S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y. Scottish Highlands by Rail GL A SGOW, EDIN BURGH A ND THE ROYA L SCOTSM A N

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Scottish Highlands by Rail GL A SGOW, EDIN BURGH A ND THE ROYA L SCOTSM A N April 30 to May 9, 2012 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 The misty Scottish highlands are the stuff of legends: Rob Roy and his kiltclad clansmen, lonely stone Scottish castles that inspired the setting of Macbeth, and deep dark lochs home to mythical monsters. One could explore this fabled land in many ways, but surely the best would be on a storied train the Edwardian-style Royal Scotsman, meticulously renovated to luxurious standards. Our time aboard the train is bookended with pre- and post-rail interludes in the historic yet modern cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, with insightful lectures from Travel/Study veteran faculty leader Scott Pearson throughout. I hope you can raise a wee dram and join us! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY BEN NEVIS Highlights V I E W exquisite works of art at Glasgow s renowned art galleries and stately mansions, including the Hunterian Art Gallery and the Pollok House. E X P E R I E N C E the life of a country aristocrat at a forested estate at Mount Stewart House on the Isle of Bute. E N J O Y a specially arranged tour of the royal yacht Brittania in Edinburgh, topped off by a memorable farewell dinner at a 17th-century manor. GLENFINNAN VIADUCT

3 GLASGOW ART GALLERIE Spean Bridge Bridge of Orchy S COTLAND UNITED KINGDOM London RIVER NEVIS Isle of Bute Wemyss Bay Loch Lomond Glasgow Edinburgh North Sea Itinerary MONDAY, APRIL 30 DEPART U.S. / GLASGOW, SCOTLAND Depart from home on an overnight flight to Glasgow, Scotland. TUESDAY, MAY 1 GLASGOW Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland s largest city, and transfer to our historic hotel, a building that once housed the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. This evening gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and orientation at our hotel. BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 GLASGOW Spend a full day touring the city, focusing on Glasgow s industrial and commercial history. See the Mackintosh House, a reconstruction of the home of architect, designer, sculptor and painter Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret. Continue to the Hunterian Art Gallery, with its unrivaled paintings by Whistler and important collection of prints. After lunch at a local restaurant known for its innovative Scottish cuisine, enjoy a private tour and reception at the Riverside Museum, an exciting new space designed by Zaha Hadid and home to Glasgow s renowned transport collections. BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL (B,L,D) THURSDAY, MAY 3 GLASGOW This morning tour Pollok House, a classic 18th-century Georgian mansion with paintings by El Greco, Goya and other European masters. Then drive to the nearby Burrell Collection where lunch at the Burrell Bistro precedes a tour of the outstanding, eclectic collection of stained glass, tapestries, Islamic art and Impressionist paintings. Conclude the afternoon with a visit to the Tenement House, a Victorian apartment cared for by the National Trust of Scotland and restored to reflect the previous tenant, Miss Agnes Toward, who lived there for over 50 years during the first half of the 20th century. The balance of the day is at leisure. BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL (B,L) FRIDAY, MAY 4 EDINBURGH / EMBARK ROYAL SCOTSMAN / SPEAN BRIDGE Following a short, latemorning drive to Edinburgh s Waverley Station, we are piped aboard the classic Edwardian-style Royal Scotsman train to begin our three-night journey through the scenic Scottish Highlands. Enjoy a delicious Scottish high tea as the train departs from Edinburgh and heads west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow and reach the northern bank of the Clyde. Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran, the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line. Our train travels along the edge of Gare Loch, where we see Loch Long and a view of Ben Arthur ( The Cobbler ) with its distinctive peak. Passing Arrochar we get our first view of Loch Lomond before the train descends almost to the water s edge at Ardlui, then makes a hard climb up Glen Falloch,

4 S AND MUSEUM EDINBURGH whose many waterfalls provide an impressive display. Continue north through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy before arriving in the village of Spean Bridge where the train stables overnight. After a formal dinner onboard, enjoy entertainment in the train s observation car. ROYAL SCOTSMAN (B,D) SATURDAY, MAY 5 SPEAN BRIDGE / BRIDGE OF ORCHY Early risers may wish to take a brisk hike to see the bronze memorial that commemorates British Commandos and U.S. Army Rangers who trained in the area during World War II. Return to the train for breakfast onboard as our journey continues west, passing through Fort William with views of Ben Nevis, Britain s highest mountain. Drive to the Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825, and learn about the traditions of its famed Scotch whisky. In the afternoon, travel to Glenfinnan and hike with a mountain ranger through Nevis Gorge to the majestic Steall Waterfall. Alternatively, join a Highlander for a tour focusing on the stories of Scottish heroes and life in the Highlands. During an informal dinner this evening the train travels south from Fort William to the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy for overnight stabling. ROYAL SCOTSMAN (B,L,D) SUNDAY, MAY 6 BRIDGE OF ORCHY / WEMYSS BAY / ISLE OF BUTE This morning enjoy brunch aboard our train as we leave Bridge of Orchy and head south toward Glasgow and Gourock. At Wemyss Bay, board the ferry and cross to the Isle of Bute. The island embraces a variety of landscapes: seashore, moorland, farmland and forest each with its own impact on the island s history. Visit Mount Stuart, Britain s most spectacular Victorian gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland. The house was the architectural fantasy of the Third Marquess of Bute and his architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning, mysterious interiors reflect the romantic and scholarly Marquess s passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. Enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room and wander the estate s gardens and grounds. Return to the mainland and rejoin our train in Wemyss Bay where a formal dinner is served onboard and the train stables for the night. ROYAL SCOTSMAN (B,L,D) MONDAY, MAY 7 WEMYSS BAY / DISEMBARK / EDINBURGH Following breakfast bid farewell to the Royal Scotsman and drive to the port town of Leith to tour the Royal Yacht Brittania, the royal family s official residence at sea for 44 years after being commissioned in Return to Edinburgh for a casual pub lunch and check in to our stately hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful city independently. BALMORAL HOTEL (B,L) TUESDAY, MAY 8 EDINBURGH Discover the ancient and handsome city of Edinburgh on an architectural tour of this city s lovely squares and crescents. At Edinburgh Castle see the Crown Jewels of Scotland. This evening gather with fellow travelers for a festive cocktail reception and dinner to toast the end of our Scottish adventure at the 17th-century Prestonfield House, built for Sir James Dieck, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, as his country estate. BALMORAL HOTEL (B,D) WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 EDINBURGH / U.S. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flights back to the U.S. (B)

