World Heritage of Central Europe 2018 Days 1/2 New York to Warsaw Surrounded by Colorful Tall Buildings

AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions LEADERSHIP The Planetary Society World Heritage of Leading the expedition for Betchart Expeditions will BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. be Dr. Christopher Skutela. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Christopher holds a PhD in Tourism Sciences and has Central Europe been leading trips throughout Europe for the past 14 FIRST CLASS years. A poet, philosopher, and translator based in Krakow, Christopher has a deep passion for the cultural, historical, and geographical wonders of Central Europe. Poland - Czech Republic - Slovakia We are pleased to add this program with Christopher to our European offerings, including trips to explore Tuscany, Wild France, and Spain with Mark Walters September 26 - October 9, 2018 and the Aegean, Peloponnese, and Northern Greece with Dr Ken Sheedy. Christopher looks forward to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm about this unique region with you!

Warsaw POLAND & POLAND CENTRAL EUROPE

GERMANY Częstochowa

Ojcow r e National iv R Park ula ist Prague Auschwitz- V Birkenau World Heritage of Dunajec Gorge Krakow Central Europe! CZECH REPUBLIC Moravsky Kras caves Zakopane Poland - Czech Republic - Slovakia Český Krumlov Brno Oravský Kasprowy September 26 - October 9, 2018 Podzámok Wierch SLOVAKIA UKRAINE Bratislava Accommodations: Are in comfortable first class hotels, all AUSTRIA COSTS & CONDITIONS based on twin share. Limited singles are available for a HUNGARY supplement of $795. Expedition Fee: $4,295 per person twin share (plus air fare Reservations, Deposits, & Payments: Please mail of approx. $895 from JFK or Chicago to Warsaw, with return a deposit of $1,000 per person with the completed from Prague. Single Supplement is $795. reservation form to: ITINERARY Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport transfers; accommodations twin share; breakfasts, 6 lunches, World Heritage of Central Europe 2018 Days 1/2 New York to Warsaw surrounded by colorful tall buildings. We’ll also visit 2 dinners; tips to drivers and local guides; entrance fees; Betchart Expeditions Inc. Dear Travelers: We’ll enjoy a Highlander feast, sampling Depart New York or other US gateway city for New Town, and the home of Marie Curie. New Town leadership, administration. 17050 Montebello Road traditional food and entertainment of the Goral Warsaw, Poland, arriving the morning of Day 2. is just a bit younger than Old Town, established also in Expedition Fee Does Not Include: Air fare; independent Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 We invite you to explore the rich heritage of people of Southern Poland. We’ll also explore the Transfer to hotel (2 nights) Enjoy a welcome dinner the 13th century, but was the first area developed airport transfers; some meals; gratuities to expedition leader; Central Europe, including Poland, the Czech with the group. outside Warsaw’s protected walls. Further out from personal items such as laundry, phone calls, beverages at The balance is due June 25, 2018. Republic, and Slovakia, with local expert Dr. awe-inspiring Tatra Mountains by cable car to the top of Kasprowy Wierch. Day 3 Warsaw Old Town World Heritage Site New Town, we’ll also see the “Russian Wedding Cake” meals, alcoholic beverages, sodas, snacks, personal Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is Chrisopher Skutela, this fall! Magnificent castles, -- the Palace of Culture and Science-- the tallest building insurance, or baggage handling (please bring wheeled stunning river gorges, and cosmopolitan cities In Slovakia we’ll see the majestic Orava Castle and Today we’ll explore Warsaw, a city which has risen refundable up to 90 days before departure less a handling like a phoenix from the ashes of World War II. in Poland, which was built as a gift from Russia to luggage); or passport. fee of $100 per person. There is no refund after the 90-day await you! historic Bratislava on the Danube River. Originally established in the 13th century as a seat of Poland in 1953. What to Expect: This expedition is planned for travelers period unless your place is resold, then only the $100 Our journey will begin in Warsaw, the capital of We’ll marvel at the geologically magnificent who would enjoy exploring the World Heritage of the central handling fee is withheld. There are no refunds for unused power, the city has continuously been pushed and Our day in Warsaw will conclude with a visit to European nations of Poland, the Czech Republic, and meals or other expedition features. Poland. Today