| 2011 Trips |
| August 29-September 10, 2011 |
| The Southern Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia with Dr. Gail Lapidus |
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Georgia,
Armenia and Azerbaijan share stunning mountain backdrops, powerful
stone architecture and a strong code of hospitality. Georgia's renowned
winemaking traditions, Azerbaijan's Zoroastrian and Islamic background,
and Armenia's multitude of ancient churches combine to make this
distinctive journey more than the sum of its parts. Wedged between the
Black and Caspian seas where Europe and Asia meet, these three countries
hold a unique place in history as the crossroads of trade, religion,
language, and the arts. They host a fascinating modern culture as well
as some of the earth's oldest human traces. Experience the wave of
change washing over the diverse cultures of the Southern Caucasus on
this in-depth
journey of education and discovery. As well as wonderful sightseeing and
cultural treasures, we will gain insight on the politics and economics
of the region through specially arranged meetings and lectures provided
by Dr. Gail Lapidus, a World Affairs Council of
Northern California Trustee and Senior Fellow Emerita at the Institute
for International Studies at Stanford University. $6,295 plus airfare.
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| September 4-14, 2011 — Sold out; additional departure available |
| Waterways of Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg |
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This enlightening nine-night cruise aboard the deluxe M.S. Volga Dream
from Moscow to St. Petersburg features four UNESCO World Heritage
sites. While in Moscow for one night, traverse Red Square, marvel at the
dazzling onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and discover the
mysteries of the Kremlin. Curise along the vast network of rivers, lakes
and canals to the tenth-century town of Uglich, medieval Yaroslavl, the
14th-century monastery of Goritsy and the legendary open-air museum of
Kizhi Island, rustic remnants of Old Russia. Visit St. Petersburg's
historic Palace Square and attend a specially arranged early opening of
the Hermitage Museum. The magnificent sites along the historic waterways
of Russia are enhanced through a series of expert-guided and
educational tours, including lectures by Dr. Jeffrey Hahn, Professor of Political Science from Villanova University.
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| September 21-October 5, 2011 — Limited space remains, reserve by July 12 and SAVE! |
| Grand Danube Passage featuring Sofia and Thessaloniki |
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Napoleon
described the Danube as "the king of Europe's rivers," for it is
steeped in legend and epic lore unlike any other European waterway. The
winding course of the celebrated Danube offers a veritable feast of
unparalleled history, ancient capitals, picturesque villages, Roman
ruins, magnificent churches, palaces, and medieval castles. Natural
wonders abound in the vineyard-clad Wachau Valley, the narrow, twisting
Danube Bend, and the formidable Iron Gate Gorge. In Sofia, Bulgaria's
capital, admire tree-shaded boulevards, historic landmarks, museums,
churches and galleries. Delight in Thessaloniki with its Roman and
Byzantine sites, churches and museums. Our trip begins with eight nights
aboard the exclusively chartered M.S. Royal Crown, followed by
deluxe hotel accommodations in Sofia, Bulgaria's beautiful capital, and
Thessaloniki, the capital of the Greek region of Macedonia. Four
lectures offer insight into local history and culture and with a minimum
group size. Mimi Gregory of the Naples World Affairs Council and an
expert on the region, will arrange Council briefings.
From $3,995 plus tax and airfare. Reserve by July 26 and SAVE!
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Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| September 22-October 6, 2011 |
| Treasures of the Classical World: Greece, Turkey, Italy and Malta with Ian Lesser |
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This
fall, we'll be narrating an extraordinary tale of the ancient world via
a classic Mediterranean voyage aboard the 114-guest, all suite Corinthian II,
to Greece, southern Italy, the Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Malta, and the
Turquoise Coast of Turkey. Begin in Athens, with a night in the city's
finest hotel, and the Acropolis shining high above. The next day, we'll
sail through the steep chasm of the Corinth Canal and on to Delphi,
where the Pythian oracle dwelled. Cruising to Italian shores we see the
dramatic vistas of volcanic Lipari, the most stunning of the Aeolian
Isles, and in Sicily, to Marsala, one of the most pivotal cities in the
classical world. From Malta, we stop at rarely visited Gytheion, home to
ancient Sparta, Crete and Rhodes and then on to the Turkish sites of
Ephesus and Aphrodisias before returning to Athens. A full complement of
lecturers join this tour including Ian Lesser, a
Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United
States in Washington, where he leads programs on Mediterranean affairs.
A limited number of cabins with no single supplement and a discount of $2,000 a couple.
From $8,595 plus airfare.
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Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| October 16-November 1, 2011 |
| Inside Iran with Ambassador Mark Johnson |
"I couldn't get enough of Ambassador Mark Johnson's lectures on the tour. He was endlessly fascinating."
