A Danube, Main & Rhine river cruise aboard the Royal Crown. Former Ambassador and Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Transcription

1 Prague to the Swiss Alps A Danube, Main & Rhine river cruise aboard the Royal Crown With Thomas W. Simons, Jr., Former Ambassador and Visiting Scholar, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies October 12 26, 2017

2 Prague to the Swiss Alps aboard the Royal Crown October 12 26, 2017 (14 nights/15 days) Enjoy the beautiful medieval Old Town center of Basel (cover), the meandering canals of Strasbourg s Petite France district (above), the quaintly picturesque 15th-century artisans homes along Prague Castle s Golden Lane (inset), and the stunning snowcapped Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks of the Swiss Alps (back cover). ROMANTIC OLD WORLD VILLAGES, picturesque winding rivers, vineyards ablaze with autumn colors, and vibrant cities emblematic of a rapidly transforming Europe comprise this memorable journey from the Czech Republic, through Germany and France, to Switzerland. This unique itinerary is bookended by two fascinating destinations Prague, the historic capital of Bohemia, and the spectacularly beautiful Swiss Alps. Travel aboard the intimate Royal Crown riverboat along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers and transit the Main-Danube Canal. Stroll through pictureperfect medieval city centers; explore romantic castles and palaces; gaze in awe at alpine peaks named Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau; and sample world-class regional wines. Marvel at the rebirth of Prague since the fall of the Iron Curtain, and ponder the future ramifications of decisions made by the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The 90-passenger Royal Crown riverboat, privately chartered for eight nights, is intimately sized and outfitted with elegant public areas and staterooms, perfect complements to the refined cuisine and friendly, attentive service designed to enhance your river cruise experience. To book a trip call or visit alumni.harvard.edu/travel

3 Harvard Study Leader Educated at Yale (BA 1958) and Harvard (MA 1959; PhD 1963), Thomas W. Simons, Jr., is currently a visiting scholar at Harvard s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. During a 35-year U.S. Foreign Service career, he specialized in East-West relations, serving in Poland, the USSR, Romania, and Washington, D.C. During the 1990s Simons was U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union, and U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan. He is the author of dozens of articles on Central and East European history and politics, and four books, including his most recent, Eurasia s New Frontiers: Young States, Old Societies, Open Futures. Additional Lecturer G. Robert Hamrdla, Professor Emeritus, Stanford University, has been teaching at Stanford for more than 35 years, most recently in the Continuing Studies Program. He also served as the director of Stanford s Overseas Study Centers in Beutelsbach, Berlin, and Kraków. He is fluent in German and a specialist on Central Europe, Nazi Germany, and the former German Democratic Republic. Bob will lecture on the current situation of the European Union, including the pending withdrawal of Britain; problems remaining from the drama of World War II; and the role of the so-called Visegrad countries: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. Why travel with the HAA? Expert Harvard faculty and study leaders Over 80 destinations on all 7 continents Choice of land & rail, cruises, rivers & lakes, and family adventures Travel with fellow Harvard alumni Local culture, history, and cuisine at each stop Relationships that last beyond your itinerary Germany s Würzburg Residenz earned UNESCO World Heritage designation as the most homogeneous and extraordinary of the Baroque palaces and as a document of European culture, a joint achievement of 18th-century architects, sculptors, and painters from throughout Europe. For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

