ALPINE ADVENTURING IN HELVETIA. September 7 to 18, a program of the stanford alumni association

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y ALPINE ADVENTURING IN HELVETIA September 7 to 18, 2019 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 Mark Twain is quoted as saying that Switzerland would be a mighty big place if it were ironed flat, and Ernest Hemingway described it as a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways. Join Travel/Study favorite Ed Steidle on this unique itinerary, Stanford s first to Switzerland in more than 10 years, as we explore the peaks and valleys of this tiny, pointy, charming and staggeringly beautiful land. We ll travel by almost every conveyance imaginable, from gondola to funicular, from cable car to underground elevator, by boat and train and, most suitably for the region in which European mountaineering originated, on foot, during our ultimate alpine adventure. Come explore with us! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY ZMUTT VALLEY AND THE MATTERHORN Highlights TAKE IN breathtaking views of legendary alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn, the Eiger and the Schilthorn. RIDE Europe s highest aerial cableway from the car-free village of Zermatt up 13,000 feet to highalpine slopes where the snow never melts. HIKE across edelweissspeckled meadows, past glaciers and waterfalls, and through fairytale villages of traditional wooden houses. COVER: GORNERGRAT TRAIN, MATTERHORN REGION KLEINE SCHEIDEGG AND THE EIGER

3 This was Ed s 45th Stanford Travel/Study trip and there s a good reason why he s the best! TOM DEMUND, 57, SCANDINAVIA, 2018 Faculty Leader ED STEIDLE has taught in the literature and the arts track and the Western culture program of the English department as well as offered classes in the literature of late antiquity and the Middle Ages. He also developed the successful Crossroads series for Continuing Studies and is currently offering a series of classes on the Renaissance and its impact on European global expansion from the 15th through 18th centuries. Raised in Europe and educated in Switzerland, Ed has always remained close to the country that he feels triggered his interest in pursuing an academic career. He adds that although scholars often attribute the reappearance of democratic institutions in Europe to the Italian and Flemish communes of the late Middle Ages, they tend to overlook the crucial role of Switzerland in that rebirth. As early as 1291, three cantons had already formed a confederacy that would ultimately become the Swiss Republic. This, among several other major contributions of Switzerland to the modern world, will form part of the subjects that Ed hopes to discuss during our trip. As he says, The impact of Switzerland on the evolution of Europe, from its military and technological innovations to the protection it offered to great Enlightenment figures such as Voltaire and Rousseau and to its central role in many United Nations and other global organizations, cannot be overestimated. Professor, since 1984; has taught in the English department, the graduate program in the humanities and the Continuing Studies program Stanford University BA, English and eastern philosophy, Franklin and Marshall College MA, comparative literature, and PhD, medieval comparative literature, UC-Berkeley S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y MÜRREN SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?switzerland2019 OR BY PHONE: (650)

4 Zürich FRANCE S WITZERLAND Lucerne Mount Pilatus Geneva Lausanne LAVAUX Interlaken Lauterbrunnen Wengen Schilthorn Eiger Jungfrau Ouchy Montreux Mürren Lake Geneva Gimmelwald Matterhorn ITALY Zermatt Gornergrat Andermatt Itinerary SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 & 8 U.S. / ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND / LUCERNE Depart the U.S. on overnight flights, arriving in Zürich on Sunday. Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich, the city s modern art museum, en route to checking in to our hotel, which is perched high above Lake Lucerne. Gather for a welcome champagne toast and a festive dinner to celebrate the beginning of our alpine adventure. HOTEL VILLA HONEGG (9/8: D) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 LUCERNE Ride one of the steepest cogwheel trains in the world to the top of Mount Pilatus for views of Lake Lucerne. Take an optional short hike to the mountain s summit and, in the afternoon, explore Lucerne on foot, visiting its iconic medieval-era bridges the Kapellbrüke, or Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden footbridge in Europe, and the Spreuerbrüke with its 17th-century allegorical Dance of Death paintings. Enjoy time at leisure to discover Lucerne s charms on our own before returning to our hotel by boat. HOTEL VILLA HONEGG (B,D) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 LUCERNE / ANDER- MATT / ZERMATT Walk along the lake s shore to Fortress Fürigen, a World War II-era underground tunnel system that was part of a complex of fortifications built to defend Switzerland s mountain passes in case of invasion. Now a museum, the fortress extends approximately 200 yards under the mountain. Drive to the ski resort of Andermatt to board the Glacier Express, nicknamed the slowest express train in the world. Ride over mountain passes, along rivers, and past villages, waterfalls and glaciers to Zermatt, a car-free village of wooden huts nestled deep in a valley in the shadow of the Matterhorn. THE OMNIA (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 ZERMATT / GORNERGRAT Grab your hiking poles and take the funicular to Sunnegga for a trek that offers wonderful views of the Matterhorn. Hike down or opt to take the funicular back to Zermatt. This afternoon, we board Europe s highest openair cogwheel train on a vertical climb of nearly 5,000 feet over bridges, across forests and through tunnels to the summit of the Gornergrat for panoramic views of the Monte Rose massif and its mighty Matterhorn. THE OMNIA (B,L) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 ZERMATT / MATTERHORN REGION Ride Europe s highest aerial cableway to the Klein Matterhorn summit station. Observe summer skiers, some of whom may be members of the Swiss National Ski Team who train on these slopes year-round. Take an optional detour to the hamlet of Zmutt, a fairytale village of traditional wooden houses. Enjoy a concert of Alpenhorn music in Zermatt s town square or visit Zermatt s Matterhorn Museum, featuring exhibits on village history and artifacts from the first ascent of the Matterhorn in THE OMNIA (B,L) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 ZERMATT / JUNGFRAU REGION / MÜRREN Depart Zermatt by train and, upon arrival in the Jungfrau

