Retracing the Odyssey Through the Ancient Mediterranean

Dear Columbian,Homer’s epic account of Odysseus’ journey home after the fall of Troy is more than just a poem for the literati—it is a beacon to the adventurer. Nearly 3,000 years after he first recounted the legend of The Odyssey, thestory still inspires the spirit of exploration. The Odyssey remains the ultimate journey, and many of its pinnaclesites not only persist in the collective imagination, but even now wait to awe a new generation of travelers.The islands Odysseus visited, the caverns he explored and the mountain peaks he climbed are among the mostmagical places in the Mediterranean.Join Professor Elena Tzelepis of Columbia University’s Classics Department, fellow alumni, family and friendsAugust 31 – September 11, 2009 tracing Odysseus’ fabled route home from the burning towers of Troy via theenchanted realms of gods and nymphs. Set sail from Istanbul and call at Canakkale to reach Troy, the legendarysite of the Trojan War, the city that guarded the strategic narrows of the Hellespont. Call at ancient Delos,birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and Pylos, site of the Palace of Nestor. After a full day at sea, explore theIslands of Malta and Gozo, where the nymph Calypso entrapped Odysseus and Trapani, Sicily, the abode ofthe man-eating Laestrygonians. The adventure continues during our discovery of the Phlegrean Fields outsideNaples, where Odysseus faced the Cyclops, through the Strait of Messina where he confronted Charybdis andthe legendary Scylla to modern day Taormina, the ancient Kingdom of Helios. Before transiting the CorinthCanal to disembark at Athens, safely return Odysseus to the pristine beaches of Ithaca, his long-sought home.The renowned international group, The Readers of Homer, will lead Journey of Odysseus travelers in a first-timein situe participatory experience of the glorious epic. Professor Tzelepis and other onboard speakers will enhancethe program with thought-provoking lectures, further enriching an already sumptuous adventure.Our home for the voyage is the elegant Corinthian II. Please join participants from our co-sponsors, theArchaeological Institute of America, Explorers Club and Johns Hopkins University on this uniquely satisfyingexploration of the ancient world.Sincerely,Susan K. FeaginExecutive Vice PresidentColumbia University Office of Alumni and DevelopmentLUXUR YOur programs are classified in threecategories: Value, Superior and LuxuryTelephone: 866-325-8664 • E-mail: travelstudy@columbia.eduFront Cover: A scene from a 6 th -century b.c. vase depicting a Siren and Odysseus tied to the mast of his ship

virtually no modern-day structures marringthe vista, making it easy to imagine theSicily of antiquity. (B, L, D)Tuesday, September 8NAPLES | POMPEII or PHLEGREANFIELDS: Land of the Cyclops | NAPLESFrom Naples, drive to the Phlegrean Fields,where Odysseus and his men were capturedby Polyphemus, the Cyclops. Drive byLago d’Averno, the ancient AvernusLake, home of the Cimmerians in TheOdyssey, and Lago di Fusaro, the ancientArcherusian Lake, where Odysseus enteredHades. Continue to Monte di Cuma andthe cave of the Sibyl of Cumae, whoprophesied the future. Alternatively, visitPompeii, the fabled city both destroyedand preserved by the volcanic eruption ofMount Vesuvius in a.d. 79. After lunch ata local restaurant, visit the ArchaeologicalMuseum in Naples. (B, L, D)Wednesday, September 9MESSINA | TAORMINA: The Kingdomof Helios | MESSINA, SicilyCross the Strait of Messina, the site of thelegendary Scylla, a terrifying six-headedmonster, and Charybdis, a treacherouswhirlpool. Odysseus was cast ashore in theKingdom of Helios, modern Taormina,where his companions slaughtered and atethe sacred oxen. To avenge the death ofhis beloved oxen, Helios sent a lightningbolt that destroyed their ship, drowningall aboard except Odysseus. PicturesqueTaormina is situated on a mountainsideaffording magnificent views of MountEtna. Here we visit the superbly situatedGreek theater, built in the 3 rd century b.c.(B, L, D)The historic harbor of Valletta, MaltaThursday, September 10ITHACA, Gr e e c e: The Home ofOdysseus | CORINTH CANALIthaca, the legendary home of Odysseus,is a stunning island of pristine beachesand verdant forest. Visit the bay of Dexia,Homer’s harbor of Phorkys, where thePhaeacians left Odysseus sleeping onthe beach. Admire the Cyclopean Walls(Alalkomenai), a ruined site known locallyas Odysseus’s Castle, and stand atop thePlateau of Marathia, where Odysseus’s loyalservant Eumaeus kept his swine. Later, sailalong the Corinth Canal. (B, L, D)Friday, September 11PIRAEUS | DISEMBARK | ATHENS| FLY TO USA (B)Program Inclusions• 10-night cruise aboard the all-suite,114-guest Corinthian II• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptionsaboard ship• All meals aboard ship, including housewine, beer, and soft drinks with lunchand dinner• Open bar aboard ship throughoutthe cruise• Complete program of tours and excursions• Educational program of lectures anddiscussions by accompanyingColumbia faculty and guest lecturer• Special guided, participatory readingprogram conducted by The Readers of Homer• Professional Travel Dynamics Internationaltour staff• Complete pre-departure materials• Baggage handling and transfers abroadon the designated program arrival anddeparture dates• Port and embarkation taxes• Gratuities to porters, guides, and driversNOT INCLUDED: Airfare; visa and passportfees; luggage, trip cancellation, and accidentinsurance; meals and beverages other thanthose specified above; personal expenses suchas laundry, telephone calls, faxes and e-mailservice; and gratuities to shipboard personnelThe walls of Troy at the entrance to the ancient city

