to ParisOCTOBEr 6–19, 2014 P rague MLADA BFeaturingUKOVANSKY Professor of Government Smith College RHINE & MAIN Rivers aboarD THE ELEGANT River Cloud LECTURERS Problems and American Power, Dear Smith Alumnae, published by Cambridge ROMANTIC OLD WORLD VILLAGES set among University Press. She is also the author of numerous scholarly picturesque winding rivers, vineyards, and rolling articles and book chapters on hills along with vibrant cities emblematic of a rapidly subjects ranging from agri- cultural trade to corruption to transforming Europe comprise the culturally rich international ethics. Her first and historically significant threads of a memorable MLADA BUKOVANSKY (at left), book, Legitimacy and Power Professor of Government at Politics: The American and French journey in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Smith College, teaches courses Revolutions in International in international relations, Political Culture (Princeton European politics, corruption, 2002), is still in print. Mlada This fascinating itinerary is bookended by two of humanitarianism, international was born in Prague and Europe’s most vibrant cities—Paris and Prague— organizations, and international emigrated as a young girl with political economy. Her overall her immediate family after connected by a two-hour journey on France’s research focus is on the the 1968 Soviet invasion of high-speed train, TGV, from Paris to Strasbourg and evolving norms and institutions Czechoslovakia. She has re- that govern world politics. Her turned several times to the city of a scenic river cruise aboard the elegant most recent publications include her birth, discovering each time River Cloud II from Strasbourg to Nuremberg. a co-authored book entitled new dimensions of her family Special Responsibilities: Global history and cultural heritage. As you cruise along the Rhine and Main Rivers aboard the lovely 88-passenger River Cloud II, chartered for the exclusive use of Smith and Stanford travelers, you will enjoy the amenities of one of the finest river vessels in Europe, including elegant staterooms and public areas, refined cuisine, and impeccable service. A series of presentations by Mlada Bukovansky, Smith Professor of Government, and Stanford’s Robert Hamrdla, a specialist on Central Europe, will enrich your experience. If you have any questions, or wish to make a reserva- tion, please call Smith Travel at (800) 225-2029 or go to http://alumnae.smith.edu/travel. Best regards, Elizabeth Bigwood Director, Smith Travel Office of Alumnae Relations Begin a memorable journey with two nights in Paris, the “City of Light.” G. ROBERT HAMRDLA has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University and has been teaching at his alma mater for more than 35 years. Bob also served as the director of Stanford’s Overseas Study Centers in Beutelsbach, Berlin, and Kraków. Fluent in German and a specialist on Central Europe and Nazi Germany, as well as the former German Democratic Republic, Bob has visited Central and Eastern Europe virtually every year for the past 50 years, and his unfettered enthusiasm for the region is infectious. GERMANY Boppard Miltenberg Würzburg Bamberg Rhine Main Paris FRANCE Speyer Prague CZECH Strasbourg Heidelberg Nuremberg REPUBLIC Rhine Main-Danube Canal motorcoach Danube cruise rail air Prague’s Astronomical Clock dates back to 1490. OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR Thursday, October 9 independent explorations. EXTENSION PARIS / STRASBOURG In the early evening, meander NORMANDY Itinerary (EMBARK) on local boats through the October 2–7, 2014 Monday & Tuesday, Transfer to the train station canals of Strasbourg’s “Petite October 6 & 7 this morning and board the France,” as the former tanners’ Begin your journey with a pre- U.S. / PARIS, FRANCE TGV (high-speed train) for and fishmongers’ districts tour extension to Normandy, Depart the U.S. on an overnight Strasbourg. Like many of are known. where some of the most flight to Paris. Upon arrival, the region’s border cities, RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) decisive battles of World War check in to the hotel. Gather Strasbourg has traded hands II were fought. Highlights this evening for a special several times between France Saturday, October 11 include the Peace Memorial welcome reception and dinner. and Germany; today, the SPEYER & HEIDELBERG, Museum at Caen, which HoteL SCRIBE (D) French capital of Alsace and GERMANY details the events of D-Day seat of the European Parlia- This morning visit Speyer’s and the Battle of Normandy; Wednesday, October 8 ment reflects both cultures— acclaimed Romanesque the American Military PARIS linguistically, architecturally, cathedral, which houses the Cemetery at St-Laurent-sur- After a morning orientation, and gastronomically. Built at largest crypt in Germany. Mer and the landing sectors choose between two walking the intersection of several Continue cruising north along at Omaha Beach; Pointe du tours of Paris neighborhoods Roman roads, Strasbourg the Rhine, then stop for an Hoc, site of a daring attack by —either the stylish Marais features a historic, UNESCO afternoon guided walking