Honorary Chair
Sir Edmund Hillary 1919-2008
President
Lorie Karnath, MBA, Ph.D. hon
Honorary President
Don Walsh, Ph.D.
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Honorary Chair Sir Edmund Hillary 1919-2008 |
President Lorie Karnath, MBA, Ph.D. hon |
Honorary President Don Walsh, Ph.D. |
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Travel Schedule 2010 For detailed brochures and further information contact:
Voyage to Antarctica Travel to Antarctica on a voyage exploring the wildlife and history of the mysterious "White Continent" during the beautiful Austral Summer when days are long and relatively mild, seabirds are courting, penguin chicks are hatching, and massive icebergs are thawing into beautiful sculptures of brilliant form and color. Each day presents you with a new discovery, whether cruising through ice-filled channels, walking among crowded penguin rookeries, or witnessing minke, humpback and orca whales cavorting in the sparkling waters. This extraordinary voyage combines unparalleled natural wonders with an unparalleled level of comfort aboard the luxurious, 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II. She is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing so you will explore the Antarctic Peninsula and islands in comfort and safety. Let her Zodiacs whisk you among ice floes to deserted beaches to come face-to-face with penguins, seals, petrels, and albatross. Download the brochure here
Best of Indonesia Discover for yourself the Best of Indonesia on two back-to-back voyages aboard the 55-cabin expedition vessel Clipper Odyssey among some of Indonesia’s 17,700 islands, which shelter the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Your first voyage from Papua New Guinea to the rainbow-hued reefs of Bunaken, North Sulawesi, includes the pearling center of Thursday Island, Australia, and follows PNG’s coast northward to the secluded mangrove world of the Asmat. Explore the spectacular shores of MacCluer Gulf and the villages on tiny Ternate. On a journey well-stocked with superlative destinations, the true centerpiece is Raja Ampat, among the most biodiverse and most recently discovered coral wonderlands on Earth. The second voyage, which you can choose to do alone or in tandem with the first, sails southbound from Sulawesi to exquisite Bali. Spend idyllic days on the lush, equatorial Togean Islands, the Banggai Islands, and Komodo Island, where the world’s largest lizards roam the national park. For birders who thrill to sighting brilliantly-colored rare and endemic species, snorkelers and divers who dream of exploring pristine coral wonderlands few have ever seen, and those who seek meaningful encounters with peoples of isolated cultures. Download the brochure here
Around Africa by Private Jet Take an extraordinary journey around the African continent by private jet, exploring its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Download the brochure here
The Historic Coast of South America Embark a sweeping cruise along South America’s Atlantic coast amid landmark colonial cities, rhythmic music and dance, lush rainforests, spectacular waterways, and dazzling wildlife from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Brazil’s Belem, located some 75 miles up the Amazon River. Your adventure begins with two days in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires and three in Uruguay, where you will savor the vibrant culture of Colonia, Montevideo, and Punta del Este. From Paranagua, take the train to the inland town of Curitiba via Brazil’s most spectacular rail journey, and continue on to dynamic São Pãulo via Santos. Cruise onward to beautiful Rio de Janeiro, and to Brazil’s former capital of Salvador, an architectural and cultural treasure. From the scenic port of Natal, explore nearby sand dunes by buggy, and then call at historic Fortaleza and the island city of Sao Luis before concluding your voyage in Belem. The luxurious, all-suite, 50-cabin Clelia II is ideal for this comprehensive voyage.
Desert Crossroads & the Himalayas by Private Jet Take an extraordinary journey from Africa to Asia by private jet, exploring diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. This is a marvelous opportunity to circumnavigate a vast continent in comfort: with the shortest possible transfer times between destinations, a private jet avoids the lines, delays, and crowds of commercial airlines, plus maximizes your sightseeing time. You will be whisked from one destination to the next aboard our newly-configured private jet, limited to only 68 travelers, and unwind in many world-class accommodations, with a uniquely flexible itinerary that allows you to easily tailor the trip to your own interests. Part I: Remote Outposts & Ancient Trade Centers of Mali, Egypt, Jordan, India & Bhutan Explore majestic oases, remote outposts, and ancient trade centers in Mali, Egypt, Jordan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Part II: A Sublime Journey Into The Treasured Cultures & Monuments of Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, Japan & South Korea Experience the treasured cultures and legendary architecture of ancient kingdoms in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Japan.
