IN THE WAKE OF THE VI K I NGS

Transcription

1 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION Americans in Alliance with the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland IN THE WAKE OF THE VI K I NGS C OPE N H AGEN TO R E Y KJAVIK ABOARD SEA EXPLORE R M AY 23 TO JUNE 4, 2014

2 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION Reykjavik ICELAND Vestmannaeyjar Dear Members and Friends of The Royal Oak Foundation, More than twelve centuries ago, the Vikings crossed the North Sea to the British Isles. This was the dawn of the Viking Age, and its 250-year span left an indelible mark on the cultures of Scotland, England, and beyond. We invite you to sail in the wake of these brave explorers aboard the elegant Sea Explorer, navigating channels and firths as did the great Viking ships. We are delighted to be accompanied by art historian Wendy Stein from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her expertise in the medieval art and manuscripts of Great Britain will especially enhance our visits to Norse settlements in the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Begin in cosmopolitan Copenhagen, where we board the luxurious Sea Explorer and sail for Sweden. In Gothenburg, discover the Röhsska Museum of design and crafts. In Norway, step ashore in Oslo for visits on Bygdøy peninsula including The Viking Museum and Kon-Tiki, Thor Heyerdahl s famous balsa raft. Visit Bergen to see its 14th-century wharf and attend a private performance of Edvard Grieg s music at his countryside villa. Cross the North Sea to the Shetland Islands, to experience 4,000 years of human history at Jarlshof, and perhaps even spot one of the famous ponies. Explore the Neolithic and Norse sites of the Orkney and Faroe Islands, and marvel at the lava-strewn beauty of the Westman Islands of Iceland. Disembark in Reykjavik for visits to Thingvellir National Park and the Blue Lagoon, a world-renowned geothermal spa. North Atlantic Ocean Stromness Thorshavn Norwegian Sea Lerwick Bergen NORWAY Stavanger Oslo SWEDEN For those wishing to spend more time in Copenhagen, an optional three-day prelude is offered, and for further exploration of Reykjavik, a four-day postlude is offered. We hope to welcome you aboard for this North Sea adventure, co-sponsored with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the alumni associations of Harvard and Yale Universities. Sincerely, SCOTLAND North Sea DENMARK Gothenburg Copenhagen Sean E. Sawyer, Ph.D. Executive Director The Royal Oak Foundation

3 I N T H E WA K E OF THE V I K I NGS C OPE N H A GEN TO R E YKJAVIK ABOARD SEA EXPLORE R MAY 23 TO JUNE 4, 2014 USA DEPARTURE Friday, May 23 Depart on an overnight flight to Copenhagen. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Saturday, May 24 Arrive in Copenhagen in the early afternoon. Transfer to the city for a canal cruise and then continue to the pier to board the awaiting Sea Explorer. After settling into your cabin, gather for a welcome reception as we begin to cruise north. Dinner is on board. GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN Sunday, May 25 Attend morning lectures as the ship sails along the Swedish coast. After lunch, arrive in Gothenburg, where city planning by the Dutch in the 1600s created a network of narrow canals and parks. See the panoramic view from the Masthugg Church and visit the Botanical Gardens. Conclude at the Röhsska Museum, Sweden s national museum for fashion, design, and crafts. OSLO, NORWAY Monday, May 26 Situated on one of Norway s most beautiful fjords, Oslo is surrounded by islands and forested hills. Drive past City Hall, site of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Continue to the Bygdøy Peninsula, formerly a royal preserve and now home to several fascinating museums. See the Viking Ship Museum with its well-preserved 9th-century Viking ships, the Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Norwegian Folk Museum, home to historical buildings, as well as a large collection of folk art and costumes. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, stroll through Vigeland Park, with over 200 powerful sculptures by Gustaf Vigeland. Conclude with a private visit (pending confirmation) to the National Museum. The Royal Palace, Oslo. AT SEA Tuesday, May 27 During a relaxing day at sea, attend lectures to prepare for upcoming visits and enjoy the amenities of our ship. STAVANGER, NORWAY Colorful Vallgraven Canal, Gothenburg. Wednesday, May 28 This morning tour the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn how advances in this industry have affected Norway. Stop in one of Stavanger s many gardens before returning to Sea Explorer in time for lunch and an afternoon at sea.

