T HE C OURT OF THE C ALIPHS

Transcription

1 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT T HE C OURT OF THE C ALIPHS Madrid to Casablanca Aboard Sea Cloud II November 2 to 12, 2011

2 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Discover the glorious art and architecture of southern Spain and Morocco as the majestic Sea Cloud II sails along the rugged coastline of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa. View Madrid s outstanding collections, see Valencia s exciting architecture, and explore the masterpieces of al-andalus on a seven-night voyage whose highlights include the exquisite Alhambra, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, and the colorful medina of Fes. Traveling with us will be Inés Powell. A native of Bilbao, Spain, she has been an enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum for nearly 30 years, specializing in the art of Spain. We begin in Spain s vibrant capital of Madrid, where we will stay at the famous Hotel Ritz and see the magnificent collections at the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza. In the coastal city of Valencia, renowned for its cutting-edge architecture by Santiago Calatrava, board the elegant Sea Cloud II and set sail for Andalusia. Step ashore in Motril and drive to Granada for a full day visit to explore Spain s Islamic masterpiece, the Alhambra, with its stunning palace, and enchanting courtyards and gardens. Continue to Málaga, where we will see works by the city s most famous son at the Picasso Museum; or visit Córdoba s superb Mezquita, or Great Mosque, with its massive horse-shoe arches and forest of columns. Spend a day in Gibraltar before crossing the strait to Morocco, a country whose mélange of European, Arab, and Berber cultures has long fascinated travelers. See the highlights of Tangier or spend a day and overnight in Fes, one of the best preserved medieval Islamic cities in the world. Splendid sights include the architecture of Karaouine University, with its impressive 9th-century mosque, and the 1,200- year-old medina. Atlantic Ocean Strait of Gibraltar SPAIN Málaga Gibraltar Motril Mediterranean Sea Tangier Rabat Córdoba Granada Fes Madrid Valencia An optional postlude is offered in Marrakesh, known for the lovely Bahia Palace and the elaborately arched Saadian Tombs. See beautifully landscaped gardens; the lively Djemaa el F na Square, with its snake charmers and storytellers; and the dramatic mountain scenery of the Atlas Mountains. Conclude in Casablanca, to discover the striking Hassan II Mosque. This journey, co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Harvard Alumni Association, promises to be an adventure not to be missed. Sincerely, Casablanca MOROCCO Marrakesh Emily K. Rafferty President T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT 1000 FIFTH A VENUE N EW Y ORK, N EW Y ORK 10028

3 T HE C OURT OF THE C ALIPHS Madrid to Casablanca Aboard Sea Cloud II November 2 to 12, 2011 City of Arts & Sciences by Santiago Calatrava, Valencia. NEW YORK Wednesday, November 2 Depart New York on an overnight flight to Madrid. MADRID, SPAIN Thursday, November 3 Arrive in Madrid and transfer to the deluxe Hotel Ritz, where heads of state have been received in magnificent style since In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of this lively city. Gather this evening for introductory remarks by our lecturer, followed by a welcome dinner. MADRID Friday, November 4 Walk to the nearby Prado Museum, with its new wing designed by Rafael Moneo. View the Cristina Iglesias doors as well as works by Velázquez and Goya. Continue to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation, an encyclopedic collection representing many important artists and movements from the 13th through the 20th centuries. After lunch, the balance of the day is at leisure. AT SEA Sunday, November 6 Experience the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel as Sea Cloud II carries us through gentle waters under a full set of billowing sails. Attend lectures and enjoy the amenities of our fine ship. This evening the captain hosts a festive welcome reception and dinner. MOTRIL, SPAIN Monday, November 7 Arrive in Motril for a morning drive to Granada, where we will spend the day exploring Spain s Islamic masterpiece, the Alhambra. Stroll through the courtyards of the palace, with their superb vistas, and the gardens of the Generalife, with their watercourses and fountains. After lunch, tour the palace interior to view its exquisite plaster and tiling. Return to Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon. MADRID VALENCIA, SPAIN SEA CLOUD II Saturday, November 5 This morning, travel by train from Madrid to Valencia, the City of Gold. In the historic center, discover the cathedral that houses the Santo Cáliz, said to be the legendary Holy Grail. Continue to La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. Following lunch, admire Valencia s contemporary architecture by Santiago Calatrava including the stunning City of Arts & Sciences, an impressive complex with a museum, theater, gardens, and an aquarium. Board Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon. Court of the Lions, the Alhambra. T HE C OURT OF THE C ALIPHS

4 TANGIER FES, MOROCCO Thursday, November 10 Depart Tangier on a morning drive to Fes. Explore the ancient medina (old city) of this imperial capital and admire the intricate carvings at the Ensemble Nejjarine, a 14thcentury caravanserai (inn) that is now a museum of wooden arts and crafts. Walk through the fragrant spice market, glittering jewelers souk and tannery quarter, where artisans have created their wares in the same manner for centuries. Following lunch, see traditional handicrafts at Dar Batha, a 19th-century palace surrounded by delightful gardens. Overnight at the elegant Palais Jamai Hotel, with dinner at a nearby restaurant. Alternatively, for those who wish to remain in Tangier aboard Sea Cloud II, a half-day guided tour of the city s highlights is planned. The Great Mosque of Córdoba. MALAGA CORDOBA, SPAIN Tuesday, November 8 This morning depart Málaga by high-speed train, arriving in Córdoba in less than an hour. A walking tour will take us through the medieval streets of the Jewish Quarter to see the finest of the city s colorful courtyards en route to the pre-inquisition synagogue. Following a traditional Córdoban lunch, tour the famed Mezquita, or Great Mosque, with its banded arches and forest of 856 columns. Built in the 8th century during the Umayyad Dynasty, it is considered one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in the West. Alternatively, spend the day in the ancient city of Málaga, founded by the Phoenicians more than 3,000 years ago and ruled by Muslim Caliphs for many centuries. Málaga is also the birthplace of Picasso, whose museum we will visit. AT SEA GIBRALTAR TANGIER, MOROCCO Wednesday, November 9 After a relaxing morning at sea, be on deck as Sea Cloud II approaches the legendary Rock of Gibraltar. Step ashore to visit the cemetery commemorating fallen soldiers from the Battle of Trafalgar as well as other historic battles of the early 19th century. Continue to the southernmost point in Europe for magnificent ocean vistas and to see the picturesque red and white lighthouse dating from This evening cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Tannery, Fes. Sea Cloud II. TANGIER AT SEA Friday, November 11 Return to Tangier and Sea Cloud II at midday and continue south along the coast of Morocco. In the evening, celebrate our voyage at a farewell dinner hosted by the captain. CASABLANCA, MOROCCO Saturday, November 12 Disembark in Casablanca and transfer to the airport for the flight home. M ADRID TO C ASABLANCA A BOARD S EA C LOUD II

