyed putting together this route tracing an interesting path between Turkey and Greece, with the mainland and the islands always within sight.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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. The drive of about about 5 hours takes us through the pleasant countryside of Eastern Thrace.


ChiosÇeŞme

Bodrum

KosPserimos

Samos

Izmir

Aigai

Pergamon

Erythrae

Phokaia

Bademli

Ayvalık

Assos

Alexandria TroasTenedos

Troy

Çanakkale

SmintheionBaba Kale

Gallipoli

Temple of Athena, Assos Chios

TURKEY

16 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Theatre and ruins, Xanthos


Caria and Lycia through Writers’ Eyes With Jeremy Seal 12 – 26 September

The writings of those who have been there before inform and enhance the best journeys, and nowhere is the literary store more rewardingly varied than along the coast of southwest Turkey. For the shores of Caria and Lycia are not only astonishingly beautiful and scattered with picturesque ruins; they are also home to an inspirational tangle of evocative names and narratives beginning with Herodotus of Halicarnassus, the very first historian and travel writer and a native of the port of Bodrum where our own journey kicks off.

We travel in the tracks of a varied band of antiquaries and archaeologists, for example Charles Fellows, who ‘discovered’ Xanthos in the early 19th century. But we are also in the company of some distinguished modern travel writers and novelists among them Freya Stark and Louis de Berniere, whose novel Birds Without Wings is set in Kayaköy, one of the villages we visit.

Jeremy, your tour leader, is a renowned travel writer and seasoned gulet hand who has made Turkey his patch. His Santa: A Life tells the story of the Byzantine bishop St Nicholas of Myra, who would be remade posthumously into Santa Claus and whose tale you will hear on this literary adventure. This promises to be an exceptionally illuminating and entertaining journey.

Bodrum

Knidos

Loryma

Selimiye

Rhodes

KaunosDalyan

CARIA

LYCIA

GöcekDalaman

FethiyeKadyanda

MyraSimena

KEKOVA

SuraDereağzi

KaŞ

Gemiler

PataraKalkan

XanthosSidymaPinava

Lydai

Kos

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 (A/B/C) 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.

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.

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. We have lunch in a village restaurant. In the early evening, we visit the Byzantine monastic settlement on Gemiler itself.

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 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.

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 lesser-known 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), 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.

Theatre and harbour, Kindos


TURKEY

ChiosÇeŞme

SığacıkTeos

KuŞadası EphesosSelÇuk

Izmir

Aigai

Pergamon

Erythrae

Phokaia

Bademli

Ayvalık

AssosBaba Kale

Alexandria TroasTenedos

Troy

Çanakkale

Smintheion

Lesvos

Gallipoli

Day 1 We arrive at Istanbul airport, about 5 hours by minibus from our gulet in Çanakkale.

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 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 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 to visit the Temple of Apollo Smintheion (A), the mouse-god.

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 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 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 9 A leisurely day cruising to Eski Foça, ancient Phokaia, a lovely seaside town. We also

take a short drive to visit an elaborate rock tomb with Persian and Lycian influences.

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 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 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 13 The transfer to the airport at İzmir takes just under an hour.


Cities and Coasts: From Troy to Ephesos along the Ionian ShoreWith Eve MacDonald 13 – 25 September

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. Our exploration of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a thought-provoking and moving experience. This wide-ranging tour also takes us to two of Turkey's most magnificent Classical sites: Pergamon and Ephesos. But 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.

Eve is an experienced archaeologist and enthusiastic traveller with a keen interest in this part of Turkey, both ancient and modern. She is looking forward to arriving at these sites the way the ancients did, by boat, and sharing with you the new perspective that this gives the landscape.

Temple of Hadrian, Ephesos


TURKEY

Day 1 We arrive in Ankara and check into our hotel, approximately an hour from the airport.

Day 2 A full morning visiting the Citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. In the afternoon we see the Anıt Kabir, the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk (A). A symbol of the birth of the Turkish Republic, this impressive complex with its gardens and museum is a moving experience, essential to understanding what drives modern Turkey. A second night in our hotel in Ankara.

Day 3 An early start for a tour of the major Hittite sites, the capital at Hattusa and the mysterious rock carvings of Hittite gods and kings at Yazılıkaya (A). We spend the night at the excellent Hotel Anitta in Çorum.

Day 4 After enjoying the lovely, small collection in Çorum Museum, we visit the Hittite site of Alaca Höyük (A). We return to our hotel in Ankara for the night.

Day 5 An exhilarating drive over the Anatolian plateau and through the rolling hills of Phrygia to Denizli. On the way we visit Gordion (A), once King Midas’s capital. Overnight is in a

comfortable hotel in Denizli.

