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Oxford Alumni Travellers Start the adventure today
Two trips, two chances DESTINATION BURMA New for 2013 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY IN NAMIBIA
Plan your next holiday today TRAVEL PLANNER Front cover: Burma (iStockphoto/Patrik Dietrich) p9 and p10; Inside front cover: Salzburg (ACE Cultural Tours) p5 Exclusive academic tours to every corner of the globe
OxfExclusiveord Alumni academic tours Ttoravellers every corner of the globe Start the adventure today
Join our programme in 2013 and become CONTENTS an Oxford alumni traveller
EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL 4 EUROPE Travel in the company of an expert trip scholar, who will offer 9 ASIA interesting and unique insights into the destination. 12 AFRICA LIKE-MINDED TRAVELLERS Enjoy travelling with other Oxford alumni. Group sizes are 14 ANTARCTICA typically small, with approximately 20 participants. 14 SOUTH AMERICA UNIQUE TOURS 15 TRAVELLERS’ PROFILES Tours are designed especially for alumni and include an extensive range of destinations and themes designed to satisfy 16 TRIP SCHOLARS the intellect: from cultural history to astronomy; and from 18 TRAVEL PLANNER Bulgaria to Burma! 19 TRAVELLERS’ COMMUNITY SUPPORT ALUMNI OUTREACH The Alumni Office receives a contribution from the tour 19 TOUR OPERATORS operators for each booking. The proceeds support alumni engagement activities.
MAKING THE MOST OF THIS BROCHURE At the bottom of each trip you will find the name and phone number for the relevant tour operator (email and website details are on p19). Contact the tour operator directly to be sent a full itinerary for any trips of interest. You can see an overview of all of the trips in 2013 organised by date of departure on p20.
www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel EUROPE
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
ADVENTURE – CRUISE CULTURAL Polar Nights and Mystical Art Treasures of Northern Lights St Petersburg
DATE: 5–10 February 2013 DATE: 2–7 March 2013 PRICE: £1,529 PRICE: £2,060
The beautiful city of St Petersburg, often known as the ‘Venice Take a voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline at a time of the North’, was founded by Peter the Great to demonstrate when solar activity is expected to reach its peak, offering a that Russia was a major power with its roots firmly fixed in high chance of witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights. Europe. This tour has been specially planned for when the Starting with a discussion of the aurorae and the other effects snow makes the city picturesque, the theatres are open and the the sun can have on the earth, we will take a whistle-stop tour vodka and furs come out. Enjoy the wonderful architecture of the universe and explore the night sky, as well as looking at and superb museums without the crowds. the effects of climate change on the landscape closer by. Highlights Highlights Two visits to the Hermitage with its unrivalled collection of European and Russian art At least one session on deck at night exploring the heavens Day excursion to Tsarkoye Selo, the spectacular town of Lectures giving an overview of the night sky and background Imperial Palaces about the aurorae Visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress and Yussopev Palace Comfortable voyage along the beautiful Norwegian coastline Enjoy an excursion to the magnificent residence of the 17th Two nights in Tromsø and 18th Century Royal families at Petrodvorets Excursion to the North Cape, Honningsvåg Experience Russia’s wonderful winter scenery Trip Scholar The journey can be extended to include a four-day visit to Roger Davies is the Philip Wetton Professor of Astrophysics Russia’s traditional ‘Holy Mother’ – Moscow at Oxford University and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. His research interests centre on cosmology and how Trip Scholar galaxies form and evolve. Professor Alexei Leporc is a Curator of Western European Art at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. As well as his curatorial Additional tour date: 8–13 March 2013. The trip scholar will be responsibilities, he is also Professor of 15th–20th Century Dr Ian Willis from the Scott Polar Research Institute. Dr Willis is Western European Art and Architecture at St Petersburg Europe a glaciologist and will lecture on this field as well as the night sky University. Professor Leporc has accompanied several highly and aurorae. successful Oxford alumni visits to Russia. Hurtigruten +44 (0)20 88462633 Distant Horizons +44 (0)151 6253425 Price is per person for double occupancy of an inside cabin and includes flights from Price includes flights from London and air passenger duty. UK, full board on the ship, two nights bed and breakfast hotel stay in Tromsø. Price for single occupancy from £1,729 for an inside cabin. 4 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
CULTURAL HISTORICAL Salzburg Easter Music Festival Amazing Anatolia World-class music in Mozart’s city Cappadocia, the Hittite Empire and the enigmatic statues of Nemrut Dağ
DATE: 27 March–2 April 2013 DATE: 26 June–7 July 2013 PRICE: £2,490 PRICE: £2,995
Visit the baroque city of Salzburg for the annual Easter Music The Hittites were one of the most powerful empires of the Festival. Appropriately for the Wagner 200th anniversary Bronze Age, leaving impressive remains at their capital, year, the Festival will be distinguished by a new production Hattusas, as well as at Alaca Hüyük, which has magnificent of his opera Parsifal. The concert programme focuses on tombs. Nearby are the fairy chimneys of GÖreme where rock- three composers: Beethoven, Brahms and Henze. Works by hewn churches contain superb Byzantine frescoes. At Nemrut Schumann, Henze and Brahms will feature in the chamber Dağ, the Hierotheseion of Antiochos, the mountainside is music concerts. Excursions will bring alive the historical and littered with giant statues of lions, gods and the king himself. musical heritage of Salzburg and its surroundings. Highlights Highlights Museum of Anatolian civilizations at Ankara with Neolithic Wagner: Parsifal and Bronze Age masterpieces Brahms: A German Requiem Hittite Capital of Hattusas with huge Great Temple Hans Werner Henze – première of a new work: Isoldes Tod Spectacular Byzantine frescoes and underground cities of Beethoven: 2 Piano Concertos (Nos. 4 and 5) and Mahler: Cappadocia Symphony 1 in D major Neo-Hittite sites of Arslantepe and Karatepe, with its famous Private tour of original manuscripts in the Mozart archives Sphynx gate Excursions through the Salzkammergut and to Lake Hike up to the world-famous mausoleum of Antiochus on Chiemsee Nemrut Dağ Trip Scholar Trip Scholar Professor John Deathridge (Lincoln, 1964), currently King Dr David Price Williams is an archaeologist and has excavated on Edward Professor of Music at King’s College London, is one of classical sites in Turkey, the Middle East and Southern Africa. He the world’s foremost classical music experts. He is a Fellow of specialises in the Bronze Age of the Middle East, the period of the Royal College of Organists and continues to be active as a the Hittites. He has taught Middle Eastern Archaeology at London performer. His main area of research is 19th and 20th Century University for many years and led many alumni tours to Turkey. German music. His latest book is Wagner Beyond Good and Evil.
