THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION ART TREASURES & ANCIENT TEMPLES SICILY BY SEA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II O CTOBER 22 TO 31, 2012 W ITH P ATRICK B OWE
THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION Dear Members and Friends of Royal Oak, A Great natural beauty, with tall hills rising from an azure sea, and two and a half millennia of civilization make Sicily among Europe s most fascinating destinations. Enjoy a privileged view as we circumnavigate this Mediterranean island aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II. Trapani Segesta We are delighted that Patrick Bowe, architectural historian and author of Gardens of the Roman World, will accompany us throughout this program. Mr. Bowe s riveting presentations and informal on-site talks have delighted Royal Oak travelers over the years. Also traveling with us will be Elizabeth Milleker, a Senior Research Scholar and recently retired Curator in The Metropolitan Museum of Art s Department of Greek and Roman Art, and Catherine McKenna, Professor of Celtic Languages and Literatures at Harvard University. At the crossroads of many cultures, Sicily was invaded time after time, and the results are spectacular. The island is rich in works of art as diverse as they are beautiful and then there is Sicilian culture, which is quite different from the rest of Italy. The Greeks, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs and the Normans all conquered and then lost the island. A blend of many traditions can be seen in the towns and cities we will visit. Begin with two days in Valletta, the capital of Malta, where an extraordinary concentration of historic and prehistoric areas has earned it the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a private reception at Casa Roca Piccola and travel to medieval Mdina. Then embark Sea Cloud II and sail to Porto Empedocle to see the Doric ruins at the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. From Trapani, view the Greek temple of Segesta as well as the ancient bronze sculpture, the Dancing Satyr, at Mazara del Vallo. Step ashore in the Sicilian capital of Palermo to see the Palatine Chapel before cruising to the romantic hilltop town of Taormina and on to Syracuse, which once rivaled Athens in wealth and culture. Life aboard Sea Cloud II has no comparison. Her friendly staff, luxurious accommodations and fine dining create an onboard ambiance of relaxed elegance. We will have ample time at sea to experience the thrill of sailing aboard this three-masted barque. Her spacious decks are ideal for watching the young, energetic crew practice the age-old art of setting the sails by hand. Porto Empedocle Palermo Monreale Mediterranean Sea SICILY MALTA Agrigento Malta Channel Valletta Taormina Syracuse This voyage will be shared in the congenial company of members of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Harvard Alumni Association. We hope to welcome you aboard. Sincerely, Sean E. Sawyer, Ph.D. Executive Director The Royal Oak Foundation
ART TREASURES & ANCIENT TEMPLES SICILY BY SEA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II OCTOBER 22 TO 31, 2012 PORTO EMPEDOCLE 1 AGRIGENTO, SICILY Thursday, October 25 Attend onboard lectures and enjoy the amenities of our fine ship as we sail this morning. A short afternoon drive from Porto Empedocle takes us to Agrigento, which Pindar called the most beautiful city built by mortal men. Tour the Valley of the Temples, with some of the finest Greek ruins in existence. This evening join the captain for a festive welcome reception and dinner. TRAPANI 1 SEGESTA, SICILY photo by Michel Guilly The medieval walled city of Mdina, once the capital of Malta. NEW YORK Monday, October 22 Depart on an overnight flight to Malta. VALLETTA, MALTA Tuesday, October 23 Arrive mid-morning in Valletta and transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel for lunch and check-in. In the late afternoon, enjoy an after-hours visit to St. John s Co-Cathedral, housing Caravaggio s masterpiece The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, before a private reception at the elegant Casa Roca Piccola by invitation of the Marquis de Piro. The balance of the evening is at leisure. VALLETTA 1 EMBARK SEA CLOUD II Friday, October 26 Step ashore in Trapani and drive to Segesta to view its majestic Greek temple and theater. Following lunch, continue to the village of Mazara del Vallo, home to a spectacular 2,400-year-old, seven-foot bronze statue recently retrieved from the sea by fishermen and dubbed the Dancing Satyr. Alternatively, visit the charming hilltown of medieval Erice. PALERMO 1 MONREALE, SICILY Saturday, October 27 This morning in Palermo, visit the Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings. Described by Guy de Maupassant as the most surprising religious jewel ever dreamt of, the chapel is known for its extraordinary mosaics. In Wednesday, October 24 Discover one of the world s oldest freestanding temples, the Neolithic Temple of Hagar Qim. Continue to the walled hilltop town of Mdina, known as the Silent City, at the center of the island. Explore the Domus Romana, a Roman villa of the first century B.C. with beautifully preserved mosaics. After lunch, embark Sea Cloud II and sail out of Valletta s historic harbor to Sicily. Doric temple at Segesta. photo by Federico Badalassi
photo by Allie Caulfield Mosaics in the Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings, Palermo. the oratory of Santa Cita, see the exuberant stucco work of Giacomo Serpotta. After lunch on board, drive to Monreale whose magnificent Norman cathedral boasts brilliantly colored mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. AT SEA Sunday, October 28 During a relaxing day at sea, Sea Cloud II carries us through gentle waters under a full set of billowing sails. TAORMINA, SICILY Monday, October 29 Clinging to the edge of Mount Tauro, Taormina looks out to sea and south to the dramatic, snowcapped cone of Mount Etna. A morning walk through this lovely town takes us past shops and art galleries on our way to the ancient Greek theater, still used for plays and concerts. Return to the ship for lunch. SYRACUSE, SICILY Tuesday, October 30 Today we explore Syracuse and discover the ancient Greek and Roman theaters of the Archaeological Zone. Visit the old town, Ortygia, to see the cathedral built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena, as well as Caravaggio s Burial of St. Lucy, housed in the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. We are invited to the Baroque palazzo of Barone Beneventano for a private visit and reception. Celebrate a memorable voyage at our farewell dinner. photo Gary Fagan VALLETTA NEW YORK Wednesday, October 31 Disembark the ship in the morning Taormina s Greek theater and Mount Etna. for the flights home.
SEA CLOUD II DECK PLAN LIDO DECK LIDO BAR LOUNGE 402 401 LIBRARY PROMENADE DECK DINING ROOM BOUTIQUE 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 RECEPTION 319 317 315 311 309 307 305 303 301 CABIN DECK 230 228 226 224 222 220 218 216 214 212 210 208 206 204 GYM SAUNA DOCTOR 231 229 227 225 223 221 219 217 215 209 207 205 211 WATER-SPORTS PLATFORM Owner s Suite (top) and a Deluxe Cabin on Main Deck (above). LAND / CRUISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy) Cabins Decks Rates Cabins 204 to 206 Cabin Deck $6,295 State Rooms. Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Cabins 207 to 210 Cabin Deck $7,295 Superior Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 Cabin Deck $8,295 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 218 to 223 Cabin Deck $9,295 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 301 & 302 Promenade Deck $10,495 Deluxe Cabins. Twin beds, shower. Cabins 303 to 319 Promenade Deck $11,295 Junior Suites. Twin beds, bathtub with shower. Cabins 401 & 402 Lido Deck $12,295 Owner s Suites. Queen-size bed, bathtub and separate shower. A very limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy at a supplement ranging from 30 to 100 percent of the cruise rate. Rates Include One night hotel accommodations at the Phoenicia Hotel, Valletta, Malta Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II All meals during the cruise. Two lunches on land portion. Wine with lunches and dinners. Receptions as noted Enrichment program of lectures and special events Escorted sightseeing by motorcoach and entrance fees for visits Airport / hotel / pier group transfers and porterage Taxes and service charges; gratuities to guides and drivers Not Included in Rates International airfare; passport fees; customary shipboard gratuities; alcoholic beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. THE ROY AL OAK FOUNDATION 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION SICILY BY SEA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II 1 OCTOBER 22 TO 31, 2012 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of Accommodations $2,500 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) Sea Cloud II Cabin Preference 1. 2. payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single (limited availability) Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721. I wish to share a room/cabin with NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT Form of Payment Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad). Credit card (for deposit only; final payment must be made by check). ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX E-MAIL Are you currently a member of The Royal Oak Foundation? Yes No _ 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: 212.514.8921 or 800.221.1944 1 Fax: 212.344.7493 1 E-mail: trips@arrangementsabroad.com
photo by Andrea Scollo photo by Ruggero Poggianella Mosaics depicting the Old Testament at the cathedral in Monreale (top) and the Baroque facade of the cathedral in Syracuse (above).
TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements. A specially negotiated APEX Economy Class non-refundable group airfare will be offered. Business Class will be quoted on an individual basis. A fee of $75 per person will be charged for any reservations other than the group flight schedule; private transfers can be arranged at a supplemental cost. To redeem your frequent flyer mileage, please contact the airline directly. Please note that AAA can only assist in rebooking flights on those air reservations booked directly by AAA. 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 Cloud II does not 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 2012 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST 2059789-40 On the front cover: Sea Cloud II. On the back cover: Monreale Cathedral, photo by Bruno Girin (top) and the Temple of Juno, Valley of the Temples, Agrigento (bottom), photo by Dennis Jarvis.
ART TREASURES & ANCIENT TEMPLES SICILY BY SEA ABOARD SEA CLOUD II OCTOBER 22 TO 31, 2012 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 462 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION 35 WEST 35TH STREET, SUITE 1200 NEW YORK, NY 10001