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April 10-24, 2016 October 11–27, 2020 MadagascarIndia to of the IndianPaul Ocean Freedman aboard CaledonianChester D. Sky Tripp Professor of History Chair, History of Science, History of Medicine RED TSINGY SANDSTONE Dear Yale Traveler FORMATIONS, DIEGO SUAREZ Geographically isolated for millions of years and boasting nearly 100 varieties of , Madagascar is one of the most fascinating wild places on the planet. Its intriguing array of flora and fauna can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. I invite you to join fellow Yalies as we discover this extraordinary corner of the natural and all its wonders on a cruise around the . From pristine coral reefs and coastal to virgin rain and native groves of Baobab trees, we’ll explore an impressive variety of spectacular landscapes. We’ll also meet and learn about Madagascar’s unique people, descendants of Malay-Polynesian mariners, African slaves, and traders from Arabia, , and . Our program begins with a private charter flight from Johan- nesburg to , Madagascar, thus avoiding the 2-day crossing of the rough Channel by . Led by a team of expert naturalists, we’ll spend eleven days exploring Madagascar’s numer- ous marine reserves and national parks. Then, leaving the wonders of Madagascar behind, we’ll arrive at Réunion Island, a paradisiacal French outpost, to experience its white-sand beaches, spectacular dormant volcanoes, and vibrant Creole character. We’ll disembark FODY CARDINAL on the island of Mauritius, the perfect end to our voyage, where we’ll take in the island’s distinctive local culture and geologic wonders MAURITIUS before flying home. Optional pre- and post-cruise extensions are ISLAND also available including a safari near Kruger National Park in South , and the opportunity to lengthen your stay on Mauritius. A cruise is one of the best ways to see this thousand-mile island, allowing for expedition-style touring from the ease and comfort of a luxury vessel. Aboard the all-suite Caledonian Sky, we’ll enjoy lectures and learning experiences as well as the camaraderie of friends old and new. We’ll also be joined by a Yale study leader, who will soon be announced, along with colleagues from Stanford University and Princeton University.

This off-the-beaten-path journey to Madagascar is sure to VOLCANIC ROCK SEA COAST, generate interest, so we encourage you to reserve your space by con- REUNION ISLAND tacting us at (203) 432-1952 or [email protected]. Or you can make your reservation online at alumnitravel.yale.edu/madagascar20.

Sincerely,

Lauren Summers Senior Director, Lifelong Learning and Travel Yale Alumni Association

COVER PHOTO:

alumnitravel.yale.edu/madagascar20 Yale Study Leader We are in the process of identifying a Yale study leader who will provide valuable insight during this extraordinary journey. You’ll find an announcement about our study leader on the program’s Highlights webpage as soon as that expert is confirmed. Cruise into dramatic Diego Suarez, set on a stunning natural harbor, Additional Lecturer with a cosmopolitan mix of is Class of 1877 Professor of Zoology, Daniel Rubenstein inhabitants including Creole, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Director Indian, Chinese, and Arab. of the Program in Environmental Studies at Princeton. His research focuses on decision-making in animals. He studies Visit the Durrell Breeding how an individual’s foraging, mating, and social behavior are Program to learn about the influenced by its phenotype, by ecological circumstances, and by efforts being made to protect the actions of other individuals in the population. He develops the ploughshare , simple mathematical models to generate predictions that can be one of the most threatened tested using data gathered from structured field observations or breeds in the world. experimental manipulations. In this way, Rubenstein searches for general principles or “rules” that underlie complex patterns of Snorkel in the warm and behavior. On this journey, Professor Rubenstein will discuss his pristine waters around recent findings on the social behavior of lemurs as well as topics Nosy Tanikely, a tiny, in African conservation. uninhabited island sur- rounded by sandy beaches and a shallow coral reef teeming with fish and turtles. Take in the beauty of , one of the most diverse virgin rain forests in Madagascar, hosting half of all flora and fauna found on the island.