ACE CULTURAL TOURS +44 (0)1223 841055 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price includes flights from London, accommodation based on sharing a twin/double Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, double or twin rooms with room, six concert performances, breakfast, two dinners and four lunches, excursions private facilities, full board, guided excursions, all entrance fees. Single supplement and admissions. Single room supplement £150. £495. 5 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel EUROPE
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
CRUISE – HISTORICAL CRUISE – HISTORICAL Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast Provence and the Camargue Exclusive yacht cruise from Split Luxury barge cruise from Avignon to Dubrovnik to Aigues Mortes
DATE: 30 June–7 July 2013 DATE: 28 July–3 August 2013 PRICE: £2,450 PRICE: £2,680
The hauntingly beautiful Dalmatian Coast has variously been Meander along the Rhone River through the stunning scenery occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, of the Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon regions in the Austro Hungarians, and for almost 700 years by the Venetians. deluxe 18-passenger air-conditioned hotel barge, Le Phenicien. The incredible architectural, artistic, religious and cultural Discover the history of this fascinating area and explore legacy found at Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Korkula is the sites, with the unique perspective and insights offered explored as we travel in supreme comfort aboard the yacht by Professor McKitterick. Beautiful Provençal food will be M/S Barbara, with just 16 cabins, all ensuite. prepared by the onboard chef and there will be an excellent selection of local wines served with meals. Highlights Roman Emperor Diocletian’s imposing Palace at Split Highlights Churches and Dominican Monastery on the island of Hvar Explore the impressive Medieval Palais de Papes Wonderfully preserved Medieval city at Korcula Discover the amazing Roman aqueduct at Avignon Stunning coastal scenery studded with islands including Visit the 14th Century walled city of Aigues Mortes Mljet National Park Superb classical theatre in the Roman city of Arles Sponza Palace and Placa Stradun in the magnificent walled Wine-tasting at Chateauneuf-du-Pape city of Dubrovnik Special extra historical visits arranged by our trip scholar Exclusive charter of luxury sailing cruiser with onboard chef Trip Scholar Trip Scholar Professor Rosamond McKitterick is Chair in Medieval History Dr Peter Sarris (Balliol, 1990) read Modern History before being at Cambridge University. She is a Fellow of the Royal Historical elected to a Prize Fellowship at All Souls College. He is now Society and her research interests cover the political, cultural, University Senior Lecturer in Late Roman, Early Medieval and intellectual, religious and social history of Europe in the early Byzantine History and a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. His Middle Ages, as well as palaeography and manuscript studies. research interests include late Roman, Byzantine and Medieval Professor McKitterick is an expert on Frankish Kingdoms and social, economic and legal history. Charlemagne, and has led previous successful alumni lecture tours in France. Temple World + 44 (0)20 89404114 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, double/twin cabin, full board, Price includes flights or train from London, accommodation in twin/double cabins, guided excursions, all entrance fees. Single supplement on request. full board, guided excursions. Single supplement on request.
