2010
Mendocino and Anderson Valley
A Bay Gourmet Get-Away
April 9-11, 2010
JUST ADDED!
Join Cathy Curtis, Bay Gourmet Member-Led Forum Chair, for a food and wine adventure in Mendocino and Anderson Valley.
Spend two nights at charming MacCallum House in the heart of Mendocino's downtown.
Savor the wines of Anderson Valley during private tastings with winemakers and visit local organic farms.
Meet with Dory Kwan, a food and wine consultant, for a palate development and food & wine pairing workshop. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts and lunches, and a dinner at Café Beaujolais, an excellent California French restaurant located in historic Mendocino.
Includes most meals, all your transportation from San Francisco or Marin pick-up points, plus special visits and tastings.
Trip Cost: From $899, per person
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The Kingdom of Bhutan: Democracy, Royalty, and Gross National Happiness
April 20-May 3, 2010
Bhutan is a land of soaring snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and exotic flora and fauna. Its jealously guarded isolation, awe-inspiring Himalayas, ancient culture and friendly people, makes it a magical place even for the most intrepid of travelers. A unique aspect of Bhutan is that progress is not only defined by economic achievements as in most countries, but also based on the level of cultural and environmental preservation and development. The nation is also a bastion of Mahayana Buddhism, and the teachings of this spiritual tradition influence all aspects of life in the kingdom.
Travel to Thimpu, Punakha, Paro in central Bhutan and Trongsa and the Bumthang Valley in the east. Explore isolated hermitages and discover the culture and folklore of Bhutan through art, music and dance. Witness the Ura Tsechu festival in Bumthang Valley and see the sacred Cham dances. Meet a Bhutanese family in their farmhouse and visit with senior monks in a monastery. Throughout the program hear from local guest speakers on topics pertaining to democracy, the Royal Family, religion and the concept of Gross National Happiness.
Trip Cost: Approximately $5,995 per person, based on double occupancy
Want to know more? Attend a trip information session at the Club on February 16. Click here to register.
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Perspectives of Iran
with award-winning foreign correspondent, Stephen Kinzer
April 28-May 13, 2010
Join award-winning foreign correspondent Stephen Kinzer, on a journey through Iran, where vast monuments serve as testament to the extraordinary history of this country. Begin in Tehran, where we have scheduled time to explore the country's capital, including a visit to the basement vault of the Bank Milli Iran to view the spectacular Crown Jewels. Fly to Kerman and explore the old city, walking down shady alleys that run into the town's extensive bazaar, mosque and caravanserai complex. Drive to Yazd, the country's center of Zoroastrianism, where the most traditional Persian architecture is found. Spend two days in Shiraz with an excursion to the magnificent ruins of Persepolis – one of the most remarkable archaeological sites found in the Near East. End the program in Isfahan, a town of unsurpassed beauty where brilliant blue-tiled buildings and majestic bridges are often recognized as the perfection of Islamic architecture.
In 1996 Stephen Kinzer was named chief of the newly opened New York Times bureau in Istanbul, Turkey. He spent four years there, traveling widely in the area, including Iran. He is author of the award-winning book All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror. Throughout this program, a series of lectures will focus on issues such as Iran's foreign policy, economic structure, and U.S. policy toward Iran.
Trip Cost: $5,990 per person, based on double occupancy
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The Much Too Promised Land: Israel and the Palestinian Authority
May 1-13, 2010
Join Former State Department Middle East Advisor Aaron David Miller and program Moderator Sam Donaldson on an exclusive World Leaders program in the Middle East.
"Why Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and why now?"
Perhaps the question is best answered by keynote speaker Aaron David Miller, who spent two decades advising six U.S. presidents on Middle East policy and the Arab-Israeli peace process.
"The idea of two states for two peoples stands at a critical crossroads; Israeli and Palestinian politics and the divisions within them are as dynamic as ever; and the entire region from Lebanon to Iran seems driven by the possibilities of change.
Through the direct experience of meeting Israelis and Palestinians, exploring the real estate they both claim, understanding the holy sites they are contesting, and listening to experts and opinion makers from both sides you can begin to come to grips with the realities that shape their lives, their hopes, and their fears.
This World Leaders Forum offers a unique way to begin to understand the complexities of the "much too promised land."
