Around the World by Private Jet Feb. 2 –25, 2009 $56,950 per person (based on double occupancy) Includes round-trip airfare from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Arrangements: Starquest Expeditions Our first trip of 2009 is our most ambitious ever — a 24-day journey to the most treasured and legendary places on earth. We will travel in the comfort of a private Boeing 757 configured to accommodate only 88 passengers. Direct flights to each destination will ensure that we have more time to experience the locales. The first stops on our extraordinary journey are Peru’s ancient Incan citadel, Machu Picchu, and the city of Cusco, where Incan and Spanish cultures intertwine. Then we will travel to Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island in the world, to marvel at its enormous moai statues, followed by Samoa, the cradle of Polynesian culture; Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; and the astoundingly beautiful Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. The second half of our expedition includes visits to the majestic Portola Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the rooftop of the world; the legendary Taj Mahal at Agra, India; the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for a safari adventure; and Luxor and the pyramids in Egypt. The final stop of our trip is Fez, Morocco, the most complete medieval Islamic city in the world. At each destination, travelers form smaller groups for intimate, in-depth exploration and have choices for alternative sightseeing excursions. For more information, click here. Galapagos Islands Feb. 13–21, 2009 Starts at $3,195 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare by Aug. 25, 2008 Starts at $3,695 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare after Aug. 25, 2008 Arrangements: Thomas P. Gohagan & Co. Charles Darwin described the majority of the plant and animal life on the Galapagos Islands as "being found nowhere else." There are 19 islands in this remote volcanic archipelago, and each is overflowing with life within its own ecosystem. Because there are few natural predators, the abundant wildlife is nearly fearless and accepts close contact with human company. You can walk among 400-pound tortoises and through a giant prickly pear cactus forest, search for pink flamingos, observe large colonies of charming blue-footed boobies and snorkel alongside tropical penguins. It is a dream destination for nature lovers. Our trip will begin with a flight to Quito, Ecuador, for a three-night stay, which will provide our group with an opportunity to explore this city, known for its magnificent Spanish colonial architecture, quaint family-owned shops and lively open-air markets. On day four, you will arrive on the small island of Baltra, where you will embark the 88-passenger M.V. Santa Cruz and have your first daily briefing from the ship’s naturalists. During the next five days, zodiacs will take you ashore at Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Santiago, Rabida and North Seymour so that you may explore these fascinating islands. Your last night will be spent in Guayaquil, Ecuador, before returning home. An optional extension to Machu Picchu is offered. Japan and China Feb. 26–March 14, 2009 Starts at approximately $3,999 per person (based on double occupancy) Includes airfare from Houston Arrangements: CruiseCenter This 17-day cruise and tour of northeast Asia begins in Hong Kong, where the culture blends Chinese traditions and British influence. After two days in this dynamic city, we continue on to cosmopolitan Shanghai, sometimes called the hot spot of modern China; the bustling seaport of Pusan, South Korea, where you will find many historic sites still intact; Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial; Kyoto, Japan’s most beautiful city; Seoul, South Korea, one of the world’s largest and most prosperous cities; and Dalian, China, where archaeologists have found civilizations dating back 6,000 years. You will disembark the ship in Tianjin, China’s largest seaport, and return home from Beijing. At each destination, travelers may choose from a range of shore excursions. In addition, a post-cruise extension in Beijing is available. You will travel aboard the 700-passenger Azamara Quest, a small ship with the amenities of a much larger vessel. It boasts a spa and wellness center, live entertainment, daily enrichment programs, onboard Internet, and, in addition to the main dining room and three casual venues, two specialty restaurants. The Middle East in the 21st Century March 19–April 3, 2009 Starts at $20,990 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: High Country Passage There is currently a waiting list for this trip. Join your fellow alumni and friends of Rice on a historic journey to the Middle East that features seven prominent speakers and special guests, including James A. Baker, III. The fourth in a series of World Leaders Symposiums, this trip promises to provide genuine insight and perspective on the modern history and politics of the region. Our travelers will join others from leading academic, cultural and research institutions aboard the luxurious Silver Wind, one of the highestrated cruise vessels afloat, for a journey along the scenic coastline of the Persian Gulf. The itinerary begins with a four-night stay at the Jumeirah Resort in Dubai, where you will have the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge architectural creativity of this emirate. The cruise portion of the itinerary includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar before disembarking in Muscat, Oman, for the final three nights of your trip. In each port, you will have a choice of excursions as diverse as camel racing, an outing to the Saudi Aramco Residential Camp and a visit to the Al Jazeera media outlet. Plus, through exclusive regional connections, our travelers will experience special access to key sites and meetings with local dignitaries. The Canals and Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium April 4–12, 2009 Starts at $1,857 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare by Sept. 1, 2008 Starts at $1,957 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare after Sept. 1, 2008 Arrangements: Avalon Waterways Faculty Host: Linda Neagley, associate professor of art history, Rice University Discover the picturesque Netherlands and Belgium in the spring during this seven-night cruise aboard a new ship, the 176-passenger Avalon Poetry. Amenities aboard the Poetry include large closets, color satellite TVs, modern bathrooms with showers, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most cabins and Internet access. This new type of ship features a silent drive system with ship engines located at the stern, which separates them from the passenger compartment and allows for a quieter cruise experience than traditional small ships. The itinerary begins with a flight to Amsterdam. Ports of call include Arnhem, known as a genteel resort town in the 19th century and famous for its scenic beauty; Dordrecht; Antwerp, the artistic stronghold of the Flemish Baroque under Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century; Middelburg; Ghent, a city of remarkably well-preserved and restored medieval architecture; Veere; Bruges, whose city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site; Rotterdam; and the quaint fishing village of Volendam. Guided sightseeing is included in each port as well as excursions to visit Keukenhof Gardens, famous for spectacular displays of bulb flowers in bloom; Edam, known for its cheeses; and the Delta Works to learn about the Netherlands’ complex flood controls. The ship returns to Amsterdam for a final night and a canal cruise. Mexico's Copper Canyon February 1-9, 2009 $3,995 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: High Country Passage Faculty Host: James E. Copeland, professor emeritus of linguistics and German, Rice University Copper Canyon is a group of distinct canyons in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It is narrower, deeper, more verdant and four times larger in total area than the Grand Canyon. Our trip includes first-class reserved seating on the Ferromex Chepe train for a scenic round trip from El Fuerte and accommodations for eight nights in first-class or deluxe hotels along the way. The Tarahumara Indians are indigenous to northern Mexico and inhabit Copper Canyon. They live in caves, under cliffs, and in small wood and stone cabins in remote areas and lead a simple life, undisturbed by modern technologies. We are fortunate to have James E. Copeland, professor emeritus of linguistics and German at Rice, traveling with our group. Professor Copeland has studied the culture and language of the Tarahumara extensively. In addition, we will have the services of an expert local guide. Our hotel stays include three nights at the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, a converted colonial mansion in picturesque El Fuerte; two nights inside the Copper Canyon at Hotel Mision in Cerocahui, a special opportunity not included in most itineraries; and two nights at Posada Barrancas Mirador, spectacularly situated on the rim of Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America. Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes New dates: May 10-18, 2009 Approximately $2,895 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: AHI International Campus Abroad trips have become a mainstay of our travel program. Our travelers enjoy them because they are shorter trips that concentrate on one or two geographic regions and provide an educational component. Our first Campus Abroad of 2009 is based in St. Moritz, Switzerland, for three nights and Como, Italy, for four nights. The Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes are pristine, idyllic treasures. Elegance reigns supreme in the hidden village of St. Moritz, where you will stay at the legendary Hotel Schweizerhof, built in 1896. This cosmopolitan lakeside resort is billed as the “top of the world,” and you will have an opportunity to ascend by tram to the top of Piz Nair (10,022 feet) for spectacular views. You will also ride the famous Glacier Express on an Alpine train journey to Tirano. The Hotel Barchetta Excelsior will be your home in Como. Set in the heart of the city, it overlooks Lake Como, Italy’s deepest lake. In addition to a day trip to Milan, your stay in Como will include a visit to the Silk Museum for insight into this prolific regional industry and a cruise to the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore. Arctic Adventure (New Trip) June 24 – July 4, 2009 Starting at $3,247 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements:  Silversea Expeditions For the first time in its 39 year history, the Rice travel program is offering an opportunity to explore the Arctic.   Sailing from Longyearbyen, we will explore the expansive Svalbard archipelago, one of the last major European wilderness areas with pristine mountains, deep fjords, fauna, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets.  We will visit Spitzbergen Island; Prins Karls Forland; Van Keulenfjord; the Hornsund and Bellsund fjords;  and Bear Island, Norway before disembarking in Tromso, Norway.  Each day our Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter.  Accompanied by a team of naturalists, our travelers will search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears.  Shipboard lectures will offer great insight on the area’s unique wildlife, plant life, history, ecology and geology.  Life onboard the 132 passenger luxury expedition ship, Prince Albert II, will include superlative service and genuine hospitality with a crew to guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1.  All 66 ocean-view suites and staterooms are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs.   Fares include all meals onboard, 24 hour room service, complimentary fine wines, champagnes and spirits served throughout the ship, complimentary water-resistant backpack and parka and all onboard gratuities.  Other amenities onboard the Prince Albert II include a spacious library with an internet Café, a full-service spa, beauty salon and fitness center.  