STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Budapest to Tehran by Train ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS

March 26 to April 13, 2016

a program of the stanford alumni association STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

Board the luxurious Golden Eagle Danube Express in Budapest, Hungary, bound for Tehran and experience the comfort and charm of Old World rail travel coupled with modern conveniences, off-train tours and great company. The rails lead from the heart of old Europe through Transylvanian and Ottoman territory into contemporary Iran, where the treasures of ancient Persia—fabulous archaeological sites, vibrant bazaars and soaring mosaic-clad architecture—demonstrate the long and proud history of the Persian people. We’ll explore 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in fve fascinating countries along the way, and fnish by experiencing the openhearted hospitality of the people of Iran. Join us on this epic journey through an unfamiliar and atmospheric part of the world.

BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY PERSEPOLIS, IRAN

Highlights CAPTION BE AMAZED by a EXPLORE an under- PONDER the past amid STROLL through Shiraz’s show of traditional expert ground residential area the ruins of legendary Perse- peaceful gardens where Hungarian horsemanship and church, all hewn from polis, Darius I’s ceremonial Sufi poets meditated in on the puszta, the vast soft tuff rock in Turkey’s capital and one of the best- medieval times, and marvel Hungarian plain. otherworldly Cappadocia preserved sites remaining at the tiled mosques and region. from the ancient world. squares of Isfahan.

COVER: ISFAHAN, IRAN

AKDAMAR ISLAND ON LAKE VAN, TURKEY

Stanford Faculty Leader

SCOTT PEARSON is professor emeritus of agricultural economics at Stanford and former director of the Food Relief of an ancient Research Institute. As a 6-year-old growing up in a small town Assyrian king, Iran in Wisconsin, Scott Pearson was fascinated by geography. After he mastered the state capitals, his interest shifted to foreign countries and eventually to the seven continents. He remembers voraciously reading National Geographic articles, particularly those on the peoples of Africa. He joined the “Scott Pearson is Peace Corps in 1961 and served in Nigeria, which strengthened his commitment to understanding and improving the lives of what you hope others less fortunate. Thereafter, Scott realized his childhood for in a faculty dream of experiencing the world and studying its people; his career focused on international trade and development and leader. He was his retirement on the rise and fall of empires. Since retiring, not only a great he has lectured on more than 70 educational travel trips, and lecturer, but also he is one of Stanford Travel/Study’s most popular lecturers. a great fellow trav- — Professor of agricultural economics, Stanford University, from 1968 until his retirement in 2002 eler... we would — Director, Food Research Institute, Stanford certainly like to University, 1991–1996 — Regularly advised governments in Asia, Africa and travel with him southern Europe on food and agricultural policy again.” — Dean’s Award for Teaching, Stanford’s School WALTER FRANZ, of Humanities and Sciences, 1978 ‘62, VOYAGE FROM — MA, international relations, Johns Hopkins University SINGAPORE TO — PhD, economics, Harvard University INDIA , 2011

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?budapest2016 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093

SOLTANIYEH MAUSULEUM, ZANJAN, IRAN HUNGARY CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY Budapest KAZAKHSTAN Kecskemét Sighisoara RUSSIA ROMANIA Brasov Veliko Tarnovo BlackSea BULGARIA Kazanluk Caspian Istanbul Sea Lake Cappadocia Van GREECE TURKEY Van Zanjan Mashhad Tehran M e d i t e r r a n e a n S e a IRAN IRAQ Isfahan Yazd LIBYA Persepolis EGYPT Shiraz

