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Programs for 2008
Town and Country Life in Ireland
June 3–June 11, 2008
“Céad míle fáilte!” – “A hundred thousand welcomes!” With this traditional Gaelic greeting, we are pleased to invite you join fellow alumni, family and friends for TOWN & COUNTRY LIFE IN DUBLIN AND KILLARNEY, a unique travel opportunity that captures the essence of the “Emerald Isle.”
Swept by winds traveling thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland is a land of craggy mountains, stream-carved glens, rolling moors and sparkling lakes. From this remote but lovely island, generations of intrepid Irish men and women have gone forth to enrich the world, as saints and scholars, statesmen and soldiers, artists, writers and poets. This vibrant nation has taken its rightful place in the vanguard of the New Europe, while preserving its age-old Gaelic language and culture. The grace and tranquility of a bygone era live on here–in the stately Georgian townhouses of Dublin, the inviting neighborhood pubs, and the charming villages of Killarney’s lake district.
Soak in the authentic Irish ambience while staying four nights in Killarney’s intimate Cahernane House, set against a backdrop of the mountains beyond Lough Leane and enjoy three nights in Dublin’s Brooks Hotel, centrally located within walking distance of Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green. We hope you will join us as we experience the vitality of Dublin and the leisurely pace of life in bucolic Ireland.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Cruising the Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords
With Guest Lecturer Dr. Svetlana Grenier
June 4–Jun 16, 2008
 Come experience a unique combination of the scenic grandeur of the Norwegian fjords, the treasures of St. Petersburg, the great ports of Scandinavia and the rebirth of the former Soviet republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Guest Lecturer Dr. Svetlana Grenier looks forward to returning to the region and to sharing her knowledge and expertise of the Baltic region’s rich cultural heritage with participants.
Embark on this journey in the historic port of Bergen, Norway, and cruise along the Norwegian coast to explore the stunning beauty of the fjords. Call on the port of Copenhagen, the regal capital of Denmark, before visiting the recently reborn Baltic States, to experience their post-Soviet renaissance. From the medieval lanes of Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia, to the legacy of Gdansk, Poland’s, “Solidarity” movement, and a vibrant St. Petersburg, Russia, observe their rich traditions and newfound cultural vitality.
The romantic White Nights of Summer, the deluxe accommodations aboard M.S. Le Diamant and a distinctive itinerary, make this an ideal opportunity to experience one of the most important historical epochs of our time and the Baltic region’s cultural heritage. We hope you will join us on this adventure.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Village Life in the Dordogne
With Professor Euan Cameron
June 5–June 13, 2008
 In the heart of Dordogne, all of France’s provincial charms have been funneled into one of Europe’s most beautiful and best preserved medieval villages, Sarlat-la-Caneda. Here among the village’s 14th-century cobblestone streets, delightful cafes and traditional market, you will experience the rich culture, fascinating history and rhythms of daily life in Dordogne with enjoying accommodations in the family-owned Hotel de la Madeleine.
Join Columbia Professor Euan Cameron as we explore France’s picturesque southwestern region of the Dordogne with its prehistoric caves, medieval castles and charming village squares. We have arranged exclusive guided excursions to the region’s most important landmarks including the legendary shrines of Rocamadour, the prehistoric drawings of Rouffignac Cave and the medieval Castle of Beynac. Capture the authentic character of the historic villages of this region through our professor’s lectures, the sampling of regional specialties at daily meals, and interactions with local residents to hear them share their perspectives and insights into life in the Dordogne. Don’t miss out on this lovely opportunity.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Alaska
With Professor Kevin Griffin
June 7–June 15, 2008
Discover Alaska's natural wonders and stunning mountains, as we journey with our guest host, Professor Kevin Griffin, from the rolling tundra of Alaska's interior to temperate rainforests, spectacular coastlines and beyond.
Explore many of Alaska’s pristine wilderness areas as you enjoy an in-depth Denali National Park experience, trek through northernmost temperate rainforests inside Chugach National Forest; float the turquoise blue waters of the Kenai River; and encounter marine wildlife like playful sea otters or massive Stellar Sea lions inside Kenai Fjords National Park.
Springtime in Alaska features many travel highlights, such as the chance to witness Grizzlies reemerging from winter retreats, moose, caribou, and other wildlife introducing newborns to their natural environment; the first signs of wildflower blooms, and the opportunity to spot migrating birds in the northern skies. June travel will allow us to bask in Alaska’s Midnight Sun, as we enjoy lengthened daylight hours!
This unique program is limited to only 16 people, allowing intimate access to Alaska’s wilderness and a more personal experience in the far north. Be prepared to be active on this trip, as causal hikes will have us stretching our legs while getting closer to nature. We hope you will join us on this journey of breathtaking scenery, wilderness encounters, and rich cultural and natural history in one of America’s last wild places.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
National Parks of the West Train Tour
With Professor Nicholas Christie-Blick
June 9–June 18, 2008
Recall the nostalgia of a simpler, more romantic time when luxury rail travel reached its pinnacle. Join fellow alumni, family and friends on board North America’s premier private train for a spectacular rail journey through the National Parks of the West. Savor the adventure of riding the rails across fresh, breathtaking landscapes as we travel aboard the 140-passenger vintage train – the GrandLuxe Express.
With an extensive itinerary traveling from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, the natural beauty and the artistic culture of the West will amaze you. The GrandLuxe Express is one of the most magnificent trains in the world, with carriage cars gathered from museums and private collections throughout North America. This fully restored vintage train is a tribute to the Golden Age of rail travel, without compromising any of the comforts of the modern world.
