Dr. Thomas Sienkewicz of Monmouth College Presents
1999 Aegean Odyssey
Istanbul Turkey & Athens Greece
Overview / Host / Itinerary / Cost / Further Information
With the many wonders of the past and present awaiting your discovery, this study tour will be your odyssey of a lifetime. Not only will you visit two great cities of the ancient and modern world; but you will also explore the ruins of Roman civilization on the Anatolian coast and in the Aegean Sea. Turkish tourism is rising in popularity, yet what sets this tour apart from all others is your host and guide, Dr. Sienkewicz. Now one has the unique benefit of not only seeing the sites, but also learning from an expert as he explains the historical and cultural significance behind what you see. In Athens and Istanbul, to the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus, and the Greek Island of Samos, your host will insure you gain greater insight into the vast history of the Aegean world.
With all this tour has to offer, now consider that it may be possible for Monmouth College students to earn scholastic credit for participating in this educational program. Join us on what will certainly be a thoroughly memorable and enjoyable tour. Satisfy your travel dreams! An adventure in learning awaits.
Professor Thomas Sienkewicz is the Chair of the Classics Department at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. Dr. Sienkewicz's knowledge of your destination derives from his academic achievements coupled with experience living, studying, and traveling in Europe. Moreover, this year's program represents the second consecutive year that Dr. Sienkewicz will lead students on an educational study tour to Greece. With his interesting background Dr. Sienkewicz is sure to educate and inform all tour members as he conveys his expert knowledge of Greek history.
Day 1 Tuesday May 18, 1999 - Meet & form our group at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in preparation for our evening departure to Istanbul. Meal provided in flight.
Day 2 Wednesday May 19, 1999 - Arrive in Istanbul and transfer by coach to your hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you have free time to adjust before Dr. Sienkewicz's introductory briefing & walking tour.
Day 3 Thursday May 20, 1999 - Breakfasts are included daily in the hotels. Today enjoy a full day guided coach tour of Istanbul's top sites. At the gateway to Asia discover the pleasing contrasts as east meets west in this grand city occupying two continents. With such a turbulent history, known once as Byzantium, and then Constantinople, Istanbul has its share of monumental landmarks. The Hippodrome and the Roman Church Aya Sophia, along with the Ottoman's Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace highlight the agenda.
Day 4 Friday May 21, 1999 - More of Istanbul this morning before traveling south via chauffeured van along the stunning Aegean coast of Turkey. As always Dr. Sienkewicz will add greater meaning to your experience as he explains the historical background of what you see. Arrive at the convenient location of Gallipoli, well-known for the failed British campaign of WW I, for our overnight stay.
Day 5 Saturday May 22, 1999 - Our first destination is the excavation of the famous city of Troy. The reality of this lost city was confirmed when the exact location was discovered in 1870. After lunch we continue on to the once thriving Roman city of Pergamon. Present day ruins include temples, a theater and library, and the medical complex of Asklepieion. The resort port of Izmir, once known as Smyrna, is our overnight hotel location.
Day 6 Sunday May 23, 1999 - This will be a day to remember. You will have a full day guided tour of Ephesus, highly considered the best preserved of all ancient sites in Turkey. Ephesus contains the House of Mary and the remains of the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We continue on to another exotic port on the turquoise coast, Kusadisi, to our hotel and included dinner.
Day 7 Monday May 24, 1999 - Depart Kusadisi early this morning via ferryliner on the one hour journey to the Greek Island of Samos. Dr. Sienkewicz will lead you through your exploration of this fascinating island with several splendid museums, churches, and archaeological sites, especially the ancient sanctuary of Hera. Weather permitting there may even be time for a swim in the Aegean. Again you will have an included dinner in the hotel.
Day 8 Tuesday May 25, 1999 - Transfer to the local airport for your brief flight to Athens. The transfer to the hotel is included, as you get the first glimpse of the city so instrumental in the history of western civilization. Over the next two days delve into Greek History as you tour on foot the major sites of Athens, including the Parthenon & Acropolis. Remember, your nights are always free for independent exploration.
Day 9 Wednesday May 26, 1999 - Today is the final full day of the tour. Dr. Sienkewicz will see that you make it worthwhile. With Athens as your ancient classroom, you cannot help being amazed as you view the relics of the past side by side the modern world. There will also be free time to search out your own personal interests and your last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 10 Thursday May 27, 1999 - Depart this morning for your return flight to Chicago. Time to reflect on your rich and varied educational experiences of the last 10 days.
TOUR COST: $1,895.00 EACH
*Non-refundable round-trip excursion airfare from Chicago on Swissair or other regularly scheduled airline. *Tourist-class and selected hotels with private bath, 2-in-a-room basis. Single Room additional cost. *Breakfast daily plus table d'hote lunches and dinners in accordance with the custom of each country and as follows: 2 Dinners. *Mini-van transportation as required by the itinerary. *Sightseeing as specified with English-speaking guide. *Transfers between airports and hotels if traveling on group flights. *Tips & taxes on all prepaid services.
please contact Dr. Tom Sienkewicz at toms@monm.edu or Dept. of Classics, Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois 61462.