MIT ALUMNI TRAVEL PROGRAM Poland: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk August 4–13, 2019 With MIT Associate Professor of Urban Design and Public Policy Brent D. Ryan PhD ’02 Dear MIT Alumni and Friends,

Immerse yourself in the heart of Poland on this MIT-exclusive program. From Kraków to Warsaw to Gkańsk, see how these three cities have preserved their rich cultural legacy and modernized their urban landscape.

Join fellow alumni and friends of MIT on this custom-built program for an exploration through Kraków’s historic Old Town and Nowa Huta, a neighborhood built under the Soviet regime. In Warsaw, attend a private Chopin concert and explore the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto. Reflect on the impact of WWII as you visit thought-provoking museums, such as the new Museum of the Second World War in Gkańsk and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw.

During the program, MIT Associate Professor of Urban Design and Public Policy Brent Ryan PhD ’02 will explore the full range of Poland’s urban history, from the medieval Kingdom of Poland to the turmoil and occupation of the 20th century. Professor Ryan’s lectures, group discussions, and contributions from local experts will complement this in-depth exploration of Poland from past to present.

Complete trip information can be found on our website at alum.mit.edu/poland-2019. Please contact the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions about this program or would like to make a reservation.

Sincerely,

Melissa C. Gresh Director, MIT Alumni Travel Program

P.S. Visit our website at alum.mit.edu/travel for details and updates on all our programs. Find us on Facebook at MIT Alumni Travel Program. ENRICHMENT LECTURER

Brent D. Ryan is associate professor of Urban Design and Public Policy in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning and head of the City Design and Development Group. His research focuses on the aesthetics and policies of contemporary urban design, particularly in postindustrial cities, with a special focus on post-Communist cities in Eastern Europe and Asia. Professor Ryan is currently conducting research and teaching in Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, and China, among other countries. He is the author of two books: The Largest Art: A Measured Manifesto for a Plural Urbanism (2017) and Design After Decline: How America Rebuilds Shrinking Cities, which was selected by Planetizen as one of its 10 best urban planning books of 2012. Ryan has written several book chapters and articles in leading academic publications. The Journal of the American Planning Association awarded his article “Reading Through a Plan” its best article of 2011. Ryan has taught at MIT since 2009. Prior to joining MIT, he taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he was also co-director of the City Design Center. Ryan holds a BS in biology from Yale University, an MArch from Columbia University, and a PhD in urban design and planning from MIT.

“Our visit will explore the full range of Poland’s urban history, from the medieval Kingdom of Poland to the turmoil and occupation of the twentieth century. Mixing present and past, contemporary and ancient, Poland’s cities are uniquely scenic, stimulating, and thought- provoking—a panorama not to be missed!” — BRENT D. RYAN PHD ’02 MIT ALUMNI TRAVEL PROGRAM Poland: Kraków, Warsaw, Gkańsk August 4–13, 2019 With MIT Associate Professor of Urban Design and Public Policy Brent D. Ryan PhD ’02

ITINERARY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4: DEPART USA

Depart from the USA on independent overnight flights to Kraków, Poland.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5: ARRIVALS IN KRAKÓW

Join a group transfer to the Grand Ascot Hotel, a centrally located four-star hotel within walking distance of the city’s Market Square. Explore the pedestrian streets of Kraków’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time permitting, step inside St. Mary’s Church to see its famous wooden altar by Wit Stwosz. This evening, enjoy welcome remarks from the enrichment lecturer and a welcome dinner introducing Polish culinary specialties. Grand Ascot, Kraków (D)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6: KRAKÓW

After an introductory lecture, follow a guided tour of Kraków’s famous Wawel Royal Castle, home to three dynasties of Poland’s monarchs. Continue to nearby Jagiellonian University—Collegium Maius. Admire its collection of astronomical instruments and a model of the world’s first globe showing a fragment of the east coast of America.

There are two touring options for the afternoon. Option one is a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the largest death camp in the history of humanity, and a worldwide symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. Option two is a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created over 700 years by many generations of Polish miners, the underground world is exceptionally beautiful, with richly decorated chambers that hold exquisitely sculpted salt statues. Return to Kraków for an evening at leisure. Grand Ascot, Kraków (B, L)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7: KRAKÓW

Explore the Nowa Huta neighborhood, Kraków’s centrally planned Socialist district. During the Polish revolution, this neighborhood became one of the centers of the revolution and resistance in Poland. After lunch, discover Kraków’s Kazimierz district, the city’s center for Jewish life until WWII. Early evening, join with fellow travelers for a discussion and cocktails. Dinner tonight is at leisure. Grand Ascot, Kraków (B, L, R) THURSDAY, AUGUST 8: KRAKÓW TO WARSAW

Board the morning train to Warsaw. Upon arrival, explore the city’s story of post-war renewal. See how old and new neighborhoods create a diverse urban landscape, and walk through charming Old Town with its historical churches and tenement houses that were beautifully rebuilt after WWII. Walk through Market Square and take time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, tour Lazienki Royal Palace and Park complex and visit the Palace on the Island. Conclude with a private Chopin recital performed by a leading Polish pianist, and toast your arrival in Warsaw. This evening, enjoy dinner together near the hotel. Hotel Polonia Palace, Warsaw (B, D)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9: WARSAW

