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Home , Miltenberg (district), Old town, Speyer Cathedral, Strahov Monastery

Journey from to aboard Royal Crown • June 8–22, 2020 Dear Vanderbilt Alumni and Friends, Romantic old-world villages set among picturesque winding rivers, vineyards, and rolling hills along with vibrant cities emblematic of a rapidly transforming Europe comprise the culturally rich and historically significant threads of a memorable journey in the , , and France.

This intriguing itinerary is bookended by two of Europe’s most memorable cities—five luxurious nights in Prague and Paris—connected by the scenic and Rivers aboard the elegant Royal Crown from , Germany to , France, and a two-hour jaunt on France’s high-speed train, the TGV. Originally River Cloud, Royal Crown is an intimate vessel just over half the size of most riverboats in the region, boasting elegant staterooms and public areas, refined cuisine, and impeccable service.

We are pleased to share this cruise with travelers from Stanford University and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Royal Crown has only 45 cabins, so to ensure your place on this voyage along legendary European waterways, I encourage you to make your reservation today.

Cary DeWitt Allyn Director, Vanderbilt Travel Program

The Vanderbilt Travel Program strives to engage Vanderbilt alumni, parents and friends of all ages, keeping them connected with each other and the mission of Vanderbilt. Each carefully designed trip offers unparalleled educational opportunities, for an exclusive “beyond the classroom” experience. HIGHLIGHTS

Cruise for eight nights aboard the elegant 45-cabin Royal Crown. Barely half the size of most European riverboats, it is ideal for a smaller group experience with like-minded travelers and boasts impeccable service, excellent cuisine, and a custom-built Steinway piano.

Visit eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The historic centers of Prague, Regensburg, , and Strasbourg; the Würzburg Residenz; the Upper Middle Rhine Valley; Cathedral; and the banks of the Seine in Paris.

Enjoy three days of unparalleled comfort and exploration in Prague, one of Europe’s finest cities, including a private welcome evening at a beautiful castle.

Experience private musical performances in memorable settings—Renaissance music by a talented quartet in Prague, the Bamberg String Quartet in the city’s historic residence, a children’s choir in , and an on-board concert by a string quartet.

This page: Paris Cover: Prague Back cover: Bamberg Würzburg

Strasbourg ITINERARY Miltenberg Monday & Tuesday, June 8 & 9 two rooms housing an Saturday, June 13 HOME / PRAGUE, CZECH impressive collection of precious REPUBLIC ancient manuscripts. Continue with Cruise through the morning and call Depart home on an overnight flight to an exploration of the ancient Prague at Nuremberg early in the afternoon. Prague, the scenic capital and largest Castle complex, which dominates a Board a panoramic coach for a driving city of the Czech Republic. Arrive on hilltop above the river and offers lovely tour of the unique , a maze June 9th and transfer to the Four views over the city. Prague Castle, a of half-timbered buildings and gothic Seasons hotel, located in a historic royal residence in the 9th century, today churches encircled by a medieval city building along the banks of the comprises a rich variety of churches, wall. See the former Third Reich parade River in Old Town. gates, chapels, palace halls, and grounds, site of many pre-war Nazi FOUR SEASONS PRAGUE towers from every period of its history, rallies, and tour the courthouse, site of Wednesday, June 10 including the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the infamous Nuremberg war crimes built over a 600-year period, the Old trials. Gather for a special briefing on PRAGUE Royal Palace, with its beautiful Late- Discover the fairy tale-like setting of the top current affairs in Germany with gothic Vladislav Hall, and Golden Lane, Prague’s Old Town, a UNESCO World a reporter. a charmingly quaint street that dates ROYAL CROWN (BLD) Heritage site, during a guided walking back to the 15th century. The evening is tour that showcases six centuries Sunday, June 14 at leisure. of architectural styles lining cobbled BAMBERG FOUR SEASONS PRAGUE (BL) streets. Also visit the historic Jewish Arrive this morning in Bamberg, Quarter, which preserves the oldest Friday, June 12 founded in 902 and situated on seven synagogue in Europe and the evocative PRAGUE / REGENSBURG, hills, with a network of canals winding Old Jewish Cemetery. Enjoy an GERMANY (EMBARK) their way around splendid baroque afternoon of independent exploration After breakfast, check out of the buildings. Enjoy a walking tour of its before gathering for a gala welcome hotel and transfer by motorcoach beautifully preserved old town and a reception, dinner, and private concert to Regensburg. Enjoy a Bavarian- private string quartet concert, followed at a 17th-century chateau boasting style lunch and walking tour of the by an afternoon of cruising the Main panoramic views of the city. beautifully-preserved and UNESCO- River. FOUR SEASONS PRAGUE (BRD) listed historic city center before ROYAL CROWN (BLD) Thursday, June 11 embarking Royal Crown on the banks of Monday, June 15 PRAGUE the Danube River. ROTHENBERG / Enjoy a special private visit to the ROYAL CROWN (BLD) Drive through beautiful Franconian Monastery library, with scenery to Rothenberg, one of