— Sheila Cleworth, Denver, CO
Inside Iran 2009
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Now in his third year of leading trips to Iran, Ambassador Mark Johnson
will provide invaluable insight as you journey through this ancient
land. In Tehran, admire the magnificent Crown Jewels and unbelievable
Peacock Throne. We include Kerman, Yazd, and Persepolis, with its
ancient heritage dating back 2,500 years. Explore Shiraz, a center for
poetry, and end in Isfahan, considered one of the most beautiful of all
Iranian cities.
$6,195 plus airfare.
View more information.
See our blog from our 2010 Iran tour!
Related news article: Iran's Isolation Encourages Sustainable Tourism
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| October 30-November 8, 2011 |
| Southern China & Hong Kong with Beijing pre-tour extension |
"Our guide, Duan, was warm, considerate, and organized. He made the trip for me!"
— Eleanor Bonder, Naples, FL
Inside China 2008
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Back
by popular demand! Duan will lead our value-priced tour which includes
more off-the-beaten path Southern China sites including Shanghai's water
town of Zhu Jia Jiao; Hangzhou for West Lake, Buddhism sites, and a
visit to the tea park; Tunxi with a Huang Mountain day trip via cable
car; Hongcun Village; and Hong Kong. Optional pre-trip tour to Beijing.
"Meet the people" opportunities abound as do substantive briefings. $2,490 land only, or $3,520 including airfare.
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Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| March 10–March 25, 2012 |
| India |
"Thank you so much for putting so much thought behind these tours. They are truly wonderful and I have enjoyed them so much."
- Phyllis Weber, San Rafael, CA
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In
Mumbai, meet with a leading financial representative as well as the
Dabba Wallahs who deliver thousands of lunches traveling by trains,
bicycles or cart. Stop at Dharavi, where as many as 18,000 people crowd
into a single acre. In Agra, admire the Taj Mahal. In Varanasi, sail on
the Ganges at dawn. In Delhi, end the tour with a rickshaw ride and a
meeting with a journalist.
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| March 15–April 5 |
| Inside Brazil |
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Brazil's
rich cultural heritage and stunning beauty are yours to discover on the
World Affairs Council's March tour to the country's three most
spectacular cities: Salvador da Bahia, Ouro Preto, and Rio de Janeiro.
Study Brazil's unique African-colonial anthropology, its flamboyant
music and art, and its fascinating rise to global power in the 21st
century. Highlights include great food, unique visits to hidden
monuments, splendid beaches, and opportunities to meet with high-ranking
diplomatic and government figures to talk about energy, the
environment, and economic development.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| April 2012 |
| Inside Washington |
"This was our second time attending the tour and we loved it just as much as the first."
- Bev Winter, Towson, MD
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Go
behind-the-scenes on our annual 5-night small-group program of
briefings and special events to hear from, and question, our nation's
foreign policy makers. We also visit embassies to gain a global
perspective on the issues of the day. Speakers last year included General Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA; Ian Bremmer, Eurasia Group; Tom Gjelten, National Public Radio; and Bruce Reidel, author of Deadly Embrace: Pakistan, America and the Future of Global Jihad.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| May 14–29, 2012 |
| Chinese Silk Road |
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Follow
in the footsteps of the ancient silk traders. Begin with classic
Beijing, then fly to Xian and view the incredible terra cotta soldiers;
continue on to Dunhuang in Western China, where Buddhist art was carved
in sandstone caves, and to Urumqi, where nomads of Mongolian, Kazak and
Uighur extraction have roamed for thousands of years. In Turpan, view
its ancient karez irrigation system and browse the unrivaled Kashgar
Market, where Silk Road commerce continues in a flurry of color and
design.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| May 16–22, 2012 |
| London Insider's Tour |
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Discover
behind-the-scenes London. Learn about life with the Royal Family from
someone who worked closely with them for years. Visit the BBC Studios
for an in-depth look at one of the world's largest news organizations.
Visit Blenheim Palace where the estate archivist shares insight into the
family's history. Learn how actors study their craft at the renowned
Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and National Theatre.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| May 25-June 9, 2012 |
| Jewels of Antiquity: Venice to Cannes Cruise |
"All aspects of the trip were superb. Very well run and coordinated. A
great experience! This truly was a trip of a lifetime and we have
taken many tours!"
- Malcolm Ettin, Sacramento, CA
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From Cannes, set sail aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey.
Visit Avignon and Arles. Journey to Florence, Rome and Sicily. Explore
Butrint. Continue up the Adriatic Coast to Dubrovnik and Zadar before
arriving in Venice, La Serenissima. Includes free air travel from select
gateway cities, shore excursions, lectures by world-class scholars and
gratuities.