Following a morning lecture, depart for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, located in what was once the heart of Jewish Warsaw and later turned into the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII. The eight galleries of the museum present the story of Polish Jews in a chronological way, telling their histories through artifacts, images, and first-person accounts. After lunch together, explore the impressive Palace of Culture and Science, a 231-meter-high building and the country’s tallest high-rise. The remainder of the afternoon and dinner are at leisure. Hotel Polonia Palace, Warsaw (B, L)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10: WARSAW

Begin the day with a visit to the Warsaw Rising Museum. Founded in commemoration of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, the museum is an exceptional place to gain an understanding of Warsaw’s history, everyday life during the uprising, and the post-war years under the Communist regime. In the early afternoon, follow a guided walking tour along the shaded Vistula Boulevards, followed by a dinner cruise on the Vistula River. Hotel Polonia Palace, Warsaw (B, D)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11: WARSAW TO GDAŃSK

Board an early-morning train to Gdańsk, a port city on the Baltic and an old Hanseatic League city. Explore the heart of medieval Old Town and wander down Main Street (Dlugi Targ). Discover its unique architecture, which stems from years of influence from wealthy merchants who shaped the city. Enjoy lunch with fellow travelers before heading to the Museum of the Second World War. Gather in late afternoon for a lecture and refreshments at the hotel. Enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure. Hotel Hanza, Gdańsk (B, L, R) MONDAY, AUGUST 12: GDAŃSK AND GDYNIA

Visit the European Solidarity Center, an impressive museum and library devoted to the history of Solidarność (Solidarity), the first Polish trade union that was not controlled by a communist party. During a meeting with a member of the Solidarity union, hear about the movement’s use of methods of civil resistance to advance the causes of workers’ rights and social change. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive to nearby Gdynia, a fishing village that became a seaside resort town in the early twentieth century. This evening, join fellow travelers for a celebratory farewell dinner and toast a wonderful journey through Poland. Hotel Hanza, Gdańsk (B, D)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13: RETURN TO THE USA

This morning, take a group transfer to the airport for independent return flights to the United States. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change.

Included meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, R=Reception

WHAT TO EXPECT

This trip is suitable for people in good health with overall good mobility. Morning transfers and lectures will typically begin between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. and run till 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. Dinners with the group will begin around 7:30 p.m. The weather in Poland in August is typically warm and mostly sunny. Temperatures average in the mid-70s during the daytime and drop to the mid-50s in the evening. While it is mostly sunny, it can sometimes be slightly overcast with chances of light rain.

PROGRAM DETAILS AND PRICING

Complete trip information can be found on the website at alum.mit.edu/poland-2019.

$4,995 per person double occupancy $795 single supplement

All prices are quoted in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include air transportation costs. A deposit of $1,000 per person is needed to confirm your reservation. The deposit can be made by check, payable to International Seminar Design (the tour operator for this program), or by major credit card (MasterCard, Visa). Program price is based on a minimum of 13 travelers. Sign Up Today!

To reserve space on this program, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749. The reservation form can be found online. All confirmed travelers are asked to review and sign the Terms and Conditions Statement and return it to International Seminar Design prior to departure. This statement outlines all inclusions, exclusions, and the cancellation policy.

The reservation form and the Terms and Conditions Statement can be found on the website at alum.mit.edu/poland-2019.

Mail Payment and Reservation Form to:

MIT Alumni Travel Program, 600 Memorial Drive, W98-2nd floor, Cambridge MA 02139

Reservations are to be paid in full by April 26, 2019. Balance due at that time can be paid by check only. Reservations received after April 26, 2019, must be accompanied by payment in full by check. All travelers are required to sign a Terms and Conditions Statement.

Program Price Includes:

• All accommodations, meals, and receptions as outlined in the itinerary • Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary • Lectures, tour activities, and services of an ISDI tour manager throughout • All land transportation by deluxe private motorcoach and one group transfer from the airport upon arrival in Kraków, Poland, and departure from Gdańsk, Poland, to the airport

Program Price Does Not Include:

Domestic and international airline tickets, airport and airline taxes, and any airline fuel surcharges; gratuities for chambermaids; airport porterage; any personal items not listed as included, such as telephone calls, personal services and travel extensions, room service and valet service, excursions or meals marked optional on the itinerary. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is not included but is strongly encouraged.

The MIT Alumni Travel Program provides further information about the Alumni Travel Program and the relationship between the Alumni Association and the tour operator online at alum.mit.edu/travel/about. MIT Alumni Travel Program Non-Profit Org 600 Memorial Drive, W98-2nd Floor U.S. Postage Cambridge, MA 02139-4822 PAID 800-992-6749 Cambridge, MA alum.mit.edu/travel Permit #54016

MIT ALUMNI TRAVEL PROGRAM Poland: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk August 4–13, 2019 With MIT Associate Professor of Urban Design and Public Policy Brent D. Ryan PhD ’02