An optional air package from more than 72 cities is available.  It includes round-trip air from your hometown, pre-cruise accommodations at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, transfers and taxes. A Family Voyage to the Lands of Gods and Heroes July 7–18, 2009 Starts at approximately $6,995 per adult (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Special children's rates available Arrangements: Travel Dynamics, Intl. Hosts: President David Leebron, Y. Ping Sun, and their children, Daniel and Merissa History comes alive for the whole family on a voyage of discovery in the Mediterranean, where ancient cities sit on idyllic islands and myth and history are intertwined. Our itinerary is designed to enlighten the senses and inflame the imagination of your children or grandchildren by awakening their young minds to the wonders of classical antiquity in Athens and the legendary Greek Islands. We will explore ancient and modern Athens, Santorini and the legacy of its volcanic eruptions, the fortified town of Rhodes, and Crete’s Minoan Palace of Knossos. Our adventure also includes journeys to Pompeii, Diros’s mysterious caves and ancient Olympia. In addition to the programs geared toward adults, the trip features youth education counselors who will lead the Young Explorers Program, a series of educational and recreational activities developed to enhance children’s appreciation of the sites we visit. Our journey begins with an eight-night cruise from Rome aboard the all-suite, 114 guest Corinthian II and ends with a two-night stay in Athens at the Divani Apollon Palace Hotel. The deluxe Corinthian II was refurbished and redecorated in 2005 and includes amenities such as a library with Internet access and an elevator serving all decks. All suites have a sitting area, ample closet space, minirefrigerator and satellite TV with DVD/CD player. Amalfi Coast July 15 –23, 2009 Approximately $2,795 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: AHI International Delight in the scenic grandeur of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape. Nicknamed “The Divine Coast,” the serpentine Amalfi Drive winds around towering cliffs and sandy coves, past charming villages, brightly colored villas and cascading flower gardens. The entire Amalfi Coast is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax for seven nights at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, perched on a scenic cliffside high above the sea. Your daily excursions will include a visit to the exquisite 13th-century Villa Rufolo in the town of Ravello, the picturesque towns of Amalfi and Sorrento, and Positano, Italy’s most vertical town. You will also visit two other UNESCO World Heritage sites: the archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii, which were destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, and the ruins at Paestum, considered the best-preserved examples of Greek architecture outside of Greece. Other excursions included in the itinerary are the World War II landing beaches at Salerno and the enchanting isle of Capri. As with all Campus Abroad programs, all excursions, most meals and a program of educational lectures presented by local experts to enhance your insight into the region are included. You also will have independent time for shopping and experiencing the local cuisine. The Great Lakes (New Trip) July 18-25, 2009 Starts at $5,595 per person (based on double occupancy) Plus airfare Arrangements: Travel Dynamics, Inc. Five years after our first visit to the Great Lakes region, we invite Rice alumni to return again to this countryside that is virtually as untouched as it was hundreds of years ago. Three centuries ago, hunters and trappers discovered the wealth of the Great Lakes.  One and a half centuries ago, miners gleaned the hills here.  From 1900 to 1950, the Great Lakes were the premier vacation spot for Americans who flocked to these shores to witness the magnificent natural beauty of the region.   It’s so close to home that it’s often overlooked in favor of more far-flung destinations, yet this region possesses a number of natural treasures that rival or surpass those found in more distant lands.  The five interlocking Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – measure over 94,000 square miles and contain one-fifth of the world’s fresh water.  Today they continue to be a treasured resource shared between two nations – a vital artery surrounded by some of North America’s most pristine wilderness. On our voyage, aboard the elegant, newly refurbished, 100-guest, all-suite Clelia II, we’ll experience vistas of lighthouses on cliff tops, lush forested islands, Victorian villages, and Niagara Falls. Bohemia Aug. 4–12, 2009 Approximately $2,395 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: AHI International, Inc. Another Campus Abroad program takes participants to the Czech Republic, a country of storied history, rich nature and diverse culture. It is a land of contrasts — from the lively streets of Prague to peaceful villages dotting the verdant countryside, from stunning works of architecture to majestic mountain ranges. Showcasing the many treasures of this vibrant country is the region of Bohemia. We will divide our time between stays in historic Cesky Krumlov, with its dazzling array of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and Plzen, distinguished by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Excursions include visits to the charming village of Holasovice, known for its 18th- and 19th-century buildings built in the South Bohemian Folk Baroque style; the 13th-century Jindrichuv Hradec, one of the largest castle complexes in the Czech Republic; Hluboka Chateau, a romantic and extravagant Tudorstyle castle; fashionable Karlovy Vary, the oldest and largest of Bohemia’s spa towns and famous for its hot springs; the Moser Glass Museum and factory to learn about the ancient art of Czech glassmaking; and a full-day tour to Prague. The final day is at leisure, and a complimentary shuttle will be available for those who want to spend more time in Prague. The