EXPLORING PARADISE ABOARD SILVER DISCOVERER

October 20 to November 6, 2018 The remote in the combine dramatic tropical beauty and wondrous wildlife, comparable to that found in the Galápagos. The warm, azure waters are teeming with life, making this archipelago a superb destination for snorkeling and diving. The island republic of Madagascar, renowned as a biodiversity “hot spot,” boasts some of the most unique endemic wildlife in the world, including adorable lemurs, colorful chameleons and fascinating . We’ll also explore the picturesque colonial town of St. Denis on ’s remote island of Réunion and ascend to the rim of a volcano on . On this extraordinary voyage, all aboard will be enraptured by the astonishing richness of these terrestrial and marine environments. A feast for the senses awaits— join us!

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

Highlights CAPTION ENJOY two full days at SNORKEL among SNAP photos of the DISCOVER a wealth the magnificent stunning coral reefs and picture-postcard-perfect of unusual and endemic Atoll, a World Heritage site marvel at rainbow-hued vistas in , where species such as Giant that has remained largely fish, manta rays, spinner granite boulders and Aldabra tortoises, crowned untouched by humans dolphins, and green and swaying palms frame lemurs, Seychelles paradise- due to its remoteness and hawksbill turtles. white-sand beaches. flycatchers and Madagascar inaccessibility. crested ibises.

PRASLIN Stanford Faculty Leader

ROB DUNBAR, whose research interests span climate change, marine ecology, oceanography, glaciology and biogeochemistry, heads a Stanford research group that works on past, present and future climate change as well as its impacts on oceanic and coastal environments. He works regularly with the U.S. government as well as the United Nations to help develop and implement solutions to environmental and resource problems. Professor Dunbar has been studying coral reefs throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans since 1977. In 2009, 2015 and 2017, he led a group of Stanford undergraduates on a 3,500-mile scientific sailing voyage from Tahiti through various island groups of the South Pacific. In 2016, he began a multi-year project working on the reefs of the Chagos Archipelago “A brilliant scientist! and Mauritius. During our expedition Professor Dunbar will speak about He has so much the coral reefs and marine environments of the western Indian Ocean as well as some of the geopolitics of national sovereignty, fishing rights, knowledge to and oil and gas exploration issues of the region. impart and enjoyed — At Stanford: William Keck Professor of Earth Science; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate sharing that with Education; senior fellow of the Woods Institute for the Environment every individual.” — Recipient of the Richard W. Lyman Award for exceptional volunteer service to the University NANCY ARNDT — BS, geology, University of Texas at Austin FINKEN, ’56, MA — PhD, oceanography, Scripps Institution of ’57, ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION, 2017 Oceanography, UC-San Diego

SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?seychelles2018 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093 La Digue SEYCHELLES Poivre Mahé TANZANIA

Aldabra MOUNT AMBER Atoll Nosy NATIONAL PARK Hara Diego Suarez

MOZAMBIQUE MASOALA Indian NATIONAL Maroantsetra PARK Ocean Nosy Mangabe MAURITIUS MADAGASCAR FRANCE