4 Schedule by Day Included meals are designated as B=breakfast, L=lunch, R=reception, D=dinner Spires rise above the rooftops and bridges straddle the waterways in the charming cities along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers, including (above, left to right) Prague, Bamberg, and Regensburg. Thursday, October 12 & Friday, October 13 Home / Prague, Czech Republic Depart home on an overnight flight to Prague. This evening gather for a festive welcome reception and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace, an impressive Renaissance chateau perched high above the river. InterContinental Hotel Prague (R,D) Saturday, October 14 Prague Explore Prague s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during a guided walking tour that showcases six centuries of architectural styles lining cobbled streets, an intricately decorated astronomical clock, and the iconic pointed spires of Tyn Cathedral. Also visit the haunting Old Jewish Cemetery and the 13th-century Old-New Synagogue within Prague s Jewish Quarter, part of Old Town. InterContinental Hotel Prague (B) Sunday, October 15 Prague Visit the magnificent Strahov Library for a private tour of the collection of original prints and manuscripts. Continue to Prague Castle, a royal residence as far back as the 10th century and still the seat of the Czech government. Within its walls, visit Renaissance-era St. Vitus Cathedral; the Old Royal Palace, with its elongated throne room and soaring Vladislav Hall, once the site of coronation banquets and jousting tournaments; and Golden Lane, a charmingly quaint street that dates back to the 15th century, where goldsmiths and other artisans once lived and worked. InterContinental Hotel Prague (B,L) Monday, October 16 Prague / Regensburg, Germany Originally a Celtic colony, Regensburg later became a fortress guarding the northern frontier of the Danube. The city is home to Dom St. Peter, one of the most impressive cathedrals in Bavaria and a fine example of Gothic style. Enjoy a tour through the old medieval quarter with its narrow streets and intimate squares lined with medieval buildings, followed by a performance by the Domspatzen Quartet. Embark the Royal Crown and begin your river cruise by transiting the Main-Danube Canal. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Tuesday, October 17 Nuremberg The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a treasure of medieval culture, as evidenced in its historic monuments, Gothic churches, and elegant patrician houses. A city tour includes the courthouse where the Nazi war crimes trials were held, and the parade grounds where many of the Nazi Party rallies took place during World War II. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Wednesday, October 18 Bamberg Enjoy a morning tour of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city encompassing hills, canals, and splendid examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Visit the Altes Rathaus (old town hall), a picturesque mixture of rustic half-timbering and rococo elegance perched on a tiny island in the Pegnitz River, and the city s great cathedral, featuring some of the most remarkable sculptures in Germany. Enjoy a private concert before rejoining the ship and cruising to Würzburg. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Thursday, October 19 Würzburg Rising high above the Main River, the Würzburg Residenz Palace is one of the most stunning baroque buildings in southern Germany. In the 16th century, this medieval castle was converted into a magnificent palace with five grand halls, 300 bedrooms, and a mirrored gallery. During a guided tour of the palace, marvel at the recently restored ceiling fresco by Giovanni Tiepolo, then enjoy a private tasting of Franconian wines in the candlelit wine cellar. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Friday, October 20 Miltenberg Miltenberg s strategic location on the Main River allowed it to develop into an important trading center in medieval times. This morning enjoy a walking tour of Miltenberg s picturesque half-timbered houses, followed by an organ concert in nearby Amorbach s Benedictine Abbey church. Return to the Royal Crown for an afternoon of cruising. Royal Crown (B,L,D) For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

5 RÜDESHEIM MILTENBERG MAIN RIVER WÜRZBURG BAMBERG Czech Republic PRAGUE HEIDELBERG SPEYER STRASBOURG France RHINE RIVER Germany MAIN- DANUBE CANAL NUREMBERG DANUBE RIVER REGENSBURG BASEL ZÜRICH INTERLAKEN Switzerland AIR CRUISE LAND Saturday, October 21 Rüdesheim After a morning of scenic cruising, arrive in Rüdesheim, a wine-making town in the Rhine Gorge (Upper Middle Rhine Valley) UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a visit to Schloss Vollrads, a castle and wine estate that has been making wine for more than 800 years. Ten to 15 different wines are made from the single grape variety, Reisling, grown in this unique Rheingau terroir a blend of climate, soil type, geomorphology, and other plants in the area. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Sunday, October 22 Heidelberg & Speyer This morning take a guided walking tour of Heidelberg, home to a number of great poets and academics, worldfamous castle ruins, and Germany s oldest university, which dates back to Continue to Speyer to visit its acclaimed Romanesque cathedral, whose monumental crypt houses the remains of German emperors and kings. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Monday, October 23 Strasbourg, France Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament, reflects the cultures of both France and Germany linguistically, architecturally, and gastronomically. The city s UNESCO World Heritage designated center features 16th-century half-timbered houses and a Gothic cathedral built of red sandstone. During a specially arranged tour of the European Parliament, hear a guest lecture on European affairs. Then board small boats and meander along the picturesque canals of Strasbourg s Petite France, the former tanners and fishmongers districts. Enjoy a piano concert while cruising to Strasbourg. Royal Crown (B,L,D) Tuesday, October 24 Basel, Switzerland Disembark in Basel for a walking tour of its medieval Old Town. An important cultural center, Basel is home to Switzerland s oldest university, where the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche taught. Transfer by motor coach to Interlaken, the main gateway to the mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (B,L) Wednesday, October 25 Interlaken Board a cog railway for the spectacular ascent to the Kleine Scheidegg Station with views of the famous Eiger North Wall, as well as the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner. Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (B,D) Thursday, October 26 Interlaken / Zurich / Home After breakfast, transfer to the Zurich Airport for flights home. (B) Details Activity level: Moderate Group Size: 74 guests Co-sponsors: National Trust for Historic Preservation, Stanford, Santa Barbara Museum of Art What to Expect The pace of this program is moderately active, with a few miles of walking each day. Most of the historic city centers have large segments that are closed to motor coaches, and city tours involve walking on cobbled streets or uneven terrain, and may involve extended periods of standing in museums and churches. Elevators and handrails on stairs often are unavailable. Participants must be in good health and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. Participants with medical issues and/or dietary restrictions must make them known to us well before departure, and impairments regarding mobility must be disclosed prior to booking. If you have any questions about the level of activity of this program or your ability to participate, please call HAA Travels at Photos (From Dreamstime. com): Basel Xantana; Strasbourg Canals Nicknickko; Golden Lane Sborisov; Prague Taiga; Bamberg Enrico Della Pietra; Regensburg Mikhail Markovskiy; Prague Astronomical Clock Dragoneye; Swiss Alps Pradi. (From Shutterstock.com): Würzburg Residenz WO.

