Meteora Monastery in Greece
Europe Spring Sea
Travel
April 16 - April 26, 2025

Türkiye to Greece aboard Emerald Azzurra

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About the Study Leader

Denis Feeney, Giger Professor of Latin and Professor of Classics, Emeritus 

Professor Feeney was educated at Auckland University and Oxford, where he obtained a doctorate in 1982. He held academic positions in both Britain and the United States before joining the Princeton faculty in 2000. After twenty-one years of distinguished teaching and service in the Department of Classics, he retired and became an emeritus professor in 2021. 

Feeney teaches and publishes on Latin literature and on Roman culture more broadly, with a special focus on Roman religion and time. In addition to articles on Latin literature (particularly on his favorite Latin poets, Catullus, Virgil, Horace, and Ovid), he has written four books. 

The Gods in Epic (Oxford, 1991) investigated the problem of how gods were represented in (especially Latin) epic. Literature and Religion at Rome (Cambridge, 1998) looked more broadly at the problem of the interaction between the literary and religious systems of Rome, framing the issues in terms of a dialogue between the way scholars tend to read Greek culture and Roman culture more generally. Caesar’s Calendar (California, 2007) examined Roman constructions of time, in terms of synchronism, historical vs. mythical time, and calendrical time. Professor Feeney’s most recent book, Beyond Greek: The Beginnings of Latin Literature (Harvard, 2016), is about why Rome developed a literature in the Latin language when it shouldn’t really have done so.

 Take a look at Professor Feeney’s online lecture, The Surprising Birth of Latin Literature.

About the Journey 

Cruise the Aegean Sea on an epic voyage from Izmir, Türkiye, to Athens, Greece, tracing the legends of the Greek heroes, the treasures of the Byzantine Empire, and the footsteps of St. Paul. 

Accompany an expert on a private tour of fabled Troy, the archaeological site immortalized in Homer’s epics, with fortifications dating back to the Bronze Age. Explore the city of Philippi and its layered history steeped in Ancient Greek, Roman, and early Christian influences, and arrive at the captivating island of Samothraki, the first European land St. Paul visited, for an inside look at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. 

Marvel at the Byzantine Walls of Thessaloniki – stretching 2.5 miles – and the otherworldly pinnacles of Meteora and its late-medieval monasteries built atop towering sandstone pillars. Wander the whitewashed villages of Amorgos, a rugged island inhabited since prehistoric times, before ending the journey near Athens. 

For those seeking to extend the adventure, an optional Istanbul pre-tour extension is available. This program is sure to captivate classicists, historians, and spiritualists alike. 

Accommodation 

Emerald Azzurra 
Discover why the editors of Cruise Critic picked Emerald Azzurra as their “Best New Luxury Ship” in 2022. Reaching an impressive 360 feet in length with only 50 cabins, the spectacular new Emerald Azzurra offers spacious, modern surroundings and a collection of luxurious amenities. Discover a secluded spot to read a book, enjoy unimpeded views of the unspoiled landscapes, or take a relaxing dip in the infinity-style pool. Expect fresh, locally sourced meals thoughtfully crafted by expert chefs and appreciate the ocean breeze from the large al fresco terrace. Have a nightcap in the plush, relaxed atmosphere of the Horizon Bar & Lounge. Unwind completely in the onboard Wellness Center, where a selection of indulgent spa treatments includes massages, facials, and a hairdresser. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available and a full selection of bikes is on board for your use. 

Reservations 

This program is waitlist only. We encourage you to join the waitlist as cancellations do happen! No deposit required. Contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details