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What's so special about traveling with the World Affairs Council? The Council has been offering tours to its members and to Cooperating Councils for more than thirty years. These trips offer all the highlights of touring plus access to political leaders and other local experts for behind the scenes views and briefings that make our trips special and unique. Many trips include lecturers drawn from the fields of diplomacy, journalism, or academia. "Inside" trips are resource rich featuring private briefings, behind-the-scenes visits or expert lecturers.

2009 TRIPS

Iceland, August 8-18, 2009 Black Sea Cruise with Jeff Greenfield, CBS News, August 14-24, 2009 The Galapagos Islands, August 27-September 5, 2009 Mediterranean Civilizations, Istanbul-Venice, with Professor Jared Diamond, September 17-30, 2009 — WAIT LIST Inside Iran, JUST ADDED: Third trip to Iran, November 11-22, 2009 Burgundy and Provence River Cruise, October 3-14, 2009 Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, October 9-23, 2009 Mid-Atlantic Symposium featuring Al Gore, November 4-8, 2009 Inside Beijing, November 7-17, 2009 Inside Antartica, December 10-22,2009

2010 TRIPS

The Mekong: Saigon to Angkor Wat, March 8-18, 2010 Inside Morocco, March 20-April 2, 2010 Inside Washington, One World — Our Global Interdependence, April 26-May 1, 2010 Inside China, May 3-15, 2010 South Africa, May 23-June 6, 2010 Island Life in Greece and Turkey, September 5-13, 2010 Egypt with Ambassador Mark Johnson, September 20-October 1, 2010 Inside Iran with Ambassador Mark Johnson, October 2–17, 2010 Cuba (date to be determined) Israel and Jordan, February 2011

2009 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.

Lands of the Great Buddha by Private Jet, September 5-25, 2009 Legendary Cultures, October 20-November 10, 2010 Around the World — World's Greatest Islands, February 5-26, 2010