6 Royal Crown The elegant Royal Crown combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a fourstar vessel. Built in 1996 and refurbished in 2010, this 45-stateroom riverboat was crafted to ply the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Spacious teak decks blend with elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood, and marble appointments, rich fabrics, and specially designed furniture to create a unique river vessel. All suites are fitted with spacious rosewood cupboards, a dressing table, satellite TV and radio, a safe deposit box, individually controlled air-conditioning, and en suite facilities with shower and hairdryer. Public amenities include a library, boutique, fitness area, elegant Art Deco inspired lounge with panoramic views, and a dining room with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck running almost the entire length of the vessel, a lido bar, a putting green, and a large-scale chessboard. The efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the vessel, and two powerful engines can achieve a speed of up to 12 knots. Program Rates, per person Category/Deck Double Single A Junior/Select Deck $7,995 $12, sq. ft., two portholes, twin beds, shower B Superior/Select Deck $8,495 $13, sq. ft., two portholes, twin beds, shower C Deluxe/Select Deck $8,995 $15, sq. ft., two portholes, twin beds, shower D Premium/Select Deck $9, sq. ft., two portholes, queen bed, shower E Royal/Panorama Deck $12, sq. ft., four large fixed windows, queen bed, shower Air Arrangements U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Round-trip economyclass airfare from New York to Prague, Czech Republic, with return from Zurich, Switzerland, is approximately $800 per person as of August 2016 and is subject to change without notice. Information about making flight arrangements will be sent to all participants. GENERAL INFORMATION Tour Cost Inclusions All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary; Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations; Scheduled transfers on group arrival and departure days; Baggage handling at hotels and ship; Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, drivers for all group activities, and shipboard personnel; House wine, beer, and soft drinks with all lunches and dinner on board Royal Crown; Welcome and farewell wine receptions; Bottled water on coaches; Entrance fees and port charges; Complete packet of pre-departure information including educational materials; Professional tour manager; $200,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance. Tour Cost Exclusions U.S. domestic and international airfare; Passport or visa expenses; Medical expenses and immunizations; Airport transfers except as noted above; Travel and trip cancellation insurance; Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour; Excess baggage charges; Meals not specified in the itinerary; Dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; Liquor; Personal items such as , telephone and fax calls, laundry, and gratuities for non-group services. Reservations, Deposits, & Final Payment To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at or or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Final payment deadline is June 14, 2017, 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations & Refunds Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations within 14 days of booking: full refund; cancellations received up to 120 days prior to departure will be assessed a cancellation fee of $1,000 per person. Cancellations received within 120 days prior to departure are subject to 100% penalty of all deposits and payments. Itinerary Changes The itinerary contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing. We reserve the right to change the program or accommodations as conditions warrant. Insurance We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by HAA upon confirmation. Responsibility Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at prague-swiss-alps If you are not able to access the internet, please call HAA Travels at or Disclaimer Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Neither HAA nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this brochure is subject to change. Questions Please call HAA Travels at or , haatravels@harvard.edu California Seller of Travel Program CST # TO book A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

