Throughout the Middle Ages the art, architecture, music, and science of Venice were influenced and enriched by the Byzantine and Islamic civilizations that flourished in the Aegean, Asia Minor, and the Middle East.

Round the Cape of Good Hope with us aboard the elegant 114-guest Corinthian IIfrom Mozambique's attractive capital of Maputo on to South Africa's Table Mountain, Stellenbosch wine country, and wildlife preserves (where many of "the big five" can be seen). Experience Namibia's serene deserts, where you will enjoy a private dinner in the dunes.

Join Ambassador James Rosenthal on this incredible journey to Southeast Asia. Start in bustling Hanoi, with its French colonial architecture and broad tree-lined 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.

During this exclusive program in our nation's capital, Club members will participate in a series of private Commonwealth Club forums held at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Meet high-level representatives from within the presidential administration, Congress, the media, think tanks, and other prestigious organizations. These expert panels will be moderated by well-known Washington, D.C. journalists and cover topics on energy, the economy, and foreign affairs.

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.

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.

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.

Sitting at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena has played a key role in California's history. In 1886, it became the second incorporated city in Southern California after Los Angeles. Today, it is an upscale community with a thriving arts, cultural, and entertainment scene, best known for the Tournament of Roses Parade that takes place every New Year's Day.

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.