GREECE: JEFFERSON AND THE ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC IDEAL
Rates start at $7,890 per person, double occupancy and are based on cabin selection.
Price does not include airfare, though flights can be arranged for you.
Faculty: Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Professor of History, Vice President of Monticello and Director of the International Center for Jefferson Studies at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Program Highlights:
- 17-cabin private yacht Callisto
- Athens, which Plato called “the city hall of Wisdom”
- Santorini
- Crete
- Delos
- Ephesus & Troy in Turkey
- Chios, home of the Adamantios Korais Library, named for the Greek scholar who corresponded extensively with Thomas Jefferson
- Voyage ends in the dazzling city of Istanbul
His most recent book is The Illimitable Freedom of the Human Mind: Thomas Jefferson’s Idea of a University (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2021). He previously published The Men Who Lost America: British Leadership, the American Revolution and the Fate of the Empire (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2013), which received eight national awards including the New York Historical Society American History Book Prize, the George Washington Book Prize and The Society of Military History Book Prize. He is also the author of An Empire Divided: The American Revolution and the British Caribbean (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2000) which was the alternate designate selection of the History Book Club. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he is an editor of the Jeffersonian America series published by the University of Virginia Press. He is a graduate of Columbia University (School of General Studies) and received his BA, MA and PhD from Oriel College, Oxford University.
Jefferson and the Origins
of the American Democratic Ideal
Ancient Athens was the founding mother of democracy, giving birth to notions of freedom and equality. Some 2,200 years later, when America gained its independence, its democratic system was greatly influenced by the Athenian model. We will explore the places that contributed much to modern Western culture: Athens, which Plato called “the city hall of Wisdom”; Santorini; Crete; Delos; and Ephesus and Troy in Turkey. A highlight is Chios, home of the Adamantios Korais Library, named for the Greek scholar who corresponded extensively with Thomas Jefferson. Here we will be specially received and will view the correspondence. Our voyage ends in the dazzling city of Istanbul. This remarkable educational adventure brings a heightened appreciation for the influence of ancient Greek scholars and philosophers on the founders of the American republic.
Leemage/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Arrive in Athens and transfer to the deluxe Hotel King George on Constitution Square. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
(D)
One of the world’s most venerable sites, Athens is the capital of Greece and Europe’s oldest city. Its ancient monuments are testimonials to a glorious past that gave birth to democracy and witnessed the origins of many of the arts and sciences that constitute the Western tradition. Morning tour to Marathon, site of the 490 BC battle between the Persian army and the much smaller force of mostly Athenian citizen-soldiers that resulted in the improbable victory of the Athenians. Afternoon tour in Athens of the Agora, the civic and commercial center of ancient Athens and the living heart of its democracy. Hotel King George
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Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, tour the Acropolis and its celebrated monuments. The incomparable Parthenon and other structures built in the 5th century BC, during the height of Athens’s democracy, represent the highest achievement of architecture and art of the Classical period. Also, tour the Acropolis Museum.
Later, board the Callisto and sail.
(D)
Be on deck this morning to admire the white-washed town of Santorini perched on the edge of the 1,000 foot-high palisade of Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Known in classical antiquity as Thera, the island was inhabited by a prosperous society during the Bronze Age. In the late 17th century BC, a massive volcanic eruption collapsed half of the island and buried its main town, now called Akrotiri, in a thick layer of pumice, thus preserving its houses and streets as they existed 3,700 years ago. Excavations have brought to light the town, which we will visit, as well as the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Enjoy lunch at a traditional taverna before time at leisure.
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The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is the reputed birthplace of Zeus, and home of Europe’s earliest civilization, the Minoan, which dominated the Aegean world during most of the Bronze Age, starting in 2000 BC. From Heraklion, drive to Gortyn, an important ancient city and the island’s capital during the Roman period, whose remains include the Law Code, stone blocks attached to a public building on which the laws of the city were inscribed. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent palace of Knossos, the largest and most impressive Minoan palace in Crete. Continue to the superlative Heraklion Museum, home to the world’s finest Minoan artifacts.
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"Palace of Knossos Crete Greece" by r chelseth is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Disembark in the morning in Delos, the small island that was sacred to ancient Greeks, because it was the birthplace of the divine twins Apollo and Artemis. After the defeats of the Persians in the 5th century BC, and under the leadership of Athens, Delos was the center of the Delian League, the treasure of which was used by Athens for its expansionist plans. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, a vast open-air museum, sail to nearby Naxos with time at leisure to explore quaint Chora, the island’s main town.
Meals: B, L, D
From Kusadasi, drive to Priene, dating from the 4th century BC and known today for the exceptional quality of its buildings that convey an excellent impression of a city from that era. In the afternoon, tour Ephesus, one of the world’s great archaeological sites. See the site where St. Paul preached Christianity (AD 52-54), the stunning façade of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and other buildings.