This unique itinerary includes the services of specially selected scholars, naturalists, curators and local guides. Their expertise broadens our understanding and appreciation of the cultural, historic and natural diversity we meet in towns, cities and wilderness areas along the rails. You are free to experience the journey as you wish, whether by hiking with naturalists and guides or by viewing the ever-changing vistas from the plush comfort of the Dome Car with its 360-degree views. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure includes all onboard services and meals, sightseeing and tours.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Journey of Odysseus
With Professor Richard Sacks
June 19–June 30
 Join fellow alumni, family, and friends along with Professor Richard Sacks, who has been teaching the Homeric Odyssey at Columbia University since 1978, as we trace Odysseus’ path from the burning towers of Troy to the enchanted realms of gods and nymphs. We begin our epic journey in Athens, sailing toward Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan War, the city that guarded the strategic narrows of the Hellespont. We call upon ancient Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis; Pylos, with its Palace of Nestor; the island of Gozo, where the nymph Calypso entrapped Odysseus; and Trapani, Sicily, the abode of the man-eating Laestrygonians. The adventure continues as we discover the Phlegrean Fields outside Naples, where Odysseus faced the Cyclops, and Sicily’s Taormina, the one-time Kingdom of Helios, before landing safely in Ithaca, Odysseus’ long-sought home.
Your home for this odyssey will be the elegant Corinthian II, an all-suite ship accommodating no more than 114 guests. We hope that you will join Professor Sacks, alumni and friends June 19- 30, 2008 as we sail in the wake of Odysseus.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Galapagos – A Family Adventure
With Dr. Juerg Matter
June 22–July 1
 This family adventure to the Galapagos Islands provides an exceptional opportunity for parents, children, and grandparents to enjoy unforgettable experiences, with activities tailored to each. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the islands are an equatorial paradise of diverse landscapes, vibrant sea life, and an amazing array of wildlife species, many of which are found only in the Galapagos.
You will have an opportunity to swim alongside tiny Galapagos penguins and playful sea lions, snorkel amidst colorful tropical fish, take a boat ride through mangrove-ringed inlets, and encounter giant tortoises in their native habitat. Hike across surreal landscapes where giant marine iguana evoke prehistoric reptiles, and spend evenings on deck stargazing to observe southern and northern constellations simultaneously. Children are especially enriched by this living, breathing classroom, where science is fun and accessible.
We hope you will join us on this tropical journey, along with study leader Dr. Juerg Matter, an Associate Research Scientist at Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, as well as other leaders, alumni, and like-minded travelers.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Voyage to Lands of Gods & Heroes
With Professor Suzanne Said
July 9–July 20, 2008
Share the ancient cities and idyllic islands of the Greek Islands and the Ancient Mediterranean with the whole family on this learning adventure through myth and history. A carefully planned assortment of lectures and tours – as well as the specially developed Young Explorers Program – make this voyage an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Join us as we start in ancient Rome, seeing the famous Pantheon and the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, before we embark aboard the luxurious, all-suite private yacht Corinthian II. Explore Pompeii, remarkably well preserved under a blanket of volcanic ash; visit the Greek Theater at beautiful Taormina, Sicily; discover mysterious Crete, home of Europe’s first civilization – the Minoan; and take a walking tour of the fortified medieval town of Rhodes. An unforgettable visit to Athens concludes this adventure that is interspersed with several trips to beautiful beaches. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore this remarkable region as a family and create lasting memories of shared learning and discovery.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Great Journey Through Europe
With Professor John Micgiel
July 13–July 25, 2008
No river evokes the romance of Europe more than the Rhine River, steeped in history and legend for countless centuries. From its source high in the Swiss Alps to its delta in the North Sea, it traces a course past castles, idyllic villages, terraced vineyards, soaring Gothic cathedrals and the mythical Lorelei Rock. Please join us on this eleven-night journey along the Rhine and into the heart of the Swiss Alps through a unique combination of river and rail travel.
Alongside Professor John Micgiel, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Europe at Columbia University, cruise from Amsterdam to The Netherlands, to Basel, Switzerland, and view the treasures of a river that has functioned as the cultural crossroads of half a continent, the meeting point of the Latin and Germanic worlds. Walk where Roman legionaries once marched; stroll the narrow streets of medieval university towns; stand before the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral, a monument from the Age of Faith; and relax in a street side café over a refreshing glass of Riesling, the Rhine’s famous white wine.
From Basel, travel overland through the countryside and medieval villages of Switzerland to the idyllic resorts of Zermatt and Lucerne, and spend four days exploring the majestic Alps. View the ice-carved pinnacle of the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Bahn, cross the mountainous backbone of Switzerland aboard the Glacier Express and ride a cog railway up Mount Pilatus for panoramic vistas of Lake Lucerne. This program includes numerous guided tours and special excursions, along with a series of special lectures and informal discussions with Professor Micgiel exploring the history and politics of the region. Capacity is limited so we urge you to book your reservation early for this “Grand Tour” though the heart of Europe.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Waterways of Russia
With Professor Rebecca Stanton
July 19–July 31, 2008
 We invite you to join our guest lecturer, Professor Rebecca Jane Stanton, fellow alumni, family and friends as we explore the history, sights and culture of Russia. The timeless pageant that is Russia reveals itself in the system of rivers, lakes and canals that link Moscow with St. Petersburg. Between these two great metropolitan centers lies countryside seemingly untouched by the 20th century. Golden-domed churches rise out of the early morning mist, and quaint wooden villages line the verdant landscape along the banks of Russia’s great “blue road” of inland waterways.
You will first be introduced to the fabled city of Moscow, the political and commercial capital of the world’s largest country and the cultural frontier between East and West. From Moscow, cruise for six nights through the heartland of Mother Russia, where daily life continues at the measured pace it has kept for generations. Here, villagers still dwell in traditional cottages and preserve the folkways of their ancestors. Orthodox churches and fortified monasteries testify to the abiding faith of the Russian people. We conclude out program in St. Petersburg, Russia’s “window on the West,” the majestic legacy of the most visionary of czars, Peter the Great.