5 LAUSANNE region, take a gondola and a quaint single-carriage train to the peaceful village of Mürren. Stroll around town on our own and, this evening, taste Swiss wines in a private cellar before dinner. HOTEL EIGER (B,D) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 MÜRREN / WENGEN / EIGER Spend the day hopping from village to village as we ascend the Jungfrau. Take a local train across the valley, then transfer to a cable car that transports us to Wengen. From Wengen, ride another cable car to Männlichen and hike to the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass, located at the base of the Eiger s North Face. Board the cogwheel Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, and travel through train tunnels carved inside the Eiger. Take in the vertiginous views before returning to Kleine Scheidegg, from where we enjoy even more extraordinary scenery on an easy hike down to the Wengernalp meadow. Hop back on the local train to Wengen and continue on back to Mürren. HOTEL EIGER (B) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 MÜRREN / SCHILTHORN / GIMMELWALD / LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY Ride a series of cable cars to the summit of the Schilthorn, backdrop of the legendary ski-chases in the James Bond film, On Her Majesty s Secret Service. Visit the James Bond Museum in the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant and take an optional Thrill Walk along a 200-yard-long pathway that clings to the vertical wall of the massif. This afternoon take a cable car to Gimmelwald, where farmers leave cheese and charcuterie in self-service refrigerators for passersby to purchase on the honor system. Take a cable car down to the village of Stechelberg and walk along the river to Trümmelbachfälle, where we take an underground elevator to experience the massive power of the caverns 10 glacial waterfalls. HOTEL EIGER (B,D) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 MÜRREN / MONTREUX / LAUSANNE / OUCHY This morning depart Mürren and take a scenic train journey from the High Alps to the city of Montreux, on the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Disembark and drive to Lausanne to check in to our hotel, located in the lakeside resort of Ouchy, south of the city center. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. BEAU RIVAGE PALACE (B,L) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 LAUSANNE / LAVAUX Board a ferryboat for Lavaux, a region of vineyards planted on steep hillsides and awarded World Heritage status. Ride an open-air train along the hillside, stopping for a private tasting of Chasselas wine in the company of a 5th-generation vintner in his historic cellar. Toast the end of our epic journey during a celebratory farewell reception at our hotel this evening. BEAU RIVAGE PALACE (B,L) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 LAUSANNE / GENEVA OR ZURICH / U.S. Check out of our hotel and transfer to the Lausanne train station to board a direct train to either the Geneva or the Zurich Airport for flights home. (B)

6 TRÜMMELBACHFÄLLE, LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY Trip Information DATES September 7 to 18, 2019 (12 days) SIZE 34 participants (single accommodations limited please call for availability) COST* LUXURY 260 sq. ft. to 400 sq. ft.; queen beds or twins (king beds where available); best-available views $12,795 per person, double occupancy $14,995 per person, single occupancy LUXURY BALCONY (limited availability) 325 sq. ft. to 755 sq. ft. with balconies or terraces; king beds; lake, mountain and village views $13,595 per person, double occupancy $16,595 per person, single occupancy *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person INCLUDED 10 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities All tours as described in the itinerary Two group transfers on each of the program arrival and departure days Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Tripcancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services AIR ARRANGEMENTS You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location and from the end location of the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you information with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this to be a moderately strenuous, active and physically demanding program. Daily excursions involve a minimum of four hours of walking in the cities as well as in the mountains, which may involve significant uphill and/or downhill grades on trails and over terrain that can be muddy, uneven or rocky. Sturdy, well-fitting and broken-in hiking shoes with ankle support are essential and hiking poles are highly recommended. A variety of transportation methods will be used, from local trains to modern air-conditioned motor coaches, as well as ferries, gondolas, cable cars and funiculars. There is limited porter service at train and cable car stations, and although arrangements will be made to send larger luggage ahead when possible, on occasion travelers will be required to manage their own suitcases when embarking and disembarking trains using steps that may be steep. To participate fully in this program, you must be physically fit, used to moderate exercise and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

7 LAVAUX WINE REGION, LAKE GENEVA Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space for this program. Sign up online at alumni. stanford.edu/trip?switzerland2019 or call the Travel/Study office at (650) Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-perperson cancellation fee will apply. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. You may choose to subscribe to optional tripcancellation and baggage insurance. Information offering such insurance will be provided to travelers with their welcome materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of your participation on the trip. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members price. A person traveling as a guest paid for by a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ goto/membership or call (650) Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motor coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in September 2018 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. TELEPHONE (650) travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu California Seller of Travel Program Registration # COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

8 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) ALPINE ADVENTURING IN HELVETIA September 7 to 18, 2019 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association Stanford trips are well-organized, well-led and informative, with fellow travelers who are interesting, adventurous and fun. Travelers see things with Stanford that they would not see on their own. MARY DAVIDSON, 61 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y JUNGFRAU REGION