6 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
CRUISE – HISTORICAL CRUISE – HISTORICAL The Black Sea Alexander’s Path ‘When can their glory fade? O the A classic yacht cruise through Lycia wild charge they made!’ and Pamphylia
DATE: 30 August–12 September 2013 DATE: 21 September–5 October 2013 PRICE: £2,645 PRICE: £2,950
The Crimean War forms a central part of many people’s This tour offers the perfect combination of superb classical knowledge of the history of the Black Sea, with Tennyson’s cities with outstanding coastal scenery. Travel in comfort famous poem The Charge of the Light Brigade commemorating aboard a classic Turkish yacht to picturesque sites such as the ill-fated charge of the British Cavalry in 1854. There is, Xanthos, Phaselis, Myra and Arykanda, with its pine-fringed however, so much more to the story of the Black Sea and this stadium and theatre reminiscent of Delphi. In between visits, two-week itinerary aims to bring to life the fascinating and bathe in the warm and stunningly clear turquoise waters of the intriguing history of the region. This journey will take you Mediterranean, or relax with a book on the shaded aft deck. from the birth of civilisation to the end of the Cold War. Highlights Highlights Travel on a modern yacht built to a beautiful Byzantine Cruise through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea, onboard the design 350-passenger Aegean Odyssey Comfortable cabins with proper beds and ensuite facilities Two-night hotel stay in vibrant Istanbul Onboard chef to prepare delicious Turkish cuisine Explore the ancient Byzantine and Roman city of Trabzon Visit the ancient city of Perge and romantic ruins of Olympus Tour of the splendid cliff-top Genoese fortress of Sudak set amidst flowering Oleander, wild figs and pines Russian imperial palaces of Yalta and Sevastopol Explore rare sites such as Oenanda and Pinara in the Akdag Visit to the site of The Charge of the Light Brigade in Ukraine Mountains Discover the great sites of the city of Odessa See the spectacular Roman theatre at Aspendos, one of the few in the world with intact scaena Trip Scholar Three-night extension available to Istanbul Oswyn Murray is one of the leading historians of the ancient world and was a Fellow of Balliol College Oxford for nearly 40 Trip Scholar years. He has been lecturing on Mediterranean cruises for 25 Dr James Brusuelas is a Classicist who specialises in Greek culture years and has travelled widely in Turkey, Russia and the Ukraine. in the Eastern Mediterranean. He is a Postdoctoral Researcher in He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and history editor of the Faculty of Classics and is also currently working on Oxford’s the Oxford History of the Classical World. Ancient Lives project.
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY +44 (0)1865 302550 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price is per person based on double occupancy of Category M cabin and includes Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, double/twin cabin, full board, flights from the UK and transfers to the ship, all meals and wine on board, shore excursions, all entrance fees. Single supplement on request. excursions and gratuities. Price for single occupancy: £3,100. 7 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel EUROPE
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
CULTURAL HISTORICAL Bulgarian Monasteries From Cracow to Warsaw Hidden architectural gems Tracing the two Polish capitals and art treasures
DATE: 21 September–5 October 2013 DATE: 16–21 October 2013 PRICE: £2,290 PRICE: £1,490
One of Europe’s earliest inhabited territories and oldest No two cities reflect the vicissitudes of Polish history more Christian countries, Bulgaria is rich with archaeological dramatically than Cracow, with its generously preserved remains, Medieval settlements and monastic communities. Medieval centre, and Warsaw, restored brick-by-brick after Thick forest and snow-capped peaks dominate the the ravages of World War II. In Warsaw, areas of Communist- landscape while the flamboyantly decorated monasteries are era architecture feature alongside a range of restored historic symbolic strongholds of the nation’s values and traditions. buildings, many of which witnessed great turning points Architecturally-varied, the buildings captivate as much as the last century such as the signing of the Warsaw Pact and the wide variety of art treasures. Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Highlights Highlights Explore Bulgaria's rich cultural inheritance, including six Cracow’s central Grand Square, the largest plaza of Medieval World Heritage sites Europe The Madara Horseman, an 8th Century rock relief carved on Notable Old Masters by Leonardo and Rembrandt in the a towering cliff Czartoryski Museum Bachkovo monastery, nestled in the Rhodope Mountains Royal palaces in both Cracow and Warsaw The Hellenistic artistic masterpieces in the Thracian tomb of Conserved beauty of Warsaw’s old town, a UNESCO World Kazanlak Heritage Centre Ivanovo’s complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, Private Chopin recital monasteries and cells The splendid Versailles-like Wilanow Palace 10th Century Rila Monastery, decorated with vivid murals by Zahari Zograf, Bulgaria’s most famous icon painter Trip Scholar Daniel Snowman is a social and cultural historian, educated at Trip Scholar Cambridge and Cornell. For many years he worked at the BBC Dr Alex Koller (Cantab) is an expert in art history and as producer on a variety of radio series on cultural and historical architecture who has travelled extensively in Bulgaria, developing topics. He is a regular contributor to such journals as Literary his specialism in Slavonic studies. Review, and History Today and has extensive experience of lecturing for academic group tours. ACE CULTURAL TOURS +44 (0)1223 841055 ACE CULTURAL TOURS +44 (0)1223 841055 Price includes flights from London, accommodation based on sharing a twin/double Price includes flights from London, accommodation based on sharing a twin/double room, breakfast, 12 dinners and three lunches, excursions & admissions. Single room room, one concert performance, breakfast, four dinners and one lunch, excursions & supplement £250. admissions. Single room supplement £250. 8 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel ASIA
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
CRUISE – CULTURAL Singapore and Burma Lands of contrast
DATE: 15 February–2 March 2013 PRICE: £2,845
Sail aboard 350-passenger Aegean Odyssey and combine the comfort and convenience of small-ship cruising with the very best of cultural travel.