Day 6 We visit Aphrodisias, one of the most beautiful sites in Turkey where excavations are ongoing. The recently updated museum houses an unparalleled collection of sculpture. In the late afternoon we arrive in Bodrum and we spend the night in a bay just outside the harbour.

Day 7 A leisurely morning visiting Bodrum Castle and the remains of the Mausoleum of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World (A). In the afternoon we sail to Knidos and begin our exploration of the site. We stay the night in the beautiful harbour where it is always a pleasure to swim.

Day 8 We further investigate Knidos and the location of the Temple of Aphrodite which sheltered the world’s first female nude statue (B). Later in the day we move on to charming village of Selimiye where we spend the night.

Day 9 On to the bay of Loryma to swim and to climb to the spectacular fortress with its views of the island of Rhodes (C).

Day 10 We continue to Ekincik and transfer by flat-bottomed boat through the reed beds

up the Dalyan River to visit the site of Kaunos where the ancient inhabitants, half Carian and half Lycian, worshipped Zeus in the form of a meteorite (A/B). Overnight in Ekincik.

Day 11 Our gulet takes us to the bay of Ağlimanı where the swimming is marvellous and there is a good walk along a Roman way to the bucolic valley in which lies the site of Lydai, as yet unexcavated.

Day 12 We proceed to the pretty harbour town of Göcek for our last night.

Day 13 Transfer to Dalaman airport, about half an hour from Göcek, for the flight to London.



Hittites and Carians: Golden Days with Midas and MausolusWith Richard Stoneman and Pınar Uşşaklı 21 September – 3 October

This year, for the very first time, WCT is offering a really special tour to the lands of the ancient Hittite Kingdom. The Hittites ruled central Anatolia for much of the second millennium BC and have recently been the subject of a fascinating television documentary. In preparation for the site visits that we make on this tour, we start off in Ankara with the superb Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, arguably the finest museum in Turkey. We visit the Hittite capital, Hattuşa, with its temples and sculptures and learn about a people whose history was unknown until their language was deciphered just a century ago.

We then cross the vast, dramatic landscape of the Anatolian plateau to the greener lands of the Phrygian kingdom, once ruled by Midas of the golden touch, and on through Caria to Bodrum, ancient Halikarnassos. Along the way we meet the goddess of love at ancient Aphrodisias.

Richard, your lecturer and chairman of WCT, is an expert on the ancient history of Turkey and loves to communicate his enthusiasm for the country. Pınar, your tour leader, is from Ankara and is your link to modern Turkey, a gracious and dependable organiser of all practical aspects of the tour. Together, they look forward to making your trip work like a dream!

Sphinx Gate, Alaca Höyük


Çorum

Ankara

Gordion

Denizli

Bodrum

KnidosLoryma Lydai

GÖcek

Dalaman AirportKaunos

Aphrodisias

Selimiye

TURKEY

Day 1 The transfer from Bodrum Airport to the harbour takes about 40 minutes.

Day 2 We cruise to nearby Kos for a 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 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.

Day 3 A walk through the town of Nisyros 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). We then sail south stopping for a swim and lunch off Tilos before moving on to the twin islets of Halki and Alimia where we anchor for the night.

Day 4 An early start brings us to the fishing port of Skala Kameiros on Rhodes where a bus delivers us to the ancient town of Kameiros (A). After a visit to the castle of Knights of St John at Kritinia, we rejoin our gulet at the harbour

in Rhodes town where the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders, once dominated the view. In the afternoon we stroll through the medieval town with its massive walls and labyrinthine streets leaving time to admire the Italian rationalist architecture in the new part of town.

Day 5 We visit the Archaeological Museum, the synagogue and the Jewish Museum. After lunch we sail for Symi, stopping to swim in St George’s Bay. There is an optional climb (C) up the broad stairways lined by handsome neoclassical houses to the church-topped heights above the harbour.

Day 6 We enter Turkey at Datça, stopping for swimming and lunch at İnci Burnu. At the uninhabited extremity of the Datça Peninsula we enter the ancient harbour at Knidos, where a magnificent theatre spills down to the water’s edge. After walking this extensive and evocative site, once home to the lion statue now prominently displayed in the Atrium of the British Museum, we spend a peaceful night in the harbour.

Day 7 We leave for Bodrum where the afternoon is free for visits to the great mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders, or to the castle with

its Underwater Archaeology Museum. The fruit and vegetable market and the streets of Bodrum brimming with artisan-made leather sandals, olive oil soap, cotton hamam towels and ‘geniune fake’ bags are always a temptation!

Day 8 An early departure for the airport.


