Tours
July 23 - August 3, 2009 - CLASSICAL GODS AND HEROES:
This family cruise moves from Rome to Athens, with stops at prime classical sites along the way. The academic leaders are Greek and Roman art and architecture specialists: Professors Guy Hedreen and Liz McGowan, a married couple who will bring their own kids. Excellent children's programs are included. Adult couples are also invited. NEW brochure available, showing children's rates reduced by 60%.
July 19-31, 2009 - A SOLAR ECLIPSE PLUS UNIQUE TRAVELS IN CHINA: Join the expedition to observe the total solar eclipse of July 22 (weather permitting) with Prof. Jay Pasachoff. Such events are considered nature's most fantastic spectacle. Then continue with a comprehensive tour of major cultural venues in China and Tibet, featuring Silk Road sites. Fees are $2695 for the main tour (per person double), and $1377 for the Tibet extension July 31 to August 6. Domestic and international air is additional. An electronic brochure is available.
September 22 -- October 4, 2009 - BHUTAN: The exotic Himalayan kingdom lies suspended between the Middle Ages and today. These active trips for small groups are timed to experience the colorful Buddhist festivals. Second departure is October 28 to November 9, but it is sold out.
Leader is alumnus John Child '77, a resident of the region. Ask for an electronic brochure.
September 12-19, 2009 - THE GREAT LAKES: Cruise through North America's magnificent inland seas from Duluth to Toronto aboard an all-suite vessel. Enjoy unusual ports of call and historical insights from Prof. John Hyde '52. The ship is the deluxe "Clelia II" which has graced past alumni cruises. Ask for a brochure. (If arriving in Duluth early, stay at an elegant B&B run by an alum: see www.OlcottHouse.com) There are 24 Ephs aboard so far. A special rate for children aged 8 to 22 is $895 if sharing with a full-paying parent.
October 13-21, 2009 - TUSCANY from LUCCA: With an ancient walled city as your home base, explore the artistic charms of Tuscany, led by Art Prof. Zirka Filipczak. Unpack once while imbibing the atmospheres of Florence, Pisa, Sienna, Carrara, Viareggio, and Lucca itself. The tour employs the popular "alumni college" format. Ask for an electronic or paper flyer. See also NYT culinary story 9/24/06 on "Riches of Lucca." Almost full.
December 26, 2009 - TANZANIA FAMILY SAFARI: One of the world's few remaining unspoiled natural destinations awaits. See hosts of wildlife on the Serengeti Plains and in the Ngorongoro Crater. Children's programs are included in the 12-day experience hosted by Prof. Henry Art, environmental biologist. Ask for an electronic brochure via email, but hurry. The trip is 4/5 full.
* Ask the Alumni Travel-Study Office to put you on a list for early
information and registration.
Upcoming Tours
- January 24 -- February 7, 2010 - RED SEA CIVILIZATIONS -- Aboard the 50-passenger yacht "Harmony" visit the best of Egypt and Jordan, with meaningful stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel. Prof. Magnus Bernhardsson interprets the history and archeology. An electronic brochure is available for the asking.
The trip is 75% full as of June 20. Discounts are extended through July.
- January 24 - 30, 2010 - THE EVERGLADES OF FLORIDA: Explore the spectacular animal and plant life of this unique ecosystem. Observe birds, fish, mammals and reptiles seldom seen elsewhere. Prof. Hank Art is joined by local experts for a series of day trips. Unpack once, using a fine hotel in Naples as home base.
- February 19-26, 2010 - ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN -- Cruise aboard the spectacular windjammer "Sea Cloud II" from Barbados to Curacao with Prof. Michael Lewis. Historic houses and gardens await at each port of call as do beaches and snorkeling reefs. Michael will discuss the historic architecture as well as the Caribbean sea battles of the Napoleonic Wars. An electronic brochure is now available.
- March 24 -- April 6, 2010 - THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Enjoy Cape Town and vicinity, then travel northeast by train to Kruger National Park for game viewing. The famous Rovos Rail takes you across the nation in the company of Prof. Michael Samson, an expert on South Africa and an advisor to the RSA Legislature. Ask for an electronic brochure.