Réunion MASOALA NATIONAL PARK, MADAGASCAR

swaying palms enhance the skink and even two forms of islands separated by channels. Itinerary postcard-perfect white beaches endemic snail. SILVER DISCOVERER Because of the atoll’s extreme of La Digue. Explore this tranquil (B,L,D) isolation, many of Aldabra’s SATURDAY TO MONDAY, island by bike or take a stroll species are endemics. Giant OCTOBER 20 TO 22 along its picturesque, sandy THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Aldabra tortoises—estimated to DEPART U.S. / VICTORIA, roads. As we head for the small , number over 100,000—roam wild MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES Veuve Nature Reserve, where the on the islands. Tides permitting, Reaching the Outer Islands of Depart the U.S. on independent endangered Seychelles paradise- cruise by Zodiac through the the Seychelles, our first stop is flights, transiting through either flycatcher may be observed in narrow channels to drift through the Amirante Islands, named Europe or the Middle East and its native habitat, pass quaint a landscape of fascinating eroded in honor of Portuguese admiral arriving in the Seychelles’ capital balconied houses and shops, limestone formations. The tides Vasco da Gama’s visit in 1501. city of Victoria on the island of a vanilla plantation and a copra have sculpted small islets into Board Zodiacs for Poivre Atoll Mahé on Monday. Gather for a factory en route. Other common fantastical shapes known as to enjoy some beachcombing, welcome reception and dinner sights at the reserve include the champignons, or mushrooms. a nature walk or birding and a this evening. EDEN BLEU HOTEL yellow bittern, Seychelles Watch hundreds of lesser and visit to a nearby copra plantation. MAHÉ (10/22: D) and common waxbill. Next, great frigate birds soar overhead. Snorkel or dive over coral gardens head to one of the world’s most Once on land, search for the TUESDAY OCTOBER 23 inhabited by brilliantly hued breathtakingly beautiful beaches, rare Aldabra white-throated rail, VICTORIA / EMBARK tropical fish, as manta rays glide Anse La Source d’Argent, to the only flightless found on SILVER DISCOVERER through the waters below and beachcomb, swim or simply any Indian Ocean island, and This morning visit Mahé’s century- black-naped terns soar in the take time to soak in the idyllic observe robber crabs, whose old Seychelles National Botanical skies above. SILVER DISCOVERER surroundings. After lunch visit claws are strong enough to crack Gardens for an introduction to 80 (B,L,D) indigenous plant species, including Praslin and the enchanting Vallée coconuts, scamper across the five palm varieties, the vanilla de Mai National Park, a World FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 turf. Enjoy an exhilarating drift orchid and the rare jellyfish tree. Heritage site. The high-canopied, AT SEA snorkel during which the incoming An abundance of birds inhabits primeval palm forest is home to Enjoy a relaxing day at sea tide whisks us through the pass the area as well, including the 4,000 coco-de-mer palms, which attending lectures on the natural and into a lagoon populated by Seychelles kestrel, the Seychelles can grow over 100 feet tall and history of these fascinating islands turtles and eagle rays. Visit the bulbul and the rare, endangered live from 800 to 1,000 years. The and enjoying the amenities of our small scientific research station on Seychelles sunbird. Take a short palm bears the world’s largest nut, ship. SILVER DISCOVERER (B,L,D) and photograph the catamaran ride to the Ste. Anne weighing from 20 to 40 pounds. mighty tortoises of this magical, Marine National Park where we In this magical valley, we may spot SATURDAY & SUNDAY, isolated island that few travelers have our first opportunity for many of its notable inhabitants OCTOBER 27 & 28 have the privilege to see. SILVER snorkeling. Embark our ship this such as the Seychelles flying fox, ALDABRA ATOLL DISCOVERER (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS) afternoon and set sail. SILVER the Seychelles blue-pigeon and Spend two full days at magnificent DISCOVERER (B,L,D) the rare Seychelles black parrot. Aldabra, a World Heritage site and MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Choose from a variety of walks a highlight of our adventure. With NOSY HARA, MADAGASCAR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 to catch sight of other unique a perimeter of 70 miles, Aldabra Today we arrive at the archipelago LA DIGUE / PRASLIN , such as the bronze-and- is one of the largest atolls in the of Nosy Hara, which consists Giant granite boulders and green day gecko, the Seychelles world, comprising four major of 12 limestone islands with MASOALA NATIONAL PARK, MADAGASCAR

