Volume 57, Spring 2021 A Message on COVID-19 Dear ROM traveller: In these unprecedented times, when it is difficult to predict the future, ROMTravel has chosen to plan ahead for our 2022 and 2023 seasons. We believe people will travel again and we want to be ready when that time comes. However, as always, the safety of our guests and volunteers is our paramount concern. Please be assured that we will adjust plans as necessary in response to new information. For now, we can at least read travel books, look at old trip photos and dream of the day when we can again pack our bags. Russian Rendezvous , Saint Petersburg and The Golden Ring Postponed to September 2022

Figure 1: The Kremlin and the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge at night, Moscow, . Wikipedia and Aleksei. Russia is the world’s largest nation, a Russian Rendezvous and discover it with over 1,000 years of turbulent for yourself. Marvel at the onion- history and an immeasurable wealth domed cathedrals and the opulent of art and culture. Yet to many it gilded palaces of days past, and the remains an enigma. Come with us on avant-garde art and architecture of

- 1 - the future. Take in world-class local guide, and many highlights . Walk in the footsteps of exclusive to ROMTravel. These will cultural giants. Enjoy a performance include special access to The at one of the finest theatres in the Hermitage (on a day it is closed to the world! general public); private choral recital at Saint Basil’s Cathedral; private reception and choral recital at Saint Sergius Lavra, the spiritual home of the ; a cooking master class; and a private reception and behind the scenes tour of the old and new Mariinsky Theatres.

Figure 2: The ballroom in Catherine Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia. Wikipedia and W. Bulach. In Moscow, explore the highlights of the Kremlin, the cultural and political seat of power since the 13th century. Visit Star City, the former top-secret hub of the ’s . Tour the , an erstwhile nuclear bunker, some 20 storeys underground. Then travel back in time to where medieval Rus Figure 3: The modern Russian Federation coat of arms, Moscow, Russia. Pixabay. began, in the quaint towns and wooden churches of The Golden Coordinator: Margaret Magdziak 416.268.3921 Ring. In Saint Petersburg, discover [email protected] the legacy of the Romanov Empire, from its magnificent achievements to Cost: its inglorious end. TBD (international flights not included) Throughout the trip, partake of fabulous cuisine and unparalleled Travel arrangements by: Russian hospitality. Enjoy five-star Georgia Hardy Tours, Inc. Kathleen Hardy 416.483.7533 accommodations, receive the expert [email protected] knowledge of Professor Robert Ontario Registration Number: Johnson from the University of 2747543 Toronto, as well as the services of a

- 2 - Mystic Haida Gwaii Postponed to June 10 to 18, 2022 Discover why this area is known as whales are seen every trip, fin whales the “Canadian Galapagos” while (the second-largest whale on the cruising the waters aboard an 82-foot planet) and orcas regularly. One yacht. With a 24-foot tidal range, quarter of the seabirds in British intertidal exploring is spectacular and Columbia nest here. Overhead, we Burnaby Narrows is the best-known will see eagles everywhere, along area for it. There are innumerable with puffins and perhaps albatross. wonderful mossy creek walks, flower islands, and quiet anchorages.

Figure 5: Totem Poles. Bluewater adventures. Haida art and culture are iconic to Canada. We will visit three old villages during the trip: Tanu, Skedans and the UNESCO World Heritage site of SGang Gwaay, where 18 totem poles still stand. At each location Haida Watchmen will share stories as we walk through the site. Coordinator: Penelope Hughes 416.686.3787 [email protected] Figure 4: Mask at Haida Heritage Centre, Haida Cost: Gwaii. © IndigenousBC.com. TBD (double occupancy only; no The forests of Haida Gwaii are famous single supplement available; flights for 1,000-year-old cedars and spruce, not included) covered with a green moss carpet. Travel arrangements by: The Islands are on the edge of the Ellison Travel & Tours continental shelf and there we can Ontario Registration Number: observe a wonderful variety of whales 2392471 and smaller cetaceans: humpback

- 3 - Japan: Medieval, Mysterious and Modern Postponed to November 2022 through the Japanese Alps. Marvel at the temples of Kyoto, the ancient capital. Learn about samurai warriors, the geisha and the tea ceremony. Stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Japan’s fall colours will provide a spectacular setting for our travels.

