Jan. 29–Feb. 19, 2012
$64,950 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare to and from Orlando, Fla.
Arrangements: Starquest Expeditions

This exploration of the world’s greatest treasures and legendary places is truly the trip of a lifetime. It’s an extraordinary 22-day journey around the world by private jet accompanied by a first-class team of experts, who will lecture and engage travelers in stimulating discussions about the varied history, cultures, art and architecture highlighted during the trip.

The itinerary includes Peru’s Spanish colonial city, Cusco, and the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu; the mysterious moai statues of Easter Island; the Polynesian island paradise of Samoa; Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; Angkor Wat in Cambodia; the Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur, India; a safari adventure in Tanzania; Luxor; the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Egypt; and finally, Fez, Morocco. For individuals who have previously visited any of the places on this itinerary, an alternate stop or activity may be available.

The Boeing 757 used for this trip generously accommodates only 78 travelers in two-by-two VIP-style leather seats. Sightseeing will be in small groups. The expedition staff and flight crew includes a chef and catering assistant as well as a physician. Travel worry-free with a talented team of professionals who are renowned for their attention to detail, dedication to safety and security, and top-notch hospitality.

Apr. 15–23, 2012
Starts at approximately $3,795 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Thomas P. Gohagan & Co.

This unique program features a seven-night cruise with port stops in Portugal, Spain, France and England. Among the destinations on this itinerary are three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Oporto, Portugal, known for its stately architecture and picturesque harbor with distinctive “barcos rabelos,” boats that once carried barrels of port wine along the Douro River from the vineyards to Oporto, and are now used to carry tourists; the exquisite monuments of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, renowned as one of the three most prestigious pilgrimage destinations of medieval European Christendom; and Oviedo, the beautiful capital city of the Asturias region of Spain.

Other included tours are a visit to Spain’s world-famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao; a scenic drive along the picturesque Côte Sauvage, “the wild coast”, on Belle-Île-en-Mer, France; and an excursion in Guernsey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom, to the 18th-century Sausmarez Manor, known for its exotic garden and priceless collection of tapestries, sculptures and portraits of historic figures.

Travelers will cruise aboard the MS Le Boreal, a deluxe, small ship launched in 2010 that features distinctive French sophistication. On this sailing, the ship’s French master chef will offer special cooking demonstrations and a culinary expert will lecture. In addition, optional culinary tours will be offered.

An optional pre-cruise extension in Lisbon and an optional post-cruise extension in Paris will be offered.

May 2–14, 2012
Starts at approximately $3,930 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Price includes an early booking discount.
Faculty lecturer: Lora Wildenthal, associate professor of history
Arrangements: Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways European river cruises have become a favorite among Rice alumni. Our next cruise will be on the 134-passenger Luminary built in 2010. Our trip begins with a stay in Paris prior to boarding the high-speed TGV train for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz, and continues with a drive to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where the Luminary will dock on the Moselle River.

The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery and for its wine-growing region. Port visits include Trier, the oldest city in Germany; the charming wine village of Bernkastel; and the quaint town of Cochem with its Reichsburg Castle.

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river, and Rudesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural affluence is reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards, and Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travelers will disembark in Nuremberg and travel by motor coach to Prague for the last two nights of the trip.

May 28–June 8, 2012
Starts at approximately $7,995 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Thomas P. Gohagan & Co.

Join your fellow alumni and friends on a cruise of the Baltic Sea and seize a rare opportunity to meet Nobel Laureates Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, and Lech Walesa, former president of Poland. The itinerary begins with a one-night stay in Copenhagan, Denmark, before boarding the MS Le Boreal for an eight-night cruise from Copenhagan to Stockholm, Sweden. Ports include three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Riga, Latvia, Talinn, Estonia, and St. Petersburg, Russia.

The ship will be docked for three days in St. Petersburg, giving travelers time for both included and optional tours. A specially arranged, early-opening entry to the world-renowned State Hermitage Museum is included. In Helsinki, Finland, excursions will include a visit to one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, Temppeliaukio Church; a private concert at the Sibelius Academy, one of the largest music universities in Europe; and a drive along the old fortifications of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The final night of the trip will be spent in Stockholm, Sweden.