white-sand beaches, karst rock a haven for spotting a wide variety SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 cliffs and pristine coral reefs. Board of wildlife, including black-and- RÉUNION (FRANCE) Zodiacs to explore the fascinating white ruffed and brown mouse Today we visit the lush, volcanic Optional geology of this region and step lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, island of Réunion, an overseas ashore on secluded beaches for tree frogs and, with luck, the territory of France. Explore St. Pre-trip nature walks. Spend the afternoon world’s smallest vertebrate, the Denis, a small colonial town snorkeling and diving to discover thumbnail-sized dwarf chameleon. whose pervasive French and the amazing diversity of marine Explore the bustling market in Creole ambience is captured Extension life below the waves. SILVER Maroantsetra this afternoon, filled in picturesque town squares. A DISCOVERER (B,L,D) with vanilla pods, cloves and other breathtaking drive into the island’s OCTOBER 13 TO 21 exotic spices, as well as finely dramatic mountains brings us to (9 ADDITIONAL DAYS) KENYA TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 woven raffia hats and bags. SILVER a volcanic crater with magnificent DIEGO SUAREZ DISCOVERER (B,L,D) views. Enjoy a traditional Creole Enjoy a classic safari experience (ANTISIRANANA) / MOUNT lunch, then continue on to a in the Mara Naboisho Conserv- AMBER NATIONAL PARK FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 vanilla plantation to discover the ancy, a private reserve with Disembark in Diego Suarez MASOALA NATIONAL history and culture of the precious a high concentration of wildlife (Antisiranana) and board 4x4 PARK vanilla orchid. Birders may spot and low concentration of vehicles for a scenic drive to Spend today at Masoala, the endemic Réunion paradise visitors that is made up of land nearby Mount Amber National the largest national park on flycatcher, Réunion stonechat and contributions from 500 Maasai Park. Search for rare, localized Madagascar, enjoying hikes Réunion harrier. SILVER DISCOVERER landowners. Visit local villages to crowned lemurs, as well as through pristine forest while (B,L,D) meet the Maasai and learn about Sanford’s brown lemurs, striped searching for red-ruffed lemurs, their culture firsthand. Continue mongooses and many birds, greater hedgehog tenrecs and MONDAY & TUESDAY, on to the Maasai Mara National including endemic Madagascar ring-tailed mongooses. The park NOVEMBER 5 & 6 Reserve, renowned worldwide crested ibises and Amber PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS / is also home to various species as one of the best places in Mountain rock-thrushes. SILVER DISEMBARK / U.S. of brightly colored mantella frogs, the region to view the amazing DISCOVERER (B,L,D) extraordinary chameleons of all Disembark Silver Discoverer on Monday and set out on a tour spectacle of a Great Migration sizes and many endemic bird river crossing. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 species, including the endangered of the island’s scenic highlights. AT SEA Madagascar red owl and the A drive inland takes us up to Additional details and pricing will Spend a restful day at sea Madagascar serpent eagle. and around the rim of an extinct be sent to confirmed participants. attending lectures and joining the SILVER DISCOVERER (B,L,D) volcanic crater and then to resident naturalists on deck to the Grand Bassin sacred lake. search for sea birds and marine SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 After lunch, visit a waterfall that mammals. SILVER DISCOVERER AT SEA cascades over the geologically (B,L,D) Relax on deck and attend lectures unique “seven-colored earths that highlight our intriguing final of Chamarel.” In the afternoon, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 ports of call. SILVER DISCOVERER transfer to the airport NOSY MANGABE / (B,L,D) for independent homeward MAROANTSETRA flights, arriving back in the U.S. This morning visit Nosy Mangabe, on Tuesday. (11/5: B,L) LA DIGUE

ALDABRA

* Optional Silver Discoverer Program Cost Pre-trip The Silver Discoverer is an elegant 124-guest vessel, ideally Rates are per person, based on double or single occupancy, as specified. suited for expedition cruising. Her fleet of Zodiacs allows us to CATEGORY DOUBLE SINGLE** explore anywhere nature or curiosity dictates. All staterooms Extension Cabin $16,980 $21,280 have an ocean view, spacious wardrobe, individually controlled Cabin on Deck 3 with two portholes, heat/air conditioner, personal safe, flat-screen TV, sitting area, 1 186 sq. ft. en suite bathroom and beds that can be configured as two twins DECK 7 Cabin $18,280 — or one queen. Facilities onboard include an elevator servicing Cabin on Deck 4 with picture window, all passengerGym decks,E single-seating dining room, two lounges, 181 sq. ft. Elevator Sun Deck 2 Salon & small library,Massge gym, beauty salon and outdoor pool. Cabin $19,380 $24,280 Cabin on Deck 4 with picture window, 3 181 sq. ft. DECK 6 Cabin $21,080 — 650 652 602 604 606 608 610 Elevator Bridge Cabin on Deck 5 with picture window, 181 sq. ft. 651 653 601 603 605 607 4 Cabin $25,280 — DECK 5 Cabin on Deck 6 with two picture Promenade windows, 269 sq. ft. Discoverer 502 504 506 508 510 512 514 516 5 Lounge

Pool Elevator E Cabin $30,380 — The Grill 501 503 505 507 509 511 513 515 Promenade Cabin on Deck 6 with floor-to-ceiling 6 windows and private balcony, 280 sq. ft. DECK 4

402 404 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 426 Suite $36,380 —

Zodiacs Elevator Explorer Lounge Suite on Deck 6 with living room, floor-to-

Reception ceiling windows and private balcony, 408 sq. ft. 401 403 405 407 409 411 413 415 421 423 425 7

DECK 3 *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person.

302 304 306 308 **Single accommodations are limited at this rate. Restaurant E Elevator Additional singles may be available at 1.6 times the share rate.

