Travel Program Catalog

Commonwealth Club Travel

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Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind

Commonwealth Club Travel

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Commonwealth Club Travel

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Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind

Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind

2009

Commonwealth Club Travel

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Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind

Why choose Club travel?

Dear Traveler,

For more than 40 years, The Commonwealth Club has been bringing

0 0 30 40 Commonwealth Club together eminent study leaders, current topics,Travel and fascinating destinations

worldwide, providing exclusive access to distinguished speakers, worldrenowned sites, and behind-the-scenes activities. We take in the rich cultures of the countries we visit while meeting with thought leaders, journalists, artists, and politicians.

Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind to offer you the best in intellectual exploration. The Club’s name opens doors

Commonwealth Club Travel Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind

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In 2009, we’re proud to offer you these exclusive Club itineraries to a variety of topical destinations—including a global warming symposium in the Arctic with leading scientists, and a naturalist-led voyage to New Zealand, a place some call “the last great paradise on earth.” We’ll discuss the monumental changes that have taken place in South Africa and discover modern China while marveling at its past achievements. On our World Leaders Symposium, we’ll delve into the history, current affairs, and politics of the Middle East aboard the luxurious Silver Wind.

And of course, we won’t forget to pamper you. Traveling with The Club means you can expect excellent accommodations, thoughtful itineraries, and superb cuisine. We’ll handle all the details so you can immerse yourself in the educational experience of a lifetime, in the company of like-minded travel companions.

Imagine your next great adventure, whether it will be an expedition to the Arctic or a rail journey through South Africa. I invite you to take advantage of this wonderful program and travel with The Club in 2009.

With best regards,

Kristina Nemeth Director of Travel 415-597-6720 travel@commonwealthclub.org www.commonwealthclub.org/travel

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A Uniq ue Pers p ective Embark on an educational adventure that heightens your senses and

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Un paralleled A ccess Our unique global network allows travelers exclusive access to

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Ou tsta nding C ompa ny Whether traveling with friends, family, or independently, Club

invigorates your mind.

thought leaders who are pioneering change, influencing culture, and shaping the 21st century.

travelers enjoy the opportunity to meet and forge lasting friendships with fellow members from the Bay Area and beyond.

Sup erb S taff Our experienced hosts ensure the highest quality of service, engage in

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stimulating discussions and lectures, and supervise every detail of the itinerary.

Exc ellent A cco mmodati ons All Club trips, whether by land or water, are complemented by

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excellent amenities, comfortable lodging, and fantastic cuisine.

Ex cep ti on al S ervi ce Club Travel staff are on hand to assist you with all aspects of your

travels—from the moment you book your trip to the weeks following your return home.

Commonwealth Club tours offer a unique travel experience: in-depth exploration of destinations, invaluable background and on-site educational insights, direct personal participation in local events, and great companionship along the way.

—Amb ass ad or Jim Ro sen th a l, Vietn am a nd C a mb odi a Club Ho st

Our first trip with The Commonwealth Club turned out to be one of the best trips we’d ever taken in our many years of world travel. —Lind a Rubin o, Cl u b Traveler

Sign up for ou r em ail new sletter to receive the Club Travel news quarterly.

Fo r f urther inf o rmation, p lease call 415-597-6720 or email Travel Director Kristina NE meth at tr avel @ commonw ealthclub.org.

B AY O F I S L A N D S

SHIP

New Zealand: The Last Great Paradise January 12–27, 2009 • Clipper Odyssey From glacial fiords and thermal springs to vibrant cities and pastoral villages, New Zealand’s lush green islands are a world unto themselves. European settlers dubbed this land “God’s own country” and today, it may be the last great paradise on earth—home to a myriad of rare species and a well-preserved indigenous culture. Board the 106-passenger Clipper Odyssey and cruise from the South Island to the North Island, from Milford Sound to the Bay of Islands, with our team of distinguished lecturers. Venture by Zodiac into pristine Fiordland National Park, remote Stewart Island (Raikura), and Taiaroa Head. Go ashore with expert local naturalists to observe fur seals, albatrosses, and rare yellow-eyed penguins. Learn about the indigenous Maori culture and their traditional arts, and attend a special powhiri (welcome) ceremony. Ronald Prinn, Director of Global Change Science from MIT, and historian Fraser Harbut—both native New Zealanders—will lead this program. An optional post-trip extension to Sydney, Australia will be offered.