Carefully crafted and evenly paced, this unique program will appeal not only to the first-time traveler to Russia, but also to the return visitor curious to see the astounding changes that have taken place in Russia’s two most important cities.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Total Solar Eclipse in Mongolia
With Dr. Bettina Birge
July 20–August 3, 2008
 Mongolia brings to mind images of Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the wide-open steppes. Next summer, add to this the rare opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse.
Join Columbia alumna and USC Professor Bettine Birge on this as we see the temples and monasteries of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. Stay in a comfortable ger (yurt) camp in the Gobi Desert to explore the spectacular red rock mountains, narrow canyons and immense sand dunes. Then, fly to western Mongolia where we set our own private camp near the centerline of the Path of Totality. Few phenomena have inspired and humbled humans throughout the ages as a total solar eclipse. As we watch from this ideal position, the sky will slowly dim and all eyes, protected by special filters, will be riveted on the sun to take in the moment when the sun disappears behind the moon - totality - and night will fall for approximately 2:09 minutes.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, but you must make sure it is the right trip for you. It is moderately active and travels over gravel roads in the countryside. So bring your sense of adventure for this rare opportunity to explore Mongolia and see history unfold before your eyes.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Celtic Lands
With Guest Lecturer Dr. Charles King
August 15–August 26, 2008
 For more than 2,000 years, the Celts inhabited the rugged margins of northwestern Europe. From their remote homelands in Brittany, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, they exerted a powerful influence on Europe–an influence far out of proportion to their numbers. In their role as missionaries and scholars, they kept alight the flames of faith and scholarship during the Middle Ages; as explorers and soldiers, they helped found overseas empires; and as artists and poets, they captured visions and preserved them for generations to come.
Join Guest Lecturer Dr. Charles King, alumni and friends, as we cruise for ten nights on a remarkable voyage of discovery from the verdant shoreline of northern France, through the dark blue waters of the Celtic and Irish Seas and around the misty, legend-haunted islands and Highlands of Scotland. During the course of our journey, view the cultural treasures of Dublin, participate in the enduring Celtic traditions of North Wales and immerse yourself in the stark beauty and solitude of Scotland’s Hebrides and Orkney Islands. This unique itinerary also allows you the opportunity to experience the living heritage of the Celtic people on exclusive guided tours. We hope you will explore the scenic coasts of France and the British Isles on this wonderful excursion through the historic Celtic heartland.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Ukraine Exploration
With Professor Kenneth T. Jackson
August 28–September 12, 2008
Dive into the multi-hued sea of Ukrainian cultures in this in-depth exploration. Bigger than either France or Germany, Ukraine is less frequented and more unspoiled, hidden away as it was inside the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century.
Learn about the Hutsul people of the Carpathian Mountains, whose brilliant costumes, songs and dances have become a symbol of Ukraine. Wander the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus, a 6th century BC outpost on the shores of the sunny Black Sea. Tour a khan’s palace built by the remnants of Genghis Khan’s armies in Europe. Linger in beautiful Kiev, center of Eastern Slavic culture and discover World War II sites and history along with Professor Kenneth T. Jackson.
This program will be Professor Jackson’s ninth Alumni Travel Study program as host and study leader and his fourth to the former Soviet Union. He looks forward to leading a series of lectures and informal discussions focusing on the eastern front in World War II, and the fighting in Ukraine and on the Crimean Peninsula.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Mediterranean Music Festival
September 6–17, 2008
 It is our pleasure to invite you on a musical adventure from Athens to Venice, where you will have the opportunity to hear special concerts in the most spectacular ancient, medieval and Renaissance settings located along the coasts of Greece and its islands, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, as well as enjoy onboard chamber recitals while the ship sails the indigo waters of the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic seas.
The musical events promise to be utterly magical, and together with the other unique adventures that await you—be it a luncheon at an organic 17th-century farm on Crete or a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets of Montenegro’s stunning medieval city of Kotor—this voyage promises to be nothing short of its own kind of unforgettable opus. Every day will feature a musical performance by our extraordinary, world renowned onboard musicians and performers. From pianists to singers and violinists, musical talents will be shared and treasured.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Island Life in Ancient Greece
With Professor William Harris
September 23–October 1, 2008
 Discover the legendary Aegean Sea and the lands of the Greek gods and heroes on a seven-night cruise aboard the M.S. Le Diamant. Please join our host, Professor William Harris, and fellow alumni as we sail from Athens to Istanbul through ancient waters and make calls at Mykonos (Delos), Santorini, Rhodes (Lindos) and Patmos, Greece; and Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Canakkale (Troy), Turkey. On this program, follow in the wake of Odysseus to Troy; explore the island of Artemis and Apollo at Delos; and stroll through the streets, temples and monuments of Ephesus, one of the grandest ancient city standing in the world today. Relish Greek history and mythology as well as the cultural traditions of the people of the Greek Isles as they are brought to life through lectures and tours.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Circumnavigation of Sicily
With Professor Richard Billows
September 24–October 2, 2008
 On this circumnavigation of Sicily aboard the all-suite Corinthian II, you will discover more than 3,000 years of diverse cultural innovation – wave after wave of new peoples, new ideas, and new artistic techniques sweeping the island of Etna, leaving in their wake sublime temples, great cities, captivating villages, and extraordinary works of art. Our journey includes a treasure trove of riches, from the Doric temples of the ancient Greeks to the colossal works of the Romans and the spectacular artistic achievements of the Byzantine era. Also discover Sicily’s inviting towns, including medieval Erice and historic Monreale, with its Norman Cathedral. Late September is an ideal time to explore this storied island. The temperature is ideal for touring the sites, and the summer crowds of visitors are gone.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Africa by Private Jet
With Professor Mamadou Diouf
October 6–October 26, 2008
Travel with world-renowned experts for a privileged, private, and personal entrée into the extraordinary land and seascapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultures of South Africa, Namibia, Victoria Falls, Botswana, Madagascar, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Seychelles. Enjoy the ultimate in luxury as you are whisked from one destination to the next on our specially-configured corporate private jet accompanied by two pilots, three flight attendants, and a dedicated engineer.
