LIFELONG LEARNING THROUGH TR AVEL
2022
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Dear alumni and friends of Cal, We enthusiastically invite you to learn about our 2022 travel opportunities and hope you enjoy this interactive digital format. Within, you will find information about our trips in an eco-friendly format. For more than fifty years, Cal Discoveries Travel has been providing the University of California, Berkeley community with enriching travel opportunities throughout the world. We are dreaming of where our next adventures will take us and hope that you will join us. We endeavor to make our tours safe, comfortable, rewarding, and enjoyable for all our travelers. Please contact us with any questions or if you’d like help choosing a trip that best fits your interests and abilities. Please call or email us; we are happy to connect with you! Our entire team has selected trips we feel will be most interesting to you, and we hope you agree. We focus on destination, itinerary, and value, based on previous evaluations. Our Cal Discoveries Travel team includes Senior Director Joanna Aguiar and Program Managers Mara Holland, Kaitlin Brock, and Madisyn O’Brien. We eagerly anticipate hearing about your dream destinations and helping you manifest these bucket list trips in 2022 and beyond! Go Bears! —Your Cal Discoveries Travel Team Book with Confidence! Alongside our tour operators, we are working to ensure your safety while traveling. The most current information regarding our safety protocols, travel insurance, cancellation policies, and travel credits/vouchers can be viewed on our website. We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support of Cal Discoveries Travel.
E X PAND YOU R HO R IZO NS.
A time-honored tradition since 1969, Cal Discoveries Travel creates learning opportunities for thoughtful travelers. Join great minds on our world-class journeys.
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CONTENTS TO U R LEC T U R E R S .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................... 1 A FR I C A.. ............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................... 3 A N TA RC TI C A .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................... 4 A S I A & T H E PAC I FI C .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................... 5 AU S T R A LI A & N E W Z E A L A N D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................... 6 C A R I B B E A N , C E N T R A L A M E R I C A & M E X I CO . .............................. 7 E U RO PE .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................... 8 M I D D LE E A S T.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................... 13 S O U T H A M E R I C A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 14 U N IT E D S TAT E S & C A N A DA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................... 15 AC TI V IT Y LE V E L S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 17 PRO G R A M D E TA I L S .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................... 18 S U S TA I N A B I LIT Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................... 19 TO U R O PE R ATO R S & T R AV E L I N S U R A N C E S P OT LI G H T . ............ 21 A B O U T U S ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................... 2 2 CO N TAC T I N FO R M ATI O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 2 3
“ This was one of the most fantastic trips I have taken in my lifetime. The guides, food, people, culture and history was informative, intoxicating, emotional and rich. I highly recommend this trip!” Janet B., Incline Village, NV (Journey Through Vietnam, page 5) v
LEC TURER S & HOST S Click on the lecturer’s or host’s name for more biographical details, or click on the tour name for trip information.