Few cities in Southeast Asia can boast Singapore’s fascinating cultural mix. Where else in the world can you dip into the cultures of China, India and Malaysia all in one day? Not only has Singapore’s history of migration left a rich cultural and architectural legacy that makes wandering the streets an absorbing delight, it has created one of the world’s great gastronomic capitals. After exploring the delights of Singapore, set sail for Phuket in Thailand and the beautiful Phi Phi Islands, before travelling on to Burma, a land of incredible landscapes, breathtaking temples and warm and friendly people. This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any Guest Lecturer land you know about wrote Rudyard Kipling in 1889, General Sir Michael Rose (St Edmund Hall, 1960) is an honorary and his observation still rings true today. fellow of St Edmund Hall where he read PPE. He has had a distinguished career in the Army and a number of appointments which took him to the Far East. Since retiring he has written and Highlights lectured extensively on peacekeeping and leadership. The writer Two nights in Singapore – discover the rich history and and journalist Trevor Mostyn will also be lecturing onboard. gastronomic delights of the city Three days in Burma Trip Scholar for the Oxford Alumni Travellers group to be Explore the historical city of Yangon confirmed; check the digital brochure for updates at Visit the spectacular 320-foot high Shwedagon pagoda, www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel2013 Burma’s spiritual centre Optional visits to Bagan or Mandalay Discover Malaysia, visiting the island of Penang and the World Heritage Site of Malacca VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY +44 (0)1865 302550 Price is per person, based on double occupancy of a category M cabin, and includes flights from the UK, transfers to the ship, all onboard meals and wine/beer, shore excursions and gratuities. Price for single occupancy: £3,245. 9 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel ASIA
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
ADVENTURE – CULTURAL HISTORICAL Burma Along the Golden Road to The art and culture of the golden land Samarkand A journey through Central Asia
DATE: 22 January–5 February 2013 DATE: 2–16 April 2013 PRICE: £3,560 PRICE: £2,970
Explore the ancient and unspoilt land of Burma, one of the last Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of travellers truly magical destinations of the Orient. Here is a glimpse of and artists more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. old Asia and the most devoutly Buddhist nation on earth. The Originally stops for caravans on the Golden Trade route party of Aung Sang Suu Kyi (St Hugh’s, 1964), the National across Central Asia, they developed into thriving centres of League for Democracy, are now encouraging informed and commerce and culture. Travel with Iain Shearer on this unique respectful visits to Burma, and this is an ideal time to immerse itinerary and learn more of the history and culture of the yourself in the culture and history of this country which for so region’s great kingdoms whose magnificent civilisations have long has been isolated from the rest of the world. produced some of Asia’s most beautiful art and architecture. Highlights Highlights Explore the majestic colonial facades of Yangon Experience the timelessness of a Central Asian caravan town Spend two nights at Inle Lake, spectacularly situated 1,000 in Khiva metres above sea level Ancient ruins of Kunye Urgench in Turkmenistan Discover the ancient citadel of Sri Ksetra where Professor Discover the walled cities of Merv, once one of the largest Stargardt has excavated extensively cities on the Silk Road Visit Mandalay, Burma’s last royal capital and now the Explore Bukhara, a beautifully-preserved town overflowing country’s cultural centre with historic Islamic monuments Discover the incredible beauty of Bagan, Burma’s ancient Marvel at the outstanding Registan Square in Samarkand, capital on the banks of the Irrawaddy River with its complex of domes, minarets and mosques Trip Scholar Trip Scholar Professor Janice Stargardt is a Research Fellow at Cambridge Dr Iain Shearer is an Islamic expert and archaeologist based at University, specialising in the historical geography and the Centre for Applied Archaeology at University College London. archaeology of South East Asia. She has a wealth of expertise and During the last decade he has conducted on-site research at the is known for her discoveries of early historical sites and irrigation Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, excavated at the city of Nishapur systems in Burma and her studies of their environments, cultures in Iran and in the Ferghana Valley of Uzbekistan. Dr Shearer has and trade. travelled extensively in Central Asia and accompanied two very successful Oxford alumni trips. DISTANT HORIZONS +44 (0)151 6253425 DISTANT HORIZONS +44 (0)151 6253425 Price includes flights from London and air passenger duty. Price includes flights from London and air passenger duty.
10 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
ADVENTURE HISTORICAL – WILDLIFE A Short Trek in the Himalayan Enchanting Sri Lanka Mountains of Nepal Ancient cities, colonial history and wonderful wildlife
DATE: 5–19 April 2013 DATE: 2–15 June 2013 PRICE: £2,380 PRICE: £3,350
Edging the utmost heights of the Himalayas, Nepal is one Sri Lanka is a beautiful island of marvellous contrasts with of the world’s most spectacular countries whose history and archaeological treasures, tea estates, colonial forts and fantastic culture are steeped in ancient customs and traditions. This wildlife all on offer. Featuring all the essential visits, this tour tour includes an eight-day trek following one of the oldest gives particular attention to the fascinating civilizations in trade routes from the Indian subcontinent to the Tibetan the country’s cultural triangle, where we allow extra time plateau. The trip has been designed as a ‘first time’ trek and so Professor Coningham can offer unique insights from his does not require particularly high levels of fitness. extensive experience excavating in this region.
