JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH February 21 to March 7, 2019 a program of the stanford alumni association
Returning from one of our Patagonia Expeditions years ago, our tour manager proclaimed South America s southernmost region the most beautiful place on earth. Since then, Patagonia has become one of the most sought-after assignments in our office. The verdict from our other staffers who have snagged this assignment? Patagonia truly is a land of stunning landscapes towering mountain ranges, massive glacier fields, sapphire and aquamarine lakes, and rugged coastlines populated by elephant seals and Magellanic penguins. Make 2019 the year you travel with us to Patagonia where the southern end of the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge to create one of the world s most glorious displays of nature and topography! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights EXPERIENCE the vibrant music and dance of the traditional tango in Buenos Aires and taste outstanding Chilean wines in Santiago. COVER: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL in the footsteps of Charles Darwin as we navigate Tierra del Fuego in search of penguins, sea lions and Andean condors. BE INSPIRED by the colors, shapes and sounds of the remote tip of South America, marveling at its jagged peaks, changing skies, vast pampas and soaring coastal cliffs. CREATE a personalized itinerary in gorgeous Torres del Paine National Park, perhaps horseback riding on the pampas, hiking in a beech forest or joining a wildlife photo safari. USHUAIA
Stanford Faculty Leader Elizabeth was fantastic. I would go on any trip she is leading. She s always available and very inspirational. ELIZABETH MILLER, who has taught in the earth sciences at Stanford since 1979, grew up in Brazil and traveled extensively in her high school and college years by bus, train and boat across Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and in the Brazilian rain forest. One of her dreams back then was to visit the very tip of the Andean Cordillera in Tierra del Fuego; she s made it to Patagonia several times and is particularly excited about this trip! As a geologist, Elizabeth is an expert on the rocks underfoot and the larger scenic landforms and how they came to be. She can read earth history, from the ancient events that led to the formation of the Andean mountains to their geologically young ice age history. She s also knowledgeable about humankind s inexorable extraction of resources and burning of fossil fuels and their effects on the planet. She ll touch upon these topics during our program, as well as the people, culture and art of South America all of which she greatly admires. Professor, geological sciences, and associate chair since 2013, School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, Stanford University BS, geology, 1973, Franklin and Marshall College MS, 1975, and PhD, 1977 both geology and geophysics, Rice University Post-doctoral studies, marine geology, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, 1977 1979 CATHERINE ELLIS, CHILE & ARGENTINA EXPEDITION, 2015 SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?patagonia2019 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093
i c O c e a n P a c i f Santiago C HILE A RGENTINA a i a t a g o n P San Antonio de Areco Buenos Aires A t l a n Punta Arenas t i c O c e TIERRA DEL FUEGO Ushuaia De Agostini Sound Beagle Channel a n TORRES DEL PAINE Magdalena Island Cape Horn BUENOS AIRES Itinerary THURSDAY & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 & 22 DEPART U.S. / BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, arriving on Friday and transferring to our hotel located in the cosmopolitan district of Puerto Madero. This afternoon, relax as we visit the La Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Enjoy a private tour of the 16thcentury El Zanjon, the oldest building in Buenos Aires. Later this afternoon attend a private tango performance. This evening, join fellow travelers at our hotel for a welcome reception followed by dinner. ALVEAR ICON HOTEL (2/22: D) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 BUENOS AIRES Spend today exploring Buenos Aires colorful neighborhoods. Our visit focuses on the central and northern parts of Buenos Aires and includes visits to the capital city s main square, Plaza de Mayo, with its neo-classical cathedral; the presidential palace and seat of the national government known as the Casa Rosada (or Pink House ); the verdant parks and gardens of the Palermo district; and lastly, the upscale Recolta district and its famous cemetery. ALVEAR ICON HOTEL (B,L,D) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 BUENOS AIRES / SAN ANTONIO DE ARECO The town of San Antonio de Areco dates back to the early 18th century and to this day preserves its gaucho traditions. Visit the renowned silver museum, Museo Draghi, and watch as modern artists employ guarded techniques that have been passed down from family member to family member. Continue on to a private estancia for a savory Argentine barbecue. After lunch, meet with gauchos and watch as they demonstrate their equine skills, all of which they still use in their daily lives. Return to Buenos Aires this afternoon for an evening at leisure. ALVEAR ICON HOTEL (B,L) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 BUENOS AIRES / USHUAIA / TIERRA DEL FUEGO / EMBARK Catch an early-morning flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, set on the Beagle Channel and backed by snowcapped mountains. Later this morning hike through the forest of Tierra del Fuego National Park, famous for its austere beauty. This afternoon embark the Stella Australis and cruise along the Beagle Channel, named for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his momentous voyage. Watch for fabled albatrosses and giant petrels as they soar above the ship s wake. STELLA AUSTRALIS (B,L,D) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 CAPE HORN, CHILE / WULAIA BAY Weather permitting, ride Zodiacs to the legendary Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) for a panoramic view from the southernmost tip of South America. Later explore Wulaia Bay, once home to the region s largest native settlement and one of the places where Charles Darwin landed during his voyage. Choose one of two walks to explore the spectacular beauty of the Magellanic forest. STELLA AUSTRALIS (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 PIA GLACIER & GARIBALDI GLACIER Today board Zodiacs and head for shore to experience the Pia Glacier up close. After a brief hike, take in panoramic views of the spectacular glacier. Back aboard our ship, cruise further west along the Beagle Channel and enter a long fjord to drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier. Disembark for a hike through the virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall. STELLA AUSTRALIS (B,L,D) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 DE AGOSTINI SOUND / AGUILAR GLACIER This morning disembark our ship and enjoy a gentle walk around the glacial meltwater lagoon near the base camp of the 20thcentury explorer and missionary, Father Alberto María de Agostini. Arrive at the foot of the Aguilar Glacier and marvel at its kaleidoscope of blue hues. This afternoon, while approaching the Condor Glacier, keep an eye out for the Andean Condor, abundant in this area. STELLA AUSTRALIS (B,L,D) FRIDAY, MARCH 1 MAGDALENA ISLAND / PUNTA ARENAS / DISEMBARK / TORRES DEL PAINE This morning take a walk on Magdalena Island, uninhabited by people but home to a colony of Magellanic penguins. Disembark in Punta Arenas and continue by bus across the southern pampas. Check in to the stunning Explora Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park, our home for the next four nights. EXPLORA LODGE (B,L,D) SATURDAY TO MONDAY MARCH 2 TO 4 TORRES DEL PAINE Enjoy three full days exploring southern Chile s most impressive region, Torres del Paine National Park. Visit Grey Lake with its incredibly blue ice sculptures shaped by the elements and Salto Grande, a glacial waterfall set amid stunning views of the majestic Paine Massif. Each day,