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PRO FE S S O R S TA N LE Y B R A N D E S Island Life in Ancient Greece
D I A N N E FU K A M I Journey to Southern Africa
R A DA B RO O K S Across Spain & Portugal
H A N S G I E S EC K E Switzerland, Germany & Austria, Featuring the Passion Play in Oberammergau
CO LO N E L J O H N C H E R E Moroccan Discovery
PRO FE S S O R LE S LE A H LU S KO Ultimate Tanzania
PRO FE S S O R J O S E F C H Y T RY European Coastal Civilizations: A Voyage from Lisbon to London
B EC K Y JA FFE Passage Through the Panama Canal & Costa Rica
PRO FE S S O R T H O M A S DA N D E LE T Flavors of Northern Italy
T E R RY D. J O H N S O N Greece—Athens & Kalamata
J E RO E N D E W U LF Majestic Switzerland—Interlaken & Vevey
PH I LI PPA K E LLY Oregon Shakespeare Festival
JAC K D O LD Imperial Journey, Featuring Poland, Germany & the Czech Republic
PRO FE S S O R M AT T KO N D O LF Insider’s Japan
PRO FE S S O R TI M D UA N E The Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone Exploring Australia & New Zealand
D R . LI LI A N E KOZ I O L United Arab Emirates, Featuring the Dubai Expo
PRO FE S S O R PAU L A FA S S France: Normandy
D R . V E R N A R D LE WI S Egypt & the Eternal Nile
PRO FE S S O R A LE X FI LI PPE N KO Circumnavigation of Iceland
J O E LU R I E Apulia—Undiscovered Italy
D R . L AU R E N C E M I C H A L A K New Zealand Adventure
G U E N E T S E B S I B E M D, M PH Discover Egypt & the Nile Valley
Cruising the Great Lakes PRO FE S S O R B R E N T M I S H LE R Tahiti & French Polynesia Under Sail Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania
PRO FE S S O R S COT T S T E PH E N S Cruise the Rhine & Mosel Rivers, A Family Journey—Basel to Amsterdam
MARISSA MOSS Israel: Timeless Wonders
B I LL T R A M P O S C H Swiss Alps & the Italian Lakes
D R . N A D E S A N PE R M AU L Discover Southeast Alaska
PRO FE S S O R E M E R IT U S FR E D E R I C T U B AC H Cruise the Heart of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest
J O N AT H A N R E I N I S New York Theater: Berkeley Behind Broadway
M AT T WO LF Inside the London Theatre Scene
PRO FE S S O R V I N C E N T R E S H Legendary Turkey
PRO FE S S O R DA R R E N ZO O K Antarctica Discovery—A Modern Polar Experience
The Mighty Amazon & Incan Empire CO LO N E L FR E D R U T LE D G E In the Wake of the Vikings & Gaels: Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland D R . S T E V E R UZ I N Namibia: Dunes, Blooms & Wildlife Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
HOST A S S O C I AT E PRO FE S S O R B RYA N WAG N E R Cuba & Its People—Featuring the African Diaspora
PRO FE S S O R A LE X S A R AG OZ A Treasures of the Iberian Northwest
Learn more about our lecturers: Enrichment Lecturer Interview Series
Lecturers’ Favorite Travel Books 2
AFRIC A EGYPT & THE ETERNAL NILE Feb. 11 – 25, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Vernard Lewis Level 3 |
ETHIOPIA: CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION May 13 – 27, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 |
THE PRIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA & ZIMBABWE Feb. 24 – Mar. 10, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Level 2 |
JEWELS OF MADAGASCAR Aug. 6 – 21, 2022 Holbrook Level 4 |
CRUISING THE CANARY ISLANDS & MOROCCO Apr. 18 – 26, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Level 2 | NAMIBIA: DUNES, BLOOMS & WILDLIFE Apr. 22 – May 5, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Steve Ruzin Level 3 |
Trip is a cruise or partial cruise. Start date = US departure day End date = US return day
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JOURNEY TO SOUTHERN AFRICA Sep. 11 – 26, 2022 AHI Travel Dianne Fukami Level 3 |
DISCOVER EGYPT & THE NILE VALLEY Oct. 20 – Nov. 2, 2022 Orbridge Guenet Sebsibe Level 3 | MOROCCAN DISCOVERY Oct. 23 – Nov. 5, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited John Chere Level 3 | ULTIMATE TANZANIA SAFARI Feb. 12 – 23, 2023 Thomson Safaris Leslea Hlusko Level 3 |
CLASSIC SAFARI: KENYA & TANZANIA Sep. 22 – Oct. 7, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Brent Mishler Level 2 |
* Single supplement waived for solo travelers! Offer is limited and capacity controlled, and sells out quickly.
Dates and pricing for all trips are approximate per person based on double occupancy, do not include airfare unless otherwise noted, and are subject to change.
Information listed in this catalog is accurate at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date information, visit alumni.berkeley.edu/travel. Detailed information about enrichment lecturers can be found at alumni.berkeley.edu/lecturers.