Islands and Peninsulas: An Autumn Cruise through the Southern DodecaneseWith Jeremy Seal 3 October – 10 October

The crowds thin long before the warmth dissipates in the southern Dodecanese. Now’s the time to visit a lovely region that boasts two of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders, many of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting harbours and some truly exceptional swim spots.

This is a tour that celebrates the long and varied history of this area, taking in the classical site of the Asklepieion on Kos, the remote Hellenistic port of Knidos on Turkey’s Datça Peninsula, the medieval walled city of Rhodes as well as the colourful beauty of Symi’s neoclassical harbour. 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 for the still-warm waters of deserted clear, blue bays.

Your guide is Jeremy Seal, a renowned and good-humoured travel writer who has been exploring these compelling regions for thirty years. Jeremy, especially at home on gulets, is richly versed in the literature, history and lore of an area defined by its location on the faultline between East and West. He will be delighted to share his stories and experiences with you.

Medieval City Walls, Rhodes Town


Bodrum

Kos

Nisyros

Knidos Datça

Symi

Rhodes

Rhodes

Skala Kameiros

TURKEY

Day 1 Arrive in Bodrum where our very own boat is waiting in the harbour, ready to take us on our journey.

Day 2 We sail off to a quiet bay for a morning of swimming and unwinding. After lunch we set off for Kos to see the Asklepieion, the site of the temple of the healing god Asclepios, set in the forested hills above the harbour. In the evening there will be time for a stroll around the attractive town.

Day 3 On to Nisyros, an island dominated by the huge caldera of its active volcano. We moor in the harbour of Mandraki and take cars up to the tiny village of Nikia where there are magnificent views of the volcano as well as a brilliant museum explaining the geology of volcanoes. We are then ready for our descent into the crater itself!

Day 4 A morning walk through the winding streets of Mandraki following a footpath up and out of the town to the impressive remains of the Hellenistic fortifications of Palaiokastro. A visit to the Archaeological Museum is possible on the way back. Later on in the day we head for the island of Tilos.

Day 5 The day begins with a visit to the curious, one-room, dwarf elephant museum of Tilos. Later, we move on to the island of Symi where a charming display of pastel-coloured houses and mansions is a sign of how rich the island was from centuries of shipbuilding and sponge fishing. We take an evening walk up to the top of the town, watch the sun set and try one of the many lively cafés.

Day 6 We head for Knidos and spend the day exploring this wonderful, rambling site, brim-full of interesting monuments and

ruins to explore, a perfect place for budding archaeologists and adventurers alike! The ancient harbour is great for swimming too.

Day 7 We leave for Bodrum arriving after lunch and a final swim in time to visit the site of the Mausoleum of King Mausolus, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in the Castle of the Knights of St John, or the busy Friday Market.

Day 8 We say goodbye to our trusty gulet and crew and head for Bodrum airport 40 minutes away by minibus.


Fiery Monsters: Dragons, Snakes, Volcanoes and Other Unusual Island BeastsWith Amal Asfour 24 October – 31 October

This fabulous family tour will introduce you to some of the loveliest Greek islands in the Aegean Sea and to the fierce and fascinating creatures, both mythological and real, which have inhabited them. Did you know that the small Island of Tilos was once home to a species of prehistoric Dwarf Elephant? And that snakes were deeply respected creatures associated with Asclepios the ancient Greek God of healing whose temple you will visit in Kos? Would you venture into the mouth of a steaming, fuming, active volcano? And sail like the ancients did into the magnificent harbour of Knidos where the famous marble Lion, now in the British Museum, once stood guard with gleaming glass eyes?

This is a trip for the bold and brave but also for anyone who enjoys swimming in crystal blue water, kayaking among rocky coves, snorkelling, relaxing, having lots of delicious things to eat and plenty of fun along the way!

Amal loves organising WCT trips for the October half term holiday. Her children (12 and 14) always come with her and all three eagerly look forward to enjoying the autumn sunshine with other families.

Lion of Knidos, The British Museum


Bodrum

Kos

Nisyros

Knidos Datça

Symi

Tilos

Rhodes

TURKEY

22 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Lycian Tomb, Aperlae


The Last Rays of Summer: the Best of Lycia and CariaWith James McKay 3 – 17 October

This is an unimaginably idyllic break, a treat for mind and body alike. The tour is timed to take advantage of the tranquil days at the beginning of October and to capture the lingering warmth of the golden sunshine. This, along with the unhurried itinerary will ensure a restful and enjoyable holiday. The sea will still be warm and there will be plenty of time for swimming and unwinding. The excellent cuisine on board our gulet will, as always, be one of the great pleasures of the journey.

