Mediterranean Cultures  

Day 1

Day 2

Departure on an international flight from Washington D.C. to Istanbul.

Day 3

Arrival in Istanbul where you are met by your CSA Turkish On-site Coordinator. Transfer to your hotel. Later a local guide conducts a walking tour of the historic heart of this amazing city. Sights include the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Snake Pillar and the Spice Market. Tonight celebrate the start of your program with a Welcome Dinner.

Hotel: Euro Plaza or similar

Day 4

Continue your exploration of Istanbul with a local guide. Highlights today include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. In the afternoon enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus.

Day 5

A morning visit to the EU Office in Istanbul (subject to availability) will allow for a discussion on the politics involved in Turkey's bid for membership. After a visit to the American Chamber of Commerce you have a free day to continue your exploration of Istanbul. This evening you have a special Turkish Dinner complete with local belly dancers.

Day 6

This morning depart Istanbul; a stop at the site of Gallipoli allows for a discussion of WWI and the involvement of the Australians, British and Turks. Later take a ferry to the Asian side of Turkey and visit the ruins of the legendary city of Troy, discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in the 19^th century. Continue on to Bergama.

Hotel: Bergama Hotel or similar

Day 7

Today visit the archaeological site of Pergamon, one of Turkey's greatest classical sites. You will see the Acropolis, the Red Church and the Pergamon Museum. Also visit the Asclepion, one of the ancient world's oldest and most important medical centers. In the afternoon drive to Selcuk and visit the ruins of Claros and the Archaeological Museum at Izmir.

Hotel: Selcuk Hotel or similar

Day 8

Incomparable Ephasus is one of the most stunning sites in Turkey! You explore this incredible site this morning with a local guide. Later drive to Pamukkale.

Hotel: Hierapolis Pamukkale or similar

Day 9

A local guide introduces you to the gleaming travertine pools of Pamukkale. Later visit the sites of Aphrodisias and Hierapolis. Free afternoon.

May 28, 2007

First stop this morning is the ancient town of Milas. Later continue on to Bodrum, the ancient Halicarnassus. Free afternoon.

Hotel: Majesty Marina Bodrum or similar

Day 10

Today is free to continue exploring Bodrum.

Day 11

Transfer from your hotel to the port city of Marmaris. Ferry journey to the Greek Island of Rhodes. Upon arrival you are met by your Cultural Studies Abroad On-site Coordinator who will remain with you for the duration of the program. Transfer to your hotel. You will want to start exploring this fascinating island, once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Colossus of Rhodes.

Hotel: Plaza Hotel or similar

Day 12

Today a half-day excursion will discover the Acropolis of Lindos and the Mater Palace. Entrances are included to the Acropolis, the Palace and Museum.

Day 13

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Heraklion, on the island of Crete. Once the center of the splendid Minoan civilization, Crete boasts a long and fascinating history. Hotel: Hotel Astoria or similar

Day 14

A full day exploring the wonders of Crete will include the Ex Aghios Nikos and the site at Knossos, once the center of the Minoan culture. A stop will be made at Matala for swimming.

Day 15

Today discover the Museum of Heraklion, Ex Elounda, Agios Nikos and Spinalonga where you enjoy a cruise.

Day 16

Full day at leisure in Heraklion.

Day 17

Today board a ferry for the beautiful island of Santorini. Discover the small twisted streets with their very picturesque whitewashed houses.

Hotel: Santorini Image or similar

Day 18

This morning journey back in time during a visit to ancient Thira. Once an outpost of the Minoan world, Thira was destroyed during a violent volcanic eruption about 3,500 years ago, and perhaps the Minoan civilization along with it.

Day 19

Today explore the island's Caldera by boat.

Day 20

A ferry ride this morning brings you to Piraeus, Athens busy port. Transfer to Athens, once the center of art, culture and democracy in the ancient world.

Hotel: Esperia Palace Athens

Day 21

Classical Athens comes alive during a morning tour of the Acropolis including the famed Parthenon. After a free afternoon you have a panoramic tour of Athens by Night followed by a special Greek Dinner and Folklore Show.

Day 22

Continue your study of Athens with visits to the incredible Archaeological Museum, and the Benakis Museum. If possible, a guided visit to the Greek Parliament will be included.

Day 23

Today's specialized visits may include the U.S. Embassy and the European Commission. Coach is available for local transfers all day.

Day 24

Today visit the sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus and Corinth. Continue to Nafplion.

Hotel: Hotel Amalia or similar

Day 25

Full day at leisure with coach and guide at the group's disposal.

Day 26

Full day at leisure with coach and guide at the group's disposal.

Day 27

Transfer to Patras where you board an overnight ferry (sleeping berths included) to Bari, Italy.

Day 28

Today a drive across the southernmost part of Italy brings you to the lovely city of Taormina.

Hotel: Hotel Assisos Palace or similar

Day 29

Etna looms menacingly over the island of Sicily and today you discover this active volcano around Etna and Gole dell'Alcantara.

Day 30

Today travel to the city of Siracusa where a guided tour will introduce you to the city's rich history including the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater.

Hotel: Hotel Jolly Siracusa or similar

Day 31

Today is free to continue discovering Siracusa.

Day 32

Today journey to Agrigento where you visit the famed Valley of the Temples.

Hotel: Akrabello or similar

Day 33

A morning drive brings you to one of the most fascinating cities in all of Sicily: Palermo. Visits today include the splendid Norman-Byzantine cloister in Monreale and the Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo Dei Normanni.

Hotel: Astoria Palace Hotel

Day 34

After a free morning in Palermo transfer to the pier and board an overnight ferry with sleeping berths to Naples.

Overnight on ferry

Day 35

This morning visit one of the ancient world's most famous and stunning sites- Pompeii. Buried by Vesuvius's violent eruption, Pompeii was both destroyed and remarkably preserved by the volcano's ash and lava. Later continue to the Eternal City, Rome. In the evening enjoy a guided tour of Rome By Night.

Hotel: Regent Hotel Roma or similar

Day 36

Morning transfer to the train station. You have reserved seats on a train to Florence. Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a living textbook of Italian art and architecture. A local guide will conduct a walking tour of the city's historic center. Entrances to the Cathedral, or Duomo, are included. Return to Rome by train in the afternoon.

Day 37

This morning's specialized visit (availability permitting) is to a local Government office. Later a local guide conducts a tour of Rome including entrances to the Vatican Museum which includes Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and St. Peters Basilica.

Day 38

Continue discovering the riches of Rome with a full day tour including entrances to the Villa Borghese and the catacombs, just off the Appian Way, outside the city walls.

Day 39

Full free day in Rome. This evening toast the success of your program at a farewell Dinner.

Day 40

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.