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The Vanderbilt Travel Program
Preview: 2009 Destinations
Click here to receive information or
brochures on a 2009 trip »
Tahiti and French Polynesia January 30 – February 9, 2009 |
Around the World - SOLD OUT February 4 – 28, 2009 |
Waterways of Holland and Belgium April 18 – 26, 2009 |
The Blue Voyage: Turkey and the Turquoise Coast June 6 – 21, 2009 |
Canada’s Historic Cities and Waterways June 15 – 23, 2009 |
Family Trip: Highlands of Ecuador and Enchanted Galapagos July 2 – 12, 2009 |
Ancient Wonders and Culinary Traditions of the Mediterranean September 11 – 21, 2009 |
Provincial French Countryside October 9 – 23, 2009 |
Patagonia October 27 – November 9, 2009 |
Photos from Previous Years
2007 Photo Albums:
Caribbean Cruise | Egypt | Sorrento & Orvieto
The Black Sea | China
2006 Photo Albums:
Rhine River | Amazon | Tanzania
Italian Riviera | Apulia
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | All Photos
Pack Your Bags!
Life is meant to be experienced and explored… And what better way to stretch your surroundings and breathe in new adventures than with travel!
The Vanderbilt Travel Program, sponsored by the VU Alumni Association, is a wonderful way to connect with other alumni, family, and friends. Each trip offers unparalleled learning opportunities with renowned Vanderbilt professors to interesting, culturally-rich destinations for an exclusive “beyond the classroom” experience.
2008 Destinations
» India: A Kaleidoscope of Experiences
» Celtic Lands: France, England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland
» Berlin, Prague, Budapest & Vienna: Four Great Cities of Culture & Music
» Cruising the Baltic Sea & the Norwegian Fjords
» A Family Voyage to the Lands of Gods & Heroes
» Paris: An In-Depth View
» Sicily: Crossroads of Mediterranean Civilizations
» Village Life in the Italian Lake District
» The Yucatan: Maya Treasures and Haciendas of Old Mexico
» Vietnam & Cambodia: Asia's Highway One
India: A Kaleidoscope of Experiences
February 29 - March 16, 2008
Richard King, Associate Professor of
Religion and Culture
Some of the most beautiful and elaborate works of humankind are found in India – the Taj Mahal, the temples of Khajuraho, and the palaces of Jaipur. This unique tour will combine exceptional wildlife with a view of India’s great cultures, cities and monuments. While staying at outstanding jungle lodges, luxurious hotels, and historic places, experience an India that exceeds your expectations. Ride elephant-back to see the enormous variety of natural habitats and vast numbers of animals. Professor Richard King, joins this exotic excursion offering insight into the history, religions and traditions of India.
Cost: Approximately $5,598 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
Celtic Lands: France, England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland
May 24 - June 4, 2008
Roger Moore, Senior Lecturer of English
From the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy to the Orkney Islands’ Neolithic monuments, encounter five millennia of history of a society that has had a powerful influence on Europe and North America. Journey along the coast of France to the Celtic and Irish seas and the Highlands of Scotland with Senior Lecturer Roger Moore and his extensive knowledge of the English Reformation and Renaissance literature. Tour Mont-St–Michel in St. Malo, one of the greatest shrines of medieval Europe; St. Patrick’s Cathedral and The Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin; and in Dartmouth, visit the Britannia Royal Navy College. From the pleasant harbor towns of Cobh and Portree to the ancient history of the Orkney Islands, find serenity where the past blends seamlessly with the present in the Celtic Lands.
SOLD OUT - PLEASE EMAIL
TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.
Cost: Approximately $4,995 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
Berlin, Prague, Budapest & Vienna:
Four Great Cities of Culture & Music
June 7 - 18, 2008
Michael Rose, Associate Professor of Music Composition
Join popular Vanderbilt professor and composer Michael Rose, for this enchanting, musical expedition to the heart of Europe! Travel to vibrant, ever-changing Berlin, surveying its historical landmarks and enjoying a performance of the world renowned Berlin Philharmonic. In Prague, experience the city’s cultural renaissance and evolving history, as well as Mozart’s Villa, Bertramka; and Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte at the Prague State Opera. Continue to Budapest, Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city and finish with a sightseeing tour of Vienna and a performance of Strauss and Mozart by the Palace Orchestra at Schonbrunn Palace. From Berlin to Vienna, Professor Rose leads the way through art collections in numerous galleries, weaving together music, art, and history of this remarkable region and even introduces the group to a musical colleague for a private concert.
SOLD OUT - PLEASE EMAIL
TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.
Click here for an electronic copy of the brochure.
Cost: $2,535 per person (airfare not included)
Cruising the Baltic Sea & the Norwegian Fjords
June 15 - 27, 2008
Don Hancock, Professor of Political Science
Cruise along the Norwegian coast from the historic port of Bergen, Norway and admire the stunning beauty of the fjords. After a stop in Copenhagen, travel to Gdansk, home to some of Poland’s finest architecture. Explore the fascinating network of narrow streets and 16th-century buildings in Klaipeda, the seaside resort of Palanga, and enjoy a concert at the famous Dome Cathedral in Riga, Latvia. Spend two days in St. Petersburg with optional visits to Peter the Great’s magnificent estate and the imperial compound of Pushkin with its dramatic Catherine Palace. Finally, arrive in Tallinn, Estonia, whose Old Town has remained virtually unchanged for 600 years. Professor Don Hancock’s knowledge of European politics is the perfect accompaniment to the history, charm, and vitality of the Baltic Sea and the Norwegian Fjords.
SOLD OUT - PLEASE E-MAIL
TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.