Yet, there is much to see on this tour and a surprising variety in the visits we make. We will have the chance to look at wonderful monuments from the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, from the Byzantine and medieval periods and from Ottoman times. There will be pleasant, easy-going walks, often well off the beaten track, and nights will be spent peacefully in quiet bays or in some of the prettiest harbours along the lovely Turkish coast.

James, who will lead the tour, is a person of many talents. Not only is he a wonderful classicist who will bring life to your visits to these ancient sites, he is also an accomplished poet, comedian and, most of all, a delightfully light-hearted fellow traveller.

Bodrum

Knidos

LorymaSymi

Rhodes

KaunosDalyan

CARIA

LYCIA

GöcekDalaman Airport

Fethiye

MyraSimena

KEKOVA

Finike

Kyaenae

KaŞ

Gemiler

PataraKalkan

Xanthos

Lydai

Kos

TURKEY

Day 1 Arrive at Dalaman airport and transfer to Göcek where our gulet is waiting in the harbour to welcome us.

Day 2 We set off for Karacaören for a morning of relaxing and swimming and, in the afternoon, we continue to Gemiler (B/C), a monastic island with plenty of scope for walking and exploring the antique and early Christian ruins. We spend the night in the sound between the island and the mainland where the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.

Day 3 We start the day with breakfast at Yeşilkoy bay near Kalkan before continuing to Bayındır bay near Kaş. After lunch and a leisurely afternoon, we take a minibus to visit the hilltop site of ancient Kyaenae (A/B) as the sun sets over the ruins.

Day 4 To the charming Greek island of Kastellorizo where we visit the small museums, the castle and enjoy a lazy lunch in a Greek taberna. The afternoon is then free for further exploration in the cool of the evening. Overnight is in the harbour.

Day 5 We take a local boat to visit the famous blue grotto and then re-enter Turkey Kaş. On to a quiet bay in Kekova for the night.

Day 6 In the morning, we visit the wonderful Roman theatre and the impressive rock tombs at ancient Myra (A). The rest of the day is free for relaxation and we spend the night in Snail Bay on the island of Kekova.

Day 7 We continue to Finike and take a short drive up to ancient Arykanda, in its spectacular mountain setting (A/B/C). Here we explore the tombs and temples, the agora, theatre and stadium built on terraces. Overnight is in the marina at Finike.

Day 8 On to Kaleköy, ancient Simena. We stroll through the picturesque village and visit the Ottoman fort (B). Overnight at Yeşilköy Bay near Kalkan.

Day 9 We cruise to Kalkan and take a minibus to visit the site of Xanthos (A), capital of ancient Lycia and the nearby port of Patara (A). Overnight is in the charming little harbour of Kalkan.

Day 10 A lovely long sail to Ağlimanı, or Fisherman’s Net Bay, where it is delightful to swim and relax. We take an evening walk up a gentle hill crowned with the remains of two Roman mausolea overlooking a valley where the yet unexcavated ruins of the ancient city of

Lydai lie hidden (B). Overnight in Ağlimanı.

Day 11 Breakfast on the crystalline waters at Dişibilmezbükü, or Unknown Tooth Bay. Lunch is under the umbrella pines at Ekincik, a village famous for its fragrant honey. We then meander slowly up the Dalyan River in a local flat-bottomed boat to ancient Kaunos (A/B). After visiting the extensive site with its array of ancient and Byzantine ruins, we return to the gulet as the sun is setting. Overnight at anchor in the bay.

Day 12 We start with a visit the ruins of the Byzantine trading station at Gerbekşe and then to the Rhodian fortress at Loryma (B). Overnight at anchor in the beautiful bay.

Day 13 We sail past the entrance to the picturesque harbour of Symi and then stop for breakfast and a swim at Inci Burnu Bay. We continue to Knidos where we arrive in time for lunch in the ancient commercial harbour. We explore the ruins and landscape of this beautiful site, one of the most vividly evocative on the Aegean coast.

Day 14 We leave Knidos and head for Bodrum. The day is free for individual visits to the site of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, the marvelous Museum of Underwater Archaeology in the castle, the lively Friday market, or all three!

Day 15 Departure from Bodrum airport.

Bodrum Harbour


Kastellorizo

24 | Westminster Classic Tours 2015Kaunos


Cruising & Walking in CariaWith John Weston 10 – 24 October

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 both warm water and 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.

The tour is designed for walkers and requires a certain level of fitness. On most days there will be between two 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.

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. Well-informed, well-organised and genial, John is your ideal leader.