ANTARC TIC A ANTARCTICA DISCOVERY—A MODERN POLAR EXPERIENCE Jan. 13 – 24, 2022 Orbridge Darren Zook Level 3 |
“ Morocco is a truly beautiful country with a diverse breathtaking landscape, friendly & welcoming people and a rich history. My trip to Morocco was unlike anything I had ever experienced.” Joanne C., West Chester, PA (Moroccan Discovery, page 3) 4
A SIA & THE PACIFIC MYSTICAL INDIA Jan. 27 – Feb. 12, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 | WONDERS OF CAMBODIA, LAOS & VIETNAM—FEATURING A MEKONG CRUISE Mar. 3 – 18, 2022 AHI Travel Level 4 | INSIDER’S JAPAN Mar. 28 – Apr. 9, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Matt Kondolf Level 3 | TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA UNDER SAIL Apr. 5 – 15, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Brent Mishler Level 2 |
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LEGENDARY TURKEY: FROM ISTANBUL TO THE TURQUOISE COAST Apr. 22 – May 6, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Vincent Resh Level 3 | ALONG CENTRAL ASIA’S SILK ROAD Apr. 30 – May 16, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 | TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY Jul. 10 – 23, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
EXPLORING THE CAUCASUS: GEORGIA & ARMENIA Aug. 30 – Sep. 15, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 | JOURNEY THROUGH VIETNAM Nov. 3 – 17, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 2 |
AUSTR ALIA & NEW ZE AL AND NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE Mar. 10 – 25, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Laurence Michalak Level 3 | EXPLORING AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Oct. 12 – Nov. 2, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Tim Duane Level 3 |
“ This trip was so life-expanding. I found every day to be almost sensory overload! It took me outside my comfort zone and shifted my perspective in the best way. It’s a great example of why we travel.” Peggy L., Walnut Creek, CA (Mystical India, page 5) 6
C ARIBBE AN, CENTR AL AMERIC A & MEXICO WILD BAJA ESCAPE: THE WHALES OF MAGDALENA BAY Jan. 18 – 23, 2022 Lindblad Expeditions Level 2 | PASSAGE THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL & COSTA RICA Jan. 30 – Feb. 7, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Becky Jaffe Level 2 |
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PANAMA & COLOMBIA: EXPLORING THE CARIBBEAN COAST Nov. 5 – 12, 2022 Lindblad Expeditions Level 2 | CUBA & ITS PEOPLE— FEATURING THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Dec. 2 – 9, 2022 AHI Travel Host: Bryan Wagner Level 3 |
EUROPE APULIA: UNDISCOVERED ITALY* Apr. 6 – 14, 2022 AHI Travel Joe Lurie Level 2 | EUROPEAN TAPESTRY Apr. 14 – 25, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 2 | CRUISING THE CANARY ISLANDS & MOROCCO Apr. 18 – 26, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Level 2 | LEGENDARY TURKEY: FROM ISTANBUL TO THE TURQUOISE COAST Apr. 22 – May 6, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Vincent Resh Level 3 |
DUTCH WATERWAYS: FEATURING FLORIADE— ANTWERP TO AMSTERDAM* Apr. 25 – May 3, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 | CRUISE THE HEART OF EUROPE: FRANKFURT TO BUDAPEST* May 4 – 17, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 | ALSACE—FAIRYTALE FRANCE* May 8 – 16, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 | TREASURES OF THE IBERIAN NORTHWEST May 10 – 20, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Alex Saragoza Level 2 |
“ We so enjoyed our trip. . . . Every day was well planned with interesting choices, every educational talk informative. . . . All trip transportation was well organized and comfortable.” Bill and Rosemary D., Sioux Falls, SD (Panama Canal & Costa Rica Cruise, page 7) 8
