Western Europe Trade Mission

Transcription

1 Western Europe Trade Mission September 8-20, 2018 Optional Athens Extension: September 20-22, 2018 You are invited to join AEE Members and their guests on a carefully designed program through Western Europe, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Venice and Rome - highlighting the beauty of these European cities.. Please join us for this unique opportunity to explore new business opportunities as well as immerse yourself in the rich local culture of these European cities, explore the magnificent historical sites, and discover world-famous museums. Throughout the program we will have opportunities to meet with professionals and researchers leading Europe s energy sector, and learn about this regions global significance - both in the past and present. We encourage you to join us and make your reservation today! Sincerely, Bill Kent Executive Director

2 End the day at the highest point of Toledo where the Alcazar sits. From here it is clearly visible that Toledo still retains its medieval road plan, which once attracted aristocrats, intellectuals, and artists. Return to Madrid and enjoy a lovely dinner. September 12, Wednesday: Barcelona Depart the hotel this morning by taxi to Madrid s central train station where we will depart on a high-speed train to Barcelona. Upon arrival in Barcelona enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on for a meeting with the Catalan Energy Institute, the agency of the Government of Catalonia responsible for developing and carrying out the Catalan energy policy, towards a new clean energy model in line with the European objectives for the year Itinerary September 8, Saturday: Depart Depart the U.S. on an international flight to Madrid, Spain. September 9, Sunday: Madrid Independent arrivals and check-in at the Hotel Wellington. Enjoy a late afternoon visit to the Prado Museum which houses the most comprehensive collection of Spanish art in the world. Enjoy a lovely welcome dinner at a local restaurant. September 10, Monday: Madrid D B, L We have requested a morning meeting with a faculty member of the Gas Natural Fenosa, a pioneer in gas and electricity integration, headquartered in Madrid, it is a multinational group operating in more than 30 countries and with almost 22 million customers. Depart the hotel and walk a few blocks to Casa Mila, one of Gaudi s most celebrated yet initially reviled designs, topped with eeire chimneys and a wavy, curving stone facade that undulates around the corner of the block. Check into your hotel before enjoying dinner this evening at a local restaurant. September 13, Thursday: Barcelona B,L We begin the morning exploring the Gothic quarter, Barcelona s oldest and most romatic quarter. A short walk away is the St. Josep La Boqueria, a bustling outdoor market full with vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits and snacks. After lunch, visit the Museu Picasso located on Carrer Montcada, a street known for Barcelona s most elegant medieval palaces, of which the museum occupies three. Continue on to nearby Sagrada Familia for a tour of Barcelona s most emblematic architectural icon. Barcelona s greatest mark on the artistic world was made by the moderniste movement, and the most iconic building of the genius designer and architect This afternoon visit the bustling heart of Madrid since the 17th century, Puerta de Sol, where we will begin a carefully crafted walking tour of Old Madrid. The tour will be led by art historian Dr. Almudena Cros. This evening meet with members of the AEE Madrid Chapter for dinner at a local restaurant. September 11, Tuesday: Madrid This morning, take a drive out of Madrid to Toledo, dominated by the mighty Alcazar fortress, Toledo is one of the few cities in the world in which it is possible to view Renaissance Cathedrals, Synagogues, and Mosques. Meet with a local guide who will navigate the group through the narrow cobbled streets that make up Toledo s architectural maze. Stop by the Toledo Cathedral, built in the 13th century, it is a massive Gothic edifice with Mudejar, Baroque and Neoclassical elements.

