F AMILY A DVENTURE IN SPONSORED BY AUGUST 8-16,

Transcription

1 F AMILY A DVENTURE IN SWITZERLAND SPONSORED BY AUGUST 8-16,

2 A SINGLE DAY IS ENOUGH TO MAKE US A LITTLE LARGER OR, ANOTHER TIME, A LITTLE SMALLER. PAUL KLEE, SWISS ARTIST, Wengen S witzerland is land of raw beauty. A vivid tapestry of emerald valleys, cobalt lakes and sparkling waterfalls, Switzerland is the perfect summer playground for those who love the outdoors! Explore mountain paths, cruise glacial lakes and linger in charming storybook villages. Surrender to the local epicurean delights: rich chocolates, aromatic fondues, delicious cheeses and delectable pastries. Discover what inspired Victorians to follow rosy-cheeked Heidi and abandon their clogged city streets in favor of clear Alpine air. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Explore the radiant Bernese Oberland with special activities planned for our young travelers. Discover Berne, the Swiss capital. Visit the towns and cities of Meiringen, Thun, Spiez, Wengen and Grindelwald. Cruise the pristine waters of Lake Thun. Traverse the idyllic beauty of Aare and Rosenlaui Glacier gorges. Travel to Jungfraujoch and view the Ice Palace and Aletsch Glacier. See beautiful Reichenbach Falls. Alumni Campus Abroad for Families Advantages The unique, value-added features of Alumni Campus Abroad programs deliver an outstanding educational experience in a special environment. Unpack only once for a stay of seven nights and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. A carefully selected hotel provides comfortable accommodations and the perfect base for exploring the region s renowned landmarks and off-the-beatenpath treasures. An extensive meal plan is seasoned with traditional specialties. Meet the People opportunities allow you to interact with local residents and gain personal insight into their everyday lives. Knowledgeable guides lead your excursions and local experts present insightful educational lectures. Experienced Campus and Youth directors ensures attentive service for the duration of your stay. All gratuities for excursion guides and drivers are included.

3 Dear Alumnae and Friends, Switzerland brims with a wild splendor that inspires outdoor escapades. We welcome you and your entire family on this nine-day adventure, an exhilarating ramble from soaring mountain peaks to iridescent glaciers to lush green valleys. Experience Swiss culture and embrace the particularly Swiss trait of extracting the most from life. Travel experts have meticulously planned this exciting program, which showcases the highlights of Switzerland. Enjoy preferred access to popular attractions and an exclusive educational program that will enhance your appreciation of the people and the culture. Our educational program features expert local speakers and is the hallmark of the Alumni Campus Abroad programs. This trip combines the security, ease and value of group travel with opportunities for independent exploration. You will enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with a group of like-minded people and, during your free time, feel the thrill of making your own discoveries! Space on this amazing journey is sure to sell quickly. Be sure to make your reservations today. Sincerely, Carrie Brown Ed.M '82 Executive Director Alumnae Association of Smith College Please contact Smith Travel at with questions regarding this tour. Oberhofen Castle, Lake Thun The Swiss are most armed and most free. ~ Niccolò Machiavelli, Italian political philosopher, We have been to the Grindelwald and the Jungfrau, and stood on the summit of the Wengen Alp; and seen torrents of nine hundred feet in fall, and glaciers of all dimensions. ~ Lord Byron, English poet, The night rinses what the day has soaped. ~ Swiss proverb