EUROPE EUROPEAN COASTAL CIVILIZATIONS: A VOYAGE FROM LISBON TO LONDON May 11 – 20, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Josef Chytry Level 2 | IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS & GAELS: SCOTLAND, FAROE ISLANDS & ICELAND May 28 – Jun. 6, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Fred Rutledge Level 2 | FRANCE: NORMANDY* May 28 – Jun. 5, 2022 AHI Travel Paula Fass Level 2 | PARIS, FEATURING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Jun. 4 – 12, 2022 AHI Travel Level 3 |
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GRAND SEINE RIVER & NORMANDY PASSAGE— HONFLEUR TO PARIS* Jun. 5 – 13, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 | GREECE—ATHENS & KALAMATA Jun. 10 – 19, 2022 AHI Travel Terry Johnson Level 2 | MAJESTIC SWITZERLAND: INTERLAKEN & VEVEY Jun. 15 – 24, 2022 AHI Travel Jeroen Dewulf Level 3 | FLAVORS OF NORTHERN ITALY* Jun. 18 – 26, 2022 Orbridge Thomas Dandelet Level 2 |
IMPERIAL JOURNEY, FEATURING POLAND, GERMANY & THE CZECH REPUBLIC Jun. 19 – Jul. 1, 2022 AHI Travel Jack Dold Level 3 | INSIDE THE LONDON THEATRE SCENE* Jul. 3 – 16, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Matt Wolf Level 2 | TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY Jul. 10 – 23, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
EUROPE CRUISE THE RHINE & MOSEL RIVERS, A FAMILY JOURNEY—BASEL TO AMSTERDAM* Jul. 11 – 19, 2022 AHI Travel Scott Stephens Level 2 |
SWITZERLAND, GERMANY & AUSTRIA, FEATURING THE PASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU Jul. 18 – 28, 2022 AHI Travel Hans Giesecke Level 3 |
CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ICELAND Jul. 17 – 25, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Alex Filippenko Level 2 |
COASTAL GEMS OF THE EMERALD ISLE Aug. 22 – Sep. 3, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
NORDIC MAGNIFICENCE: DENMARK & NORWAY Jul. 17 – 27, 2022 AHI Travel Level 3 |
TRENTINO, SOUTH TYROL & THE DOLOMITES* Aug. 24 – Sep. 1, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
OXFORD BERKELEY PROGRAM* Jul. 17 – Aug. 6, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Level 2 |
“ Being surrounded by so many knowledgeable people while living in Oxford for three weeks gave me a sense of pride and a greater desire to learn. I will treasure the memories, friendships, and lessons I learned throughout this program.” Kellyann A., Saugerties, NY (Oxford Berkeley Program, page 10) 10
EUROPE ACROSS SPAIN & PORTUGAL Aug. 28 – Sep. 13, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Rada Brooks Level 3 |
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: ADRIATIC & AEGEAN ODYSSEY Sep. 22 – 30, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Level 2 |
EXPLORING THE CAUCASUS: GEORGIA & ARMENIA Aug. 30 – Sep. 15, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 |
BASQUE COUNTRY— SPAIN & FRANCE Sep. 24 – Oct. 2, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
ROMANCE OF THE DOURO FEATURING LISBON, PORTO & THE ALTO DOURO WINE REGION* Sep. 19 – 30, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
FRENCH & ITALIAN RIVIERAS Oct. 4 – 14, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
SWISS ALPS & THE ITALIAN LAKES Sep. 21 – 30, 2022 AHI Travel William Tramposch Level 3 |
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GRAND DANUBE PASSAGE: PRAGUE TO SOFIA* Oct. 6 – 20, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
EUROPE SLOVENIA, CROATIA & THE DALMATIAN COAST Oct. 8 – 20, 2022 AHI Travel Level 3 | TUSCANY, FEATURING LUCCA, CARRARA & THE CINQUE TERRE Oct. 8 – 16, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 | ISLAND LIFE IN ANCIENT GREECE Oct. 15 – 23, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Stanley Brandes Level 2 |
FLORENCE IN THE SERENE SEASON—ART, CULTURE & PEOPLE Nov. 4 – 12, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 | HOLIDAY MARKETS CRUISE—THE FESTIVE RHINE RIVER* Dec. 4 – 12, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