Highlights Highlights Explore Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur with their bustling Visit sacred Anuradhapura, one of the oldest inhabited cities bazaars and exquisite temples in the world Trek between timeless Nepalese villages set against the Climb Sigiriya rock fortress and explore the painted caves at magnificent backdrop of the soaring Annapurna peaks Dambulla Visit the sacred site of Muktinath, with its blend of animistic Discover ancient Polonnaruwa with its superbly crafted 14m Hindu and Buddhist beliefs reclining Buddha Soak in the sulphurous hot springs of Tukche, an old Thakali Highest density of leopards in the world at Yala National Park trading town 17th Century Dutch Forts at Matara and Galle End the trek in the beautifully situated town of Pokhara with its patchwork of rice terraces and citrus trees Stay in historic, stylish and unique properties, including iconic Geoffrey Bawa-designed hotels Trip Scholar Professor Charles Ramble (Hertford, 1979) specialises in Trip Scholar Himalayan anthropology and has spent more than 15 years living Professor Robin Coningham holds a Chair in Archaeology at in Nepal working as an anthropologist and cultural historian. He Durham University. He has worked in Sri Lanka for more than 20 was University Lecturer in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at the years and has excavated at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s earliest University of Oxford, currently holds a professorship in Tibetan capital. He has also conducted fieldwork in Bangladesh, Nepal and history and philology at the Sorbonne University and has led Pakistan. previous successful alumni visits to Nepal and Bhutan. DISTANT HORIZONS +44 (0)151 6253425 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price includes flights from London and air passenger duty. Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, double or twin rooms with private facilities, full board, guided excursions, all entrance fees. Single supplement £850.
11 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel ASIA AFRICA
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
CULTURAL HISTORICAL Secrets of the Spice Islands Egypt Uncovered A journey through Indonesia Giza, Saqqara, Siwa and the desert oases, Luxor, Abydos and Dendera
DATE: 2–21 July 2013 DATE: 12–25 March 2013 PRICE: £4,160 PRICE: £2,450
Indonesia is a land of extraordinary beauty and incredible Specially designed to suit both first and second time visitors cultural diversity. Its many islands sprawl over one-eighth to Egypt, this unusual tour goes off the beaten track to visit of the globe and boast the most fascinating collection of Egypt’s unsung gems such as Saqqara, Dendera and the peoples, places and natural wonders. From the highest peaks Western Desert Oases as well as the classic sites at Giza and linked by chains of dramatic volcanoes to vast savannahs and Luxor. See an Egypt unspoiled by tourists, with unique insights tropical rainforests inhabited by more than 300 ethnic groups, provided by your expert lecturer throughout. There is the Indonesia is the most complex single nation on earth. option to add on a three- to seven-day Nile cruise to Aswan after the tour. Highlights Explore three of the major islands of Indonesia: Java, Sulawesi and Bali Highlights Visit the pyramids of the ancient burial ground at Saqqara Discover Indonesia’s cultural capital, Jogjakarta Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids in Cairo Explore the stunning complex of Candi Sukuh built on the slopes of the majestic Mount Lawu Discover the superb Coptic Monasteries at Wadi Natrun Visit the Hanging Graves at Lemo where the burial chambers Explore Alexandria, home to a spectacular new library are carved out of sheer rock face Journey through the Oases of the Western Desert, from Siwa Learn about Balinese culture to Kharga Uncover lesser-known Luxor at Abydos and Dendera Trip Scholar Robert Barnes, Professor at Oxford’s Institute of Social and Trip Scholar Cultural Anthropology, specialises in the cultures and societies Professor Mark Smith is the Lady Wallis Budge Fellow in of Eastern Indonesia and has a broad interest in Southeast Asian Egyptology at University College, Oxford, and a member of the ethnography, history and languages. His research has focused on Faculty of Oriental Studies. He specialises in Egyptian language three separate communities in eastern Indonesia, where he has and religion, with an emphasis on funerary beliefs and practices. spent several years living. He is currently working on a dictionary Professor Smith led last year’s very successful Oxford alumni trip of an unrecorded eastern Indonesian language. to Egypt.
DISTANT HORIZONS +44 (0)151 6253425 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price includes flights from London and air passenger duty. Price includes flights from London, accommodation on twin share basis, full board, guided excursions, air passenger duty. Single supplement £625.
12 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
SKILLS – WILDLIFE CULTURAL – WILDLIFE Namibian Landscapes: Last Kingdoms of Africa Exploring and photographing the Swaziland, Zulu battlefields, Big dunes, deserts, wildlife and rock art Five safari and ancient rock art of Namibia
DATE: 22 June–3 July 2013 DATE: 28 September–10 October 2013 PRICE: £4,195 PRICE: £3,595
Accompanied by an expert local naturalist guide as well Discover Swaziland, one of the very last kingdoms of Africa, as by professional photographer and Oxford photography where traditional culture, dress and song are still a way of tutor David Tolley, this journey is for nature lovers and life. Explore KwaZulu Natal, once the hunting preserve of budding photography enthusiasts alike. We travel through the Zulu kings and now superb for Big Five game viewing. Seek breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon and the out history at the fabled battle sites of the Anglo-Zulu war Skeleton Coast to the stark Huab valley and Etosha National and iconic rock art amongst the towering pinnacles of the Park, where specially adapted wildlife such as black rhino, Drakensberg Mountains. desert elephant and mountain zebra survive. Highlights Highlights Oldest mine in the world in beautiful Swaziland Expert photography advice and hands-on workshops Safari with superb rhino, elephant and lion sightings and throughout elusive leopard Awe-inspiring sand dunes at Sossusvlei and scenery at Richest diversity of birdlife south of the Equator with more Sesriem Canyon than 400 species Desert-adapted flora and fauna such as the Welwitschia Battlegrounds of Isandhlwana and Rorke’s Drift, heart of the Mirabilis Zulu nation Amazing rock art at Twyfelfontein Famous prehistoric rock paintings sites of the Drakensberg Superb game-viewing at Etosha with lion, herds of elephant Smaller group for an exclusive experience and prolific birdlife Get up close to cheetah at the Africat foundation, Okonjima Trip Scholar Dr David Price-Williams FRGS has conducted environmental Trip Scholar archaeological research for two decades in Southern Africa, David Tolley is a successful commercial photographer and Tutor in directed an archaeological excavation in Swaziland for 15 years, Fine Art at the Ruskin School, University of Oxford. He has taught and built its national museum. He is also a keen naturalist and Thames Valley University’s BA in Photography and exhibits his member of the Anglo-Zulu War Society. own fine art photography worldwide.
