STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY
“[This trip] opened up a part of Europe that was new to me. And as always, the faculty and staff were friendly, knowledgeable and unflappable.”
Karen Falkner, ’58, MA ’65, Lower Danube College, 2008 Cruising the Danube Seven Nations Aboard the River Cloud II
June 29 to July 11, 2012
a program of the stanford alumni association cathedral of pécs, hungary More than 40 years ago, Stanford adventurers were among the pioneers of educational travel, discovering the joys of far- off destinations in the company of outstanding faculty and fellow alumni. Back then, our Danube programs were the hottest ticket in town. In fact, at one point, the waiting list was two years long! We’re delighted to bring this perennial favorite back to our lineup, this time exploring the section of the Danube River from Vienna to Bucharest with veteran faculty leader Norman Naimark. Our incomparable floating home, the River Cloud II, provides the perfect base from which we visit world-class art collections and quaint old-world villages, enjoying specially arranged musical performances along the way. I hope you join us!
Brett S. Thompson, ’83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study Highlights
DROP IN on small towns ATTEND private concerts CONVERSE with local ADMIRE the dramatic and historic villages, including and performances, includ- families over lunch in a scenery of the Danube charming Arbanassi in Bul- ing a string quartet in Vienna, Croatian village near Vukovar, River’s Iron Gate, a deep garia and the old town center a folkloric performance in taste traditional schnapps gorge with 300-foot-tall of Pécs in the Hungarian Belgrade and a monks’ choir in Austria and sample limestone cliffs. countryside. in Bulgaria. Hungary’s “red gold” (sweet paprika) in Kalocsa. FRONT COVER: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY palace of the parliament, bucharest, romania kalemegdan fortress, serbia Vienna SLOVAKIA UKRAINE Bratislava AUSTRIA Budapest
H UNG ARY Kalocsa Mohács R OMANIA CROATIA Vukovar Belgrade Bucharest BOSNIA D a n Oltenita AND u b e R i v e r HERZEGOVENA S ERBIA a Veliko Tarnovo e S Adriatic k
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B ULGARIA a Sea l
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antiquities. This evening is free seven Hungarian tribes, as well Wednesday, July 4 KALOCSA to explore Vienna at leisure. as prominent historical figures. Drive to a village near Itinerary INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL (B,L) Continue to the ornate Kalocsa on the Hungarian Friday & Saturday, State Opera House for a puszta (plains) for a stunning June 29 & 30 Monday, July 2 specially arranged tour and DEPART U.S. / VIENNA, VIENNA / BRATISLAVA, performance of precision AUSTRIA SLOVAKIA / EMBARK RIVER an opportunity to hear a live CLOUD II horsemanship by Magyar Depart the U.S. on overnight Choose between an excursion musical performance. cowboys. Exercises formerly flights to Vienna. Upon arrival to the Schönbrunn Palace, After lunch aboard practiced for wartime are on Saturday, check in to the former summer palace our riverboat, explore now presented for our our centrally located hotel. of the Habsburgs, to see historic “Buda,” enjoyment. Stop This evening, gather for a the private apartments and situated on a at the Paprika welcome reception and dinner, gardens, or take a guided tour bluff above Museum to accompanied by a string of the highlights of Vienna’s the Danube learn about quartet’s program of classical art nouveau scene, including atop Castle the country’s “red music. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL the Beethoven frieze in the Hill. The sumptuous gold,” the sweet herb (6/30: D) Secessionist Building and gothic and baroque essential to the culinary design of the Sunday, July 1 the Klimt masterpieces at the culture of Hungary. While VIENNA Belvedere Palace. After lunch, Matthias Church learning about the history Enjoy an introductory city drive to Bratislava, capital of is highlighted by and production methods, tour, starting with Vienna’s Slovakia, and embark our painted woodwork admire the garlands of magnificent Ringstrasse, elegant riverboat that will be and colorful stained paprika festooning the followed by a walk through home for the next eight nights. glass windows. ceilings and scenting the the historic center where we Enjoy a brief stroll through the Nearby is Fisherman’s air. Return to our riverboat view St. Stephen’s Cathedral, historic quarter of this lovely Bastion; its six white for an afternoon of cruising. and a tour of the Mozarthaus, capital city before our riverboat limestone towers and RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) where Wolfgang Amadeus departs this evening. connecting walkways Thursday, July 5 wrote The Marriage of Figaro. RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) provide a vantage point for admiring panoramic MOHÁCS / PÉCS In the afternoon, visit the Call this morning at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, tuesday, July 3 city views. After dinner BUDAPEST, HUNGARY onboard, enjoy views of river port of Mohács for a splendid repository of art Arrive this morning in Budapest the city beautifully a visit to nearby Pécs, collections assembled by for a full-day visit, beginning illuminated at a UNESCO World generations of Habsburg with a drive over one of the night from the Heritage site and one monarchs. Sculpture and bridges spanning the Danube deck of our boat of the oldest towns applied arts vie for our River to the “new” city of Pest’s as we sail from in Hungary with attention among the many World Heritage site, Heroes’ beautifully preserved magnificent paintings and Budapest. Square, which features the RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) squares lined with Greek, Roman and Egyptian Millennium Memorial and historic buildings. statues honoring the original kalemegdan fortress, serbia Vienna Skyline