SPAIN: ANDALUCÍA IN A PARADOR* Nov. 3 – 11, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
“ An excellent trip! The Douro River Valley is exceptionally scenic and the relaxing travel by boat is great.” Carolyn D., Aptos, CA (Romance of the Douro, page 11) 12
MIDDLE E A ST UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, FEATURING THE DUBAI EXPO Jan. 21 – 30, 2022 AHI Travel Liliane Koziol Level 2 | EGYPT & THE ETERNAL NILE Feb. 11 – 25, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Vernard Lewis Level 3 | ISRAEL: TIMELESS WONDERS Mar. 17 – 28, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Marissa Moss Level 3 |
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LEGENDARY TURKEY: FROM ISTANBUL TO THE TURQUOISE COAST Apr. 22 – May 6, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Vincent Resh Level 3 | EXPLORING THE CAUCASUS: GEORGIA & ARMENIA Aug. 30 – Sep. 15, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 | DISCOVER EGYPT & THE NILE VALLEY Oct. 20 – Nov. 2, 2022 Orbridge Guenet Sebsibe Level 3 |
SOUTH AMERIC A PATAGONIAN FRONTIERS: ARGENTINA & CHILE BY LAND & SEA Jan. 31 – Feb. 15, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Level 3 |
PANAMA & COLOMBIA: EXPLORING THE CARIBBEAN COAST Nov. 5 – 12, 2022 Lindblad Expeditions Level 2 |
CHILEAN WONDERS—LAKE DISTRICT & PATAGONIA Mar. 7 – 18, 2022 AHI Travel Level 4 |
MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS Nov. 8 – 23, 2022 Odysseys Unlimited Steve Ruzin Level 3 |
THE MIGHTY AMAZON & INCAN EMPIRE Sep. 7 – 18, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Vincent Resh Level 3 |
GALÁPAGOS ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDEAVOUR II Dec. 2 – 11, 2022 Lindblad Expeditions Level 2 |
“ The spectacular beauty of the parks, particularly Torres Del Paine, was breathtaking. Couple all of that with great guides, interesting lectures, and a particularly personable tour leader and this trip was definitely well-worth it.” Michael M., Kensington, MD (Chilean Wonders—Lake District & Patagonia, page 14) 14
UNITED STATES & C ANADA THE WOLVES & WILDLIFE OF YELLOWSTONE Feb. 5 – 11, 2022 Orbridge Tim Duane Level 3 |
SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARKS May 4 – 12, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
HISTORICAL BASEBALL TOUR April 2022 Sports and Entertainment Travel Level 3 |
NEW YORK THEATER: BERKELEY BEHIND BROADWAY May 9 – 14, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Jonathan Reinis Level 1 |
NEW ORLEANS, FEATURING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Apr. 3 – 8, 2022 AHI Travel Level 2 |
YOSEMITE, DEATH VALLEY & THE GREAT PARKS OF CALIFORNIA May 29 – Jun. 5, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS JOURNEY: HARVESTS, HISTORY & LANDSCAPES Apr. 10 – 17, 2022 Lindblad Expeditions Level 2 |
OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Jun. 13 – 18, 2022 Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel Philippa Kelly Level 1 |
(cover) Slovenia, Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast; (inside) Yosemite, Death Valley & the Great Parks of California; Apulia: Undiscovered Italy; Cruising the Canary Islands & Morocco; Antarctica Discovery—A Modern Polar Experience; Wonders of Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam—featuring a Mekong Cruise; New Zealand Adventure; Passage Through the Panama Canal & Costa Rica; Alsace—Fairytale France; In the Wake of the Vikings & Gaels: Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland; Trentino, South Tyrol & the Dolomites; French & Italian Rivieras; Spain: Andalucía in a Parador; United Arab Emirates, featuring the Dubai Expo; Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II; New Orleans, featuring The African American Experience; National Parks & Lodges of the Old West; The Pride of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe; (back cover) Chilean Wonders—Lake District & Patagonia.
