University of Calgary Travel Study 2016

goodthinking.403.220.2952 | conted.ucalgary.ca/travelprograms

TRAVEL STUDY 2016 Programs

Do you love to learn? Do you love to travel? You can experience both with UCalgary Continuing Education! Every year the University of Calgary Continuing Education, in association with other UCalgary academic departments, offers a series of amazing travel programs. The educational component that is part of every program is what sets these trips apart from any other holiday you will ever take.

Travel worry-free, knowing a Continuing Education travel program coordinator has handled all of the logistics. You will be guided throughout the program by an expert resource person — someone who has a passion for your destination.

All of the travel programs begin with orientation classes in Calgary. Everyone is welcome in the University of Calgary Educational Travel Study Program, where every trip is the trip of a lifetime!

Liability and ResponsibilityUniversity of Calgary and its travel agents will exercise all reasonable care in making arrangements for conducting the tour. They are, however, acting only in the capacity of an agent and do not assume liability for any damage to persons or property resulting from or arising out of any act or inadvertence of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, or other company or persons rendering any of the services included in the tour or for any damage caused by other factors beyond their control. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and passengers. All prices are based on current international exchange rates and airfare prices at the time of planning the tours, and are subject to change. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable to alter the itinerary or arrangements for any reason whatsoever, such alterations may be made. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants; conversely refunds will be made to participants if any savings are affected thereby. The right is reserved to decline, accept, or retain any participant or tour member at any time.

Refund PolicyPlease call 403.220.5052 or write to Lois Kokoski at the address on this page. Up to the final payment date, a cancellation fee of $200 will apply. After the final payment date, the amount of refund will depend on the amount recoverable from the tour operators. We highly recommend insurance.

FeesCost includes: tuition, orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit is required with the registration form. There is a withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy. Fees in all programs exclude airport taxes, passport and visa fees, luggage, cancellation, medical and other personal insurance, gratuities for local guides, wine, liquors, and other items not specifically mentioned as included and other personal services.

Single SupplementThe single supplement fee is listed in each program description. Every effort is made to find a suitable roommate for those who wish to share, however, if this is not possible, a single supplement charge will be applied.

InsuranceWe highly recommend cancellation and medical insurance. Information will be sent out at the time of final payment.

Travel with us in 2016...

2 conted.ucalgary.ca/travelprograms | 403.220.2952

4 Bali and Singapore FEBRUARY 14 - 28, 2016

6 Yellowknife: Aurora Borealis at Its Best MARCH 25 - 30, 2016

8 Portugal: An Historical and Gastronomic Journey

APRIL 7 - 24, 2016

10 Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Northern Greece and Turkey APRIL 18 - MAY 1, 2016

12 Central Asia and Its Treasures Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

APRIL 21 - MAY 8, 2016

14 Turkey and Greece: Exploring the Eastern Aegean SEPTEMBER 2 - 21, 2016

18 The First World War in Words and Walks SEPTEMBER 9 - 22, 2016

20 Mountain Moose and Autumn Colour

SEPTEMBER 16 - 18, 2016

21 The Great Bear Rainforest SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 1, 2016

22 Wild Argentina and Chile with Optional Extension to Easter Island NOVEMBER 14 - 29 EXTENSION: NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5 2016

24 Harp Seal Helicopter Adventure MARCH 1 - 8, 2017

26 Tanzania and the Serengeti Plains MARCH 23 - APRIL 8, 2017

RegistrationPlease complete the registration form on the back cover and mail it with your deposit.

Contact InformationLois Kokoski, Program Director Educational Travel Study Program Phone 403.220.5052 Fax 403.284.9242 [email protected] conted.ucalgary.ca/travelprograms

Educational Travel Study Program UCalgary Continuing Education Education Tower 1120 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4

Mailing ListIf you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

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Bali is an island paradise known for its unparalleled natural beauty: beaches, reefs, waterfalls, tropical forests and mountains. Part of the Indonesian Archipelago, it is also known for the Arts — traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting and music. On our visit to Bali, we will trek and climb to view beautiful waterfalls, hike into the jungle to explore a monkey habitat, attend world-class performances, visit ancient temples and, of course, catch a few rays on gorgeous beaches. We will savour the richness of Balinese cuisine — a bounty of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and fish laced with an abundance of spices.

We then shift to Singapore, the spotless city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. One of the world’s largest commercial centres, Singapore is also a lush oasis. We will cruise the Singapore River, explore colourful gardens and delve into its history. Along the way we will discover why Singaporean chefs consistently bring home top awards from international culinary events. Their meticulous technique combined with the colour and flavour of Singaporean ingredients and the influence of Malaysia and China create beautiful tasty dishes. Prepare for two weeks of paradise in Bali and Singapore.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of two Wednesday evenings February 3 and 10, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm held at the University of Calgary campus. These classes will provide participants with the overview of the program. Discussion topics include history, food and culture of the region, as well as background information on the sites we will be visiting. The itinerary, travel arrangements, and health matters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryIncluded meals are shown following the daily itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

FEB 14-16 Depart Calgary for Bali. Arriving at our Balinese hotel in Seminyak, we will stretch our legs with an orientation walk, followed by our welcome Balinese dinner. There may even be time for a short break on the beach. (D)

FEB 17 After breakfast, we will travel up the coast to Tanah Lot for a visit to the Tanah Lot temple. The temple is situated on a rock formation that juts into the sea. The 16th Century temple, one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast, has been part of Bali’s mythology for centuries. We will have lunch in the Tanah Lot area with some time allotted for exploring. The remainder of the afternoon will be on our own in Seminyak. (B, D)

FEB 18 An early morning coach ride takes us to Tanjung Benoa for a cooking class at Bumbu Bali Cooking School. Starting with early visits to local fish and produce markets, we will cook up to two dozen traditional Balinese dishes with the help of professional instructors. The cooking class includes breakfast and lunch. Dinner — if it’s needed — will be on our own. (B, L)

Bali and SingaporeFEBRUARY 14 – 28, 2016


FEB 19 For those inclined, the morning will offer optional scuba diving or snorkeling. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, we offer a walking tour of the temples of Seminyak — Pura Petitenget and Masceti Ulun Tanjung — or you may simply enjoy some beach time.

We then will have lunch on our own and some free time before heading to the east side of southern Bali for dinner and the Devdan Show. The show is a wide-ranging, lively and traditional performance that has been named Bali’s top show of 2015. (B, D)

FEB 20 After breakfast we check out of the hotel and head to our next stop — Ubud. Located in the central foothills of Bali, Ubud is known for its terraced rice paddies over steep ravines and for its strong cultural roots. In the afternoon, we will visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to hundreds of macaques. We then have dinner in Ubud. (B, D)

FEB 21 Today we visit the Gunung Kawi Temple Complex. Dating from the 11th century, this is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. We reach the temple complex by climbing down 371 steps. The stunning location is at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields. The structures are carved into the sides of a steep river valley, and the river crossed by twisting trees and vines. Following lunch, the rest of the day and dinner will be on our own to continue our explorations. (B, L)

FEB 22 After breakfast, we head over to the Agung Rai Museum of Art, which features the work of well-known Balinese artists, as well as international artists who made Bali their home. The afternoon will be on our own. After dinner we visit the Ubud Market and pop into Puri Saren Agung, the palace of the kings of Ubud until the 1940s. We may even catch one of the nightly dance performances at the palace. (B, D)

FEB 23 Bali is known for its stunning waterfalls. Today we will venture into the countryside to see one of the most spectacular ones — Sekumpul Waterfall (or GitGit Waterfall). Note: There will be a one kilometre hike from the parking lot to the falls. Dinner is on our own. (B, L)

FEB 24 Our morning will be at leisure for one last look at Bali before we head to the airport for a flight to Singapore. Arriving in Singapore we will check into our hotel and take an orientation tour around the area. Dinner will be out at a Singaporean-style restaurant. (B, D)

FEB 25 We will see the spectacular architectural sites of Singapore from the water on a river tour before heading to the National Orchid Garden at the Singapore Botanical Gardens, showcasing over 60,000 orchids. We then stroll down Orchard Road, one of the main shopping and entertainment areas of Singapore. (B, D)

FEB 26 We get a taste of Singapore’s Chinatown with a walking tour and then lunch at one of the many cafes in the area. After lunch we head to one of Singapore’s human engineered beaches for a little relaxation. (B, L)

FEB 27 Another of Singapore’s spectacular gardens is on the list to see today. This time it’s Gardens by the Bay, a huge, colourful futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore. The park includes an impressive skywalk over the gardens, over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouses and hundreds of trees and plants.

Lunch and the afternoon will be on our own for a last chance for Singapore shopping or lazing on the beach. Then we will have one more dinner of Singaporean delights. (B, D)

FEB 28 Today we check out of our hotel and take the long flight back to Calgary. (B)

Accompanying Resource Person John Gilchrist has taught Food and Culture programs for Continuing Education at the University of Calgary for over twenty years. He has also led travel programs to France, Italy, Scandinavia, Thailand and Cambodia and throughout the United States. John is a Calgary based food writer and instructor who has reviewed restaurants on CBC Radio One since 1980. He writes a weekly restaurant column for the Calgary Herald, contributes to numerous magazines and has written eleven bestselling books on dining in the Calgary area. He combines his fondness for food, wine and history on these UCalgary travel trips.

Costs Airfare $1,900 Land, tuition and other costs $6,900GST $60TOTAL $8,860 Single Supplement $2,300

Cost includes: Tuition and two-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on October 5, 2015. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

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MARCH 25 – 30, 2016

Yellowknife: Aurora Borealis at Its Best

Ancient Inuit believed that the aurora borealis was the torches of spirits guiding souls to a land of happiness and plenty. First Nations peoples along the Pacific Coast thought that auroras were the cooking fires of Eskimos boiling whale blubber. Wayne Lynch’s grandfather believed they were the reflection of the sun off the polar icecap. Auroras have inspired countless colourful stories and legends; their shifting curtains of green, red and purple light, pulsating across a blackened star-filled sky, are fuel for the imagination and never fail to amaze and captivate.

When viewed from space, an aurora forms a bright crown of light encircling the northern polar region. Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories, lies under the magical Auroral Oval where northern lights occur on 100 percent of nights when it’s dark enough to see the displays. Auroras are most intense around the autumn and spring equinoxes so our tour in March is at an optimal time. As well, the month of March has the greatest percentage of clear skies, the least amount of winter snowfall, and the warmest winter temperatures — a time when it’s truly energizing to be outside in nature.

OrientationThe orientation course will be held on Wednesday March 9, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm, at the University of Calgary campus. The main topic of discussion will be the fascinating science of the aurora borealis. Understanding the science behind the northern lights doesn’t rob the displays of any of their beauty and makes the spectacle even more exciting to witness. As well, we’ll explore some interesting topics in winter ecology. Subjects of special interest to the instructor include the natural history of: ptarmigan and northern grouse, ravens and gray jays, red foxes, and wood bison in winter, all of which we hope to see on the tour. Everyone will want to photograph the spectacular displays of the aurora and a segment of the orientation evening will be spent discussing digital camera and lens choices, and how to make the best aurora photographs. The itinerary and travel arrangements will also be discussed.

conted.ucalgary.ca/travelprograms | 403.220.2952

Every participant will receive a copy of Auroras: Fire in the Sky, by Dan Bortolotti & Yuichi Takasaka, Firefly Books, Toronto, 2011, as part of the course materials.

ItineraryTwo lunches and two dinners in total are included on this trip.

MAR 25 Depart Calgary for Yellowknife. The city of Yellowknife is located on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, the tenth largest lake in the world. This community of roughly 20,000 inhabitants bills itself as the Aurora Capital of Canada and is one of the three best locations on the planet to view the northern lights. Fairbanks, Alaska and Tromso, Norway are the other aurora hotspots, however both are more expensive to reach than Yellowknife and neither has the many daytime wildlife viewing possibilities.

MAR 26-29 For the next four days our small group of six participants will explore Yellowknife and its surrounding wildlands in our own private 7-passenger van. Every night, from roughly 9:30 pm to 3 am, we’ll travel far from the distracting lights of the city where we can view the northern lights at their best. On three of these nights we will base ourselves at a remote cabin where we can stay warm, enjoy soup, bannock and sweets while the aurora dances overhead.

Mornings will be free for some extra sleep or strolling around town, but our afternoons will be busy with winter activities. We’ll introduce you to snowshoeing and the thrill of tromping through powder snow in a boreal wilderness, and dog sledding over frozen northern lakes. If weather permits we’ll also make a daylong expedition to see wintering wood bison in the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary. Typically, these shaggy, frost-coated beasts rest and graze beside the highway; generally ignoring

travelers who can observe and photograph them from relatively close distances. As well, if time and energy permits we`ll drive some of the many roads surrounding Yellowknife to search for red foxes, willow ptarmigan, gray jays and ravens and discover how northern wildlife thrives despite the snow and winter temperatures.

MAR 30 Return to Calgary.

Accompanying Resource PersonDr. Wayne Lynch is an internationally-recognized naturalist, science writer and professional wildlife photographer. His photo credits include hundreds of magazine covers, thousands of calendar shots, and tens of thousands of images published in over 60 dozen countries. He is also a popular guest speaker, and audiences worldwide applaud his practical and entertaining approach to natural history. As well, he is

the author and photographer of over 50 natural history books for children, young adults and adults. Two of his books relevant to this tour include: The Great Northern Kingdom — Life in the Boreal Forest and Planet Arctic — Life at the Top of the World. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club and the Arctic Institute of North America, and his biography has been included in the Canadian Who’s Who, published by the University of Toronto, since 1996. He has made dozens of trips to the boreal forest and the arctic.

Cost Airfare $ 600 Land, tuition and other costs $3,200 GST $ 35TOTAL $3,835 Single supplement $ 800

Cost includes: Tuition and orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on October 15, 2015. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

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With Dr. John Humphrey

We have designed this 18-day trip through Portugal for travelers who enjoy exploring historical sites and monuments, consuming fine food and wine, and relaxing on a quiet river cruise. We begin in Lisbon, then travel briefly to the interior plain before heading north parallel to the Atlantic coast until we reach the Douro River. From here we board our private boat for a week of cruising, wine tastings, and traditional village meals, ending in the country’s second city, Porto, home of the fortified wine of the same name. Along the way we will visit Roman walled cities, Moorish palaces, Medieval monasteries, and Renaissance churches.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of three Wednesday evenings, March 16 to 30, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm held at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include the history and culture of Portugal, and background information on the sites we will be visiting. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health matters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryFor the land portion of the trip, breakfast and either lunch or dinner are included. Aboard the boat, all meals are included. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

APR 7-8 Depart Calgary to Lisbon. Once in Lisbon to keep us awake, we’ll take a casual stroll through our neighbourhood, and stop for an aperitif before returning to our hotel for dinner. (D)

APR 9 Today we tour the highlights of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, a significant port and financial centre. We’ll begin in the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood since the invasion of the Iberian peninsula by the Arabs in the 8th century; though traditionally home to fishermen and the poor, its twisting alleys now house interesting shops and bars, and from St. George’s Castle there is a beautiful panorama of the city. For lunch (and a complete change of scene) we’ll move to the Baixa, Lisbon’s elegant centre, and will wear off the meal by walking through the district enjoying the impressive architecture of the buildings, which were constructed after Lisbon’s devastating earthquake of 1755. For dinner tonight, you have many modest and high-end restaurants to choose from near our hotel. (B, L)

Portugal: An Historical and Gastronomic JourneyAPRIL 7 - 24, 2016


APR 10 We’ll begin with a visit to Belém, a waterfront neighbourhood that was the heart of Portuguese exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries; its fortified lighthouse is often used as a symbol of Lisbon. After lunch on our own, we’ll drive to the suburb of Sintra on the Atlantic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll visit the Castle of the Moors. Then it’s back to the Chiado district, a great place for shopping. Dinner in a restaurant near our hotel. (B, D)

APR 11 After breakfast we board our coach to drive east to the city of Évora (2 ½ hours), recognized by UNESCO for the variety and quality of its historical monuments. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Celts, it was fortified by the Romans in the 1st century BCE, captured by the Moors in 715 CE, retaken by the Portuguese King Alfonso in the 12th century, and became an important centre for the arts. Before entering the city, we’ll visit some Neolithic stone structures, among the oldest in Europe, stop in a village for a simple, traditional lunch together, and have a tasting at one of the region’s many wineries. (B, L)

APR 12 Our guided tour of Évora starts this morning at the city’s historic square, the Praça do Geraldo. Radiating out from here, within the 14th-century walls, are most of the major monuments: the Roman arena, temple, and public baths, the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, and a beautiful public garden. After noon we’ll visit the Sé (Cathedral), after which you will be free for some shopping or relaxing. We’ll meet again for dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. (B, D)

APR 13 After breakfast we leave the central plain of Portugal and drive northwest to the Atlantic coast, stopping for lunch at the hilltop castle of Óbidos, once perched above the sea but now overlooking a silted plain. We’ll walk the castle walls to build our appetite for lunch together in one of the town’s best restaurants. We’ll arrive at our hotel in Nazaré early enough to visit some of the local attractions, including a fort and a church that witnessed a miracle. Nazaré is a picturesque coastal town of only 10,000 inhabitants, with winding cobbled streets but no extraordinary sights of its own: a perfect place to mark the halfway point of our adventure. Dinner on your own, probably in one of the seafood restaurants on the main square. (B, L)

APR 14 This morning we’ll travel by our coach to a triplet of fascinating monasteries — a 12th century one in Alcobaça and, in Batalha, another elegantly carved from the native rock in the 14th - 15th centuries — both of which have the traditional structures, but in differing styles: the church, kitchen and refectory, cloisters, and chapter-house. We’ll also visit the pilgrimage sanctuary of Fatima, after which we’ll drive to Coimbra, where we’ll check into our hotel and walk to dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B, D)

APR 15 After breakfast we join our local guide to visit Coimbra, founded by the Romans, occupied by the Moors, capital of the country during the Middle Ages, seat of Portugal’s most famous university, and

more recently inventor of fado music, mournful tunes heard in bars all over the country. We’ll visit the Old Cathedral, then enter the grounds of the university (Velha Universidade), the oldest in Portugal (1535) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; here we’ll visit, among other things, the clock-tower and the stunning collection of old volumes in the Biblioteca Joanina. After lunch on your own, you’re free to discover the shopping and drinking delights of this university town. We’ll meet again at the hotel for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

APR 16 This morning we’ll take our private coach north to Porto. After lunch and early afternoon on your own, we’ll board our private yacht, enjoy a welcome cocktail on the sun-deck, settle into our cabins, and enjoy our first dinner on board. Each of the 12 double or twin cabins has a porthole or window and a private shower and toilet. (B, D)

APR 17-21 Every day we’ll stop to visit interesting sites, wineries, and special restaurants. This is a time to relax, enjoy the views and good food, and read your cache of e-books. Most days we’ll gather together over a pre-dinner glass of local wine to hear a lecture or story from John; at night we’ll be at the dock, so you can come and go as you please. Halfway through our voyage we’ll be able to visit Salamanca in Spain, and enjoy a flamenco show. (B, L, D)

APR 22 We end our voyage of discovery back at Porto, where we’ll enjoy a city tour, including a tasting of fine port. We’ll spend our last night on board, with a special dinner. (B, L, D)

APR 23 After leaving our boat, we will meet our guide for a tour to Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal,” with architectural masterpieces of Art Nouveau and colourful local boats. After lunch on your own, we’ll return to Porto for an afternoon exploring on your own. We’ll

check into our hotel and gather before dinner tonight for a farewell drink and the traditional exchange of small gifts. (B, D)

APR 24 Return to Calgary. (B)

Accompanying Resource PersonJohn Humphrey did his first travel study trip, to Greece and Turkey, in 1977. Since then he has led trips to such locations as France, Tunisia, Libya, Italy, Egypt, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, and especially Turkey. John retired from the University of Calgary in 2014 and is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Classics and Religion. He will complete his career with the travel study program in 2016, with this trip to Portugal and, in the fall, another to Turkey and the Greek islands.

Costs: Airfare $1,750Land,tution and other $9,200 GST $60TOTAL $11,010 Single Supplement* $950*Single supplement is available only on the land portion

Cost includes: Tuition and four-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on December 15, 2015. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy

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Over three millennia ago, the ancient Greeks lived in the area that we will be touring. Our trip through Northern Greece and Turkey will explore ancient and modern sites that were of paramount importance to the Greeks, Ottomans, Byzantines and Turks who have lived in this region for the past 3000 years.

Our 15-day journey will explore ancient sites at Delphi, Troy and Athens, beautiful monasteries at Meteora as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thessaloniki and Istanbul. Istanbul will amaze you with the culture, history and architecture of the Byzantium, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, all of which called this city their home. We will also see the fateful beaches of Gallipoli where the Turks and Anzacs struggled during the First World War a hundred years ago.

We will also take time to see the natural wonders of Northern Greece such as Aoos National Park, which will be bursting with pristine rivers and forests, flowering meadows and shimmering lakes; and Vikos Gorge, the world’s deepest. We will stay in traditional villages and eat phenomenally fresh food.

Please join us for two weeks in the spring of 2016 to visit a region of the Mediterranean often ignored.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of four Wednesday evenings, March 23 to April 13, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm held at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include the history and culture of Greece and Turkey and background information on the sites we will be visiting. The itinerary, travel arrangements, and health matters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryIncluded meals are shown following the daily itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

APR 18-19 Depart Calgary for Athens. (D)

APR 20 The star of Athens is the Acropolis and surrounding ruins. The Acropolis is the most important ancient site in the Western world. It was first inhabited in Neolithic times, but the structures as they are seen today were built in the 6th century BC, and have come to be regarded as the zenith of classical Greek achievement. We will start the day by climbing Plaka’s streets to the Acropolis. In the Acropolis we will visit the Parthenon, Temple of Nike, theater of Dionysos, Temple of Poseidon and the new Acropolis museum. We will have lunch in the surrounding neighbourhood before heading down to the ancient Agora where we will see the Roman area as well as Hadrian’s Library and Church of Agios Eleftherios. The evening will be free to explore more of Athens. (B, L)

APR 21 Today we will drive to Delphi and see the centre of the Ancient Greek World. Regarded as the centre of the world — Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they met in Delphi. The city reached its height between 6th and 4th century BC, when multitudes of pilgrims came to the sanctuary to consult the oracle. Nearby, the

Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Northern Greece and TurkeyAPRIL 18 – MAY 1, 2016


sacred way goes past the temple of Apollo where the oracles would give advice that would launch armies. We will spend the day exploring this area. Some of the highlights we will see are the Ancient Delphi, Sanctuary of Apollo and Delphi museum. We will spend the night so that we can walk through the valley of Cyprus trees and Olive trees without the crowds who come up from Athens for the day. (B, D)

APR 22 From Delphi we travel to Meteora which The World Heritage listed as an extraordinary place. The massive pinnacles of smooth rock jut up to 14th century monasteries. You do not have to use rope ladders anymore to access these monasteries as paths have been carved into the rocks for easier access. Each monastery is unique with its own distinct character. The afternoon will be spent exploring the temples nearby the town of Kastraki. We will stay in the town of Kalambaka for two nights. (B, D)

APR 23 We will drive 11 km up to the top of the hills around Kalambaka, then walk throughout the day to work our way back down to town. Along this gentle walk we will visit the following monasteries which are all unique and open to exploring Moni Agiou Nikolaou, Moni Megalou Meteorou, Moni Varlaam, Psropetra lookout, Moni Agias Varvaras Rousanou, Moni Agias Triados, and Moni Agiou Stefanou. (B, D)

APR 24 Today we drive from Meteora to Zagorohoria. The Zagorohia’s 46 traditional stone and slate villages in the Pindos mountain range are stunning. The air here is crisp and cool and the views outstanding. The Vikos-Aoos National Park bursts with pristine rivers and forests, flowering meadows and shimmering lakes. In the afternoon, we will be visiting the Vikos Gorge and a couple of other villages. The Vikos Gorge is 12 km long and 900 metres deep; the world’s deepest. (B, D)

APR 25 After breakfast we travel to Thessaloniki. The Byzantine and ancient sites constitute its major attractions. It is a walkable small city with a World Heritage listed harbour. It is a city full of colourful, winding little streets marked by white plaster houses, Byzantine churches and great food. It is a very safe city. We will spend the afternoon on a walking tour that will lead us from the ancient walls down into the harbour. We will visit the White Tower,

Palace, Arch and Rotunda, Castle and the Byzantine wall, Modino Market, Archeological Museum, Bey Haman, Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and the Ladadika district. (B)

APR 26 We will spend the morning continuing to explore Thessaloniki before we fly to Istanbul in the late afternoon. The evening in Istanbul will be spent exploring this fascinating city with a short evening guided stroll along the Isstikal Cadessi which is a major avenue in Istanbul. (B, D)

APR 27 Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world. It is where Europe meets Asia. Two days is not enough time to see even a fraction of what it has to offer. With only a few days here we will have to start early. In the morning we will visit the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and the Basilica Cistern. After lunch we will go on a walking tour of the Grand Bazaar. This colourful and chaotic bazaar is the heart of the old city and has been for centuries. We will enjoy dinner in the Beyoglu district. (B, D)

APR 28 Our second day in Istanbul will be devoted to the Topaki Palace and the Bosphorous. We will spend the morning at the palace. The palace was the former court of the Ottoman Empire, visiting the palace’s pavilions, jewel filled treasury and sprawling harems gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives. In the afternoon we will go on a private cruise on the Bosphorous. The Bosphorous strait, between the Black Sea and Marmara Seas divide Europe from Asia. On this boat trip we will get the lay of the land and see why this city grew and became so important. (B, L)

APR 29 Today we travel to Gallipoli, a region equated with one of the most significant military battles of the 20th century. We will go through Anzac Cove to the battlefields, the Nek and Lone Pine and share the stories of heroism and camaraderie that unfolded among the tragedies of what has become a defining moment in Australian, New Zealand, and Newfoundland history. We will stay the night in this region. (B, L)

APR 30 After breakfast we will visit the ancient site of the city of Troy. Until the 19th century, many historians doubted that Troy was a real place. Its discovery in the 19th century revealed that in the ruins of Troy was not

a single city but rather a series of settlements built on top of each other. We will explore these ruins that were at one time the capital of one of the most powerful empires in the world. In the afternoon we will travel back to Istanbul where we will have a final dinner before the end of the trip. (B, D)

MAY 1 Return to Calgary.

Accompanying Resource PersonDr. Geoff Jackson earned his PhD from the University of Calgary and teaches in its history department. He is a widely published research associate at the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies. For the last 10 years he has travelled extensively throughout the Mediterranean and brings a passion and deep understanding of the culture and history of Northern Greece and Turkey. His extensive knowledge will allow for the trip to include authentic experiences and give the participants insight into how this region has developed over the centuries.

CostsAirfare $1,900Tuition and other costs $6,400 GST $60TOTAL $8,360 Single supplement $1200

Cost includes: Tuition and four-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on December 10, 2015. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

11good thinking.

Central Asia is a region of intriguing historic cities and cultural sites. Our travel study trip will take us to the major countries of Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and the historic destinations of the region. We will visit Tashkent, Ashgabat, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz and Nisa. The region was previously referred to as the Land of the Caravans because, as part of the Silk Road, caravan routes greatly affected local history and culture. This part of Asia was the birthplace of great builders of empires, like the Timurids under Tamerlane and the Great Moghuls under Babur. Our trip is designed to acquaint you with various facets of local history, society and culture. Special attention will be given to the historical and architectural tradition and the role of Islam in the past and present.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of four Wednesday evenings, from March 23 to April 13, 2016, 7 – 9:30 pm, held at the University of Calgary campus. The classes will provide an introduction to the history and cultural developments of the Central Asia societies. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health matters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryIncluded meals are breakfast daily, and lunch or dinner.

APR 21-23 Depart Calgary for Ashgabat.

APR 23-24 We begin in Ashgabat, the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. The city is situated on the southern rim of the Kara-Kum desert. This modem city replaced the original founded in 1881 which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1948 that killed 30 per cent of the population and razed the city to the ground. We will visit Independence Square, the National Museum with its fine collection of historic artifacts, the Spiritual Temple of Turkmen Nation and the Carpet Museum — rich with the history of Turkmen carpet weaving. We will enjoy a shopping trip at the Tolkuchka Bazaar, one of the largest open bazaars in the world, filled with colourful rugs, jewelry, carpets, silk and national Turkmen costume. The bazaar is one of the best places to meet face-to-face with Turkmen culture and people.

We leave Ashgabat and visit Old Nisa. Here we will explore the ruined capital of the ancient Parthian Kings who ruled from the third century BC to the third century AD over an empire which included Iraq and stretched as far as Syria. We will visit the World Heritage Site of unique fortresses, citadel, temples and tombs. We travel through the foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains before returning to Ashgabat.

APR 25 A short morning flight to Mary, an ancient city of Merv, that was a major centre of international trade and crafts located on the silk road to discover the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Large and Small Gyz, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk fortress. Visit the Archaeological Museum which houses a large collection of artifacts and Implements from sites of Merv and Gonur Depe located in the desert. Fly back to Ashgabat.

APR 26 Morning flight to Tashauz, a city on the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border. Visit Kunya Urgench the town with the most Important historical places in Turkmenistan with archaeological and architectural monuments, including the Mausoleums of Turebek·Khanym, Sultan Tekesh and Sultan 11Arslan, The Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the largest In Asia. Then we travel to the border and cross in Uzbek and continue to Nukus. Here we visit the Nukus Museum of Art’s excellent collection of nomadic carpets, embroidery, horse and yurt decor. The museum houses a collection of Russian and Uzbek vanguard art from 1918 - 1935.

Central Asia and Its Treasures Uzbekistan and TurkmenistanAPRIL 21 – MAY 8, 2016


APR 27-28 We depart for Khiva which is known as a living museum city under the open sky. Located on the Silk Road, the city has long been a centre of trade, scholarship, culture and religion. Our visit includes the lchan-Qala Citadels, the historical centre of Khiva, and a World Heritage site with more than 60 architectural monuments: palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums. We will visit the Ak Mosque (“White Mosque”) built in the 17th century and the Bathhouses of Anush-khan with unique heating, water supply and sewer systems. And visit Medreseh Mohammad Aminkhan (19th century), Kunya Ark (old fortress), Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (18th-19th century), Medreseh Khodja Islam with minaret (tower), Tash Hauli Palace (with view of the palace’s harem-women’s quarter), Caravan-serai (traditional inn for travelling merchants), Juma mosque (11th - 12th century) with 200 wooden pillars.

APR 29-30 We drive to Bukhara, one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, a centre of trade and learning renowned throughout the Islamic world. There are more than 350 mosques and 100 religious colleges. The city consists of narrow streets, green parks and gardens, historical and architectural monuments belonging to the different epochs, but all in close proximity. We will visit Lyabi-hauz, the city’s administrative, cultural and trade plaza. Lyabi-hauz is surrounded by some of the most splendid monumental buildings of the 16th and 17th century. Kukeldash Medresse, constructed in 1578, is still among the biggest buildings in Bukhara and one of the largest in Central Asia. Kalyan Minaret (Great Tower of Bukhara), was built in 1127 and used as a light house for caravans.

MAY 1 On our final day we will visit Ark-Citadel ·former residence of the Bukhara rulers; Mausoleum of Ismail Samani. We will tour some of the local workshops to see craftsmen still doing ceramics, copper chasing, silk weaving, and other traditional crafts. We will also visit the Summer Palace of the Bukhara Emirs which is located just outside the city. This beautiful palace, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is called “The Palace of Moon and Stars” and combines peculiarities of Oriental architecture with European elements.

MAY 2 Today we drive from Bukhara to Samarkand, the second largest city of Uzbekistan. Over 2,500 years old, this city has witnessed significant upheavals during the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic Conquest, Genghis-Khan Conquest and lastly Tamertane’s. The numerous monuments boast refined architectural shapes, intricate ornamentation, mosaics, blue-tile domes and facades. We will check in to the hotel and enjoy free time in the afternoon.

MAY 3 Spend a full day visiting Samarkand’s magnificent monuments: The famous Registan Square, the heart of ancient Samarkand and a World Heritage Site, the majestic Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, built by Tamerlane as a crypt for the Timurids Bibi Khanum Mosque, the largest structure of its time in the world of Tamerlane, Shakhi Zinda, a medieval burial complex, often referred to as “the Street of the Dead,” a Ulugbek Observatory, built by sultan Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Tamerlane, a great ruler, astronomer and mathematician.

MAY 4 We will travel to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, located in a small valley surrounded by the foothills of the Pamir Mountains, a World Heritage Site. Here we visit the ruins of Ak-Saray palace, Mausoleum of Jakhongir and Omar-Shaykh, Mausoleum Dorut-Tilovat where Tamerlane’s father and his spiritual tutor are buried, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque. Return to Samarkand.

MAY 5-6 Today we depart Samarkand and travel by train to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The city was first settled around the first century BC with a population of three million people. Here the images of old times join the modem skyscrapers, multilevel bridges, museums, numerous fountains and pleasant parks. Our exploration of the city will include a visit to the Amir Temur Square and Museum, Independence Square, and the Old City with Khast-lmom Complex, the official religious centre for Muslims in Central Asia.

MAY 7 After breakfast we will explore some the museums in Tashkent. First we shall visit the State History Museum housing many archaeological exhibits the Applied Arts Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. We will end the day with our farewell dinner.

MAY 8 Return to Calgary.

Accompanying Resource Person Dr. Valery Efimenko graduated from the Oriental Department of St. Petersburg State University where he studied Indian languages, literature, history and culture. He taught courses in History of Eastern Philosophy, Comparative Religion, and Indian Cultural Traditions at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, and the Moscow University Touro, the first American university in Russia. For over 20 years, his academic interests were focused on Indian studies. Most of his publications are related to Indian culture, philosophy, and religion. He lived in Uzbekistan and has visited many places in Central Asia. Presently he is teaching Comparative Religion as well as Afterlife and the Soul in World Religions and The Prophets of Great Religions for Continuing Education at the University of Calgary.

Valery accompanied a tour to Middle Asia in 2012 and has led a number of other study trips with Continuing Education to India, Nepal, Tibet, Central Asia and Russia .

Costs:Airfare $2,900Land, tuition and other costs $6,860 GST $60 TOTAL $9,820 Single supplement $1,500

Cost includes: Tuition and four-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on December 5, 2015. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

13good thinking.

The Aegean Sea, lying between modern Greece and Turkey, was perhaps the most important stretch of water in all of the ancient world. The Greeks arrived on the western shores at the beginning of the second millennium BCE and were firmly settled in fortified citadels like Athens and Mycenae by the time they ventured east across the Aegean to lay siege to the city of Troy. Two centuries later they began migrating across the islands and to what is now the west coast of Turkey, where they established colonies to exploit the agricultural and mineral riches of the area. These settlements became some of the most important Greek cities: Miletos, the centre of philosophy and learning in the 6th century BCE; the island of Kos, home to the 4th-century physician Hippocrates; and Ephesos, re-founded by one of Alexander the Great’s generals and destined to become the capital of the Roman Empire’s province of Asia. Here were located two of the seven ancient wonders of the world — the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos — and three cities, all within a few miles of each other, that boasted the three largest temples of the ancient world.

The Aegean was also at the very centre of early Christianity: both the Apostle John and Jesus’ mother Mary lived in Ephesos, and the former wrote the last book of the New Testament — Revelations — in a cave on Samos; St Paul’s Seven Churches of Asia flourished here. The Emperor Constantine’s new capital on the Bosporus became one of the great cities of the world and the preserver of the classical heritage of Greece and Rome; and the Crusaders passed through on their way to the Holy Land, and subsequently built formidable castles at Bodrum and Kos to try to limit the westward expansion of the Ottoman Turks.

Our tour through the southeastern quadrant of the Aegean will take us to these historic places, as well as to remote islands, villages of white-washed houses, and sandy beaches and isolated coves for swimming. We’ll eat in typical tavernas and elegant restaurants, and taste

the regional wines. We have allowed plenty of time to shop in bazaars and markets for Turkish carpets, leather jackets, bronze utensils, and local delicacies. Most of our travelling will be on a private motor-sailer, called a gulet by the Turks: the comfortable twin and double cabins have portholes, air conditioning, and private toilets and showers; there is a large salon with a bar, but most of our time on board is spent under the awnings of an immense outdoor lounge, where we will also have our meals.

For those who have never visited Istanbul, and for those who cannot visit it too often, we have designed an optional three - day advance program to give you the experience of one of the world’s greatest cities, bridging the traditions of Europe and Asia.

SEPTEMBER 2 – 21, 2016

Turkey and Greece: Exploring the Eastern Aegean


OrientationThe orientation course will consist of five Wednesday evenings, August 3 - 31, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm held at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include the history and culture of the regions we will be visiting, and background information on the sites we will be visiting. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health matters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryIncluded meals are shown following the daily itinerary. B: breakfast, L: Lunch, D: dinner.

3-Day Istanbul OptionSEPT 2-3 Flight from Calgary to Istanbul. Time to relax and explore the neighbourhood before dinner in the hotel’s panoramic roof-top restaurant overlooking the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. (D)

SEPT 4-5 Istanbul has a long and colourful history. Founded in the 6th century BCE as the Greek colony of Byzantium, re-founded by the Emperor Constantine in 330 CE as the new Rome (Constantinople), and captured in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks, whose capital it was until the 1920s. Straddling the Bosporus, with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, it is one of the great cities of the world, a combination of east and west that is unique. Our two full days of touring will include Byzantine Churches (the famous 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the tiny Chora Church with gold mosaics), Ottoman mosques (especially the Blue Mosque), museums of archaeology and of mosaics, Topkapı Palace with its Ottoman treasures, and even a Byzantine water cistern. You’ll have time on your own to shop in the Grand Bazaar before we take a scenic cruise along the shores of the Bosporus. Most of the sights, and dozens of restaurants, are within an easy walk of our hotel. (BL, BD)

SEPT 6 Short flight to Izmir.

Without Istanbul ExtensionSEPT 5-6 Flight from Calgary to Istanbul; transfer to domestic terminal where we’ll join our companions, who have been in Istanbul, for a one-hour flight to Izmir; then by coach [90 min] to our hotel in Kusadasi. Time for a swim in the pool or a raki at the bar, before we have dinner in the hotel’s garden. (BD).

SEPT 7 Today we will tour ancient Ephesos and its environs. The city, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia, now rivals Italian Pompeii in the extent of its excavated buildings. We will explore its theatre (where St. Paul once preached), its public baths, temples, and shops, and the recently opened private houses with their breath-taking wall paintings. Near the ancient city are the remains of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven ancient wonders, an attractive local museum, the 6th-century Basilica of St. John,

and the House of Mary, where the mother of Jesus is thought to have spent her last years. (BL)

SEPT 8 This will be our longest day of the trip. We’ll check out after breakfast and take a short drive [45 km = 40 min] south through the fertile coastal plain of Ionia to Priene, a 4th-century Greek city clinging to the steep slopes of a mountain; then across the Maeander River [29 km = 30 min] to Miletos, where western philosophy began and regular urban planning was first applied, and particularly famous for its theatre. We will have time to explore at least the Roman baths as well. Another short ride [14 km = 15 min] brings us to Didyma, where we’ll have a modest lunch before visiting the Temple of Apollo. This was the third largest temple in all of Greek and Roman antiquity, after the now pathetic remains of the Artemision in Ephesos and Hera’s sanctuary that we will visit on Samos. It was so huge that the building could not be roofed. We’ll continue on to Bodrum in the late afternoon, arriving at our hotel in time for dinner by the pool. (BLD)

SEPT 9 A relaxing day today. In the morning we’ll walk to the meagre remains of the massive tomb erected in the 4th century by the Persian satrap of Halicarnassos (as Bodrum was known in antiquity); his name was Mausolus, and his tomb was one of the seven wonders of antiquity. Another short downhill walk brings us to Bodrum’s busy and colourful harbour, and the castle erected by the Knights of St. John as they were being pushed out of Turkey by the Ottomans; it’s now a museum of underwater archaeology, with lots of well-preserved artefacts (like whole, blown glass vessels) pulled from the seabed in the area. We’ll have lunch in a waterfront restaurant before setting you free to explore the shops of Bodrum (or the comfort of our hotel’s pool). Dinner on your own in town. (BL)

15good thinking.

SEPT 10-20 After breakfast we’ll return to the harbour to board our private gulet (the Turkish name for the traditional fishing boat design) and settle into our cabins before we head out into the Aegean Sea. We’ll cruise south at first, towards the ancient city of Knidos on the Turkish coast, site of a famous sanctuary to the goddess Aphrodite; then we’ll explore the Greek islands of the Dodecanese, motoring along as the spirit moves us (and the weather allows). We’ll spend most nights moored in harbours, which will give you the opportunity to explore each island and perhaps find the perfect taverna for dinner. (B; L or D)

A few of the islands we might visit, from south to north: Kos is one of the most significant islands of the Dodecanese, in antiquity as well as today. The island is the second largest of the archipelago, after Rhodes, and its 17,000 inhabitants depend on agriculture (there are some wonderful local red and white wines), fishing, and tourism for their comfortable way of life. In antiquity, you might have been drawn to this island because of its famous light silk dresses, an early form of see-through clothing for women; today, you will be delighted by Kos’ happy combination of historical sites and a beautiful natural setting, its seductive climate, good restaurants, and its mixture of ethnic Turkish and Greek inhabitants. We’ll visit the excavations in town and the Knights’ Castle, and then the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the healing god, largely restored by the Italians when they ruled the Dodecanese between the two World Wars.

Kalymnos is a rocky and mountainous island with deep gorges but blessed with two very fertile valleys. Many of the 12,000 inhabitants are sponge-fishers: the island is remarkably quiet when they are away from Easter to

early October. The capital is the relatively large city of Kalymnos (or Pothia), with architecture that will remind you of Italy: notice the 19th-century neoclassical houses typical of the Dodecanese. It is a brightly coloured and lively place, if not conforming to the style most tourists expect of the “Greek Isles” experience.

Patmos is a small island, even by Greek standards. Its 2500 inhabitants live mostly in two towns, the port of Skala on a narrow isthmus and the quaint

town of Chora on a hill to the south, The island is fairly barren — it may actually be part of the rim of a volcanic caldera — with little agriculture possible on its hills separated by deep indentations of the sea. It is a delightful place, my favourite Aegean island (when the cruise ships are not in port). Skala is a pleasant little town, with some attractive architecture that looks more Italian than Greek, and with some good tavernas along the quayside. To make our way up to the monastery in Chora, we’ll climb the old stone path [1hr] , so on the way we can visit the Convent of the Apocalypse, built over the cave where St John is said to have dictated Revelations to his scribe. Chora is a delight: small, cubical whitewashed houses with bright blue doors, separated by narrow, winding streets with no cars; motorbikes, unfortunately, are allowed. While there we’ll explore the fortified Monastery of St John, originally built in 1088, whose Treasury holds a variety of monastic items: icons, chalices, crosses, and mitres, furniture, and embroidered vestments.

When we arrive in Samos we’ll be very close to the Turkish coast, between Kusadasi and Miletos. It’s a well-watered island, and prospers from its agriculture. The main town of Vathi contains an archaeological museum housing artefacts from the island’s Sanctuary of Hera, which lies near the attractive coastal village of Pythagoreio (named after the 6th-century-BCE philosopher); if we’re lucky, we’ll be able to follow the nearby 1000m-long subterranean aqueduct from the same period. Samian wine, by the way, was much prized in antiquity; I’ll try to arrange a wine-tasting of the modern variety while we’re there.


And then there is tiny Symi, Lipsi with its riotously coloured houses, remote Ikaria, and Tilos and Nisyros….

SEPT 20 We end our voyage of discovery at the ancient city of Teos on the Turkish mainland, where a coach will be waiting to take us to the Izmir airport for our short flight to Istanbul. We’ll stay at the Airport Hotel to more easily catch our early-morning flight home. (BL)

SEPT 21 Flights to Canada. (B)

Accompanying Resource Person John Humphrey did his first travel study trip, to Greece and Turkey, in 1977. Since then he has led trips to such locations as France, Tunisia, Libya, Italy, Egypt, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, and especially Turkey. John retired from the University of Calgary in 2014 and is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Classics and Religion. This trip to the southeastern Aegean will be the last in his long career.

Costs Airfare International and domestic $1,800Sept 2-21 Land. Tuition and other costs $8,500 Single supplement $3,100 Sept 5-21*Land. Tuition and other costs $7,700 Single supplement $2,900 *Does not include 3 nights in Istanbul Single supplement is available only on the land portion

GST $75TOTAL: SEPT 2-21 $10,375 TOTAL: SEPT 5-21 $9,575

Cost includes: Tuition and five-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on February 1, 2016. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

17good thinking.

A century after the War to End All Wars — World War One (1914-1918), what remains? How can we better understand these events which continue to shape our world? One way is to enter the landscapes of England, Belgium and France to experience the physical remains of those events; to stand at the edge of a mine crater, to look up at the ridge near Vimy, which Canadians assaulted in 1917, or to walk the trenches that still exist there.

Another way is to hear the words of the men and women who tried to capture what the war meant for them, in memoirs, poetry and fiction. This travel study brings together both of these approaches to truly understand what was. Through visits to sites and museums, we will come into direct contact with the everyday objects and the places experienced by combatants. We will also explore some of the most important and evocative writing of wartime experiences.

London’s Imperial War Museum offers an irreplaceable collection of artifacts of WWI. We will explore the war museum prior to travelling to the landscapes of the Western Front. We will visit the sites of important Canadian actions in the war, such as the Somme, Beaumont-Hamel, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele and the Ypres Salient. Our own experience of place will be supplemented with the words of selected British and Canadian authors and poets including Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, Ivor Gurney, Rebecca West, and Vera Brittain, along with Timothy Findley, Jane Urquhart, Joseph Boyden, and Michael Winter.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of two Wednesday evenings, on August 31 and September 7, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm, held at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include history and culture, and key passages from works by major authors of the First World War will be introduced. Background information on the sites we will be visiting will be presented. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health maters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryIncluded meals as shown following the daily itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

SEPT 9-10 Depart Calgary for London. During the afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour of the RAF Museum in London, for a look at the role of aviation in WWI. (D)

SEPT 11 Today we will visit the newly-refurbished First World War galleries of London’s Imperial War Museum. A private tour will allow us to handle artifacts of trench life, with time remaining to explore the full range of museum exhibits, from the art of the war years to

The First World War in Words and WalksSEPTEMBER 9 - 22, 2016


galleries devoted to the experience of the home front. After lunch we will visit Westminster Abbey which will be a WWI themed tour including the Unknown Warrior and the many other memorials. (B, L)

SEPT 12 Following in the footsteps of the soldiers themselves — but in much greater comfort — we travel to Ypres today, travelling by Eurostar to Lille and then coach to Ypres. (B, D)

SEPT 13 In the beautifully restored city of Ypres, we will take a walking tour and visit the Flanders Fields Museum. Some free time will be given in the afternoon to enjoy the town. The day concludes with the moving memorial ceremony at the Menin Gate, conducted daily without interruption since November 11, 1929. During the German occupation of Ypres in the 1940s, the ceremony was held at Brockwood Military Cemetery in Surrey, England. We will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Ypres. (B, D)

SEPT 14 Without ever straying far from the town of Ypres, today we will visit the Essex Farm area where John McRae composed “In Flanders Fields.” Then we will explore the Hill 60 area, a memorial site in wooded zone with footpaths connecting mine craters and pillboxes. The first day of battlefield sites can be quite emotional. In the evening we will be dining in a rural estaminet near Ypres. Estaminets are characteristic “Flandrian pubs” known for their hearty ood and wide range of local beers. (B, D)

SEPT 15 Today we will follow the Canadian Route of Remembrance in Flanders 1914 - 1918: the Ypres Salient. This day-long circuit takes us to the St-Julien Memorial, nicknamed “The Brooding Soldier.” (This was the area of the war’s first gas attacks, so indelibly captured in Wilfed Owen’s poem “Dulce et Decorum Est.”). From there we will visit the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders

of Canada) monument, the Passchendaele Canadian Memorial and museum, the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry Memorial, and the Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) Canadian Memorial. (B, L)

SEPT 16 An hour’s trip south takes us to Vimy Ridge where Canadian staff will conduct guided tours of the underground tunnels and front-line trenches. Here we can decide whether we agree with Jane Urquhart’s presentation of this iconic memorial, in The Stone Carvers, as an example of art’s redemptive powers. From Vimy we will continue to Arras — our second “martyred town,” now painstakingly restored. En route to Arras, we will visit Canadian cemeteries at Zivy Crater and Lichfield Crater, the German Cemetery at Neuville-Saint-Vast, and the French cemetery at La Targette. We spend four nights in Arras. (B, D)

SEPT 17 Today everyone will have time to explore this 2,000 year-old city at their leisure. (B)

SEPT 18 In his 2014 book Into the Blizzard: Walking the Fields of the Newfoundland Dead, author Michael Winter struggles to come to terms with the ways we remember one of the war’s turning points, the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Today’s journey to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial allows us to experience for ourselves one key site of these tragic events in the unique 74-acre battlefield park, with its famous caribou memorial. Still in the Somme area, we make the short journey from Arras to Albert, home of the “Somme 1916 Museum.” (B, D)

SEPT 19 As a brief respite from the emotions of wartime memorials, today takes us to the exceptional and recently constructed Musee du Louvre-Lens, an “outpost” museum of Paris’s Louvre which displays items from the Louvre collection at nearby Lens. Dinner upon return to Arras. (B, D)

SEPT 20 In the final months of the war, Canadians played a central role in a series of battles — Amiens, Cambrai, and Canal du Nord — which led to the end of the war. For our final day of visiting battlefield sites, we will visit memorials such as Bourlon Wood, Masnières, and Dury. In the afternoon we travel to Paris. (B, D)

SEPT 21 Today we will enjoy a tour of Paris highlights and after lunch visit the Musee Carnavalet, an outstanding presentation of the history of the city of Paris, housed in two historic mansions around a courtyard in the Marais district. The group will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)

SEPT 22 Depart for Calgary.