The MS Le Boreal offers the luxurious amenities of a fine hotel, and most of the ship’s accommodations feature private balconies. International and regional cuisine will be served in either the dining room in single, unassigned seating or alfresco in the casual indoor-outdoor Grill Restaurant. Twenty-four-hour room service will also be available. The ship boasts a library, sun deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath-style steam room and a full range of fitness equipment, as well as two elevators and Internet access.

June 5-14, 2012
From $4,995 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Travel Dynamics International

From Athens to Southern Italy, North Africa, Malta, and Sicily, your itinerary takes you to Greek, Roman, and medieval sites that tell the story of the ebb and flow of great empires and religions against a  backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty: the 2,500 years of history represented in the ruins of Butrint, Albania; the 16th-century castle built over an ancient acropolis at Lipari; the famously well-preserved Greek temples at Paestum; the monuments of Carthage just outside Tunis; and charming Valletta, its history and character infused with the spirit of the Knights of Malta.

This trip will feature three onboard lecturers that will enhance your educational experience.  First, Dr. Elizabeth Bartman, currently President of the Archaeological Institute of America will be the guide to the historic sites visited.  Then, renowned watercolorist Janet Walsh will lead a shipboard workshop on watercolor and invite you to join her in returning to this earlier form of capturing the experience of travel.  Finally, award-winning architect Martin Brandwein will explain the Federal Style of the early Republic and in the Greek Revival of the 1820s

Your ship for this exploration of the central Mediterranean is the 57-cabin Corinthian II. All  accommodations aboard this lovingly-designed and exquisitely-furnished small cruise ship are suites, and all are exterior. Comfortable lounges and public areas and broad decks invite sunning or watching the passing scenery, while the staff and crew anticipate every want and need.

June 13-22, 2012
From $4,995 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Travel Dynamics International

Unravel the secret of historic cities on a unique voyage that takes you from Sicily to Rome, calling at some of the most storied cities along the coasts of Italy, Tunisia, Spain, and France as well as the islands of Malta and Sardinia.  On this handcrafted itinerary, marvel at Malta’s Valletta, lauded by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.”  Ponder the evocative ruins of legendary Carthage, or discover the grandeur of Rome in Dougga. Stand in awe of the dramatic prehistoric dwellings in Su Nuraxi on  ardinia. Explore the kaleidoscope of Barcelona’s remarkable architecture. And admire the magical light of Aix-en-Provence and the French Riviera that was an endless source of inspiration to artists.

In addition to a superb itinerary, you will be joined by Richard Bado, Professor of Opera Studies and Director of the Opera Studies Program at the Shepherd School of Music and two renowned artists and musicians: Frederica von Stade, the mezzo-soprano whose voice has graced the world’s greatest music halls, and composerpianist Jake Heggie. “Flicka” and Jake’s concerts, performed just for travelers, will add a dimension rarely experienced on cruises. To shed light on the cultures you will encounter and the sites you will explore on the voyage, you will be joined by one of the great classical scholars of his generation, Professor Alan Cameron of Columbia University.

Your home for the voyage will be the small cruise ship Corinthian II. Accommodating only 114 travelers, Corinthian II is known for its spacious suite accommodations, elegant lounges, and exceptionally fine service and cuisine.

July 8–15, 2012
Approximately $3,640 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Tauck

This weeklong journey through Western Canada has it all — from a talk with a wildlife expert in Jasper National Park, to experiencing the majesty of Lake Louise, to spotting bighorn sheep, to riding an Ice Explorer vehicle across the surface of a glacier, all while enjoying breathtaking scenery and staying in historic hotels and lodges.

The itinerary begins in Calgary, located on Canada’s prairie, but quickly moves to the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Included in the itinerary are three of the most beautiful lakes in North America: Emerald Lake, set among soaring mountain peaks in Yoho National Park; crystal-clear Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks; and finally Lake Louise, located at the foot of Victoria Glacier.
A drive along Icefields Parkway, considered by many to be the most spectacular stretch of highway in the Canadian national parks system, will take you to the heart of Jasper National Park, a photographer’s paradise.

While in Jasper, you may explore the park through a number of included activities, such as walking tours, a whitewater rafting trip or a tramway tour of the alpine tundra.
In Banff National Park, crown jewel of the Rockies, travelers will climb up the surface of a glacier aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle and learn about its geological features. You will also have a free day to explore the premier resort town of Banff.