4 SWITZERLAND A F A M I L Y A D V E N T U R E Make Interlaken your home while you explore this particularly scenic region of Switzerland. Visit charming towns and busy cities. Witness the untamed beauty of Eiger s north face and Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. Travel to breathtaking Engstlenalp. Journey to Jungfraujoch, Europe s highest train station, to view the Aletsch Glacier. Whether you are a young adventurer or an experienced traveler, the call of Switzerland s Bernese Oberland is irresistible. DAY ONE Depart for Zürich, Switzerland, aboard scheduled jet service.* DAY TWO INTERLAKEN D Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Krebs in Interlaken. Excursion: Welcome to Interlaken. Become acquainted with the spectacular setting of this city. Spread beneath the awe-inspiring Bernese Alps, the Victorian beauty and emerald parklands of Interlaken beckon enticingly for exploration. This evening, join fellow travelers at a festive Welcome Reception. Youngsters will also have their own special welcome activity during which they will learn about a special photography exhibit they will design for the Graduation Ceremony. DAY THREE MEIRINGEN & ITS ENVIRONS B/L/D Educational Focus: Introduction to Switzerland. Switzerland s mountains, glaciers, gorges and moors belong to a people of great cultural diversity, eloquently reflected in the country s four languages and complementary attitudes. Study local history and discover the role it played in establishing Switzerland s place in European history. Excursion: It s Elementary ~ An Introduction to Quintessential Switzerland. The day starts with a visit to a family-run dairy farm, where you will learn about the process of making one of the country s most famous foods. Continue to Engstlenalp for a scenic walk to the lake. Your exploration of the great Swiss outdoors continues at the Aare River Gorge. Then visit Reichenbach Falls, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ended the life of his fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. The day concludes in Meiringen, where you will see the 17th-century St. Michael s Church and traditional chalets. Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious Swiss lunch at a restaurant during your excursion. DAY FOUR BERNE, THUN, & SPIEZ B/L This morning, travel to Berne, the Swiss capital, and beautiful, lakeside Thun. Excursion: Berne, Thun and Spiez. Explore Berne before traveling to Thun for a leisurely cruise on Lake Thun. Admire the views of the many castles surrounding the lake. Disembark in Spiez and see its medieval castle. Educational Focus: Swiss Government. Switzerland exercises one of the most direct forms of democracy in the world. Learn how the Swiss government s thriving blend of federal and cantonal power developed. Youth Activity: Bears and Berne. During the lecture, the younger travelers will visit the city s new Bear Park located along the shores of the Aare River. Brown bears have been kept in the city of Berne since the early 1500s.

5 Left: Interlaken Lower left: Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe Below: Berne UNESCO The Old City of Berne and the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch are two UNESCO World Heritage sites featured in this program. These sites are distinguished for their universal scenic, historic, artistic or scientific value. Discover interesting facts and observe Finn and Björk, the park s furry residents. Local Flavor: Stop at a restaurant in Berne for a lunch of Swiss specialties. DAY FIVE LUCERNE B/L Educational Focus: Swiss Neutrality. Learn about the country s neutrality, a unique aspect of Swiss culture and experience a part of Swiss military history during a visit to an underground bunker dating from World War II. Excursion: Lucerne. After a scenic drive, take a walking tour of picturesque Lucerne. Founded in the 12th-century, the town has both Old World and modern flair! Youth Activity: Glacier Garden. Visit the Glacier Garden and a mirror labyrinth while the adults tour Lucerne. Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in town. Youth Activity: A Walk in the Park. This evening, enjoy a visit to the local park and maybe even join a game of soccer. DAY SIX JUNGFRAUJOCH & WENGEN B/L Excursion: The Top of Europe. Travel by train to see mountains sparkling with waterfalls and vast meadows set against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Disembark at Jungfraujoch, Europe s highest train station. Here, enjoy exploring at your leisure. Tour the Ice Palace and admire enchanting vistas from the Sphinx Observation Terrace. Later, visit Wengen, a beautiful resort that maintains a charming, car-free ambience. Youth Activity: Climbing the Walls. After dinner, head to the local climbing hall where you can practice your climbing skills. DAY SEVEN INTERLAKEN B/D Independent Exploration: Today is at leisure in Interlaken. Educational Focus: Meet the People. Meet local residents for an open discussion about life in Switzerland. Youth Activity: Photo Finish. Put the finishing touches on your photo exhibition and enjoy some other craft activities.

