A Lowcountry Sojourn. Charleston. Oct. 30 Nov. 3, Drayton Hall / Punk Toad

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1 A Lowcountry Sojourn Charleston Oct. 30 Nov. 3, 2017 Drayton Hall / Punk Toad

2 In 1773, young Boston lawyer Josiah Quincy visited Charleston and wrote home to say, In grandeur, splendor of buildings, decorations, equipages, numbers, commerce, shipping, and indeed in almost every thing, it far surpasses all I ever saw, or ever expected to see in America. Almost 250 years later, the same can be said of this beautiful city with its architecturally distinctive houses with graceful porticos. With its unique antebellum architecture and painstakingly preserved Colonial-era urban core, Charleston is perhaps the most graceful of America s historic cities. Peeking through the city s countless wrought-iron gates reveals views of jasmine-covered walls, ornate architectural detailing, and elegant gardens. But Charleston does not satisfy itself merely with the abundant beauty of its built environment. It also offers superb cuisine; a layered, multicultural population; and historical monuments that speak eloquently and sometimes painfully of our nation s history. This custom-designed tour of Charleston is available only to Bryn Mawr Alumnae and Friends, and features a dynamic, insightful look at the historic architecture, gardens, and culture that define Charleston. By visiting a variety of well-preserved homes and plantations, historic neighborhoods, and private gardens, this tour provides a special view of South Carolina s cultural jewel. Along the way, enjoy personal, docent-led tours of historic house museums and stroll through meticulously kept private gardens. An excursion to Drayton Hall provides a taste of beautifully preserved Georgian-Palladian architecture, and Middleton Place showcases an exceptional 18th-century home and America s oldest landscaped garden. Based in the gracious and historic Francis Marion Hotel, experience modern amenities in a traditional setting and taste the best in lowcountry and traditional southern cuisine. Gate in Charleston / Nick Amoscato

3 Custom Itinerary This custom travel program has been created uniquely for the Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association. Monday, October 30, 2017 Arrivals in Charleston Upon arrival in Charleston, take a group transfer to the gracious Francis Marion Hotel originally built in 1924, centrally located in Charleston s historic district, and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Settle in with a glass of wine and hors d oeuvres during a welcome reception at the hotel. Experience the charm and romance of this historic city s stately homes, flickering gas lanterns, and cobblestone streets on a carriage ride during which your guide will recount vibrant tales covering more than three hundred years of history. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at one of Charleston s most acclaimed and elegant restaurants. Francis Marion Hotel (Rec., D) Tuesday, October 31, 2017 Charleston s Historic Homes Following breakfast at the hotel, visit one of America s most important neoclassical dwellings the Nathaniel Russell House for a guided tour of the its graceful interior and decorative arts collection. Set amid spacious formal gardens, the Nathaniel Russell House is a National Historic Landmark featuring elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms, and a magnificent free-flying staircase. Next, visit the Heyward-Washington House, the former home of one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence and where George Washington once stayed during his weeklong visit to Charleston. This brick double house was built in 1772 and houses a magnificent collection of Charleston-made furniture including the priceless Holmes Bookcase. Other buildings on the site include the carriage shed, with an 18th-century well just beneath, and the kitchen building that dates to the 1740s. Following lunch at a popular local restaurant, enjoy a docentled tour of the Gibbes Museum of Art. The Gibbes Museum is home to three permanent collections that include colonial and contemporary art collections as well as a unique exhibition featuring the art of the Charleston Renaissance from 1915 to The remainder of the day and dinner this evening is at leisure. Francis Marion Hotel (B, L) Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Drayton Hall & Middleton Place Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for Drayton Hall, a plantation home and a National Trust for Historic Preservation Site that has survived the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the earthquake of The main house, in its near-original condition, is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the United States, and the grounds represent one of the most significant, undisturbed historic Photos (from top): One of three wrought-iron gates (detail), St. John's Lutheran Church, Charleston, S.C. (Spencer Means); Nathaniel Russell House (D. Dima); Heyward-Washington House, Charleston, S.C. (Tommy Miles); and Middleton Place (Caitlin Alexander)

4 landscapes in America. Continue to Middleton Place, serenely located on the banks of the Ashley River, and relax over a gourmet lunch including local dishes like ham biscuits, okra gumbo, she-crab soup, collard greens, and Huguenot torte, all while enjoying the spectacular view of the plantation through the glass-paned porch. Following lunch, tour the house and gardens with a senior guide, view rarely seen items on display exclusively for our group, and venture behind the scenes for a closer look at Middleton family collections. Return to Charleston for our final visit at the stately Edmondston-Alston House, one of the city s most splendid dwellings and a classic example of the city s changing and sophisticated taste in architecture and decorative arts. The Edmondston-Alston House is a repository of family treasures, including Alston family silver, furniture, books, and paintings that remain in place much as they have been for more than a century. This evening, dinner is at leisure. Francis Marion Hotel (B, L) Thursday, November 2, 2017 Charleston s Private Gardens & Mansions Our tour comes to a memorable close as two magnificent private residences or gardens in old Charleston are opened exclusively for our group. Enjoy guided strolls through each beautiful property, and if the owners are available, meet them to discuss the joys and challenges of living in a historic property. A simple but charming garden lunch will be provided. The late afternoon is free for individual pursuits. This evening, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at one of Charleston s top restaurants. Francis Marion Hotel (B, L, D) Friday, November 3, 2017 Departures After breakfast at the hotel, take a group transfer to the airport for independent return flights home. (B) Photos (from top): Charleston flowers (Mogollon1); Edmondston-Alston House (Mogollon1); A garden gate, wroughtiron window guard (Wraggborough Lane, Charleston S.C. / Spencer Means); and Delicate Camellia (Ins1122)