tour Army Rangers; Ste-Mère- district, including Place des of Heidelberg, home to a Église, the first town to be World Heritage-designated Vosges and the newly reopened number of great poets and liberated by American city center with 16th-century Picasso Museum, or the bou- academics, world-famous airborne divisions; Bénouville, half-timbered houses and a tique-lined streets and artistic castle ruins, and Germany’s site of the original Pegasus gothic cathedral built of red haunts of the Latin Quarter. oldest university. Bridge, a major objective of sandstone. Enjoy lunch at a the Normandy invasion; and Or, at an additional cost, take local restaurant, then explore RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Juno Beach, one of three a guided coach excursion to the city by coach and on foot Sunday, October 12 beaches where Allied forces Giverny and visit the house before embarking the River ROMANTIC RHINE landed on D-Day. In Bayeux, where Claude Monet lived most Cloud II late this afternoon. Dock this morning at Boppard, view the 900-year-old Bayeux of his life, including the lovely RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Tapestry, an extraordinary gardens featured in many of near the confluence of the visual account of the Norman his most famous works. The Friday, October 10 Rhine and Mosel Rivers, and conquest of England. Enjoy afternoon and evening are free STRASBOURG enjoy a walking tour of a clas- comfortable accommodations for independent exploration. This morning, visit the sic Rhine village, followed by a at the Chateau de la HoteL SCRIBE (B) European Parliament for a private recital at the impres- Cheneviere near Bayeux. specially arranged tour and sive Namedy Castle, a UNESCO Rates: $2,990 per person, a guest lecture on European World Heritage site and home double occupancy; $3,990 affairs. The afternoon is at of the Princess of Hohenzollern. per person, single occupancy. leisure in port, with time for This afternoon, cruise along The many castles along the Visit the fabulously Baroque Rhine testify to its historical Residenz Palace in Würzburg. GERMANY importance as a waterway. Boppard Miltenberg Würzburg Bamberg Rhine Main Paris FRANCE Speyer Prague CZECH Strasbourg Heidelberg Nuremberg REPUBLIC Rhine Main-Danube Canal motorcoach Danube cruise rail air the most beautiful stretch of Tuesday, October 14 Thursday, October 16 late-Gothic Vladislav Hall. the Romantic Rhine through WÜRZBURG NUREMBERG, GERMANY / The evening is at leisure to River Cloud the Middle Rhine Valley, a One of the most magnificent PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC take advantage of the many storybook landscape of Baroque buildings in southern Arrive this morning in musical offerings in Prague. medieval castles and myths. Germany—the Würzburg Nuremberg and disembark IntercontinentaL HoteL (B,L) Here, according to German Residenz Palace—rises high the River Cloud II. Visit the legends, the siren Lorelei calls above the Main. In the 16th Third Reich parade grounds Saturday, October 18 to sailors from the rocks, and century, the medieval castle and tour the courthouse, site PRAGUE the accursed Niebelungen was converted into a of the Nuremberg trials. Enjoy Discover the fairy tale–like gold treasure lies submerged magnificent palace with five a typical Bavarian lunch at a setting of Prague’s Old Town, beneath the waters. This grand halls, 300 bedrooms, local restaurant before driving a UNESCO World Heritage site, UNESCO World Heritage site a mirrored gallery, and an through scenic countryside during a guided walking tour has inspired artists and enormous, recently restored and across the Czech border that showcases six centuries composers for centuries, ceiling painting by Tiepolo. to Prague. of architectural styles lining including the great 19th- Enjoy a guided tour of the IntercontinentaL HoteL (B,L) cobbled streets. Also visit century Romantics Lord Byron, Residenz, followed by a private such Art Nouveau treasures Victor Hugo, and Goethe. tasting of Franconian wines Friday, October 17 as the Municipal House and RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) in its historic cellar. PRAGUE the Alfons Mucha Museum, RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Enjoy a special private visit to dedicated to the works of Monday, October 13 the Strahov Monastery library, the well-known Art Nouveau MILTENBERG Wednesday, October 15 with two Baroque rooms hous- painter. The afternoon is at After a morning of cruising, BAMBERG ing an impressive collection of leisure. This evening gather dock this afternoon at After a morning of cruising, call precious ancient manuscripts. for a private farewell gala at Miltenberg along Bavaria’s at Bamberg, founded in 902 and Continue with an exploration Lobkowicz Castle, a lovely famous Romantic Road, which situated on seven hills, with a of the ancient Prague Castle ancestral palace within runs through the medieval network of canals winding their complex, which dominates a Prague Castle. heart of Germany. Miltenberg’s way around splendid baroque hilltop on the left bank of the IntercontinentaL HoteL (B,D) strategic location on the buildings.