The Azores Archipelago:

SINGLE TRAVELERS PAY NO SUPPLEMENT SIGMAXI EXPEDITIONS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 The Azores Archipelago: Unspoiled Island Outposts in the Atlantic Aboard the All-Suite, 100-Guest Clelia II June 1 14, 2009

Unique Highlights Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting hosted by the Cadaval family Be one of the few outside of Christopher Columbus to wander the village of Anjos Savor local specialties during a cooking demonstration and lunch at charming Restaurante O Fontes, hosted by the Fontes family Discover breathtaking Sete Cidades, where two lakes one blue and one green fill the center of a large volcanic crater Enjoy a lunch of traditional Portuguese dishes steamed in the geysers alongside Furnas Lake at Terra Nostra Restaurant

Dear Traveler, SIGMAXI EXPEDITIONS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Viewed as remote and inaccessible, Portugal s Azores islands are located some 700 miles west of Lisbon and are probably the least visited and perhaps the most unspoiled part of Europe. First mentioned in the 14 th century in accounts of voyages, the islands were settled in the 15 th and 16 th centuries by colonists from Portugal and Flanders, and later prospered from trade between Spain and Portugal and the New World, given their position in the Atlantic. Of volcanic origin, the Azores are known for their spectacular scenery, varied and dense flora, rich birdlife, and traditional way of life. The surrounding waters harbor large numbers of whales, and much of the architecture dates from the 16 th and 17 th centuries. On this voyage, which begins in Lisbon and ends in St. John s, Newfoundland, we will explore five of the archipelago s most important and attractive islands. Highlights include the 16 th -century town of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira island, the first urban center built in the Atlantic in 1474, the exceptionally beautiful volcanic lakes of Sao Miguel, the unique vineyards of Pico, and the white town of Horta on Faial. We are pleased to have a delightful group of Azores guides who will introduce you to the wonderful sites on our itinerary. Also on board will be several academics who will speak on the discovery and peopling of America, and immigration across the Atlantic, both topics relevant to the Azores. Our ship for this unique voyage is the Clelia II, which accommodates just 100 guests in 50 elegant and spacious suites and fosters an intimate setting of like-minded travelers. For those interested in new discoveries, this is a voyage not to be missed. Call today to reserve your space. Sincerely, Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions P.S. A number of suites have been set aside for single travelers at no additional charge.

itinerary Monday, June 1, 2009 USA Fly from the U.S. to Lisbon, Portugal. Tuesday, June 2 LISBON, Portugal EMBARK Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to Clelia II. Overnight in port aboard ship. (D) Wednesday, June 3 LISBON The historic city of Lisbon stretches gently over seven hills bordering the Atlantic. During the age of discovery most of Europe s great expeditions to the New World, Africa, and the Far East left from the very port where we embark on Clelia II. It was here that the extravagant Manueline style emerged an architecture blending influences from the newly discovered lands with Gothic and Renaissance flourishes. Our tour includes two Manueline monuments, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belem Tower, built to protect the city s harbor, and the Jeronimos Monastery. Continue to the medieval Alfama quarter, where ancient houses and Romanesque churches climb the narrow streets that lead to the Medieval Castle of Sao Jorge and a magnificent vista. This afternoon visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, one of Europe s finest art museums. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day excursion to the Monastery of Batalha, a blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture, and the 12 th -century Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaca. Those interested in wine and cuisine may also opt for a day-long excursion to Casa Cadaval, a four-century-old vineyard and winery known for its fine Herdade de Muge. Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting hosted by the Cadaval family. Sail in the evening. (B, L, D) Thursday, June 4 & Friday, June 5 AT SEA Make the most of the ship s amenities and enjoy lectures and wine tastings as Clelia II sails toward the Azores. (B, L, D) Saturday, June 6 SANTA MARIA, The Azores The archipelago s southernmost island, Santa Maria was the first to be discovered by Diogo de Silves in 1427. As was true of the rest of the archipelago, there were no humans living on the 5 million-yearold island. Known today as the Yellow Island because of its vast wheat crops, dark ochre earth, and golden beaches, it is home to 5,000 people. Explore the village of Anjos, which was Christopher Columbus s first landfall upon his return from America, and note the distinct oversized chimneys of the whitewashed houses. Then continue to Cruz Teixeira and savor local specialties during a cooking demonstration and lunch at charming Restaurante O Fontes, hosted by the Fontes family. (B, L, D) Sunday, June 7 SAO MIGUEL Sao Miguel, the largest and most populated of the Azores, was two islands before a volcanic eruption joined them. Nicknamed the Green Island for its lowland meadows and forested hills, it also boats clear lakes, sandy beaches, and high mountains. Wander the historic streets