Bodrum

KnidosTriopium

Hurma Bay Çökertme

Rhodes

Keramos

KedreaiAkbuk

Dalaman Airport

English Harbour

Datça

Selimiye

Kaunos

Tula

Longöz

TURKEY

Day 1 Our boat awaits us in Bodrum harbour, 40 minutes from the airport.

Day 2 We begin with a walking tour of Bodrum, its castle and underwater museum, the mausoleum of Mausolos, the theatre and the Myndos Gate. After lunch, we set sail for the beautiful and isolated Kisebükü Cove to swim and stroll.

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 Way and local tracks. The coastal views over to Çökertme bay, where our gulet is waiting for us, are splendid. There are interesting sailors’ bars in the village.

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 Way. At Akbük Bay we rejoin our gulet.

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 yellow sand brought, so legend has it, from Egypt for Antony’s queen.

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 Way through thick pine forests to Longoz, a deep inlet that feels like a hideaway from the world.

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.

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.

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 century BC. Excavations have revealed ancient harbours, as well as domestic and public buildings.

Day 10 We sail to Selimye 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.

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. 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. 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 Way to an arched Byzantine church deep in the pine forests. We spend the night at anchor in the bay or nearby.

Day 14 We cross the mouth of the bay of Marmara past Snake Island and, once we have permission to proceed, go through a restricted zone where the Turkish navy is frequently on manoeuvres. Our destination is Ekincik where we take a local boat up the Dalyan River to see temple tombs cut in the rock-face high above us. We visit the site of ancient Kaunos aiming to be back on the gulet as the sun sets.

Day 15 We transfer to the airport at Dalaman.

Cleopatra's Island


Kumlu Bűkű

Loryma



Illyrian Spring: Montenegro, Bosnia and the Croatian CoastWith John Shorter 26 May – 6 June

The Balkans are often considered to be somewhat mysterious and inaccessible. This tour, combining a land element with a full week cruising on a delightful gulet, offers a special insight into the secrets of the stunningly beautiful countries of Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro. The World Heritage sites of Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split alongside such gems as Cetinje, Hvar, Budva, Mostar and Korčula provide an understanding of the complex and fascinating history of the region. This is a varied story that encompasses the Illyrians, Greeks and Romans, the Slavic penetration of the Balkans, the Venetian hegemony, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Marshall Tito and the Partisan movement, the formation and break-up of Yugoslavia and not least, British involvement in the area.

Captain Toni and John, your tour leader, have an exceptional knowledge of the coast and the islands and will ensure that your holiday is a balanced experience of historical insight and relaxed enjoyment against the setting of the breathtakingly beautiful Dalmatian islands with their charming villages, picturesque bays and crystal clear water. John will inspire you with an interest in the history and culture of the area that he loves. Come and experience excellent local fish, prepared by our on-board chef and delectable Croatian wines from the areas you will visit.

Perast, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Day 1 A short drive from Dubrovnik airport takes us to the old walled city that was once the core of the Republic of Ragusa. After dinner in our hotel we take a first walk through the atmospheric narrow streets of the old town which is enchanting in the evening when the monuments are floodlit.

Day 2 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 and the Cathedral. After an unhurried restaurant lunch we meet our guide to visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector's Palace. There may be time to explore the synagogue, churches and museums. A second night in our hotel in Dubrovnik.

Day 3 We leave Dubrovnik by minibus and cross into Montenegro pausing in Herceg Novi before going on to Risan to visit the museum containing Roman mosaics. We hope to include a boat trip to the Perast islands to see the Benedictine Monastery of St George and the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. On to the spectacular Boka Kotorska and the walled town of Kotor where we stay the night. In addition to the walls themselves (C)

the Cathedral and the Maritime Museum are worth a visit.

Day 4 Leaving Kotor, we drive up the side of the fjord to reach the village of Njeguši for a traditional snack of ham, cheese and wine. On to Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro, to see the National Museum formerly the palace of King Nicholas. We return via Budva where we visit the citadel and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 5 We head for Dubrovnik stopping in Konavle Valley for lunch in a family household and a visit to nearby watermills. Arriving in Gruž harbour we board our gulet, 'Linda', and sail to one of the picturesque islands close to Dubrovnik for the night.

Day 6 A quiet day on and around the island of Šipan where Dubrovnik's elite have their summer residences. We visit two charming villages and enjoy a relaxing day swimming and walking.

Day 7 An early start for Slano, on the mainland. A minibus takes us to Mostar via the Neretva valley, stopping to see the Turkish town of Počitelj and the Roman colony of Narona

where the recently excavated Augusteum forms the centrepiece of an exciting new museum. Our walk through lively Mostar (A) takes in the famous bridge, the Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque and the bazaar. We sample the local cuisine and then drive through the wine growing area of the Peljašac peninsula to rejoin our gulet in Trstenik.