Bask in the splendor of the rosewood villas of Madagascar’s Anjajavy beach resort. Unwind in the luxurious bush pavilions of Botswana’s Mombo and Little Mombo Camps. Immerse yourself in the historic quarters of The Victoria Falls Hotel. And enjoy many others of the world’s finest and most interesting accommodations. Dine at festive banquets featuring local delicacies and traditional cultural performances. And overnight in some of the world’s finest boutique accommodations, available only to smaller groups.
Go beyond the main itinerary, with your choice of personalized excursions along the way. Whether you want to take a cooking class, visit a school, or hike off the beaten path, we will ensure that your travels are tailored for you.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
China & the Yangtze River
With Professor Thomas Bernstein
October 12–28, 2008
 Come along with us on the journey of a lifetime to China with Professor Thomas Bernstein and fellow alumni. China is one of the world's oldest civilizations, consisting of states and cultures dating back more than six millennia. It has the longest continuously used written language system, and has been the source of some of the world's great inventions, including the Four Great Inventions of ancient China: paper, the compass, gunpowder, and printing.
Our program begins in Shanghai, where you will get a chance to tour the world class Shanghai Museum and view an extraordinary collection of Chinese bronzes, jade, pottery, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, old coins and furniture. Stop in 2,500 year old Suzhou, a canal city, representing the apogee of ancient China's urban sophistication. Tour the I.M. Pei Museum, an architectural masterpiece built in his family's home city. See Tiger Hill Pagoda and learn about a classic Chinese art form at the Embroidery Institute. Cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, a small tourist town providing superb views of the eerie landscape. Join countless travelers lured to the city of Xian to see 7,000 terra cotta warriors viewed in the suite at the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. You will even learn how to make Chinese noodles during a lunch demonstration.
We conclude our adventure in Beijing, home to the 2008 Olympics, where we will visit the Great Wall of China, and Mutianyu, a less visited section of the wall with cable car availability and striking, panoramic views. Explore the labyrinth-like walkways and wooden gates embellished with carvings to protect inhabitants from ghosts and intruders. There will also be a Children's Acrobatic Show and a performance of Chinese Face Changing Masks, multiple changes in split seconds that astound the eye. We hope you will join us on this exclusive Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program adventure.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Village Life Along the Dalmatian Coast
With Professor Karen Barkey
October 14–22, 2008
 This nine-day travel program offers the finest cruising in the Adriatic. Join us on a voyage of discovery as we sail from the legendary city of Venice across the dark blue Adriatic Sea and along Dalmatia’s ruggedly beautiful, island-dotted shoreline, a boater’s paradise. Explore the Roman legacy of Split, walk in the footsteps of Marco Polo in his medieval birthplace of Korcula, and step back into the Renaissance era in Dubrovnik.
A full program of educational and cultural enrichment including: a specially arranged wine tasting at a vineyard near Korcula, a folklore performance of the Klapa, a traditional Croatian vocal ensemble, and a presentation about restoration efforts in Venice by a former UNESCO conversationalist. This all-encompassing cruise experience will leave you breathless, as you experience both the cultural and the natural treasures of Venice and Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, a sell-out every year.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths
With Professor Patricia Grieve
October 20–Nov 2, 2008
 At a time when all of Europe was shrouded in the dark ages, a glorious civilization sprang up in the provinces of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is conventional to refer to this civilization as “Moorish”, but in fact it was a hybrid of three powerful cultural forces: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Accompany Columbia alumni, family, and friends as we explore some of the most splendid cities where these cultures and faiths coexisted.
We will start in Naples, Italy and set sail to Palermo, Sicily’s capital, a vibrant reflection the myriad of cultures and faiths that have called this island home. Next we visit Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C., and tour ancient museums and sanctuaries. The Grand Harbor of Valletta on the isle of Malta provides a dramatic landscape as we sail into port. Site of the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, Valletta is renowned for its splendid collection of monuments. Our itinerary also includes stops in Crete, Rhodes, Turkey, Gallipoli and Istanbul before concluding in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Around the World by Private Jet
With Dr. Art Lerner-Lam
October 29–Nov. 22, 2008
Come with us Around the World — an expedition of 25 astounding days that will take you from the ancient mysteries of Easter Island to the stunning opulence of Dubai and the vast expanse of the Serengeti Plain. This is a life list all in a single journey.
A private Boeing 757 jet has been outfitted for your comfort, designed for business-class ease. A world-class flight crew, expedition staff, and trip physician are always at hand to attend to your comfort. Join Dr. Arthur Lerner-Lam, Columbia University Adjunct Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Doherty Senior Research Scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, fellow alumni and friends as we span the globe by private jet, touching down in remote and legendary places.
Your journey includes many of the world’s most exquisite hotels, as well as its most remote wonders. As we circle the globe, our jet will be your home away from home with an expedition staff that is devoted to making your global adventures seamless, stunning, and memorable. And you’ll be joined by like-minded travelers from Georgetown University, Penn State, and Tufts.
So much is waiting for you — these few pages can give you only a glimpse of what’s in store.