COST: FROM $8,790

• STUDY LEADERS : FR A SER HARB UTT & RONALD G . PRINN • EX PEDITION LE ADER : MICHAEL DEAKER

LAND AIR

AUCKLAND

NORTH ISLAND

Ta s m a n S e a

ROTORUA

MARLBOROUGH WELLINGTON SOUNDS

CHRISTCHURCH MILFORD SOUND FIORDLAND N AT ’ L PA R K

LY T T E LT O N

Pa c i f i c Oc e a n

SOUTH ISLAND

QUEENSTOWN

DUNEDIN

S T E WA R T I S L A N D

“A trip highlight is the wonderful Club members with whom we’ve shared these travel experiences. Years later, we still get together.” —John Cullison, Club traveler

World Leaders Symposium: The Middle East in the 21st Century March 19–April 3, 2009 • Silver Wind

COST: FROM $20,990

• STU DY LEADERS : James A. Bak er III, William J. Perry, Dennis Ro ss, Larry D iamond & many o thers

JORDAN ISRAEL

IRAN

K U WA I T ia rs bi Pe ra (A

Embark on a historic journey to the Middle East and discover a modern Arabia that differs markedly from Western perceptions, a land where ancient traditions and a rapidly evolving culture coexist with the influences of oil, Islam, and global geopolitical currents. Cruise the Persian Gulf aboard Silver Wind, one of the highest-rated luxury ships afloat. Visit opulent Dubai, oil-rich Kuwait, the Dilmun archaeological sites in Bahrain, and a treasure-laden souk in Doha. Delve into the culture, politics, religion, and history of this vital region with an unparalleled group of speakers, including James A. Baker III, former U.S. Secretary of State and co-chair of the Iraq Study Group; William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense; Dennis Ross, former Special Middle East Coordinator; Larry Diamond, democracy expert and former adviser to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq; and many others. Optional trip extensions will be offered to Israel and Iran.

SYRIA LEBANON IRAQ K U WA I T C I T Y DAMMAM

BAHRAIN

R I YA D H

MANAMA

Q ATA R

SAUDI ARABIA

YEMEN

a n n G ) u

l f DUBAI DOHA UAE M U S C AT

OMAN

Arabian Sea

STROMNESS

ORKNEY ISLANDS

SHIP

British Isles: Fabled Lands, Wild Shores May 19–31, 2009 • Island Sky Discover some of Britain’s loveliest lands, from England’s picturesque Cornish coastline to Scotland’s remote Orkney Islands. Board Island Sky for a journey by sea, taking in all the rugged glory of the isles as you gain insight to the enigmatic peoples and cultures that have shaped Britain’s fascinating history. Begin with a visit to mysterious Stonehenge, then follow the coast of Cornwall to Penzance, calling at the ancient holy site of Saint Michael’s Mount. Explore the impressive Caernarfon Castle in Wales and ride a narrow-gauge railway through the wild expanse of Snowdonia National Park. Admire the geological marvel of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, and the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells.

Experience Scotland’s highlands and history, from the tiny isle of Iona to Loch Torridon’s striking skyline. Explore the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands and walk in the famous gardens of Aberdeen.

LAND

INVEREWE LOCH TORRIDON SCOTLAND ABERDEEN

AIR

North Sea Atlantic Ocean

EDINBURGH

S TA F FA IONA PORTRUSH

ISLE OF MAN

IRELAND DUBLIN H O LY H E A D

ENGLAND WA L E S

CO ST: FROM $8,990

•

LONDON

STUDY LEA DER: CASS ANDR A HANNAHS , PRO FESSO R OF EU ROPE AN HIST ORY

PORTSMOUTH PENZANCE

“The Commonwealth Club contacts added a real dimension to the tour.” —Don Langley, 2007 China program

