Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled experience in our small group of only 28 guests. Join Turkey expert, Bonnie Joy Kaslan, San Francisco's Honorary Consul General of Turkey.

This unique and exclusive eight-day itinerary and small ship voyage showcases the coastal jewels of the Iberian between Barcelona, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, during the best time of year.

Traveling in a small group of no more than 24 guests, you’ll have the good fortune to meet local people and to experience a host of China’s highlights, both ancient and of the moment. 

Journey to Switzerland, the world’s oldest living democracy and a matchless paradise for walking. Luxuriate in the magnificent views of the Swiss and the Austrian Alps. Discover the village of Appenzell, with its charming houses adorned by murals.

Visit St. Gallen and the Abbey Library with manuscripts dating from the 8th century. Enjoy a curator-led tour of Engelberg’s Benedictine Monastery, housing the oldest church organ in Switzerland.

Discover the rustic glamour of Bar Harbor, Campobello Island and St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. In Bar Harbor, Maine, visit the Abbe Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to the culture and history of the Wabanaki nations. Board a traditional lobster boat and learn about Maine’s lobster industry. Journey to Quoddy Head State Park, the easternmost point in the United States, then discover the history and stunning landscapes of Campobello Island, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “beloved island,” and see his 34-room cottage.

Join Commonwealth Club study leaders Rebecca Newberger Goldstein and Steven Pinker, as we experience some of the most important sites from antiquity on an enchanting voyage along the coast of Turkey and through the Greek Isles on the legendary Sea Cloud. Also lecturing on board is Joan Aruz, Curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Travel in the company of these experts and thought leaders, as we explore the land of Odysseus.

Join this unique cruise for eight nights aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star small ship m.s. Le Boréal from Honfleur, France, to Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Join author and journalist Stephen Kinzer on a journey through Iran, where vast monuments serve as testament to the extraordinary history of this country.

Japan is a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This small group tour, limited to just 24 guests, features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

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.