Spain s. Mediterranean Coast Aboard the legendary Sea Cloud October 25 November 4, 2015

Transcription

1 Spain s Mediterranean Coast Aboard the legendary Sea Cloud October 25 November 4, 2015 With Albert Leonard, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Department of Classical Archaeology, University of Arizona

2 City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Dear Traveler, Discover the magic of Mediterranean cruise aboard the original, incomparable, four-masted Sea Cloud. Whether enjoying sunshine and coastal views from the deck; elegant meals served in the intimate, wood-paneled dining room; or marveling at the crew s acrobatic skills as they hand set the billowing white sails that sweep the Sea Cloud toward the horizon, you will feel as special as the world statesmen, film celebrities, and financial barons who have trod her polished teak decks before you. I invite you to join AIA lecturer and host Albert Leonard, Jr., an engaging speaker and an ideal traveling companion as you cruise azure waters to culturally rich, historically significant Spanish cities from the Catalan provinces in the northeast to Valencia and Granada in the southeast. Professor Leonard is a distinguished archaeologist with teaching and field experience in the Iberian peninsula and, as his alter ego, the Time-traveling Gourmet, he researches and disseminates information about food and wine of the ancient and modern Mediterranean. calling at a variety of ports for excursions to an intriguing mix of impressive Roman ruins (including Barcino, now part of Barcelona s underground City History Museum; and Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage site), fascinating museums (including the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and Cartagena s National Museum of Underwater Archaeology), and ground-breaking contemporary art and architecture. Sample olive oil at a charming estate and the excellent local cuisine during meals ashore, and end your unforgettable journey with a visit to Granada s iconic Alhambra, the crown jewel of Moorish architecture, before disembarking in Malaga. The Sea Cloud offers an intimate sailing experience for no more than 52 guests, so I encourage you to reserve the cabin of your choice today by contacting the AIA Tours office at (800) or aia@studytours.org. Sincerely, Begin with two hotel nights in Barcelona, where you will marvel at Antoni Gaudí s unique architectural creations and delight in the lively spirit of this Catalan metropolis. Then embark the Sea Cloud for a seven-night cruise, R. Todd Nielsen Director, AIA Tours Archaeological Institute of America

3 Study Leader Albert Leonard, Jr., lecturer and host for the Archaeological Institute of America, is Professor Emeritus in both the Departments of Classical Archaeology and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Arizona. An archaeologist who specializes in the social impact of interregional trade among the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, he has directed excavations around the Mediterranean (in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, and Jordan), and has published the results of this research in six books and more than 150 articles. For over three decades, Al has lectured on the Archaeological Institute of America s national circuit and, in 2006, the AIA awarded him its Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award. Al combines his command of archaeological, historical, and literary material with culinary skills acquired at Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America (where he was partially supported by a Robert Parker Wine Advocate Scholarship) in order to write as his alter ego, the Time-traveling Gourmet, and to reconstruct (in the classroom or the kitchen) dishes described by such ancient authors as Archestratus of Syracuse, a 4 th century B.C. cook who has often been called the Father of Gastronomy. He presently divides his time between Tucson, AZ, and California s Russian River Valley where he is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and the Northern Sonoma County convivium of Slow Food International. This will be his tenth AIA-sponsored Mediterranean voyage. Study leader is subject to change Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spanish architecture is as vibrantly alive today as it was when the Moors turned a small 9 th -century fortress in Granada into a visual masterpiece. Incorporating columned arches, arcades, fountains, reflecting pools, arabesques, calligraphy, and colorful tile work, the Alhambra is truly a paradise on Earth. Centuries later, Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí indelibly stamped the world of architecture, as well as his home city of Barcelona, with a style that has come to be known as Catalan Modernism. Influenced by natural forms and inspired by neo- Gothic and Oriental arts, Gaudí created uniquely dynamic, colorful, curvaceous, and asymmetrical works in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries. More recently, Valencia native son Santiago Calatrava a worldrenowned practitioner of neofuturistic architecture was the principal designer behind Valencia s stunning City of Arts and Sciences cultural complex. The Archaeological Institute of America & the AIA Tours Program The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America. The AIA seeks to educate people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery. For more than a century the AIA has been dedicated to the encouragement and support of archaeological research and publication, and to the protection of the world s archaeological resources and cultural heritage. By traveling on an AIA Tour you directly support the AIA while personally gaining the benefit of the AIA s network of scholars and worldwide contacts.