Accompanying Resource Person Harry Vandervlist earned a BA in English and French from York University, and an MA, in English from the University of Toronto. His fascination with the literature of World War One dates from his doctoral studies at McMaster University, where he ultimately specialized in Samuel Beckett’s early writing. His first scholarly publication examined the official wartime anthology of verse entitled The Spirit of Man, edited by poet laureate Robert Bridges and supplied to Allied troops. Since 1991 Harry has taught modern British and Canadian literature at the University of Calgary. Nominated for awards as an undergraduate teacher and a graduate supervisor, he has a reputation for the clarity and enthusiasm of his teaching. When not in Calgary he pursues his reading and writing at his second home in a small village in southwestern France.

Costs Airfare $1,500Land, tuition and other costs $6,200 GST $60TOTAL $7,760 Single supplement $1,200

Cost includes: Tuition and two-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on April 8, 2016. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

19good thinking.

Mountain Moose and Autumn ColourSEPTEMBER 16 - 18, 2016

In September, the air is refreshingly crisp and the aspen forests of the foothills of the Rockies are ablaze with golden foliage. This is the season of the moose when 400-kilogram bulls challenge each other for the right to breed. Every year, in the front range of the mountains, less than 200 kilometres from Calgary, moose gather in frost-encrusted meadows to reenact this primordial spectacle. As well, roadside grizzlies and black bears are fattening for hibernation, bighorn sheep are sleek and winter-ready, and bull trout are spawning.

For naturalist Wayne Lynch, the moose is the most impressive animal in the Rocky Mountains. It is the largest member of the deer family but surprisingly difficult to glimpse, let alone observe intimate courtship behaviour. In mid-September, in the open meadows of Spray Valley, Peter Lougheed, and Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Parks, it’s possible to watch moose on many mornings materialize out of the mist. There are huge bulls with racks spanning two metres and weighing 27 kilograms, cows in heat, juveniles and calves all sloshing together in the mud and willows. At times, as many as a dozen moose may gather at the same location. Add to this exciting scene the blush of a golden sunrise as it paints the surrounding peaks and you have a wildlife spectacle not to be forgotten. Accommodation throughout will be at the Mount Engadine Lodge.

OrientationThe orientation course will be held September 7, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm at the University of Calgary campus. Discussion will revolve around the natural history of moose and the biology of aspen forests. The itinerary and travel arrangements and health matters will be discussed in detail.

ItineraryIncluded meals are shown following the daily itinerary (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, and (D) Dinner

SEPT 16 Depart Calgary in our private 15-pax van for the half-day drive to the Mount Engadine Lodge in the heart of Kananaskis Country. Enroute we pass through the forests of the foothills, stopping frequently along the way to enjoy the display of autumn colour and for any notable wildlife sightings. At this time of the year, grizzlies and black bears are in the midst of their seasonal fattening period, preparing for their winter hibernation, and rutting elk and moose are engaged in hormone-fueled battles. Autumn is the best time to view and photograph large mammals in the Rockies because all have fresh new winter coats and look healthy and fit after a summer of feeding. (D)

SEPT 17 We begin the day at sunrise overlooking a meadow where moose gather to interact and feed on mineral-rich vegetation. After breakfast we’ll spend the day exploring other areas in Kananaskis Country searching for wildlife and making short hikes to savor the autumn beauty of the mountains. In the late afternoon, we’ll once again search for moose in various meadows they traditionally frequent. (B, L, D)

SEPT 18 Spend a final sunrise searching for rutting moose. Afterwards we’ll spend most of the day exploring the area in search of wildlife from the road and on leisure hikes, returning to Calgary in the late afternoon. (B)

Accompanying Resource PersonDr. Wayne Lynch is an internationally-recognized naturalist, science writer and professional wildlife photographer. His photo credits include hundreds of magazine covers, thousands of calendar shots, and tens of thousands of images published in over 60 dozen countries). He is also the author and photographer of over 50 natural history books for children, young adults and adults. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club and the Arctic Institute of North America, and his biography has been included in the Canadian Who’s Who, published by the University of Toronto, since 1996.

CostsLand, tuition and other costs $1,300GST $20TOTAL $1,320Single supplement $400

Cost includes: Tuition and one-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on April 12, 2016. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.


The Great Bear RainforestSEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 1, 2016

The temperate rainforests are one of the richest habitats on Earth; supporting more life than their tropical counterparts. The largest expanse of these ancient forests stretches along the verdant coastline of British Columbia. Migrating salmon and hungry coastal bears go together like popcorn at the movies and the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the world’s best places to witness this primordial drama. British Columbia, with roughly 150,000 black bears and 15,000 grizzly bears shuffling through its forested wild lands, is home to the largest combined population of these two bears in the world. Here, in the cool, shadowed woodlands of the coast you can also find a rare white subspecies of the American black bear. Scientists call this enigmatic ursine carnivore the Kermode bear, but First Nations people know it as the “spirit bear.” Our quest on this trip will be to experience the rich biological diversity of an overlooked corner of Canada, while at the same time experiencing exciting bear-viewing, bald eagles and gulls squabbling for leftovers, and the fragrance and spectacle of 90-metre tall Sitka spruces and 1000 year-old western red cedars.

OrientationThe orientation course will be held Wednesday evening, September 21, 2016 7 - 9:30 pm at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include the ecology of the temperate rainforest, one of the most fertile landscapes on the planet. As well, we’ll explore the general biology, behaviour and ecology of American black bears, spirit bears, and grizzlies. Subjects of additional interest to the instructor include the natural history of coastal wolves, bald eagles, Steller’s sea lions, and the biological complexity of the intertidal zone. This is Wayne’s second trip the Great Bear Rainforest. The itinerary and travel arrangements will also be discussed.

ItineraryThree meals daily are included throughout this trip

SEPT 26 Depart Calgary for the short flight to Vancouver followed by our connecting flight to the native community of Bella Bella in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Upon arrival, transfer to the dock and take a 90-minute water taxi ride to Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, the small native community on Swindle Island.

SEPT 27 After breakfast we board our private 12-passenger boat to search for grizzly bears fishing for salmon, an amusing and entertaining spectacle to witness. A grizzly may use as many as two dozen different fishing techniques, but a few of these are more successful than others. In shallow water, the “run-and-scatter” method is especially popular. Then there is the “snorkel-and-lunge” technique. A snorkelling bear only submerges its face, so as it swings its head back and forth through the water searching for salmon, its ears resemble twin periscopes riding along the surface. If that is not endearing enough, a bear often blows bubbles while its face is submerged. The most common way for a bear to fish is to simply stand in the current and wait for a hapless salmon to swim within reach.

SEPT 28 We spend today watching hungry coastal grizzlies pack on the pounds in preparation for winter hibernation. We also continue our exploration of the diversity and beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest — a remote, largely uninhabited, region of coastal British Columbia that stretches between Vancouver Island and Southeast Alaska. Spanning 32,000 sq. km, the area is five times larger than Banff National Park and is the largest remaining tract of unspoiled temperate rainforests in the world.

SEPT 29-30 The next two days will be spent cruising the numerous deep coastal fjords and remote forested shoreline of Princess Royal Island and other nearby coastal islands which have the greatest number of spirit bears in the province. The spirit bear is an American black bear that has creamy-white fur due to a recessive gene. On Princess Royal one in ten black bears is born white. The beautiful photogenic spirit bear is not an albino, as it typically has a brown nose and eyes. We begin each day with an early breakfast after which we board our private boat to search hidden fjords and estuaries in the Spirit Bear Conservancy for its namesake bruins. The area also has an abundance of other wildlife including wolves, whales and dolphins. The conservancy lands are home to ancient

Tsimshian village sites and architecture. Local guides will weave a compelling narrative that highlights the unique cultural and ecological knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. We may make short hikes through the cathedral forests to special viewing platforms over active salmon streams where we can easily and safely watch bears as they fish. After dinner, we may enjoy optional evening programs, including a cultural tour of Klemtu.

OCT 1 After breakfast choose between a rainforest walk or a morning kayak paddling along the ocean shores south of Klemtu. Later in the day we take a water taxi for the 90-minute return trip to Bella Bella where we catch our afternoon flight to Vancouver and then on to Calgary.

Accompanying Resource Person Dr. Wayne Lynch is an internationally-recognized naturalist, science writer and professional wildlife photographer. His photo credits include hundreds of magazine covers, thousands of calendar shots, and tens of thousands of images published in over 60 dozen countries). He is also the author and photographer of over 50 natural history books for children, young adults and adults. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club and the Arctic Institute of North America, and his biography has been included in the Canadian Who’s Who, published by the University of Toronto, since 1996.

Costs Airfare $500Land, tuition and other costs $6,300GST $75TOTAL $6,875Single supplement $3,100 Costs include: Tuition and orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on March 1, 2016. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

21good thinking.

Supporting the vast bulk of South America is a great wedge of continent called Patagonia. Here, at the southern tip of Argentina and Chile, giant waves, born on the shores of Antarctica, assault wild rocky beaches. Clusters of black and white penguins pitch and porpoise in the roiling surf and then shuffle ashore. Here also, great tracts of grasslands, brightened with colourful patches of wildflowers, sweep beneath immense cerulean skies and nurture exotic creatures with exotic names such as gauanaco, rhea, tinamou, huemul and mara. And above it all rise the chiselled flanks of the mighty Andes and the wind-swept wings of the largest flying creature on earth, the magnificent Andean condor.

One of the great scenic spectacles in Patagonia is Fitz Roy Massif, in Parque National Los Glaciares in southern Argentina. Seeing that cluster of peaks for the first time, most people are deeply impressed by their raw jaggedness and the steepness of their granite flanks. The indigenous people called Fitzroy “the smoking mountain” because of the mantle of cloud that often enshrouds its summit.

EASTER ISLAND EXTENSION No other island in the Pacific has generated the historical excitement, ecological speculation and strong tourism interest of Easter Island. The island’s iconic stone heads, averaging four metres in height and 12 tonnes in weight, are recognized the world over. The story of how ancient Polynesians colonized this isolated speck of land, thrived, and then succumbed to environmental collapse offers a fascinating glimpse at humanity and a poignant travel experience. It’s little wonder that Easter Island is frequently listed by travel magazines as one of the “must-see” destinations in the world.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of two Wednesday evenings, November 2 and 9, 2016, 7 - 9:30 pm, held at the University of Calgary campus. Topics of discussion will include: the ecology of Patagonia, and the biology of some of the region’s unique wildlife species such as: northern elephant seals, magellanic penguins, rheas, guanacos, pumas and Andean condors. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health matters will also be discussed.

ItineraryThree meals daily are included throughout the main tour and breakfast daily in Easter Island

NOV 14 Depart from Calgary for the overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

NOV 15 Settle into our centrally located hotel, then after lunch do a leisure tour of this thriving city, home to half of Argentina’s total population. A highlight of the tour will be a stroll through the Ricoleta area where locals come to enjoy the colourful, relaxed ambiance and the tango demonstrations.

NOV 16 Transfer to the regional airport for a flight to Trelew then board our private coach for the drive to Puerto Madryn, our base for the next three days while exploring the wildlife wonders of the Valdes Peninsula.

Wild Argentina and Chile with Optional Extension to Easter IslandNOVEMBER 14 - 29; EXTENSION: NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2016


Wild Argentina and Chile with Optional Extension to Easter Island

After lunch, visit a museum celebrating the area’s unique marine ecosystem as well as a leisure drive along the coastline searching for South American sea lions. Along the way we will watch for the characteristic species of the bushy steppes including lesser rheas — the South American equivalent of Africa’s ostrich. It’s the beginning of the rhea nesting season and we may catch a male making the loud booming calls characteristic of courtship. Watch for other wildlife such as hairy armadillos, burrowing owls, maras, and burrowing parrots.

NOV 17 In the morning, travel to Puerto Piramides to take a private two to three hour boat cruise to search for southern right whales that overwinter in the area and have their calves in the relative warmth of the sheltered offshore waters. Extremely close viewing of the whales is often possible. After lunch explore the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, searching for southern elephant seals, magellanic penguins and Chilean flamingos, as well as a variety of other birds.

NOV 18 Today, take an all-day trip to the famous magellanic penguin colony at Punta Tombo where over 400,000 of these charismatic seabirds breed. Break up the day with a picnic lunch along the coastline next to Isla Escondida.

NOV 19 This morning fly to the enchanting city of El Calafate on the southern shore of turquoise-tinted Lago Argentino. Board our private coach for the journey to El Chalten, a picturesque mountain village nestled in the shadow of Fitz Roy Massif in Argentina’s Parque National Los Glaciares — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

NOV 20 Spend the day exploring the waterfalls, tumbling rivers, and verdant southern beech forests of the El Chalten area and hope the setting sun favours us with a display of crimson and golden clouds shrouding the granite peaks.

NOV 21 After a final early morning sunrise on the Fitz Roy Massif, make the return journey to El Calafate, once again enjoying the scenic badlands along the valley of the Rio Leona. We’ll stop for a visit at the famous La Leona Roadhouse that hosted the legendary bank robbers, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, over a century ago. In the late afternoon there’s time on your own to leisurely explore the boutiques and shops of this enchanting Patagonian town, reminiscent of Banff, Alberta.

NOV 22 Spend the day discovering more of the scenic beauty of Parque National Los Glaciares, often considered to be the greatest single tract of wilderness remaining in Argentina. In the morning, walk some of the many terraced trails that overlook the imposing splendour of the Perito Moreno Glacier and in the afternoon take a boat trip along the southern arm of Lago Argentino to enjoy the glacier from a different vantage point.

NOV 23 Leave Argentina and travel by private coach to Parque National Torres del Paine in southern Chile, surrounded throughout the drive by the subtle beauty of the Patagonian steppe. En route watch for rheas and guanacos — the handsome camel-like grazers of these

windblown grasslands- as well as the characteristic birdlife of the region: chimango caracaras, aplomado falcons, seedsnipes, and tinamous.

NOV 24-27 Parque National Torres del Paine, in the words of author William Leitch, “is not a mere park, but a park of parks, a destination of travelers to whom a park is more than a place in which to be entertained, but rather an experience to be integrated into one’s life. Torres del Paine is the sort of park that changes its visitors by setting standards of sheer sensory impact against which all other parks are thereafter measured.” In the days to follow there will be much to expect and savour. Highlights in the park will include: sunrise and sunset outings to savour the majesty of the surrounding mountains, close-up views of roaring waterfalls, and herds of unwary guanacos. Other wildlife specialties of the park include: Patagonian red and gray foxes, Andean condors, black-necked swans, torrent ducks, and buff-necked ibises. In recent years, visitors are getting daytime glimpses of the puma. The treeless steppe of the park is the favoured hunting grounds of this large tawny cat, and Torres del Paine is now the best place in the world to see this normally elusive predator.

NOV 28 Our last morning in Torres del Paine. After lunch make the return trip to Argentina and our hotel in Calafate.

NOV 29 Fly from Calafate to Buenos Aires in time to connect with our overnight flight back to Calgary. Those continuing to Easter Island fly to Santiago and stay overnight.

NOV 30-DEC 3 Those doing the extension will fly from Santiago to Easter Island, located 3,700 kilometres from South America in the eastern Pacific and begin exploring the coastline and interior of this enigmatic island to uncover its secret colourful past and its modern tropical beauty. Highlights include: the Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, the Orongo ceremonial village, the crater lake of Rano Kau, the 15 imposing statues at Ahu Tongariki, the volcano of Rano Raraku where the historic statues were quarried, and the quaint town site of Hanga Roa, plus sunset and sunrise views of the statues facing the imposing immensity of the Pacific.

DEC 4-5 Return to Santiago, then on to Buenos Aires for the connecting flight back to Calgary.

Accompanying Resource Person Dr. Wayne Lynch is an internationally-recognized naturalist, science writer and professional wildlife photographer. His photo credits include hundreds of magazine covers, thousands of calendar shots, and tens of thousands of images published in over 60 dozen countries). He is also a popular guest speaker, and audiences worldwide applaud his practical and entertaining approach to natural history. As well, he is the author and photographer of over 50 natural history books for children, young adults and adults. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club and the Arctic Institute of North America, and his biography

has been included in the Canadian Who’s Who, published by the University of Toronto, since 1996. He’s led nearly a dozen tours to Patagonia, the most recent one being the highly successful University of Calgary trip in November 2014. Wayne has planned and accompanied trips for Continuing Education to Antarctica, Borneo, Brazil, Namibia, Arctic Norway, Kenya, Tanzania, Boreal Canada and Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.

Costs Airfare: International and Domestic $2,600Land, tuition and other costs $7,900GST $75TOTAL $10,575Single supplement $1,600

Extension to Easter IslandAirfare to Easter Island $1,300Land, tuition and other costs $2,800GST $20TOTAL EXTENSION COST $4,120Single Supplement $550

Cost includes: Tuition and two-week orientation course, airfare,

accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as

listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the

registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the

final payment date. Final payment is due on May 15, 2016.

Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund

procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information

available at the time of print and are subject to change to

reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs.

There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any

changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on

to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

23good thinking.

Harp Seal Helicopter AdventureMARCH 1 - 8, 2017

In the world of nature, no animal exemplifies cuteness more than a newborn harp seal pup. Its large black eyes, curious unwary nature, and spotless white fur make it a universal symbol for innocence and vulnerability and since the 1970s, a magnet for Eco tourists. Each year, for two to three weeks, the sea ice near Quebec’s Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is home to hundreds of thousands of pregnant harp seals that come to the area, each to give birth and nurse their single pup. Landing by helicopter on the featureless sea ice surrounded by thousands of pups vocally imploring their mothers to nurse them is a nature experience like no other.

OrientationThe orientation course will be held Wednesday evening, February 22, 2017, 7 - 9:30 pm at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include a general natural history of seals and sea lions with a detailed discussion of the biology, behaviour and physiology of the harp seal. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health matters will also be discussed.

ItineraryMeals included are three breakfasts, three lunches and

three dinners.

MAR 1 Depart from Calgary for the flight to Quebec City.

MAR 2 Today we explore historic Quebec City perched on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Boasting 37 national historic sites in the city proper and surroundings there is no shortage of attractions to discover. A highlight will be a stroll through the winding streets of Old Quebec with its picturesque stone buildings dating back to the city’s beginnings in the 1700s.

MAR 3 This morning we fly to the Magdalen islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Although the Magdalen’s are located closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island the islands are part of the province of Quebec and their 13,000 French-speaking residents display all the warmth and “joie de vivre” for which Quebecers are justly proud of. The snow and ice of winter transform the islands into a scenic lunar landscape and after lunch we begin our exploration of this quaint archipelago.


MAR 4-6 In these three days we’ll make two half-day excursions by helicopter to the sea ice to view harp seals at arm’s length. We’ll see photogenic pups being born, snoozing and nursing, and adults quarreling and courting, all in the silent, pristine world of the sea ice. When we are not adventuring on the sea ice we’ll visit the Seal Interpretive Centre, and explore different areas of the archipelago including its colourful picturesque villages, red sandstone cliffs and its extensive shorelines rimmed with sculpted sea ice. The Magdalen’s, like so many of the world’s beautiful island groups, are a magnet for artists and we’ll visit some of the many tasteful galleries. Other activities will include snowshoeing, star gazing, and we’ll hope for the burgundy flush of a sunset over the sea ice.

MAR 7 After our last morning in the islands we’ll fly back to Quebec City.

MAR 8 Return to Calgary.