Heroes’ Square, Budapest
romanian athenaeum, bucharest
After visiting the Cathedral Danube River in Novi Sad. and Serbia. Negotiating the riverboat drive to Bucharest, of Pécs, study the nearby Through the centuries, its narrow Kazan Pass with its Romania’s capital city. A city 4th-century Roman ruins of strategic importance was key 300-foot-tall limestone cliffs tour by coach includes views Cella Septichora with its tomb- to Roman, Turkish, Austrian used to be a dangerous and of Revolution Square, locale chapel and Paleochristian and Yugoslav defenses. This lengthy experience, but with of the Central Committee cemetery. Then return to afternoon explore Serbia’s the construction of a dam on Building from which the our vessel for lunch and an capital Belgrade, including the the river’s Sip Gorge, safe repressive Romanian leader afternoon of cruising. mausoleum of revolutionary passage is now assured. Nicolae Ceausescu and his RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) and statesman Josip Broz RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) wife, Elena, helicoptered Tito, former president of before their subsequent Friday, July 6 Monday, July 9 VUKOVAR, CROATIA Yugoslavia; the Kalemegdan VELIKO TARNOVO, demise, and the Palace of the Vukovar history can be traced Fortress, which sits at the BULGARIA / ARBANASSI Parliament (People’s Palace), back hundreds of years, but confluence of the Sava and Drive to Veliko Tarnovo, “City which houses both chambers in 1991, during the Croatian Danube rivers and encloses of the Tsars,” whose old city, of the Romanian Parliament. War of Independence, a three- Orthodox churches, Muslim located on three hills, was The Guinness Book of World month-long Serbian siege tombs and Turkish baths; and once the historic capital of Records lists it as the world's likened to the modern-day the Cathedral of St. Sava, Bulgaria. When the Byzantine largest civilian building. battle of Stalingrad destroyed largest Serbian Orthodox Empire weakened, Veliko Continue with a stroll through the town castle and many church of the Balkans and Tarnovo was occupied by the the Village Museum, one of 18th-century homes. During whose multiple domes Ottomans for nearly 500 years the world’s oldest and largest our visit, observe the Croatian dominate the cityscape. Meet up until the 19th century. Its outdoor museums, with fine government’s concerted with a prominent journalist to picturesque medieval stone examples of rural architecture restoration efforts. Then take learn about Balkan current buildings rise steeply from the gathered from around the a short drive to Osijek where events and enjoy a folkloric banks of the Yantra River. Walk country. Tonight, enjoy a festive influences of both the Ottoman performance in the lively through the historic center, and farewell reception and dinner. and Hapsburg empires Skadarlija district before enjoy a private concert by a JW MARRIOTT grand HOTEL (B,L,D) returning to our riverboat. monks’ choir. Then visit nearby remain apparent. Enjoy lunch Wednesday, July 11 RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Arbanassi, a tiny village with a with local families in nearby BUCHAREST / U.S. villages before returning to rich history and many historical Transfer from our hotel to the Sunday, July 8 monuments, including 17th- our riverboat to spend the CRUISING / IRON GATE airport for flights to the U.S. (B) afternoon cruising. Today’s cruising route is and 18th-century churches. RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) spectacular with passage through the Danube’s iconic Tuesday, July 10 Saturday, July 7 Iron Gate, a two-mile-long OLTENITA, ROMANIA / NOVI SAD, SERBIA / DISEMBARK / BUCHAREST BELGRADE gorge between the Carpathian Arrive this morning at the Explore Petrovaradin Citadel, and Balkan mountain the “Gibraltar of the Danube,” Romanian port of Oltenita ranges that forms part of the and after disembarking our situated high above the boundary between Romania category a cabin
River Cloud II * Launched by the owners of the legendary Sea Cloud, the five-star Program Cost River Cloud II is regarded as one of the finest river vessels in Europe, Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, combining nostalgic luxury with state-of-the-art marine technology to unless otherwise noted create an elegant and intimate cruising experience. The river yacht is Category Rate meticulously designed with a 1930s Mediterranean ambience, light Category C, Cabin Deck (forward) $7,795 woods and warm colors. The 43 outside cabins each feature a large 118 sq. ft., portholes, 2 twin beds queen or two twin beds, individually adjustable air-conditioning, mini- bar, TV/video, personal safe, cozy robes, fresh flowers and private Category B, Cabin Deck $8,795 bathroom (with shower) appointed in marble with brass and gold fixtures. 