HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2014 WORLDWIDE TRAVEL PROGRAM 2014 TALES OF WALES Adventures in Celtic Literature with Professor Catherine McKenna June 4-14, 2014
TALES OF WALES Adventures in Celtic Literature with Professor Catherine McKenna June 4-14, 2014 C astle ruins, meandering medieval streets, and a magnificent Celtic heritage bring the beauty of Wales to life against a backdrop of rolling green hills and dramatic sea cliffs. Past and present coexist in this distinctive part of the world the Romans mined for gold, the Tudors founded a dynasty, and the Normans built castles whose ancient remains are scattered along windy hilltops throughout the countryside. Along the way, Wales ancient Celtic heritage was preserved and memorialized in a stunning collection of literature and artwork. From the magnificence of Caernarvon and the romantic appeal of Tintern Abbey, to breathtaking vistas on peaceful St. David s Peninsula, you ll explore the places, personalities, and sweep of history that constitute the haunting beauty of Wales. You ll also step in and out of ancient market towns like Ludlow and Carmarthen, supposed birthplace of Merlin, located in the garden of Wales; and you ll experience the natural splendor of Snowdonia, with the highest mountain peaks in the country, and the Wye Valley, rich in ancient woodlands, wildlife, and the idyllic setting for the hauntingly romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey and all this on the centenary of Dylan Thomas birth. Join fellow Harvard alumni and study leader Catherine McKenna on this journey into the heart of ancient Wales, where the magic of this Celtic kingdom comes to life in Tales of Wales. TO TO BOOK BOOK A A TRIP TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
HAA STUDY LEADER Catherine McKennna is Harvard s Margaret Brooks Robinson Professor of Celtic Languages and Literatures. She specializes in the Celtic languages of Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, and Scotland; the literature and legends of the Celtic-speaking peoples; and the history of popular religion in Western Europe. Prior to coming to Harvard, she spent 10 years as a coordinator of an interdisciplinary and inter-university doctoral program in medieval studies in New York, and is currently working on a book on the cult of Saint Brigit of Ireland from its origins in the 6th century to the present day. She received her PhD from the Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures at Harvard. 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 & cuisine at each stop Friendships that outlast your trip Harlech Castle (all photos courtesy istockphoto) FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
SCHEDULE BY DAY Caernarfon Castle Tintern Abbey Dylan WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 DEPART U.S. Independent departure from your chosen U.S. gateway. Overnight: Plane THURSDAY, JUNE 5 ALDERLEY EDGE Individual arrivals at Manchester Airport will be greeted for the transfer to your nearby hotel. There will be time to unpack, relax or take a stroll into the village of Alderley for lunch. Legend has it that King Arthur and his knights lie sleeping under the Edge, the red sandstone escarpment overlooking the village, and will awake in England s time of need. Gather this afternoon for an introductory talk by Professor McKenna, followed by dinner. (D) Overnight: The Alderley Edge Hotel FRIDAY JUNE 6 LLANGOLLEN / CRICKHOWELL This morning set off across the border into Wales. Your first stop will be the town of Llangollen, home to an annual musical Eisteddfod. Visit the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, founded in 1201, and explore the town s local Arthurian connections. Also visit Plas Newydd, a lovely half-timbered house that was home to the ladies of Llangollen. After time for lunch head out across mid-wales, passing through Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells to Hay-on-Wye. Dinner at your hotel in Crickhowell. (B, D) Overnight: The Bear Hotel at Crickhowell SATURDAY, JUNE 7 WYE VALLEY Take a day to explore the Wye Valley, rich in ancient woodlands, wildlife, and towns. The Wye Valley was the first tourist attraction in Britain, inspiring the Picturesque