Coordinator: Figure 6: Toshugo Shrine, Nikko, Japan. @ Golla 416.239.1855 Yasufumi Kiishu @ JNTO. [email protected] Blessed with a centuries-old culture, Cost: Japan will always fascinate with its TBD (international flights not diversity, intricacy, colour, culture and included) food. It is a complex and rewarding Travel arrangements by: destination ranging from bustling Elite Orient Tours Inc. cities to quiet mountain villages. Ontario Registration Numbers: Experience dynamic Tokyo and its 5000112 and 500011 famous Imperial Palace. Travel

High Arctic Explorer with Bob McDonald Postponed to August 12 to 24, 2022 Travel with a small group on a safe small ship and air charter. Limited space still available. Coordinator: Eric Morrison 416.691.6770 [email protected] Cost: Depends on cabin category (flights not included) Figure 7: The icesheet near Ilulissat, Greenland. © Michelle Valberg. Travel arrangements by: Adventure Canada Vast ice floes. polar bears. Franklin’s Sheryl Saint 905.271.4000 or doomed expedition searching for the 1.800.363.7566 extension 224 Northwest passage. The Inuit way of [email protected] life and art. Come see the Canadian Ontario Registration Numbers: High Arctic before it disappears. 4001400 and 50021860

- 4 - Intriguing Silk Road Across China with Sara Irwin Postponed to May 2022 Experience the cultural tapestry and the ancient Karez irrigation system in wonders of China’s Silk Road. The Turpan and the Id Kah Mosque in Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang will be Kasghar. Clamber up Jiayuguan’s an unforgettable experience. Over a Great Wall fort and wander through thousand caves were created and the Jiaohe ruins that both Marco Polo used for worship by monks during and Genghis Khan once visited. Take the 4th to 14th centuries. a deep breath – it is an epic journey. Coordinator: Marion Ho 416.586.8034 [email protected] Cost: TBD (international flights not included) Travel arrangements by: Tour East Holidays (Canada) Inc. Steve Hope 416.929.0888 ext. 2236 Figure 8: Entrance to the Mogao Grottoes, near or 1.877.578.8888 Dunhuang, China. Wikipedia and Zhangzhugang. [email protected] Ride a camel over the Echoing Sand Ontario Registration Number: Dunes; walk in local markets and view 675314

Churchill’s Polar Bears October 2022 Join ROMTravel in Churchill, Manitoba, to witness the annual polar bear migration as they await their departure to the ice floes of Hudson Bay. Often referred to as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, Churchill is located on the west coast of Hudson Bay and is Canada’s only Arctic port. While this getaway will focus on the iconic bear, the journey to Churchill may also provide a new Figure 9: Polar Bear and Cub. Wikipedia. perspective on the northern Coordinator: experience in Canada. Sherrie Ann Pollock 416.219.1273 [email protected]

- 5 - Looking Forward: Upcoming Trips Enchanting , and - January / February 2023 Join Sara Irwin on a trip to Indochina, a wondrous mosaic of fascinating architectural sites, unmatched vistas of natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture and delectable regional delicacies. Coordinator: Marion Ho 416.586.8034 Figure 10: Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Wikipedia and [email protected] sam garza.

Morocco: Imperial Cities and Enchanted Kasbahs - March / April 2023 Journey with the ROM’s Senior Curator, Global Fashion & Textiles (Asia and Africa), Sarah Fee, through Morocco. Explore Imperial cities (Casablanca, Fes, Rabat and Meknes), the dramatic scenery of the Atlas Mountains, palm groves, dunes of the Sahara Desert, lively souks and delectable cuisine.

Coordinator: Figure 11: Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Neera Chopra 416.441.9259 Morocco. Pixabay. [email protected]

Highlights of Spain: Ancient and Modern - May 2023 Join Doctor Jonathan Edmundson to visit the magnificent ruins of Merida, one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, and the magical Mezquita of Cordoba with its cathedral. We will be based in the beautiful cities of Barcelona, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla and Madrid to enjoy their historical monuments, fine food and culture. Figure 12: Palace of Charles V, part of the Coordinator: Alhambra, Córdoba, Spain. Wikipedia and Ann Dandy 647.346.4334 Jebulon. [email protected]

- 6 - Scotland Slowly - Postponed to June 13 to 24, 2023 If you wish to receive information about this trip as it develops, please contact the Coordinator. Coordinator: Van Vliet 416.925.5891 [email protected] Cost: From $6,395 USD (depending on cabin category; flights not included)

Travel arrangements by: Figure 13: Jarlshof Wheelhouse and Broch, Adventure Canada Shetland, Scotland. Wikipedia and Otter. Sheryl Saint 905.271.4000 or 1.800.363.7566 extension 224 Due to the current uncertainty around [email protected] European travel, ROMTravel has Ontario Registration Numbers: decided to postpone our Adventure 4001400 and 50021860 Canada cruise through the Scottish Islands from June 2021 to June 2023.

A Tale of Three Cities: Vienna, Prague, Budapest - Fall 2023 Once upon a time there were music, fairytale architecture, writers, fascinating history, café society, romantic hilltop castles, ornate cathedrals and imperial palaces. Come experience it all in the golden cities of Europe. After all you only get to live happily ever after once. Our resource person is Christopher Hume, Toronto Star columnist.

Coordinator: Figure 14: Karlskirche, Vienna, Austria. Wikipedia Eric Morrison 416.691.6770 and Felix Konig. [email protected]

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