4 BERGEN, NORWAY Thursday, May 29 Arrive this morning in Bergen, where Sea Explorer docks near the restored Håkonshallen, a 13th-century ceremonial hall. Discover Bryggen (The Wharf), with its meticulously preserved 14th-century warehouses built by Hansa merchants. The passageways between the buildings are filled with the shops of local artisans and craftsmen. Drive to Troldhaugen, the countryside villa of Edvard Grieg, to enjoy a private recital of the composer s work. Time permitting, see the unique architecture of Fantoft Stave Church. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon at sea. Attend an onboard lecture prior to dinner. THORSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS Sunday, June 1 Step ashore in Thorshavn, named after Thor, the Norse god of Thunder. Our morning visits will introduce us to the town s cultural heritage which dates back to the Vikings. In the afternoon, drive north, past a Viking settlement, perhaps to spot puffins nesting in the cliffs near Gjóv. Alternatively, drive to scenic Vágar Island, passing under the Vestmanna Sound via the new, 3-mile-long tunnel. AT SEA Monday, June 2 During a leisurely day at sea, attend lectures and perhaps settle into a deck chair with a favorite book. VESTMANNAEYJAR, WESTMAN ISLANDS 1 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Bergen Harbor. Tuesday, June 3 Early risers will want to be on deck this morning for our arrival into Vestmannaeyjar, in the Westmann Islands, where we will hopefully glimpse a puffin or two, and tour the museum commemorating the volcanic eruption in Sea Explorer continues mid-morning to Reykjavik, the world s northernmost capital city. This evening join the captain for a farewell reception and dinner. LERWICK, SHETLAND ISLANDS Friday, May 30 Following a morning lecture and lunch, arrive in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands. Travel to the end of the main island where the farms meet a rocky and beautiful coast. Be on the lookout for puffins and seals, as well as the famous ponies. In this remote setting we will see the settlement of Jarlshof where wheelhouses and Norse longhouses are well preserved. Remarkably, this Stone Age settlement was in continuous use until the 17th century. Return to Lerwick for time at leisure. Our cruise continues in the evening, during the long twilight hours called simmer dim. STROMNESS, ORKNEY ISLANDS Saturday, May 31 Sail amidst the Orkney Islands to the bustling harbor of Kirkwall to see the Cathedral of St. Magnus, founded in 1137, and the 16th-century Bishop s Palace. Drive through the countryside to the ruins of Skara Brae, a Stone Age settlement that was preserved by layers of sand and only exposed by a storm in Continue to Maes Howe, a massive circular burial tomb dating from 3500 BCE. Experience the mystery and power of the nearby Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Return to the ship and sail early this evening. View over Reykjavik with Hallgrimur s Church. REYKJAVIK 1 NEW YORK Wednesday, June 4 Following morning disembarkation, a tour of Reykjavik includes the National Museum of Iceland, whose exhibits trace the country s history from the Settlement Age to the present. Then drive to the Blue Lagoon for lunch and time to experience this renowned geothermal spa. Continue to the airport for the homebound flight. Alternatively, remain in Reykjavik for the optional postlude program.

