In the Path of the Crusades: Look for dates in Fall 2012
In 1095 AD, Pope Urban II preached his call for the First Crusade at the Council of Claremont, and instantly thousands of people attached the cross to their clothing as a mark of their commitment. The pope’s primary goal was to respond to the appeal from the Byzantine emperor to come to their aid to drive back the Seljuk Turks from Anatolia. However, there was a second objective, namely the re-conquest of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and this quickly became the ultimate purpose. These series of religiously-sanctioned military campaigns waged by much of Christian Europe against the Saracens, or Muslims, lasted for two hundred years.
Join Far Horizons for a 15-day history tour that travels overland to follow in the path of the Crusaders. Begin in Istanbul and walk along the city walls that were built to secure the city from a land invasion but breached by the army of the Fourth Crusade. Travel south to Antakya, ancient Antioch, captured in the First Crusade. Cross the border into Syria and view the many spectacular castles – Krak des Chevaliers, Qal'at Saladin, Masyaf Castle, Chastel Blanc – and religious places of worship created by the Crusaders. In Jordan, walk through Ajlun, the only purely Arabic citadel and the base for the forces of Saladin. And in Israel, see the incredible remains of the crusader city of Akko, uncovered during recent excavations, and the many crusader-era sites in Jerusalem.
“I had such a wonderful time on my three weeks with Far Horizons in the Middle East. I can't stop thinking about my experiences on this trip. I think John France has gone to the top of the list of my favorite study leaders....you really know how to pick them. He was an absolute gentleman who lent his grace and good humor to the perfection of the trip. He's a keeper!” - Marilyn Wirth (2010 participant and Frequent Far Horizons traveler)
“I would love to do it all over again to re-integrate what I learned. A lot of this is due to John France – an amazing study leader. Coherent and down to earth - a WOW. I cannot say enough great things about John, his knowledge, his sociability, his willingness to answer questions and interact; he is amazing. His ‘lectures’ were knowledgeable, integrated up to the present day, logical, and instructive.” - Cathy Scofield
Read about the trip from the perspective of a participant on Far Horizons blog - http://www.farhorizons.com/blog/
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Begin our Crusades cultural tour on our flight to Istanbul.
Day 2: Cultural Tour of Istanbul: Arrive Istanbul, Byzantine Constantinople. Our welcome lunch will be in a restaurant within a restored Ottoman mansion serving authentic Ottoman cuisine. In the afternoon walk to the great church of Hagia Sophia, the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. In the Fourth Crusades, the cathedral was ruthlessly attacked, desecrated and plundered by the Crusaders, who also forcibly replaced the Patriarch of Constantinople with a Latin bishop. This event cemented the division of the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Originally located outside the first set of city walls, the 11th century Church of St. Saviour in Chora Monastery, or Kariye Museum, was almost destroyed by the crusaders during the Fourth Crusade in the 13th century when forces from the western Christian churches pillaged Orthodox Constantinople. Rebuilt in 1313, the stunning mosaics and frescoes in the interior date from this period, and are some of the best examples of the Byzantine Renaissance. Overnight for two nights in the Sultan Han Hotel, located in Sultanhamet, the ancient historic area of Istanbul. (L)
Day 3: Depart to walk along the fortified walls of the ancient city. Numerous additions and modifications made them one of the most complex and last great fortification system of antiquity. Begin at the Golden Gate, the imperial entrance into the capital, used for the triumphal return of victorious emperors from battle. Pass by the Imperial Palace of Bucoleon that was conquered by Boniface of Montferrat during the sacking of the city during the Fourth Crusade. Finally, visit the Church of the Pantocrator, formerly a monastery and one of the most important historic landmarks of the Byzantine period; today it is the Zeyrek Mosque. Late this afternoon, we board a private yacht for a leisurely cruise up the Bosphorus, the sinuous strait separating Europe from Asia. In the 17th and 18th centuries it became fashionable for high-ranking people of Istanbul to own a summer home on the Bosphorus. These wooden yalis, as they are called, were extremely beautiful and elegant, of a perfection of structure and a refinement of decoration that are the supreme examples of their architects’ and painters’ genius. As we cruise, we will view these lovely wooden villas and elegant marble palaces along the shore, and Remeli Hisar, the fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror to close the Bosphorus to Christian invaders. With the creation of this citadel, the Selcuk Turks brought down the Byzantine Empire. We leave the yacht in Beylerbayi and dine in a seafood restaurant with spectacular views over the Bosphorus. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Fly to Adana and drive to Antakya, formerly known as Antioch. At the Hatay Archaeological Museum view artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times and the incredible collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Then drive and walk to the citadel overlooking the city. Originally fortified by the Romans, this was where the siege of Antioch lasted for seven and a half months as the army of the First Crusade battled with Muslim forces for control of the area. With the assistance of an Armenian traitor, the gates were opened and the army entered and conquered the city. Overnight in the Savon Hotel in Antakya, built to house a soap and olive oil factory in the Ottoman period. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Cross the border into Syria and continue to Aleppo where we will view several impressive sites. Crowning a precipitous hill in the heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient tell dates back to the Neolithic period. Traces of the city walls, built on Hellenistic foundations, are still standing. The western gate, Bab Antakya, still holds ancient pride of place as the gateway to the bazaar. Nearby Bab al-Qinnisrine, still looks much as it did when it was the departure point of the old route to Damascus and the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Great Mosque was founded by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century. Completed around 1090, it is an architectural masterpiece whose trim of lacy stone echoes the ribbon-like molding on the Byzantine ruins in the countryside. Commerce has always been Aleppo’s claim to fame, and we end our day in the old city’s souq where covered shops cover eight square kilometers - the oldest enclosed shopping center in the world!