5 THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN The Royal Scotsman Our three-night journey on The Royal Scotsman takes us straight into the heart of the Highlands, through landscapes of towering, pine-clad mountains reflected in mirror-still lochs. Launched in May 1985, with several vintage cars originally constructed in the 1960s, the train in its current form dates from May Five state sleeping cars offer deluxe single- or twin-bedded accommodations for just 36 guests and are beautifully outfitted in rich woodwork. All cabins have fixed lower beds; private bathroom facilities with shower, wash basin and toilet; dressing table; full-length wardrobe; individually controlled heating, and windows that open. Two dining cars, lavishly furnished with wood paneling, inlaid marquetry and custom-made dining chairs and tables not to mention a state-of-the-art modern kitchen provide the setting for elegant meals, served with local, fresh ingredients and a wide selection of fine, complimentary wines (with lunches and dinners) to suit all tastes. At the end of the train, the open-ended observation car comfortably holds all 36 guests at one time and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. After dinner, over a wee dram, meet in the observation car with a local clansman who recounts tales that bring Scottish history to life. THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN COMPARTMENT

6 Information D A T E S April 30 to May 9, 2012 (10 days) S I Z E Limited to 34 participants. C O S T * $11,895 per person, double occupancy $14,895 per person, single occupancy *Association nonmembers add $200 per person I N C L U D E D 5 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 3 nights aboard The Royal Scotsman train 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and train crew for all group activities All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and predeparture materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program N O T I N C L U D E D International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Tripcancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as , telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services A I R A R R A N G E M E N T S International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on British Airways from San Francisco to Glasgow and returning from Edinburgh is approximately $1,400 as of May 2011 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent. W H A T T O E X P E C T We consider this program to be mildly active. Daily tours in Glasgow and Edinburgh are busy, involving one to three miles of walking on city streets, which are, in some cases, uneven or cobblestoned. Some historic properties and museums are quite expansive, and guided tours require the ability to climb up and down several flights of stairs and stand in one place for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. These busy days are contrasted with the relaxed pace aboard the train, where daily excursions are complemented by lectures and leisure time onboard, and travelers will have ample opportunity to take in the beautiful highland scenery from the comfort of our train cars. Participants should feel comfortable walking in a rocking rail car. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for the Scottish Highlands by Rail program. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-perperson cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and tripcancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit membership or call (650) Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in June 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. California Seller of Travel Program Registration # COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

7 Scott Pearson is what you hope for in a faculty leader. He was not only a great lecturer, but also a great fellow traveler... we would certainly like to travel with him again. WA LT E R F R A N Z, 6 2, V O YA G E F R O M S I N G A P O R E T O I N D I A, Stanford Faculty Leader AS A 6-YEAR-OLD GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN WISCONSIN, SCOTT PEARSON was fascinated by geography. After he mastered the state capitals, his interest shifted to foreign countries and eventually to the seven continents. He remembers voraciously reading National Geographic articles, particularly those on the peoples of Africa. He joined the Peace Corps in 1961 and served in Nigeria, which strengthened his commitment to understand and improve the lives of others less fortunate. Thereafter, Scott realized his childhood dream of experiencing the world and studying its people; his career focused on international trade and development and his retirement on the rise and fall of empires. Since retiring, he has lectured on more than 70 educational travel trips, and he is one of Stanford Travel/Study s most popular lecturers. Scott, who can trace his Scottish ancestry back nearly six centuries, has had a life-long fascination with Scotland and has visited the country often. During our program he will discuss the cultural, political and economic history of the Scots and Scotland from its settlement and the struggles of medieval times to its role in the British Empire and modern adjustments within the United Kingdom. Served on the Stanford faculty from 1968 until his retirement in 2002 as professor of agricultural economics Director, Food Research Institute, Co-authored a dozen books and won several awards for research and teaching Regularly advised governments in Asia, Africa and southern Europe on food and agricultural policy S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Reservation Form Scottish Highlands by Rail April 30 to May 9, 2012 MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS SIGN UP ONLINE! I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. Bed Preference: 2 Twin Beds 1 Double Bed MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s) Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP CARD # AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE EXPIRES DATE HOME PHONE CELL PHONE ADDRESS WORK PHONE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) or place your deposit online at Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 7510

8 Scottish Highlands by Rail GL A SG OW, EDIN BU RGH A N D T HE ROYA L SCOTSM A N April 30 to May 9, 2012 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Stanford Alumni Association alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, the Hills of the Highlands forever I love. R O B E R T B U R N S, M Y H E A R T S I N T H E H I G H L A N D S S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y EDINBURGH CASTLE