We hope you’ll take a few minutes now to let your dreams take flight.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Landmark Ancient Sites of the Mediterranean
With Professor Manning Marable
November 9–21, 2008
Nowhere in the world does natural beauty come together with magnificent ancient remains like the Mediterranean. Trace the progress of Western civilization’s greatest empires on an idyllic cruise from Athens to Granada. Every day brings a new marvel: from celebrated sites in Greece, including the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, once considered the meeting place of heaven and earth, to the lesser visited, dramatic ruins of North Africa, including Tunisia’s legendary remains of Carthage, and the Roman ruins at Djemila in Algeria.
Along the way, visit the islands of Sicily, which has witnessed the rise and fall of every major civilization in the Mediterranean, and Sardinia, with its Phoenician remains. The grand voyage concludes in Granada, the pride of the Moors, with a visit to the fabled Alhambra Palace. One of the greatest challenges faced today by those responsible for ancient cultural sites is maintaining the delicate balance between conserving these fragile resources and making them available to increasing numbers of visitors. While respecting the delicacy of the cultures and communities visited, this program allows its participants a close-up view of ancient civilization and the modern world.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Golf Cruise to Southern Spain and Morocco
With Columbia University Golf Coach Rich Mueller
December 8–17, 2008
 Indulge both your zeal for adventure and your passion for golf during the idyllic late autumn weather in Southern Spain and Morocco. Our cruise aboard the intimate Callisto from Malaga to Casablanca combines spellbinding sightseeing, breathtaking vistas and 5 rounds of golf with Coach Mueller and Rick Howard, a PGA Master Teaching Professional.
Choose an excellent sightseeing program or a challenging round of golf at a premier club. In Malaga, play the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, host to the World Cup in 1973 and 1989 or visit Granada, site of the celebrated Alhambra. On Gibraltar, ascend to the top of the Rock, visit St. Michael’s Cave and Nelson’s Anchorage and travel to the Andalusian “white town,” Casares, and play with the famed tailless monkeys or play another round at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. masterpiece and the Club de Golf Valderrama, host club for the 1997 Ryder Cup.
In Casablanca, play the glorious Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Royal Dar Es Salam Golf Club while others sightsee in Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Sightseeing stops also include Tangier and fabled Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Our final round of golf is played at El Jadida Royal, designed by Cabell Robinson and ranked by Golf Digest as the premier course in Morocco.
This program is perfectly suited to duffers, seasoned golfers and their “widowing” mates and the onboard 19th-hole is a gathering place for all aboard! Sign up today as space is limited.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Tanzania Holiday Family Program
With Dr. Alonso Aguirre
December 22–Jan 3, 2008
Come along with us as we return to Tanzania for another holiday family program with fellow alumni as we embark upon an extraordinary safari through the Serengeti Plains. You will feel a little like Indiana Jones as you climb into the safari vehicle with your expert guide, who is also eager for adventure. Our tour begins in Arusha where we experience rural village life and perhaps join in a friendly soccer game with the locals. As a family, you will be able to kindle the spirit of exploration while camping out in the Tarangire National Park surrounded by wildlife. You’ll have the opportunity to camp at the Ngorongoro Crater as well as the Serengeti National Park where the Zinjanthropus “Man” was discovered in 1959. From endless plains to incredible sunsets, this journey will leave you in awe.
Young travelers will explore the timeless beauty of Tanzania as members of the Adventurers Club. Before the tour, they will be matched with pen pals from the local villages whom they will meet on the second day. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey to see the variety of wildlife and breathtaking landscape of endless plains, giant baobab trees, and umbrella acacias.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Celebrate the New Year in St. Petersburg, Russia
including an Invitation to the Czar’s Ball
With Professor Richard Wortman
December 26, 2008–Jan 2, 2009
 What better way to ring in the New Year than by raising your champagne glass with Columbia University’s Imperial Russian history scholar, Professor Richard Wortman, fellow alumni, family and friends in historic St. Petersburg at a recreation of a legendary Czar’s Ball. This exclusive program includes six nights’ accommodations at the lovely Astoria Hotel, a tour of the renowned Hermitage Museum, including its breathtaking Scythian Gold collection and a backstage visit and evening performance at one of St. Petersburg’s magnificent theaters. A full day city sightseeing program begins with a service at the Alexander Nevsky Church, continues to majestic St. Isaac’s Cathedral and then across the Neva River to reach the remarkable Peter and Paul Fortress. One of St. Petersburg’s original buildings, the complex included a prison and the vaulted burial site for all but two of Russia’s czars since Peter the Great. Spend a full day in the countryside – local transportation by horse-drawn troika – visiting two of Russia’s exquisite palaces: Alexander’s Palace, a favorite of Nicholas and Alexandra, and Pavlovsk, the palace of Paul I and a favorite of locals.
Participants will enjoy each other’s company during two caviar and champagne receptions – a welcome reception in the hotel and a farewell reception at the legendary Usupoff Palace, where a group of Russian nobles tried to assassinate Rasputin in 1916.
The ultimate highlight of your stay in the “Venice of the North“ takes place at Catherine’s Palace, a fully restored Baroque masterpiece offering gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers and, through the elaborate use of fresh roses and lilies, the atmosphere of a sweet summer garden. The Czar’s Ball is an extraordinary New Year’s Eve event filled with intoxicating memories from the moment of your arrival into the throne room – a cocktail reception, 6-course dinner, unlimited spirits, and a complete entertainment program of ballet, opera, Cossack singing and dancing, bell ringing, fireworks and dancing until the next morning.
Celebrate the arrival of 2009 in an incomparable fashion – St. Petersburg, an experience you’ll never forget.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Programs for 2008 (tentative)
Antarctica
With Dr. Mark A. Cane
January 30–February 12, 2009
 “Icebergs hang upside-down in the sky, the land appears as layers of silvery or golden clouds, cloud banks look like land, and icebergs masquerade as islands.”