MONGOLIA

SHIP

China: From Ancient Dynasties to Economic Superpower May 6–18, 2009 • MS Victoria Anna China’s 5,000-year-old society is steeped in tradition and history, yet it continues to emerge as a modern global power. Discover the legendary Great Wall, the imperial dignity of Beijing’s Forbidden City, and the cutting-edge architecture of the city’s Olympic venues. In the ancient capital of Xi’an, marvel at the life-size terracotta warriors. Ride Shanghai’s high-speed Maglev train and visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Gaze at the soaring cliffs of the Three Gorges during a three-night Yangtze River cruise aboard MS Victoria Anna. Tour the massive Three Gorges Dam and learn about the transformation of the country’s landscape, and its challenges of water management. Meet with special guest speakers to gain a unique perspective on how China’s past continues to affect its present and future. An optional post-trip extension will be offered to Hong Kong and the Ming Dynasty city of Guilin.

COST: FROM APPROXIMATELY $4,595

AIR

BEIJING

CHINA

XI’AN CHENGDU WUSHAN

SHANGHAI

YICHANG SHIBAOZHAI Ya n g t z e CHONGQING

River

• STUDY LEADER: LI JIAN • CLUB HOST: Sy Yuan, former Co-Chair of the Club’s Asia Pacific Forum

TA I WA N

GUILIN

VIETNAM

HONG KONG

Croatia: Life Along the Dalmatian Coast

June 16–24, 2009 • MS Monet

C R O AT I A

VENICE

The Dalmatian Coast offers an unmatched variety of Roman ruins, medieval towns, and idyllic islands. Embark the intimate MS Monet in Venice and sail across the dark blue Adriatic Sea, following Croatia’s ruggedly beautiful coastline. Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators at the Roman Arena in Pula, and stroll through Diocletian’s legendary palace in Split. Explore the seaside town of Hvar, the Gothic quarter of Dubrovnik, and the walled city of Kor˘cula. Enjoy a scenic cruise through Mljet National Park and sample Zadar’s famed cherry liquor. Specially arranged lectures and discussions will cover the complex politics of the region. Learn about Croatia’s long journey to independence, and discover how the country recovered from the breakup of Yugoslavia and became a candidate for EU membership.

An optional pre-trip extension to Venice will be offered.

CO ST: FROM APP ROXIMATELY $3,495

• STUDY LEA DER: TBD

PULA

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

ZADAR SPLIT H VA R

I TA LY Adriatic Sea

KORCULA

MLJET

DUBROVNIK SHIP AIR

“We met unique and fascinating people, and the food was delicious!” —Herb and June Sabel, Club travelers

Imperial Russian Waterways

July 3–16, 2009 • Volga Dream

Discover the majestic port cities, quiet hamlets, and enchanting landscapes of the legendary Volga River aboard the luxury vessel Volga Dream. Cruise through two of Europe’s largest lakes—Ladoga and Onega—and past the stunning wilderness area of Kareliya.

Visit the ancient trading town of Uglich, the markets of Yaroslavl, and the oldest monastery in Russia on the island of Valaam. Admire the whimsical spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow and the grandeur of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Enjoy private cultural performances including classical Russian balalaika, folk music, and choral concerts. Benefit from early entrances to museums and palaces, from the Kremlin in Moscow to Peterhof in St. Petersburg. Examine Russia’s extraordinary art and architecture with art historian Mariana Carpinisan, and learn about science and technology with renowned mathematician Marjorie Senechal. Gain an insider’s perspective on current events through local guest speakers.

COST: FROM APP ROXIMATELY $7,995

• STUDY LEA DER: MA RIANA CA RP INISAN & MAR JO RIE SENECHAL

FINLAND VA L A A M KIZHI ISLAND

S T. P E T E R S B U R G Neva River

Svir River

Lake Onega

Lake Ladoga White Lake

RUSSIA

GORITZY Vo l g a R i v e r

UGLICH Moscow Canal

YA R O S L AV L '

MOSCOW SHIP AIR

Arctic Ocean

WRANGEL ISLAND

Global Warming & Climate Change: A Symposium in the Russian Arctic

Chukchi Sea

Travel to the Arctic aboard the 51-cabin icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov for a “symposium at sea” with leading experts on global climate change.