7 A Sampling of 2017 & 2018 HAA Trips Registration form LAND & RAIL TANZANIA SAFARI: THE GREAT MIGRATION FEB 5 17, 2017 Terence Capellini GATEWAY TO ICELAND: NORTHERN LIGHTS IN THE LAND OF FIRE & ICE FEB 9 13, 2017 JOYCE CHAPLIN FEB 16 20, 2017 STEPHEN MITCHELL IRAN IN-DEPTH MAR 4 18, 2017 INDIA: SPLENDORS OF THE SOUTH MAR 8 24, 2017 ALI S. ASANI A WEEK IN BUENOS AIRES MAR 10 18, 2017 DORIS SOMMER SPRING BREAK IN GREECE FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 10 18, 2017 Gregory Nagy EXPLORING HAVANA, CUBA APR 2 7, 2017 OCT 12 17, 2017 SCIENCE & COOKING IN BARCELONA APR 18 25, 2017 MICHAEL BRENNER FROM NEWGRANGE TO GLENDALOUGH: ANCIENT & LITERARY IRELAND APR 21 29, 2017 ALFIE ALCORN JAPAN & CHINA: ANCIENT & MODERN CONNECTIONS MAY 8 22, 2017 PETER BOL & ANDREW GORDON VILLAGE LIFE IN DORDOGNE MAY 11 19, 2017 MICHAEL MCCORMICK GEORGIA: A WEEKLONG SEMINAR IN TBILISI & GEORGIA S WINE- GROWING REGION MAY 26 JUN 4, 2017 CAROL SAIVETZ NORWEGIAN SPLENDOR JUN 20 JUL 5, 2017 DISCOVER GREENLAND JUL 28 AUG 5, 2017 FRAN ULMER In the Footsteps of St. James: El Camino de Santiago SEP 15 27, 2017 MARY GAYLORD MYSTICAL INDIA OCT 15 31, 2017 SOUTHERN AFRICAN ODYSSEY OCT 19 NOV 5, 2017 PUEBLA & OAXACA NOV 6 12, 2017 ARCTIC EXPLORER ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS PRIVATE TRAIN DEC 28, 2017 JAN 9, 2018 JULIE BUCKLER CRUISES PATAGONIA EXPEDITION ON STELLA AUSTRALIS JAN 5 17, 2017 JARED DIAMOND 58 Cuba by Land & Sea (Two Nights In Havana) on Variety Voyager JAN 19 28, 2017 Michael Shinagel EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA ON LE SOLEAL JAN 21 FEB 3, 2017 DAVID AGUILAR NEW ZEALAND BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKY JAN 29 FEB 11, 2017 JAMES COSTA CRUISING TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA ON PAUL GAUGUIN FEB 9 19, 2017 SUSAN SULEIMAN CUBA BY LAND & SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGER (TWO NIGHTS IN HAVANA) FEB 18 27, 2017 JONATHAN HANSEN SAILING THE PANAMA CANAL ON SEA CLOUD II FEB 20 MAR 3, 2017 HARVEY FINEBERG & MARY WILSON SOUTHERN INDIA & SRI LANKA ON ISLAND SKY MAR 24 APR 7, 2017 JAPAN BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKY APR 13 26, 2017 MARK VAN BAALEN EUROPEAN COASTAL CIVILIZATIONS: LISBON TO LONDON ON LE BOREAL APR 30 MAY 9, 2017 JAMES SIMPSON ADRIATIC & AEGEAN: ATHENS TO VENICE ON LE LYRIAL MAY 8 16, 2017 HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKIN SAILING THE BALTIC S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD II JUL 19 30, 2017 MICHAEL SHINAGEL SICILY BY SEA ON SEA CLOUD II OCT 11 19, 2017 ROBERT DARNTON RIVIERAS & ISLANDS OF ITALY, FRANCE & SPAIN ON VARIETY VOYAGER OCT 14 28, 2017 THOMAS FORREST KELLY MYSTIQUE OF THE ORIENT: HONG KONG TO SAIGON ON L AUSTRAL OCT 17 29, 2017 RIVERS & LAKES PRIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA & ZIMBABWE ON ZAMBEZI QUEEN MAR 1 16, 2017 CARLOS DIAZ- ROSILLO DUTCH & FLEMISH LANDSCAPES ON AMAPRIMA APR 19 27, 2017 SUE SCHOPF ELBE RIVER CRUISE: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON ELBE PRINCESSE APR 23 MAY 4, 2017 JOHN STEWART WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS: MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG ON VOLGA DREAM JUN 7 17, 2017 JOHN STEWART SYMPHONY ON THE BLUE DANUBE ON AMADEUS SILVER II OCT 10 21, 2017 CATHERINE MCKENNA PRAGUE TO THE SWISS ALPS: DANUBE, MAIN & RHINE RIVERS ON ROYAL CROWN OCT 12 26, 2017 TOM SIMONS BORDEAUX VINEYARDS, VINTAGES & CHATEAUX ON AMADOLCE OCT 18 26, 2017 CHRISTIE MCDONALD FAMILY ADVENTURES GREECE: A FAMILY ODYSSEY ON RUNNING ON WAVES JUN 22 JUL 1, 2017 JONATHAN WALTON FAMILY CHINA: IMPERIAL PALACES, ANCIENT VILLAGES, WILD MOUNTAINS & HIGH-TECH MARVELS JUN 25 JUL 7, 2017 Family Tanzania Safari June 21 July 2, 2017 FAMILY COSTA RICA DEC 26, 2017 JAN 3, 2018 DANIEL LIEBERMAN VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS: A FAMILY PROGRAM SUMMER 2018 MICHAEL SZONYI To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please return this form by mail to: Harvard Alumni Travels 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA Or by fax: Please call with any questions: or I am not able to make this trip, but please add me to your mailing list. PROGRAM name FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT WORK TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE start DATE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD date OF BIRTH date OF BIRTH 3-DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS Cabin Category Preference 1st choice 2nd choice Bed preference on ship: Twin beds joined as queen Hotel Room Preference DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE Twins

8 Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor Cambridge, MA Book your next journey with the HAA today! Call or visit us at alumni.harvard.edu/travel PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 604 Sacramento, CA