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The reputed birthplace of Homer, the island of Chios is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and old villages. The island is also home to the Adamantios Korais Library. Korais, an 18th-century Greek scholar, corresponded extensively with Thomas Jefferson, and a good portion of the correspondence is housed in the beautiful library, which we will visit. Continue to the 11th century church of Nea Moni, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece.
(B, L, D)
"Greece (Chios Island)Ttraditional buildings of Pyrgi village1" by ustung is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Sail through the narrow strait of the Dardanelles to arrive in Canakkale, which gives easy access to Troy. Excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the “windswept” Plain of Ilium. As Homer recounts in the Iliad, one of these cities is where the Greeks fought the Trojans. After ten years of war, the city of King Priam finally fell to Odysseus’s ruse of the Trojan Horse.
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Dock in the morning in Istanbul. Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
(B)
We are pleased to offer a 2-day post-cruise extension with accommodations at the historic Hotel Pera Palace. Arrangements will include pier/hotel airport transfers and tours to the city’s main landmark sites.
Extension Price:
$1,180 per person, double occupancy.
Supplement for single room occupancy: $395.
"Istanbul" by szeke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
THE 34-GUEST YACHT CALLISTO
In an era of mega cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers, Callisto is a delightful alternative. More like a private yacht than a cruise ship, Callisto accommodates a maximum of just 34 guests in 17 cabins that face outside.
Unlike the formalities found on larger cruise ships, a relaxed and informal atmosphere prevails aboard. A well-trained English-speaking crew of 18 manages the ship and provides friendly and efficient service. The dining room, surrounded by large windows, accommodates all guests at one unassigned seating, while the adjoining lounge, which is also lined with windows, is a good place to meet and socialize with fellow travelers and attend lectures. When the weather permits, several meals will be served al fresco. A library faces the spacious Sun Deck.
The 17 cabins range in size from 130 sq. ft. to 145 sq. ft. There are four different categories of cabins arranged on two decks, all of which feature either windows (Categories A & B), or portholes (Categories C & D); twin, double or queen-size beds; individually controlled air-conditioning; flat-screen TV; mini fridge; wardrobe; safety deposit box; and telephone (internal use). Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, marble sink countertop, hair dryer, and fine toiletries.
Callisto is equipped with stabilizers that provide smoother sailing.
All meals aboard ship as indicated, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Category Description Rate
D
Outside cabins on Lower Deck with twin beds and portholes.
Cabins 16, 19. 130 sq. feet
$ 7,890
C
Outside cabins on Lower Deck with twin beds and portholes.
Cabins 12, 14, 15, 17. 130 sq. feet
$ 8,790
B
Outside cabins on Main Deck with two lower beds and window.
Cabins 1*, 2*, 5, 7, 8, 9. 135 sq. feet
*Cabins 1 and 2 have a double bed.
$ 9,790
A
Outside cabins on Main Deck with twin beds and window.
Cabins 3*, 4*, 6, 10, 11. 135 - 145 sq. feet
*Cabins 3 and 4 have a queen-size bed.
$ 10,590
Single occupancy: A few cabins in Categories C and B are available for single occupancy at 150% of the per person double occupancy rate.
Price includes:
- Two nights at the elegant Hotel King George, Athens
- Welcome dinner in Athens at a local restaurant
- While in Athens, full breakfast each morning at the hotel and lunch on Sept 3.
- Cruise aboard the Callisto as described in the itinerary.
- All meals aboard ship, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Complete program of tours and excursions and other activities ashore with professional English-speaking guide
- Program of lectures by Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy
- Airport transfers in Athens on September 2 and in Istanbul September 11 at specified transfer times
- Open bar aboard ship throughout the voyage
- Port, embarkation, and all other local taxes
- Gratuities to guides, drivers and porters
- Experienced Thalassa Journeys trip director
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Price Does Not Include:
Airfare; travel insurance; expenses of a personal nature; gratuities to shipboard personnel; any items not mentioned in the itinerary or Program Inclusions.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $800 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. All cancellations 90 days prior to departure are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee (June 3, 2022).
Deposits can be made by personal check or credit card. Our tour operator, Thalassa Journeys, reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.
Early registration is encouraged as space is very limited.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $800 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and for other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit of $800 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by personal check or charged to a credit card.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. 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. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. 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 Thalassa Journeys.
RESPONSIBILITY: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the traveler and Thalassa Journeys. Thalassa Journeys acts solely as agents for the traveler with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the traveler’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 traveler 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 traveler, 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 traveler 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 traveler’s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the traveler beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels, transportation methods, 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 traveler 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 traveler 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 travelers. 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 travelers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the traveler’s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be affected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in Florida, pursuant to applicable Florida law.
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.
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