May 2012

SF Chronicle political writer Carla Marinucci on Nancy Pelosi's political statem...

SF Chronicle political writer Carla Marinucci on Nancy Pelosi's political statements this week (from Pelosi's Commonwealth Club program) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2012%2F05%2F30%2FMNRQ1OP4JL.DTL Read more »

SF Chronicle columnist Debra J. Saunders on Nancy Pelosi's comments at The Commo...

SF Chronicle columnist Debra J. Saunders on Nancy Pelosi's comments at The Commonwealth Club this week http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2012%2F05%2F30%2FEDHQ1OOVS9.DTL Read more »

Politico.com was talking up former U.S. Comptroller General (and June 6 Club spe...

Politico.com was talking up former U.S. Comptroller General (and June 6 Club speaker) David Walker as a third-party presidential candidate. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/75852.html Read more »

Journey to Cuba

A People-to-People Exchange
Fri, January 11, 2013 - Fri, January 18, 2013

Through a series of meetings and guest speakers we learn about art, dance, medicine, history, education, religion and the economy. This is an extensive and intense learning experience built on the foundation of meeting Cubans and creating a meaningful exchange of ideas and information. Explore the old city as we learn about Havana's history and architecture. Meet with farmers and visit an artist community project in the Vinales Valley. See how small private enterprises are growing throughout the island. Converse with students during a visit to the premier art school in the country. Read more »

Travel Cost: 

$4,685 per person, based on double occupancy and including charter air from Miami to Havana.

Travelers should arrive to Miami the day before any program, so as to ensure making the charter flight to Havana on the first day of the trip. (Airport hotel information will be provided.)  Single room supplement is $450.

Trip is limited to 20 travelers.

Patagonia Frontiers

Argentina and Chile by Land & Sea
Fri, January 03, 2014 - Sun, January 19, 2014

Discover the majestic fjords and glaciers of Southern Patagonia and the dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine. After three nights in Buenos Aires, set sail on a three-night cruise aboard a 64-cabin expedition ship built specifically for sailing the Patagonian Channels. Cruise through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle and Murray channels to Cape Horn, followed by a call at Magdalena Island, home to more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. Read more »

Travel Cost: 

$7,949 to $8,744 per person double occupancy, depending on cabin category - (including land, cruise, and air from SFO, and airline taxes and fees)
Contact us early to get your cabin preference.
Single cabins are extremely limited. To have your own room throughout the program the supplement is $2,495.

Shores of History: A Voyage from Virginia to Charleston

Exploring Landmark Cities, Stately Homes & Civil War Sites
Mon, October 28, 2013 - Thu, November 07, 2013

In 2011 the United States began a four-year commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Sail from Alexandria, down the Potomac River for an excursion to historic Fredericksburg, site of the infamous Battle of Fredericksburg, one of the largest of the Civil War. Explore Petersburg National Battlefield, and Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, renowned today for its monuments to Confederate heroes. Along the North Carolina coast, discover the historic towns of New Bern, Morehead City, and Wilmington, each of which played crucial roles in Union battle victories. Read more »

Travel Cost: 

from $5,395, per person, based on double occupancy

Free airfare from SFO! Book early for the best flights.

Journey to Northern India

Diwali and the Festival of Lights
Wed, October 23, 2013 - Fri, November 08, 2013

India exists at a remarkable crossroads of the modern world intersecting with life as it has been lived for millennia. From the capital city of New Delhi to the breathtaking vistas of Rajasthan, take in this colorful and mind-boggling country. Admire the magnificent work of Mughal architecture at the Taj Mahal; take an elephant ride at Amber Fort; discover the opulent forts and palaces of Jaipur and the elaborate Hindu temples at Khajuraho. Experience Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and marvel at the romantic lake city of Udaipur. Read more »

Travel Cost: 

15-24 persons $4,995, per person, based on double occupancy
10-14 persons $5,495, per person, based on double occupancy
Single room supplement $1,595
 
“Very well organized….the sites were beautiful.”
-Judith Ahrens, 2011 Journey to India

“The briefing by the American ambassador was excellent!”
-Sharon Russell, 2011 Journey to India

“I enjoyed our fast-paced journey – felt like an immersion in Indian culture, religion, food and philosophy!”
-Carol Burkhart, 2011 Journey to India

“Arvind’s (guide) knowledge, intellect, and humor was outstanding.”
-Sharon Wright, 2011 Journey to India

“Our guide Arvind challenged the group the whole trip – and was passionate about everything!”
-Tom Burkhart, 2011 Journey to India

Taste of Spain - Sold out, Waitlist available

Food and Wine of Southern Spain
Tue, October 08, 2013 - Sun, October 20, 2013

Join Gerry Dawes, our world-class guide and author and gastronomy expert. Sample regional food and wine, and meet with chefs, winemakers, and restaurant owners for a true insider’s perspective on the culinary delights of Southern Spain. Visit Madrid’s Prado Museum; tour the Golden Age Theater in Almagro; and sample Andalucian olive oils. Stay in the Moorish city of Granada and visit the Alhambra. Enjoy wine and tapas and explore the gypsy caves of Sacromonte to watch a zambra performance. Read more »

Travel Cost: 

$4,995, per person, based on double occupancy and a minimum of 18 travelers.
 
"Thanks for the adventure and getting us access to the best wineries and restaurants in from Madrid to Barcelona."
-Tom Burkhart, 2006 Spain's Food and Wine Trip with Gerry Dawes
 
"Our first trip with The Commonwealth Club turned out to be one of the best trips we'd ever taken in our many years of world travel. We experienced an unforgettably wonderful slice of culture that far exceeded our expectations, due to the relationships with chefs and winemakers in Spain."
-Joe and Linda Rubino, 2006 Spain's Food and Wine Trip with Gerry Dawes

Discovering Eastern Europe

Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic
Sat, October 05, 2013 - Mon, October 21, 2013

Depart on an odyssey through Central Europe that visits five distinctly different nations—Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic—focusing on the past as well as the monumental events of the last century. Tour Warsaw’s Old Town— a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and visit the haunting concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Explore Budapest's Fine Art Museum and Parliament, and view the scenic Danube Bend. In Vienna, attend a classical music performance and tour majestic Schönbrunn Palace. Read more »

Travel Cost: 

$5,537 – including  from SFO – per person, based on double occupancy ($4,835 air & land inclusive plus $702 airline taxes and departure fees)