of the lively city of Ponta Delgada before driving west to discover breathtaking Sete Cidades, where two lakes one blue and one green fill the center of a large volcanic crater. According to legend, when a princess and a young shepherd had to part, they both cried tears the color of their eyes. Continue to the quaint town of Furnas, where the caldeiras, or thermal springs provide a natural kitchen. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Portuguese dishes steamed in the geysers alongside Furnas Lake at Terra Nostra Restaurant. On the return trip to Ponta Delgada, stop at one of the island s 6,000 pineapple hothouses for a sampling of the distinctive local fruit. (B, L, D) Monday, June 8 TERCEIRA Most of Terceira is ringed by coastal cliffs, except on the south coast where a volcanic cone creates a beautiful harbor, with the historic town of Angra do Heroismo built around it. The Azores oldest town and perhaps its most attractive, Angra do Heroismo was founded in 1474 and became quite prosperous by the 16 th century, its harbor welcoming galleons laden with gold and silver from the Americas. Tour the town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which present a harmonious synthesis of architectural styles, mainly dating from the 16 th and 17 th centuries. Also explore the island s beautiful and unspoiled countryside and visit the historic town of Praia da Vitoria, with its fine manor houses, churches, and chapels. (B, L, D) Tuesday, June 9 PICO The second largest island in the archipelago, Pico is dominated by its imposing volcano, which rises to 7,713 feet, making it the highest point in all of Portugal. Lunar landscapes contrast with areas of luxurious vegetation. Vines grown on lava terrain produce verdelho wine, which has been a specialty of Pico for over 200 years. Pico s unique vineyards are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Madalena, the island s main harbor town, we explore Pico, including the seaside villages of Cachorro, built on lava terrain; Sao Roque, which grew prosperous when it was a whaling center; Lajes, the island s first settlement; and Sao Mateus, set in striking countryside. Pico is one of the world s whale-watching destinations, and we will have the opportunity to look for them on an excursion by local boat. In the afternoon, sail for the nearby island of Faial. (B, L, D) Wednesday, June 10 FAIAL Faial is called the Blue Island on account of its blue houses and plethora of hydrangeas. For centuries, Horta, the island s vibrant port city, has been an important stopover for transatlantic voyagers, whether in ships, planes, or submarines. Tour Horta, its streets lined with graceful white-washed houses, and visit the Town Museum, housed in a former Jesuit College. Drive to the summit of Monte da Guia, and then drive along the coastal road to Ponta dos Capelinhos, the active volcano that in 1957 transformed the landscape, burying fields and houses. Enjoy en route the island s pleasant landscape of green hills punctu- ated by picturesque red windmills. (B, L, D) Thursday, June 11 - Saturday, June 13 AT SEA Relax onboard, attend lectures, and enjoy the ship s facilities as Clelia II cruises toward Newfoundland. (B, L, D) Sunday, June 14 ST. JOHN S, NEWFOUNDLAND, Canada DISEMBARK USA Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