The Mighty Amazon Discover the Amazon on a remarkable, 2,000-mile journey encompassing virtually the entire navigable length of the River, from the Peruvian rainforest to its delta on the Atlantic Ocean, aboard the all-suite, 50-cabin Clelia II. Spend five full days in the Upper Amazon visiting indigenous villages, attending ritual ceremonies, and possibly making nighttime excursions into the jungle. Although our exact itinerary will depend on weather conditions, head out each day to explore the heart of Amazonia, including treks through the jungle and a cruise through the mirror-like waters of Lago Uara. Continue on to explore the channels of the Lower Amazon, including possible visits to Rio Pucurui, a tributary known for its birding, and Boca de Valeria, home to the local caboclo people. In the company of onboard experts, explore via Zodiac landing craft and visit isolated river villages, allowing you to experience details of Amazon River life and the surrounding rain forest that many visitors miss.
Voyage in the Adriatic Cruise Europe’s scenic Dalmatian coastline roundtrip from Venice, Italy, to as far south as Saranda, Albania, aboard the luxurious, all-suite, 57-cabin Corinthian II. Considered Europe’s ‘undiscovered country,’ this coast is a wonderland of Roman ruins, medieval towns, magical islands, and deep blue waters infrequently visited by North Americans. You will explore the ancient and medieval treasures of Venice, Urbino, and the Puglia region of Italy; the World Heritage Site of Butrint, Albania, whose ruins span 2,500 years; sail through a dramatic fjord (southern Europe’s only fjord) to the World Heritage Site of Kotor, Montenegro; and drive onward to Croatia’s World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik and scenic Korcula and Hvar Islands. Even farther off the beaten tourist path, you will visit historic Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Piran, Slovenia, one of the most delightful towns on the Adriatic Sea.
The Fabled Islands of the Mediterranean Savor this unique voyage to the beautiful, dramatic islands of the Mediterranean from Cyprus to as far west as Sardinia aboard the elegant, 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II. This is an itinerary you will not find anywhere else, plus you will travel with ease and in luxurious comfort to out-of-the-way places that demonstrate an archaeological and historical record nearly 6,000 years long. Start out with several days on Cyprus to explore the remarkable Greek, Roman, and Byzantine monuments at Kourion and Paphos; and visit the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete, where Rhodes’ beautiful Old Town boasts well-preserved medieval streets and architecture, and Crete’s partially reconstructed Minoan palace of Knossos invokes vivid images of the Bronze Age. A day on Malta includes the megalithic temples of Tarxien and Hagar Qim, plus the medieval city of Valletta and its National Archaeological Museum. On Sicily, visit the serene Doric Greek temple at Segesta and the medieval town of Erice; before cruising onward to Sardinia and Corsica, where you will admire the extraordinary Bronze Age site of Su Nuraxi and the beautifully situated Greco-Roman town of Alalia, respectively. Spring is an ideal time to cruise the Mediterranean, and there’s simply no better way to approach and experience these romantic, sun-dappled islands than by sea—as they were in ancient times—aboard a small ship.