Columbia FacultyEl e n a Tz e l e p i s holdsa Ph.D. in Philosophyfrom the New School forSocial Research, NewYork. She teaches at theClassics Department ofColumbia University. Inher two forthcoming books, a co-editedvolume on Ancient Greek thoughtand Contemporary French philosophy(SUNY Press) and an edited volume onSophocles’ Antigone (Athens: Nissos),she revisits Ancient Greek philosophyand literature and tries to make themrelevant to some of the most complexand pressing issues of the currenthistorical moment. Dr. Tzelepis looksforward to sharing her expertise withalumni, family and friends on this voyageof discovery.(Please note that a minimum number of participantsis required to confirm faculty participation.)Guest LecturerSh e l l e y Wa c h s m a n n, lecturer for theArchaeological Institute of America(whose members will also be participatingon this program), is the MeadowsProfessor of Biblical Archaeology in theNautical Archaeology Program at TexasA&M University, where he has beenteaching courses in ancient seafaring andbiblical archaeology since 1990 (Ph.D.Hebrew University, Jerusalem’s Instituteof Archaeology, 1990). From 1976 to 1989he served as the Inspector of UnderwaterAntiquities for the Israel Department ofAntiquities and Museums, during whichtime he was directly responsible for thenautical heritage of Israel. ProfessorWachsmann has published four booksand over sixty articles on the results of hisfield research and on other archaeologicalsubjects. He is currently completing abook dealing with a 13 th -century b.c.wooden ship model from Gurob, Egypt,which is the most detailed representationknown of a Helladic (Greek) galley fromthe designated period of Odysseus.Corinthian II —Enjoy the peace and comforts of your cabinGracious living inSpacious SuitesThe deluxe Corinthian II is an all-suiteyacht accommodating no more than114 guests. Originally built in Italy in1992, Corinthian II was refurbished andredecorated in 2005 specifically to createan atmosphere of effortless elegance andeasy conviviality. All 57 outside-facingsuites are a minimum of 225 square feet,appointed in rich wood tones and featurebeds that can be configured as two twinsizebeds or one queen-size bed, a sittingarea, generous storage space, air conditioning,mini-refrigerator, safe, telephone, TV,DVD/CD player, and a marble-appointedbathroom with fine toiletries. Guestsstaying in the spacious Penthouse Suitesand Veranda Suites (400 and 300 squarefeet, respectively) will also enjoy a privatebalcony, private butler service, and otherexclusive in-suite amenities.Fine DiningSuperb Continental cuisine is created byCorinthian II’s European chefs and servedeither in the stately restaurant or al frescoon the wide sun deck, which is speciallyequipped for outdoor dining service. Selectregional wines are complimentary withThe ideal cgrandeur alunch and dinner. Fresh ingredients arechosen locally at many ports of call. Allmeals are served at one unassigned seating;varied seating arrangements assure comfortfor all. Corinthian II’s widely praised serviceequals that of the finest restaurants.Effortless Elegance Each Dayand NightReturning from excursions, enjoy complimentaryrefreshments, afternoon tea, andall-day coffee in The Club, a comfortablespace for relaxation with panoramic windows.Before or after dinner, savor a cocktailwhile the ship’s pianist plays arrangementsranging from jazz to classical to contemporary.Corinthian II also features a library withInternet access, beauty salon, exercise area,elevator serving all decks, and a wraparoundsun deck with Jacuzzi. The 75 European officersand crew ensure an atmosphere akin toa private club for the length of your voyage.