Upcoming Trips of the Pharaohs aboard Sun Boat III February 6–19, 2020 Paul Bracken ’82 PhD Management, Political Science Footsteps of St. Paul along the Turkish Coast aboard the Serenissima 15–25, 2020 Stephen Davis History, Religious Studies PHOTO CREDITS: (From Dreamstime.com): BAOBAB TREES ©Christian Offenberg; RED TSINGY ©Christian Offenberg; FODY CARDINAL ©Gary Osborne; REUNION ISLAND SEA COAST ©Dmitry Chulov; MAURITIUS ISLAND POST OFFICE ©Cristalloid; RING-TAILED LEMUR ©Mirecca; Portugal and Northern CHAMAREL ©Konstik; TORTOISE ©Olga Khoroshunova; LEMUR ©Simone Matteo. aboard Sea Cloud II May 17–27, 2020 Steven Smith Yale Educational Travel • Yale Alumni Association Political Science Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010 Reservations: 203.432.1952 [email protected] Nosy Hara NATIONAL PARK Diego Suarez Itinerary Nosy Tanikely Amber Mountain OCTOBER 11–27, 2020 NATIONAL PARK Nosy WELCOME PHONE CALL Mangabe Masoala Tuesday, September 29, 2020 NATIONAL PARK 4:00 p.m. Eastern (tentative) Ankarafantsika Ile Sainte-Marie Join the group at 1 p.m. Eastern for NATIONAL PARK a pre-trip welcome call to learn more Madagascar about what to expect and Mozambiqueask any questions you may have. Channel Mauritius Port HOME / JOHANNESBURG, Kirindy Port Est Louis RESERVE Réunion SouthSOUTH Africa AFRICA Island Sunday & Monday, Greater Kruger NATIONAL PARKOctober 11 & 12, 2020 Depart home on international Toliara overnight flights to Johannesburg, JohannesburgSouth Africa, arriving on October 12. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception this evening. AT SEA NOSY HARA NATIONAL PARK 54 on Bath Hotel (R) Friday, October 16 Monday, October 19 Enjoy a full day at sea and the Nosy Hara means “mountainous TOLIARA, MADAGASCAR continuation of the educational island” in Malagasy and is Tuesday, October 13 program as Caledonian Sky cruises considered one of the last true This morning board a charter along the west coast of Madagascar. paradises of Madagascar. The flight to Toliara, Madagascar. After Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) island offers a stunning bay, sandy arrival, explore the Arboretum beaches, and the unique, sharply d’Antsokay and learn about its Over 70% of the wildlife eroded limestone spikes known fantastic collection of 500+ species species in Madagascar are as Tsingy formations. Hike the of endemic plants. Board the found nowhere else low circular path on the island Caledonian Sky this afternoon. or choose the steeper path to a in the world. Caledonian Sky (B,L,R,D) sweeping viewpoint. Enjoy time in the afternoon to relax on beautiful TOLIARA MAHAJANGA beaches. Wednesday, October 14 Saturday, October 17 Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Visit the curious spiny forest Drive to Ankarafantsika National , a unique which Park, a vast reserve boasting a dense DIEGO SUAREZ only exists in the southern part of diversity of flora and fauna, for Tuesday, October 20 Madagascar, and see the spectacular guided walks in search of wildlife. In Round Madagascar’s northernmost baobab trees at Reniala Private one of Madagascar’s finest parks for point, cruise into Diego Suarez’s Reserve. The reserve is a paradise for birdwatching, look for 129 identified stunning natural harbor, and birds and home to the grey mouse species, including Van Dam’s vanga. discover the town on a guided tour. lemur, radiated tortoise, and warty Learn about the medicinal plants Later, drive to Amber Mountain . and flowers used by the locals for National Park for tropical Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) centuries, and try to spot tiny mouse walks. See lush flora and waterfalls, lemurs. look for the crowned lemur, spot MORONDAVA Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) volcanic lakes, and count more than Thursday, October 15 40 varieties of butterfly. After breakfast depart to see the NOSY TANIKELY Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Avenue of Baobabs, an extraordinary Sunday, October 18 stand of the iconic massive trees, After a morning of cruising, arrive at followed by free time in Morondava Nosy Tanikely Reserve for an after- Wednesday, October 21 market. Or visit Kirindy Forest noon of snorkeling. Recognized for After a morning of cruising and Reserve, home to the greatest its remarkable marine , lectures, spend the afternoon density and diversity of the reserve boasts a spectacular coral exploring Nosy Mangabe, a small in the world as well as dozens of reef teeming with colorful fish and island reserve of virgin rainforest, amphibian species. other sea creatures. and home to a unique nocturnal Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) lemur called the aye-aye. Take the Zodiacs ashore for nature walks and , MAURITIUS try to spot black and white ruffed Monday, October 26 WHAT IS INCLUDED: lemurs, colorful paradise flycatchers, Disembark the ship this morning Full program of briefings, lectures, and many other types of wildlife. and discover the unique history of and presentations

Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Port Louis and Mauritius at the All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the La Citadel Fort and Aapravasi Ghat, itinerary including one hotel night in MASOALA NATIONAL PARK the immigration depot where the Johannesburg and 13 nights aboard Thursday, October 22 modern indentured labor diaspora Caledonian Sky Explore Masoala National Park’s began. Explore Chamarel, an eye- Charter flight from Johannesburg, coastal rainforest, dense marshes, catching region of tropical flora, to Toliara, Madagascar and stands of . Search for hidden waterfalls, and undulating Group transfers for all participants colorful , geckos, and sand dunes displaying an array on group arrival and departure days red-ruffed lemurs native to the . of colors. Visit Bois Cheri tea Baggage handling

Stop at Ambodiforaha village to plantation for a refreshing cup of Gratuities to porters, wait staff, mingle with locals and shop in the guides, drivers, and shipboard tea before departing for the airport personnel market. for flights home. (B,L) Port charges Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Entrance fees ALOFT / HOME Welcome and farewell wine ÎLE SAINTE-MARIE Tuesday, October 27 receptions Friday, October 23 Arrive in the U.S. House wine, beer, and soft drinks at Enjoy a full day on Île Sainte-Marie, all group meals a lush tropical island dotted with Bottled water throughout thatched villages. Visit the oldest Optional Pre-Cruise A team of expert naturalists church in Madagascar and the Extension Emergency medical evacuation vibrant market in the capital of the GREATER KRUGER services island, Ambodifotatra. Continue NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH Professional tour managers further north to La Cirque, with AFRICA October 7-11 throughout the program curving white beaches and over- Search for the “Big Five” and hanging palms, for nature walks other amazing wildlife on game WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: and snorkeling. drives. Upon arrival in Johannes- U.S. domestic and international

Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) burg, spend one night at the airfare Passport/visa expenses not noted as included Medical expenses InterContinental Airport Hotel and immunizations Airport transfers AT SEA before flying to Sabi Sabi Bush on days other than group arrival and Saturday, October 24 Lodge for three days. Witness departure days Travel insurance

During a final full day at sea, the wildlife on open-vehicle Optional excursions or deviations enjoy the conclusion of the lecture from the scheduled tour Meals and safaris and optional bushwalks. beverages other than those specified program and the onboard amenities as included Laundry or dry cleaning en route to Réunion Island, a Optional Post-Cruise Telephone, fax, internet, and email rainforested outpost hundreds Extension charges Room service Other items of miles into the Indian Ocean. of a personal nature MAURITIUS October 26–29 Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Extend your stay for further ITINERARY CHANGES: of the lush rain- The itinerary presented for this tour PORT EST, RÉUNION ISLAND forests and white sand beaches is subject to modification and change Sunday, October 25 of Mauritius. Discover Íle aux by Yale Educational Travel and Visit Réunion Island’s central Criterion Travel, the tour operator. Aigrettes, one of the last Every reasonable effort will be made highlands, a spectacular, rugged sanctuaries for rare Mauritian landscape of active, dormant, to operate the program as planned; wildlife, including the giant however, should unforeseen world extinct, and collapsed volcanoes, tortoise and the ornate events and conditions require where mountain peaks tower to day gecko. Learn about the long the itinerary to be altered, Yale Educational Travel and the tour more than 10,000 feet above sea colonial history of this prosper- level. See picturesque villages that operator reserve the right to do so ous Indian Ocean archipelago. for the safety and best interest of the dot the lush and verdant landscape group. Any extra expenses incurred in and learn about production at Further details and pricing will be this situation are the responsibility of a small family-run plantation. Enjoy sent to confirmed participants of the participant. the Captain’s farewell reception either extension. and dinner this evening on board Caledonian Sky before crossing to the neighboring island of Mauritius. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Reserve Your Trip To Madagascar Today Book online: alumnitravel.yale.edu/madagascar20 Sun Deck

Panorama Lounge

Castle Deck Cabin

Caledonian Sky PROGRAM RATES per person, double occupancy The Caledonian Sky is a A CASTLE DECK Standard Suite (forward) 244 sq. ft. 114-passenger premier expedition with two portholes, shower $13,990 CASTLE DECK Standard Suite 244 sq. ft. ship refurbished in 2018. All B cabins have an ocean view, en suite with two, three, or four portholes, shower $15,490 bathroom with walk-in shower C CALEDONIAN DECK Superior Suite 232 sq. ft. with large window, and/or bathtub, spacious wardrobe bathtub, shower (except 329, 330, and 331, shower only) $16,990 or walk-in closet, safe, minibar, D PROMENADE DECK Premium Suite 217 sq. ft. with large window, individually controlled heat/ shower (except 431 and 432, with bathtub, shower) $17,990 air-conditioning, television, and E BRIDGE DECK Deluxe Balcony Suite 215 sq. ft. + 45 sq. ft. private sitting area with sofa. Twenty- balcony, sliding glass doors, walk-in wardrobe, bathtub/shower $18,990 three of the suites feature private PROMENADE DECK Premium Balcony Suite 217 sq. ft. + 60 sq. ft. F private balcony, sliding glass door, walk-in wardrobe, shower $20,990 balconies. The ship’s amenities include a dining room, two lounges PROMENADE DECK Owner’s Balcony Suite G 243 sq. ft. + 60 sq. ft. private balcony, sliding glass with bar service, small library and door, two portholes, walk-in wardrobe, shower $22,990 gym, sun deck with comfortable per person, single occupancy (limited) lounge chairs, hairdresser, laundry service, and gift shop. An elevator CASTLE DECK Standard Suite 244 sq. ft. B with two, three, or four portholes, shower $23,290 services all passenger cabin decks. PANORAMA DECK The Caledonian Sky’s chefs prepare C CALEDONIAN DECK Superior Suite 232 sq. ft. with large window, bathtub, shower (except 329, 330, and 331, shower only) $25,490 quality international meals, predominantly Western-style, served in a single open seating. Lido A friendly crew provides Deck exceptional, personalized service, with more than a 1:2 crew-to- passenger ratio. The ship features BRIDGE DECK advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers, and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft.

AIR ARRANGEMENTS U.S. PROMENADE DECK domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc., can help with airline arrangements for this Lounge trip and can be reached at (877) 376-1754. You are also welcome to book your air transportation through your local travel agent, an online CALEDONIAN DECK travel site, or the airline of your choice. Further information about making flight arrangements will be Dining sent to confirmed participants. Room Reserve Your Trip To Madagascar Today CASTLE DECK Book online: alumnitravel.yale.edu/madagascar20 Madagascar to Mauritius October 11– 27, 2020 Islands of the Indian Ocean alumnitravel.yale.edu/madagascar20

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PORT LOUIS TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHAT TO EXPECT: We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program, at times RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, AND FINAL physically demanding and busy, with a consid- PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this tour, erable amount of walking at some destinations. please mail a deposit of $1,000 per person Daily activities can involve up to two miles of payable to “CRITERION TRAVEL,” along with walking, unaided, over varied terrain (e.g., the completed reservation form, to Yale Edu- uneven beaches, steep and sandy trails, and cational Travel, Yale Alumni Association, P.O. dirt streets and paths in small villages). You Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010, or will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for fax the completed form to (203) 432-0587. most excursions. Please note that some lo- Deposits may be charged to a credit card. cations involve wet landings. All participants Reservations are acknowledged in order of should be comfortable swimming unassisted receipt. Final payment is due June 15, 2020. in open water. No prior snorkeling experience CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: All is necessary. Participants who are interested cancellations must be in writing to Yale Ed- in SCUBA diving must be certified. Participants ucational Travel. Refunds, less a cancella- must be physically fit, active, and in good health. tion fee of $300 per person, are made if we INSURANCE: Yale Educational Travel highly if we have received notification in writing recommends the purchase of trip cancella- on or before June 15, 2020. No refunds tion insurance. If participants purchase trip are made after that date. There are no re- insurance, and we hope that they do, par- funds for unused meals, accommodations, ticipants are free to purchase the insurance or other trip features. Neither Yale Educa- of their choice. Most travel insurance must tional Travel nor Criterion Travel accepts be purchased within 7-10 days of paying a liability for any airline cancellation penalty deposit to include certain provisions, including incurred by the purchase of a nonrefund- pre-existing conditions. able ticket in conjunction with this tour. California Seller of Travel Program CST 2088800-40 Islands of the IndianIslands Ocean aboard of CaledonianSky Madagascar toMauritius PRSRT STD U.S Postage PAID Permit No. 604 Yale Alumni Association Sacramento, CA Box 209010 New Haven, Connecticut 06520-9010 efforts to saveefforts theseincredible animals. and learn aboutthe conservation aye-aye, including the red and the See Explore when trying to explore the overland. thecountry toexplore when trying avoiding thedelaysexperienced anddifficulties timate siteslarger cruiseshipscannot, and shipCaledonianSky,reachingexpedition in- theall-suite convenience andcomfortof lemurs up close in their natural upcloseintheir lemurs habitat, Madagascar fromthe indepth October 11–27, 2020

Explore the world’s fourth-largest island from the all-suite Caledonian Sky