In the Shadow of Vesuvius

October 12-24, 2004

A Special Expedition For Members of AAAS & Sigma Xi

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. Sigma Xi Expeditions ¥ AAASTravels 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 FIRST CLASS

Dear Friends: Join us!... as we discover the cultural heritage and natural wonders In the Shadow of Vesuvius—the famed “Campania felix” of Roman times—from October 12-24, 2004. Discover the dynamic delights of Naples, spectacular Ravello, and the famed archaeological site of Pompeii. Walk along the spectacular Amalfi coast and explore quaint seaside villages. Enjoy the sunny spirit of this land of Greek temples, Roman pleasure palaces, sky-high villages, plunging cliffs, and awesome panoramas, led by a superb expedition leader, cultural historian and naturalist, Mark Walters. Explore Mt. Polveracchio, a nature preserve in the Apennines, and Cilento National Park, recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While visiting these preserves, we will be on the lookout for raptors and other European species as they migrate across the Mediterranean to Africa. Also discover the lively scene at Capri, a famed getaway since Roman times. Enjoy the rich country life of an historic azienda, just minutes from the splendor of Paestum, the finest Greek temple in Italy, if not the Mediterranean. Join us and savor the rich life of Southern Italy in the shadow of Vesuvius! Sincerely,

Days 1/2 — USA to Rome and Naples Day 8 — Temples & Museum of Paestum Fly from USA gateway cities to Rome and Naples. Arrive on For centuries the temples of Paestum have enthralled visitors the morning of Day 2 in Naples, a vibrant city in southern Italy to the area. We will stroll through the site, a labyrinth of roads with a rich cultural heritage. Transfer to the Hotel Chiaja (4 nights), and different building layers. Fine painted tombs from local situated close to the Bourbon Royal Palace. Afternoon at leisure. necropolises are on display at the local museum — together Welcome dinner. D with sculptural decorations from some of Italy’s earliest temples. We then visit a local buffalo farm to see the stretched- Day 3 — Mt. Vesuvius & Pompeii curd cheese, mozzarella, produced in situ. In the evening we Our introduction to Southern Italy, the land in the shadow of head into the town of Agropoli for dinner in a trattoria. B,D. Vesuvius, will begin today with an adventure to the 4,000-foot summit of Mt. Vesuvius for superb views across the Bay of Day 9 — The foothills of the Apennines: Mt. Polveracchio Naples from Sorrento in the south to Cape Miseno in the north. Today we head up into the Picentini mountains to enjoy the The crater is unforgettable for its immensity and desolation. fall colors. Mt. Polveracchio, rising to almost 6,000 feet, is the During the visit we’ll learn about our leader’s research into the site of a WorldWide Fund for Nature preserve, home to wolves birds of Vesuvius. This afternoon explore the archaeological and several large raptors. Enjoy a half day walk and picnic in the site of Pompeii, an amazingly well preserved Roman town preserve, discovering beechwood birdlife and scenic vistas. B,L,D devastated by Vesuvius in AD 79. B,L Days 10/11 — Salerno & Ravello Depart this morning along the Gulf of Salerno for the renowned Day 4 — Capri Amalfi coast. On the way we will stop in Salerno, a historic town Today, we will take a hydrofoil from the port of Naples and laying claim to Italy’s first university. We break for lunch after a discover the magical isle of Capri in the Gulf of Naples. Capri brief visit to the fine cathedral and the small but fascinating was famous in ancient times as an imperial retreat from the archaeological museum. In the afternoon we continue to our intrigues in the capital Rome. We will take a panoramic walk final destination, Ravello, perched spectacularly over the Amalfi to Tiberius’s impressive residence, Villa Iovis, and look for coast. Day 11 is at leisure to sample the sights and sounds of migratory birds on their passage south. There will be time Ravello or take a tour to Positano. Hotel Graal (3 nights). B,D/B,D in the afternoon to visit Villa San Michele, home to dynamic philanthropist and art collector Axel Munthe. B Day 12 — Amalfi Today we take a walk down through lemon groves to sea level Day 5 — National Archaeological Museum and the town of Amalfi. Amalfi is Italy’s oldest republic, enjoying & the Campi Flegrei great prosperity in the 11th century when its maritime code We will spend the morning seeing the remarkable finds ruled the seas. We visit the remarkable cathedral complex, with exhibited in the Naples Archaeological Museum. The museum its cloisters, crypt and museum. We will adjourn for lunch and holds a cornucopia of exhibits, ranging from sculptures in marble then return to Ravello in good time for a festive farewell. B,D and bronze to mosaics and ancient vases. For the afternoon Day 13 — Ravello & Home we will head out to the Campi Flegrei, the Phlegraean Fields Transfer to the Naples airport for the return flights to Rome of antiquity, an area steeped in myth, legend and verdant and home. archaeological sites. In the early evening we will stop at Villa Giulia near Cumae for a “degustazione” of wines made from ancient grape varieties and a light snack. B,D Day 6 — Herculaneum On our way southeast from Naples, we will take a brief tour of Herculaneum, the ancient town buried by volcanic mud in AD 79. After a short lunch break we will continue southeast to the Azienda Agrituristica Seliano (4 nights), a splendid country hacienda with grand high wood-beam ceilings, and superb rustic furnishings. A working farm and ranch, the azienda offers horseback riding and buffalo are raised here (for the region’s mozzarella cheese). B,D Day 7 — Castellabate & Punta Licosa During our stay in Paestum, we will venture further south into the heart of the Cilento, Italy’s largest National Park. We explore the hill village of Castellabate and ramble its ancient streets. We have a picnic lunch under Aleppo pines near Ogliastro, and then take a quiet coastal walk to the small fishing town of San Marco. B,L,D