ombination of cruise-shipnd small-ship intimacyDeck PlanBeautySalon603 601604602SunDeckExercise AreaJacuzziExplorer DeckSun DeckOutdoorCaféLibraryLoungeRestaurantThe ClubReception511 509 507 505512 510 508 506Erickson Deck427 425 423 421 419 417 415428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414347 345 343 341 339Marco Polo Deck335 333 331 329348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332261 259 257 255Columbus Deck262 260 258 256 254 252 250BridgeHospitalMagellan DeckMain SpecificationsLength: 297 feet | Beam: 50 feet | Draft: 12 feetGross Tonnage: 4,200 | Flag: Malta | Suites: 57Special OfferSBook by April 3, 2009 to:• Save $1,500 from the per person, double occupancyrates in Categories VS & PHS• Save $1,000 from the per person, double occupancyrates in Categories E - AA• Waive the single supplement (other discounts do not apply)airfare: Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. Pleasecontact your preferred airline, travel agent, or the Travel Dynamics Internationalair desk operated by Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. (VWTI), therecommended agency handling the air arrangements for this program,for airfare information and to reserve flights to Istanbul, returning fromAthens. Consultants are available Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:30pm (EST) at toll-free 1-877-711-9896. Please have your tour code (9424)handy for reference.330The ClubCruise and Land RatesAll accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside,affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All suitesinclude a bedroom with beds that can be configured as two twin-size bedsor one queen-size bed, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator,satellite TV, DVD/CD player, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, andother amenities.categoryEDCBAAAVSPHSd e s c r i p t i o nDeluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholesand sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250 - 252Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with windowand sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329 - 332Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholesand sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254 - 262Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with windowand sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333 - 348doubleoccupancyper persons i n g l eoccupancy(†)XXXXX$7,595 $10,590$8,595 $11,590$9,595 $12,590$10,595 $13,590Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with windowand sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416 - 428$11,595 $14,590Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forwardand side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft.Suites 414 - 415$12,395 $15,390XDeluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck withprivate balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft.Suites 505 - 512$13,795 $16,790XDeluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck withprivate balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft.Suites 601 - 604$14,795 $17,790XVS & PHS suites are provided with private butler serviceand other exclusive amenities.(†) A limited number of suites have been set aside for single occupancyat no additional cost. Single travelers will pay the per person, doubleoccupancy rate listed above if reservation is made by April 3, 2009.After this date, a single supplement of $2,995 will apply.

Alumni Travel Study Program245 Mill St., 2nd FloorGreenwich, CT 06830PRSRT STDU.S. PostagePAIDTravel DynamicsInt’lEARLY BOOKINGINCENTIVESSEE INSIDEFor further information about this travel program, please contact theColumbia Alumni Travel Study Program.You may reach us toll-free at 866-3-ALUMNI (866-325-8664).fax: 203-724-0844 • e-mail: travelstudy@columbia.eduwebsite: www.alumni.columbia.edu/attendcolu 9424Journey of OdysseusRetracing the Odyssey Through the Ancient MediterraneanA Voyage aboard the all-suite, 57-cabin corinthian IIAugust 31 - September 11, 2009The majesty of Segesta’s Greek temple in its pastoral setting

General InformationPayment Schedule: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space on thetour. 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 arenot accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposits andfinal payment.Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $400per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation feesassessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellationsreceived 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of thetotal program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refundswill be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service feesmay apply to deviations and are non-refundable.Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance through acompany of your choice. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you mustcancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the onlysource of reimbursement. Further information will be sent upon registration.Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretionof Travel Dynamics International.Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitutethe sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Columbia University, itsagent, TSS LLC, and operator, Travel Dynamics International. The passenger is also advisedto review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel’s owner/operator, which willconstitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is available on requestfrom Travel Dynamics International. Columbia University, its agent, TSS LLC, and operator,Travel Dynamics International act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation,hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable carepossible to ensure the passenger’s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear anyresponsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arisingin connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriageor other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passengeror in effecting these tours. We, Columbia University, our agent, TSS LLC, and operator, TravelDynamics International are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any otherlosses 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, terminationor suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causesbeyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide forarrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandatedby any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option ofaccepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as maybe offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as weare 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 reservethe right to make alterations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels, ships, or lecturers ifthis 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 passengershall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refundshall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passengercertifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not haveany mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them orother passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any personas a member of any tour should such person’s health, condition or actions adversely affect orthreaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuablesbrought 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. Resolution ofany disputes arising hereunder shall be effected exclusively in the state or federal courts presidingin the City of New York, pursuant to applicable New York law. We cannot guarantee thesize of the Columbia Alumni Travel Study group. We reserve the right to cancel or substitutelecturers. Faculty participation is contingent upon a minimum number of participants.Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everythingpossible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Due to fluctuationsin fuel costs, a fuel surcharge may be levied.Ship’s Registry: MaltaCST # 2043599-40 TDI

Registration COLU 9424Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for$________ ($1,000 per person) as a depositto hold _______ place(s) on Journey ofOdysseus. I understand that final payment isdue ninety (90) days prior to departure.Please make check payable to:Travel Dynamics Internationaland mail with this registration form to:Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program,245 Mill St., 2nd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830(Or, fax to 203-724-0844)Phone: 866-3-ALUMNI (866-325-8664)E-mail: travelstudy@columbia.eduo AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCardNo. ____________________________________Exp. _______3- or 4-Digit Security Code _______Please select cabin categoryin order of preference:PHS__ VS__ AA__ A__ B__ C__ D__ E__o Twin Bedso Double Bedo Single Occupancy o Share (Cannot beguaranteed, but I willpay the single supplementif need be.)o Please book me/us on the Two-NightOptional Pre-Cruise Extension inIstanbul, Turkey. More information will besent upon tour registration.Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Lastschool/DEGREE/year dDate of birthDr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Lastschool/DEGREE/year dAddressCity/State/ZipTelephone (day)E-MaiLDate of birth(evening)columbia uniEach participant must sign below:I/We have read the “General Information”section and agree to its terms.SignaturESignaturEDateDateTaormina’s grandly situated ancient theater