European Coastal Civilizations

Explore the historical legacies and dynamic cultures of coastal Portugal, Spain, France and England on an eight-night voyage. Explore Oporto, Portugal’s wine country; walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela; and visit the Guggenheim Museum and Mont-St-Michel.  Guest speaker Dwight D. Eisenhower II accompanies you to the hallowed beaches of Normandy. Conclude with a cruise up the storied River Thames to London’s Tower Bridge. Optional Lisbon pre-cruise and London post-cruise extensions.

Dates
Apr 30 - May 9, 2018  (10 Days)
Cost

from $5,195, per person, double occupancy 

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Monday, April 30
    Depart the U.S.
    Tuesday, May 1
    Lisbon, Portugal

    Arrive in Lisbon and embark the five-star Le Boréal. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and dinner this evening. Le Boréal (R,D)

    Wednesday, May 2
    Leixões for Oporto

    Dock in Leixões, northern Portugal’s principal port, and transfer to Oporto, a former Roman outpost and the center of the world-famous port wine trade since the 13th century.  Oporto’s historic city center, Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque neighborhood of medieval streets lined with colorful houses where you will visit the Gothic Church of São Francisco and the neoclassical Stock Exchange, with its intricately gilded Arabian Hall inspired by the famous Moorish Alhambra palace. The city showcases great artistic and architectural treasures that remain from the Moorish period, when previous Greek and Roman influences, along with religious tolerance between the Jewish and Christian faiths, created a coexistence of cultures in which disciplines like mathematics, medicine, optics, horticulture, art and architecture flourished. Le Boréal (B,L,D)

    Thursday, May 3
    A Coruña, Spain, for Santiago de Compostela

    Travel into the oak and pine-forested hills of Galicia, one of Spain’s self-governed principalities, influenced by its Roman, Germanic, Moorish and Castilian heritages and infused with an unexpected Celtic atmosphere. Golden-hued granite buildings grace its well-preserved capital, Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where medieval pedestrian stone streets lead to the expansive Plaza del Obradoiro and the city’s grand Romanesque cathedral. A national monument and pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, the cathedral was built to enshrine the tomb of St. James, who preached on the Iberian Peninsula, and is recognized for its distinctive Baroque façade, original medieval portico and incomparable Churrigueresque altar. Le Boréal (B,L,D)

    Friday, May 4
    Santander for Bilbao

    From Santander transfer to Bilbao, surrounded by the verdant Basque Mountains. Discover this dynamic and sophisticated city with a stop in the historic casco viejo (old quarter) and the promenade of El Arenal, a popular route for Bilbaínos’ evening paseos (leisurely strolls). Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic, Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary art. Le Boréal (B,L,D)

    Saturday, May 5
    Cruising the French Coast

    While cruising the dramatic west coast of France, attend an exclusive onboard lecture by historian and special guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II. Le Boréal (B,L,D)

    Sunday, May 6
    St. Malo, France, for Mont-St-Michel

    The UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-St-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of France—its spectacular, soaring spires rise majestically from a tidal plain seemingly suspended above the sea. A pilgrimage site since the early eighth century, this fortified village began as a humble oratory and grew into an influential Benedictine monastery between the 12th and 13th centuries, becoming a renowned medieval center of learning. Experience the extraordinary beauty of its cloisters, refectory, stained-glass windows and the Abbaye du Mont-St-Michel, a three-story Gothic masterpiece known as La Merveille (The Miracle) since the 12th century. Le Boréal (B,L,D)

    Monday, May 7
    Caen for Normandy Beaches

    Dock in Caen and travel through the scenic countryside to the historic Normandy beaches. In the company of Dwight David Eisenhower II,  walk where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, under the direction of his distinguished grandfather, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower. Contemplate the solemn commemorative crosses and Stars of David in the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. Envision the heroic soldiers of the United States Army Second Ranger Battalion, who scaled the 100-foot sheer cliffs to capture German gun emplacements at Pointe du Hoc.

    Following lunch, continue to Arromanches to see the remnants of Mulberry Harbor, constructed by the British to support Allied landings on the Normandy beaches. View an engaging wraparound short film documenting the D-Day campaign at the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema; alternatively, you may choose to see the famous 230-foot-long Bayeux Tapestry, a stunning visual chronicle of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Le Boréal (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, May 8
    Cruising the English Channel / River Thames / London, England

    Enjoy lectures this morning as the ship cruises the Strait of Dover, once a river valley separating England from the European continent and where the naval forces of Queen Elizabeth I delivered a fatal blow to the Spanish Armada in 1588.

    Then cruise up the River Thames into the heart of London, a memorable passage possible only by small ship. Enjoy a cup of afternoon tea while passing the Thames Barrier; historic maritime Greenwich, where the Cutty Sark ship is moored and the prime meridian lies; and the soaring skyline of Canary Wharf. Be on deck as your voyage culminates in a dramatic approach to London’s iconic Tower Bridge.