COSTS & CONDITIONS QUESTIONS? Expedition Fee: $3,295 per person (from Naples). Please call Betchart Expeditions Inc., phone (800) 252-4910 What to Expect: This expedition is planned for the traveler who would enjoy exploring or (408) 252-4910. the spectacular villages, cities, archaeological sites, and national parks of Southern Italy. led by Mark Walters. Travel by motorcoach and boat. There will be daily walks of 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Typically, temperatures will be in the 70s to 80s. This expedition is a tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure who #855 enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with a group and who have a keen interest in learning RESERVATIONS about the cultural heritage, natural history, and sunny spirit of Southern Italy. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals, please.) YES! I/We want to join In the Shadow of Vesuvius, October 12-24, Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; airport transfers, accommodations in first 2004, offered by AAAS Travels & Sigma Xi Expeditions. Please class and country-style hotels twin share with bath; meals as indicated; entrance fees; reserve ____ space(s). As a deposit, I/we have enclosed a check for baggage handling; leadership, administration. $______($500 per person) payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Expedition Fee Does Not Include: Air fare; some meals; gratuities to expedition leader; beverages with meals, personal items such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, Trust Account. snacks, or other items; foreign airport departure taxes. Air Fare & Airline Ticketing: Please book flights directly with the airlines to arrive in Name(s) ______Age ____ Sex___ Naples by 2:00 p.m. on October 13. Return flights to the U.S. should depart Naples at 10:00 a.m. or later. If you have any questions, please call Karen Camin at Betchart ______Age ____ Sex___ Expeditions Inc., (800) 252-4910 or email: [email protected]. Single Accommodations: Singles are available for $495. If you do not have a roommate Address ______or we cannot assign one, you must pay the extra cost of a single. Reservations, Deposits & Payments: Please mail a deposit of $500 per person with the City______State ____ Zip______completed reservation form. The maximum enrollment is 24. You will receive an invoice for the balance which is due 60 days before departure. Phone: Home (_____) ______Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit for the expedition is refundable up to 60 days before departure less a handling fee of $100 per person. There will be no refund for Work (_____) ______any cancellation after the 60-day period unless your place is resold; then only the $100 handling fee applies. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other Email Address: ______trip features. Trip cancellation insurance will be available. Responsibility: Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and Membership: AAAS Sigma Xi ACS Planetary Society Sigma Xi, the Scientify Research Society act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident Accommodations Preference: or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motorcoach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due __ Twin __ Single __ Nonsmoker __ Smoker to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes 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 substitute another leader of similar expertise or to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on Signature: ______Date: ______our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel Signature: ______Date: ______increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The Please Mail To: Betchart Expeditions Inc. airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, California 95014-5435