4 AIR LAND BARCELONA TARRAGONA CRUISE Spain VALENCIA ALICANTE MALAGA Sea Cloud (B,L,D) Thursday, October 29 CARTAGENA GRANADA Tarragona MOTRIL Itinerary Sunday Monday, October Home / Barcelona, Spain Depart home on an overnight flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival on October 26, check in to the Palace Hotel for two nights. Meet fellow participants and the study leader team at a welcome reception and dinner. Palace Hotel (R,D) Tuesday, October 27 Barcelona This morning explore the intriguing works of Catalonia s arguably most famous son, Antoni Gaudí. An architect and the bestknown practitioner of Catalan Modernism, Gaudí incorporated a highly individualized and distinctive style into his creations, most of which are located in Roman Amphitheater, Tarragona complete collection of the works of 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso in five contiguous medieval stone mansions. Although this collection concentrates on Picasso s formative years, his versatility and ingenuity, so marked in subsequent periods, still shine through. In the afternoon embark the Sea Cloud and begin your 7-night cruise. Barcelona. Visit his magnum opus, the as-yet-uncompleted Sagrada Familia basilica, and Parc Guell, a garden complex with architectural elements both are included in the Works of Antoni Gaudí UNESCO World Heritage site. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Palace Hotel (B,L) Wednesday, October 28 Barcelona (Embark) / Cruising Explore the labyrinthine streets of Barcelona s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) in the center of the old city, including El Call, the medieval quarter where the Jewish community lived between the 12th and the 14th centuries. Venture underground at the City History Museum, where extensive remains from the ancient Roman settlement of Barcino, discovered beneath one of the old town squares in the 1930s, are now displayed in situ. Also visit the Museu Picasso, which houses the most Dock in the port city of Tarragona for a visit to the ancient Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The remains of Roman buildings include walls, a citadel, an amphitheater, a circus (open-air venue), towers, and a necropolis. Enjoy a private visit to an olive oil estate in the countryside for a tasting, traditional lunch, and a chance to observe the mill in operation after the harvest. Then reboard the Sea Cloud and continue southward under sail (weather permitting). Sea Cloud (B,LD) Friday, October 30 Valencia After a morning of cruising, arrive in Valencia for an afternoon s visit. A particularly fine and large historic center, spectacular coastal views, and award-winning modern architecture are trademarks of Spain s third-largest city. Explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, designed primarily by Valencia native Santiago Calatrava; and, for contrast, the Gothic Spanish Olives Silk Exchange market, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Barrio del Carmen, with buildings dating back to Roman and Arabic times. Valencia is also renowned for its gastronomy, in particular as the origin of both paella, the iconic rice dish embellished with seafood, chicken, or wild game, and horchata, a cold beverage made from tigernuts, water, and sugar. Enjoy a private visit and horchata tasting at a historic 15th-century mansion. Sea Cloud (B,L,D) Saturday, October 31 Alicante Call at Alicante for your choice of afternoon visits. Explore the Castle of Santa Barbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, built in the 9th century by the Moors and perched high above the city; and the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, which won the European Museum of the Year Award in Alternatively, travel outside Alicante to Elche and Jijona. Elche is home to the largest palm grove in Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in Accompanied by a botanist guest lecturer, sample the dates and observe the workers harvesting the fruit. In Jijona, visit a turrón factory to observe the Colorful Facades, Valencia

5 production of this almond nougat confection. Sea Cloud (B,L,D) Sunday, November 1 Cartagena Cartagena is a major naval station on the southeastern coast of Spain. Visit ARQUA, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, whose mission is to showcase the underwater cultural history of Spain and promote its conservation. Its two permanent exhibitions are dedicated to naval construction and navigation, and to the shipwrecks and ports of the Mediterranean; a highlight is a reconstructed Roman galley. The Naval Museum, a prison in the 1700s and a naval training site until 1999, houses comprehensive displays dealing with the logistics of marine life, from the construction of vessels, nautical sciences, and navigation to uniforms and flags, naval art, submarines, and diving in the Spanish navy. This afternoon begin cruising toward Motril. members as they nimbly move among the masts and sails high above the deck. Sea Cloud (B,L,D) Tuesday, November 3 Motril / Granada Arrive in Motril and disembark for an excursion to Granada. Moorish architecture in Spain reached its zenith at the Alhambra, one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built. This 14 th -century hilltop palace complex, built by the Nasrid kings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Spain s most visited attraction. Explore the refined, elegant Nasrid Palaces, built around the Courtyard of the Lions, and the splendid Generalife Gardens, one of the world s oldest surviving Moorish gardens. Its Court of the Water Channel, framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades, and pavilions, is considered a superior example of a medieval Persian garden. Return to the ship and cruise overnight to Malaga. Sea Cloud (B,L,D) Paella Sagrada Familia Silk Exchange, Valencia Santa Barbara Castle, Alicante Sea Cloud (B,L,D) Monday, November 2 Cruising Relax aboard ship and enjoy the lecture program while experiencing the Sea Cloud under sail (weather permitting). Marvel at the skill of the crew Wednesday, November 4 Malaga / Home Disembark in Malaga and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) Cover: Parc Guell, Barcelona. Back Cover: Palm Grove, Elche. Alhambra, Granada Spanish Turrón