301 303 305 307 309 Doctor

CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4

CATEGORY 5 CATEGORY 6 CATEGORY 7 Information Terms & Conditions

DATES Deposit & Final Payment to transportation and ship October 20 to November 6, 2018 (18 days) A $1,000-per-person deposit is arrangements and exercise every required to hold space for this care possible in doing so. However, SIZE program. Deposits for the optional we can assume no liability for This program can accommodate a total of 124 participants, in- pre-trip extension will be paid injury, damage, loss, accident, cluding travelers from Stanford University, Victor Emanuel Nature directly to Zegrahm Expeditions. delay or irregularity in connection Sign up online at alumni.stanford. with the service of any automobile, Tours and Zegrahm Expeditions. Single accommodations are edu/trip?seychelles2018 or call the motor coach, launch or any other extremely limited; please call for availability. Travel/Study office at (650) 725- conveyance used in carrying out this 1093. Final payment is due 120 days program or for the acts or defaults INCLUDED prior to departure. As a condition of any company or person engaged 1 night of hotel accommodations in Victoria, Seychelles of participation, all confirmed in conveying the passenger or in 13-night cruise aboard Silver Discoverer 14 breakfasts, participants are required to sign a carrying out the arrangements of 14 lunches, 14 dinners, including soft drinks, beer and wine Release of Liability. the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or with lunches and dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Cancellations & Refunds additional expenses due to delay Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel staff and ship crew for all Deposits and any payments are or changes in air or other services, group activities All tours and shore excursions as described refundable, less a $500-per- sickness, weather, strike, war, person cancellation fee, until 120 in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program quarantine, force majeure or other days prior to departure. After that arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes causes beyond our control. All date, refunds can be made only Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educa- such losses or expenses will have if the program is sold out and tional program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, to be borne by the passenger as your place(s) can be resold, in tour rates provide arrangements including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and which case a $1,000-per-person only for the time stated. We reserve travel information Services of our professional tour manager cancellation fee will apply. to assist you throughout the program the right to make such alterations Insurance to this published itinerary as may NOT INCLUDED Stanford Travel/Study provides be deemed necessary. The right all travelers who are U.S. or International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees is reserved to cancel any program Canadian citizens with minimal prior to departure in which case Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those medical, accident and evacuation the entire payment will be refunded specified as included Independent and private transfers coverage under our group-travel without further obligation on our Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess- insurance policy. Our group policy part. The right is also reserved baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, is intended to provide minimal to decline to accept or retain telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup levels of protection while you are any person as a member of the services traveling on this program. You may program. No refund will be made choose to subscribe to optional for an unused portion of any tour AIR ARRANGEMENTS trip-cancellation and baggage unless arrangements are made in You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the insurance. Information will be sufficient time to avoid penalties. provided to travelers with their Baggage is carried at the owner’s start location of the program and from the end location of the welcome materials. The product risk entirely. It is understood that program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program offered includes special benefits the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, if you purchase your policy within constitute the sole contract between we will send you information with your confirmation materials on 14 days of written confirmation of the passenger and the cruise when to arrive and depart. your participation on the trip. company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for Eligibility WHAT TO EXPECT any act, omission or event during We encourage membership in the the time that passengers are not For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You Stanford Alumni Association as onboard their plane or conveyance. will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for most excursions. the program cost for nonmembers Neither the Stanford Alumni is $300 more than the members’ Snorkeling and diving activities may commence off of the Zodiacs Association, Stanford University price. A person traveling as a paid or from the beaches. For excursions on shore, you must be able nor our operators accept liability for guest of a current member will to walk moderate distances unaided any carrier’s cancellation penalty not be charged the nonmember over varied and occasionally incurred by the purchase of a fee. To purchase a membership, rough terrain, such as nonrefundable ticket in connection visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ with the tour. Program price is based beaches and muddy trails membership or call (650) 725-0692. with exposed roots, and on rates in effect in September Responsibility 2017 and is subject to change to navigate steps with- The Stanford Alumni Association, without notice to reflect fluctuations out handrails. Average Stanford University and our in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel daily temperatures will operators act only as agents charges. range from the low to for the passenger with respect upper 80s (°F), though high humidity can TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 make it feel warmer. EMAIL [email protected] We welcome travelers California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 12 years of age and

older on this program. © COPYRIGHT 2017 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S. Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage 326 Galvez Street PAID Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni (650) 725-1093 Association

EXPLORING PARADISE ABOARD SILVER DISCOVERER

October 20 to November 6, 2018

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

“The trip was magical!”

JANE (BORETA, ’83) AND BENGT WALELRUD, ULTIMATE ALDABRA, 2014

LA DIGUE