VENTflash #133 January 04, 2012
Posted by Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel started birding in Texas 64 years ago at the age of eight. His travels have taken him to all the continents, with his areas of concentration being Texas, Ari...Dear Friends,
I have been interested in the history and culture of ancient Greece since I was a teenager. In recent years, VENT has operated two trips to Greece, programs rich in history, culture, and nature. I rank those trips among the best travel experiences of my life.
I am thrilled that VENT is returning to Greece this spring for another Birds and History cruise, this time to the islands of Crete and Santorini. For this special journey, May 20-29, 2012, we have chartered the peerless Sea Cloud for a trip that combines the fascinating history and culture of ancient Greece, particularly the Minoan civilization, with observation of the special resident and migrant birds and other natural history of the southern Aegean region.
 |
Sea Cloud — Photo: Courtesy Sea Cloud Cruises |
Cabins aboard the 64-passenger Sea Cloud begin at $8,500 in double occupancy from Athens. A discount of $1,000 on select cabins is available to anyone who registers before February 1, 2012! This departure is limited to 58 passengers. Only 8 cabins are still available.
As with our previous cruises to the region, this trip affords an opportunity for immersion in the world of ancient Greece while delivering the marvelous scenic beauty and natural history of modern Greece.
Our route begins in Athens and ends a week later in Kusadasi, Turkey. We will spend three days exploring the mountains and coastline of Crete, a day at famous Santorini, and two days cruising the Aegean Sea. On Crete we will see the renowned Minoan palaces of Knossos and Mália; travel to the ruins of Lato; and visit several Venetian sites. Santorini, with its scenic and architectural beauty, is home to a breathtaking caldera, iconic white-walled villages, and an outstanding archaeological site at Akrotiri.
Late May is an ideal time of year to travel in Greece, with good weather, spring flowers still in bloom, and breeding birds back on territory. Visits to some of Crete's most important natural areas include birding around Samaria Gorge, Mt. Juktas, and the Katharo Plateau. Among the range of exciting bird possibilities are Levantine Shearwater, Eurasian Griffon, Bonelli's Eagle, Eleonora's Falcon, European Bee-eater, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock-Thrush, and Rueppell's Warbler.
Enhancing this trip's allure is the opportunity to travel aboard Sea Cloud. Ornate in her all-wood construction and resplendent under sail, this four-masted ship is widely regarded as the world's most beautiful sailing vessel.
 |
Dr. Paul Woodruff |
Joining me in leading this special departure is VENT leader Barry Lyon and my good friend, Dr. Paul Woodruff, professor of philosophy and classics at the University of Texas, and an expert on ancient Greece. Paul's specialty is Plato, but he is well-versed in all aspects of the history and culture of ancient Greece, and has translated works by Plato, Sophocles, and Euripides. Paul joined us on our previous Greece cruises, and provided wonderful lectures aboard the ship and superb historical interpretation during shore excursions. Dr. Woodruff will once again present a series of stimulating lectures that incorporate the dominant themes of ancient Greek civilization, namely history, philosophy, and theater. I can't imagine a better person to be with in Greece than Paul. For an added bonus, acclaimed author and two-time National Book Award winner, Peter Matthiessen, will join us as a special guest.
If you seek an even broader experience in this part of the world, our optional pre-trip and extension further capitalize on the combined themes of history, culture, and birds.
Our Athens Pre-trip, May 16-21, 2012, gives equal attention to the historical heritage of ancient Athens and observation of the region's special birds. Among the sites we'll visit are the famed Acropolis, Agora, battlefield of Marathon, Sanctuary of Artemis, and a range of high quality natural history sites such as Cape Sounio, Mt. Immitos, and Vravrona estuary.
The Western Turkey Extension, May 29-June 2, 2012, delves into Turkey's Greco-Roman past before finishing with a grand finale visit to Istanbul. We will spend a full day at Ephesus, Turkey's finest archaeological site, exploring the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean region before concluding with a day-and-a-half in fabulous Istanbul. Among the places we'll see are the resplendent Blue Mosque, the incomparable Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople. During our time in the field, we may encounter several species of hawks, flycatchers, warblers, and more. Such attractive species as Short-toed Eagle, Syrian Woodpecker, Blue Rock-Thrush, and Rock Nuthatch are among the possibilities.
 |
Santorini, Greece — Photo: Myriam Boudan |
Greece is a marvelous destination, and this program's multi-thematic approach makes it an ideal choice both for birders who possess an interest in the culture and history of ancient Greece as well as for travelers whose primary interest is the culture, philosophy, and history of that period.
SPECIAL NOTE: Despite the role Greece has played as the center of the European economic crisis, we want to emphasize that the country, especially Crete and Santorini, is totally safe for tourism. We feel strongly that security issues will not be a concern on this trip.
Greece: Crete & Santorini, May 20-29, 2012 with Victor Emanuel, Paul Woodruff, and Barry Lyon; cabins start at $8,500 in double occupancy from Athens. Register before February 1, 2012 and pay $7,500!
Athens Pre-trip, May 16-21, 2012 with Victor Emanuel, Paul Woodruff, and Barry Lyon; $2,800 in double occupancy from Athens.
Western Turkey Extension, May 29-June 2, 2012 with Victor Emanuel and Paul Woodruff; $2,350 in double occupancy from Kusadasi, Turkey (ends in Istanbul).
I hope you will join us on what promises to be a very special trip.
Best wishes,
Victor Emanuel