movement, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Turner. Visit Symonds Yat, famed for its river scenery and magnificent views, and spend time at Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle. After time for lunch, continue on to Caerleon, a major Roman settlement and, according to some (rather dubious) sources, the site of King Arthur s Camelot. On the way back to your hotel, pass through Abergavenny and stop at Capel-y-Ffin, an ancient place of pilgrimage and the site of a short-lived monastery founded in 1870 by Father Ignatius. From Capel-y-Ffin take the Gospel Pass and drive alongside Offa s Dyke, passing ancient stone circles and beautiful scenery, to reach your hotel. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel. (B, D) Overnight: The Bear Hotel at Crickhowell SUNDAY, JUNE 8 CARDIFF / LAMPETER Heading south this morning pass through Tretower and drive down through the coalmining valleys of the Rhondda to Cardiff, Wales capital city. See the city center and then head down to the recently renovated waterfront area to admire the Welsh parliament building. Stop here for lunch and then drive just outside the city to St Fagan s to visit the National History Museum, the largest branch of the National Museum of Wales. Continue to your hotel in Lampeter where dinner awaits. (B, D) Overnight: The Falcondale Hotel, Lampeter MONDAY, JUNE 9 RIVER TOWY VALLEY / LAUGHARNE Today s excursion takes you first to the scenic valley of the River Towy, where you ll visit the estate of Dynevor (or Dinefwr), amongst other things famous as the site of Merlin s grave. Continue into Swansea to pay respects at FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 NORTH WALES Today experience a panorama of North Wales. Begin with the imposing Caernarfon Castle, then drive through the Llanberis pass, stopping briefly at the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle, into the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. With Mt. Snowdon on your right, descend to the town of Betys-y-Coed, a center for hiking in the national park. Continue up the valley of the river Conwy to visit Bodnant garden, generally considered to be one of the finest in Britain. The evening is free to explore the town. (B) Overnight: Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno Thomas Snowdonia Dylan Thomas house (he was born 100 years ago in October of 1914), and to have lunch. Then drive to Laugharne to visit the Boathouse where he did most of his later writing. (B, L) Overnight: The Falcondale Hotel, Lampeter TUESDAY, JUNE 10 ST DAVID S PENINSULA Spend the day exploring the haunting coastline of St. David s Peninsula. First visit the birthplace of Wales patron saint in the 6th century, a deeply peaceful Celtic corner of Wales. Quite apart from the purple-stone Cathedral and ruins of Bishop s Palace at St. David s, the little peninsula is dotted with sites that possess a profundity and sanctity precisely because they have been ignored by the passing centuries. Stop at Pentre Ifan, an ancient dolmen in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and at the Tregwynt Mill and also pay a visit to Pembroke castle. Free evening. (B) Overnight: The Falcondale Hotel, Lampeter WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 ABERYSTWYTH / DOLGELLAU / PORTMEIRION Head north up the coast to Aberystwyth, a thriving, seaside university city, to tour Wales National Library, home to some of the world s most treasured manuscripts. Continue through Dolgellau, a delightful market town with excellent shops, to the strange village of Portmeirion. Portmeirion was the brainchild and life s work of the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The result was so extraordinary it was used as the film set for the 1960 s cult TV show The Prisoner. It s a short drive from here, stopping briefly at Dolwyddelan, whose castle was the home of Llewellyn the Great, to your hotel, where dinner awaits. (B, D) Overnight: Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno FRIDAY, JUNE 13 CHESTER / ALDERLEY EDGE This morning is free to explore the neighboring seaside town of Llandudno, or to make use of the hotel spa facilities. After lunch, cross the border back into England. Along the way stop in Chester, an ancient Roman city with large sections of its city wall still intact. Visit the City Museum and explore the Rows, covered Victorian arcades of shops, before returning to Alderley Edge. A farewell reception and dinner this evening rounds out your tour. (B, D) Overnight: Alderley Edge SATURDAY, JUNE 14 RETURN TO U.S. Morning transfers to Manchester Airport for returning flights to the U.S. (B) SCOTLAND Bodysgallen Hall * * Lampeter WALES * Alderley Edge * Crickhowell ENGLAND Photographs courtesy of www.istockphoto.com
Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Enrichment lectures by Professor Catherine McKenna. A private visit with lunch at Dylan Thomas house and museum in Swansea. A private concert by renowned traditional Celtic Harpist, Llinos Daniel. A private performance of Dylan Thomas Return Journey by the Lighthouse Theatre Company. GENERAL INFORMATION TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: Lectures by Harvard study leader; accommodations and meals as listed in the detailed itinerary; transportation by private coach throughout the itinerary; all transfers to and from hotels as indicated for planned activities and sightseeing; tours entrance fees; services of a tour manager throughout the program; special Welcome & Farewell receptions; bottled/purified water; all gratuities including to tour manager, local guides, drivers; baggage handling at the hotels; $50,000 emergency evacuation insurance. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: Airfare to and from the participant s home city to Wales; independent travel arrangements; visa or passport fees; medical and trip cancellation / interruption insurance; evacuation costs; food or beverages not included in group meals; items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, other items not expressly listed as included. INTERNATIONAL AIR ARRANGEMENTS: Airfare is not included in the trip price; all participants are responsible for making their own air arrangements from their home city to the tour gateway city of Manchester Airport at the beginning and end of the program. Discover Europe is happy to assist with international airfare. Neither the Harvard Alumni Association nor the tour operator accepts the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and the preferred payment form is by check, Credit cards are accepted for final payment; however, there is a 3% surcharge applied. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Participants who withdraw more than 60 days prior to tour departure will receive a refund of all monies paid less a $400 cancellation fee. Participants who withdraw less than 60 days and more than 15 days prior to tour departure will receive a refund of all monies paid less a $3,000 cancellation fee. Participants who withdraw less than 15 days prior to tour departure are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty There is no provision for refund for any activities missed due to the participant s absence once the tour has started. CHANGES IN ITINERARY AND COSTS: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of HAA Travels and the tour operator. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfare and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change. While the tour operator will do everything possible to maintain the published trip price, it may be necessary to institute a surcharge. INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by the 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 http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/ wales-2014. If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806. DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. HAA Travels 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 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806, email: haatravels@harvard.edu TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