Temple World + 44 (0)20 89404114 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, hotel and lodge accommodation Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, double or twin room with on full board basis and guided excursions. Single supplement on request. private facilities, full board, excursions, all entrance fees. Single supplement £400.
13 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel ANTARCTICA SOUTH AMERICA
Oxford Alumni Travellers 2013
ADVENTURE – CRUISE – WILDLIFE ADVENTURE – CRUISE – WILDLIFE Fire and Ice The Galapagos Islands and A Voyage from Tierra Del Fuego to Ecuador Antarctica The zoology, ecology and ornithology of the Pacific
DATE: 22 February–8 March 2013 DATE: 10–21 October 2013 PRICE: £6,950 PRICE: £4,850
The towering walls of ice and glistening glaciers of the world’s Experience first-hand the astonishing ecology which last untouched continent inspire awe, whilst the abundant contributed to Charles Darwin’s pivotal theory of evolution summer wildlife of whales, penguins, leopard seals and with a visit to the unique and endlessly fascinating Galapagos multitudinous birds contrasts with the mesmerising, trackless Islands. As well as visiting Quito this tour features a seven- landscape. Accommodation is aboard the very comfortable night cruise aboard our exclusively chartered yacht, Coral I. expedition ship Antarctic Dream, and there will be frequent This is a supremely comfortable way to witness evolution in landings to get close to the penguin colonies and other natural action, with an Amazon pre-tour also available. wonders of this ice wilderness. Highlights Highlights Astonishing birdlife with finches, albatrosses, boobies and Cruise the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula frigate birds Get up close with visits by dinghy to islands and penguin Amazing up-close wildlife including iguanas, giant tortoises colonies and sea lions Superb birdlife with more than 250 species including petrels Equally beautiful marine life including penguins, rays, and Antarctic terns dolphins and whales Swim in warm water at Pendulum Cove Indigenous Ecuadorian market at Otavalo Small and comfortable ship with just 39 outside cabins UNESCO heritage-listed Spanish colonial city of Quito
Trip Scholar Trip Scholar Professor David Walton has been a scientist with the British Professor John Parker (Christ Church, 1963) was Director of the Antarctic Survey for more than 40 years and has visited most Cambridge University Botanic Garden until 2010. His interests parts of Antarctica. He has written and edited six books on lie in plant evolutionary genetics and the origins of evolutionary research in Antarctica and is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal thinking and he is an expert on Professor John Henslow, founder Antarctic Science, which he established in 1989. In 2006 he was of the Botanic Garden, and the influence Henslow had on shaping the recipient of the SCAR (Scientific Community of Antarctic Darwin’s intellectual development. Research) Medal for International Scientific Coordination.
TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 TEMPLE WORLD + 44 (0)20 89404114 Price includes flights from London, accommodation, full board (based on Amundsen Price includes flights from London, air passenger duty, standard double/twin cabin Cabin), guided excursions, air passenger duty. Single supplement £2890. Cabin with private facilities, full board, excursions and all entrance fees. Upper Cabin upgrades available. upgrade £250 per person. Single supplement £1,950. 14 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel OXFORD ALUMNI TRAVELLERS Two Oxford alumni who have been on one of our tours in the last year, share some highlights and tell us why they’d recommend the experience to other alumni.