Day 8 A short sail to Korčula, a beautifully preserved medieval city where, locals claim, Marco Polo was born. We trace the city walls (A) and visit the 15th century Cathedral of St Mark, the Town Museum and the Ecclesiastical museum. We sail on to the virtually uninhabited island of Šćedro where we enjoy an unforgettable swim in one of its beautiful bays.

Day 9 Another short sail to Hvar to visit the medieval city with the Španjola Fortress (B) and its outstanding views, the Cathedral of St Stephan with its baroque altars and the Franciscan Monastery. We sail on to Stari Grad, once the capital of the island, where we visit delightful churches and the residence of one of Croatia's most famous writers, Petar Hektorović.

Day 10 We circumnavigate the island of Brač, stopping for lunch and a swim in one of its beautiful bays. Later, we reach the Linda's home port of Sumpetar where we stay the night.

Day 11 Our minibus collects us early for a full day in Split. We visit the Roman site of Salona (B), the Palace of Diocletian, the Archaeological Museum and the stunning Meštrović Gallery with a collection of works by Croatian’s most famour sculptor.

Day 12 We take our minibus to Split airport.

(Please note – wine and spirits are not includedduring the land portion of this tour.)

Mostar, Bosnia


Budva, Montenegro

BOSNIA

BOSNIA

MONTENEGRO

MONTENEGRO

Slano

Narona

Herceg NoviRisan

KotorNjeguši

Cetinje

Budva

Mostar

CROATIA

CROATIA

Stari Grad

Trogir

Hvar

Korčula

ŠipanDubrovnik

SplitSumpetar

Salona

Brač

Šćedro

TrogirPrimošten

Šibenik

Skradin

Krka National Park

Telašćica Bay

Kornati Archipelago

ŽirjeSalona

Split

Kaprije

Zadar

Day 1 We are met at Split airport and accompanied to the nearby city of Trogir where our boat, the Linda, is moored alongside the historic old town.

Day 2 We tour the ancient city of Trogir, founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, visiting the Kamerlengo, the Dominican monastery, the Cathedral of St Lawrence with its exquisite 13th century portal and wandering the charming alleys of this bustling medieval gem. We then take a minibus to the Roman city of Salona and on to Split where we visit Diocletian’s palace. We try to fit in a visit to the Meštrović Gallery or the Archaeological museum. We spend the night in a bay outside Trogir.

Day 3 A day for relaxing on board and swimming. We sail along the coast to Primošten, an exceptionally picturesque, once fortified town founded in the 16th century joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway. We overnight in a nearby bay.

Day 4 We enter Šibenik Bay and visit the Cathedral of St James, the most significant architectural legacy of the Renaissance in Croatia. Our journey takes us on up the Krka

river estuary to the charming little town of Skradin, important in Roman times and later the seat of a bishopric.

Day 5 We explore the Krka National Park (B/C) with its impressive waterfalls. Our next destination is one of the small islands in the vicinity of Žirje at the entrance to the Kornati archipelago.

Day 6 A long sail through the Kornati National Park with its 140 islands, islets and reefs. The crystal-clear water and the high cliffs plunging deep into the sea are as memorable as the bare rock formations of these sparsely inhabited islands. We head for Telašćica Bay.

Day 7 After spending a little time in the Telašćica Bay area we set sail for Zadar where we moor close to the old town.

Day 8 After leaving the Linda, we visit the Medieval walled city built on a promontory which was once home to the Liburians, an Illyrian tribe, and later to the Romans under Julius Caesar. Among the treasures we hope to visit are St Donat’s church, dating back to the 9th century, with its neighbouring Romanesque

Cathedral of St Anastasia; the Roman Forum; the Benedictine Monastery of St Mary; the exhibition of church art and the Archaeological Museum. We expect to take an early evening flight from Zadar airport, 15 minutes away.


Pearls of the Dalmatian CoastWith John Shorter 12-19 September

There is no better way to enjoy a short September break than exploring the gorgeous coast of Croatia. This eight-day tour is designed to strike a balance between sightseeing and relaxing on board the ‘Linda’, cruising, swimming and enjoying the natural scenery.

There is a wealth of impressive architecture, monuments and museums to admire in the historic cities that we visit along the way. Trogir, dating back to ancient Greek times, Split, the site of Diocletian’s Roman palace, and medieval Zadar are among the highlights of this tour. There are also two exceptionally interesting National Parks: the Krka River and the Kornati Islands. The Krka is a short river with canyons of karst rock, rapids, waterfalls and lakes, and forms the border between north and south Dalmatia. The Kornati Islands are formed of karst and limestone and are a great place to find fossils. The swimming here is superb and the sea, with some of the clearest blue water on the planet, will be at its most pleasant at this time of year.