2014 HAA TRIPS LAND & RAIL: QATAR, OMAN & UAE: A MIDDLE EASTERN EXPLORATION MAR 13-24, 2014 WILLIAM GRANARA GRAND SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAIL MAR 24-APR 5, 2014 MAYA JASANOFF ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF BERLIN: AN INSIDER S VIEW APR 4-10, 2014 PETER MADSEN TURKISH TREASURES APR 25-MAY 9, 2014 JOHN JAY ELLISON HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & TIBET MAY 17-28, 2014 MARTIN K. WHYTE MOROCCAN DISCOVERY MAY 17-30, 2014 SUSAN GILSON MILLER THE ULTIMATE SILK ROAD JOURNEY: XIAN TO ISTANBUL MAY 19-JUN 8, 2014 NINA TUMARKIN INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAM MAY 22-30, 2014 DAVID AGUILAR MOZAMBIQUE: REBIRTH OF A COUNTRY JUN 3-16, 2014 TALES OF WALES: ADVENTURES IN CELTIC LITERATURE JUN 4-14, 2014 CATHERINE MCKENNA REMEMBERING THE GREAT WAR: BELGIUM, FRANCE, & GERMANY JUN 6-15, 2014 SUE WEAVER SCHOPF ENGLISH LANDSCAPES AND LITERATURE: TOWNS, VILLAGES & GARDENS OF AUSTEN & HARDY JUN 7-14, 2014 MICHAEL WEISHAN HIDDEN SECRETS OF MADAGASCAR JUN 15-27, 2014 SANTA FE: ART & LANDSCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENT JUL 23-27, 2014 JOHN STEWART HIDDEN DOLCE VITA: TUSCANY & UMBRIA SEP 10-18, 2014 LADAKH TO BHUTAN SEP 13-27, 2014 IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. JAMES: CAMINO DE SANTIAGO SEP 26-OCT 8, 2014 MARY GAYLORD JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, & ARMENIA SEP 27-OCT 11, 2014 PETER GALBRAITH SPAIN & PORTUGAL: PARADORES & POUSADAS SEP 27-OCT 11, 2014 SOUTH AFRICA ODYSSEY OCT 23-NOV 9, 2014 MARK VAN BAALEN CRUISES: CRUISING THE RIO DE LA PLATA & SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL: BUENOS AIRES TO RIO DE JANEIRO ON SEA EXPLORER MAR 11 24, 2014 DIANA SORENSEN JAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN ON CALEDONIAN SKY MAY 7-20, 2014 HELEN HARDACRE IN THE WAKE OF VIKINGS: COPENHAGEN TO REYKJAVIK ON SEA EXPLORER MAY 23-JUN 4, 2014 STEPHEN MITCHELL CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE BLACK SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGER MAY 27-JUN 9, 2014 THOMAS SIMONS MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS ON CORAL II MAY 27-JUN 10, 2014 JEFFREY QUILTER THE BALTIC S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD II JUN 28-JUL 9, 2014 TIMOTHY COLTON HIDDEN GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEA ON VARIETY VOYAGER JUL 23-AUG 1, 2014 HARVEY COX & NINA TUMARKIN ICELAND TO GREENLAND: VOYAGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON L AUSTRAL AUG 2-14, 2014 JAMES MCCARTHY BELL ITALIA ON VARIETY VOYAGER SEP 16-26, 2014 RICHARD THOMAS ISLANDS & RIVIERAS OF FRANCE, SPAIN, & ITALY ON TERE MOANA SEP 19-27, 2014 SUSAN SULEIMAN BEYOND RAPA NUI: EASTER ISLAND ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY SEP 29-OCT 17, 2014 VOYAGE TO MADAGASCAR ON ISLAND SKY NOV 28-DEC 16, 2014 NEW ZEALAND BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKY DEC 29, 2014-JAN 11, 2015 LAWRENCE BUELL RIVERS & LAKES: THE ELBE RIVER: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBY APR 29-MAY 10, 2014 WERNER SOLLORS PORTUGAL & SPAIN: THE DOURO RIVER ON AMA VIDA MAY 5-14, 2014 MARY GAYLORD WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA: MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBURG ON VOLGA DREAM JUL 16-26, 2014 JULIE BUCKLER TOWN & COUNTRY LIFE: PARIS TO PROVENCE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONY SEP 8-16, 2014 ROBERT DARNTON SYMPHONY ON THE BLUE DANUBE: A CLASSICAL MUSIC CRUISE ON AMADEUS SYMPHONY SEP 12-26, 2014 FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK: SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS & YOUNG ALUMNI MAR 14-22, 2014 GREGORY NAGY SPRING BREAK GHANA FOR STUDENTS & YOUNG ALUMNI MAR 14-23, 2014 CARLA D. MARTIN SCOTLAND: A FAMILY EXPLORATION JUN 25-JUL 6, 2014 WILLIAM & VALERIE GILLIES VOYAGE TO THE LANDS OF GODS & HEROES ON CORINTHIAN JUL 3-14, 2014 JONATHAN WALTON GALAPAGOS FAMILY ADVENTURE ON SANTA CRUZ. JUL 7-15, 2014 SCOTT EDWARDS BAJA FAMILY ADVENTURE DEC 26, 2014-JAN 1, 2015 REGISTRATION FORM To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book. Please return this form by mail to: HAA travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA 02138 Or by FAX: 617.496.4011 Please call with any questions: 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806 I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT EMAIL ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT EMAIL ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT START DATE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMA- TION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CATEGORY PREFERENCE DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE