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The World Affairs Council of
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| Upcoming Trips |
What's so special about traveling with the World Affairs Council? The Council has been offering tours to its members and to Cooperating Councils for more than thirty years. These trips offer all the highlights of touring plus access to political leaders and other local experts for behind the scenes views and briefings that make our trips special and unique. Many trips include lecturers drawn from the fields of diplomacy, journalism, or academia. "Inside" trips are resource rich featuring private briefings, behind-the-scenes visits or expert lecturers.
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| September 17-25, 2008 | |
| Malta and Sicily with expert Maria Zammit | |
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Join us on a memorable nine-day journey to the historic Mediterranean islands of Malta and Sicily, the crossroads of civilizations for countless millennia. In Malta walk in the footsteps of St. Paul; see Megalithic stone temples; and step back into the Middle Ages in the walled city of Mdina. Cross to Sicily via high-speed ferry and explore an unrivaled wealth of Greco-Roman monuments. First-class accommodations in Sliema, Malta, and Siracusa, Sicily; breakfast daily; selected meals; "meet the people" opportunities; and a series of exclusive lectures and tours that will bring to life the history and culture of Malta and Sicily. With family connections and access to high-level officials, Council leader Maria Zammit will greatly enhance your visit to Malta. From $3,095 plus airfare. Reserve now and save!
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| October 3-17, 2008 WAIT LIST ONLY |
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| Wings Over the Nile by Private Plane | |
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Explore the destinations of Jordan, Dubai and Oman with Harvard-educated Dr. Tarek Swelim, a Middle Eastern and Islamic scholar. Our program sets out to unravel the histories, cultures, politics and economies of these stable nations that have taken very different approaches to development. From ancient Petra to the modern metropolis of Dubai and the sea-faring nation of Oman, you will discover a fascinating part of the world through carefully planned touring and insightful briefings. $7,840 plus airfare.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| October 11-25, 2008 | |
| Inside Jordan, Dubai and Oman with Dr. Tarek Swelim | |
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Accompanied by Harvard-educated Dr. Tarek Swelim, an Arabian and Islamic scholar, explore the three destinations of Jordan, Dubai and Oman. Our program sets out to unravel the histories, cultures, politics and economies of these three stable nations that have taken very different approaches to development. From ancient Petra to the modern metropolis of Dubai and the sea-faring nation of Oman, discover through carefully planned briefings a fascinating part of the world. Unique presentations such as "Open Hearts, Open Minds" held in the Jumeirah Mosque; a meeting with HRH Princess Wijdan Ali, the first woman in Jordan to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and meetings with U.S. Ambassadors. $7,840 plus airfare.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| October 6-25, 2008 | |
| Private Jet Trip: South Africa and Indian Ocean | |
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Fly by first-class private corporate jet on this trip of a lifetime. A team of on-board lecturers illuminate the history of empires, the varied cultures encountered, and the outstanding examples of art and architecture. Explore Cape Town, Swaziland, Botswana, Kalahari, Namibia, Victoria Falls, Madagascar and Mauritius. $44,000 a person.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| November 9-17, 2008 SECOND DEPARTURE ADDED |
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| Inside Beijing | |
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We repeat our enormously popular value-priced seven-night program to China's capital city. Includes magnificent sightseeing, culinary delights, cultural highlights and insightful briefings. Lunch with a Beijing family and visit a school. Optional one-day trip to Xian for the terracotta warriors and optional 3-night extension to Shanghai. To accommodate our wait-listed members, we have added another departure. Space remains. $2,195 including airfare.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| November 9-21, 2008 | |
| Mediterranean Cruise with Guest Lecturer Bill Moyers | |
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Sail aboard the deluxe 114-passenger Corinthian II from Greece to Spain and enjoy a wonderful combination of natural beauty and magnificent ancient remains. Embark in Athens and transit the Corinth Canal for Delphi and Olympia. Continue to Sicily, Tunisia, Sardinia, North Africa, Granada and disembark in Malaga. A team of guest lecturers accompany the tour including PBS' Bill Moyers. From $6,995 plus airfare.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| January 29-February 8, 2009 | |
| Antiquities of the Nile Valley and the Red Sea with Ambassador Mark Johnson |
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Join us aboard 60-guest Monet for an extraordinary travel experience encompassing 5,000 years of history, from the splendors of the Nile Valley and the sacred mountains of Sinai to the "Rose-Red" city of Petra. Enjoy the legendary hospitality of the Bedouins during a festive evening at a traditional desert camp, and snorkel in the pristine waters off Ras Mohammed. Mark Johnson, a 30-year veteran of the foreign service, provides political insight. Cairo pre-program option and/or Amman post-program option. From $4195 plus airfare. Reserve by July 31 and save $1,000 a couple. For a longer trip, add on our Israel tour!
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| February 7-16, 2009 | |
| Israel Guest lecture by Linda Gradstein, National Public Radio |
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Israel, a focal point for three of the world's major religions, is replete with historic and spiritual milestones. We'll tour the major sites in Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and Masada; visit the Golan Heights, descend into the spectacular Jordan Rift Valley and marvel at the Dead Sea; and visit modern Tel Aviv and Haifa. "Meet the people" opportunities and a variety of lectures round out our study tour. Optional 2-night extension in Eilat with a day visit to Petra, Jordan. $2,495 plus airfare. Book by September 9 and save $200 a couple. For a longer trip, add on our Red Sea tour!
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| March 7-14, 2009 | |
| Baja California Cruise plus 'voluntourism' opportunity |
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Cruise aboard 120-guest Yorktown and visit unspoiled islands with breathtaking private beaches and turquoise coves where you can snorkel or kayak and be guided by naturalists who will also lead optional hikes. View gray whales "up-close"; visit unspoiled Loreto and the 17th century mission; and explore La Paz where a fiesta, complete with Mexican music and dancers, provides a wonderful finale. Optional 2-day "give back" opportunity by helping to paint a sponsored orphanage or similar activity. From $2,199 plus airfare.
Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program
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| March 19-April 3, 2009 | |
| World Leaders Symposium 2009 the Middle East in the 21st Century |
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Secretary James A. Baker III; Ambassador Dennis Ross; Professor Larry Diamond and others continue our highly-acclaimed series with a journey to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. This tour, which includes a pre-land program in Dubai and post-land program in Oman, features a cruise aboard Silversea's deluxe 280-guest Silver Wind along the scenic coastline of the Gulf. Prominent local speakers provide additional perspective on the modern history and politics of this region. Behind-the-scenes touring of the highest caliber. From $20,000. Reserve by July 18 to guarantee space! Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| April 27-May 2, 2009 | |
| Inside Washington, DC | |
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The New Great Game — the shifting balance of power in the 21st Century. Our hallmark, five-night program accommodates participants at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue. The week features substantive briefings with think tank scholars, journalists, members of Congress, and embassy officials. Special dinner at the private Cosmos Club, luncheon briefing at the National Press Club, and cultural highlights. In 2008, keynote speakers included Senator Chuck Hagel, Congressman Lee Hamilton, The Washington Post's Robin Wright and the Jordanian ambassador. $2,300 includes hotel and some meals. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| April 7-15, 2009 | |
| Cruising the Canary Islands and Madeira, Morocco, Gibraltar | |
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Nine days aboard the luxurious 230-guest Le Diamant, journey along sea routes once plied by Phoenician and Roman ships. Sail from the sun-washed Canary Islands to the verdant isle of Madeira-famous for its full-bodied, namesake wine-then to the fabled coast of Morocco where we visit Casablanca and imperial Rabat. Our final port is the fortress-like bastion of Gibraltar, the storied British Crown colony. Enhance this less-traveled route with an exclusive Madrid pre-program option and a post-program option featuring the Moorish monuments of Granada and Seville. From $2,995 plus airfare. Book by September 17 and save $1,000 a couple! Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| April 20-May 5, 2009 | |
| Turkey and Turquoise Coast Yacht Tour | |
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Repeat of last year's highly acclaimed tour features a privately chartered gulet yacht for five splendid, relaxing days of discovering hidden sights, quaint fishing villages, and remote ruins. Tour begins in Istanbul, Turkey's cultural and spiritual heart, with its legendary Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace. Then travel south to the sacred World War I battlefield of Gallipoli, ferry across the Dardanelles to Troy, and explore the wealth of Greco-Roman ruins at ancient Pergamum and the treasures of Ephesus. Enjoy lunch with a local family and political briefings. Cappadocia extension. $4,495 includes airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| May 8-20, 2009 | |
| Inside Bhutan | |
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This secluded Himalayan Kingdom just gently transformed to a representative democracy at the urging of the King — we'll learn about this development and also Bhutan's unique governmental directive that measures Gross National Happiness not just GNP. Meet with Buddhist clergy to see how Buddhism permeates all aspects of life, visit sacred temples and monasteries, and attend a prayer festival. We'll discover unique crafts, visit a school and, of course, enjoy incredible Himalayan vistas. We include a few gentle walks, including the Royal Botanical Gardens where we see splendid rhododendrons in bloom. Optional extension in Bangkok. $6,495 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| May 17-26, 2009 | |
| Inside Peru | |
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Join Professor Lowell Gustafson on this delightful tour of Peru's Andean landscapes, remarkable archaeological treasures, rich colonial heritage, and colorful indigenous cultures. Touring in Lima includes a private collection of breathtaking Moche artifacts, a visit to an archeologist's laboratory, and a visit to the US embassy. From colonial Cuzco, explore the beautiful Urubamba Valley and take a train to unforgettable Machu Picchu where we'll overnight nearby. Enjoy lunch at an Andean family-owned hacienda, visit a school, and the market town of Chinchero for superb weaving. Optional extension to Lake Titicaca, home of the Uros Indians. $5,400 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| June 10-18, 2009 | |
| Italy's Amalfi Coast | |
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Unpack once in the historic town of Amalfi and delight in the scenic grandeur of this area known as 'The Divine Coast'. With its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape, the route winds around towering cliffs and sandy coves, past charming villages, and cascading flower gardens. Explore Ravello and cruise to picturesque Positano. Visit the archaeological sites of Vesuvius, Paestum and Pompeii. Enjoy independent time in Sorrento and cross the Gulf of Naples to the Isle of Capri. Finally, visit Salerno's WWII beaches. "Meet the people" opportunities, fascinating lectures and authentic regional specialties at featured restaurants. $2,995 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| June 22-July 4, 2009 | |
| Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords with lecturer Dr. Pamela Zeiser | |
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Sail aboard the luxurious 230-guest Le Diamant, which offers fine cuisine, elegant amenities and the ambience and navigability of a small yacht. This comprehensive exploration of the scenic grandeur of the Norwegian Fjords, the great ports of Scandinavia and the reborn former Soviet republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia features the treasures of St. Petersburg and a special early opening visit to the world-renowned Hermitage Museum. Enjoy a pre-program land option in the picturesque medieval port of Bergen, Norway. In Gdansk, birthplace of the Solidarity Movement, hear a special lecture by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former president of Poland, Lech Walesa. Dr. Pamela Zeiser lectures on board. From $5,895 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| July 25-August 4, 2009 | |
| Inside Iceland | |
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Explore this astonishing land of glaciers, volcanoes, mud holes and powerful waterfalls. Travel through "saga" country, the setting for legendary medieval stories, visit the parliament dating from A.D. 930 and discover sophisticated Reykjavik. Learn about the politics and economics of this country with just 280,000 citizens. Accompanied by Dr. Carla Thorsen, a specialist in the Soviet era, examine Iceland's position during the Cold War and the vital Reykjavik summit between Gorbachev and Reagan. There will also be discussion on global warming and an opportunity to extend the trip to Greenland, a distant and isolated European country where climate change is making a dramatic impact. $4,695 not including airfare; $5,295 including airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| August 14-24, 2009 | |
| Black Sea Cruise with PBS News Hour's Jim Lehrer |
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Join Jim Lehrer, PBS News Hour, aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II visiting Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. In addition to Mr. Lehrer's lectures, this cruise features special events including a private concert in the newly refurbished music room of a czarist palace at Yalta; a private tour of the Panorama Museum at Sevastopol; visits by small groups — four to six guests — to private homes with coffee, pastries and conversation; private viewing of the Scythian Gold Collection at the Archaeological Museum at Varna; early entry to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul; and a chartered flight to Bucovina to view the stunning painted churches of Moldavia. From $6,995 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| September 15-24, 2009 | |
| Japan | |
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This two-center tour affords an opportunity to be immersed in the imperial riches of Kyoto and Nara. On the unspoiled shores of the Noto Peninsula, experience Japan's rural life. Enter the world of ancient pagodas, terraced rice fields and centuries-old fishing villages. Uncover the mysteries of Kabuki, become enchanted by the grace of geisha dancing, and savor the sweet sake of the Ishikawa prefecture. "Meet the people" opportunities abound through special cultural events such as a tea ceremony, sushi slicing and noodle making, and a barbecue with local fishermen in Noto. Lectures on politics and the economy. Four-star hotels. Optional two-night Tokyo program. $3,495 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| September 17-30, 2009 | |