Circumnavigation of Newfoundland Lecturer: Alfred McLaren, world-class polar explorer and past President of The Explorers Club. Cruising around the entirety of this amazing island aboard the elegant, 50-cabin, all-suite Clelia II, you will explore a variety of Atlantic Canada?s scenic national parks, historic villages, and ecological reserves. As you cruise, humpback whales, dolphins, and millions of seabirds may be spotted from Clelia II's generous deck space. Among the highlights of your voyage will be the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to the largest colony of puffins in North America; L?anse aux Meadows, the first European settlement in North America, established by Vikings some 1,000 years ago; Gros Morne National Park, a geological and scenic wonderland and UNESCO World Heritage site; and a day in Labrador, visiting the fishing and maritime centers of Battle Harbour and Red Bay. Download the brochure here
Canada's Historic Cities and Waterways: A Voyage from the Atlantic to the St. Lawrence Seaway & Lake Ontario Guest Lecturer: Joseph Wood, geographer and Provost at the University of Baltimore. Aboard the 50-cabin, all-suite Clelia II you will explore the lovely coast of the Maritime Provinces, cruise up the broad St. Lawrence River to Montreal and Quebec City, and ultimately into Lake Ontario. You will find that Witless Bay and Bonaventure Island are still the breeding grounds for millions of seabirds; and cruising the Bras d?Or, Cape Breton Island?s spectacular inland sea, and the Saguenay River, a Canadian fjord that is home to Beluga whales, is like stepping back into a time when there were only indigenous villages and birch bark canoes on these waters. Every day brings you into contact with the grand sweep of Canadian history. Quebec City?s cobblestone streets, great stone battlements, and picturesque old homes, shops, and chapels recall the glory days of France?s empire in the New World. Cosmopolitan Montreal, while still primarily French in culture, reflects generations of immigration from across the globe. And the English and Scottish influence in Canada is beautifully preserved in the charming towns on Breton and Prince Edward Islands. Download the brochure here
From Canada's Maritime Provinces to The Great Lakes Guest Lecturer: Joseph Wood, geographer and Provost at the University of Baltimore. Aboard the elegant, 50-cabin, all-suite Clelia II, explore the lovely coast of the Maritime Provinces, cruise up the broad St. Lawrence River to Montreal and Quebec City, then cruise through lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. En route, you will stroll down Quebec City's cobblestone streets, visit cosmopolitan Montreal, and witness how the English and Scottish influence in Canada is beautifully preserved in the charming towns on Breton and Prince Edward islands. You will also learn about how the sweet waters of the Great Lakes helped the growth of North American trade and industry, enjoy the tremendous grandeur of Niagara Falls, and discover the old mines of the lushly forested Keweenaw Peninsula. Combining vistas of lonely lighthouses on cliff tops and graceful Victorian villages with engineering feats such as the Welland Canal and Soo Locks, this voyage is an ideal way to enjoy the pleasures of a grand voyage without having to venture far from home. Download the brochure here
The Black Sea with the Sea of Azov Guest Lecturer: David Keeling, Professor and Head of the Department of Geography and Geology at Western Kentucky University. Set sail from the fabled city of Istanbul to explore some of the Black Sea?s most significant and interesting ports and sites, plus the sea of Azov, an extension of the Black Sea that even fewer Western travelers visit. The Black Sea has witnessed many empires since antiquity — Scythians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Goths, Byzantines, Huns, Visigoths, Arabs, Khasavs, Vikings, Seljuk Turks, Crusaders, Venetians, Mongols, Tartans, Genoese, Russians, and Cossacks have all invaded, settled, and influenced the history of this fascinating region. Aboard the luxurious, 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II, you will cruise from Istanbul's Golden Horn through the narrow and scenic Bosporus and into the Black Sea, continuing through another narrow and strategic waterway, the Kerch Strait, to the Sea of Azov. Returning to the Black Sea, cruise along Crimea's mountainous coast, visiting Feodosiya, Yalta, and Sevastopol, and crossing to Odessa. You will then continue along the coast of Romania and Bulgaria to return to Istanbul. Download the brochure here