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UNITED STATES & C ANADA DISCOVER SOUTHEAST ALASKA Jul. 15 – 22, 2022 Orbridge Nadesan Permaul Level 3 | NATIONAL PARKS & LODGES OF THE OLD WEST Jul. 21 – 29, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
POLAR BEARS & BELUGA WHALES Jul. 26 – Aug. 1, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA Sep. 30 – Oct. 3, 2022 Sports and Entertainment Travel Level 3 |
DISCOVER THE CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL Aug. 3 – 9, 2022 Orbridge Level 2 |
CIVIL RIGHTS: A JOURNEY TO FREEDOM Oct. 29 – Nov. 2, 2022 Orbridge Level 3 |
CRUISING THE GREAT LAKES Sep. 24 – Oct. 1, 2022 Thomas P. Gohagan Laurence Michalak Level 2 |
“ The beauty of southeast Alaska exceeded our expectations. . . . The naturalists were informative and ebullient, and boat staff provided excellent service and delicious meals.” Cody B., Berkeley, CA (Discover Southeast Alaska, page 16) 16
AC TIVIT Y- LE VEL R ATINGS Cal Discoveries Travel programs are designed for alumni and friends of UC Berkeley who enjoy traveling as part of a group. We endeavor to make our tours safe, comfortable, rewarding, and enjoyable for all our travelers by helping you choose the trip that is right for you and best fits your abilities. The information below explains what each activity level means. Please keep in mind that all trips involve group activities, and your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants. Those requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our activity-level ratings. You should take into account your stamina when traveling long distances, and factor in multiple flight changes as well as handling personal hand luggage independently throughout the itinerary. Level 1 |
Level 3 |
Level 5 |
What to expect: These trips often involve travel by motor coach. Travelers should be able to stand and walk during group activities, board transportation, and climb one flight of stairs without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last one to two hours on most days.
What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.
What to expect: These programs are very active with demanding daily schedules of physical activities, such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, or bicycling. Travelers should expect walking or hiking tours to be across uneven terrain with limited leisure time (sometimes only in the later evenings). Accommodations may vary from camping tents to deluxe lodges.
Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk up to two miles, or 4,600 steps, each day.
Level 2 | What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimesuneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last two to four hours most days. Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.
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Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.
Level 4 | What to expect: These tours feature longer touring days and many full-day excursions, plus full, active itineraries that move at a faster pace to cover longer distances. Travelers are required to stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time, and should be comfortable at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last more than six hours each day. Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk six to eight miles, or 9,200–11,500 steps, each day.
Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably participate in more physically demanding activities covering distances of eight or more miles, or 11,500+ steps, each day.
For more information on physical requirements, please visit alumni.berkeley.edu/activityrating.
PROG R A M DE TAIL S PRO G R A M D E TA I L S The Cal Discoveries Travel program is designed from proposals by specialized wholesale tour operators. Whenever possible, we add Cal-specific components: faculty lecturers, Cal Discoveries tour managers, visits and contact with Cal alumni, etc. Unless stated, trips are priced without international airfare. All participants are expected to enjoy traveling as part of a group and to be tolerant of occasional changes, delays, or minor mishaps that are part of any kind of travel. A small portion of your trip fee goes to the Cal Alumni Association to help create programs, engage alumni, and inspire support for the University of California, Berkeley.
M A K I N G R E S E RVATI O N S Individual tour brochures are available for download on each tour webpage. Many trips offer online booking as an option. For others, find the trip in which you are interested, download and fill out the PDF, and return it to our office with deposit. For more details and the most up-to-date information on all of our trips, please visit alumni.berkeley.edu/travel.