Accompanying Resource Person Dr. Wayne Lynch is an internationally-recognized naturalist, science writer and professional wildlife photographer. His photo credits include hundreds of magazine covers, thousands of calendar shots, and tens of thousands of images published in over 60 countries. He is also a popular guest speaker, and audiences worldwide applaud his practical and entertaining approach to natural history. As well, he is the author and photographer of over 50 natural history books for children, young adults and adults. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club and the Arctic Institute of North America, and his biography has been included in the Canadian Who’s Who, published by the University of Toronto, since 1996. Wayne has planned and accompanied trips for Continuing Education to Antarctica, Borneo, Brazil, Patagonia, Namibia, Arctic Norway, Kenya, Tanzania, Boreal Canada and Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.

Costs Airfare $900Land, tuition and other costs $4,200 GST $50TOTAL $5,150 Single supplement $2,100

Cost includes: Tuition and one-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on September 30, 2016. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

25good thinking.

The Serengeti ecosystem is arguably one of the greatest wildlife areas in the world. Here, in an annual spectacle unmatched on the planet, 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000 plains zebras and 250,000 Thomson’s gazelles drift back and forth across the African savannah in search of the vital green flush of grass that follows the seasonal rains. In February each year, these life-giving rains transform the southern Serengeti in Tanzania into verdant grassland and the great herds gather there to give birth to a new generation. In the short span of a few weeks, half a million wobbly wildebeest calves struggle to gain their balance in the tenuous first minutes of life. We will be there to witness this breathtaking natural wonder.

With the newborns come the uninvited dinner guests: lithe tawny lions, fleet-footed cheetahs, rapacious hyenas, cunning jackals and flights of hungry vultures. Add to this wilderness marvel scores of multi-coloured birds, the soothing silhouettes of umbrella acacia trees, the boisterous bellowing of water-loving hippos, and the star-littered night skies and you have the ingredients for a life-altering experience. In this extraordinary setting, it feels as if little has changed since humankind’s distant ancestors strode across a fresh field of volcanic ash leaving us a fossilized signature of their passage. When you travel these wild African plains you discover a state of being where glorious nature can rejuvenate and inspire the hungriest of human souls.

OrientationThe orientation course will consist of two Wednesday evenings, March 8 and 15, 2017, 7 - 9:30 pm, held at the University of Calgary campus. Topics for discussion will include the ecology of the Serengeti Ecosystem where migratory wildebeests, plains zebras and Thomson’s gazelles shuttle back and forth over a vast savannah in response to changes in the lushness of the grass. Subjects of special interest to the instructor include the comparative natural history of the large carnivores: lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas, and the ecology of rhinos, elephants, vultures, and gazelles. Photography can enhance any travel experience, and a segment of the orientation will be spent discussing digital camera choices and how to make better travel photographs. The itinerary, travel arrangements and health matters will also be discussed.

Tanzania and the Serengeti PlainsMARCH 23 - APRIL 8, 2017


ItineraryThree meals daily are included throughout this trip

MAR 23-24 Depart Calgary for the overnight journey to Tanzania. Arrive in the lush, green city of Arusha, Tanzania at a comfortable altitude of 1300 metres, slightly higher than that of Calgary.

MAR 25 After breakfast we will travel to Arusha, National Park. We have a day at leisure to recover from jet lag and savor the easy pace of the pleasant surroundings. Explore the beautiful hotel grounds, bird watch or take a relaxing dip in the pool, all while you enjoy great views of Mount Meru, it is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro.

MAR 26-27 Travel west in private safari vehicles to beautiful baobab studded Tarangire National Park. Explore this wildlife-rich preserve in morning and afternoon game drives. In the dry season the shrunken Tarangire River is the only water for many kilometres around. The promise of moisture lures a multitude of wildlife to the river’s edge. Clusters of elephants, buffalo, kudu, oryx, and eland crowd the shrinking pools. The park is the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the fringe-eared oryx and the elegant long-necked gerenuk are regularly seen. As well, Tarangire’s famous lions climb trees as do its leopards, lounging in the branches of a sausage tree, their presence only betrayed by the nervous twitch of a tail. Some say Tarangire is the best bird watching destination in the country with over 550 species reported including colourful hornbills, kingfishers, rollers, and dazzling flocks of yellow-collared lovebirds.

MAR 28-30 Explore Ngorongoro Crater. Stay in a luxury lodge on the crater’s rim and each day descend 600 metres to the floor of the caldera. During the descent green candelabra trees give way to the familiar acacias of the African plains. The relatively small crater, just 260 square kilometres, is a wildlife Garden of Eden packed with 30,000 animals. Unlike wildlife in the neighboring Serengeti, the animals in Ngorongoro do not migrate because water is plentiful in the crater year-round. Enjoy large herds of buffalo and sizeable numbers of hartebeest, eland and waterbuck. Ngorongoro is one of the few places in Africa where black rhinos can still be seen. Among the predators, there are prides of black-maned lions, as well as cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and jackals. Lake Magadi in the centre of the crater is home to flamingos feeding on the algae-rich waters and elegant crowned cranes as well as a multitude of other bird species.

MAR 31- APR 3 Morning and evening game drives to savor the abundance of wildlife in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti ecosystem. Ndutu is in the heart of the short grassy plains where the great herds gather to give birth. The wildebeest birthing season is hard to describe — the numbers, the noise, the smells, the commotion — that combine to imbue the experience with the enthralling drama and gravity of life on the African savannah. On one of the days, travel to Olduvai Gorge where the legendary

archaeologists, Drs. Mary and Louis Leakey, found hominid remains of Homo habilis, and Homo erectus. The gorge is described as one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world and has been instrumental in understanding early human evolution.

APR 4-6 Travel deeper into the Serengeti ecosystem to explore Serengeti National Park. Unlike the open grassy plains of the Ndutu area, here the savannah is dotted with acacia woodlands. In morning and afternoon game drives, continue to discover the differing niches of the grass-eaters and those that prey upon them. The Serengeti is second to none in providing visitors with intimate views of wild Africa, and as Tennyson aptly described “Nature, red in tooth and claw.” Capture the sorts of African images, with your memory and your camera that documentaries are made of.

APR 7 Return to Arusha for the return flight to Canada.

APR 8 Arrive in Calgary.

Accompanying Resource Person Dr. Wayne Lynch is an internationally-recognized naturalist, science writer and professional wildlife photographer. His photo credits include hundreds of magazine covers, thousands of calendar shots, and tens of thousands of images published in over 60 countries. He is also a popular guest speaker, and audiences worldwide applaud his practical and entertaining approach to natural history. As well, he is the author and photographer of over 50 natural history books for children, young adults and adults. He is an elected fellow of the Explorers Club and the Arctic Institute of North America, and his biography has been included in the Canadian Who’s Who, published by the University of Toronto, since 1996. Wayne has made over two dozen trips to the Serengeti. He has planned and accompanied trips for Continuing Education to Brazil, Namibia, Arctic Norway, Kenya, Boreal Canada and Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.

Costs Airfare $ 2,900Land, tuition and other costs $ 11,500GST $75TOTAL $14,475Single supplement $ 1,300

Cost includes: Tuition and two-week orientation course, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals as listed in the itinerary. A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due on October 20, 2016. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal/refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

Tanzania and the Serengeti Plains

27good thinking.

2538016University of Calgary Continuing EducationEducation Tower 11202500 University Drive NWCalgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4

Choose your adventure:■ Bali and Singapore John Gilchrist February 14 - 28, 2016 TRA 177-001

■ Yellowknife: Aurora Borealis at Its Best Dr. Wayne Lynch March 25 - 30, 2016 TRA 153-006

■ Portugal: An Historical and Gastronomic Journey Dr. John Humphrey April 7 - 24, 2016 TRA 184-001

■ Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Northern Greece and Turkey Dr. Geoff Jackson April 18 - May 1, 2016 TRA 178-001

■ Central Asia and Its Treasures Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Dr. Valery Efimenko April 21 - May 8, 2016 TRA 147-002

■ Turkey and Greece: Exploring the Eastern Aegean Dr. John Humphrey Sept 2 - 21, 2016 TRA 183-001

■ The First World War in Words and Walks Harry Vandervlist Sept 9 - 22, 2016 TRA 181-001

■ Mountain Moose and Autumn Colour Dr. Wayne Lynch Sept 16 - 18, 2016 TRA 180-001

■ The Great Bear Rainforest Dr. Wayne Lynch Sept 26 - Oct 1, 2016 TRA 175-003

■ Wild Argentina and Chile with Optional Extension to Easter Island Dr. Wayne Lynch Nov 14 - 29, 2016 Extension: Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2016 TRA 165-002

■ Harp Seal Helicopter Adventure Dr. Wayne Lynch March 1 - 8, 2017 TRA 179-001

■ Tanzania and the Serengeti Plains Dr. Wayne Lynch March 23 - April 8, 2017 TRA 161-002

Personal informationNAME (As it appears on your passport) ____________________________________

DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY) _____________________________________

HOME PHONE ___________________________________________________

WORK PHONE ___________________________________________________

CELL PHONE ____________________________________________________

ADDRESS _______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

FAX ________________________ EMAIL _____________________________

Will you be travelling with another person?

n Yes Their Name:______________________________________ n No

Would you like to have a roommate? n Yes n No

Please note that if you wish to share, every effort will be made to find you a suitable roommate. However, if this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied.

PaymentIf you are registering for a trip, your deposit of $500 must accompany this registration. Remit by credit card, cheque or money order in Canadian funds payable to University of Calgary.

n CHEQUE ENCLOSED

n CREDIT CARD PAYMENT:

Number: ______________________________________________________

n Visa n MasterCard n American Express

Card Holder’s Name ____________________________________________

Expiry Date ___________________________________________________

Signature _____________________________________________________

This information is collected under the authority of the Post-Secondary Learning Act. Your personal information is collected to register you in a Continuing Education course and forms part of the permanent student record. If you have questions about the collection or use of this information, or, if you want your name removed from our mailing list, call 403-220-2952.

University of Calgary Travel Study 2016

Documents

Transcript of University of Calgary Travel Study 2016