Into the Arctic: A Voyage to Greenland & the Canadian Arctic Guest Lecturer: Alfred McLaren, world-class polar explorer and past President of The Explorers Club. From Montreal, Canada, take a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, on the west coast of Greenland. Embarking the 50-cabin, all-suite Clelia II for your 14-night voyage, you will set sail on an epic voyage of nearly 3,000 miles. For the next two days, you will see the Midnight Sun glowing upon the snowcapped fjords of Disko Bay, then cross the narwhal-thronged sea to the new Canadian territory of Nunavut, largely inhabited by Inuit. In Labrador, visit the one-time Moravian communities of Hopedale and Hebron, then keep watch for beluga, minke, and fin whales en route to Red Bay, established in 1550 as one of the world's first whaling stations. Puffins and gannets swoop around the cliffs, while polar bears roam on the ice floes. Since so few harbors exist in this wonderfully rugged expanse, you will get a close look at the wildlife with expeditions aboard Zodiac landing craft, guided by expert naturalists. Finally, Clelia II will navigate south toward the St. Lawrence Seaway, with splendid mountainous vistas punctuated by broad tundra valleys, fast-rushing rivers, and icebergs of all sizes. Threading through the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River, you will return to urban "civilization," disembarking at Toronto. Download the brochure here
Northwest Passage: Coppermine to Ilulissat Lecturer: Don Walsh, oceanographer and world-class explorer. Embark the 61-cabin expedition ship Clipper Adventurer in Kugluktuk (Coppermine River) and head west, striking out to touch the waters of the Beaufort Sea. Historical highlights include a visit to Kugluktuk where in 1771 Samuel Hearne became the first European to reach the Arctic coast of the continent. Conditions permitting, you will cruise through Prince of Wales Strait, where in 1850, while trapped in what was then impassable ice, Robert McClure went sledging and claimed that he had discovered the Northwest Passage. Ice conditions permitting, you will make expeditionary stops on both Banks and Victoria Islands. Visit Winter Harbour and Nilson Griffiths Point on Melville Island, and cruise into the rich waters of Lancaster Sound, known for its abundance of beluga whales and other marine mammals. In addition to being home to the endangered Peary Caribou and a migratory route for polar bears, Bathurst Island boasts evidence of Dorset and Thule habitation dating back to 2000 B.C. A stop at Beechey Island brings you to the graves of the famed Franklin Expedition, and you will be warmly welcomed in Aujuittuq, Canada?s northernmost civilian community (population 165) before heading into Smith Sound, traveling as far north as ice and time allow. Your voyage down the beautiful Greenland coast will include stops at rugged and beautiful Kap York, part of an extensive network of traditional hunting grounds, and the quaint and isolated town of Upernavik, a small fishing industry town with a fantastic view of the Davis Strait and a very unusual cemetery. Your adventure culminates in the colorful community of Ilulissat, 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, with the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord. Cruise among the massive icebergs, where North America's bergs calve from the massive Greenland icecap as it tumbles down to meet the sea. Download the brochure here
The Journey of Aeneas Lecturer: Shelley Wachsmann, nautical archaeologist and Associate Professor of Biblical Archaeology at Texas A&M University. With Virgil's Aeneid as your guide and the 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II as your vessel, visit the islands, caves, and ancient cities that were the setting and inspiration for the story of Aeneas, the prince of Troy who escaped the destruction of his city and, after wandering across the Mediterranean, founded in Italy a new kingdom from which the Roman Empire would spring. At Troy, setting of the Trojan War and the starting point of Aeneas's epic journey, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of nine cities built over a period of 3,400 years. On the island of Delos, site of the oracle that Aeneas visited, marvel at the excavated shrines to the gods; and at Cumae, see where the Sibyl guided Aeneas into the Underworld. You will also encounter interesting historical and cultural contrasts, such as ancient Phoenician and imperial Roman structures standing almost side-by-side at Carthage, where Aeneas was shipwrecked and won the love of Queen Dido. Layers of history will be revealed to us amid scenic landscapes at each of our destinations, including the magnificent Minoan Palace of Knossos on Crete, Sicily?s lovely medieval village of Erice and Doric Greek temple in the remote valley of Segesta, and the vast Roman city of Pompeii, preserved through the centuries by volcanic ash and pumice from Mt. Vesuvius. Download the brochure here