the city is vibrant and dynamic, with Punkva Cave and Macocha Gorge in the Czech pulled from prominence. In the 18th century, it the former Jewish Ghetto, the forced home of over Slovakia, with a talented local leader. Learn about the more than a quarter of its area occupied by parks. Republic, a wonderland of stalagmites & stalactites. flourished, with great palaces and churches. During 450,000 Jewish residents, with impressive stories of historical and cultural heritage and scenic landscapes of We’ll visit Marie Curie’s home in New Town, and Our journey concludes in Prague, the very heart World War II, the city and nearly all of its monuments courage and resilience. these fascinating nations while you explore renowned sites Questions? also the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, were destroyed. Today, the mighty landmarks are of Europe. We’ll stroll along the Charles Bridge and Day 4 Warsaw to Krakow from the 13th century to WWII. Please call Marisa Eide, including the Royal Road and Royal Castle. once again standing tall. delight in the charms of this world-renowned city. We’ll head toward the beautiful city of Krakow this This expedition will be a tremendous experience for Betchart Expeditions Inc. We’ll then travel south to Krakow to marvel at Please join us for a very special look at Central Our route will take us to the Royal Castle. In 1939, morning. We’ll stop at the famous Black Madonna travelers with an appetite for adventure who would like to Direct Line: (800) 467-9376 Ojcow National Park en route to the Eagles Nests explore this renowned region. Europe with a superb leader. under intense peril from the German army, the shrine, a bejeweled icon revered for centuries. As we Betchart 800#: (800) 252-4910 castles, perched on limestone cliffs. In Krakow, castle staff emptied the museum of artwork, as well The group will take time for both planned and spontaneous We hope you will join us! get closer to Krakow, we’ll marvel at medieval castles or (408) 252-4910 we’ll find the legendary den of the dragon at Wawel as architectural pieces, such as the wood paneling, perched on limestone cliffs in Ojcow National Park. stops to walk, photograph, and talk with local people. Castle, and visit one of Europe’s largest market Best Regards, Weather should be fall-like with vibrant days, golden and red Fax: (408) 252-1444 parquet floors, and stucco-pieces. It was then Afternoon at leisure in Krakow. squares. We’ll visit the thriving Jewish Quarter and dynamited, but the pieces that were saved helped leaves, and chilly nights. We will have a grand adventure of Day 5 Krakow & Wieliczka World Heritage the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial the next day. immensely in its reconstruction. The castle and Old discovery! (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or Email: Sites meals, please.) [email protected] Town have been designated as a UNESCO World Near Zakopane, we’ll float leisurely through the This morning we will delve into the fascinating Air Fare & Airline Ticketing: For the recommended Dunajec Gorge on traditional rafts that will give Margaret M. Betchart Heritage site. On the web: history of Krakow and explore Krakow’s great flight schedule, please contact Marisa @ Betchart Expeditions, you a unique perspective of the stunning President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. www.betchartexpeditions.com From the Royal Castle, we’ll wander through the landmark, Wawel Castle. It sits above Old Town, filled (800) 252-4910. countryside. for AAAS, Sigma Xi, ACS & the Planetary Society Old Town and admire its lovely bustling square, with secrets and legends. The most famous tale is of AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions LEADERSHIP The Planetary Society World Heritage of Leading the expedition for Betchart Expeditions will BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. be Dr. Christopher Skutela. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Christopher holds a PhD in Tourism Sciences and has Central Europe been leading trips throughout Europe for the past 14 FIRST CLASS years. A poet, philosopher, and translator based in Krakow, Christopher has a deep passion for the cultural, historical, and geographical wonders of Central Europe. Poland - Czech Republic - Slovakia We are pleased to add this program with Christopher to our European offerings, including trips to explore Tuscany, Wild France, and Spain with Mark Walters September 26 - October 9, 2018 and the Aegean, Peloponnese, and Northern Greece with Dr Ken Sheedy. Christopher looks forward to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm about this unique region with you!