during which local riders display victory over the Ottoman Turks. SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Itinerary their expert horsemanship, then Near Kazanluk visit an ancient CAPPADOCIA continue across the Hungarian UNESCO-listed Thracian tomb Awake this morning in mesmer- SATURDAY & SUNDAY, Plain to Kecskemét. Marvel at site. This evening we head for izing Cappadocia, known for its MARCH 26 & 27 the city’s art nouveau buildings Turkey. GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE striking topography formed by DEPART U.S. / and sample local apricot brandy EXPRESS (B,L,D) wind and rain erosion of local BUDAPEST, HUNGARY before heading on our train to tuff rock. In the Goreme Valley, Depart the U.S. on overnight FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Romania. GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE marvel at the “Fairy Chimneys,” flights to Budapest. Upon ISTANBUL, TURKEY EXPRESS (B,L,D) tall columns of basalt formed in arrival, transfer to our five-star This morning we arrive in ancient times by cooling volcanic hotel conveniently situated in WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 Istanbul, the world’s only city lava. Visit cave-homes dating central Budapest on the banks SIGHISOARA, ROMANIA / that straddles two continents. back thousands of years that are of the Danube River. Meet BRASOV This cosmopolitan city that carved out of the soft tuff rock, fellow travelers this evening We arrive in UNESCO-listed was first know as Byzantium and also stop at the more recent at a welcome reception and Sighisoara this morning for a stroll and then Constantinople has underground Christian monaster- dinner. SOFITEL CHAIN BRIDGE through this charming medieval been home to many diverse ies and frescoed churches. HOTEL (3/27: D) Saxon town in Transylvania. Enter peoples. During our two-day YUNAK EVLERI HOTEL (B,L,D) the house of Vlad Dracul, Vlad the visit here, we stay at a centrally MONDAY, MARCH 28 Impaler’s father. Climb the Scholar’s located hotel in the old part of MONDAY, APRIL 4 BUDAPEST Stairway to visit the 14th-century the city. Visit the Blue Mosque CAPPADOCIA Budapest, Hungary’s exquisite Gothic church. Travel by train with its six minarets; Hagia Today we explore more of the capital city, boasts a wealth of through the scenic Carpathian Sophia, built in the 6th century geological and cultural wonders baroque, neoclassical and art Mountains to Brasov and tour by Emperor Justinian; Topkapi of Cappadocia before continuing nouveau buildings, and elegant Bran Castle, sometimes called Palace, once the enormous our journey east across Turkey’s shopping avenues. Visit the huge “Dracula’s Castle,” built in the residence of the Ottoman Anatolian Plateau. GOLDEN EAGLE neo-Gothic Parliament building 14th century. Reboard our train Sultans and now a renowned DANUBE EXPRESS (B,L,D) with its striking 16-sided rotunda. and continue on to Bulgaria. museum of the arts; and the TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Enjoy an evening cruise on the GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS Grand Bazaar, one of the largest LAKE VAN / VAN Danube. SOFITEL CHAIN BRIDGE (B,L,D) covered markets in the world, The next destination on our HOTEL (B,L,D) filled with treasures of every THURSDAY, MARCH 31 rail journey is Lake Van in description. ISTANBUL HOTEL TUESDAY, MARCH 29 VELIKO TARNOVO, easternmost Turkey, where we TBD (B,L,D) BUDAPEST / EMBARK BULGARIA / KAZANLUK stop at Tatvan on the shores of / LAJOSMIZSE / Explore the remains of the Royal this large lake. Visit Akdamar KECSKEMÉT Fortress atop Veliko Tarnovo’s SATURDAY, APRIL 2 ISTANBUL Island’s 10th-century Attend a reception in the Royal Tsarevets Hill, then stroll through Armenian Church of the Waiting Room of the Nyugati After a morning spent visiting the town, whose houses cling several of Istanbul’s numerous Holy Cross, known for its Station before boarding our to the hillsides. Reboard our high reliefs and interior private train. Stop in Lajosmizse historic sites, return to our train before it begins its climb to train and continue our journey frescoes. Continue for a spectacular horse show, Shipka Pass, which is marked by eastward to Cappadocia. GOLDEN to the Old City of a monument commemorating a EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS (B,L,D) Van, the ancient CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY ISTANBUL, TURKEY SHIRAZ, IRAN