| Mediterranean Civilizations through the Ages with Professor Jared Diamond |
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The storied lands of the Mediterranean boast centuries of history, art, architecture and culture from myriad civilizations set beautifully upon azure waters. On this voyage aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II, encounter the two main powers that coexisted during the medieval period, the Byzantine Empire and Venice. Beginning in Istanbul — old Constantinople — set sail for fabled Troy and continue through the Aegean to Ephesus, explore Greek Isles, Albania and Croatia, and end the voyage in Venice, undoubtedly one of the world's most unusual cities. Lectures by Jared Diamond, the author of the recently published Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel: the Fates of Human Societies. From $7,950 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| September 28-October 19, 2009 | |
| Legendary Cultures | |
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Once-in-a-lifetime private jet trip aboard an all-first class 757 visiting vanishing cultures from ten countries: Norway, Armenia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, China, Bhutan, Ethiopia, and Mali. Come face-to-face with nomads and hilltribes, sorcerers and warriors, village elders and young initiates, artisans and scholars for a rare insider's view into some of the most fascinating peoples in the world. Personalized excursions tailor the program to individual needs and a team of world-renowned lecturers and experts accompany provide a thorough understanding of the journey. $55,950. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| October 3-14, 2009 | |
| Burgundy and Provence River Cruise | |
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Paris, Provence, the French Riviera &mdash all names that evoke images of beauty, history, wine and cuisine. These images come alive on a journey through France that begins with two nights in Paris, including a private briefing, cruises the Saone and Rhone rivers aboard the beautiful, new 138-guest Avalon Scenery, and ends with an overnight in lovely Nice. Along the way, explore ancient Roman and medieval history in Avignon and Viviers, the cuisines of Lyon and its UNESCO World Heritage site Old Town, and the famous wines of the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. From $3,290 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| October 9-23, 2009 | |
| Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan | |
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Join us on an exploration of the Silk Road cities of two Central Asian countries that preside over ancient architectural riches and modern reserves of oil and gas. Throughout a history of attracting conquerors like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, these fascinating desert countries find themselves again at the center of international interest. Enjoy wonderful sightseeing in Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva and Ashkabad, as well as an educational focus on the history and current political issues of the area. Meet people from across the social spectrum. $4,995 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| October 16-27, 2009 | |
| Inside China | |
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The Council has been offering tours to China for three decades — we were one of the first institutions to visit in 1977. Substantive briefings with diplomats, business people and others, together with a look at contemporary Chinese art galleries, dramatic architecture and meetings with young Chinese entrepreneurs give a true "insider's perspective" on this emerging superpower. Visiting Beijing, Xian — home of the terracotta warriors — and dynamic Shanghai, we include sightseeing "musts", culinary excursions and cultural highlights. To enhance the visit, add a Yangtze River cruise on an optional extension. Approximately $3,390 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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| October 29-November 14, 2009 | |
| Inside Saudi Arabia with Ambassador Mark Johnson |
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Since it was founded in 1932, Saudi Arabia has been transformed beyond recognition. Only sixty years ago, Riyadh was a remote walled village of no more than 30,000 people, several days camel ride from the nearest coast. Today it is a modern metropolis. Accompanied by Ambassador Mark Johnson, our exploration takes us to the political and commercial hubs and beyond, to old Jeddah with its unique, centuries-old, multi-storied white urban dwellings, seldom-visited areas such as Petra-like Madain Salah, a superb collection of tombs built by the Nabateans and to Najran with traditional Yemeni architecture. Lectures by a veteran of the diplomatic world plus high-level briefings and meetings with men and women. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program |
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One South Broad Street, Suite 2M | Philadelphia, PA 19107 | Phone: 215-561-4700 | E-mail: info@wacphila.org