Few expedition vessels match Khlebnikov’s standards of safety and comfort. Journey with world-renowned scientists to a vast living laboratory where temperatures are rising faster than anywhere else on the planet. In addition to on-site observations of global warming and the melting Arctic icecap, this expedition is packed with extraordinary experiences. Visit Wrangel Island, a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Explore Chukotka Peninsula, a naturalist’s paradise, and Whalebone Alley, an Eskimo ceremonial site. Board a helicopter for aerial vistas of the landscape and meet Chukchi people in Siberia, whose daily lives are linked to this delicate environment.

COST: FROM $19,995

ra

VA N K A R E M YTTYGRAN ISLAND

ALASKA

Be

ANADYR

it

K O LY U C H I N I S L A N D g S t

RUSSIA

rin

July 8–20, 2009 • Kapitan Khlebnikov

Bering Sea

ANCHORAGE

SHIP

• STU DY LEADERS : GREG FARRINGT ON, JA MES J. MCCARTHY, Ross McPhee & Ar on Cr owell

AIR Pa c i f i c Oc e a n

“I understand global warming better for having taken this trip. I loved the experience of living on an icebreaker and learning about Arctic marine mammals.” —Leslie Berger, Club traveler

South Africa’s Great Rail Journey

RAIL

October 7–23, 2009 • Rovos Rail

LAND

ZIMBABWE

AIR

Discover South Africa’s fascinating cultures, complex history, and spectacular wildlife in the company of expert lecturers and guides.

Visit lively Cape Town and the stunning Cape Peninsula. Board the luxurious Rovos Rail for a four-night train journey through dramatic landscapes, including a descent of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Savor South Africa’s award-winning wines in Stellenbosch and stop in Kimberley, where diamond history was made. In Soweto and Pretoria, learn about the struggle against apartheid and the complex issues surrounding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Explore the Cradle of Humankind, one of the richest hominid fossil sites in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude with three nights at the deluxe Ngala Game Lodge and search for Africa’s Big Five— buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard—in Kruger National Park. An optional extension will be offered to the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.

COST: From Approximately $12,990

• ST U DY LEADER : TBD

B O T S WA N A

NGALA RESERVE PRETORIA

JOHANNESBURG

M K H AYA RESERVE

S WA Z I L A N D HLUHLUWE RESERVE

KIMBERLEY

LESOTHO SOUTH AFRICA Atlantic Ocean

CAPE TOWN

M AT J I E S F O N T E I N

DURBAN

Indian Ocean

Mediterranean Sea

October 7–19, 2009 • Sun Boat IV

GIZA SAQQARA

CAIRO

G

Treasures of the Pharaohs: Egypt & the Nile

ul f of

• study lea der: tbd

Nile

ez

EGYPT Red Sea

VA L L E Y O F T H E K I N G S

LUXOR

EDFU SHIP

cost: FROM APP ROXIMATELY $7,990

Su

Follow the course of the Nile into the very heart of ancient Egyptian civilization. This carefully crafted itinerary includes four nights aboard Sun Boat IV, a state-of-the-art riverboat designed expressly for cruising the Nile. Explore the centuries-old temple precincts of Karnak in Luxor and the magnificent Valley of the Kings, where tombs were filled with riches for the afterlife. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza, the step pyramid at Saqqara, and the spectacular funerary boat of Cheops. See the colossal statues of Ramesses II and his favorite queen at Abu Simbel, and the unforgettable temples of Hathor, Horus, and Isis. Learn about the unparalleled skills of the master pyramid builders and enjoy behindthe-scenes access at top archaeological sites. Conclude with a guided tour of Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamen. An expert Egyptologist will lead this journey through the land of the pharaohs.

LAND

KOM OMBO

A S WA N

Lake Nasser

AIR

ABU SIMBEL

Reserve your space today!

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❑ Please do not reserve my space at this time, but send a full brochure when available for the following trips:

co m pl e t e t h e fo r m b e low , or call Club Travel at

____________________________________________________

415-597-6720. Space is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs may fill very quickly!