- March 21 -- April 1, 2010 - HIGHLIGHTS OF SPAIN: CULTURAL LEGACIES FROM ANDALUCIA TO MADRID. Tour the Alhambra in Granada plus Moorish castles and Seville, Cordoba, and Toledo. The tour concludes in vibrant Madrid. Your leader is Prof. Leyla Rouhi, Chair of Romance Languages and Cultures.
- April 13-25, 2010 - HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA -- Professor Raymond Chang leads a small group to major sites and surprise locales. "Sunny," the superb guide of past China trips, is again
the tour director. The itinerary includes Beijing, Guilin and the Li River, elegant Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xian, and Yangshuo, with optional extensions on the Yangzi River and Hong Kong.
- April 24 -- May 12, 2010 - SAILING FROM THE FAR EAST TO THE NEAR EAST --
President Emeritus John Chandler discusses the religions of various nations and cultures as the elegant liner "Crystal Symphony" sails from Singapore to Dubai, making six ports of call, spanning the northern Indian Ocean. The cruise line is called the world's best by "Travel and Leisure" and Conde Nast. Ask for an electronic brochure.
- June 24 -- July 5, 2010 - CRUISING ACROSS PORTUGAL - The Douro River offers a lovely route while aboard the "Douro Cruiser." Begin with time in Lisbon; then enjoy the unspoiled valley
landscapes of the Douro as it flows from Spain across Portugal to the Atlantic. Our leader is Prof. Darra Goldstein who examines the relationship of local culture to cuisine.
- June 27 -- July 2, 2010 - RAFTING THE YAMPA RIVER -- Float down the Yampa and camp in Colorado and Utah with Geology Prof. David Dethier. The river route meanders through Dinosaur National Monument, white water included. Our outfitter is OARS, manager
of three previous Williams rafting trips. OARS is rated "The best river and sea outfitter on earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
- July 3-16, 2010 - HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY --
This family trip moves from Istanbul to Cappadocia to Antalya to a five-day sail along the Turquoise Coast. Interaction with Turkish families is included. Our leader is Prof. Magnus Bernhardsson, traveling with his young son. An electronic brochure is available.
- July 25 - August 2, 2010 - SCOTLAND'S LANDSCAPES -- From Loch Ness to Edinburgh, Scotland's terrain has stories of legends and geologic origins. The latter topic is in the hands of Prof. Bud Wobus as we peruse the landscapes from hotels in Oban and Stirling. Enjoy highlands and islands and Scottish culture with this alumni college. Ask for a prospectus.
- August 3 - 19, 2010 - COASTAL NORWAY -- Sail along the spectacular coast with its fjords and harbors and charming fishing villages while aboard the elegant mail boat. Follow the white nights through the Lofoten Islands and around the North Cape. Geology professor Markes Johnson is joined by his wife, a native of Norway.
- September 28 - October 6, 2010 - THE CANADIAN ROCKIES, PARTLY BY TRAIN: Join Prof. John Hyde as you move from two days in Vancouver to two days aboard the "Rocky Mountaineer" on your way to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper for another five days. Stunning mountain scenery awaits.
- September 12-21, 2010 - IMAGES OF IRELAND: Roam the hidden vistas of the west of Ireland with photographer Peter Cox, winner of the Irish National Landscape Photo Prize in 2007 and instructor of "The Digital Darkroom" at Williams for the past two Winter Study Terms. Personal attention is key for this group of just ten alumni photographers. Click here for photo tour.
- October 6 - 14, 2010 - THE AMALFI COAST -- This picturesque region of Italy has much to offer, from the Greek temples at Paestum to the Isle of Capri to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Positano. The Alumni College format makes it comfortable, for you unpack just once.
Travel-Study Programs at Williams
Robert Behr '55, Coordinator
Box 38, Williamstown, MA 01267
phone: 413-597-4011
fax: 413-458-9808
Robert.V.Behr@williams.edu