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The Vanderbilt Travel Program
Remaining 2008 Trips
There is still space left for Paris, Sicily,
Yucatan, and Vietnam & Cambodia!
 Paris
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. |
 Sicily
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. |
 Village Life in the Italian Lake District
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.
|
 The Yucatan
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. |
 Vietnam and Cambodia
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. |
| *Single Supplement Available |
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.
Click here to receive information or
brochures on a 2009 trip »
2009 Destinations
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Tahiti and French Polynesia
January 30 – February 9, 2009
Rick Chappell, Research Professor of Physics and Executive Director of Dyer Observatory
Follow in the wake of Captain James Cook, Paul Gauguin, and Robert Louis Stevenson and explore beautiful Tahiti and French Polynesia, discovering the warmth and hospitality of their people aboard the S.Y. Star Flyer, an intimate sailing vessel. Professor Rick Chappell, A&S’65, shares the histories of the islands as you spend two nights on the shore of an idyllic lagoon, view ancient stone temples on tranquil Huahine, savor the seductive charm of Bora Bora and visit Moorea, the tropical Eden that inspired James Michener to write Tales of the South Pacific.
Click here for an electronic copy of the brochure.
Cost: From approximately $3,495 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
Around the World
February 4-28, 2009
Tom Dillehay, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology
SOLD OUT
Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium
April 18 – 26, 2009
Jay Bloom, Assistant Professor of History of Art
Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium during this nine-day springtime cruise with Professor Jay Bloom when the tulips are in bloom, the windmills and villages are lively. Begin in Amsterdam and see the sights in Arnhem, Middleburg, and Dordrect in Holland and Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent in Belgium. Visit the windmills at Kinderdijk and learn about Holland’s complex flood controls and enjoy excursions to Keukenhof Gardens, famous for spectacular displays of bulb flowers in bloom, to the quaint fishing village of Volendam and to Edam, known for its cheeses.
Cost: From approximately $2,495 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
South Africa
May 9-18, 2009
David Williams, Vice Chancellor for University Affairs and Athletics, General Counsel & Secretary of the University
Discover South Africa while touring diverse cities and natural scenery with Vice Chancellor David Williams, including Cape Town and the boutiques, restaurants and shops of the V & A Waterfront as well as panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain and the wildlife of Pilanesburg National Park. Enjoy a wine tasting at Winelands, and visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope as well as Nelson Mandela’s home in Soweto and prison cell on Robben Island.
Cost: Approximately $5,900 per person, double occupancy (including roundtrip airfare)
*Single supplement available upon request
The Blue Voyage: Turkey and the Turquoise Coast
June 6 – 21, 2009
Jack Sasson, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies and Hebrew and Professor of Classics
Beginning in Istanbul, discover ancient ruins, stunning landscapes and encounter the exotic sights, scents, and sounds of this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. Led by Professor Jack Sasson, highlights includes a distinctive five-day voyage aboard privately chartered gulet yachts down the dramatic Turquoise Coast visiting secluded coves and hidden sites that few visitors see and a 3-night stay in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya.
Cost: Approximately $3,500 per person, double occupancy (including roundtrip airfare)
*Single supplement available upon request
Canada’s Historic Cities and Waterways
June 15-23, 2009
Cecilia Tichi, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of English
Set forth from Newfoundland’s capital of St. John and cruise from the Atlantic down to Lake Ontario and experience the scenic beauty, play grand golf courses, and visit historic cities full of old world influences and French charm. Professor Cecila Tichi offers her insight into this interesting region as you navigate the full expanse of the St. Lawrence River and Seaway, one of the world’s most magnificent inland waterways including visits to the enchanting city of Quebec and the alluring old quarter of Montreal.
Cost: From approximately $5,795 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
Family Trip: Highlands of Ecuador and Enchanted Galapagos
July 2 – 12, 2009
Tiffiny Tung, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Take the whole family into the culture-rich highlands of Ecuador to get to know the rich Andean culture, giant tortoises, dancing birds, and the largest indigenous marketplace in South America accompanied by Anthropology Professor Tiffiny Tung. Then, board the M/V Galapagos Explorer II and follow in Darwin’s footsteps to discover the incredible diversity of the Galapagos Islands, one of the planet’s most fascinating ecosystems. End your stay in a hacienda dating back to the early seventeenth century in the Highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Cost: Approximately $5,790 per adult, double occupancy (airfare not included)
Approximately $5,390 per child (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
The Glorious Dalmatian Coast and Islands
July 20-29, 2009
Barbara Tsakirgis, Associate Professor of Classics and Art History
Explore the islands and coast of Dalmatia via an elegant 34-guest private yacht. Visit incomparable Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns; the charming islands of Korcula, with its Venetian-inspired architecture, and Hvar, with its fragrant fields of lavender; Split, with extensive remains of Diocletian’s Palace, and such undiscovered gems as Sveti Bar in Montenegro. Delightful swimming stops in hidden coves will enhance the pleasures of this trip, led by Classics and Art History Profesor Barbara Tsakigiris.
Cost: From approximately $6,995 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
Ancient Wonders and Culinary Traditions of the Mediterranean
September 11 – 21, 2009
Tracy Barrett, Senior Lecturer in Italian
Cruise the Mediterranean Sea and stop to experience the grand coliseums, spectacular temples, culinary traditions, and rich cultures of the Classical World accompanied by a special guest editor from Bon Appétit magazine. Professor Tracy Barrett will also share her extensive Italian travels as you sail along the stunning coasts of the French and Italian Riviera, walk in the footsteps of caesars and centurions in ancient Rome, Pompeii and Ephesus and travel in the wake of roman galleys and Phoenician sea traders to Sicily, Delphi, and the coast of Turkey.
Cost: From approximately $3,395 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
Spain
September 22- October 2, 2009
Francille Bergquist, Associate Dean of the college of Arts & Science and Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese
Beginning in modernist Barcelona with its mosaic-covered Gaudi monuments to the beautiful seaside town of San Sebastian, Hemingway’s beloved Pamplona and Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, Spain unveils spectacular panoramas with a warmth and verve few destinations can match. Visit rolling vineyards of Penedès, admire jagged rock formations in Montserrat and tour old town centers with their labyrinths of lanes. Dean Francille Bergquist, a favorite of alumni and students, leads the way with her expertise in Spanish language and culture.
Cost: Approximately $2,895 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
Provincial French Countryside
October 9 – 23, 2009
Holly Tucker, Associate Professor of French
Experience the beauty, allure, and hospitality of provincial France at an easy pace and in a unique style accompanied by Professor Holly Tucker, with her expertise in French culture,. Anchored by stays in enchanting Paris and vibrant Toulouse, this journey features historic Normandy, the lovely Loire Valley, the remote Dordogne, and diverse Languedoc as you stay in charming rural inns and small country hotels.
Cost: Approximately $4,200 double occupancy (including roundtrip airfare)
*Single supplement available upon request
Patagonia
October 27 – November 8, 2009
Marshall Eakin, Professor of History
Explore the best of Patagonia with History Professor Marshall Eakin beginning in lively Buenos Aires and travelling south to Tierra del Fuego National Park. A 3-night cruise aboard the new 136-passenger M/V Via Australis takes you from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel and Murray Channel to Cape Horn. After sailing among the islands, icebergs, and glaciers found along the southern Chilean fjords, you’ll journey up to Chile’s vibrant capital of Santiago, via the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park.
Cost: From approximately $7,735 per person, double occupancy (airfare not included)
*Single supplement available upon request