View more information.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| June 22-30, 2012 |
| Danube Family Adventure |
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Settle into the premium riverboat, MS Swiss Jewel
for a 7-night cruise. This family river cruise includes guided
sightseeing in Budapest, a scavenger hunt and whitewater rafting in
Bratislava, an "a-mazing" walk in a secret-filled garden at Schönbrunn
Palac, and an Imperial evening in a private Viennese palace. You can
walk on cobblestone streets in 16th-century Dürnstein, bike ride on a
scenic path, go wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, and hike to
Kuenringerburg Castle high above the river.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| June 24–July 2, 2012 |
| Croatia Cruise with General Wesley Clark |
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Explore the Adriatic Sea's Dalmatian Coast aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. L'Austral on this seven-night cruise featuring General Wesley Clark,
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1997-2000). Visit Šibenik,
Split, Kor?cula, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Mostar or Medjugorje, Pula and
Rovinj. Enjoy specially arranged lectures and an exclusive VILLAGE FORUMTM with local residents. Two-night Venice Pre- and Post-Cruise options offered. Limited availability. Book today!
View more information.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| July 22–29, 2012 |
| Costa Rica Family Tour |
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Explore
tropical rainforests and jungles on a zip-line adventure, a river
rafting trip, a canal cruise and nature hikes with local experts during
overnight stays in a beachfront resort and riverfront lodges. Learn
what it's like to live in Costa Rica on a visit to a local farmer’s
home, a tramcar ride at an organic pineapple plantation and a chocolate
tasting in San José. Do it all with your family on this inclusive 8-day
vacation.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| September 4–17, 2012 |
| Venice Balkans Cruise with former CIA director John McLaughlin |
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This
autumn you can explore the layers of civilization that make the Balkans
one of the most fascinating corners of the world. In Sardis you'll
wander through the remains of an ancient Greek temple and a 4th-century
synagogue. At Mostar you'll stroll across the Stari Most bridge. In
Dubrovnik you'll see glorious examples of Gothic, Renaissance, and
Baroque architecture, and in Split you'll visit the palace of the Roman
Emperor Diocletian. This itinerary is enhanced with lectures by former
CIA director John McLaughlin.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| October 4–15, 2012 |
| Sketches of Spain |
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This
special program begins in cosmopolitan Madrid. Immerse yourself in the
artistic and architectural masterpieces in Toledo, delight in charming
Burgos and tour the Old Quarter in San Sebastián. Continue to Pamplona,
long associated with the running of the bulls and the setting for
Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises. Visit Bilbao and the famous Guggenheim Museum, before concluding in the vibrant city of Barcelona.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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| October 13-22, 2012 |
| Israel with post-trip to Petra, Jordan |
"We had heard about the special care given to World Affairs travelers and it is exactly as said."
- Byron Stoloff and Shirley Farmer, Blue Bell, PA
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Back
by popular demand! Explore Israel in an exclusive educational and
travel experience. Along with numerous opportunities to converse and
interact with local residents, Linda Gradstein, an
expert on the region and correspondent for National Public Radio, will
give an illuminating lecture on politics and daily life in the Holy
Land. An optional post-program trip to Amman and Petra, Jordan is also
available.
See our blog from our 2011 Israel tour!
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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 2012 Private Jet Trips |
| January 30–February 20, 2012 Limited space remains! |
| Legendary Places by Private Jet |
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Join
us on a unique 22-day expedition through Africa, Asia, and the Middle
East by private jet. Venture beyond the beaten path to discover some of
the world’s most extraordinary, hard-to-reach cultural and natural
wonders in a single unforgettable journey. Visit Togo, the birthplace of
vodun (voodoo). See the home of Alexander the Great in Egypt, and spend
a night in an award-winning lodge deep in the Sahara. Explore the
convergence of ancient and modern cultures, fine arts, and desert
traditions in Qatar. Marvel at the architecture of Sri Lanka's ancient
cities of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and go on an elephant safari. In
Burma (Myanmar), behold the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, and discover
the kingdom of the temple builders in Pagan. Admire striking mountain
landscapes in Oman's Zighy Bay on the remote Musandam Peninsula. Delve
into the rich Persian history of Iran's artistry, poetry, and
scholarship in Shiraz. Walk in the footsteps of Darius the Great in the
ruins of Persepolis. Greet the sunrise in a hot-air balloon as you soar
high above the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia's volcanic terrain in
Turkey. Accompanying you will be a talented team of experts, including Ambassador Richard Erdman.
$59,950 per person double occupancy, $7,950 single supplement.
View more information.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
Legendary places by private jet: now that's how to fly! by Ralph Collier, Main Line Today, July 11, 2011
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