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 is certain to make your trip a great success!

Krka National Park


St Donat's Church, Zadar

BOSNIA

MONTENEGRO

CROATIA

BOSNIA

CROATIA

BOSNIA

CROATIA

Trogir

BiševoVıs

Hvar

Korčula

MljetŠipan

Dubrovnik

Split

Salona

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 An early start to Vis for a minibus tour of the island and its many vineyards. In the 4th century BC Greeks from Syracuse established a trading base on Vis and called it Issa. One of the most majestic but least visited islands, Vis was a base during the Napoleonic wars and, during World War 2 it served to supply the partisans. Tito spent some time here living in a cave and the British cemetery is worth visiting.

Day 4 Possible early morning visit to the Blue Grotto on Biševo on the way to 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 5 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 Korčula.

Day 6 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

Day 7 We head for the island of Šipan. The natural beauty of the island made it an attractive place for the summer residences of Dubrovnik’s elite and there are more than 30 churches. A good day for walking, swimming and relaxing. Overnight in Šipan (weather permitting).

Day 8 An early start for Gruž harbour and a minibus transfer to our hotel in Dubrovnik. In the afternoon we start our exploration of Dubrovnik with a guided tour or a visit to the Dominican monastery. In the evening we take a walk in the old town.

Day 9 We start the day with a walk around the city walls. After lunch we take a cable car to the top of Brdo Srd from where there are spectacular views and a museum devoted to the recent war. There should also be some free time to stroll through the narrow streets and soak in the atmosphere.

Day 10 Morning flight from Dubrovnik. (Please note – wine and spirits are not included during the land portion of this tour.)


Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: Split to Dubrovnik With John Osborne 26 September – 5 October

Make the most of the Autumn 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 Vis, Šipan and Mljet. Wherever we turn, the landscape is breathtaking and the clear, turquoise sea is very inviting.

A long-time teacher of the Classics and veteran traveller in the Balkans, John is the ideal person to illuminate and enliven the cultural and historical context of the many lovely places you will visit on this trip.

Old Town, Dubrovnik



Booking NotesAITO - Association of Independent Tour OperatorsWestminster 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 owner-managed, 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.

Exclusive membershipAITO 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.

Financial securityAn 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. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis.

Accurate brochures and websitesAll members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

Professional service and continual improvementsAll members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

Monitoring standardsAITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

Sustainable tourismMembers acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism ethos, which recognises the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating.

Customer relationsAll members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion.

Westminster Classic Tours (1999) Ltd abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

Tour CostUnless otherwise stated, the tour cost for each of the itineraries includes:(a) Road transfers by minibus (b) Accommodation (c) All meals (d) Entrance fees to sites (e) Local beer, wines and spirits while on the gulet (f ) All non-alcoholic drinks at meal times when on land (g) All gratuities on landNot included are:(a) Flights (b) Airport taxes (c) Visas (d) Travel insurance (e) Beer, wines and spirits on the land portion of tours (f ) Gratuities on the boat. It is customary to tip the crew at the end of the tour. We recommend £65 per person for the whole crew for a week’s tour, £80 for an 11/12 day tour and £110 for a two-week tour.

How to BookPlease 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. 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 made by debit card. Passport, Visa & HealthBritish citizens travelling to Turkey require a passport and visa. Currently, your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey and have at least three months validity from the date you are leaving Turkey. This requirement could be subject to change on 1 January 2015. For up to date information, please contact the WCT office or visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements Visas for Turkey must be purchased online before you travel. The authorised website is: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ Unauthorised websites may charge an additional fee. British citizens must have a valid passport for travel to Croatia, Bosnia, Greece and Montenegro but visas are not required for WCT holidays.WCT strongly recommends travelling with at least 6 months validity on your passport at all times. Holders of a ‘British Subject’ passport and non-British citizens should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited. Please allow sufficient time to apply for any documents needed. What to Expect After Booking and Before DepartureWe will send confirmation of your booking and a list of books which you may find useful. We will also send an invoice for the balance of the tour cost which is due eight weeks before departure. On receipt of the balance we will send you a six or seven page general information document, which will include details of your tour leader/lecturer, and advice on health, money and clothing etc. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information.

Booking Conditionsof Westminster Classic Tours (1999) Limited (‘The Company’, ‘We’)All bookings are made subject to the following conditions:BookingYour booking is confirmed from the date we send confirmation to you of receipt of your booking form and deposit. A binding contract between us comes into existence at that time. If you make a booking on behalf of others as well as yourself, we shall take it that you have the authority of each of those other people to enter into the contract on the basis of these booking conditions and that you and they have agreed to be jointly and severally liable to us. By requesting a booking, you confirm that you are so authorised. You are responsible for making all payments due to us.