2009 Trips
August 8-18, 2009
Inside Iceland
	Explore this astonishing land of glaciers, volcanoes, mud holes and powerful waterfalls. Travel through "saga" country, the setting for legendary medieval stories, visit the parliament dating from A.D. 930 and discover sophisticated Reykjavik. Learn about the politics and economics of this country with just 280,000 citizens. There will also be an opportunity to extend the trip to Greenland, a distant and isolated European country where climate change is making a dramatic impact. $3,995 including airfare. Price reduced! Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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August 14-24, 2009
Black Sea Cruise with CBS News correspondent Jeff Greenfield
	Join Jeff Greenfield, CBS senior political correspondent, aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II visiting Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. In addition to Mr. Greenfield's lectures, this cruise features special events including a private concert in the newly refurbished music room of a czarist palace at Yalta; a private tour of the Panorama Museum at Sevastopol; visits by small groups — four to six guests — to private homes with coffee, pastries and conversation; private viewing of the Scythian Gold Collection at the Archaeological Museum at Varna; early entry to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul; and a chartered flight to Bucovina to view the stunning painted churches of Moldavia. From $6,995 plus airfare. Book now — receive $750 off a person when booking a double cabin or pay NO single supplement!! View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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August 27-September 5, 2009
The Galapagos Islands with optional trips to Quito and Machu Picchu
	Join marine biologist Professor Michael Russell in this week-long exploration of the Galapagos Islands aboard the state-of-the-art exploration vessel, the M.V. Santa Cruz. Discover a region unmatched in its beauty and its role in the history of natural science. With few natural predators on the islands, the abundant wildlife is nearly fearless and accepts human company up close to an extent found nowhere else. Walk among 400-pound tortoises and snorkel in crystal clear waters alongside sea lions and tropical penguins. A fleet of zodiacs and a glass bottom boat assure all participants viewing opportunities. Guided walks, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and on-board lectures round out the visit. Optional pre-trip to Quito, Ecuador's Spanish colonial capital and post-trip to Machu Picchu are offered. From $4,495 plus airfare. Early booking discount of $1,000 a couple extended. Parents and Grandparents note — Labor Day 2009 is Monday, September 7th, so make this an "end of the summer" treat before school begins for many students. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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September 17-30, 2009 — WAIT LIST
Mediterranean Civilizations through the Ages with Professor Jared Diamond — special birthday discount!
	The storied lands of the Mediterranean boast centuries of history, art, architecture and culture from myriad civilizations set beautifully upon azure waters. On this voyage aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II, encounter the two main powers that coexisted during the medieval period, the Byzantine Empire and Venice. Beginning in Istanbul — old Constantinople — set sail for fabled Troy and continue through the Aegean to Ephesus, explore Greek Isles, Albania and Croatia, and end the voyage in Venice, undoubtedly one of the world's most unusual cities. Lectures by Jared Diamond, the author of the recently published Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel: the Fates of Human Societies. From $7,950 plus airfare. Make this the year to celebrate your birthday in a very special way. Our tour operator, Travel Dynamics International, celebrates its 40th anniversary, and we are pleased to offer a special birthday savings on this sailing. If your birthday or that of your traveling companion falls within the dates of this trip, we will extend a celebratory 50% off from one person's listed cruise and land rates. Single travelers whose birthday occurs during the voyage will receive a $500 discount and will have the single supplement waived. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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October 3-14, 2009
Burgundy and Provence River Cruise
	Paris, Provence, the French Riviera and Nice — all names that evoke images of beauty, history, wine and cuisine. These images come alive on a journey through France that begins with two nights in Paris, including a private briefing at the U.S. embassy, cruises the Saone and Rhone rivers aboard the beautiful, new 138-guest Avalon Scenery, and ends with an overnight in lovely Nice. Along the way, explore ancient Roman and medieval history in Avignon and Viviers, the cuisines of Lyon and its UNESCO World Heritage site Old Town, and the famous wines of the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions. We include a special briefing on the wine industry at Chateau Neuf du Pape and, of course, taste the wines! From $3,290 plus airfare. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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October 9-23, 2009
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
	Join us on an exploration of the Silk Road cities of two Central Asian countries that preside over ancient architectural riches and modern reserves of oil and gas. Throughout a history of attracting conquerors like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, these fascinating desert countries find themselves again at the center of international interest. Enjoy wonderful sightseeing in Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva and Ashkabad, as well as an educational focus on the history and current political issues of the area. Meet people from across the social spectrum. $5,550 plus airfare. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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November 4-8, 2009
Mid-Atlantic Symposium featuring keynote speaker Al Gore
	The Philadelphia council welcomes participants from across the country to join us for our full-day conference, The New Global Dynamic: Opportunities and Challenges in the 21st Century featuring keynote speaker, The Honorable Al Gore, former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Admiral Dennis Blair, Director of National Intelligence. Enjoy additional days in the region to explore Philadelphia, and take day excursions to New York and Washington D.C. for substantive briefings; historical touring; and cultural highlights. $1,950 per person. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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November 7-15, 2009
Inside Beijing
	Due to overwhelming demand for our popular Inside Beijing trip, we are offering this value-priced tour again this coming November. An optional excursion to Xian for the terracotta warriors and an optional two-day extension to dynamic Shanghai will appeal to members seeking a longer visit. The Council has been offering tours to China for three decades — we were one of the first institutions to visit in 1977. Substantive briefings with diplomats, business executives and opportunities to "meet the people" will be included along with sightseeing treasures and a look at contemporary Chinese art and architecture. Experience a true "insider's perspective" on this emerging superpower. $2,495 plus tax, but including airfare. Land only rate $1,595. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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September 24-October 10 and October 15-31, 2009 trips WAIT LIST
