THE ALUMNI TRAVEL PROGRAM’S FALL TRIP featured seven nights on Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast. The itinerary included Campania, the archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii, Greek ruins at Paestum, enchanting Isle of Capri, cliffside towns of Sorrento and Positano, and a visit to the World War II landing beach in Salerno. President Daniel H. Weiss accompanied alumni on the trip and spoke on the legacy of Greece, Herculaneum and the beginnings of archaeology, and writing about the war, citing case studies from World War II and Vietnam.
“We had a rare opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful and compelling regions in Italy,” says Sherri Jones, director of alumni affairs. “Having President Weiss join us and lecture on these significant sites enhanced the trip immensely.”
Next June, Diane Cole Ahl, Arthur J. ’55 and Barbara S. Rothkopf Professor of Art History, will provide insights on the trip “Journey of Odysseus: Retracing the Odyssey through the Ancient Mediterranean.” From June 18-29, travelers will board the Corinthian II to follow the path Odysseus took 3,000 years ago including Troy, Delos, Pylos, the site of the Palace of Nestor; island of Malta; Trapani, Sicily; the Phlegrean Fields outside Naples where Odysseus confronted the Cyclops, and home to Ithaca.
Exciting adventures in Ireland, Spain, and China also are planned for 2011.
The journey to Ireland (May 31 to June 11) will include four nights in Kilkenny, four in Ennis, and two in Dublin. Local experts will provide educational programs throughout the trip, and a detailed guide provided ahead of time will give travelers a chance to study and research the destinations. Sites will include Irish National Heritage Park, Rock of Cashel, the Ancient Burren and Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and Irish National Stud Farm.
The itinerary for Spain (Sept. 22 to Oct. 3) begins with three nights in Madrid, followed by four in Laguardia and three in Barcelona. A deluxe motor coach will provide transportation between locations. Local experts will serve as guides. Sites will include Prado Museum, historic Toledo, Burgos and the city’s cathedral, a visit to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, and the Old Castile in Zaragoza.
The exploration of China (Oct. 9-22) begins with three nights in Beijing followed by two nights in Xi’an, two in Guilin, a three-day Yangtze River cruise aboard the Century Sky, and two nights in Shanghai.
To learn more, visit the Alumni Travel Program webpage.