6 Sea Cloud Owner s Suite/Cabin 1 Category B Cabin Airfare A journey aboard the Sea Cloud, which carries no more than 64 passengers, is an intimate experience on one of the most elegant and luxurious vessels afloat. Her snow-white hull, warm teak superstructure, and gleaming brass fittings define her rich tradition and heritage. Although she is equipped with auxiliary diesel engines, sails are the essence of this cruise experience and they are unfurled as often as possible. Built during a time when the greatest attention was paid to detail and fine craftsmanship, the Sea Cloud is decorated with original oil paintings, antique furniture, rich wood paneling, and brass and bronze fixtures. On the main deck, original staterooms are beautifully appointed in their individual styles, some with fireplaces (Staterooms 1 8), and each with a private marble bath with a tub and/or shower. Lunch and dinner include fine wine and beer; there is one seating at dinner. The ship s technical equipment includes the latest in radar, satellite navigational aids and satellite communications; there is also an onboard doctor. Program Rates Rates are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. Availability of single staterooms is very limited. Category A B C D E F Double Single Stateroom on Promenade Deck with upper and lower single beds, porthole, shower. $8,995 $12,995 Stateroom on Promenade Deck with two single beds, panoramic window, shower. $10,495 Stateroom on Lido or Promenade Deck with queen bed or two single beds, panoramic window, shower. $11,995 $15,995 Superior stateroom on Main Deck with king bed or two single beds, portholes, bathtub or shower. $14,995 Original stateroom on Main Deck with king bed or two single beds, portholes, bathtub and shower. $15,995 Original owner s suite on Main Deck with king bed, portholes, bathtub and shower. $18,995 Lido Deck Promenade Deck main Deck U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program cost. Economy-class airfare from New York to Barcelona, with return from Malaga, is approximately $925 per person as of October 2014 and is subject to change without notice. In order to give you as much flexibility as possible with the variety of air travel options available, you are free to make your own air arrangements for this program. Program Rates Include Comprehensive educational program by study leaders, on-site experts, and local guides All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary Airport transfers for all participants on program arrival date, and two scheduled group transfers on program departure date Baggage handling Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, drivers, and shipboard personnel for all group activities Port charges Entrance fees Welcome and farewell wine receptions Wine, beer, and soft drinks with all group lunches and dinners Bottled water on excursions Professional tour manager Photo Credits (From Dreamstime.com): Parc Guell Luciano Mortula; City of Arts and Sciences Leosmastnik; Sagrada Familia Luciano Mortula; Tarragona amphitheater Juan Moyano; Olives Massimiliano Gallo; Valencia facades Nikolai Sorokin; Alhambra Javarman; Silk Exchange Fabio Bernardi; Santa Barbara Castle Dennis Kuvaiev; Turrón Antonio Muñoz Palomares; Palm grove and palace Lunamarina. (From Shutterstock.com): Paella Alexander Inglessi.