____________________________________________________

❑ Please reserve _____ space(s) on the following trip(s): ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

NA ME 1 ( A S O N PASS PORT; P LE ASE PRINT )

_____________________________________________________

NA ME 2 ( AS O N PASS PO RT; P LE ASE PRINT )

_____________________________________________________ STREET

__________________________________ _____ _____________ C ITY

STATE

ZIP

(______) _________________ (______) ____________________ HO ME PH O NE

WO RK P HONE

(______) _________________ ___________________________ FA X

EM AIL

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send the f orm t o The Commonwealth Club;

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for m o re inf o rmati on, contact Travel Director Kristina

595 Market Street, 2nd Floor; San Francisco, CA 94105 or fax to 415-597-6729.

Nemeth at 415-597-6720 or travel@commonwealthclub.org.

You can also visit www.commonwealthclub.org/travel.

Program costs Program costs listed are per person, based on double occupancy.

A limited number of single-occupancy spaces are also available.

Included On-tour transportation • Most meals • Comprehensive program of excursions and special events • Transfers and baggage handling between airports, hotels, and ships for those on group flights • Gratuities to guides, drivers, and waiters at group meals • Services of a professional tour manager not incl uded Domestic and international airfares are not included in the program cost unless otherwise noted • Passport fees • Accident/ baggage/cancellation insurance

photo credits (in order of appearance) © alamy / imagebroker (zebras) • © Sergge / Dreamstime.com (hermitage museum) • © iStockphoto.com / Grant Dougall (arctic flower) • Ahmed Al-Shukaili - Oman (omani girl) • © iStockphoto.com / David Mathies (mitre peak, milford sound, yellow-eyed penguin) • © Gina Smith / Dreamstime.com (maori carving) • © iStockphoto.com / fkienas (maori totem) • © iStockphoto.com / Robert Churchill (stream) • © iStockphoto.com / fotoVoyager (stonehenge) • © Sharpshot / Dreamstime.com (st. michel’s mount) • britainonview / V K Guy Ltd / Mike Guy (castle) • © iStockphoto.com / David Pedre (lion statue) • © iStockphoto.com / Tan Kian Khoon (chinese boys) • © iStockphoto.com / Robert Churchill (shanghai) • © Ahmad faizal Yahya / Dreamstime.com (lanterns) • © iStockphoto.com / Alan Tobey (terracotta warriors) • © iStockphoto.com / Holger Mette (dubrovnik) • © iStockphoto.com / Liane Matrisch (mljet island) • © iStockphoto.com / Maxime VIGE (croatian bottles) • © iStockphoto.com / James Holbrook (architecture detail) • © iStockphoto.com / Toby Smith (st. basil’s cathedral) • © Mihail Orlov / Dreamstime.com (moscow) • Svetlana Kochetkova (girl stringing beads) • Daisy Gilardini (polar bear, houses) • Paul Orenstein (chukchi people) • Steve Bloom (kapitan khlebnikov) • © South African Tourism (hippo, proteus flower, cheetah) • © Peter Horree / Alamy (cape town girl) • Rovos Rail (train) • Abercrombie & Kent Egypt (abu simbel) • Bertrand Rieger / hemis.fr (feluccas) • Abercrombie & Kent Egypt (sun boat IV) • © Mark Eveleigh / Alamy (mosque) • © Galen Rowel - Mountain Light / Alamy (torres del paine national park)

WORLD-C LASS DESTIN ATIO NS. RENOWNED SCHOL ARS .

EXCEP TIONA L INSIGHT. The Commonwealth Club is the nation’s premier platform for civic conversation and debate around issues of the day. Founded in 1903, The Commonwealth Club has hosted a diverse and distinctive array of speakers, from Teddy Roosevelt in 1911 to Erin Brockovich in 2001 to Madeleine Albright in 2008.

ju s t a d d e d — pa t a g o n i a i n n o v e m b e r !

C h e ck ou r w e b s i t e f o r d e t a i l s .

2009

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Commonwealth Club Travel

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Informed Travel for the Discerning Mind

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