Journey from Prague to Paris • June 8–22, 2020 Rhine GERMANY

Miltenberg Würzburg Paris Main Prague Bamberg Speyer Nuremberg CZECH Strasbourg REPUBLIC FRANCE Rhine

Main-Danube Canal

Danube Regensburg

motorcoach cruise high-speed rail

Germany’s most beautiful and best- an important trading center through or enjoy a private wine tasting at a preserved Medieval towns. Situated on many centuries. Enjoy a walking tour winery in the Alsace countryside. After a plateau overlooking the Tauber River, among picturesque timberwork houses an afternoon at leisure, return to the the town has gardens and designs followed by a private organ concert ship to enjoy a private string quartet dating to 950. Enjoy a guided walking in nearby . This afternoon, concert, followed by the captain’s tour through Old Town and along the cruse along the most beautiful stretch farewell dinner. castle walls, to the castle gardens and of the Romantic Rhine, a storybook ROYAL CROWN (BLD) the impressive patrician houses. This landscape of medieval castles and Saturday, June 20 afternoon, enjoy a walking tour and myths. This UNESCO World Heritage STRASBOURG (DISEMBARK) / private wine tasting in the town of site has inspired artists and composers PARIS Kitzengen. for centuries, including the great 19th- Disembark and bid farewell to the ROYAL CROWN (BLD) century Romantics Lord Byron, Victor Royal Crown. Meander on local boats Tuesday, June 16 Hugo, and Goethe. through the canals of Strasbourg’s ROYAL CROWN (BLD) WÜRZBURG “Petite France,” as the former tanners’ One of the most magnificent Baroque Thursday, June 18 and fishmongers’ districts are known. buildings in —the HEIDELBERG & SPEYER After an Alsatian lunch, board the TGV Würzburg Residenz Palace—rises high Enjoy a guided walking tour of (high-speed train) bound for Paris. The above the Main. In the 16th century, the Heidelberg, home to a number of great evening is at leisure in the City of Light. medieval castle was converted into a poets and academics, world-famous INTERCONTINENTAL PARIS LE GRAND (BL) magnificent palace with five grand halls, castle ruins, and Germany’s oldest Sunday, June 21 300 bedrooms, a mirrored gallery, and university. This afternoon visit Speyer’s PARIS an enormous, recently restored ceiling acclaimed Romanesque cathedral, This morning, choose between several painting by Tiepolo. Remain in port which houses the largest crypt in in-depth options, including a walking for an afternoon at leisure to stroll the Germany. tour the stylish Marais district, featuring ROYAL CROWN (BLD) riverfront or seek out a distinctive bottle Place des Vosges and the Picasso of the local Franconian wine. Friday, June 19 Museum. Or gather for a presentation ROYAL CROWN (BLD) STRASBOURG, FRANCE and tasting led by a renowned Wednesday, June 17 Cross into France and call at Strasbourg, chocolate expert, including a sampling MILTENBERG / THE ROMANTIC where the European Parliament makes of rare chocolates, followed by a private RHINE important decisions about the future visit to a master chocolatier shop. Dock this morning at Miltenberg along of its member countries. Built at the The afternoon is free for independent ’s famous Romantic Road, intersection of several Roman roads, exploration before a festive farewell which runs through the medieval Strasbourg features a historic UNESCO reception and dinner. heart of Germany. One of Germany’s World Heritage-designated city center INTERCONTINENTAL PARIS LE GRAND (BD) best-preserved historic towns, with 16th-century half-timbered houses Monday, June 22 Miltenberg’s strategic location on a and a gothic cathedral built of red PARIS / HOME narrow strip of flat land adjacent to the sandstone. Choose to a visit and tour Transfer to the airport for flights home. Main River allowed it to develop into the European Parliament headquarters,