Voyage Between Two Seas: Exploring the Ancient Cities of the Aegean & Black Seas Lecturer: Jim Wiseman, Founder's Professor of Archaeology at Boston University. Explore ancient sites at the crossroads of Europe and Asia on this unique itinerary aboard the luxurious, 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II. Cruise the northern Aegean Sea through the breathtaking Bosphorus and into the Black Sea. Highlights in Greece include Vergina, where the excavated Macedonian palace and tombs of Alexander the Great's family (including his father, Philip II) are located; as well as the spectacular "monasteries in mid-air" of Meteora. In Turkey, investigate the vast remains of fabled Troy, the magnificent Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Istanbul, and Bursa, the first capital of the 14th century's new Ottoman Empire. Farther off the beaten path is lovely Nessebur, known as "Bulgaria's Dubrovnik" for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Download the brochure here
From the Canals of Venice to the Walls of Troy Lecturer: Nancy Wilkie, archaeologist and William H. Laird Professor of Classics, Anthropology, and the Liberal Arts at Carleton College. Enjoy a fascinating autumn voyage from Italy to Turkey via Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. Setting out from Venice's Grand Canal aboard the 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II, your elegant home base for the next ten nights, cross the Adriatic Sea to Croatia and explore the immense Palace of Diocletian in Split, where shops, cafes, and homes flourish within the 3rd century palace?s walls. After strolling through the impeccably-preserved medieval gem of Dubrovnik, discover for yourself the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kotor, set amid Europe?s southernmost fjord; and Butrint, said to be founded by Trojans who fled the ruins of their war-ravaged city. Over the next three days, you will marvel at the beauty of the surrounding landscape and ruins of Delphi, where hallucinatory vapors inspired the oracle at its Temple of Apollo; visit Knossos, which was the largest Bronze Age Minoan palace on Crete; and gaze out over the soaring, multi-hued cliffs of volcanic Santorini, where the Minoans achieved their artistic zenith. Round out your voyage with visits to the majestic Roman city of Ephesus and the site of legendary Troy before disembarking in Istanbul, the great crossroads city of Byzantine domes and Ottoman turrets, straddling East and West. Download the brochure here
The Sacred Places of the Mediterranean Lecturer: Cynthia Shelmerdine, classical archaeologist and Professor Emerita in the Classics Department at The University of Texas at Austin. Starting in Istanbul, you will embark the 57-cabin, all-suite Corinthian II and cruise to Chios to discover for yourself the glorious Byzantine mosaics at Nea Moni monastery before continuing on to the extensive archaeological site of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Next, marvel at the glorious architecture of the vast Greco-Roman ruins at Ephesus, or see the Temple of Apollo at Didyma and the site of Priene, a superb example of ancient city planning. Cruising from the coast of Asia Minor you will reach Crete, where you may choose to explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos or the Diktaian Cave, the mythological birthplace of Zeus. On Rhodes, ascend the acropolis of Lindos, sacred to the goddess Athena, and explore the medieval Old Town, a World Heritage site. Next discover the remarkable Greek, Roman, and Byzantine monuments at Paphos, Cyprus. One of the highlights on this trip is an overnight excursion to Egypt's Siwa Oasis, the oracular site of the God Amun. Your remarkable journey concludes in fabled Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. and destined to become one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Download the brochure here
Panama, Costa Rica, and Peru Lecturer: Nancy Wilkie, archaeologist and William H. Laird Professor of Classics, Anthropology, and the Liberal Arts at Carleton College. Itinerary: TBA North Africa's Mediterranean Coast Lecturer: Eugene Borza, Professor Emeritus of Ancient History at Pennsylvania State University. Itinerary: TBA Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA From the Imperial Cities to the Gold & Ivory Coasts Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA Into Africa Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA Namibia & South Africa by Sea Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA Mozambique and Madagascar Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA Splendors of India Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA Wonders of the Amazon Lecturer: TBA Itinerary: TBA
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