3 Antoni Gaudi is the Sagrada Família, still under construction 123 years after it was begun. End the day at Güell Park. Gaudi s park is an Art Nouveau extravaganza with gingerbread gatehouses topped with, respectively, the hallucinogenic red-and-white fly ammanite wild mushroom on the right and the phallus impudicus on the left. Dinner this evening at leisure. September 14, Friday: Paris This morning depart Barecelona on a short flight to Paris. Upon arrival, take part in a joint meeting with the CSTB (Scientific and Technical Centre for Building), Ademe (French Energy Agency), EDF (Electricity of France) and Engie (Gas of France). After lunch, explore the neighborhood of Île de la Cité by foot, discovering the beauty and history of one of the River Seine s last two natural islands. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and admire the stunning gothic architecture of this centuries-old church, see its iconic gargoyles and step inside to view the towering vaulted ceilings. Continue onto the Sainte-Chapelle known for its incredible stained glass windows. Visit the nearby Conciergerie, a former royal palace that was converted into a sinister prison full of dungeons and torture chambers. The building s most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette. End the day with a walk to the nearby Louvre, Europe s greatest museum where you ll come face to face with the works of Raphael, and Leonardo, and timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa. Enjoy dinner this evening before embarking on a dreamy Seine River cruise where we will glide past the Tuileries Gardens, Île de la Cité, Nortre-Dame and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Overnight at the Le 10 Bis hotel. September 15, Saturday: Paris Travel by metro this morning the Paris s Latin Quarter for a walking tour of one of the oldest parts of the city. This neighborhood was the heart of Roman Paris during the Roman occupation of France, from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. This afternoon meet with members of the AEE Paris Chapter for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, travel by metro to the Musee d Orsay to experience Monet s breathtaking waterlilies and the other stunning art. Discover the talent of architect Charles Garnier, on an exploration through his famous Paris Opera house, perhaps the most famous opera house in the world and one of Paris most iconic monuments. Enjoy dinner this evening at leisure. September 16, Sunday: Venice Take an early morning flight from Paris to Venice. B Upon arrival in Venice, we hope to participate in a round-table discussion with Gabriella Chiellino, President of eambiente, one of the most important Italian consulting and environmental design firms, and President of eenergia, a company working on assisting with hydro, wind and biogas/biomass projects in the Venice area. Discuss the energy issues facing Venice today and in the future, including its significant threat of seal-level rising as the effects of climate change increase. Check-into your hotel before enjoying a carefully crafted walking tour led by a local expert. Visit St. Mark s Square and learn about the significance of Venice as a historical power. Marvel at Doge s Palace, the seat of Venetian power for over nine centuries. End the day at St. Mark s Basilica, with its fantastically ornate multi-columned façade, the spiritual intensity of its golden mosaics and sumptuously colored marble floor. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant. September 17, Monday: Venice B,L Depart the Venice s main island of San Marco for a day excursion across the lagoons, to Murano, a cluster of tiny islands linked by bridges famous for its glassblowing craft. We have arranged for a special opportunity to visit the studio of world-famous glass blower, Lino Tagliapietra and view some of his fascinating collection of both new and old works. Crossover Murano s many tiny bridges, before continuing on to the island of Burano, known for its rows of picturesque colorful homes that line the islands narrow streets - a photographer s paradise where we will enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to the nearby island of Torcello. Visit the 9th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and view the 13th-century

4 apse mosaic, a moving portrayal of the Madonna and Child, and the Last Judgment mosaic covering the entire west wall. Return to Venice by boat early evening and enjoy dinner at leisure. September 18, Tuesday: Rome B, L, D This morning, depart Venice by high-speed train to Rome. Arrive in Rome and visit Tracetebel, a global engineering consultancy company focused on energy, water, and infrastructure projects. Tractebel is part of ENGIE, a global energy player and an expert operator in the businesses of electricity, natural gas, and energy services. After lunch, discover the remnants of ancient Rome s greatest monuments, as we travel back in Roman history to visit the iconic Colosseum. Continue on for a visit the Forum, the heart of the Roman Empire it is filled with remains of key temples and civic buildings. Check-in to the Rome Times Hotel before enjoying a lovely dinner. September 19, Wednesday: Rome B, L, D This morning we will visit the world s smallest country, Vatican City. We will begin the day with a tour of St. Peter s Basilica, the largest cathedral in the world, before descending to the necropolis below to see the tomb of the apostle, recognized by the Vatican as the first pope. Cross the central square to enter the Vatican Museum, showcasing some of the world s most significant collections. Step inside the Sistine Chapel to marvel at the magnificent frescoes which Michelangelo spent four years creating. After lunch visit the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development or ENEA where schedule permitting, we will meet with staff members for a discussion. ENEA is the second largest Italian research organization, conducting research focusing on Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Sources, Nuclear Energy, Climate and the Environment, Safety and Health, New Technologies, Electric System Research. End the day at the Borghese Gallery discovering its impressive collection, including significant pieces by Caragaggio, Bernini, Titan and Raphael. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. September 20, Thursday: Depart B Depart Rome today on your international flight back to the U.S. Note: Itinerary subject to change. Some excursions in this program involve a significant amount of walking. OPTIONAL ATHENS EXTENSION September 20, Thursday: Athens This morning depart Rome on a short flight to Athens. B, L Arrive in Athens and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on an in-depth guided tour of Acropolis, known as one of the wonders of the world, the Acropolis symbolizes Greece s Golden Age. Explore the Parthenon, an architectural masterpiece designed by Pericles and built in the fifth century B.C. Check in to your hotel in Athens before meeting with members of the AEE Greece chapter for dinner at a local restaurant. September 21, Friday: Athens B,L, D This morning head to the National Technical University of Athens for a meeting with faculty of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Continue onto the Acropolis Museum for a chance to examine the treasures, legendary sculptures and artifacts of Ancient Greek. After lunch, continue to the Ancient Agora, the political and cultural center of the Athenian city. End the day with a guided visit of the Dimitris Daskalopoulos Collection, one of Athens s most prominent collections of contemporary artworks. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