Warsaw POLAND & POLAND CENTRAL EUROPE

GERMANY Częstochowa

THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY SIGM A the Wawel Dragon, a many-headed creature that lived comprehensive memorial to those who were Warm up with a cup of of Brno, the second entranced by its beautiful architecture and baroque in a cave at the base of the castle. The dragon was executed or imprisoned in these concentration coffee or tea at the largest city in the statues. In the Old Town, the Astronomical Clock, with RESERVATIONS #1509 slayed after a terrifying reign by Krakus. We will see camps, which operated from 1940 to the fall of the restaurant on the Czech Republic. its symbolic figures and steady rotation of apostles has the dragon’s den as we tour the castle, and admire the Third Reich in 1945. After our tour, we’ll head back to mountain top, and Day 11 Cesky been marking time since 1410. We’ll visit Prague Yes! I/we want to join World Heritage of Central fire-breathing sculpture that has been installed to Krakow to explore Oskar Schindler’s factory, now a savor the beautiful Krumlov World Castle, an immense complex and home of the current Europe Expedition, September 26 - October 9, 2018, guard the den. world-class museum. The exhibits focus on Krakow views. Czech Republic president. We’ll explore the famous offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi, ACS, and The Heritage Site & Planetary Society. Please reserve ____ space(s). As a deposit, Following along the Royal Road, we’ll visit one of during the Nazi occupation and include historical Day 9 Zakopane Prague Jewish Quarter, home of Franz Kafka (where a surreal documents, photographs, recordings, and artifacts. statue has been erected in his memory), and see the I/we enclose a check for $______($1,000 per person) X Europe’s largest market squares, Rynek Glówny, to We’ll depart Brno payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account. which has been buzzing with activity since the 13th Day 7 Krakow to Zakopane Bratislava, this morning for best preserved pre-World War II Jewish district in all of Europe. century. We’ll see Kazimierz, the restored Jewish This morning we’ll say goodbye to Krakow and Slovakia Cesky Krumlov, a Name(s) ______Age______I Quarter, which is now having a renaissance of its own. travel through the spectacular countryside of UNESCO World Day 13 Kutna Hora World Heritage Site

This morning we’ll • After lunch, we’ll head to the unique Wieliczka Salt southern Poland. We will board a traditional wooden head across the Heritage site. A & Prague ______Age______

Mine. The salt mine has been in use for 900 years, raft on the Dunajec River, for a leisurely float through border to Slovakia, wonderful example Today we’ll venture to Kutna Hora, about 45 miles Address______A and is now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. a stunning gorge. The raftsmen have had their passing first through of a European outside of Prague. The town center itself is a Surprisingly, the salt mines are filled with hundreds profession passed down from father to son for the village of medieval village. designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contains City______State_____ Zip______C of works of art, including statues and grand chapels, generations, and may even tell us folk tales as we float Chocholow, a The town is the awe inspiring Gothic St. Barbara Cathedral, as well

