THE COURT OF THE CALIPHS

Transcription

1 THE COURT OF THE CALIPHS MADRID TO CASABLANCA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II NOVEMBER 2 TO 12, 2011

2 Dear National Trust Travelers, 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 lived, studied and worked in New York since For nearly 30 years, Ms. Powell has been an enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 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 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 Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Harvard Alumni Association, promises to be an adventure not to be missed. Sincerely, Casablanca MOROCCO Marrakesh Scott Gerloff Director, National Trust Tours The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America s communities. For more information, visit the Trust s web site at or phone (800)

3 THE COURT OF THE CALIPHS 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 Hotel Ritz, where heads of state have been received in grand 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. MADRID 1 VALENCIA, SPAIN 1 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. 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. During a relaxing day at sea, 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. Sea Cloud II.

4 MALAGA 1 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. TANGIER FES, MOROCCO Thursday, November 10 From Tangier, depart 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 14th-century caravanserai (inn) that is The tannery, Fes. 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 a lunch of local specialties, 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. 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. The Alhambra, Granada.

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) and 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. Please note: Sea Cloud II does not have an elevator. 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 durng 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, services 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. NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION MADRID TO CASABLANCA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II 1 NOVEMBER 2 TO 12, 2011 Accommodations Sea Cloud II Cabin Preference I wish to share a room/cabin with Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single (limited availability) 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 National Trust Tours). Credit card deposit of $2,500 per person for a total of $ Final payment must be made by check. To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to National Trust Tours. Mail to: National Trust for Historic Preservation, c/o Bank of America, P.O. Box 320, Washington, D.C NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX National Trust Membership I/We am/are National Trust Members. My/Our membership number is I/We am/are not National Trust members. Please enroll us as members. Individual ($20) Family ($30) NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE CREDIT CARD NUMBER 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 before departure. SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please telephone the Tours Program at the National Trust at (800) or (202) web: tours@nthp.org

6 TERMS & CONDITIONS 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 $2,500 per person, payable to National Trust Tours, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Balance due by check 120 days prior to departure. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. ELIGIBILITY National Trust for Historic Preservation tours are open to members only. Membership dues for 2011 are $30 for family and $20 for individual membership. The minimum age limit for the program is 14. Children must pay the full price, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age limit. PLEASE NOTE: Participants must be in excellent health and able to participate in tour activities. Any physical condition that may require special medical attention (for example, the need of a wheelchair) must be reported at the time of your reservation. Participants must be able to walk on uneven surfaces and through extensive gardens. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate fully due to health conditions or disabilities, contact the National Trust at (800) or (202) The National Trust for Historic Preservation and AAA reserve the right to decline or retain any person as a member of this tour at any time. In such case, the refund will be limited to the actual cost of unused tour services. TRAVEL INSURANCE The National Trust for Historic Preservation strongly recommends that all tour participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Accident/Sickness Medical, and Baggage insurance for their tour. Upon receipt of your initial tour deposit by National Trust Tours, a comprehensive travel insurance plan, underwritten by American Home Assurance Company, offering three options, will be made available to all National Trust tour participants. This insurance offers important, time-sensitive benefits (varying with option selected) including: 1) Pre-existing Waiver, which waives the pre-existing medical condition exclusion; 2) Terrorism/Default, which protects for certain Terrorist acts and financial default of an airline, cruise line, or tour operator; and 3) Cancel for Any Reason optional benefit: Providing coverage for you cancelling your trip for many reasons that were previously not covered under a traditional trip cancellation policy. To qualify for these timesensitive benefits, (a) you must purchase the Plus or Elite option within 15/21 days (depending on option selected) of the date of your confirmation letter from National Trust Tours receiving your initial deposit; (b) you insure all prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions; and (c) you are not disabled from travel at the time you pay your premium. For complete details or to enroll on-line, visit or call USI Travel Insurance Services at (800) CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS All cancellations must be in writing and are subject to a $350 non-refundable processing fee. 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 day of departure or after, or for unused portions of tour. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Air cancellation penalties will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor AAA accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets. 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. The right is reserved by AAA to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. In such case, refund of the cost of the trip shall constitute full settlement with the passenger. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in order to make an educational opportunity available to its members, has arranged for AAA to organize our tour and procure carriage, accommodations and other tour services from other parties. Once tour members register for the tour, they must contact and otherwise deal with AAA. Neither AAA nor any other suppliers of tour services are joint venturers with or in any way controlled by the National Trust. The National Trust can undertake no responsibility for the accuracy of representations in tour promotion literature, for tour reservations, accommodations, transportation or safety, nor any other aspect of the tour except preservation-related educational programs and the liaison between the National Trust and other preservationists. Consequently, the National Trust shall not be construed to make any covenants or warranties, expressed or implied, regarding our tours, and shall not be liable in any way for any personal injury, death, property damage or loss incurred by any person in connection with our tours. AAA and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, carriage, aircraft or other conveyance that may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers; neither will they be responsible for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. However, when the tour departs the U.S., no refund can be made for any feature of the program not used by the passenger during operation of the tour. The agent reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. In such case the refund will be limited to the actual cost of the unused land tour services. The sole responsibility of any airline used in any tour is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. Any ARC/IATA carriers used are not responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their planes or conveyances. Similar responsibilities as noted above apply to all types of carriers. Copyright 2011 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front cover: The Great Mosque of Córdoba David Pedre. On the back cover: Court of the Lions, the Alhambra (top) and Valencia Cathedral (bottom).

7 photo Roland Schmit photo Narvikk Djemaa el F na Square (above) and Majorelle Gardens (below), Marrakesh. 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.

8 THE COURT OF THE CALIPHS MADRID TO CASABLANCA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II NOVEMBER 2 TO 12, 2011 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C PHONE: (800) or (202) WEB SITE: tours@nthp.org THE COURT OF THE CALIPHS MADRID TO CASABLANCA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II NOVEMBER 2 TO 12, 2011