7 General Information Program Rates Do Not Include U.S. domestic and international airfare Accident/baggage/cancellation insurance Passport or visa fees Individual transfers or deviations from the scheduled tour Excess baggage charges Immunizations and medical expenses Meals not specified in the itinerary; food and beverages not part of included meals Gratuities for non-group services Laundry or dry cleaning Telephone, , or fax charges Room service Other items of a purely personal nature or not specified as included What to Expect This is a moderately active trip for travelers who are flexible, comfortable traveling with a group, and can handle the vagaries of travel with good humor. Navigating uneven terrain at archaeological sites and ancient palace and castle complexes, walking on cobblestone pavement in historic city centers, and standing for up to two hours at a time in museums or other sites are the most strenuous activities. Some locations may have stairs without handrails. Daytime temperatures during the trip will generally average in the mid-60s to mid-70s F, with occasional rain. Insurance Travel insurance for trip cancellation and interruption, medical problems, baggage loss and delay, etc., is highly recommended. Trip cancellation policies that apply to this expedition are included in this brochure. Information about travel insurance will be sent to confirmed participants. Group Size This program is limited to 52 participants, including travelers from the Archaeological Institute of American, Harvard, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Fuel Costs Program rates are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain the published rates, if fuel costs increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. In that case, we will notify participants in advance of departure. Terms & Conditions Reservations & Payments To reserve space, return the completed reservation form with your $1,000 per person deposit to: Archaeological Institute of America Tours, P.O. Box 938, 47 Main Street, Suite One, Walpole, NH or fax to Balance of payment is due June 29, We accept personal checks, payable to Criterion Travel, as well as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt. By submitting your deposit you are bound to the terms and conditions delineated throughout this brochure. Cancellations & Refunds Upon payment of a deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by AIA Tours. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Cancellations within 120 days of departure are 100% nonrefundable. For this reason we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If the program is cancelled by AIA Tours or our tour operator, you will receive a full refund, without further obligation on our part. Refunds cannot be made to participants who do not participate in any part of the program, who do not complete the tour for whatever reason, or whose documentation for entry into any country on the itinerary is delayed or denied. Note: Neither AIA Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in conjunction with this tour. Health All participants should be in good health and capable of keeping up with an active group of travelers. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. Itinerary Changes The itinerary presented for this tour is subject to modification and change by AIA Tours and Criterion Travel (the tour operator). Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and/or weather conditions require the itinerary to be altered, AIA Tours and the tour operator reserve the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the responsibility of the participant. Responsibility Complete Terms & Conditions will be sent to participants upon confirmation and are available to prospective travelers upon request. As a condition of participation, each passenger will be required to sign a Release of Liability, which will be sent along with the Terms & Conditions. California Seller of Travel Program CST # Please send your deposit check, payable to Criterion Travel, and this form to: AIA Tours, P.O. Box 938, 47 Main Street, Suite One, Walpole, NH ; Fax: For questions, or to hold your space while you send in your Reservation Form, please contact us at ; or by aia@studytours.org. Website: Name 1 (as it appears on passport) Name 2 (as it appears on passport) Address City state Zip Home Phone Payment Mobile Phone o Enclosed is a check for $ ($1,000 per person, made payable to Criterion Travel) for place(s) on the Spain s Mediterranean Coast program, or o Please charge my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) to my o VISA o MasterCard o American Express o Discover Name on credit card Credit Card Number Exp. Date Signature as it appears on credit card Accommodations Cabin preference: security Code date / 1st choice 2nd choice Bed preference at hotel (not guaranteed): o Two Beds o One bed Single travelers o I prefer to have single accommodations. o I plan to share accommodations with o I would like to know about roommates. I am a o smoker o non-smoker. I understand that if a roommate cannot be located for me by the final payment date of June 29, 2015, I will pay the single rate. o I/We have read the Terms and Conditions section of this brochure and understand and agree with them as stated herein. Signature Signature Spain s Mediterranean Coast Aboard the legendary Sea Cloud October 25 November 4, 2015 date date

8 Spain s Mediterranean Coast Aboard the legendary Sea Cloud October 25 November 4, 2015 With archaeologist Albert Leonard, Jr. Highlights Sail aboard the magnificent, four-masted Sea Cloud, a wedding gift from financier E.F. Hutton to cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1931, and renowned still today for its incomparable ambiance and excellent service, amenities, and cuisine. Discover several of Spain s remarkable ancient and medieval sites, including the evocative Roman ruins of Tarragona and the Alhambra, a spectacular Moorish palace and UNESCO World Heritage site. Be dazzled by Antoni Gaudí s Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell in Barcelona (also UNESCO World Heritage sites), as well as Santiago Calatrava s City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Explore the 9 th -century Moorish Castle of Santa Barbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, and the awarding-wining Archaeological Museum of Alicante. Food enthusiasts can enjoy a private visit to an estate for an olive oil tasting; sample dates freshly picked from Europe s largest palm forest; and enjoy nougat sweets (turrón), a Christmastime favorite, in Jijona. Enjoy a private visit, hosted by the owner s grandson, at a 15 th -century mansion in Valencia with lavishly decorated interiors and an impressive library filled with antique books.