HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2014 WORLDWIDE TRAVEL PROGRAM TRAVELS 2014 ENGLISH LANDSCAPES & LITERATURE The Towns, Villages and Gardens of Austen and Hardy With HAA lecturer Michael Weishan, '86 June 7-14, 2014
FEATURED STUDY LEADER Michael Weishan, '86 PBS Host, author, and historian PBS Host, author, and avid historian Weishan '86 originally intended to follow his grandfather into the State Department (hence his training in Classics and Romance Languages). Ultimately however after spending several years at the Sardis Archeological Expedition at Harvard as editor and contributing author of the Byzantine Shops at Sardis (Harvard University Press 1990) he decided to combine avocation and vocation in the field of landscape and architectural design. He founded his own design/ build firm Michael Weishan & Associates in 1988 a practice he still actively heads and he is the author of three books: The New Traditional Garden (Ballantine 1999) which has been widely credited with introducing the joys of old-house gardening to North America; From a Victorian Garden (Viking 2004); and the Victory Garden Companion, published by HarperCollins in 2006. Weishan is a veteran of National Public Radio where he hosted his own program, The Cultivated Gardener, for several years before he debuted as the host of The Victory Garden on PBS (2001-2007). He has appeared frequently on various other national programs as well, including spots on the CBS Early Show, and NBC s Today Show. He is currently working on a new PBS program, Garden Earth. Weishan is fascinated by how architecture and landscape help shape the human experience and is intimately involved with several historic preservation projects, including heading the FDR Suite Foundation at Adams House at Harvard College, which has completely restored the 32nd president s Harvard apartments to their 1904 appearance. Iford Manor Photo by: Neosnaps (wikimedia) FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
Photo by:sean Davis ENGLISH LANDSCAPES & LITERATURE June 7-14, 2014 Explore the quaint, cobblestone streets and quintessential thatch cottages in Shaftesbury (above). Ancient villages and sweeping landscapes, where authors Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy famously set many of their great masterpieces, create the backdrop of this weeklong journey through England s sublime countryside. Discover pristine manicured gardens, picturesque towns, and charming country houses, and enjoy special access to magnificent estates and private grounds, where you will be treated to exceptional lunches and traditional English afternoon tea. The city of Bath, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage City, serves as home base for six tranquil nights. Accommodations are at the luxurious 5-star Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, located in the heart of historic Bath, overlooking stunning landscaped gardens. Cover Photo by: Phillip C TO BOOK TO BOOK A TRIP A TRIP CALL CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
SCHEDULE BY DAY Saturday, June 7 U.S.A./London, UK Take independent international flights to London Heathrow Airport in London, UK arriving the next morning. Sunday, June 8 Arrivals in Bath Arrive in the late morning and take a group transfer from London Heathrow Airport to Bath. En route to Bath, visit Iford Manor House in Bradford-Upon-Avon. Iford s romantic cloister, classical sculptures and worn stones characterize its remarkable Italianate Garden, noted as the best in England. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea on the grounds of the Manor. Continue to Bath and check into the elegant Macdonald Bath Spa in Bath, your home for the next six nights. This five-star property boasts luxurious rooms and manicured gardens all within a ten-minute walk into Bath s historic center. Unwind on your first night in Bath at an indulgent welcome dinner in a beautiful private room at your hotel. Macdonald Randolph Spa Hotel (T, D) Monday, June 9 Historic Bath This morning, explore your local surroundings in Bath, a World Heritage City and the iconic city of Jane Austen. Embark on a leisurely walking tour of Bath s historic city center including important historic monuments and cultural landmarks that influenced Jane Austen s career, life and prose. Stroll by the Royal Crescent, a graceful arc of row homes and some of the most exclusive real estate in England. Pass where Jane Austen stayed on her visits to Bath and enter Bath Abbey with its dramatic pointed arches and splendid fan vaulting. Enjoy lunch in a charming restaurant in a stylish Georgian townhouse. After lunch, depart for the lush grounds at Prior Park with sublime vistas from Palladian bridges and monuments. Visit the American Museum housing a prized collection of American fine and decorative art. Late this afternoon, return to the hotel where dinner and the evening are independent. Macdonald Randolph Spa Hotel (B, L) Tuesday, June 10 Arts & Crafts Gardens This morning, depart Bath for Somerset, beginning with an enchanting visit to Tintinhull House and Gardens in Yeovil with a rich Arts and Crafts garden. Phyllis Reiss designed these gardens lined with brilliant azaleas and fragrant lavender complemented by glittering pools and manicured, green hedges. Enjoy a lovely lunch in a nearby village. Next, depart for Hestercombe, where Moorish, Italian and Classical gardens inspired this formal garden with