118 sq. ft., portholes, 2 twin beds or 1 queen bed Cabin Deck staterooms feature brass-rimmed portholes. Promenade Deck staterooms feature panoramic arched windows. The public areas Category A, Promenade Deck $10,295 150 sq. ft., windows, 1 queen bed include a spacious lounge with a custom-built Steinway grand piano, paneled mahogany library, large sun deck with teak deck chairs and bar, Category C, Cabin Deck Single** $11,695 sauna/fitness area, small boutique, hair salon and a dining room that 118 sq. ft., portholes, 2 twin beds accommodates all guests in a single, unassigned seating. Panoramic windows let the sun and the scenery in and add to a sense of easy living Category B, Cabin Deck Single** $13,195 118 sq. ft., portholes, 2 twin beds or 1 queen bed in the dining room, the lounge, the bar and the computer-equipped library. Refined Italian-influenced cuisine is prepared by outstanding *Association nonmembers add $200 per person. European chefs, with local ingredients fresh from the market, and a fine **Single accommodations are limited at this rate. selection of wines from regional vintages is included with lunches and dinners onboard.
PROMENADE DECK
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 BUILT: 2001 REGISTRY: Madeira, Portugal 15 11 9 7 5 3 Length: 338 feet CABIN DECK BEAM: 32 feet DRAFT: 4 feet 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 Cruising Speed: 10.5 knots Crew members: 33 45 43 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 17 Information Terms & Dates Conditions June 29 to July 11, 2012 (13 days)
Size Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility Limited to a total of 74 participants, including travelers from Stanford and A $1,000 deposit is required to hold The Stanford Alumni Association, space for Cruising the Danube. Stanford University and our our co-sponsoring organizations. Complete and return the attached operators act only as agents reservation form or sign up online. for the passenger with respect INCLUDED Final payment is due 120 days prior to transportation and ship 3 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 8-night cruise aboard the to departure. As a condition of arrangements and exercise every participation, all confirmed care possible in doing so. However, River Cloud II 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners Welcome participants are required to sign we can assume no liability for injury, and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions a Release of Liability. damage, loss, accident, delay Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and riverboat crew for all group or irregularity in connection with Cancellations & Refunds the service of any automobile, activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Deposits and any payments are fully motorcoach, launch or any other Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days refundable, less a $500-per-person conveyance used in carrying out this Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and cancellation fee, until 120 days prior program or for the acts or defaults to departure. After that date, refunds evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre- of any company or person engaged can be made only if the program is in conveying the passenger or in departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, sold out and your place(s) can be carrying out the arrangements of the map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to resold, in which case a $1,000-per- program. We cannot accept any assist you throughout the program person cancellation fee will apply. responsibility for losses or additional We recommend trip-cancellation expenses due to delay or changes insurance; applications will be in air or other services, sickness, NOT INCLUDED sent to you. weather, strike, war, quarantine, force category a cabin International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Insurance majeure or other causes beyond our Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified Stanford Travel/Study provides control. All such losses or expenses as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/ all travelers who are U.S. or will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation arrangements only for the time Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and coverage under our group-travel stated. We reserve the right to make gratuities for nongroup services insurance policy. Our group policy such alterations to this published is intended to provide minimal levels itinerary as may be deemed of protection while you are traveling necessary. The right is reserved Air Arrangements on this program. We strongly to cancel any program prior to International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program recommend that you subscribe to departure in which case the entire cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on United Airlines from San optional baggage and trip-cancella- payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The Francisco to Vienna, Austria, and returning from Bucharest, Romania, tion insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with right is also reserved to decline to is approximately $1,220 as of August 2012 and is subject to change your confirmation about one week accept or retain any person as a without notice. after we receive your deposit. The member of the program. No refund product offered in this brochure will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are Fuel Costs includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and made in sufficient time to avoid In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel coverage