(615) 322-3673 • [email protected] ROYAL CROWN

PANORAMA DECK RESTAURANT LIBRARY FOYER

642

531

FITNESS SAUNA BOUTIQUE RECEPTION LOUNGE

SELECT DECK

16 14 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 12 10 8

43 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 17 45 19 15 11 978

With the nostalgic charm of a glamorous 1930s yacht and the comfort PROGRAM RATES (per person) and service of a four-star vessel, the elegant 45-stateroom Royal Crown is perfect for cruising European waterways. Spacious teak CATEGORY DOUBLE SINGLE decks blend with elegant public rooms and staterooms appointed with Junior Suite $8,995 $14,395 SELECT DECK mahogany, rosewood, and marble, rich fabrics, and specially designed 145 sq. ft., two portholes, twin beds furniture. All passenger cabins face outside with picture windows Superior Suite $9,495 $15,195 (Panorama Deck) or two large portholes (Select Deck) for expansive SELECT DECK 145 sq. ft., two portholes, twin beds views. The cabins are fully air-conditioned and heated with individual climate control and have a flat-screen television, ample wardrobe Deluxe Suite $9,995 $15,995 SELECT DECK space and bedside drawers for storage, and a small combination safe. 145 sq. ft., two portholes, twin beds En suite bathrooms are equipped with a shower and hair dryer. Public Premium Suite $10,995 – amenities include a library with complimentary wifi (intermittent), SELECT DECK boutique, elegant Art Deco-inspired lounge with panoramic views, and 150 sq. ft., two portholes, queen bed a dining room with open seating. The Lido Deck features a large sun Royal Suite $13,995 – PANORAMA DECK deck running almost the entire length of the vessel, the Lido bar, a 200 sq. ft., four large windows, queen bed putting green, and a large-scale chessboard.

Program Rates Include All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary including 5 deluxe hotel nights and 8 nights aboard Royal Crown • First class tickets aboard the TGV from Strasbourg to Paris • Full program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Group transfers for all participants on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to ship staff, porters, wait staff, guides and drivers • Entrance fees and port charges • Welcome and farewell receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners aboard the ship and group meals ashore • Bottled water throughout • Professional tour manager throughout

Air Arrangements U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. can help with airline arrangements for this trip and can be reached at 877-376-1754. You are also welcom e to book your air transportation through your local travel agent, an online travel site, or the airline of your choice. Further information about making flight arrangements will be sent to confirmed participants. Journey from PRAGUE to PARIS aboard Royal Crown • June 8–22, 2020

To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person by credit card or with an enclosed check (made payable to Criterion Travel) to: Office of Alumni Relations, PMB 407735, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7735. Questions? Please contact the Vanderbilt University Travel Program at 615-322-3673 or email: [email protected]