Optional Pre-Forum Extension: Lebanon and Syria, April 25-May 2, 2010
Optional Post-Forum Extension: Jordan, May 13-18, 2010
Trip Cost: From $11,990 per person, based on double occupancy.
Aaron David Miller discusses the trip.
You can also listen to Aaron David Miller's presentation at the Club on December 3, 2009 in our audio archives, or watch a video of the presentation on YouTube.
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The Ultimate Tanzania Safari
June 12-23, 2010
This is the classic safari of your imagination; you will take advantage of early morning, afternoon, and early evening hours to cover the most ground and to observe the wildest variety of species and animal behavior in diverse habitats. Your adventure begins in Arusha where we meet with community activists Pete and Charlotte O’Neal, and later with a representative from HakiElimu, a NGO with the mission to provide every young Tanzanian the right to an education at the primary and secondary level.
The next day, fly to the Serengeti for four-days. Stay in two key locations within the Serengeti ecosystem observing lion, baboon, giraffe, elephant, reedbuck, crested crane, zebra, ostrich, crocodiles, warthog and many other exotic animals. Then en route to lush and verdant Ngorongoro Crater, visit Oldupai Gorge, the site of the Leakey family's remarkable discoveries. Your journey concludes in the Crater, a massive caldera inhabited by rhinoceros, bull elephant and black-maned lion. Your stay is complete with two-nights at a working coffee estate, organic farm and spa.
While in the Serengeti, stay in eco-friendly tents known as nyumbas, which means "home" in Swahili. They allow you direct access to the wilderness and wildlife while keeping you comfortable during your safari. Meet with special guest speakers and Commonwealth Club contacts along the way.
Trip Cost: Approximately $6,890 per person, based on double occupancy
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Portugal's Douro River
Aboard the Douro Cruiser
June 24-July 5, 2010
Discover the sights, sounds, and flavors of Portugal on this fascinating river cruise. Your trip begins in Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, before traveling north to Oporto to embark on a 7-night cruise along the scenic Douro River. Enjoy a hearty Portuguese meal at the 14th-century former Benedictine monastery in Bitetos. Stop in Régua for excursions to Lamego's Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies shrine and the Mateus wine estate.
In Pinhão, experience the center of the Port Wine making region with a visit to a local wine estate. A guided walking tour of Salamanca, Spain reveals the 16th-century House of Shells, former bullfighting arena at Plaza Mayor, and the ornate cathedral. Pause in medieval Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo to explore the steep, narrow streets lined with almond trees and to visit the castle. Back in Oporto, tour the city, visit a Port wine lodge, and sample the excellent wine. Return to Lisbon. Throughout the cruise hear from several distinguished study leaders who lecture on the history and culture of Portugal.
Trip Cost: $3,250 per person, based on double occupancy
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The Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
July 17-29, 2010
Stacked on top of each other along the Baltic coast, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are some of Europe's biggest success stories, acceding to the European Union in 2004. Estonia, home of the Singing Revolution, has northeastern Europe's best-preserved medieval town center in its capital, Tallinn. Latvia's capital, Riga, is the country's flourishing center of the arts, Art Nouveau architecture and nightlife. Lithuania, first to reassert its independence from the Soviet Union, boasts medieval Hanseatic ports, a restored 14th century castle and the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, a 60-mile strip of sand separating the Baltic Sea from the warm and shallow Curonian Lagoon. The Old Towns of all three capital cities are World Heritage Sites.
Learn about the region from our study leader, Kim Kavrell Savit, former Senior Professional Staff Member on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the State Department's former Director for Security and Law Enforcement to the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union. Throughout the journey, meet with experts, business leaders and officials, including a high-ranking member of Lithuania's military who has played a key role in Lithuania's NATO arena. A Lithuanian-born career soldier in the U.S. Army, he returned to Lithuania in 1997 as an advisor to the Prime Minister on security issues. In Tallinn, visit with a former Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs who is now in private business and has a vast private art collection. And in Riga, speak with a representative of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), an organization tasked with facilitating Latvian foreign investment and increasing Latvian competitiveness in both foreign and domestic markets.