Pompeii with about the significance of the site, and are very well-organised and you will of the financial and administrative be travelling in excellent company. Herculaneum tour challenges facing such a high-profile For a single traveller like myself, Jessica Hodge tourist destination. the sense of shared enjoyment that comes from a group of like-minded (Somerville, 1968) In some ways the most exciting visit travellers is particularly rewarding. for me was the day we spent at the Pompeii and Herculaneum have Our communal dinners were lively, Greek site of Paestum. The open and been on my list of places to visit argumentative and enjoyable. relatively unfrequented site gives the for some 40 years, and seeing them visitor a real sense of offered as part of an alumni trip personal exploration tipped me into action. and discovery. The trip began with a visit to the I would recommend stunning Naples Archaeological Oxford Alumni Museum and it was wonderful to have Travellers tours to both guidance on interesting exhibits other alumni as and enough time to explore. they offer scholarly We had a whole day in Pompeii and and informative were privileged to be led around lecturing and the site by the director of the British guiding, without School at Rome, gaining access to a being dry or couple of houses not normally open inaccessible, as well to the public. The tour gave us a sense as privileged access both of current academic thinking to sites. The trips
Livingstone’s Africa, I spent the rest of my working combination of two places I wished life in support of the development to revisit with a small party of people Footsteps: Victoria and growth of universities in Africa. who would share our interests was Falls, Chobe and the This involved a number of visits to especially attractive. The locations Okavango Delta different African countries each year, featured in the brochure were including excursions to Victoria Falls appealing, being relatively small and John Theakstone at various times of year and a brief rural in location. (Jesus College, 1955) visit to the Okavango delta. The main highlight of the trip, for me, I matriculated in 1955 as a member I was particularly keen to share was the wildlife we saw in Botswana. of Jesus College. Having spent three the experience of seeing one of the I have visited many of Africa’s game years in the overseas civil service in natural wonders of the world and parks but have never come so close of experiencing the to animals as at Chobe (elephants in unique qualities of huge numbers) and Okavango (a lion the Okavango with on a kill and a leopard not more than Barbara, my travelling ten metres distant). companion over many I would, without hesitation, years. It seemed like recommend to other alumni that serendipity that a they consider becoming an Oxford brochure for the alumni Alumni Traveller. The tour company, travel programme Temple World, were excellent; we arrived in the post as found having an experienced guide these thoughts were throughout the tour to be invaluable, becoming firm. The and the general standard of service tour Livingstone’s and accommodation we experienced Footsteps seemed was very high. an almost ideal arrangement. The
15 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel TRIP SCHOLARS All of our tours are accompanied by an expert trip scholar who will offer interesting and unique insights into the destination, giving daily talks based on their academic background and the sites visited.
Professor Mark Smith was Egypt (Temple World) p12 the trip scholar for the 2012 Eternal Egypt tour and will be leading the Egypt Uncovered trip in March 2013 (details on p12), which takes in some alternative sites including Saqqara, Dendera and the Western Desert Oases, along with more classic sites at Giza and Luxor. He tells us more about his work and the role of a trip scholar on Oxford Alumni Travellers tours.
I am Professor of Egyptology at Oxford University and I am currently researching and writing a book about the Lady Wallis Budge Fellow in Egyptology at University god of the dead, Osiris, and how beliefs concerning the College. My research interests range from the beginning nature of the relationship between him and the deceased of Egyptian history to Coptic Egypt, although my focus is changed and developed during the course of Egyptian on the Graeco-Roman Period, in particular the intellectual history. Several of the places on the planned itinerary of life and religious beliefs of that time. I am especially the upcoming tour Egypt Uncovered figure prominently in interested in Egyptian conceptions of the afterlife. my research on this topic.
Dr Robert Simpson, trip people, I also got to meet the people who came on the trip, scholar on the Oxford and make some links with University Alumni. It gave me a Alumni Travellers Polar chance to present a summary of my research and to share my passion for astronomy. My trip to Norway touched Nights and Mystical on many aspects of my work with the Zooniverse. The Northern Lights tour in whale songs for our marine biology project, we recorded February 2012, told us in Norway, and our Solar Stormwatch site is all about the about his experience. aurora and the Sun's relationship with the Earth.
The trip scholar is always on call, and you are available to I am a researcher and web answer questions about the trip, and your research - in developer in the Astrophysics my case astronomy - throughout the trip. As resident department. My main area of research is about understanding how stars and planets form. I work for the Zooniverse, a worldwide collaboration that creates Citizen Science websites, which invite everyone to assist researchers in many areas of science. Our Solar Stormwatch project asks people to help us track solar storms heading for the Earth - these storms often go on to form spectacular aurora. We have several projects, ranging across the spectrum, including a site that asks you to listen to the sounds of Norwegian whales, and another that is transcribing Royal Navy ships logs from the First World War in order to help understand the climate.