Rhine Valley NAME #1 (as on passport) BIRTHDATE

NAME #2 (as on passport) BIRTHDATE GENERAL INFORMATION Program Rates A Note about Costs STREET ADDRESS Tour costs are based upon current fuel Do Not Include prices, currency values, taxes, tariffs, and a U.S. domestic and international airfare • minimum number of participants. While we CITY / STATE / ZIP / POSTAL CODE Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses will do everything possible to maintain the and immunizations • Travel and trip listed prices, they are subject to change. If cancellation insurance • Private transfers there are significant changes, details and HOME PHONE MOBILE PHONE or airport transfers outside of group arrival costs will be advised prior to departure. and departure days • Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour • Excess E-MAIL(s) baggage charges • Meals not specified in Travel Insurance the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part We strongly recommend the purchase of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks of trip cancellation insurance, which is except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • available for coverage of expenses in PAYMENT Telephone, fax, internet, and email charges conjunction with cancellation due to O Please charge the deposit to my credit card (circle one): • Room service • Other items of a personal illness or accident. Baggage insurance is nature also recommended. In the event that you VISA MC AMEX Discover must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may What to Expect be the only source of reimbursement. The pace of this program is moderately NAME ON CREDIT CARD active, with up to three miles of walking each day. Most of the historic city centers Group Size have large segments that are closed to This program is limited to 73 participants, CARD # EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE motor coaches, and city tours involve including travelers from Vanderbilt, walking on cobbled streets or uneven Stanford, and The National Trust for Historic terrain, and may involve extended periods Preservation. SIGNATURE AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD DATE of standing in museums and churches. Participants must be in good health and able to keep up with the group without O Enclosed is my check for $______($1,000 per person, payable to assistance from tour staff. Criterion Travel) TERMS & CONDITIONS to reserve ______place(s) on Journey from Prague to Paris Complete Terms and Conditions including that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Statement of Responsibility will be made Cancellations after final payment deadline available to you at time of registration, of February 10, 2020: All payments SINGLE TRAVELERS or in advance upon request. A signed are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of O I prefer to have single accommodations. “Terms & Conditions, Release from Liability, booking date. Trip cancellation insurance Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither OR O I plan to share accommodations with: Clause” is required from each applicant the Vanderbilt Travel Program nor Criterion ______prior to participation on the tour. Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred OR O I’d like to know about roommates with the purchase of nonrefundable tickets. I am a O Non-smoker O Smoker Reservations & Payments A deposit of $1,000 per person is required I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final payment to reserve space on this program. You may Itinerary Changes complete the reservation form included in The itinerary presented deadline of February 10, 2020, I will pay the single rate. this brochure and mail it with your check for this tour is subject to modification and (payable to Criterion Travel) or credit card change by the Vanderbilt Travel Program information to: Vanderbilt Travel Program, and Criterion Travel. Every reasonable effort Office of Alumni Relations, PMB 407735, will be made to operate the program as ACCOMMODATIONS 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN planned; however, should unforeseen world Cabin category preference: 37240-7735. If you have questions, please events and conditions require the itinerary call 615-322-3673 or email alumni.travel@ to be altered, the Vanderbilt Travel Program 1st Choice ______2nd Choice______vanderbilt.edu. Final payment deadline is and the tour operator reserve the right to February 10, 2020. For those who register do so for the safety and best interest of Bed Preference (not guaranteed): O One bed O Two beds after February 10, 2020, full payment is due the group. Any extra expenses incurred in upon registration. this situation are the responsibility of the I/We have read the Terms & Conditions section of this brochure and participant. understand and agree with them as stated herein: Cancellations & Refunds California Seller of Travel Program Upon payment of the $1,000 per person CST #2088800-40 deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below PHOTO CREDITS: and by which the passenger agrees to SIGNATURE DATE (From dreamstime.com): Charles Bridge © be bound. Cancellations shall not be in Anton Aleksenko; Miltenberg Panorama © effect until they are received in writing Darknightsky; Strasbourg at Night © Bogdan and confirmed by the Vanderbilt Travel Lazar Program. Deposits are refundable (less SIGNATURE DATE (from shutterstock.com): Bamberg Old Town a $250 per person administration fee) if Hall © 50u15pec7a70r; Arc de Triomphe du written notice of cancellation is received Carrousel © Elena Elisseeva within 30 days of reservation; after Journey from PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 604 Vanderbilt Travel Program Sacramento, CA Office of Alumni Relations PRAGUE PMB 407735 2301 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37240-7735 to PARIS aboard Royal Crown June 8–22, 2020