5 Program Costs and Inclusions Trip Price: $5,350, per person, double occupancy Single Room Supplement: $1,970 Tour limited to 24 travelers. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served Airfare and High-Speed Rail costs: Price:$360* *Airfare for a low cost carrires including all taxes, fuel charges and luggage charges for one luggage weighing 20kg. Tour Price Includes: Accommodation as listed based on double occupancy; All meals as listed; Sightseeing and excursions as listed including all special events and lectures; Transportation in a deluxe, air-conditioned motor-coach, except between cities and within Venice, and where otherwise noted in parts of Paris and Madrid (please request the full itinerary for more details); bottled water on the bus at all times; Services Distant Horizons tour manager; Porterage; Gratuities to drivers and local guides. Trip price based on a minimum of 15 travelers. Price subject to small group surcharge if group size is under 15. Tour Price Does Not Include: International airfare to Madrid and from Rome; Flights and High-Speed Trains cost within Europe (cost listed separately but will be arranged by Distant Horizons); Airport transfers in Madrid and Rome; Visa and passport fees; Gratuities to tour manager; Travel insurance; Drinks other than water with meals, excluding welcome and farewell dinners; Excess luggage charges; Items of a purely personal nature; Laundry charges and Communication charges. Athens Extension: Trip Price: $1,070 Single Room Supplement: $390 Airfare Price:$100* *Airfare for a low cost carrier including all taxes, fuel charges and luggage charges for one luggage weighing 20kg. Tour Price Includes: Accommodation as listed based on double occupancy; All meals as listed; Sightseeing and excursions as listed including all special events and lectures; Transportation in a deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle; Bottled water on the bus at all times; Porterage; Gratuities to drivers and local guides. Trip price based on a minimum of 5 travelers and is subject to small group surcharge if group size is under 5. Tour Price Does Not Include: International airfare from Athens; Flight to Athens from Rome (cost listed separately); Airport transfers; Visa and passport fees; Travel insurance; Drinks other than water with meals; Excess luggage charges; Items of a purely personal nature; Laundry charges and Communication charges. For questions or additional information, contact Karen Siman-Tov at KarenS@Distant-Horizons.com or Distant Horizons is a California Seller of Travel (CST # ) and a participant in the California Travel Restitution Fund. Information regarding the rights of California residents to make a claim may be found at tcrcinfo.org. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account RESERVE YOUR TRIP TODAY! To reserve your space, please return this form with a $1,000 deposit* check (per person) payable to Distant Horizons to: Distant Horizons, 350 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA *Your deposit is refundable up to 90 days prior to departure less a $500 administration fee. Western Europe Trade Mission Association of Energy Engineers - September 8-20, 2018 Athens Extension: September 20-21, 2018 Full Legal Name (exactly as it appears on passport) Title First Mid.Intl. Last Title First Mid.Intl. Last Street Address City State ZIP Home: ( ) Office: ( ) I/We authorize you to make my/our reservations as follows: I/we would like to join the main program. I/we would like to join the two-day extension in Athens. I will share accommodations with: I prefer single accommodations (limited availability, single supplement applies). 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. Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, first served basis. Reservations to be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full. Final payment may be made by personal check, payable to Distant Horizons.