Tonight's special dinner party will be held within a restored 16th century Aleppo stone house. Overnight in the Beit Salahieh, housed within an elegant Ottoman mansion, now a charming boutique hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Salah ad-Din, known to Westerners as Saladin, was the brilliant statesman and Kurdish leader who re-took Jerusalem from the Crusaders in the 12th century. Built on the remains of Phoenician, Greek and Roman buildings, Saladin’s Castle or Qal'at Saladin, is perched atop a wedge-shaped steep ridge almost 500 feet high and flanked by two precipitous ravines. The third side is protected by an impressive man-made ditch cut 90 feet into the rock. Today we climb up to this UNESCO World Heritage site where we gain an understanding of the importance of control of this castle. We also visit Qala’at Marqab, a stunning crusader fortress sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano. Finally, view the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, built by Crusaders in the 12th century and now the city museum. Dine this evening within a medieval dungeon, now housing a delightful restaurant. Overnight for two nights in Tartous in the Shahin Tower Hotel. NOTE: Although the best hotel in Tartous, this hotel will be the most basic of the trip. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Our morning drive takes us to Chastel Blanc, known locally as Safita, built by the Knights Templar. The tower is the remaining keep of the original castle, and the ground floor still contains a chapel, dedicated to St. Michael and used by the Greek Orthodox community of Safita. Nearby Masyaf Castle was controlled in the early 12th century by the Crusaders and later by the Assassins, a fanatic Islamic sect which grew in power between the 11th and the 13th century. They became famous for murdering their enemies as part of their religious duty. The castle has recently been restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Dine this evening within a medieval dungeon, now housing a delightful restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Begin today with an exploration of the walled harbor city of Tartous, formerly Tortosa. The Crusaders made it one of their sturdiest strongholds as well as a bishopric, and it was the northern headquarters for the Knights Templar. It resisted more than one attempt at re-conquest by the Muslims, and when the Templars took charge of its defense in 1183 it was made an almost impregnable citadel. Tortosa was the last outpost of the Templars on the Syrian mainland and the remains of the citadel are still encircled by impressive fortification walls. Enter the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, built by Crusaders in the 12th century and now the city museum before driving to the most magnificent example of medieval castles in Syria. In the 12th century, this great fortress known as Krak des Chevaliers was owned and manned by knights of the military-monastic Order of Hospitallers, and it controlled the trade route between the Mediterranean and Damascus. Continue to St. George Monastery, an important monastic base in the Eastern Roman Empire, a venerated shrine for its Muslim conquerors, and a prosperous settlement in the heart of the coastal Crusader county of Tripoli. Continue to Damascus and overnight for two nights in Beit Zaman Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel housed within four 18th century mansions in the heart of the old city. Dinner is on our own to experience one of the ancient city’s many fine restaurants. (B/L)
Day 9: Our full-day walking tour of Damascus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world, begins with the Old City, surrounded by a Roman Wall. See Azem Palace, built in the mid-18th century as a private residence for the Governor of Damascus. A great example of a Damascene house, its simple exterior contrasts with a beautiful interior filled with marble, cascading fountains and fragrant flowers. The Umayyad Mosque sums up in one place the diverse and complex history of Syria. This magnificent monument contains the remains of the Roman Temple to Jupiter, a Byzantine arcade, a beautiful Umayyad mosaic in the courtyard, and the spacious prayer hall where the shrine of St. John the Baptist is located, said to house his head. Nearby is the tomb of Saladin, the great leader during the Crusades. Continue to the 12th century tomb of Nur al-Din, the famous Muslim leader who captured Damascus from the Turkoman rulers, and the Bimaristan built by Nur al-Din to be used as a hospital and medical school. We will also see the Mausoleum of Melek-ed-Dhaher Baibars, one of the most inveterate foes of the Crusaders. Finally, visit Souq al-Hamidiyeh, the bazaar that is the lifeblood of the city. Dine this evening on Syrian cuisine at the finest restaurant in the Old City. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Drive south with a stop at the Roman city of Bosra, the southern capital of Roman Syria and an UNESCO World Heritage site, to view a still standing Roman theater that was converted to a fortress in Umayyad times. To strengthen the castle fortifications, the Muslims built a wall that completely encircled the original theatre, and a moat was dug with a single bridge for entry. After crossing the border, stop to see one of the best-preserved examples of medieval Arab military architecture in the entire Middle East, the 12th-century Ajlun Castle. Drive to Amman and overnight in the al-Qasr Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Cross the border into Israel and drive to Jerusalem. This afternoon we explore the many sites in Jerusalem. The Old City is encircled by a tall wall punctuated by seven gates. As we walk these ramparts, we gain an appreciation of the life of the city. Visit the Tower of David, an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate now housing a museum. During the period of the Latin Kingdom craftsmen