Cost: Stating at $5,795 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
A Family Voyage to the Lands of Gods & Heroes
July 9 - 20, 2008
Barbara Tsakirgis, Associate Professor of Classics and Art History
Awaken the entire family to the wonders of classical antiquity on a 10-day cruise sailing to Athens, the fabled Greek Islands, Southern Italy and Rome. Venture through the ruins of ancient civilizations including Knossos – Europe’s earliest developed civilization, and the well preserved Roman city of Pompeii. Meander through cobblestone streets in Lindos, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Cliffside city of Phira in Santorini Bay. Professor Barbara Tsakirgis leads the way to archaeological museums and sites such as the fabled Minoan Palace and temples of Hera and Zeus in Knossos; the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens. Youth education counselors will lead children on educational and recreational activities such as a private sailboat excursion and a hike to the top of the volcano Nea Kameni. They will also explore the caves of Diros by gondola and run a race in the footsteps of ancient Olympians. This Mediterranean cruise weaves the tales of ancient civilizations, myth, and history, providing the ultimate family learning adventure.
SOLD OUT - PLEASE EMAIL
TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.
Click here for an electronic copy of the brochure.
Cost: Approximately $6,995 per adult, double occupancy (airfare not included)
Approximately $4,295 per child (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
Paris: An In-Depth View
September 20 - 28, 2008
Hamilton Hazlehurst, Professor Emeritus of Art History
Immerse yourself for one week in Paris, when the crowds and temperatures are down and the arts and cultural scene begin to bloom. Hamilton Hazlehurst, honored by the French Ministry of Culture for his extraordinary work in French arts and literature, will be your study leader. He has selected his city favorites and day trips to share with you and there is plenty of time to explore Paris on your own from your left bank hotel location. More information to come.
Click here for an electronic copy of the brochure.
Cost: Approximately $3,795 per person (airfare not included)
Sicily: Crossroads of Mediterranean Civilizations
September 24 - October 2, 2008
Carter Philips, Associate Professor of Classics
For 3000 years, new cultures, ideas, and artistic techniques have swept over the Mediterranean Island of Sicily, leaving behind sublime temples, great cities, captivating villages, and extraordinary works of art. Circumnavigate the island, examining distinct periods of history from the Doric temples of the ancient Greeks to the colossal works of the Romans to the exquisite architecture of the Moors and the artistic achievements of the Byzantine era. Breathe the fresh air of the pastoral countryside and discover Sicily’s inviting towns, including medieval Erice, picturesque Cefalu, and Monreale, with its Norman Cathedral. From beautiful cities clinging to cliffsides or on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves, to ancient temples and theaters, Professor Carter Philips’ knowledge of this region will leave you with a fond appreciation of Sicily’s numerous cultural layers.
Click here for an elecronic copy of the brochure.
Cost: Approximately $5,598 per adult, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
Village Life in the
Italian Lake District
October 11 - 19, 2008
Bill Caferro, Associate Professor of History
Enjoy a nine day sojourn in Italy’s romantic Lake District where splendid alpine peaks tower over pristine lakes surrounded with picturesque villages, tropical orchards, and magnificent Renaissance palaces. Take a private cruise on Lake Como to scenic Bellagio andVarenna, two of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Take a tour of Lake Maggiore, and the Borromean Islands, famous for their extraordinary palaces and gardens. Stroll through the immaculate gardensof Isola Bella and explore Italy’s legendary cuisine in a special hands-on cookingclass. Enjoy an early opening tour of the legendary Villa Balbranello, an exclusive tour of the Aldo Galli Academy of Fine Arts, and a trip to Milan with the opportunity to see DaVinci’s Last Supper and the Duomo, the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral. With charming accomodations overlooking LakeComo, Professor of History Bill Caferro helps navigate this enchanting region of Italy.
Click here for an electronic copy of the brochure.
SOLD OUT - PLEASE EMAIL
TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.
Cost: Approximately $2,695 per adult, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
The Yucatan: Maya Treasures and Haciendas of Old Mexico
October 29 - November 8, 2008
Jane Landers,
Associate Professor of History
Travel with Professor Jane Landers on a journey back in time to visit some of the most magnificent sites of Maya culture as well as the colonial history and impressive architecture of some of the haciendas of Old Mexico. Investigate archaeological sites, such as Chichen-Itza with its immense pyramid temple, the graceful and long inhabited city of Uxmal, and Dzibilchltun, one of the oldest temple complexes in Yucatán. A private dinner at the hacienda Yokdzonot will provide abundant insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy sisal planters of years ago. Highlights also include Merida, the Yucatan’s colonial city, and La Venta Park. The remarkable Maya ruins, splendid architecture, charming villages, and scenic landscapes are the perfect introduction to the Yucatan's exotic cultural history.
Click here for an electronic copy of the brochure.
Cost: Approximately $5,390 per adult, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
Vietnam & Cambodia: Asia's Highway One
October 28 - November 11, 2008
Tom Schwartz, Professor of History
Reflect on the compelling history of these two distinct lands while trekking from charming Hanoi with its tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture, to the Chinese style architecture and dozens of significant temple ruins and in Cambodia. Professor Tom Schwartz will share his expertise while cruising along the thousands of limestone islands throughout Halong Bay, catching the train to Vietnam’s old imperial capital city of Hue, and cruising on the MeKong Delta’s narrow waterways for an up close and personal look at Vietnam’s Heartland. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the palaces in Hue, swim at China Beach, and stop in to the colorful market, antique shops and art galleries of Hoi An. Guided tours of the temples in Siem Reap, round out this unique tour of imperial dynasties, magnificent Buddhist and Hindu sites, and incredible landscape of green rice paddies and lush jungle.
Cost: Approximately $5,450 per adult, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single Supplement available upon request