– Sir Ernest Shackleton, renowned Antarctic explorer
Welcome to Antarctica, Earth’s final frontier. Join Columbia University’s Professor of Earth and Climate Sciences, Dr. Mark A. Cane, on this exhilarating journey through fantastically shaped icebergs, penguin rookeries and viewings of breaching whales. We begin the program in Buenos Aires where you can visit the magnificent turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts palaces and villas on a special cultural tour. Before embarking on the M.S. Le Diamant, explore Ushuaia and its surrounding snowcapped mountains, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls. Under the guidance of Professor Cane and our program’s expert naturalists, discover Earth’s most pristine wilderness, where towering mountains of ice and lava rise abruptly out of the ocean, and constantly changing patterns of ice stretch as far as the eye can see. In this seemingly harsh environment, a vast array of wildlife flourishes, including millions of penguins, thousands of seals and whales and countless seabirds.
From spectacular topography and majestic glaciers to fascinating wildlife and historic outposts, this itinerary incorporates many destinations for the complete Antarctica experience.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Island Life in Tahiti & French Polynesia
with Professor Pegi Vail
February 1–9, 2009
 Created by ancient submarine volcanoes and sculpted by waves and wind over countless millennia, the enchanting isles of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea have beckoned travelers to their coasts for centuries. We invite you to join Professor Pegi Vail, fellow alumni, family and friends as we discover this earthly paradise.
Follow in the wake of ancient Polynesian mariners aboard our four-masted sailing vessel, the S.Y. Star Flyer, a four-star "tall ship" reminiscent of those used on the great voyages of the 19th century. Explore the fascinating culture and history of the South Pacific during this spectacular seven-night voyage to a land where forest-clad mountains, fragrant with the scent of tiare blossoms, rise dramatically from the azure waters of tropical lagoons and the ancient customs and traditional hospitality of the islanders survive to the present day.
Tahiti is rich in cultural history and to enhance your travel experience further, we have arranged for an in-depth private lecture on the ecology, culture and natural history of the region by a resident environmental expert. Included on this program are exclusive expert-led excursions, occasions to meet with islanders to learn about daily life in Polynesia and an aquatic program offering opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive. Island Life in Tahiti and French Polynesia is an ideal program for exploring the region’s alluring beauty, culture and way of life.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Around the World by Private Jet
With Professor Xiaobo Lu
February 2–25, 2009
 We invite you to join Professor Xiaobo Lu, former Director of Columbia University’s prestigious Weatherhead East Asian Institute and Professor of Political Science, Barnard College and Columbia University, fellow alumni, family and friends on an extraordinary 24-day journey around the world on a specially-configured Boeing 757 private jet, exploring the most treasured and legendary places on Earth; places that have inspired and captured the imagination of humankind for centuries.
Climb the terraced steps and touch the seamless walls of the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Feel the protective gaze of the Easter Island moai statues. Bask in the radiant beauty of lush tropical Samoa. Immerse yourself in the underwater splendor of the Great Barrier Reef. Take in awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas from Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Welcome the sun among Angkor Wat’s astoundingly beautiful temples and watch it set before the majesty of the Taj Mahal. Stand enthralled amid Africa’s greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania. Come face-to-face with the mysterious Sphinx in the company of the ancient Pyramids. Savor the exotic scents of spices and foods in the souks of Fez.
A top-notch expedition staff, including a dedicated physician, will travel with us. As each day’s adventures draw to a close, we’ll delight in lavish banquets on occasion accompanied by traditional entertainment. And, of course, we’ll unwind in some of world’s finest accommodations. We welcome your inquiry and reservation for what promises to be a richly rewarding, unique life experience.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Wonders of the Galapagos Islands
With Dr. Richard Seager
February 6–14, 2009
 Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the publication of “The Origin of the Species” and the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin.
“The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable… the greater number of its inhabitants, both vegetable and animal, being found nowhere else.” Charles Darwin’s keen yet simple observation of the Galapagos Islands lies at the heart of his theory of evolution. Today, with 95% of its natural biodiversity still intact, the Galapagos Archipelago is a “living laboratory of evolution” and is still the home of the exotic birds, animals and plants that inspired Darwin and made the islands a nature lover’s dream destination.
Join Dr. Richard Seager of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, fellow alumni, family and friends for the journey of a lifetime aboard our state of the art expedition vessel, the M.V. Santa Cruz. Excursions are led by a highly-qualified team of certified naturalists, who will enhance your understanding of this fascinating and mysterious realm. With few natural predators on the islands, the abundant wildlife is nearly fearless and accepts human company up close to an extent found nowhere else. Here you can walk among the 400 pound tortoises, almost touch the spiny-backed iguanas and snorkel alongside tropical penguins.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
The Route to Distant Islands: The Falklands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha
on a Voyage from Patagonia to Cape Town
February 28–March 23, 2009
 Travel alongside seasoned lecturers, fellow alumni, family and friends during the southern hemisphere's late summer months on the Corinthian II, an intimate luxury cruise vessel, as it plies a route utterly unknown to cruise ships of our era: from Cape to Cape, continent to continent, the most southerly point in South America to the most southerly point in Africa.