distinct Mediterranean flair. Designed by Gertrude Jekyll and architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, this twentieth-century garden was designed with eighteenth-century principles. Jekyll, who created over 400 garden designs in the UK, Europe and America is considered one of the greatest contributors to garden design in the modern age. In the late afternoon return to Bath where dinner and the evening are independent. Macdonald Randolph Spa Hotel (B, L) Wednesday, June 11 Thomas Hardy and Dorset Today, begin in the picturesque market town of Shaftesbury, which Thomas Hardy called the city of dream...one of the quaintest spots in England...breezy and whimsical. We will stroll along the abbey walk, as Hardy did numerous times, and learn about the town s role in Hardy books such as Tess of the D Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. Close by is Sturminster Newton, where Hardy lived for the two happiest years of his marriage, and where he returned repeatedly on nostalgic journeys. This afternoon enjoy an unforgettable lunch at a nearby luxury seventeeth-century Manor House in Dorset. Later, visit Hardy s birthplace, a quintessential thatch cottage where he lived until age 34 and used to meander through the small, attached garden. Next, explore the magnificent tulips, magnolias, roses, wisteria and lilies of the Athelhampton House, and tour the finely preserved rooms of this rare medieval property. Return to Bath where dinner and the evening are independent. Macdonald Randolph Spa Hotel (B, L) Thursday, June 12 The Cotswolds Depart this morning to the Cotswolds, stopping first at Kelmscott Manor, a sixteenth-century Tudor farmhouse that was the longtime home of William Morris, the founder of Britain s famous Arts & Crafts Movement. The wonderful handmade furniture and decorative items, beautiful pre-raphaelite paintings and overall charm of the house are truly unique in England. Next, explore the enchanting pathways of Rosemary Verey s legendary gardens at Barnsley House. Enjoy a fresh, modern European lunch made with ingredients from Barnley s home garden, prepared by a top chef with experience in major London restaurants. After lunch arrive right outside of Trowbridge to visit Hilperton House. A cool stream runs through this 2.5 acre garden teaming with water lilies, rose gardens, vegetable patches and a 160 year-old vine conservatory. Return to Bath where dinner and the evening are independent. Macdonald Randolph Spa Hotel (B, L) Friday, June 13 Picturesque Estates This morning is devoted to perhaps the most fabled of all English gardens, the masterful landscapes of Stourhead. Perhaps no other Photo by: Saffron Blaze (wikimedia) FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
garden in the world can match the pleasure of meandering through Stourhead s varied landscapes and picturesque classical monuments. Enjoy a Dutch treat lunch at a nearby village restaurant. Later, visit a lush private garden open exclusively for our group. Hundreds of varieties of flora and fauna frame colorful, geometric parterres. Return to Bath in the early afternoon to enjoy free time on the final day in Bath. On your last night in the English countryside, join your group for a festive farewell dinner complete with a special tasting menu and fine European wine - a special way to celebrate your inspired journey through the English countryside. Macdonald Randolph Spa Hotel (B, D) Saturday, June 14 Departure for U.S.A. Check out of the hotel and transfer to London Heathrow International Airport for independent return flights to the United States. (B) Discover Prior Park in Bath (over), the stately Georgian architecture of Bath (above), and the lush green gardens at Iford (below). Enjoy the jewel-like gardens at Hestercombe (above right) and the stunning, manicured gardens at Athelhampton (over). Photo by: alh1 Photo by: David Gunns Photo by: xlibber DETAILS GROUP SIZE: 20-30 guests PRICING: $ 4,595 per person, double occupancy $ 995 single supplement HIGHLIGHTS Travel with Harvard study leader, Michael Weishan, who will provide insight and context for your journey Follow in the footsteps of two of England s most celebrated novelists, Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy, and tour the towns, homes and landmarks that influenced their careers and prose Sojourn in the luxurious 5-star Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel with splendid gardens and superior accommodations close to the center of historic Bath Visit the most stunning landscapes in the English countryside including Iford Manor, the most beautiful of all Italianate gardens in England Dine at an elegant manor house in Dorset enjoying fine foods and hand-selected wines Meander through sublime secluded gardens paved with old cobbled pathways and brilliant beds blooming with varieties of flora and fauna Explore some of the grandest English country houses including Stourhead Estate with its vast stately gardens and Athelhampton with its pristine ornamental parterres ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy WHAT TO EXPECT This is an easy program involving walks through towns with paved roads and light walking through gardens. Some garden sites may have thresholds and stairs without handrails. The hotel is equipped with modern equipment and amenities. Some private motorcoach rides between destinations may exceed 1 hour and will all be on paved roads and highways.
