A Springtime VoyAge from Sicily to greece

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Aboard the 21-Cabin Harmony G

April 2–10, 2015

The magnificent amphitheater at Nikopolis

The famed Riace Bronzes, National Museum of Magna Graecia, Reggio Calabria

Cover: Ithaki’s harbor, one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Ithaca, Greece

Amphitheater at Nikopolis

Dear Traveler,

We are delighted to invite you on this remarkable voyage to some of the most archaeologically intriguing places in the Mediterranean—places of vast importance to the ancient, medieval, and modern civilizations alike. As our yacht, the 21-cabin Harmony G, sails between the two most vital cities of antiquity, Syracuse and Athens, you’ll see Greek, Roman, and medieval sites that tell the story of the ebb and flow of great empires against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

Harmony G will set sail at the height of spring—when flowers and plants are in full bloom, blanketing hillsides in their resplendent colors; the breezes off of the Ionian Sea are crisp and refreshing; and the crowds of summer have not yet arrived. Our first stop in Sicily’s Reggio di Calabria is a fitting introduction to the entire region—what the Romans called “Magna Graecia.” Here you’ll tour the extensive archaeological collection at the National Museum of Magna Graecia, including artifacts from several ancient city-states and the famous Riace Bronzes. Sailing northward we call at the charming Baroque towns of Lecce, which 18th-century traveler Thomas Ashe called “the most beautiful city in Italy,” and picturesque Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek.

As Harmony G crosses to Albania, we have the pleasure of visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, a veritable conservatory of 2,500 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian. Marvel at the Greek acropolis, Greek theater, Roman public baths, a baptistery decorated with colorful mosaics. Our exploration of antiquity ends with visits to Nikopolis, founded by Augustus in celebration of this victory over Antony and Cleopatra; Ithaca, legendary home of Odysseus; and Athens.

Our guides to the cultures that flourished on these sites will be Drs. William and Suzanne Murray, Archaeological Institute of America lecturers and professors in the Department of History at the University of South Florida at Tampa. Experts in Greek and ancient history as well as Classical archaeology, Bill and Suzanne will give a series of illustrated talks and informal discussions throughout the program that will illuminate these sites and towns, and help put them in context within the larger ancient Mediterranean world.

Here is a cruise that brings you the very best of “Magna Graecia” as you travel in comfort aboard the sleek, modern small ship Harmony G. Join Drs. William and Suzanne Murray on this fascinating exploration, and be transported back in time to the age of empires.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. For AAAS Travels, ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions

The Acropolis of Athens, dominated by the incomparable Parthenon

A Springtime VoyAge f rom Sicily to greece

I t I n e r A r yThursday, April 2, 2015USAFly from the U.S. to Catania, Sicily, Italy.

Friday, April 3CATANIA, Sicily, Italy | SYRACUSE | EMBARKArrive in Catania, transfer to Syracuse, and embark Harmony G. Overnight aboard ship docked in Syracuse. (D)

Saturday, April 4REGGIO DI CALABRIAOne of the earliest ancient Greek settlements in mainland Italy, Reggio is built on the Strait of Messina facing Sicily. Visit the National Museum of Magna Graecia, one of the largest museums of ancient Greek art, to see the two famed Riace Bronzes, life-size bronze statues recovered from the bottom of the sea in 1972. Drive through the Lungomare, the seaside esplanade described “as the most beautiful kilometer in Italy.” (B, L, D)

Sunday, April 5CROTONE | SANTA SEVERINA | CROTONEAncient Crotone was one of the most prominent cities of Magna Graecia. Visit the impressive Archaeological Museum and then drive to the small town of Santa Severina, dramatically situated on an isolated outcrop of sheer rock, to see the Norman cathedral with its 9th-century baptistery and Carafa Castle. (B, L, D)