program inclusions Cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise Complete program of tours and excursions Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying study leaders Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff Complete pre-departure materials Baggage handling and transfers on the designated program departure and arrival dates Port and embarkation taxes Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel Questions? Cleli a II The Ideal Combination of Cruise-Ship Grandeur and Small-Ship Intimacy A RETURN TO ELEGANCE To be launched in early 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration, and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II will offer the finest in small-ship cruise travel. Taken together with her ideal guest capacity, excellence of design, craftmanship, and material, Clelia II s spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her perfect for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more, and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, spacious closets, air conditioning, mini-refrigerator, safe, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, and bathroom with marble vanity and teak floor. INVITING FACILITIES AND ATTRACTIVE AMENITIES Public facilities include a restaurant that accommodates guests at a single, unassigned seating, two lounges, expansive library with Internet access, state-ofthe-art gym/spa, beauty salon, boutique, Jacuzzi, infirmary, and ample deck areas for relaxing and sunbathing. An elevator serves all decks. Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing. Clelia II is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. For Reservations or More Information, please call Taunya DeYoung, Betchart Expeditions Inc. Phone: (800) 252-4910 Fax: (408) 252-1444 Email: BetchartExTaunya@earthlink.net The Club

Restaurant Deck Plan Sun Deck Library Lounge Outdoor Café Nautilus Club Boutique Beauty Salon 603 601 604 602 Phoebe Deck 517 515 513 511 509 507 505 518 516 514 512 510 508 506 Cleo Deck 433 431 429 427 425 423 421 Restaurant 430 428 426 424 422 420 Reception Jacuzzi Spa / Gym Leto Deck 345 343 341 339 337 335 344 342 340 338 336 334 Ariadne Deck 251 249 247 Bridge Penthouse Suite Cruise and Land Rates (per person, double occupancy) category description rates E D C B A AA VS PHS Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342 - *345,*428,*429 *Partially obstructed view Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with window and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites 334-335, 433 Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with three portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites 246-252 Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 336-341 Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 420-427, 430-431 Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 505-506 Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites 507-518 Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites 601-604 $5,995 $6,995 $7,995 $8,995 $9,995 $10,995 $11,995 $12,995 VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities. Hospital 252 250 248 246 Athena Deck Main Specifications Gross Tonnage: 4,077 Overall Length: 290 feet Beam: 50 feet Draft: 12 feet Flag: Malta No single Supplement A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at no additional supplement to the per person, double occupancy rates. Singles in Categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates. Airfare: Airfare is not included in the rates. For details on group flight schedules, please contact Taunya DeYoung, Betchart Expeditions Inc., at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at BetchartExTaunya@earthlink.net. Typical Suite

General Information Payment Schedule: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and is payable only by check. Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days or less of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable. Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International. Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International, Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Sigma Xi. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel s owner/ operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics International, Betchart Expeditions Inc., AAAS and Sigma Xi act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour s itinerary and to substitute hotels or ships if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be affected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in the City of New York, pursuant to applicable New York law. Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Ship s Registry: Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDI; CST #203 6304-40 BEI Registration Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $ ($1,000 per person) as a deposit to hold place(s) on The Azores Archipelago. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure. Credit card may be used only for initial deposit. Please make check payable to and mail with this registration form to: Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard No. Exp. 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Please select cabin category in order of preference: PHS VS AA A B C D E o Twin Beds o Double Bed o Single Occupancy o Share (cannot be guaranteed) Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last Address City/State/Zip Telephone (day) E-Mail (evening) BTEX 9203 TRIP #1083 Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the General Information section and agree to its terms. About Fuel Costs & Rates of Exchange Given the uncertain and volatile oil market as well as the dollar s decline relative to the Euro and other currencies, it is extremely difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term, and, more specifically, at the time of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates and rates of exchange at the time of brochure printing (usually ten eleven months before departure). While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, it may be necessary to institute a surcharge before departure in order to cover part of higher fuel and other costs. Signature Signature Date Date

SIGMAXI EXPEDITIONS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Staten Island, NY Permit No. 169 For reservations or information, please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at BetchartExTaunya@earthlink.net BTEX 9203 TRIP #1083 Discover the Unspoiled Azores Archipelago! June 1-14, 2009 SINGLE TRAVELERS PAY NO SUPPLEMENT