for Financial Insolvency penalties. It is understood that the costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation and Terrorist Acts if you postmark ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the passenger and the cruise time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain the confirmation letter. company. Baggage is carried at our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines institute a fuel surcharge. Eligibility concerned are not to be held We encourage membership in responsible for any act, omission the Alumni Association as the or event during the time that WHAT TO EXPECT program cost for nonmembers passengers are not onboard their We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program that is at times is $200 more than the members’ plane or conveyance. Neither the price. Parents and their children physically demanding and busy. Daily programs involve one to two miles Alumni Association, Stanford under 21 may travel on one University nor our operators accept of walking, often in historic city centers where the terrain is uneven and membership. For more information liability for any carrier’s cancellation streets are cobblestoned. In some instances, such as in museums and or to purchase a membership, visit penalty incurred by the purchase of historic homes that do not have elevators, guided tours require climbing alumni.stanford.edu/goto/member- a nonrefundable ticket in connection ship or call (650) 725-0692. up and down several flights of stairs, which may not have handrails. with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in August 2011 and Some sites and museums do not allow buses to pull up in front, thus is subject to change without notice to requiring several minutes’ walk to reach the entrance. These busy days reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, are contrasted with the relaxed pace aboard our riverboat, where daily tariffs or fuel charges. shore excursions are complemented by lectures and leisure time onboard, allowing ample opportunity to take in the beautiful European scenery. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50
© COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed on recycled, FSC-certified paper in the U.S. Stanford Faculty Leader Norman Naimark, ’66, MA ’68, PhD ’72, former director of Stanford’s Bing Overseas Studies Program, has been working and traveling in East Central Europe for nearly 40 years. Professor Naimark is widely recognized by students and colleagues for his warmth, wit and dedication to the Stanford community. A veteran faculty leader on more than 20 past Travel/Study programs, he and his wife, history professor Katherine Jolluck, have traveled extensively in the Danube region.
“The Danube,” explains Professor Naimark, “is redolent of centuries of history—Roman, Slavic, Habsburg, Ottoman and modern—that have taken place on its shores. We will get to experience these multiple influences up close.” During our program, Professor Naimark will lecture on the fascinating history of the Danube, including the rise and fall of communism, the war in the Balkans, and the emergence of the New Europe. “I never expected to be so enthralled Robert and Florence McDonnell Professor of Eastern European History, Stanford University by the lectures. Norman was not Senior fellow, Hoover Institution and Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Affairs only a great speaker Former director, Bing Overseas Studies Program; former chair, department of history; and teacher but he and former director, Center for Russian and East European Studies
was also readily Recipient of the Richard W. Lyman Award for outstanding faculty volunteer service, available for Stanford Alumni Association (1995); Dean’s Teaching Award, Stanford University questions.” (1991–1992, 2002–2003); and the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1996) Katherine deWilde, MBA ’75, Dalmatian Coast College, 2009
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY
SIGN UP Reservation Form ONLINE!
I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree Cruising the Danube to them. Signature ______June 29 to July 11, 2012 If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with ______OR I’d like to know about possible roommates.
MR. / MRS. / MS. Category Preference: MISS / DR. / PROF. 1st choice: ______Twin Beds Queen Bed NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS 2nd choice: ______Twin Beds Queen Bed MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. Here is my deposit of $______($1,000 per person) for ___ space(s). NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS
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Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 CELL PHONE or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?danube2012. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account.
EMAIL ADDRESS 7541 Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage Cruising 326 Galvez Street P A I D Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni the Danube ( 650 ) 725-1093 Association Seven Nations Aboard the River Cloud II
June 29 to July 11, 2012
alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy
“[This trip] opened up a part of Europe that was new to me. And as always, the faculty and staff were friendly, knowledgeable and unflappable.”
Karen Falkner, ’58, MA ’65, Lower Danube College, 2008
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY
Cathedral of St. Sava, belgrade, serbia