capital of the Urartu Empire and THURSDAY, APRIL 7 Koran Gate and continue to the and disembark our train. Tehran later an Armenian city that was MASHHAD Tomb of Hafez, Iran’s favorite poet, has been Iran’s most important destroyed in World War II. Tonight This morning arrive in Mashhad. and the Citadel of Karim Khan, city and capital since the 18th our train crosses the border Made famous by the death and a massive medieval stronghold. century. Now a huge metropolis, into Iran. GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE enshrinement of Imam Reza, the Later, travel by train to one of the it is replete with mosques, EXPRESS (B,L,D) city is one of the most sacred sites high points of our rail adventure: museums, minarets and a of Shi’ite Islam. Visit the areas of the the impressive ruins of Persepolis, sprawling bazaar. Begin our WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 Imam Reza shrine that are open an important ancient site and tour by visiting the Crown Jewels ZANJAN, IRAN to non-Muslims, the tomb and capital of the Achaemenid kings, Museum to view royal jewelry, After breakfast, visit Zanjan’s museum of Nadir Shah, and the a powerful dynasty that included the world’s largest uncut diamond UNESCO-listed mausoleum Khajeh Rabi Mausoleum. GOLDEN Darius I. Nearby rock carvings are and the Naderi Throne. After at Soltaniyeh, built in the 14th EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS (B,L,D) said to mark the tombs of Darius lunch, tour the opulent Gulestan century by a Mongol sultan to the Great and Xerxes. GOLDEN Palace complex, once a fortress house the remains of Imam Ali, FRIDAY, APRIL 8 EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS (B,L,D) and now a UNESCO World the son-in-law of Mohammed. YAZD Heritage site. ESPINAS HOTEL (B,L,D) The sultan later decided that he Today we explore the ancient SUNDAY, APRIL 10 town of Yazd, located between himself should be buried there ISFAHAN TUESDAY, APRIL 12 instead. The 150-foot-high dome, two deserts and an important Spend today in magnificent TEHRAN / U.S. or gonbad, covered in turquoise silk-weaving center on the old Isfahan. Begin our tour at the Begin today’s tour of Tehran faience, is a masterpiece of early caravan routes. Zoroastrians Chehel Sotoon Palace, built with an exploration of the lavish Islamic architecture. Later tour fleeing Arab invaders found safe by Shah Abbas II in the 17th Sa’ad Abad Palace complex, the Rakhkt Shoor Khaneh with haven here, along with artists and century. Twenty wooden columns the residence of the deposed its displays of regional costumes poets. Admire the Fire Temple’s support the entrance, and royal family. Stop at the Tajrish and Zoroastrian relics. Continue eternal flame, which represents inside are frescoes, miniatures Bazaar and tour the Museum eastward by train across Iran Ahura Mazda, the supreme and ceramics. Also visit Vank of Glass and Ceramics whose toward Mashhad. being, and has been burning for Cathedral, a reminder of the displays include glassware that GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE more than 1,500 years. At Amir Armenian migration to Isfahan dates back to the 4th millennium EXPRESS (B,L,D) Chakhmag Square, view the lofty that is now used as a memorial B.C.E. The Reza Abbasi Museum tiled entrance portal of the 12th- to the Armenian genocide. gives us an interesting overview century Friday Mosque. GOLDEN After a traditional Iranian lunch, of Iran’s decorative and applied EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS (B,L,D) visit immense Imam Square, arts. This evening, celebrate the locale of two mosques and a end of our incomparable journey SATURDAY, APRIL 9 palace—all lavishly and beauti- SHIRAZ / PERSEPOLIS at a farewell reception and dinner. One of the most important fully decorated—and a bustling ESPINAS HOTEL (B,L,D) cities of medieval Islamic times, bazaar. GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Shiraz, birthplace of the Persian TEHRAN / U.S. language, Farsi, is known for its MONDAY, APRIL 11 Transfer this morning to the poetry, gardens and extravagant TEHRAN / DISEMBARK airport for international flights architecture. Enter the city by the After breakfast, arrive in Tehran back to the U.S. (B) TOPKAPI PALACE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY DELUXE COMPARTMENT, DAY INTERIOR

Golden Eagle Danube Express Program Cost*

The Golden Eagle Danube Express private train is one of the finest trains operating in Rates are per person, based on double the world today. The 12-car train includes a main restaurant car and a bar car with a occupancy, unless othewise noted.

part set aside for restaurant seating that offers a pleasant space to relax. There’s also CATEGORY COST a separate lounge car ideal for lectures by our faculty leader. In the evening, music is DELUXE DOUBLE CABIN $25,495 provided in the bar car by a pianist. Soft drinks, house wine and beer, tea and coffee

are complimentary; premium wines and spirits are also available for purchase. Since DELUXE SINGLE CABIN $38,995** alcohol is strictly forbidden in the Islamic Republic of Iran, beer and wine will be served with meals and in the bar only during the portion of the trip from Budapest to the Iranian * Association nonmembers add $300 per person. border. No alcohol will be served once inside Iranian territory. The restaurant car and a ** Single accommodations in a smaller cabin (33 square small section of the bar car offer an informal atmosphere, and all meals, which include feet) with shared bathroom and shower are available at a reduced rate. Contact our office for details. tempting dishes and regional specialties with a Central European theme, are served during a single sitting. Cabins are converted into sleeping cabins by train attendants each evening during the dinner hour. All cabins have a large picture window; two arm- chairs; and a full bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet. Cabins also include air conditioning with individual temperature control, recessed lighting and wardrobe space.

DELUXE CARS have five en suite compartments, each with two lower sleeping berths in an “L” configuration. Deluxe double cabins are 99 square feet and measure 6’4” by 15’6”, including the bathroom area.