and retailers worked in streets specializing in their trades, and the Crusader cooks worked on the Street of Bad Cooking (which hints at the quality of their cuisine). Our wandering takes us along this street, and to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, standing on the site where Jesus was crucified and the tomb where he was buried. The knights of the First Crusade entered here to sing their Te Deum after capturing Jerusalem on July 15, 1099. We go outside the city walls of the First Crusade where eighty-eight years later, Saladin breached the city. Dinner will be in one of Jerusalem’s outstanding restaurants. Overnight in the five-star King David Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 12: In the heart of Jerusalem lies the Noble Sanctuary, Al-Haram al-Sharif, which encloses over thirty-five acres of fountains, gardens, buildings and domes. At its southernmost end is Al-Aqsa Mosque, a vast sanctuary that can accommodate as many as 5,000 worshipers. In the center is the Dome of the Rock, holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is the place where the second Jewish Temple was built, and where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohamed ascended to heaven from this spot to receive instructions from God, and after the conquest by Christian Crusaders, this magnificent building was turned into a church. After spending the morning here, we depart Jerusalem for Ein Hemed National Park to view the remains of a fortified farm built by the Crusaders, and to Abu Ghosh where a beautiful church built by the Crusaders still contains stunning frescoes. Continue along the Mediterranean coast to Atlit, or Pilgim’s Castle, also known as Château Pèlerin. Located on a promontory sticking into the Mediterranean, this important fortress was valued for its position of power; it could be re-stocked by sea. The salt pans in front of the castle were an excellent source of income for the Knights Templar. Located in a military zone, this historic monument is closed but we will stop for a quick look. Dinner tonight is on our own. Overnight in Haifa for three nights in the Dan Carmel Hotel. (B/L)
Day 13: Akko, or Acre, was the maritime capital of the Crusaders. Originally founded during the Bronze Age, the city was an important deep-water harbor. After Akko was conquered by the Crusaders in 1104, a sophisticated system of fortifications unlike any previously built was created. The remains of the sea walls, and the mighty ramparts and deep moat separating the city from the mainland still are visible. Excavations over the past decade have uncovered remarkable Crusader remains including the headquarters of the Order of the Hospitalers. Here we meet with the director of the excavation staff and be given a private tour of the buildings and areas closed to the public. West of the Sea of Galilee, the Horns of Hattin dominate the skyline and it is overlooking this valley where we will learn about the battle that changed the course of history. In 1187, Saladin defeated the Crusaders, and after his victory, he was able to conquer a great part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem with little opposition, including the cities of Akko and Jerusalem itself. Saffuriyah (Zippori) Castle was the obvious place for the army of the Kingdom of Jerusalem to gather for the campaign as there were springs to supply plenty of water and the high point offered views across the plains. However King Guy made a fatal mistake when he decided to leave this mountaintop refuge and to march towards Saladin’s troops. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Our drive takes us to Jacob’s Ford, or Vadum Iacob, built to protect the crossing of the ancient road of the Via Maris with the Jordan River. Here, if in Israel, we meet with Dr. Ronnie Ellenblum, the excavator, who will enthusiastically give us an overview of the unique discoveries made here. In the afternoon we gather at a Galilee winery for a specially-hosted wine tasting and our final lunch. (B/L)
Day 15: Depart for the USA. (B)
Look for dates in Fall 2012
TO BE ANNOUNCED (per person, double occupancy) includes international flights from New York to Istanbul and return flight from Tel Aviv to New York; one domestic flight in Turkey; all ground transportation; all hotels; most meals (as noted in brochure); and entry fees.
Cost Does Not Include: A donation as outlined below; airport transfers for flights other than designated group flights; meals other than those listed in the itinerary; food, alcoholic and other beverages not on set menus; passport and visa fees; airport fees and taxes; excess baggage charges; gratuities to guides and drivers; email, telephone, and fax charges; laundry or other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: To Be Announced. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.
Donation Checks: As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural projects and museums we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant write a check to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person and is made by check directly to the donation project. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable. We will be designating a donation project for this trip shortly.
A deposit of $500.00 is required along with the separate check made out to the donation project and your completed and signed registration form. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will receive a refund less a $250.00 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
The cost of the trip includes the international flights plus one domestic Turkish flight. If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. If you issue your own international flight, please send the complete schedule as soon as you have it.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project must be changed.
THIS HISTORICAL TOUR OF TURKEY, SYRIA, JORDAN AND ISRAEL IS LIMITED TO 17 PARTICIPANTS