Occasionally, racing yachts try elements of this course, which was partially explored by James Cook in the 1770s. This voyage encompasses the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands, South Georgia and the most remote inhabited island on Earth, the fishing settlement of Tristan da Cunha. A night in Buenos Aires will be travelers’ last experience of the urban world for 20 days, until disembarkation in Cape Town. Rugged, rocky, windswept islands, crowned by tussock grasses and ice-capped peaks, are the congregation points for thousands of penguins, albatross, shearwaters and prions, making them a bird-watcher’s paradise, while whales surface from the deep all along our route.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Australia and New Zealand
(including a Great Barrier Reef Cruise)
With Dr. Kevin Griffin
March 1–14, 2009
 Please join Dr. Kevin Griffin of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, fellow alumni, family and friends on an exceptional 14-day journey that provides a perfect introduction to the natural and cultural treasures of New Zealand and Australia. Begin in Queenstown; enjoy a Gondola ride up Bob’s Peak, a visit to Arrowtown, the historic mining settlement and a stop at the Kawarau Bridge, a famous site for bungee jumping. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, a classic steamer, and a special dinner at the Walter Peak Sheep Station. View New Zealand’s Southern Alps cruising along stunning Milford Sound to Te Anau. Visit Christchurch, a city renowned for its English ambiance. You will have unique opportunities to experience the region’s cultures, including a specially arranged meal with local families in Christchurch.
During three nights in Sydney, tour Chinatown, the Rocks area, Harbor Bridge and Bondi Beach. Other highlights include a special behind-the-scenes tour of the stunning Sydney Opera House and an intimate Sydney harbor sunset cruise. Fly to Townsville to board the Coral Princess II, a perfect vessel for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the islands of Pelorus and Dunk as well as the Nathan and Thetford Reefs. Be amazed at the pristine coral reefs viewed from a glass bottom boat or while snorkeling in the warm, inviting water. An onboard marine biologist will discuss the ongoing efforts to sustain this tremendous natural asset. In Cairns, delve into the history of the Aborigines during a visit to the Tjapukai Cultural Park.
From spectacular scenery to stunning cities and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, this itinerary incorporates many experiences into a perfect Australia and New Zealand travel program.
Please download a brochure or request a copy via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore
With Professor James Danoff-Burg
March 3–14, 2009
Sail from Phuket aboard the intimate S.Y. Flyer, a four-masted barkentine, with James Danoff-Burg, Associate Director of Columbia University’s Center for Environment, Economy, and Society (CEES), fellow alumni, family and friends on this delightful seven-night cruise through the sublime paradise of the Andaman Sea. Port calls include the idyllic Similan Islands, Phang Nga, Ko Hong and Ko Adang in Thailand as well as Penang and Malacca, Malaysia before disembarking in extraordinary Singapore. Immerse yourself in the incomparable beauty of these untouched isles and experience the legendary warmth and hospitality of their people.
This exclusive itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural and cultural treasures of the Malay Peninsula. Private and customized shore excursions with the best English-speaking guides and local experts will provide insight into Southeast Asian history and culture. Discover the Malay Peninsula’s fascinating melting pot of cultures, forged by a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Javanese, Indian and European influences.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
South Africa by Sea
March 20–April 3, 2009
 South Africa is as wild, diverse and dramatic as one can imagine. It is old: 117,000 years ago, Homo sapiens walked through its lagoons; its striated mountain plateaus and elephant populations retain the memories of millennia. And it is young: 15 years after the fall of apartheid, barely a decade into its new multicultural constitution, it is experiencing an amazing Renaissance. Its wines rival those of California and Australia; soon, it will host the World Cup.
Aboard Corinthian II, this voyage to South Africa’s stunning, multi-faceted coastal regions begins with the Stellenbosch wine country and the bold Cape Peninsula mountains. We then cruise east, taking in Port Elizabeth’s Victorian architecture, Addo Elephant National Park where over 300 herd graze and the expansive acacia woodland of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, home to rare black rhinos. Humpback whales might be sighted off the bow as we forge through Richards Bay into colorful, cosmopolitan, polyglot Durban. With the dramatic, endlessly changing South African coast before us, Corinthian II provides the ideal means for exploring a nation of such remarkable variety.
We hope you will join fellow alumni, friends and family on this remarkable journey.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Sicily
April 26–May 4, 2009
 On this adventure to Sicily aboard the all-suite Corinthian II, you will discover more than 3,000 years of diverse cultural innovation – wave after wave of new people, new ideas, and new artistic techniques sweeping the island of Etna, leaving in their wake sublime temples, great cities, captivating villages, and extraordinary works of art. Our journey includes a treasure trove of riches, from the Doric temples of the ancient Greeks to the colossal works of the Romans and the spectacular artistic achievements of the Byzantine era. Also discover Sicily’s inviting towns, including medieval Erice and historic Monreale, with its Norman Cathedral. Spring is an ideal time to explore this storied island. The temperature is ideal for touring the sites, and the summer crowds of visitors are gone. We welcome fellow alumni, family and friends on this exploration of the wonders of Sicily.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Bordeaux and the Delectable Dordogne
With Professor Stephen Murray
April 28–May 8, 2009
 Join Professor Stephen Murray, fellow alumni, family and friends discovering Bordeaux and the Dordogne. Our pre-program begins with two nights in Bordeaux, an ancient port, the center of France’s wine trade and a bustling city renowned for its elegant boulevards and classic 18-th century architecture. We’ll visit the city’s main highlights and also journey north along the Gironde into the Medoc, the picturesque region known for its beautiful countryside, classic chateaux and prestigious vineyards. We will then travel into the heart of Dordogne, where all of France’s provincial charms have been funneled into one of Europe’s most beautiful and best preserved medieval villages, Sarlat-la-Caneda. Here among the village’s 14th-century cobblestone streets, delightful cafes and traditional market, we will experience the rich culture, fascinating history and rhythms of daily life in Dordogne while enjoying accommodations in the family-owned Hotel de la Madeleine.
We have arranged exclusive guided excursions to the region’s most important landmarks including the legendary shrines of Rocamadour, the prehistoric drawings of Rouffignac Cave and the medieval Castle of Beynac. Our tours will capture the authentic character of the historic villages of this region and will be further enhanced through lectures, the sampling of regional specialties at daily meals, and interactions with local residents who share their perspectives and insights into life in the Dordogne.