Trip Cost: $5,495 per person, based on double occupancy
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In the Wake of Lewis and Clark:
Columbia and Snake Rivers
Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
September 18-24, 2010
Relive a vital chapter in our nation's history during this journey that takes you through a landscape that looks much as it did when they saw it two centuries ago. At the Columbia River, stand on deck as the ship is elevated more than 700 feet through a series of eight navigation locks, a marvel of modern engineering. At Buffalo Eddy see petroglyphs etched by the Native Americans. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites and learn about their relationship with the Nez Perce. As we travel the Palouse River, search for the mule deer, American coots, western grebes, great blue herons and graceful cormorants. Venture through the Columbia River Gorge and encounter the 620-foot high Multnomah Falls. At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, learn about the cataclysmic geological origins of the gorge, the region's diverse ecology, and its 10,000-year-old rich human history. At Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. The Columbia River Maritime Museum chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town, the epicenter of the fur trading empire in the early 1800s.
This 6-night cruise starts and ends in Portland and is perfect for those who want to experience remarkable diversity without having to travel too far from home. These rivers and waters are perfect for exploring by small ship, kayak and Zodiac. All along the way, expert naturalists and historians explain and animate the life of this region for us.
Trip Cost: From $3,830 per person, based on double occupancy
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Empires of the Mediterranean Sea
Aboard the Corinthian II
October 5-18, 2010
For thousands of years, the Mediterranean has been the highway to empire. Visit Turkey, Greece, Malta, Croatia and Italy aboard the Corinthian II, which follows the wake of empire-builders, who spread civilization and culture throughout the Mediterranean.
In Istanbul, explore the glorious monuments of the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. On the island of Chios, visit the Nea Moni monastery, adorned with beautiful mosaics created by artists from Constantinople. In Valletta, witness exuberant architecture built by the Knights of St. John to celebrate their victory over the Turks before sailing to Croatia to see the medieval towns of Kotor and Dubrovnik, with their interplay of Venetian, Slavic, and Islamic influences. And at Nafpaktos view the site of the Battle of Lepanto, where a Christian fleet crushed the Turkish navy. Study leaders lecture on the ancient and modern history of the Mediterranean.
Trip Cost: From $7,995 per person, based on double occupancy
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Peru: Land of the Andes, Incas, and Machu Picchu
October 2-11, 2010
Awaken your spirit in magical Peru, where breathtaking scenery and ancient mysteries weave together an inspirational journey of history, community and adventure. Starting in Lima, tour the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit the Pisac citadel, with its magnificent stonework and panoramas; Ollantaytambo, a temple-turned-fortress; and Yucay, a paradise for adventure-seekers and zen-like travelers alike. Spend a day volunteering at the SOS Children's Village in Cusco, then depart on the scenic rail trip to the legendary "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu.
Set against a backdrop of cloud-covered Andean peaks, Machu Picchu's abandoned temples, houses and sacrificial altar remain a glorious and mystifying glimpse into the ancient world. Your eco-hotel, situated within 12 acres of cloud forest, is a wealth of biodiversity and features the largest native species orchid garden in the world. Take the option to hike part of the Inca trail to the citadel of Winaywayna. End your journey in colorful Cusco, where you'll visit incredible ruins like Tambo Machay, the traditional bathing place for Inca royalty. Continue with an optional extension to Puno and Lake Titicaca and its unique islands.
Trip Cost: Approximately $3,995 per person, based on double occupancy
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Vietnam and Cambodia
Temples and Waterways
(with an extension to Laos)
November 4-20, 2010
Join Ambassador James Rosenthal on this incredible journey to Southeast Asia. Start in bustling Hanoi, with its French colonial architecture and broad tree-line boulevards. Continue through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, with scenes of rice fields and water buffalo, then board a boat for a cruise on Halong Bay.
Visit the impressive mausoleum complexes of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Explore charming Hoi An with its bridges and wonderful open markets. In Ho Chi Minh City visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, then journey to the Mekong Delta and Can Tho to experience the canals and floating markets.
Fly to Cambodia's Siem Reap where we stay for three nights. Explore the amazing Khmer ruins at Angkor, one of the world's most impressive temple complexes. Join an optional 3-day/night extension to Laos. Throughout the trip hear lectures from Ambassador Rosenthal whose experience and knowledge from living and working in the region are a highlight of the journey.
Trip Cost: $5,595, per person (Laos extension $1,445)
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