EXPERIENCE GREECE... Without Leaving the USA!

Yia sou!  Come to beautiful St. Nicholas Ranch and experience the sights, sounds and taste of modern Greece!  Learn about Greek traditions, culture and folklore.  Listen to Greek music and learn basic Greek dances.  And did we mention food?  Our chefs will serve you authentic Greek dishes every day.  Opa!  Allow yourself to be a Greek for a week!

EXPERIENCE THE GLORY OF GREECE
Explore ancient Greece, the cradle of western civilization and birthplace of democracy, without passport or time machine!  Our courses bring together the best in Hellenic history, literature, philosophy and mythology, sources that continue to be a wellspring of human self-understanding.  A new program on Byzantium studies the response of the Byzantine East to the rise of Islam, and the Great Schism between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.  Our professors are PhDs and recognized experts their fields.  Enjoy a unique taste of Greek cuisine, dance, language, and culture.  Special elements include a guided nature walk, a session on the medicinal properties of Greek herbs, and an evening with John Muir or a reenactment from Homer's Iliad!
Program # 11247RJ
Registration Information

• September 10 - 15, 2006

ALEXANDER THE GREAT, GOLDEN AGE OF GREEK PHILOSOPHY
Alexander The Great  He was worshipped as a god by the Asians, a hero descended from Hercules to the Greeks.  Study the feats of the man who established the first world empire by the age of thirty-two and died when there was nothing left to conquer.
Golden Age Of Greek Philosophy  Socrates, Plato and Aristotle!  Study the scholars (479-323 B.C.) who concerned themselves with the question "How should man live?"
Program # 4648RJ
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• October 15 - 20, 2006

BYZANTIUM REVISITED
Discover the fascinating history of Constantinople, 'New Rome', and the Eastern Roman Empire that flourished during the Middle Ages and did not fall until the fifteenth century.  Situated midway between Catholic Europe and the Islamic East, the experience of the Byzantine Empire offers a unique window into the relationship between Western and Eastern cultures.  Explore the richly Byzantine history, beautiful worship, mystical theology and spirituality of the Eastern Orthodox Church with PhD professors who are recognized experts in their fields.  Also enjoy a taste of Greek cuisine, dance, language, and culture.  Bonus elements include a guided nature walk, Greek cooking class, session on medicinal Greek herbs, and evening with John Muir!
Program # 12630RJ
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• October 22 - 27, 2006

ANCIENT GREEK MYTHOLOGY, ROOTS OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Ancient Greek Mythology  Ascend the lofty heights of Mount Olympus and encounter the Greek gods.  Meet the Titans, ancient heroes, and fearsome monsters.  Learn why these tales have fascinated humankind throughout the centuries and continue to be relevant today.
The Roots Of Western Civilization  Plato? Aristotle? Heraclitus? Just who were these philosophers whose names we keep hearing, but never quite got to know?  Discover the thinkers and events that started the stream of what is today called "Western thought".
Program # 4649RJ
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• October 29 - November 3, 2006

THE ILIAD AND THE ODYSSEY, ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS
The Iliad And The Odyssey  The epic poetry of Homer continues to attract modern readers.  Explore the myth and history of these classical works; meet Agamemnon, Odysseus -- and Helen, whose face launched a thousand ships.  Lovers of literature are sure to love this adventure.
The Golden Age Of Classical Greece  Study the events that started western history!  Learn about the great general Leonidas, the traitor Ephialtes, and the famous courage of the Spartans.  Discover ancient Greek civilizations and culture, from the Persian War to Philip of Macedon.
Program # 1213RJ
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• November 5 - 10, 2006

BYZANTIUM REVISITED
Discover the fascinating history of Constantinople, 'New Rome', and the Eastern Roman Empire that flourished during the Middle Ages and did not fall until the fifteenth century.  Situated midway between Catholic Europe and the Islamic East, the experience of the Byzantine Empire offers a unique window into the relationship between Western and Eastern cultures.  Explore the richly Byzantine history, beautiful worship, mystical theology and spirituality of the Eastern Orthodox Church with PhD professors who are recognized experts in their fields.  Also enjoy a taste of Greek cuisine, dance, language, and culture.  Bonus elements include a guided nature walk, Greek cooking class, session on medicinal Greek herbs, and evening with John Muir!
Program # 12630RJ
Registration Information

• December 10 - 15, 2006

About St. Nicholas Ranch

"The Ranch", as the locals call it, is a conference and retreat center located in Dunlap, California, 40 miles east of Fresno.  Rolling hills, ancient oaks, a small lake, an apple orchard and an olive grove provide gorgeous natural surroundings.  Nestled on 230 acres of what was once a working horse ranch, our lodges, meeting spaces and recreational facilities provide for very comfortable accommodations surrounded by rugged landscape.  Both the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are only 20 minutes away from our facility, making it possible to visit both in one day!  A breathtaking new Byzantine-style monastery overlooks the valley.  Hiking trails and a swimming pool are also available.

All rooms come with a private bath, individual air-conditioning and heating, with twin beds.  All the lodge rooms, dining and classrooms are located together on level ground.  All meals are included in the registration fee.

REGISTER TODAY!
Register for these programs today at www.elderhostel.org or call toll-free at 1-877-426-8056

A deposit of $100 is required at the time of registration.

If you need to change your plans... we understand that you may occasionally have to change your plans, sometimes due to unexpected events.  Our Elderhostel Service Plan offers maximum protection of your program payment.  Please refer to the information below for details...

Transfer and Withdrawal / Refund Amount Per Person

Transfer up to 42 days prior to Program:  Total program payment applied to another program.
Transfer 7 - 41 days prior to Program:  Total program payment applied to another program less a $50 non-refundable deposit.
Transfer less than 7 days prior to Program:  Total program payment applied to another program less a $100 non-refundable deposit.
Withdrawal up to 42 days prior to Program:  Total program payment refunded less a $50 non-refundable deposit.
Withdrawal 7 - 41 days prior to Program:  Total program payment refunded less a $100 non-refundable deposit.
Withdrawal less than 7 days Prior to Program:  Total program payment refunded less $200.

Elderhostel Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated
to serving the educational needs of older adults.