Photo by: dorsetforyou.com) Athelhampton House GENERAL INFORMATION TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: Six (6) nights accommodations at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel in Bath, UK, breakfast daily, four (4) lunches, two (2) dinners, one (1) afternoon tea, coffee and tea at all meals, full sightseeing as per the program with expert local guides, private motor coach transportation throughout the program, including one (1) group airport transfer on arrival day and one (1) group airport transfer on departure day; taxes and service charges; gratuities to coach drivers and local guides; handling of one (1) piece of luggage per person at the hotel; services of a professional, experienced ISDI Tour Director; complete pre-tour documentation and materials; $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: U.S. domestic or international airfare and taxes; passport/ visa fees; airport porterage; gratuities to hotel housekeeping staff; personal items and services such as laundry, beer, wines, liquors, and mineral water; travel extensions and transportation not included in the itinerary; transfers to and from the airport and hotel for those not participating in the group transfers; optional trip insurance; any item not specifically listed as included. If due to weather, flight schedules, or other uncontrollable factors, participants are required to spend any additional nights, they will be responsible for their own hotel, transfers, and meal costs. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit is required per person. Please either call us at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806 or fill out and mail or fax the registration form. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Final payment for all land costs is due by February 26, 2014 and must be made by check. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Written cancellation received on or before February 25, 2014: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation received between February 26 and April 22, 2014: full refund of any recoverable land costs, less $1,500 per person cancellation charge (includes administrative fee). Cancellations received on or after April 23, 2014 are fully non-refundable. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to issue any refunds. No refunds for any unused portion of the tour including, but not limited to, occasional missed meals or any missed sightseeing tours. Costs for promotion, staff, and other group expenses are not refundable. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not acceptable. The tour cost is non-transferable. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & 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 HAA Travels upon confirmation. RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA Travels and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at http://alumni.harvard. edu/travel/trips/english-landscapes-and-literature. 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. Neither 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
A SAMPLING OF HAA 2014 TRIPS LAND & RAIL: WORLD OF THE MAYA: GUATEMALA, MEXICO, BELIZE JAN 26-FEB 5, 2014 MARK VAN BAALEN CARNEVALE TRADITIONS IN VENICE FEB 18-24, 2014 LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKE SOUTH INDIA: TAMIL NADU, KAMATAKA, KERALA MAR 6-22, 2014 SUGATA BOSE EXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODA MAR 10-23, 2014 QATAR, OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A MIDDLE EASTERN EXPLORATION MAR 14-26, 2014 WILLIAM GRANARA GRAND SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAIL MAR 24-APR 5, 2014 MAYA JASANOFF TURKISH TREASURES APR 25-MAY 9, 2014 JOHN JAY ELLISON 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 COPENHAGEN to REYKJAVIK ON SEA EXPLORER MAY 23-JUN 4, 2014 STEPHEN MITCHELL ICELAND TO GREENLAND: VOYAGE TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON L AUSTRAL AUG 2-14, 2014 JAMES MCCARTHY RIVERS & LAKES: AMAZON RIVER EXPEDITION JAN 17-26, 2014 ZARIN MACHANDA THE ELBE RIVER: PRAGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBY APR 29-MAY 10, 2014 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 THE ULTIMATE SILK ROAD JOURNEY: XIAN TO ISTANBUL MAY 19-JUN 8, 2014 INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAM MAY 22-30, 2014 DAVID AGUILAR SANTA FE: ART & LANDSCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENT JUL 23-27, 2014 JOHN STEWART HIDDEN DOLCE VITA: TUSCANY & UMBRIA SEP 10-18, 2014 FAMILY ADVENTURES: SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI MAR 14-22, 2014 VOYAGE TO THE LANDS OF GODS & HEROES ON CORINTHIAN JUL 3-14, 2014 JONATHAN WALTON SCOTLAND: A FAMILY EXPLORATION JUN 25-JUL 6, 2014 GALAPAGOS FAMILY ADVENTURE ON SANTA CRUZ JUL 7-15, 2014 SCOTT EDWARDS 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 INFORMATION 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
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