Don’t miss the delightful opportunity to travel into this lovely yet unexplored region of France.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Garden of the Gods
With Professor Richard Billows
May 1–11, 2009
 We invite you to join Columbia University’s Classics Professor Richard Billows, fellow alumni, friends and family for an intimate voyage of discovery as we cruise the Aegean Sea and witness the wonders of ancient Greece aboard the magnificent 50 cabin Clelia II.
Spring provides the perfect setting for a cruise to the fabled Greek islands; an abundance of wildflowers blanket the craggy hillsides and enhance the exceptionally striking settings of Greece’s ancient temples and ruins. These monuments bring to life the spirit of the civilization that created them. Our handcrafted itinerary is notable for its variety of sites, which includes the renowned sites of Santorini, Ephesus and Crete as well as lesser-known sites, which are nonetheless as evocative and important. Discover the remote island of Kythira, birthplace of Aphrodite and a long time possession of the Venetian doges; explore Patmos, where St. John received his revelation; Syros, known for its neoclassical architecture and Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Travel with us to the Garden of the Gods at a time of the year when the garden is its most beautiful.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Ancient Lost Cities of Libya & Tunisia
May 26–June 5, 2009
 Please join fellow alumni, family and friends as we travel from Barcelona aboard the intimate Corinthian II across the Mediterranean to Tunisia’s cosmopolitan capital of Tunis to visit the renowned Bardo Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Punic, Roman and early Christian art. We visit the Roman and early Christian remains of ancient Carthage. From our next port of call, Sfax, we visit El Djem to explore the remains of a 35,000 seat Roman theater.
We continue to Libya, housing the richest trove of ancient sites in the region and only recently re-opened to American travelers. Tripoli offers an exotic mixture of colorful souks and architecture as the medina, the medieval Islamic walled town, overlaps the ancient Roman city. From Tripoli we visit Carthaginian Sabratha which flourished in Roman times. Our journey continues to Leptis Magna, the capital of Roman North Africa; the city achieved prominence in the 3rd century under the Severan emperors whose lavish building scheme embellished the city with extraordinary structures. Our last Libyan port is Derna enabling us to visit Cyrene, one of the great ancient Greek cities. Its substantial ruins and monuments testify to its past wealth and power. Our sightseeing program culminates with a visit to the historically rich town of Chania on the island of Crete. The town’s sunny squares and neighborhoods preserve many reminders of the Venetian, Turkish and Sephardic Jewish traders who once inhabited the island; the Kastelli excavation and the Bronze Age artifacts in the archeological museum reveal evidence of Mycenaean settlements.
This promises to be an extraordinary journey to rarely visited archeological sites.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Black Sea Discovery
Guest Lecturer Dr. Charles King
May 28–June 8, 2009
 Join fellow alumni, friends, family and Georgetown University’s Professor Charles King on this twelve-day adventure which includes a deluxe, seven-night cruise along the Danube from Budapest to Oltenita, Romania. Our program includes guided sightseeing and a folklore performance in Budapest. We’ll continue along the Danube to Kalocsa, founded by St. Stephen and Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. We’ll cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, separating Europe’s Alps from the Carpathian Mountains. We’ll wend our way into Bulgaria and tour Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital. We’ll travel via the 40 mile long Black Sea Canal to reach Constanta, on the shores of the Black Sea. After disembarking at Oltenita, we travel via motorcoach to Bucharest. Our Bucharest-based program includes a full day’s excursion into Transylvania in the Carpathian Mountains to visit Bran Castle, the 14th century castle considered the home of the legendary Romanian vampires.
Professor King, a scholar and author of numerous historical and political articles and essays, is author of The Black Sea: A History (2004) and the recently released The Ghost of Freedom: A History of the Caucasus. His insight, knowledge of Romanian history, culture and language will enlighten you as you cruise along on this exceptional journey.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
Turkey
May 30–June 14, 2009
 Join fellow alumni, family and friends in fascinating Turkey, a country that geographically and culturally straddles east and west. Begin in legendary Istanbul, aka Constantinople and Byzantium; a city divided by the Bosphorus, separating Europe from Asia. Experience Old Istanbul, home of splendid mosques, magnificent palaces and the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place. Tour the Blue Mosque with its six slender minarets and collection of 20,000 Iznik tiles and 260 stained glass windows. Be amazed by renowned Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD as the world’s grandest Cathedral; converted into a mosque in the 16th century, it is now a museum of Byzantine treasures under extensive restoration. Spend time in splendid Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans and in the restored Dolmabahce Palace. Shop in the cacophonous Grand Bazaar, the exotic Spice Market and cruise along the Bosphorus.
Travel to the battlefields of Gallipoli and cross the Straits of the Dardanelles to explore the ruins and relics of legendary Troy. Visit Pergamum, once one of the richest small kingdoms in Asia Minor and Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved ancient city and once site of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
In Marmaris, we board our gulets, replicas of traditional Turkish fishing boats to spend 5 days traveling along the coastline that Mark Antony is said to have given Cleopatra as a wedding gift. Nature’s gift to all those who travel here, the coast offers majestic scenery and crystal clear waters; daily sightseeing visits ancient Lycian, Greek and Roman sites. With the scent of eucalyptus perfuming the air, and forested mountains as our backdrop, we wend our way to Antalya. From here we’ll end our touring adventures with visits to ancient Perge and Aspendos before flying home. An optional post tour visits Konya, home to the whirling dervishes, the awe-inspiring rock formations of Cappadocia and Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey.
We urge you to sign up today as space on this program is limited.
Please request a copy of the brochure via the Web using the Inquiry Form. You can also call us toll-free at (866) 3ALUMNI.
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