Legendary Danube Sept. 2–13, 2009 Starts at $3,150 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: Avalon Waterways Our Danube trip begins with three nights in Prague, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and among the most visited cities on the continent. Situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia, Prague has been the political, cultural and economic center of the Czech state for more than 1,100 years. Since 1992, the extensive historic center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. From Prague we will travel by bus to Nuremberg, where we will board the Avalon Artistry for our seven-night cruise. We will visit Regensburg for a guided visit of one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, experience a guided tour of Passau, visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, sightsee in romantic Vienna and end our cruise in beautiful Budapest, a city occupying both sides of the Danube. The 178-passenger Avalon Artistry is a spacious, modern vessel built in 2004. It boasts some of the largest staterooms of any river cruiser, with hotel-style beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen, large closets, individual climate control, telephone and color satellite TV. Travelers will enjoy the convenience of audio headsets for all included sightseeing tours. Adriatic Odyssey October 2-14, 2009 Approximately $5,995 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: Academic Arrangements Abroad In the grand tradition of the world’s finest sailing ships, Sea Cloud II was christened in 2001. A sister ship of Marjorie Meriweather Post’s legendary Sea Cloud, the sailing yacht Sea Cloud II is a three-masted barque steeped in the elegance of yesteryear and complemented with the most modern amenities. This beautiful vessel will be our home for ten nights as we cruise the turquoise waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. Our trip begins with one night in Naples at the Hotel Vesuvio, well located in the heart of this ancient city.   After a day and half of sightseeing including a visit to Pompeii, we will embark the Sea Cloud II and set sail at sunset.   Our ports of call include Lipari, whose Archaeological Museum has a superb collection of artifacts from this and nearby Aeolian Islands; Syracuse, Sicily, one of the most important cities in antiquity; from the port of Brindisi, we will visit Lecce, an unspoiled baroque city; a full day visit to the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik; the colorful port of Split, Croatia; and Ravenna, Italy, the capital of the Western Roman Empire from the 4th to the 7th centuries.  In addition, there will be three days at sea to relax and enjoy life aboard the Sea Cloud II.  Upon arrival in Venice, travelers will be transferred to the airport for flights home or to the five star Europa & Regina, located on the Grand Canal, for two days of exploring the city’s riches of art and architecture. In addition to hotel and ship accommodations, the price of this trip includes all meals on board ship, all sightseeing, and gratuities to guides and drivers. Village Life in England's Cotswolds Sept. 27–Oct. 5, 2009 Starts at approximately $2,795 per person (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: Thomas P. Gohagan & Co. During this nine-day itinerary, you will discover the timeless charm and beauty of England’s Cotswolds while staying in the historic and charming Queen’s Hotel in the heart of the Victorian town of Cheltenham. Visiting the traditional villages of the English countryside will make you feel as though you are stepping back in time. Excursions include a visit to nearby Gloucester Cathedral; a tour of the legendary university town of Oxford; the picturesque villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Upper Slaughter; Broughton Castle; and Hidcote Manor Garden. A full program of educational and cultural enrichment is in store. You will hear about the architecture, cultural traditions and timeless way of life of the English countryside, visit the 19th-century Old Mill Museum in Lower Slaughter, take a guided tour with a demonstration at Whichford Pottery, and gain insight and perspective into contemporary life in the Cotswolds during a village forum with local residents. One of the highlights of your trip will undoubtedly be the exclusive early opening and guided tour of Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace. This will be followed by a specially arranged private luncheon in the palace and a private meeting with Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill, who will offer personal insight into the world of his ancestor. Istanbul to Barcelona Oct. 30 –Nov. 14, 2009 Starts at $3,995 (based on double occupancy) plus airfare Arrangements: Alumni Travel Group Our final trip of 2009 is a cruise from Istanbul, Turkey, to Barcelona, Spain, aboard the Oceania Regatta. Oceania’s luxurious midsize ships have proven popular with Rice travelers. The destinations on the itinerary we have selected are a combination of must-see sites and places not often visited by American tourists. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancients, starting with Istanbul, a city filled with museums, impressive mosques and shopping opportunities. From Istanbul we cruise to Kusadasi, the port for the ruins of ancient Ephesus, followed by Limassol, a lively and cosmopolitan resort located in Cyprus with much to offer visitors in the way of museums and archaeological sites, and Haifa, Israel, where our ship will dock overnight to give travelers time to enjoy its historical sites, cuisine and craft shopping. Our itinerary also includes two ports in Egypt, land of the pharaohs — Port Said, from which we will visit Cairo and the pyramids, and Alexandria, with its own fascinating ancient sites and museums. The last three stops on our cruise are the charming town of Aghios Nikolaos on Crete, the largest of the Greek islands; Valletta, the capital city of Malta; and La Goulette, the port for Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. We will disembark the Regatta in Barcelona, Spain.