Phone: Home (______)______S all created by the miners, and completely made of through the verdant canyon. preserved outdoor centered around a as remnants of the royal silver mines that led to the salt. The result is a whimsical and thought-provoking We’ll then make our way to Zakopane, at the foot of museum filled with large castle town’s prosperity. We’ll visit the Ossuary, an eerie Work (______)______• experience. the Tatra Mountains. Although Zakopane is a intricate wooden homes built by the Góral complex, whose Baroque theater still functions today chapel dating from the 13th century, filled with Th e Day 6 Auschwitz Birkenau World Heritage quintessential ski town, it buzzes with activity year- highlanders. Once we reach Slovakia, we’ll explore for occasional performances. In the afternoon, we’ll intricate sculptures made from the bones of as many Email Address______the spectacular Orava Castle, built in the 13th century continue on to the very heart of Europe - Prague! as 40,000 people. In the evening, enjoy a festive Site and Schindler’s Factory round. We’ll walk through the main promenade, Membership: ___ AAAS ___ Sigma Xi ___ ACS ___ Planetary Society and famously filmed as a standin for Dracula’s Castle in farewell dinner in Prague! Today we’ll visit the tragic, historical site of Krupowski Street, which is remarkable for its Day 12 Prague World Heritage Site distinctive wooden architecture. We’ll discover the the 1922 classic film, Nosferatu . The castle sits Day 14 Prague to New York Accommodations Preference: Auschwitz-Birkenau. The museum is a perched high on a limestone cliff and is one of the Today we will explore Prague. Both reverently ___ Twin ___ Single Twin Share: ___ with a friend or artistic cemetery, in which notable Polish heroes lie, Transfer to the Prague Airport for flights home. Planetar y including poets, musicians, and most beautiful and largest castles in Slovakia. We’ll end ancient and cosmopolitan, Prague is a city of ___ Nonsmoker ___ Smoker ___ assign a roommate resistance-fighters, our day in Slovakia’s capital - Bratislava, an invigorating contradictions and wonders. We’ll walk along the as well as the mastermind behind the city on the banks of the Danube River. pedestrian-only, dazzling Charles Bridge and be RESPONSIBILITY Signature ______Date______unique Zakopane architecture, Day 10 Bratislava to Brno, Czech Republic Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science Signature______Date______Stanislaw Witkiewicz. The cemetery is Today we’ll take a morning walking tour of Old (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, the American Chemical Society striking due to the fanciful grave (ACS), and The Planetary Society act only as agents for the passenger with respect to Please Mail To: World Heritage of Town Bratislava, a charming pedestrian-only area filled transportation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume markers that adorn the plots. In the with quaint cafes and the stunning Primatial Palace. no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with Central Europe 2018 the services of any airplane, ship, motorcoach, or any other conveyance used in Betchart Expeditions Inc. evening enjoy a Highlander feast, a We’ll then continue on to Brno in the Czech Republic. carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for 17050 Montebello Road chance to sample southern Poland’s We’ll explore Moravian Karst, a protected geological losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, acts of God, or other causes Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 hospitality and delicacies. region which contains more than 1,100 caverns and beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to Day 8 Zakopane & Tatra gorges, including Punkva Cave and Macocha Gorge, substitute another leader of similar expertise or reserve the right to cancel any tour Mountains two of the most significant geological formations in prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further Society obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per Today we’ll board a modern cable car central Europe. We’ll marvel at the giant stalactite son as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any column that greets visitors at the entrance of the tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of and zoom to the top of Kasprowy the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, Wierch, 6,500 feet above sea level. The cavern, and then view Mirror Lake, which perfectly exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at reflects the cavern ceiling above. Deeper inside the the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute views from the peak and the ride up the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines and down the mountain are cave we’ll board a boat to float along the Punkva River concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the outstanding! Marvel at the dwarf-pine- which runs underground through the cave system. time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. We’ll pass through narrow caverns and still lakes, and ©2018 Betchart Expeditions Inc. covered valleys below, and take a short All rights reserved. hike to the meteorological observatory, be awed by the stalagmites and stalactites that Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. which is the highest building in Poland. surround us. This afternoon we’ll have a walking tour Map by April Milne. CST# 2036304-40 •

This morning we’ll • After lunch, we’ll head to the unique Wieliczka Salt southern Poland. We will board a traditional wooden head across the Heritage site. A & Prague ______Age______

Warsaw POLAND & POLAND CENTRAL EUROPE

GERMANY Częstochowa