choose from a variety of activities. Hike through beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; enjoy a horseback ride through the windswept pampas; look for herds of guanacos and rheas, flocks of flamingos, soaring condors, foxes and black-necked swans on a photo safari; and take advantage of Explora Lodge s relaxing amenities while enjoying spectacular views of the Paine Massif. We cap off our stay with a festive Patagonian barbecue. EXPLORA LODGE (B,L,D ALL 3 DAYS) TUESDAY, MARCH 5 TORRES DEL PAINE / PUNTA ARENAS / SANTIAGO Drive this morning to Punta Arenas for our flight to Santiago, stopping for lunch along the way. Arrive in Santiago this evening and check in to our hotel. The evening is at leisure. THE SINGULAR (B,L) WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY MARCH 6 & 7 SANTIAGO / U.S. Today s exploration of Santiago includes a walk through its historic center and a visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Toast the conclusion of our journey during a farewell wine tasting and lunch at Santa Rita Winery. Later, transfer to the airport for overnight flights, arriving in the U.S. the next day and connecting to flights home. (3/6: B,L) Santiago Post-trip Extension MARCH 7 TO 10 (4 ADDITIONAL DAYS) Information, itinerary and pricing will be sent to travelers upon confirmation. The Explora Lodge The Explora Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park is the best hotel in Patagonia and sets an international standard for luxury. The architecture of the Explora is designed to bring its guests into intimate contact with the magnificent natural world of the remote Patagonian peninsula. The hotel serves as a place of contemplative refuge and restful return after each journey into the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this extraordinary environment. Careful consideration has been given to every amenity to ensure comfort, including bed linens imported from Barcelona, tapestries from New York and wicker furniture from Chimbarongo. The hotel s facilities include spectacular views, fine dining, all-inclusive cocktails, expert guides, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa and all of the service, comforts and amenities of a five-star hotel.
Stella Australis Program Cost * One of the top expedition ships based in Tierra del Fuego, the comfortable, modern Stella Australis was designed specifically for cruising Patagonian waterways. Built in 2010, the ship has 100 outside-facing, 177-square-foot cabins, each with double or twin beds, a large window, an en suite bathroom, individual temperature controls and a closet. Other amenities include ample deck space, three lounges with bars, library, gym and single-seating dining room featuring regional and international cuisine served with fine wines. The ship s fleet of Zodiacs gives us close-up access to Cape Horn and the region s glaciers. Rates are per person, based on double or single occupancy, as noted. Double Single** Category A $12,995 $15,895 Category AA $13,995 $16,695 Category AAA $14,795 $17,495 * Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person. ** Single accommodations may be limited to as few as 2 cabins. SKY LOUNGE CABO DE HORNOS YAMANA LOUNGE BRIDGE TIERRA DEL FUEGO RECEPTION MAGALLANES Flag: Chile Length: 236 feet Beam: 44 feet Draft: 11 feet
Information Terms & Conditions DATES February 21 to March 7, 2019 (15 days) SIZE This program can accommodate 38 participants. Single accommodations are very limited; please call for availability. INCLUDED 8 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 4-night cruise aboard the Stella Australis 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 10 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Internal flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and from Punta Arenas to Santiago Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport, visa and tourism fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services AIR ARRANGEMENTS You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location and from the end location of the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this program to be a moderately active program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Daily programs involve one to three miles of walking, often on uneven terrain in national parks and nature preserves where paths can be rocky or slippery and may involve ascents or descents on steep hills. For those travelers who prefer a less strenuous experience, many of the program s dramatic landscapes can be viewed from the deck of our ship, plus Explora Lodge offers several outdoor excursions that are not so physically demanding. Expect relatively long, warm, sunny days and cool nights and mornings during the late Patagonian summer. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. An additional $200-perperson deposit is required for the optional Santiago post-trip extension. Sign up online at alumni. stanford.edu/trip?patagonia2019 or call the Travel/Study office at (650) 725-1093. 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 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. 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. You may choose to subscribe to optional trip-cancellation and baggage insurance. Information will be provided to travelers with their welcome materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of your participation on the trip. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members price. A person traveling as a paid guest of a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ membership or call (650) 725-0692. Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 EMAIL travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements 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, motor coach, 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. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford 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 May 2018 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.
Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305-6105 (650) 725-1093 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH February 21 to March 7, 2019 alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy From the organization to the itinerary to the group leaders to the lectures, everything here was first-rate and extremely well-done. ALEX PILMER, PATAGONIA EXPEDITION, 2014 TORRES DEL PAINE