6 Left: Aletsch Glacier Lower left: Chapel Bridge, Lucerne DAY EIGHT GRINDELWALD & THE REICHENBACH VALLEY B/L/D Excursion: The Great Outdoors. Nestled in a valley opposite the north face of Eiger is the quintessential Swiss village of Grindelwald. Ascend the famous pass of Grosse Scheidegg through the pure Alpine beauty of fragrant meadows, thick forests and jutting rock formations. Weave your way into Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. Educational Focus: Mountain Climbing. Visit the Grindelwald Museum for a presentation about the development of mountain climbing from its origins to its present-day form. Local Flavor: Enjoy a panoramic view during lunch in the Reichenbach Valley. This evening, participate in a festive Graduation Ceremony and Youth Finale. Then celebrate with fellow travelers at a Swiss Wine and Cheese Farewell Reception and Dinner. During the festivities, local musicians will greet you with traditional alphorns and a yodeling demonstration. DAY NINE B Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.* NOTE: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking. Included meals indicated each day as B/L/D = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. *Provided for Air Program participants. INCLUDED FEATURES Accommodations Spend seven nights in Interlaken at the first-class Hotel Krebs. Meals Enjoy an extensive meal program, including seven breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner. Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently. Sample authentic regional specialties at local restaurants. Attend a special Welcome Reception and Dinner. Gather for a Farewell Reception and Graduation Ceremony followed by a Farewell Dinner. Your Exciting Travel Program (For full details please refer to the day-by-day itinerary.) Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region. All excursions: Explore Meiringen and its environs. Visit Berne and Thun, followed by a cruise across Lake Thun to Spiez. Admire picturesque Lucerne and its surroundings. Take a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch and Wengen. Discover the great, Swiss outdoors in Grindelwald and its environs. Many Included Extras Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure. Services of friendly, professional Campus and Youth directors and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay. Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning. Tipping of excursion guides and drivers. Complimentary travel wallet.

7 A CCOMMODATIONS Thun HOTEL KREBS The 130-year-old Hotel Krebs is a deluxe boutique hotel that combines traditional Swiss architecture with modern amenities. It is named after the Krebs family who owned and operated the hotel for four generations. Built on Interlaken s Bahnhofstrasse and centrally located in Interlaken, the hotel is an easy stroll to the city s attractions, shopping, restaurants and more. Just a short walk from the train station, it also makes an excellent base to explore the surrounding mountains, lakes and cities. The hotel features a terrace offering a view of the mountain peaks of the Bernese Oberland, three restaurants, a 24-hour front desk and Wi-Fi in the lobby. Each guest room features a flat-screen TV, Internet access, a tea and coffee maker, a safe and a hair dryer. Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge

8 Reserve your trip to Switzerland today! For Office Use Only: B #: Date: Trip #: W PSR: Send to: Alumnae Association of Smith College Smith College Travel Program Alumnae House 33 Elm Street Northampton, MA Please contact Smith Travel at or AHI Travel at with questions regarding this trip or to make a reservation. Full Legal Name (exactly as it appears on passport) (1) Title First Middle Last Class Year (2) Title First Middle Last Class Year (3) First Middle Last Child s Age Relation to child: (4) First Middle Last Child s Age Relation to child: Street Address City State ZIP Home: ( ) Office: ( ) Yes, please me information about special travel opportunities. Sharing with. (Form sent separately.) Name(s) you would like on your name badge(s): (1) (2) (3) (4) I/we authorize you to make my/our reservations as follows: Land Program I/we will make my/our own air arrangements and transfers. Please call me/us to discuss my/our air options. I prefer single accommodations at an additional $650 (limited availability). I request assistance in securing a roommate but will accept a single, if one is available at this time, and pay the single supplement. Should a roommate be found, I understand the supplement will no longer apply. Land and Air Program I/we reserve the Land Program and request the round-trip Air Program to Zürich, Switzerland, to depart from: Departure City Please send me information on upgrading my flights. Please note: Air prices will be sent to you with your Reservation Confirmation and air schedule sent at 90 days before departure. International flight arrangements can be canceled with no obligation up to 75 days before departure. Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, first served basis. Reservations to be paid in full by May 25, 2011 (75 days prior to departure). Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full. Final payment may be made by personal check, MasterCard or Visa. Make checks payable to AHI International. Enclosed is a deposit of ($600 per person required) to reserve place(s). Accept my check made payable to AHI International. Charge my deposit to: MasterCard Visa Card # Expires / (Signature as it appears on credit card) Please note: Any payment to AHI International constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out herein, including but not limited to the Cancellation terms.

9 LAND PROGRAM August 9-16, 2011 Full Price Special Savings Special Price Adult $3,195 $250 $2,945* Child $2,895 $250 $2,645* Child $2,445 $250 $2,195* *Special Price valid if booked by the date found on the address panel. VAT is an additional $125 per person. All prices quoted are per person, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise stated). Up to age 16 sharing with 1 adult. Up to age 16 sharing with 2 adults. Single accommodations are an additional $650 (limited availability). AIR PROGRAM August 8-16, 2011 Take advantage of AHI Travel's exclusive Group Air Program, which provides the benefit of specially negotiated rates on major commercial airlines worldwide. Participants enjoy advanced seat assignments on most airlines; guaranteed arrival and departure transfers with baggage handling; a price guarantee that covers airfare, fuel surcharges and all taxes; and many other benefits. AHI can also make flight arrangements for passengers who wish to fly independent of the Group Air Program. All passengers who book their flights through AHI automatically receive flight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms. Please indicate how you would like us to handle your air on the Reservation Form or call us to discuss your flight options. Special business-class upgrades are available on select international flights. AHI Travel's exclusive Air Program provides special advantages for travelers who are flying on our designated group flights. NOT INCLUDED-Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas, entry/departure fees; personal gratuities; laundry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters and meals not mentioned in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; all items of a strictly personal nature. MOBILITY AND FITNESS TO TRAVEL-The right is retained to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion of the total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodations be refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance. AIR TRANSPORTATION-The price of air transportation offered by AHI Travel is based on Advance Purchase Excursion fares. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or canceled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. Passengers who choose to make their own airline reservations independently will be wholly responsible for any airline fees or penalties incurred as a result of program cancellation and/or change in travel dates, or airline schedule(s). CANCELLATION-In addition to airline cancellation penalties, all cancellations for any reason whatsoever will be subject to a $250 per person cancellation fee. Cancellation from 120 days to 76 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 10% of the entire cost of the trip per person; 75 days to 30 days, 50% of the trip cost per person; cancellation from 29 days up to the time of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT FROM SMITH TRAVEL AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI International Corporation. BAGGAGE-Baggage restrictions vary according to the airline policy and the class of service flown. Details will be provided with your pre-departure information. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. Transport of baggage and personal effects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program. AUTHORITY TO USE IMAGES AND AUDIO RECORDINGS - On occasion, AHI Travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip participants, photographic or video images of passengers and trip activities. By participating in this travel program, you authorize AHI Travel, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photographic and video recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included with any videos, in AHI Travel's sales, marketing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities. RESPONSIBILITY - AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. All such persons or entities are independent contractors. As a result, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. In addition and without limitation, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in good faith and based on tariffs, exchange rates and other information current at the time of printing, are subject to change at or before the time of departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger information. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip. Calif. Seller of Travel Reg. No , Fla. ST Reg. No. ST-36196, Iowa ST Reg. No. 520, Nevada ST Reg. No , Ohio ST Reg. No , Wash. State ST Reg. No PARTICIPATING AIRLINES-all IATA and ARC member carriers AHI Travel Printed in the USA

10 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid AHI Travel Top to bottom: Clock tower, Berne Alphorns Jungfrau railway Oberhofen Castle at Lake Thun Cover photos: Experiencing the awe-inspiring majesty of the Swiss Alps on a splendid family hike A word about your Tour Operator AHI Travel is the premier operator of deluxe travel programs sponsored by alumnae associations. Their experienced, professional staff has offered the highest level of service in innovative travel programs since In AHI Travel s care, you can rely on: An exceptional travel value. It would be impossible for an independent traveler to arrange all these unique experiences, inclusions and services at a comparable price. Unique access to local sites. Take advantage of their 48 years of travel experience to gain preferred entrance to popular sites and to uncover the region s hidden treasures. Experienced Travel Directors who attend to every detail of your journey. Benefit from the expertise of local guides who possess authoritative knowledge of the region and offer personal insight into the local culture. Flexibility and customization. Free time during the trip allows you to pursue your own interests. They will also help you tailor your dream trip with add-ons and extensions. Safety and security. In a country where you might not know the language or culture, their professional staff is on hand to ease your way and get you any help you need. Alumnae Association of Smith College Smith College Travel Program Alumnae House 33 Elm Street Northampton, MA SWISSFAM Please call or refer to our website for the most current program information, discounts and pricing. Follow us at twitter.com/ahitravel