FR I E N D S A N D FA M I LY A R E WE LCO M E —YO U D O N ’ T H AV E TO B E A C A L G R A D UAT E TO J O I N U S! One traveler per room, whether an alumni or friend, must be a current Cal Alumni Association (CAA) member at the time of departure to participate in Cal Discoveries Travel offerings. Payment of $60 for seniors 65 years and over and $75 for others establishes a regular or affiliate membership with all other Association benefits. Memberships are for individuals only, and are non-refundable and non-transferable. A traveling pair and their children under 21 years of age may travel on one membership. Please make dues payable to CAA by separate check, or, if you prefer, provide a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express number with expiration date for payment. You can also enroll online at alumni.berkeley.edu/join.
“ From large modern cities to historical vintage Japan and its culture, this tour covers it all.” Carol P., San Mateo, CA (Insider’s Japan, page 5) 18
TR AVEL SUSTAINABILIT Y EFFORTS Cal Discoveries Travel is always looking for ways to become more eco-conscious. We send electronic confirmation letters once travelers book on a trip as well as online evaluations post-trip. Additionally, we will be purchasing carbon offsets to help minimize the impact our travel has on the planet. Orbridge understands the environmental impact a travel company and its marketing efforts have and is committed to the global responsibility of helping minimize its footprint by “going beyond green.” Since 2019, Orbridge has been participating in reforestation philanthropy in the state of Wisconsin. Orbridge plants 100,000 trees throughout Wisconsin state forests and other DNR-owned lands through a partnership with the WDNR Division of Forestry. The effort has continued, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 100,000 trees planted each year since the inception of this program. Additionally, Orbridge seeks out suppliers and vendors who share the same commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. Ranging
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from working with a printing company that is a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Printer that has 100% of production and office carbon footprint offset by purchasing Wind Power Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to working with a South American vendor who has been selected by the World Travel & Tourism Council as a leading supplier, Orbridge is committed to engaging in eco-friendly initiatives. Thomas P. Gohagan utilizes many Ponant ships, which have been awarded the international “Clean Ship” label. The “Clean Ship” label is a stronger designation than “Green Ships”; in the Cruise Industry a “Clean Ship” designation is very rare. Features include a sonar system for the detection of shoals to avoid contact with icebergs and reefs, refrigerant gas (R407C) used for air conditioning, and refrigeration units. The ships have no impact on the ozone layer and a very low impact on the greenhouse gas effect, and their dynamic positioning system helps— when needed—to maintain a vessel’s position without having to drop anchor in sensitive marine environments such
as coral reefs, thereby protecting the seabed. They have also had a drastic reduction in fuel oil. Ponant uses Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil which is lighter and less polluting than heavy fuel oil. No waste is ever deposited at sea; waste is handled and disinfected on board and then safely deposited on shore in environmentally sound disposable systems. AHI Travel’s whole sustainability effort covers more than just going green. Overall there are three areas of focus: environmental (going green), economic (positive economic benefits in areas visited), and socio-cultural (cultural preservation and positive impact on locals beyond the economy). A couple of examples include sending digital pre-trip documents rather than print documents to reduce paper waste; and working with suppliers to provide water in more environmentally-friendly packaging, such as glass bottles or cardboard cartons, rather than using single-use plastic bottles whenever possible.