Monday, April 6GALLIPOLI | LECCE | GALLIPOLIFrom Gallipoli, visit the Baroque city of Lecce and tour the Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce, and the Amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Return to Gallipoli, reminiscent of Greek fishing towns in the Aegean, and view the Castello, the cathedral, and the Church of the Purita. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, April 7SARANDA, Albania | BUTRINT | SARANDA | CORFU, GreeceDrive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city was founded by the Trojans, or so claimed the poet Virgil. A gem of an archaeological site, its ruins span 2,500 years and include the remains of a Greek acropolis, Roman theater, 6th-century baptistery, and 19th-century fortress. Return to Harmony G and enjoy an evening arrival in Corfu with time at leisure. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, April 8PREVEZA | NIKOPOLIS | KASSOPE | PREVEZAFrom Preveza travel to Nikopolis, founded by Augustus in 31 b.c. to celebrate his victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra. See the city walls, theater, and Roman basilica. Continue to the well-preserved ruins of Kassope, founded in the 7th century b.c., and beautifully situated on the slope of Mount Zalonga. (B, L, D)

Thursday, April 9ITHACAIthaca is a stunning island of pristine beaches and verdant forest. Visit the bay of Dexia, believed to be Homer’s harbor of Phorkys. Admire the Cyclopean Walls, a ruined site known as Odysseus’s Castle, and stand atop the Plateau of Marathia, where Odysseus’s loyal servant Eumaeus kept his swine. (B, L, D)

Friday, April 10PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS | USA Disembark and transfer to the airport in Athens for return flights to the U.S. (B)

For rese rva t ions o r i n fo rmat ion , p lease ca l l us a t 800-252-4910 . www.be tcha r texped i t i ons .com

C r U I S e , L e A r n & e n J O yOn this voyage you will be accompanied by expert lecturers and local guides who will introduce you to the culture and history of this corner of the Mediterranean. through lectures and informal discussions, they will help provide a context that deepens your understanding and enhances your appreciation of the sites we visit and the things we see.

Archaeological Institute of America lecturers and hosts William and Suzanne Murray teach on the faculty of the University of South Florida in Tampa, where Bill is the Stathis Professor of Greek History and Suzanne is an Instructor in

Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. Bill also serves as the Leo A. Shifrin Distinguished Chair in Naval and Military History for 2014-15 at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Bill specializes in Greek and Roman naval history, ancient seafaring, and nautical archaeology, and recently published The Age of Titans: The Rise and Fall of the Great Hellenistic Navies (Oxford University Press). Suzanne is an art historian whose teaching focuses on ancient civilizations and Greek art and archaeology, with a specialization in the Aegean Bronze Age. Bill has participated in underwater excavations in Sicily, Israel, and Turkey, and has conducted a number of archaeological projects in Greece, focusing in particular on the region of Actium and Nikopolis. Bill has been a national lecturer for the AIA since 1989, and served as the AIA’s Norton Lecturer in 2007-08. Together, Suzanne and Bill have led student study trips in Greece and lectured on tours in Greece, Italy, Turkey and the Dalmatian Coast, including four previous AIA-sponsored voyages.

The islet of Vlahèrna, with its iconic monastery, near the town of Corfu

Optional Post-Cruise Extension in AthensSoak up the culture and history of Greece’s vibrant capital with an optional, post-cruise stay. This extension includes two nights at Grande Bretagne Hotel with breakfast daily; two half-day sightseeing tours including the Acropolis and the National Museum; and hotel-airport transfers.

RATE: $965 per person, double occupancySINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $340

For rese rva t ions o r i n fo rmat ion , p lease ca l l us a t 800-252-4910 . www.be tcha r texped i t i ons .com

d e C k p L A nH A r M O n y GHarmony G is a sleek, modern small cruise ship, launched in 2001 and renovated in 2009/10, with accommodations for 42 guests. All 21 cabins feature a private bathroom with shower, TV, music channels, mini-refrigerator, telephone, and safe. They are equipped with either two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, depending on the specific cabin or category. Life on board centers around the indoor/outdoor lounge and bar on the Upper Deck. The interior lounge has comfortable seating where you can gaze out of the large windows onto the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a drink and conversation, read, or watch satellite TV. The dining room, located on the Main Deck, is surrounded by large windows providing beautiful views of the ports of call while it accommodates all guests at one single seating. The Sun Deck, with sun chairs and loungers, is an ideal place to bask in the sun and open air or to relax in a shaded outdoor area. The swimming platform at the stern enables you to swim directly from the ship when weather and anchorage conditions permit. Harmony G complies with Eurosolas safety regulations while its twin stabilizers allow for comfortable cruising.