We both agree that English Law (and no other) will apply to your contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description which arises between us. We both also agree that any dispute, claim or other matter of any description (and whether or not involving any personal injury) which arises between us which cannot be settled directly must be dealt with under the AITO Dispute Settlement Service (see below) or within the jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract and claim governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply).As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), Westminster Classic Tours has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. In the event of insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Westminster Classic Tours.In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.Cancellation by youIf you wish to cancel your booking you must do so in writing. You will then be subject to the following cancellation charges.

Days before departure date Amount of cancellation charge

More than 56 days Deposit only

56 - 36 days 50%

35 - 22 days 75%

21 days or less 100%

If you do not pay the balance of the cost of the holiday 8 weeks prior to departure the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking.Health and FitnessGuidelines laid down by the Department of Health do not currently require any specific vaccinations for the areas visited on WCT holidays. However, the situation could change, please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk for up to date information. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before departure. All travellers are advised to ensure that their Tetanus vaccinations are kept up to date. For holidays in the EU, European citizens should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to departure. The card allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge www.ehiconline.com/.All our tours involve a significant amount of walking over uneven ground, hillsides and up and down steps. If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect participation in the holiday or has any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability, 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. You must also promptly advise us, in writing, if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. InsuranceIt is a requirement of the booking that you have full medical insurance, including repatriation.We consider adequate travel insurance essential for all tours, covering medical expenses, repatriation and personal liability, as well as cancelled, delayed and missed departure. 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 us Membership No. 5090

T. +44 (0) 208 785 3191 | E. [email protected] | www.westminsterclassictours.com | 31

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).

AcknowledgementsThe photographs in this brochure were taken by, among others, Richard Ashton, Jeremy Barnett, Nick Bentley, Ian Macartney, Matthew Nicholls, John Osborne, Hazel Richardson, Roger Ritchie, John and Kathleen Wells, Inge Shields, Colin McDonald and Antonio Daroya.

details in writing of your insurance no later than the date the balance of the cost of your tour is due. Please note that insurance premiums must be paid as soon as possible after booking as cover (including cover for cancellation, by us or you) will not be effective until you have paid all applicable premiums in full. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on tour. 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.Changes or Cancellation by usWe will make every effort to operate the holiday according to the published itinerary but as we plan the arrangements many months in advance we do occasionally have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Itineraries can be affected by adverse weather conditions, road closures or similar and may vary accordingly. If there are fewer than 6 passengers booked on any tour not less than 6 weeks before departure the Company reserves the right to cancel any booking with a full refund.The Company reserves the right to alter any arrangement of the tour where circumstances arise beyond the Company’s control. The Company does not accept responsibility for cancellation or changes in the holiday for reasons beyond its control such as (but not limited to) terrorist activities, civil unrest, closure of airports, technical problems with transport, adverse weather conditions, strikes, and all similar events outside its control whether these events are threatened or actual. The Company reserves the right to change its tour leaders or lecturers should circumstances so require.Tour CostThe Company reserves the right to increase the price of your holiday in the event of any increase in such costs as transport and fuel, fees, taxes or exchange rates. If this results in an increase of more than 10% of the holiday price you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all monies paid. The Company will not change the price 30 days or less prior to departure.NegligenceThe Company cannot accept any liability arising from negligence by any third party such as (but not limited to) airlines (including groundhandlers). The Company is not liable for loss or damage caused by the negligence of its customers.International Conventions/LiabilityIn the case of damage arising from the non-performance or improper performance of the services involved, compensation will be limited in accordance with the international conventions which govern such services.ComplaintsAny complaints must be reported immediately and in any event within 24 hours to the tour leader who will do everything possible to resolve the matter.Arbitration Disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration if you so wish. AITO’s Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and amicable solution.

Private ChartersA Westminster Classic Tours Private Charter is a uniquely special experience. Drawing on our many years of know-how, we take the greatest pleasure and the utmost pride in creating individual cruises, giving personal attention to every detail in order to meet your particular requirements.

Do get in touch to discuss your ideas or if you would like some inspiration and suggestions for your tailor-made charter.

Membership No. 5090

Tel: +44 (0) 208 785 3191Email: [email protected] Web: www.westminsterclassictours.com

Westminster Classic Tours 483 Green Lanes, London, N13 4BS

Westminster Classic Tours 2015

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Transcript of Westminster Classic Tours 2015