Holbrook knows sustainability is a shared concern among its team, its field partners, and Cal Discoveries travelers. A pioneer in conservation, Holbrook was among the first companies to provide carbon offsets to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and forestry projects, both in the United States and abroad. Holbrook follows the principles defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and designs travel programs that are mindful of the potential social and environmental impacts. In partnership with suppliers and field partners, Holbrook is committed to maximizing social and economic benefits to local communities, minimizing negative impacts, providing education, training externally and internally, integrating sustainability where possible throughout its programs, reducing its carbon footprint, and raising awareness about climate change around the world. Holbrook is proud to collaborate with and support local conservation projects, non-governmental organizations, and community-based programs that advance conservation and sustainable development. In Costa Rica, Holbrook’s Selva Verde Lodge achieved the highest level in the country’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) designation. Thomson Safaris takes the following actions to lessen its impact on the environment: phasing out plastic bottled drinking water to offer purified spring water and reusable, refillable water bottles to all guests and replacing Thomson Nyumba camp features with an array of green technologies including solar-LED lighting, enclosed pump flush toilets, 5-gallon bucket showers,
and propane gas grills for cooking. Community-based conservation initiatives in the Eastern Serengeti have resulted in a dramatic increase in wildlife and protection of rare plant and tree species. Odysseys Unlimited is involved in sustainability on many levels. The company is making significant strides toward a paperless reservation process and migrating to electronic mailings and online documents, including tour materials and marketing brochures. Odysseys selects business partners and vendors both at home and abroad who have demonstrated sustainable business practices, in particular, small locally-owned food purveyors and boutique-style hotels. They are reducing single-use plastics both in the Odysseys home office and on tour by promoting the use of refillable water bottles where possible. Lindblad Expeditions has been committed to sustainability and responsible travel at all levels of their business for more than 50 years. This includes implementing environmentally-friendly operations; working toward the conservation of nature; preserving cultural heritage; and supporting social and economic benefits for local people as a result of travel. They continually seek ways to innovate, protect, and educate—with confidence that the collective passion and expertise of their fleet and office staff, in conjunction with others who share their commitment to sustainable travel, will create lasting positive changes for our planet.
Lindblad is now a carbon-neutral travel company offsetting the carbon emissions of their fleet, employee travel worldwide, offices in New York and Seattle, all land-based operations, and beyond. Its investments focus on renewable energy, reforestation, community-based projects in the regions their fleet visits, and beyond. The company is proud to have successfully completed a comprehensive single-use plastic elimination program across their entire fleet. Lindblad ships are 100% free of all single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. It is helping raise awareness about reducing the amount of plastic in the world’s oceans. Sports & Entertainment Travel (SET) is committed to incorporating sustainable practices in our office and beyond. We have made a concerted effort to cut down on paper waste. Reduced internal printers and newly implemented protocols make it a priority to provide digital options for marketing materials and guest documents (however, a printed copy will be provided upon request). SET’s Operational Office reuses and repurposes supplies when appropriate and recycles anything that cannot be used in our office. In addition to our recycling efforts in the office, we rely on utilizing the natural light in our building and all office lights are set on timers to reduce the amount of wasted usage.
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TOUR OPER ATOR | C ALIFORNIA SELLER OF TR AV EL REG ISTR ATION # A H I T R AV E L | 202 8 271- 4 0 E U R E K A BY C A L D I S COV E R I E S T R AV E L | 20 9 0 031- 5 0 H O LB RO O K | 212 92 9 9 - 4 0 LI N D B L A D E X PE D ITI O N S | N /A O DYS S E YS U N LI M IT E D | 207 7 9 7 3 - 4 0 O R B R I D G E | 20 9 8 75 0 - 4 0 S P O R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T T R AV E L , LLC | 2119 714 - 5 0 TC S WO R LD T R AV E L | 20715 8 4 -20 T H O M A S P. G O H AG A N & CO M PA N Y | 20318 6 8 - 4 0 T H O M S O N S A FA R I S | 20 8 4 8 0 6 - 4 0
Sponsored by Travel Insurance Services
travelinsure.com/CalAlumni 21
“ This is one of those trips that changes how you view the world. . . . The memories of seeing the large herds of animals, floating over the Serengeti at dawn via balloon, and being in the Oldupai Gorge will last forever.” Pat M., Clifton Park, NY (Ultimate Tanzania Safari, page 3) 22
Cal Discoveries Travel A Program of the Cal Alumni Association 1 Alumni House | Berkeley, CA 94720-7520 caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu alumni.berkeley.edu/travel Phone: 510.900.8222
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The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) is a self-funded non-profit organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that support students, alumni, and the University. To make a gift, please visit alumni.berkeley.edu/give. Thank you for choosing CAA as the recipient of your generosity. 23