Below, image on left depicts a cabin by day and the next image a cabin by night. Information Terms & Conditions

DATES Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility March 26 to April 13, 2016 (19 days) A $1,000 deposit is required The Stanford Alumni Association, to hold space for this program. Stanford University and our Sign up online at alumni.stanford. operators act only as agents for SIZE edu/trip?budapest2016 or the passenger with respect to Limited to 40 participants call the Travel/Study office at transportation and rail arrangements (650) 725-1093. Final payment is and exercise every care possible in INCLUDED due 120 days prior to departure. doing so. However, we can assume 6 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 11 nights As a condition of participation, all no liability for injury, damage, loss, aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express private train confirmed participants are required accident, delay or irregularity in 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 17 dinners Welcome and to sign a Release of Liability. connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch farewell receptions Gratuities to guides, drivers and train Cancellations & Refunds or any other conveyance used in crew for all group activities All tours and excursions as Deposits and any payments carrying out this program or for the described in the itinerary Visa fees for Iran Transfers and are refundable, less a $500-per- acts or defaults of any company or baggage handling on program arrival and departure days person cancellation fee, until 120 person engaged in conveying the Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance days prior to departure. After that passenger or in carrying out the date, refunds can be made only arrangements of the program. We Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure if the program is sold out and cannot accept any responsibility for materials, including recommended reading list, a selected your place(s) can be resold, in losses or additional expenses due book and travel information Services of our professional which case a $1,000-per-person to delay or changes in air or other tour manager to assist you throughout the program cancellation fee will apply. We services, sickness, weather, strike, recommend trip-cancellation war, quarantine, force majeure or insurance; applications will be other causes beyond our control. NOT INCLUDED sent to you. All such losses or expenses will International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and have to be borne by the passenger Turkish visa fees Immunization costs Meals and Insurance as tour rates provide arrangements beverages other than those specified as included Stanford Travel/Study provides only for the time stated. We reserve Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/ all travelers who are U.S. or the right to make such alterations interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage Canadian citizens with minimal to this published itinerary as may charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone medical, accident and evacuation be deemed necessary. The right coverage under our group-travel is reserved to cancel any program and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services insurance policy. Our group policy prior to departure in which case is intended to provide minimal levels the entire payment will be refunded AIR ARRANGEMENTS of protection while you are traveling without further obligation on our International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in on this program. You may choose part. The right is also reserved the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on to subscribe to optional baggage to decline to accept or retain Lufthansa from San Francisco to Budapest via Frankfurt and trip-cancellation insurance. any person as a member of the Information offering such insurance program. No refund will be made for and return from Tehran via Frankfurt is approximately $1,500 will be provided to travelers with an unused portion of any tour unless as of July 2015 and is subject to change without notice. their welcome materials. The product arrangements are made in sufficient Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent offered includes special benefits if time to avoid penalties. Baggage is by our designated agent. you purchase your policy within 14 carried at the owner’s risk entirely. days of written confirmation of your It is understood that the train’s participation on the trip. ticket, when issued, shall constitute WHAT TO EXPECT the sole contract between the We consider this program to be moderately strenuous and at Eligibility passenger and the train company. times physically demanding and busy. Participants should be We encourage membership in the The airlines concerned are not to able to walk unassisted on daily excursions (typically two to Alumni Association as the program be held responsible for any act, three hours in length) over uneven, unpaved surfaces and up cost for nonmembers is $300 omission or event during the time and down narrow staircases. In many instances, such as at more than the members’ price. passengers are not onboard their Families and trip companions may plane or conveyance. Neither large archaeological sites or in older city quarters with uneven travel on one membership. For the Alumni Association, Stanford or unpaved streets, there are high thresholds and stairs more information or to purchase a University nor our operators accept without handrails. Many buildings do not have elevators. membership, call (650) 725-0692 liability for any carrier’s cancellation Although the hotels included in this program and the train are or visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ penalty incurred by the purchase of air-conditioned, buses and many of the museums, mosques membership. a nonrefundable ticket in connection and ruins we visit are not air-conditioned. Riding the train can with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in July 2015 and be bumpy and noisy; participants should feel comfortable is subject to change without notice walking without assistance between train cars while the train to reflect fluctuations in exchange is moving, which requires stepping over pivoting raised plates rates, tariffs or fuel charges. and opening heavy doors between the cars. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. © COPYRIGHT 2015 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Budapest Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage 326 Galvez Street PAID Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni to Tehran Association by Train (650) 725-1093 ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS

March 26 to April 13, 2016

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

“A variety of sights and experiences, plus World Heritage sites, in five countries… Waking up to a new adventure in a new place every day!” PATTI SCHLEUNING, ‘58, BUDAPEST TO TEHRAN BY TRAIN, 2015

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY