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The World Affairs Council of
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| Upcoming Trips |
What's so special about traveling with the World Affairs Council? The Council has been offering tours to its members and to Cooperating Councils for more than thirty years. These trips offer all the highlights of touring plus access to political leaders and other local experts for behind the scenes views and briefings that make our trips special and unique. Many trips include lecturers drawn from the fields of diplomacy, journalism, or academia. Others offer "meet the people" opportunities for our citizen diplomats. "Inside" trips are resource rich featuring private briefings, behind-the-scenes visits or expert lecturers.
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 2010 PRIVATE JET TRIPS |
| Private jet trips are a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Outfitted in all-first-class comfort, the jets are crewed by personable, professional staff who welcome you on board to spacious leather seats, gourmet meals, and chilled champagne. Bypass busy airports, enjoy expedited boarding and avoid frustrating delays. The itineraries are designed to bring the world to you in the minimum amount of travel time. A team of expert lecturers provide in-flight briefings or deliver commentary via state-of-the-art audio systems on the ground. Deluxe accommodations, behind-the-scenes tours, private meetings and congenial traveling companions make the trips memorable and rewarding. Peruse our range of tours and then call us for more information. |
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Around the World — World's Greatest Islands, February 5-26, 2010 SOLD OUT: Alternative date September 28-October 19, 2010 Desert Crossroads & the Himalaya: March 21-April 3, 2010; Sacred Places of Asia: April 5-19, 2010; The Ancient Silk Road: April 20-May 4, 2010 |
| World Highlights by Private Jet: November 6-19, 2010 |
| 2010 Trips | |
| March 7-18, 2010 Wait-listed (will be offered in 2011) | |
| Mysteries of the Mekong: Saigon to Angkor Wat | |
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This unique tour offers the mysterious allure of Indochina while cruising in style and comfort aboard the deluxe M.V. Jayavarman along the fabled "Waterway of the Nine Dragons," the Mekong River. Journey from cosmopolitan Saigon to the undiscovered gem of Phnom Penh, a rare pocket of "Old Asia." Encounter a timeless world of tranquil rice paddies, authentic floating villages and grand pagodas that recall the glories of bygone kingdoms and empires. Our journey culminates in the lush jungles of Cambodia amid the magnificent 12th-century temples and sculptures of Angkor Wat. The tour includes special meetings and political briefings, as well as "meet the people" opportunities. Hanoi pre-trip and Bangkok post-trip options are offered. From $3,295 a person plus airfare. This trip will be offered in 2011. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| March 10-12, 2010 | |
| Northern California Symposium: World Affairs 2010 | |
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The world inherited by the Obama administration just one year ago is already a vastly different place. From global economic crisis to climate change, from international security dilemmas to development challenges, new policy prescriptions abound. For an in-depth analysis of these foreign policy issues, attend a two-day conference, organized by the World Affairs Council of Northern California, and "add on" a premium package which includes a small-group luncheon briefing at the Hoover Institute, Stanford University with Secretary George P. Shultz, private dinner and other exclusive receptions. Also enjoy the Shanghai exhibit at the Asian Art Museum. Premium conference/program $790 plus airfare. Conference rate at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco. $229 plus tax per room per night. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| March 20-April 2 Wait-listed (will be offered in 2011) | |
| Inside Morocco | |
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This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we discover an age-old culture and wonderfully hospitable people. Erfoud, Ouarzazate, and Casablanca are also included on the itinerary and our knowledgeable guide takes us to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include a private dinner in the traditional home of a Fez family and tea with a Berber family in their cave dwelling. We also include a political and economic briefing. $4,395 includes airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| April 26-May 1, 2010 | |
| Inside Washington: Keeping Us Safe: Engaging our Enemies, Adjusting our Alliances | |
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During the Council's hallmark Inside Washington week — timed one year and 100 days since President Obama took office — we will examine the administration's foreign policy as it is conducted through war, diplomacy, trade and development and how it is keeping us safe. We will meet with journalists, think tank scholars, Pentagon and State Department officials, and visit embassies to examine all of these issues to help us assess how the U.S. is engaging our enemies and how our alliances are adjusting to a new reality. We include a luncheon briefing at the National Press Club, a final dinner at the private Cosmos Club and a cultural highlight. Enjoy 5 nights at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue, close to the White House and Mall, three lunches and two dinners and all transportation within Washington D.C. Confirmed speakers include Congressman Lee Hamilton, Michael O'Hanlon of Brookings Institution, and Jeffrey Birnbaum of the Washington Times. $2,450. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| May 3-15, 2010 | |
| Inside China | |
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Discover the many faces of China during this enlightening 11-night journey from the imperial splendors of Mandarin Beijing's Forbidden City and the grandeur of the Great Wall to the dynastic treasures of the ancient capital of Xi'an and the historic neighborhoods of Old Shanghai. Gain a unique perspective of this fast-changing nation, whose stunning beauty forms the backdrop to a 5,000-year-old society steeped in legend and tradition. During our journey, embark on a three-night cruise through the breathtaking Yangtze River Gorges aboard the deluxe M.V. Victoria Jenna, the most elegant river ship in China. The tour includes substantive briefings with diplomats and trade experts, Tai Chi, cooking and a visit to a traditional hospital. A post-trip option in Guilin and Hong Kong is offered. From $4,395 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| May 19-30, 2010 | |
| Inside Iran with Dr. Thomas Ricks | |
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In Tehran, admire the magnificent Crown Jewels and unbelievable Peacock Throne before heading to Persepolis, with its ancient heritage dating back 2,500 years and perhaps one of the most beautiful and spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. Explore Shiraz, a center for poetry, and end in Isfahan, considered one of the most beautiful of all Iranian cities with stunning architecture, mosques, palaces, bazaars, and public parks. Note: There is a state department warning for Iran. We expect to meet a broad section of society and past travelers have reported delight at Iranian hospitality. Accompanying the group will be Dr. Thomas Ricks, an Iranian scholar, who has traveled extensively in Iran. $4,750 plus airfare. View a pre-brochure itinerary. View more information on this and our October Iran tour with Ambassador Mark Johnson. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| May 11-25, 2010 Wait-listed | |
| South Africa | |
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South Africa is a land of spectacular cultural, biological and geological diversity. We begin in cosmopolitan Cape Town, poised between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, where we'll visit flat-topped Table Mountain, historic Robben Island and enjoy the Cape Peninsula coastline. Then board the luxurious Rovos Rail to the northeastern corner of the country, stopping in Victorian Matjiesfontein and Kimberley, center of South Africa's diamond industry. In Johannesburg, visit the stirring Apartheid Museum and experience the sense of community that unites Soweto. Finally, embark on a three-night safari at the private Thornybush Game Reserve in hope of seeing the "big five" (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo). Briefings and special visits enhance the program. $5,995 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| June 20-29, 2010 | |
| Central Europe — politics and culture! Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna with Dr. Pamela Zeiser |
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Begin in Berlin, Germany's once-divided capital, visiting some of the most important historic and cultural sites of this great city: the Ku'damm, the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, the Victory Column in Tiergarten Park and, driving along Unter den Linden Boulevard, pause at "Checkpoint Charlie". We then travel through picturesque countryside to the baroque splendor of Dresden, and on into the Czech Republic and 1,000-year-old Prague. From Prague, stop in Bratislava, the economic and political center of the Slovak Republic, before reaching the shores of the great Danube River, and historic Budapest. A drive through the Hungarian plains into Austria will bring us to glittering Vienna with the aura of Imperial Austria and the world of Mozart and Strauss all around. Along the way, enjoy political briefings at U.S. embassies, lectures by Dr. Pamela Zeiser, splendid sightseeing and gastronomical specialties of these richly historic countries. $2,514 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| June 30-July 11, 2010 | |
| Amsterdam, Bruges, Brussels and Paris | |
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Europe of old — and new — springs to life on this relaxed journey through cities rich with art and architecture, vibrant street life, and storied surroundings. Discover charming Amsterdam as you walk along the canals, visit the renowned Rijksmuseum and enjoy a candlelight cruise with wine and cheese. Travel to nearby Kinderdijk to see The Netherlands' iconic windmills. Continue to Bruges, capital of Belgium's West Flanders region, known for its enchanting canal side homes, lace-making, and fine chocolate. Stop in vibrant Ghent for a walking tour complete with a visit to St. Bavos Cathedral. In Brussels, tour the Museum of Ancient Art, housing an immense art collection spanning the 15th through the 18th centuries. Conclude our European interlude in the romantic "City of Light." Highlights of our visit to Paris include a tour of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, and a walking tour of Montremartre, former Right Bank neighborhood of artists and Bohemians. Enjoy time to explore Paris on your own before bidding au revoir to our European adventure. Additional special council briefings provide an understanding of current political and economic issues. From $4895 including air! Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| July 11-21, 2010 | |
| Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths | |
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Voyage aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II visiting sacred sites of three of the world's great religions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Sail round trip from Athens, calling at Ephesus, Turkey as well as Lindos on Rhodes, Paphos, Cyprus, Haifa and Jerusalem in Israel, and Heraklion and Knossos on Crete. We will hear from divinity professor Dr. John Portmann, author of Sin: Vast Past, Vaster Future; Rabbi Ronald Sobel, a leading advocate of interfaith relations, who will address the Middle East peace process during his onboard lectures; and Art Caplan, bio-ethicist from the University of Pennsylvania, who will examine Judeo-Christian and Islamic answers to questions of life and death. The young people on the program will participate with Joseph Debiec in a series of educational programs aimed at peace-building and understanding. Special pricing for children and young adults. Reduced pricing from $6,795 and a limited number of cabins with no single supplement! Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| July 26-August 5 | |
| Treasures of Peru | |
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Begin your discovery of Peru's archeological, cultural and natural treasures in the capital of Lima. Next, fly to Cuzco, the archaeological hub of the Americas. Acclimate to the high altitude as you tour Cuzco, the beautiful Sacred Valley, the Indian market at Pisac, and the extensive ruins at Ollantaytambo. Board the train for Machu Picchu — the stunning "Lost City of the Incas" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where you'll enjoy two guided visits to these enigmatic ruins. Stay overnight and take advantage of prime viewing opportunities before the crowds arrive. Travel overland through Peru's rugged altiplano with its snow-capped mountains and remote villages to Lake Titicaca, one of the world's highest navigable lakes. Take a boat ride to the Floating Islands and Taquile Island, known for the superb locally crafted textiles. We'll include insights on contemporary issues. A 5-day/4-night post-tour option to the Amazon Rainforest is available. $3,695 including airfare from Miami. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| September 5-13, 2010 Wait-listed New dates added: September 12-20, 2010 |
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| Island Life in Greece and Turkey | |
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Spend a night in Istanbul for sightseeing and a briefing, then board the new, deluxe 230-guest M.S. Le Boreal to sail in the wake of Agamemnon, Achilles and Odysseus across the "wine-dark" waters of Homer's Aegean Sea. Accompanied by expert guides, marvel at legendary Troy, walk the 2,000-year-old streets of Ephesus and explore the fabled ruins of Delos. Visit delightful Greek Islands including Santorini for a cable car ride to Thira; Rhodes to explore the Palace of the Grand Masters; and Patmos, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Our tour includes a "meet the people" to learn about life in a Greek village. Disembark in Athens. A pre-trip option to Cappadocia and post-trip to Delphi are available. From $3,190 plus airfare. Book by January 26 and save $2,000 per couple! View more information for wait-listed September 5-13 departure. View more information for second departure, September 12-20. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| October 2-18, 2010 | |
| Inside Iran with Ambassador Mark Johnson | |
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So popular was Iran for our 2009 tour schedule, that we've added two additional departures. Do not miss this opportunity to travel with Ambassador Mark Johnson on a journey where vast monuments serve as testament to the extraordinary history of this country. In Tehran, admire the magnificent Crown Jewels and unbelievable Peacock Throne. We include Kerman, Yazd, and Persepolis, with its ancient heritage dating back 2,500 years and perhaps one of the most beautiful and spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. Explore Shiraz, a center for poetry, and end in Isfahan, considered one of the most beautiful of all Iranian cities with stunning architecture, mosques, palaces, bazaars, and public parks. Note: There is a state dept warning for Iran. We expect to meet a broad section of society and past travelers have reported delight at Iranian hospitality. "The Iran trip was incredible. I loved every minute of it. Mark and Sally were wonderful leaders." — Barbara Sloop, Portland, OR, Iran 2009 View more information on both this and our May Iran tour with Dr. Thomas Ricks. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| October 17-28, 2010 | |
| Mediterranean Landmarks: A Voyage from Venice to Istanbul including Libya | |
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Voyage aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II embarking in magnificent Venice. Sail along Italy's Adriatic shores to Puglia's Gallilpoli and on to Valleta, Malta's capital with its imposing medieval palaces. Then cruise to the coast of Libya to visit Tripoli's Jamahiriya Museum and the extraordinary Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, the most lavish city of North Africa; and the extensive ruins of Cyrene and Apollonia. Before disembarking in Istanbul, stop on the Peloponnese to explore the evocative but less frequently visited Byzantine town of Mystra. Guest lecturer to be advised. From $7,995 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| October 25-November 5, 2010 | |
| Egypt with Ambassador Mark Johnson | |
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Explore one of the world's most fascinating countries, Egypt — its people, politics, and past — in the company of lecturer, Ambassador Mark Johnson, and an Egyptologist. Discover 5,000 years of civilization in Cairo with visits to the Great Pyramids, Sphinx and the oldest pyramid at Sakkara. Explore Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and the Egyptian Museum before flying to Aswan, with an optional flight to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, before embarking on a four-night Nile River cruise. See the Aswan Dam, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, and the magnificent sites of Luxor including Karnak, the Valley of Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Travel to Dendera, seldom included on itineraries, and stay overnight at the historic Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor. Special political and economic meetings will be added in addition to lectures by Ambassador Johnson. $3,990 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| February 2011 | |
| Israel and Jordan | |
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Begin our exploration in Israel, which for centuries has been a focal point for three of the world's major religions. Admire the architectural beauty of Tel Aviv, walk along the storied shores of the Sea of Galilee and see the Roman sites in Caesarea. We'll marvel at the fortress of Masada and swim in the Dead Sea. Explore the cultural, historical and holy sites of Jerusalem. Cross the Allenby Bridge to Jordan stopping in Jerash before arrival in Amman. From here, tour Petra, the "Rose-Red City," with a return drive to Tel Aviv for our flight back to the U.S. The program includes a briefing with Linda Gradstein of NPR and other political meetings. Approximately $3,595 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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 2010 Private Jet Trips |
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| February 5-26, 2010 SOLD OUT: Alternative date September 28-October 19, 2010 | |
| Around the World — an exploration of the world's greatest treasures and legendary places | |
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Join us for an extraordinary 22-day journey around the world aboard a specially-outfitted Boeing 757 private jet. Explore treasured and legendary places such as Machu Picchu, Easter, the Great Barrier Reef, Angkor Wat, Tanzania, the mysterious Sphinx and Marrakech. Accompanying you will be a talented team of lecturers including former U.S. Ambassador James Rosenthal, Pulitzer-prize winning photographer Jay Dickman, former editor-in-chief of National Geographic magazine Chris Johns and University of Virginia professor Steve Cushman. A professional expedition staff, including a dedicated physician, will travel with you. As each day's adventures draw to a close, delight in sumptuous banquets accompanied by traditional entertainment and unwind in the world's finest accommodations. From $54,950. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| Various Dates | |
| HIDDEN CORNERS AROUND THE WORLD Desert Crossroads & the Himalaya: March 21-April 3, 2010 Sacred Places of Asia: April 5-19, 2010 The Ancient Silk Road: April 20-May 4, 2010 |
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Join us for your choice of one, two, or three interconnected journeys by private jet. Explore majestical oases, remote outposts, and ancient trade centers in North Africa, India, and the Himalaya while on the Desert Crossroads & the Himalaya expedition. Discover the treasured cultures and legendary architecture of ancient kingdoms in Southeast Asia and East Asia while on Sacred Places of Asia. And follow in the footsteps of nomads, monks, merchants, and kings in East Asia and Central Asia while on The Ancient Silk Road. All tours are accompanied by a team of experts. Starting at $29,950. Book all three tours and save 5%! Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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| November 6-19, 2010 | |
| World Highlights by Private Jet | |
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Explore seven legendary places in two unforgettable weeks. Meet at the Dorchester Hotel in London before boarding the VIP-configured Boeing 757 for a journey around Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa. Highlights include Istanbul and Turkey; the pyramids and the Sphinx, the Valley of The Kings and Luxor, Egypt; the Taj Mahal and Jaipur, India; the lost city of Petra, Jordan; and Marrakech, Morocco. An experienced team of lecturers accompany the group, along with a highly professional staff, physician and private chef. Accommodations and touring are deluxe. $39.950. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program. |
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One South Broad Street, Suite 2M | Philadelphia, PA 19107 | Phone: 215-561-4700 | E-mail: info@wacphila.org