Day 01 Arrive Istanbul
Private transfer to hotel. This evening, meet Dr Steven Curry and other tour guests for a sumptuous dinner and an introductory discussion on the history of ideas. We will explore the importance of enduring philosophical questions such as: what is the nature of reality and the self, and how ought one to live life and why? You will be invited to share with other participants your hopes for the tour and interest is ideas and philosophy.
Day 02 Istanbul
This morning, join Dr Curry for an engaging discussion on the complex story of "Asia Minor" and its critical importance as a centre of vast networks of trade and cultural exchange throughout ancient times. Explore Istanbul and discover how the philosophical ideas from Asia, Africa and Central Europe influenced the diverse people of the ancient cities and how these ideas are still reflected across time and space in the great monuments of the city. (B)
Day 03 Istanbul Ismir
Fly Istanbul to Izmir, and be privately transferred (apx. 2 hours) to your Kusadasi hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, join Dr Curry and other guests for a discussion on the Greek cities of Ionia (now the coastal cities of modern Turkey) which grew fat on trade between Egypt, Babylon and the Black Sea. Our discussion will explore the revolution in thinking which emerged as Western philosophy (originally ideas about physics and the puzzles of physical existence, later about ethics, politics, love and religion). (B)
Day 04 Ismir Ephesus Ismir
Today, explore the important ideas of pre-Socratic philosophers such as Thales and Heraclitus. Immersed in their world through a visit Ephesus, enjoy a discussion with Dr Curry in the ancient Agora to discuss their ideas about the best way to live and what is important in life. Today's tour will include a visit to the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, the Temple of Artemis and the Arcadian Way. (B)
Day 05 Ismir Cannakkale
Morning depart for Cannakkale, visiting the ancient city of Pergamum and Troy en route. At Troy, we will pause to discuss a long history of conflict across the Aegean. Immerse in an alternative story of long periods of peace, commerce and learning, and come to understand the "hidden history" of contact and collaboration that lies beneath popular narratives of the Trojan War, Persian Invasions and the Crusades. (B,D)
Day 06 Cannakkale Istanbul
This morning, cross the Dardanelles by ferry from the Asian side to the European side of Turkey to explore the next stage of the history of Greek ideas when Europe met Asia. Learn about the emergence of skeptical and inquisitive approaches to questions of morality, the cosmos, and ideas about what constitutes the good life. Dr Curry will also discuss the importance of the Hellespont (the ancient name of the Dardanelles) in trade between the Caucasus and the Crimea, Egypt, and Syracuse. This leads us to historical and mythological stories of ancient Greece including Xerxes and his bridges built to invade Greece, and Jasons search of the Golden Fleece. (B)
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Day 07 Istanbul
Full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul to include the mosque of Sultan Suleyman, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, the Topkapi Palace with its Imperial Treasury section, and the Grand Bazaar. Arriving back in Istanbul gives us the opportunity to look again at the city after all we have learned about the dynamic history of ideas played out in Asia Minor. Enjoy lunch at the Daruzziyafe Restaurant, located in the grounds of the Suleymaniye Mosque with a guest Turkish Philosopher to discuss how the debate and fusion of ideas thrives in modern Turkey. (B,L)
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Day 08 Istanbul
Full day sightseeing with private guide, to include visits to the Spice market, Byzantine underground cistern and Dolmabahce Palace, followed by a private cruise on the Bosphorus. After two days exploring the ancient city, spend your dinner discussion reflecting on and debating the role of cultural exchange and conflict in stimulating art, culture and philosophy. (B)
Day 09 Depart Istanbul Arrive Athens
Private transfer hotel to the airport. Fly Istanbul - Athens, where you will be met by your Ashmore & James representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Remainder of day at Leisure. (B)
Day 10 Athens
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Athens, and visit the principal monuments and sites of the city, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch and the Theatre of Dionysus. You will have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Agora, which was the hub of the city from the 6th century BC. After lunch, walk through the Plaka before arriving at the Acropolis. The highlight today will be a visit to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western World before ending at the Acropolis Museum which exhibits sculptures and reliefs from the site. Todays discussion will explore how the Ancient Greek ideas debated in Ionia finally made it to Athens, now seen as the cradle of western thought. Learn about the ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, who all called Athens home. (B,L)
Day 11 Athens
Morning at leisure. After lunch, venture along the coast to Cape Sounion, and visit the ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC, and was built by Poseidon who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power (4 hours). Enjoy the rich heritage and beauty of the region and also to discuss the role of spirituality and religion in Greek thought and their role in philosophy then and now. Complete your journey with a final discussion with Dr Curry, bringing together the last parts of the story. Learn how the Romans, then Muslim conquerors transmitted the radical ideas of Greek, Hebrew and eventually Christian thinkers to Europe and how traders took the works of Plato and Aristotle to the East. Reflect on our group's own journey through the history of influential ideas, and our groups philosophical discussion and debate over 11 days. Enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 12 Depart Athens
Private transfer hotel to airport. Depart Athens on flight to be advised. (B)
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- 12 days/ 11 nights in Greece and Turkey.
- Daily lectures and discussions with Dr Steven Curry (University of Melbourne) and guest lectures by local historians and philosophers in Istanbul and Athens.
- First Class Accommodation throughout Turkey and Greece.
- Exclusive Opening Night Dinner, Closing Night event, breakfast daily, various lunches and dinners throughout the tour.
- Specialist guides in Turkey and Greece.
- Monument entrance fees and taxes; bottled water during sightseeing.
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| Crossroads of Civilizations |
| First Class Travel | (Land Only) |
| 12 Days Greece/Turkey | Departing, 22nd September, 2008 |
| Tour Departs | From Istanbul |
| Twin Share | AUD $7,560 |
| Single Supplement | AUD $1,259 |
| All prices are per person in Australian Dollars, unless specified. Prices are subject to change if industry charges change. |
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Inclusions: prices are per person in Australian Dollars; accommodation as per itinerary; meals as specified; all transfers and sightseeing on private basis in Air Conditioned vehicle; English speaking guide to accompany throughout; all lectures and discussions including notes; monument entrance fees and taxes for all sites mentioned in the program; bottled water during sightseeing. TURKEY: domestic airfare Istanbul/Izmir (subject to change without notice) including taxes; hotel & airport porterage; VAT.
Exclusions: Any arrangements not specified in itinerary; international flight tickets; visa fees; airport taxes; insurance; tips to representatives, guides and drivers; items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, etc.
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| Philosophical Adventures Home Here |
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Contact Ani Pickering at Ashmore & James Travel Associates -
Phone: 1800 460 462 or +61 (03) 9830 5066
Email: ani_pickering@travel-associates.com.au
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