JUST ADDED — Third Trip to Iran, November 11-22, 2009
	Join us 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. Fly to Shiraz, with its culture of poetry and literature, and tour Persepolis, with its ancient heritage dating back 2,500 years and perhaps one of the most beautiful and spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. Spend time in Isfahan, considered one of the most beautiful of all Iranian cities with stunning architecture, mosques, palaces, bazaars, and public parks. Accompanying lecturer and special meetings on this trip. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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December 10 - 22, 2009
Antarctica with Admiral William Fallon, Head of U.S. Central Command, Ret.
	Sail aboard the all-suite, 114-Guest Corinthian II to a vast and remote wilderness at the bottom of the earth. Sturdy zodiac landing craft offer exploration of 10,000-strong penguin rookeries, old whaling stations, operational research stations, and elephant seal colonies. View albatrosses, petrels, humpback and minke whales, and calving glaciers in the company of a team of naturalists. Having been responsible for combat efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Admiral Fallon will draw on his experience to discuss the evolving geopolitics of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Two-night optional extension in Buenos Aires. From $7,995 per person plus airfare. Special Birthday Celebration Discount: If your birthday or that of your traveling companion falls within the dates of this trip, we will extend a celebratory 50% off one individual's listed cruise and land rates. Single travelers whose birthday occurs during the voyage will receive a $500 discount and will have the single supplement waived. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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2010 Trips
March 7-18, 2010
The Mekong: Saigon to Angkor Wat
	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. View a pre-brochure flyer. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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March 20-April 2, 2010
Inside Morocco
	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. View a pre-brochure flyer. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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April 26-May 1, 2010
Inside Washington: One World — Our Global Interdependence
	This working title gives a hint of the week's discussion: the economy, climate change, energy, pandemics, terrorism and rogue states have expanded our foreign policy in ways that were unimaginable in the last century. During the course of the week we'll meet with journalists, think tank scholars, government officials, and visit embassies. We include a luncheon briefing at the National Press Club, a final dinner at the private Cosmos Club and a cultural highlight. Enjoy five nights at the JW Marriott, Pennsylvania Avenue, close to the White House and Mall; three lunches and two dinners; all transportation within Washington, D.C. $2,450. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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May 3-15, 2010
Inside China
	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, business people and others are a highlight. A post-trip option in Guilin and Hong Kong is offered. From $4,395 plus airfare. View a pre-brochure flyer. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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May 23-June 6, 2010
South Africa
	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. View a pre-brochure flyer. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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September 5-13, 2010
Island Life in Greece and Turkey
	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. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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September 20-October 1, 2010
Egypt with Ambassador Mark Johnson
	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 and the Sphinx, explore Alexandria, founded in 331 B.C.E., and in Memphis, see the statue of Ramses II and the oldest pyramid at Sakkara. Fly to the stunning monuments of Luxor and Karnak before boarding our deluxe river ship for a three-night cruise on the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and Edfu's Temple of Horus. From Aswan, fly to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, to learn about the modern feat of engineering that built the Aswan Dam and moved these temples piece-by-piece to higher ground. $3,590 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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October 2-17, 2010
Inside Iran with Ambassador Mark Johnson
	Our 2009 Iran tours were so popular that we 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 their 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. $5,990 plus airfare. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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Date to be determined once we receive a license
Cuba
	Subject to Treasury license. Click here to be put on a list to receive information as it becomes available.
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February 2011
Israel and Jordan
	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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2009 Private Jet Trips
September 5-25, 2009
Lands of the Great Buddha by Private Jet with Art Historian and Asian Curator Barry Till
	Join us on a sublime journey through Asia exploring the cultural treasures of one of the world's great religions. Our 21-day journey takes us from world wonder Angkor Wat to the Buddhist epicenter Bodh Gaya; from Vietnam's Imperial City of Hue to the other-worldly Himalayan citadels of Bhutan and Nepal; from Emperor Qin's terracotta army in China to Mongolia's celebrated nomads; and from Luang Prabang's glittering temples to Kyoto and Nara for the refined perfection of Japan's Zen traditions. And throughout the journey, as you are whisked from one destination to the next by a Fokker 100 private jet, you can follow your passion with a choice of personalized excursions along the way: Learn the secrets of Shaanxi cuisine, take a Japanese garden tour, cruise the Ganges as the sun sets and more! $46,950. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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October 20-November 10, 2010
Legendary Cultures with Ambassador James D. Rosenthal
	Join the ambassador and other lecturers on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to some of the world's most unique places, including Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Samoa, the Great Barrier Reef, Angkor Wat, Taj Mahal, the Serengeti, Egypt and Marrakech. 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. 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 this trip memorable and rewarding. $54,950. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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February 5-26, 2010
Around the World — an exploration of the world's greatest treasures and legendary places
	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. View more information. Click here to request more detailed information about this travel program.
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