Sun Deck

Category B cabin

CrU ISe & LAnd rAteS per person, double occupancy

category description rate

DLocated on the Lower Deck with two twin beds and large porthole. ( One cabin has a double bed; two cabins have a third, upper berth.)

$6,595

CLocated on the Main Deck with two twin beds and large window.

$7,295

BLocated on the Main Deck with two twin beds and large window.

$7,895

ALocated on the Upper Deck with two twin beds or one double bed and large window.

$8,595

Single oCCupAnCy: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories C, B & A at a supplement to the per person, double occupancy rates indicated above. Singles rates (per person): $8,290 in Category D; $8,990 in Category C; $9,590 in Category A.

p r O G r A M I n C L U S I O n SIncluded■ 7-night cruise aboard the 21-cabin

Harmony G■ Complete program of tours and

excursions■ Welcome and farewell receptions

and dinners■ All meals aboard ship including

breakfast, lunch, and dinner■ Enrichment program of lectures and

discussions by expert study leaders■ Comprehensive pre-departure materials■ Airport transfers and baggage handling

abroad on the designated arrival and departure dates

■ Port charges and taxes■ Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers■ Professional Travel Dynamics

International tour staff

Not Included■ Airfare■ Visa and passport fees (if applicable)■ Trip cancellation and baggage insurance■ Meals and beverages other than those

specified above ■ Personal expenses aboard

(such as laundry, telephone, Internet)■ Gratuities to shipboard personnel

Air ReservationsAirfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. For assistance with flights, you may contact Taunya DeYoung at Betchart Expeditions Inc., (800) 252-4910, or e-mail Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com.

R e g i s t R at i o n BTEX 15602

Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $________ ($1,500 per person) as a deposit to hold ____ place(s) on A Springtime Voyage from Sicily to Greece. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure and is payable by check only.

Please make check payable to and mail with this registration form to: Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014

o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard No. ____________________________________

Exp. ________3- or 4-Digit Security Code ________

Please select cabin category in order of preference: A__ B__ C__ D__

o Twin Beds o Double Bed

o Single Occupancy o Share (cannot be guaranteed)

Membership (please circle):

AAAS ACS SIGMA XI PLANETARY SOCIETY

First Last sex

First Last sex

address

City/state/Zip

teLephone (day) (evening)

e-MaiL

Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the “General Information” section and agree to its terms.

signature date

signature date

gEnErAl InformATIonPAymEnT SchEdulE: A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposits and final payment.cAncEllATIonS & rEfundS: All cancellations are subject to a $400 per person fee. In addition, cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. InSurAncE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. ITInErAry: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International Ltd.rESPonSIBIlITy: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour’s sponsoring organization. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel’s owner/operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this cruise and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International Ltd. Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour’s sponsoring organization act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger’s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger’s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person’s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger’s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Passenger tickets are not transferable and are not subject to alteration by the passenger. No suit shall be maintainable against the carrier, or vessel, for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passengers, unless written notice of the claim, with full particulars, is delivered to the carrier or its agents at its office at the port of sailing or at the port of termination within six months from the day when such incident occurred. In no event shall any such suit or any claim against the carrier or vessel for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger be maintainable unless such suit is commenced within one year from the day when the incident causing such losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger occurs, notwithstanding any provision of law of any state or country to the contrary. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, pursuant to the applicable general maritime law, and applying the applicable general maritime law and Federal maritime statutes.rATES: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change.fuEl SuPPlEmEnT: Travel Dynamics International Ltd. reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement, without prior notice, if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $85 per barrel. This supplement may be charged even if the cruise fare has been paid in full.ShIP’S rEgISTry: Greece CST #204 3599-40 TDI

QUESTIONS? Please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com.

Puglia’s Lecce is renowned for its Baroque architecture

A Springtime VoyAge f rom Sicily to greece

Southern Italy‘s charming old town of Gallipoli

Aboard the 21-Cabin Harmony GApril 2–10, 2015

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAIDTravel Dynamics

Int’l

BTEX 15602

For reservations or information, please contact Taunya DeYoung

at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at

Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435