July 18–28, 2012
Approximately $4,490 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Faculty lecturer: John Boles, the William Pettus Hobby Professor of History
Arrangements: Criterion Travel

In 1804, a small band of men led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark set out on one of the greatest scientific expeditions ever undertaken: to explore and map the American West from St. Louis to the Pacific. Our customized itinerary retraces one of the most interesting and challenging parts of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

It begins with a leisurely two-and-a-half day canoe journey through the heart of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Travelers have a choice of riding with expert guides or paddling their own canoe. Picnic lunches are served on shore, and each evening a comfortable, tented camp will await your arrival. After a dinner prepared by camp chefs, join in lively discussions based on readings from expedition journals.

On other days, you will retrace (by private bus) the arduous monthlong, 18-mile portage around the Great Falls of the Missouri; follow the expedition’s route upriver to the famous Gates of the Mountains; travel along the Jefferson River to Beaverhead Rock, a landmark associated with Sacagawea, the legendary Shoshone woman who was a central figure on the expedition; trek in four-wheel-drive vehicles up and over Lemhi Pass, which straddles the Continental Divide, and walk a portion of the trail; raft down the scenic and gentle Salmon River to retrace Clark’s critical reconnaissance route; and walk or ride horses along the wild and rugged Lolo Trail, after which you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the pools at Lolo Hot Springs. 

July 27–Aug. 6, 2012
Approximately $3,795 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Global Adrenaline

Immerse yourself in the myths, legends and history of the Incas on this 11-day journey in Peru, which includes an option for travelers to either hike the Inca Trail on a fully supported four-day trek or one-day hike, or to take the train to Machu Picchu. The choice is yours.
Begin with a day in the beautiful colonial town of Cusco followed by four nights in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile valley lined with picturesque Andean markets, colorful artisan villages, impressive churches and remarkable Inca ruins. Visit the ruins of Pisac, bargain with local craftsmen in the town’s famous textile market, and visit a local ceramic artist’s studio. Take a walking tour of Ollantaytambo, a charming town that retains the street plan of the original Inca town, making it the best surviving example of Inca urban planning.
Travelers who opt to take the train to Machu Picchu will have the opportunity to walk through the rustic High Andean village community of Patakancha and spend some time with local school children; take in the spectacular scenery en route to the village of Chinchero; and tour the Inca farming terraces of Moray and salt mines of Maras. Travelers will marvel in awe at the perfectly preserved Inca citadel that was lost in the dense jungle for hundreds of years.

Don’t miss this chance to visit Peru, a country full of mystery, intrigue and the ancient culture of the Inca.

Aug. 29–Sept. 12, 2012
Approximately $4,295 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Odysseys Unlimited

Experience the beauty, allure and hospitality of provincial France. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, the journey features the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley and historic Normandy, with stays in charming rural inns and small country hotels. We will tour medieval Carcassonne, with Roman battlements and ramparts dating to the 1st century, and Albi, the hometown of artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as an ancient fortress now housing a museum devoted to the artist’s works.
The rugged, unspoiled countryside of the Perigord region and the Dordogne Valley is home to the prehistoric paintings at Lascaux and to Rocamadour, a revered pilgrimage site and medieval village. The many chateaux in the Loire Valley were built as fortresses to keep intruders out, and travelers will visit Chenonceau, the Renaissance masterpiece considered the most romantic chateau of all.

In Normandy, we will stop at the famed Gothic Abbey, Mont-St-Michel; see the 1,000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the exploits of William the Conqueror; and spend an inspirational day at the D-Day landing beaches and the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

We will visit the picturesque port of Honfleur before continuing on to Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Our final day will be spent in Paris.
A post-tour extension in Paris will be available.

Sept. 2–17, 2012
Starts at approximately $4,495 per person (based on double
occupancy), including airfare from selected cities
Arrangements: AHI International

For mouthwatering natural beauty and outstanding archaeological sites, there are few journeys in the world that can compare with a cruise of the Greek Islands and the coast of Turkey. It is here that much of the history of western civilization has been played out. After a two-night stay in Athens, we will board the 350-passenger Aegean Odyssey, charting a course through the sun-washed islands of the Mediterranean and delving into the storied history of the Greek and Turkish civilizations. This expertly planned itinerary features excursions to the ancient city of Mycenae and to the lower town and fortress of Monemvasia, a massive rock rising from the sea and joined to the mainland only by a causeway, known as the the Gibraltar of Greece. A stop in Crete allows us to visit the Minoan site of Knossos.
The Greek Islands of Rhodes, Delos, Mykonos and Samos are next on the itinerary before arriving on the Turkish coast for visits to Ephesus, the eastern Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical city; Aphrodisias, the ancient city two-and-a-half times larger than Pompeii, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love; Gallipoli, scene of one of the most tragic campaigns of World War I; and Istanbul.