Being a trip scholar was excellent fun! In addition to being able to share my research with a group of interested Aurora Borealis (Hurtigruten) p4
16 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel FULL LIST OF SCHOLARS
Professor Robert Barnes, Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford
As trip scholar, my role is to provide an expert’s Dr James Brusuelas, Postdoctoral Researcher in perspective on the places and things that we see. This Papyrology and Classicist, University of Oxford is communicated in various ways. Each evening the trip scholar presents a talk of approximately Egypt (Temple World) p12 Professor Robin Coningham, Chair in Archaeology, 30–40 minutes in length on some aspect of the Durham University site to be visited the next day, providing essential background information and highlighting features Professor Roger Davies, Philip Wetton Professor of of particular interest. Questions and discussion Astrophysics, University of Oxford afterwards are always encouraged. But I am also available and happy to try to answer questions at Professor John Deathridge, King Edward Professor of any other time, e.g. during meals, while travelling Music, King’s College London on the coach from one site to another, and, when circumstances permit, at the actual site itself. Dr Alex Koller (Cantab), expert in art history and For me there are two main benefits of being architecture a trip scholar. One is the opportunity to visit parts of Egypt I have studied and read about Professor Alexei Leporc, Curator of Western but have never seen before. The other benefit is European Art at the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg that one visits these places in the company of a very interesting group of people. The energy and Professor Rosamond McKitterick, Chair in Medieval enthusiasm of the participants in last year’s trip to Egypt History, University of Cambridge were inspiring. Several had lived for prolonged periods in different parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, and so Oswyn Murray, Emeritus Fellow in Classics, Balliol possessed a wealth of experience of different cultures and College, University of Oxford ways of life. In my view their insights and observations greatly enhanced our appreciation and understanding of Professor John Parker, Former Director of the what we saw. Cambridge University Botanic Garden Dr David Price-Williams, archaeologist specialising in Southern Africa and Middle East Bronze Age
Professor Charles Ramble, Professor in Tibetan astronomer for the Norway trip, I led on-deck stargazing History and Philology, Sorbonne University sessions and kept track of the solar storms that may be approaching. It was a lot of fun, and everyone had great Dr Peter Sarris, University Senior Lecturer in Late questions that kept me on my toes. Roman, Early Medieval and Byzantine History, University of Cambridge Trip highlights For me it had to be the Northern Lights! We had seen Dr Iain Shearer, Islamic expert, Centre for Applied glimpses of the aurora on the first couple of nights on Archaeology, University College London the ship, but on the third night we caught a really good display. Everyone had gotten to know each other by then Professor Mark Smith, Lady Wallis Budge Fellow in and we were all out on the deck sharing an amazing Egyptology, University College, Oxford experience. Daniel Snowman, social and cultural historian and broadcaster
Professor Janice Stargardt, Research Fellow in Asian Historical Archaeology and Geography, University of Cambridge
David Tolley, Photographer and Tutor in Fine Art, Ruskin School, University of Oxford
Professor David Walton, scientist with the British Antarctic Survey
Aurora Borealis (Hurtigruten) p4
17 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel TRIPS BY DATE
22 Jan–5 Feb 2013 Burma p10 5–10 Feb 2013 Polar Nights and Mystical Northern Lights p4 8–13 Mar 2013 Polar Nights and Mystical Northern Lights p4 15 Feb–2 Mar 2013 Singapore and Burma p9 22 Feb–8 Mar 2013 Fire and Ice p14 2–7 Mar 2013 Art Treasures of St Petersburg p4 12–25 Mar 2013 Egypt Uncovered p12 27 Mar–2 Apr 2013 Salzburg Music Festival p5 2–16 Apr 2013 Along the Golden Road to Samarkand p10 5–19 Apr 2013 A Short Trek in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal p11 2–15 Jun 2013 Enchanting Sri Lanka p11 22 Jun–3 Jul 2013 Namibian Landscapes p13 26 Jun–7 Jul 2013 Amazing Anatolia p5 30 Jun–7 Jul 2013 Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast p6 2–21 Jul 2013 Secrets of the Spice Islands p12 28 Jul–3 Aug 2013 Provence and the Camargue p6 30 Aug–12 Sep 2013 The Black Sea p7 21 Sep–5 Oct 2013 Alexander’s Path p7 21 Sep–5 Oct 2013 Bulgarian Monasteries p8 28 Sep–10 Oct 2013 Last Kingdom’s of Africa p13 10–21 Oct 2013 The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador p14 16–21 Oct 2013 From Cracow to Warsaw p8
Bodnath, Nepal (Distant Horizons) p11
18 | www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel TRAVELLERS’ COMMUNITY
In the summer of 2012 we’ll be introducing a new area for Oxford Alumni Travellers on our website. www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travellers_community will include a range of trip reviews from past travellers, galleries of photos and videos, and a new travel blog. If you’ve been on a trip in the past, or are planning to attend one of our tours in the future, we’d love to hear from you. Photos, videos and travelogues are welcome! We’re looking for official videographers and photographers for trips departing in 2013, so if you’re planning to book and would be interested in getting involved, please contact us at [email protected]
Flickr users can upload photos to our gallery at www.flickr/com/groups/oxfordalumni_travel
TOUR OPERATORS
ACE CULTURAL Tours The Granary, Bury Farm, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP +44 (0)1223 841055 [email protected] www.aceculturaltours.co.uk
Distant horizons 13 Melloncroft Drive, Caldy, Wirral CH48 2JA +44 (0)151 6253425 [email protected] www.distanthorizons.co.uk
Hurtigruten 69–79 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JW +44(0)20 88462633 [email protected] www.hurtigruten.co.uk
2903 Temple World (incorporating IMA Travel) 13 The Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2AL +44 (0)20 89404114 [email protected] www.templeworld.com/alumni
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY 8 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JL +44 (0)1865 302550 [email protected] www.voyagestoantiquity.com Bali (Distant Horizons) p12
The University is a charity which has to protect its assets for the benefit of its mainstream charitable activities of teaching and research. It is with this in view that I must ask you to note that the trips in this brochure are offered, organised and run by the various commercial tour operators, and not by the University. Your attention is drawn to the operators’ membership of the various travel industry schemes. Responsibility for taking bookings and organising and running each trip rests with the operator, and any queries or concerns you may have about a trip should be addressed to the operator. You take part in a trip at your own risk. The operator is responsible for ensuring the safety and proper running of the trip. Therefore, except in the case of personal injury or death arising from the University’s negligence, the University does not accept any liability for any loss or damage, or for the cancellation of the event. Oxford Alumni Travellers Start the adventure today
Oxford Alumni Travellers Alumni Office University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD +44 (0)1865 611617 [email protected] www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/travel
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