    Dock overnight on the River Thames across from the Tower of London and alongside the historic naval vessel HMS Belfast. Attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening. Le Boréal (B,L,R,D)

    Wednesday, May 9
    London / U.S.

    Following breakfast this morning, disembark and continue on the London’s Royal History Post‑Cruise Option or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

    Map
    Grande Lisboa - Sintra & Cascais: April 28-May 1

    Lisbon’s charm exudes from its illustrious palaces, magnificent monuments and impressive architecture that link the city to its rich cultural heritage as a historic gateway for world exploration. See the UNESCO World Heritage site of the magnificent 16th‑century Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Visit the charming village of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the former Moorish fort is the last remaining medieval royal palace in Portugal, and explore the picture-perfect coastal town of Cascais. Accommodations are for two nights in the centrally located, deluxe Dom Pedro Palace Hotel.

    London's Royal History: May 9 - 11

    Experience stately London, where living history makes each successive visit more enjoyable than the last. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Tower of London, where Her Majesty’s Beefeaters guard the dazzling Crown Jewels. See the magnificent Westminster Abbey and iconic Big Ben, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, and, at 18th-century Buckingham Palace, tour the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in the world. Accommodations for two nights are in the elegant InterContinental Park Lane Hotel, just steps away from storied Hyde Park. 

    8 - $5,195   Ocean-view, one large window, shower. Deck 3, Champollion, forward.
    7 - $6,795   Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 3, Champollion, aft.
    6 - $7,195   Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 3, Champollion, midship.
    5 - $7,995   Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private, partial wall balcony, shower. Deck 4, Lafayette, forward.
    4 - $8,195   Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower. Deck 4, Lafayette, midship.
    3 - $8,595   Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower. Deck 5, Normandie, forward.
    2 - $8,895   Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower or tub/shower. Deck 5, Normandie, midship.
    1 - $9,395   Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, shower or tub/shower. Deck 6, France deck.
    Deluxe Suite - $10,995  Ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony, tub/shower and sitting area with sofa. Deck 6, France. (limited availability)
    Prestige Suite II - $12,195  Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms: tub/shower and shower, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 5, Normandie.
    Prestige Suite I - $12,695  Two-room, ocean-view, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms: tub/shower and shower, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 6, France.
    Owner’s Suite - $13,395  Two rooms, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors onto two private balconies, one and a half bathrooms, separate tub and shower, sitting room with sofa, table and four chairs and writing desk. Deck 6, France.

    Singles are available in category 6 at $13,195 and in category 4 at $14,195 on or before September 22, 2017. (Assistance with finding a roommate can be provided.)

    Prices above reflect the Early Booking Discount. Add $1,000 for reservations made after September 22, 2017.

    Taxes are an additional $595 per person and are subject to change.

    Included
    Exclusive lecture by historian Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower; Eight nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star Le Boréal; Cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, to London, England, with port calls at Leixões for Oporto, Portugal; A Coruña for Santiago de Compostela and Santander for Bilbao, Spain; and St. Malo for Mont-St-Michel; Caen for the Normandy Beaches, France; and a cruise up the River Thames to the Tower Bridge, London; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available throughout the cruise; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre‑departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

    Not Included
    International airfare; Taxes of $595 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel ($120 per person); Hotel staff gratuities (Pre-/Post-Cruise Options)($2 per person per day) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport and visa fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section

    Optional Pre-Tour: Grande Lisboa - Sintra & Cascais
    $595 per person, double occupancy
    $795 single occupancy room

    Optional Post-Tour: London’s Royal History 
    $1,095 per person, double occupancy
    $1,795 single occupancy room 

    What to Expect

    Many of the cities and towns being visited were founded centuries ago, and the terrain is rugged.  Therefore, a fair amount of walking along narrow cobblestone streets, stone floors or uneven and/or slippery terrain and climbing several flights of stairs (some without railings) is to be expected.  Walking excursions often cover distances of at least one mile and are approximately three hours in length.

    There can be no more fitting way to pay tribute to the Allied Forces, whose courageous D-Day invasion changed the course of World War II, than to walk on the historic beaches of Normandy liberated by American, Canadian and British forces. It is a privilege to have David Eisenhower, our expert historian who is personally familiar with one of the most powerful world leaders of the 20th century and World War II, present a dynamic lecture and accompany this profound visit to the beaches of Normandy.

    Trip Educators
    Dwight David Eisenhower

    DWIGHT David Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is a noted historian of World War II and the Cold War. His 900-page best seller Eisenhower: At War 1943‑1945, published in 1986, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in history. David is Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Public Policy Fellow at the Annenberg School of Communication and the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches “Communication and the Presidency.”

    Cancellations
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s)) 
    From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
    From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 70% of the published full regular tariffs
    59 days or less prior to departure: No refund

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.

    In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply. 

    Discounted Reservations
    Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by September 22, 2017. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.  

    Trip Insurance
    We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Airfare
    Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.