Our final day will be spent cruising past the stunning landscape of Mount Athos, the world’s oldest surviving monastic republic, and visiting the picturesque town of Skiathos, Greece, before arriving in Athens for the flight home.

Sept. 29–Oct. 6, 2012
Starts at approximately $3,995 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Travel Dynamics International

As summer wanes and the last of the tourists depart, the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard only become more beautiful, with leaves turning orange, crimson and yellow. Our seven-night cruise aboard the newly refurbished 130-passenger Yorktown begins with a full-day visit to Nantucket, one of the premier destinations along the eastern seaboard, where seaside cottages and old-fashioned lamps still illuminate the streets.  Named a National Historic Landmark District, the island has retained much of its 17th-century architecture. More than a century ago, Martha’s Vineyard was one of the world’s most important whaling centers. Today its picturesque landscape of fishing villages and beautiful beaches is home to local, summertime and celebrity residents.

Back on the mainland, travelers will revel in the delightfully charming New England towns of Old Saybrook, located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, and Essex, called “the best small town in America.”

The second half of this fall cruise is along the Hudson River and includes excursions to Kykuit, home to four generations of Rockefellers, whose mansion and surrounding grounds is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site; the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum; and some of the Hudson River Valley’s most prominent art museums. Travelers will also visit the grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point, whose sprawling campus has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
An optional two-night extension will be offered in New York City.

Oct. 19–30, 2012
Approximately $4,950 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Faculty lecturer: Steven W. Lewis, the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow
Arrangements: China Advocates

Steven W. Lewis of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy has accompanied groups to China with us many times, but this is the first time we have included Tibet on our itinerary. We begin with a stay in Beijing, where we will visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall as well as the picturesque Houhai district, where many old courtyard homes are preserved amid narrow “hutong” alleys bordering tree-lined lakes.
Sightseeing in and around Lhasa, Tibet, includes the Potala Palace, once the abiding symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and the seat of government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama; Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence constructed in the 18th century and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture; Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine; Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of the Gelukpa sect; and Drepung Monastery, the largest monastic complex in Tibet.

Other cities on our China itinerary are Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and one of the most important economic, transportation and communication centers in western China; Hangzhou, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty; and modern Shanghai, for the final two days of our trip.

An optional pre-tour extension to Chengde Summer Palace is available as well as post-tour extensions to either Xi’an, with a Yangtzi River cruise, or a visit to the Huang Mountains and Huizhou Culture.

Dec. 2–9, 2012
Approximately $1,995 per person (based on double occupancy), plus airfare
Arrangements: Orbridge

Enjoy Europe’s grand Christmastime traditions as you explore the festive open-air markets (Christkindlmarkt). Found throughout Germany and Austria in cobblestoned town squares, these markets are filled with artisans and fine handmade goods and complemented by a music-filled atmosphere. Visit Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna and delve into the history and culture of these majestic cities with free time to explore their Christmas markets and sample traditional holiday treats like Lebkuchen and Glühwein. You will marvel at the beauty of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps as you journey through a winter wonderland of picturesque villages, mountains and lakes. Explore Munich, the capital of Bavaria, and experience the breathtaking beauty and romance of snow-covered streets and softly illuminated shops while strolling through Innsbruck.

A walking tour of Salzburg includes stops at exquisite Mirabell Palace and Gardens, St. Peter’s Monastery and Cemetery and Mozart’s birthplace. Some of the sites visited during an included tour in Vienna are: Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian imperial family; the impressive Vienna State Opera House; and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
During a full day of leisure, travelers will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Christmas market; visit additional sites, such as Schönbrunn Palace, once the imperial family’s summer residence; or stop at one of Vienna’s famous coffeehouses or traditional wine taverns.

Perusing Christmas markets is a centuries-old tradition, and we invite you to begin your holiday festivities by joining us for what is sure to be an enchanting journey.