5 SEA EXPLORER D E CK PLAN Beauty Salon Sun Deck Whirlpool Explorer Deck Sun Deck Outdoor Café Erickson Deck Library Club Marco Polo Deck Restaurant Reception Columbus Deck Magellan Deck CRU ISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy) 254 to 262 Magellan Deck $7,995 Deluxe Suites with porthole windows. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. 333 to 348 Columbus Deck $8,995 Deluxe Suites with windows. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. 329 to 332 Columbus Deck $9,595 Deluxe Suites with windows. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. 416 to 428 Marco Polo Deck $9,995 Deluxe Suites with windows. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. 414 & 415 Marco Polo Deck $10,595 Junior Suites with windows. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. 505 to 512 Erickson Deck $11,995 Veranda Suites with private balcony. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. 601 to 604 Explorer Deck $13,995 Penthouse Suites with private balcony. Queen beds with twin option, marble bath/shower. A limited number of single occupancy cabins are offered at a supplement of 15 to 100 percent of the cruise rate. Sea Explorer (top), dining room (left) and a Deluxe Suite on Magellan Deck (right). Luxury blends with a dash of adventure aboard Sea Explorer, formerly the Corinthian II. This all-suite motor yacht features all outside cabins, an elevator, wraparound sun deck with whirlpool, exercise room, and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for accessing smaller ports and beaches. Rates Include Eleven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Explorer All meals during the cruise, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner Sightseeing via private motorcoach as per itinerary Entrance fees for all included visits Series of lectures Airport /hotel /pier /airport group transfers Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides, drivers, and shipboard staff Not Included in Rates Airfare; passport fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine / beer at lunches and dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; optional Copenhagen prelude; optional Reykjavik postlude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Optional Copenhagen Prelude $1,795 per person. $795 single supplement. Includes two nights accommodations as per itinerary; breakfast daily, two lunches, and one dinner with coffee/tea and wine; touring and entrance fees as per itinerary. Optional Reykjavik Postlude $2,625 per person. $365 single supplement. Includes three nights accommodations as per itinerary; breakfast daily, four lunches, and three dinners with coffee/tea; wine with dinners; touring and entrance fees as per itinerary. T H E ROYAL OAK FOUND ATI ON 1 RE S E RVATI ON A PPLICATI ON To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX Are you currently a member of The Royal Oak Foundation? Yes No IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS 1 MAY 23 TO JUNE 4, 2014 Accommodations Sea Explorer Cabin Preference (1) (2) I wish to share a cabin with Optional Prelude & Postlude I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Copenhagen. I/We wish to join the optional postlude in Reykjavik. Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single Form of Payment Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad). Credit card deposit (for deposit only; final payment must be made by check). _ NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE _ CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days before departure. _ SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE _ SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: trips@arrangementsabroad.com

6 The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen. OPTIONAL COPENH AGEN PR ELUDE May 21 to 24, 2014 Spend two nights in wonderful Copenhagen, where abundant street life, shopping along the Strøget, and strolling through Tivoli Gardens are just the beginning. Enjoy a curatorial tour of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum, with its remarkable collection of classical and Impressionist art. Drive north to the town of Helsingør to see Kronborg Castle, the inspiration for Shakespeare s Hamlet. Admire the remarkable collection of postwar masterpieces at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, whose surrounding sculpture park offers panoramic views of the waters separating Denmark and Sweden. There will be ample free time to explore the city s many delights on your own. Reykjavik. OPTIONAL REY KJAVIK POSTLUDE June 4 to 7, 2014 Discover Iceland s dynamic capital and the surrounding countryside during a three-night stay in Reykjavik. Marvel at Thingvellir National Park, known for its dramatic lava formations, and Geyser, the original erupting hot spring from which the word geyser derives. Tour the Valley of the Gods and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (which famously erupted in 2010), or explore the Sólheimajökull glacier and learn about Iceland s past at the nearby Skógar Museum. Visit a geothermal power plant for a briefing on this unique form of volcano-generated energy, and relax at the renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

7 TERMS & CONDIT I ONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested flights, or individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances, including tenders. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. PLEASE NOTE: Sea Explorer does have an elevator. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of reservation and deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Royal Oak Foundation (ROF) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of ROF is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, ROF, and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of 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 Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or ROF and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages, or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or ROF. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. ROF and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or ROF to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; ROF shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor ROF shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or ROF, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2013 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front cover: Prow of a Viking ship. On the back cover: Statue of Leif Erickson, Reykjavik (top) and Shetland Island farm (bottom).

8 I N T H E W A K E OF THE V I K I NGS COPENHAGEN TO REYKJAVIK ABOARD SEA EXPLORER MAY 23 TO JUNE 4, 2014 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO. 601 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION 35 WEST 35TH STREET, SUITE 1200 NEW YORK, NY THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION IN THE WAKE OF THE V I K I NGS MAY 23 TO JUNE 4, 2014