5 Trip Information Map of Charles Towne (1733) / Herman Moll A LOWCOUNTRY SOJOURN: CHARLESTON DATES: October 30 November 3, 2017 TOUR COST: Land Package...$2,795 Single Supplement... $495 Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 15 paying participants. Land prices are calculated as of March 2017 and are subject to change. Participants are responsible for all aspects of their round-trip air arrangements, into and out of Charleston, S.C. Final balance must be paid by check to ISDI. Final payment will be invoiced and is due on Monday, July 24, Registrants will be accepted beyond this date on a space-available basis. ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate, good walking ability DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT: A deposit of $1,000 per paying participant will be required to guarantee participation in the program. This may be paid by check, or by Visa or MasterCard. Final payment will be invoiced and is due on July 24, Final payment must be made by check payable to International Seminar Design, Inc. Registrations will be accepted beyond July 24, 2017 on a space-available basis with payment in full by check. FLIGHTS: Airfare is not included in the tour price. TERMS & CONDITIONS: International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI) acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services relating to this tour. ISDI, the Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association, Engaging Journeys, Inc., 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 caused by 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 tour. ISDI, the Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association, and Engaging Journeys, Inc. reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason including insufficient numbers of participants, as well as the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the minimum required, passengers will be advised of additional costs or itinerary alterations before departure date. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be received in writing by ISDI, and charges are calculated as of the day notification is received in writing by ISDI. If a tour member cancels, the following scale of charges is incurred: There is a non-refundable administrative fee of $500 per person. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before July 24, 2017: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between July 25 and September 15, 2017: 50% of tour cost per person. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after September 16, 2017: no refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to issue any refunds. No refunds are issued for any unused portion of the tour including, but not limited to, occasional missed meals or sightseeing tours. Costs for promotion, staff, and other group expenses are not refundable. If due to weather, flight schedules, or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, and meal costs. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not accepted. The tour cost is non-transferable. Tour cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance is strongly recommended. A confirmation letter and travel insurance application will be mailed to you upon receipt of your deposit International Seminar Design, Inc., CST , WST TRAVEL INSURANCE: The Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. For additional information, please contact Sarah Doody with Bryn Mawr travel at or sdoody@brynmawr.edu. TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS: Accommodations as outlined in the itinerary; breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 1 reception (water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea included with all meals, and 2 glasses of wine or beer included with dinners); one group airport transfer upon arrival to and departure from Charleston, SC; land transportation by private motor coach as outlined in itinerary; entrance fees to sites per itinerary; services of a an ISDI Tour Manager; expert local guides; gratuities to local guides and drivers; bottled water on private motor coach; taxes, services, and porterage fees. TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS: Round-trip domestic airfare, airline taxes, and fuel surcharges; airport porterage; transfers to and from the airport in Charleston for individuals not taking the group transfers; excursions, activities, or meals during traveler s free time; personal items; personal services; travel extensions; personal insurance for health, baggage, and tour cancellation; passport fees; visa fees; gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff. FOR QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association Sarah Doody at or sdoody@brynmawr.edu International Seminar Design, Inc. Tour Director: Laurence Bézy at or laurence.bezy@isditravel.com

6 A Lowcountry Sojourn: Charleston October 30 November 3, 2017 Map of Charles Towne (1733) / Herman Moll Enclosed is my credit card information or deposit by check made payable to International Seminar Design, Inc. in the amount of $1,000 per person. Participant 1 Full Name Participant 2 Full Name Address (billing, if using credit card) City State Zip Daytime Telephone Cell Phone Address please send mailings to my to receive information more quickly # of persons Amount Enclosed LAND PACKAGE DEPOSIT ($1,000 PER PERSON): Visa MasterCard Check Make check payable to International Seminar Design, Inc. Card Number Exp. (mm/yy) Name as it appears on credit card Billing Zip Code (if different from above) ROOMING OPTIONS: (please select) Double Occupancy; I will share a room with Single Supplement ($495) I would like a roommate but will pay the price of the single supplement if one cannot be found. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN (registration invalid without signature) The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI), Bryn Mawr, Engaging Journeys, Inc., and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or representatives, from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death or for the loss of and/or damage to his/her property however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour. Signature Participant 1 / Date Signature Participant 2 / Date COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO: International Seminar Design, Inc Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 101 Washington, DC laurence.bezy@isditravel.com Fax: (202) For Questions: Call (202)