5 SEA CLOUD II LIDO DECK LIDO BAR LOUNGE LIBRARY PROMENADE DECK DINING ROOM BOUTIQUE RECEPTION CABIN DECK GYM SAUNA DOCTOR WATER-SPORTS PLATFORM Owner s Suite (top); Deluxe Cabin on Cabin Deck (above). LAND / CRUISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy) Cabins Decks Rates Cabins 204 to 206 Cabin Deck $6,995 State Rooms. Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Cabins 207 to 210 Cabin Deck $7,695 Superior Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 Cabin Deck $8,695 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 218 to 223 Cabin Deck $9,495 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 301 & 302 Promenade Deck $9,795 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 303 to 319 Promenade Deck $10,495 Junior Suites. Twin beds, bathtub with shower. Cabins 401 & 402 Lido Deck $11,795 Owner s Suites. Queen-size bed, bathtub and separate shower. Single rates will be calculated at a supplement ranging from 30 to 100 percent of the cruise rate. RATES INCLUDE Two nights accommodations at the Hotel Ritz, Madrid Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II All meals during the cruise, complimentary wine with lunch and dinner. Two lunches and one dinner on land Sightseeing by private motorcoach, as per itinerary Entrance fees for all included visits Airport / hotel / pier group transfers Taxes, service, and porterage; gratuities to local guides and drivers NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport fees; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; customary shipboard gratuities; transfers for guests not using suggested group air; optional Marrakesh postlude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. OPTIONAL MARRAKESH POSTLUDE $1,995 per person, double occupancy at Sofitel, or $3,345 per person, double occupancy at La Mamounia. Single supplement: $660 at Sofitel, or $1,790 at La Mamounia. Includes four nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary, breakfast daily, two lunches, and two dinners. Sightseeing as noted. To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY Names in Full as on Passports. Please Print. Address City State Zip Telephone (Home) (Business) Fax ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Cloud II Cabin Preference (1) (2) On-Shore Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single (very limited availability) I wish to share a room/cabin with T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Madrid to Casablanca Aboard Sea Cloud II November 2 to 12, 2011 RESERVATION APPLICATION OPTIONAL MARRAKESH POSTLUDE I/We wish to join the optional postlude in Marrakesh Hotel Preference Sofitel ($1,995) La Mamounia ($3,345) FORM OF PAYMENT Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Credit card (may be used for deposit only) Name on Credit Card Credit Card Number 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Expiration Date Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days prior to departure. Signature (Required) Date Signature (Required) Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: met@arrangementsabroad.com

6 T ERMS & C ONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements. A specially negotiated Economy Class non-refundable group airfare will be offered. Business Class will be quoted on an individual basis. A fee of $75 per person will be charged for any reservations other than the group flight schedule; private transfers can be arranged at a supplemental cost. To redeem your frequent flyer mileage, please contact the airline directly. Please note that AAA can only assist in rebooking flights on those air reservations booked directly by AAA. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible and climbing into various conveyances, including tenders. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. Please note: Sea Cloud II does not have an elevator. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select an alternative insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of AAA and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met). All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of the Met is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, the Met and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or the Met and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAA and the Met reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or the Met to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; the Met shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor the Met shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or the Met, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2011 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front cover: Spain. Attributed to Emily Sargent ( ). American. Watercolor and gouache on white woven paper. 10 9/16 x 8 1/4 in. (26.8 x 21 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950 ( p). On the back cover: Spain, detail (top); the Alhambra (bottom).

7 OPTIONAL MARRAKESH POSTLUDE November 12 to 16, 2011 Spend three nights in Marrakesh at either the elegant Sofitel or the iconic La Mamounia. Stroll the colorful Majorelle Gardens, visit the Kutubiyya Mosque, the beautifully restored Ben Yousef Madrasa, and the Museum of Marrakesh. Walk through the souks to arrive at famous Djemaa el F na Square, an ancient meeting place where dancers, storytellers, and snake charmers still practice their trades. We will also have time to visit the magnificently decorated 16th-century Saadian Tombs, burial ground of the royal family, and to admire the gardens and painted rooms at Bahia Palace. Spectacular views await when we spend a day in the High Atlas Mountains and stop in a Berber village. Sir Richard Branson s lovely hotel, Kasbah Tamadot, is our destination for lunch. In Casablanca, admire the dramatic architecture of the Hassan II Mosque before dinner and an overnight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. photo Narvikk photo by Herta Anita Schommer. Majorelle Gardens. Djemaa el F na Square.

8 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID ACADEMIC ARRANGEMENTS ABROAD THE COURT OF THE CALIPHS Madrid to Casablanca Aboard Sea Cloud II November 2 to 12,