Academic Travel Abroad is a premiere travel company and tour operator established in 1950, specializing in unique educational experiences at home and abroad for groups and organizations seeking to add educational travel opportunities to their offerings. We appreciate that there is always more to learn when you travel, even in the most tried and true, popular destinations. In addition to our explorations of lesser-known corners of the globe, we have honed the art of putting a new spin on familiar treasures.

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MaryBeth Mullen

MaryBeth comes to ATA with a wealth of experience in program development, team and supplier management, marketing and sales strategy, customer service and direct marketing.

Welcome to ATA, MaryBeth!

City Explorers: Siena

La Dolce Vita in Tuscany

October 1-14, 2012

Tuscany! The word evokes rolling hills covered in olive trees, the taste of Chianti and pecorino cheese, the soft splash of a fountain in an ancient piazza, and the intimate chatter of friends whose families have been neighbors for centuries.

The National Trust presents City Explorers Siena, an invitation to travel to Tuscany as if you were visiting friends. In a small group of no more than 16 that will be shared with Smithsonian Journeys, meet longtime residents who warmly share the traditions that make daily Tuscan life so rich. Share dinner with locals and savor la dolce vita in an Italian village. Dive into discussions on Siena’s medieval and Renaissance history, art, literature, and the renowned Palio horse race and delight in fabulous cuisine and wines in company that will enrich your experience. We toss in practical, fun lessons in the Italian language, helping to bring you into the rhythms of daily life in your Siena neighborhood. With the luxury of time and local connections, be as active—and interactive—as you’d like. Relax, take a deep breath, and open your senses to the Tuscany you’ve been reading about for years. Live your dream!

Book today and reserve your space, click here.

View the incredible itinerary below:

Itinerary

October 1/2: Depart the U.S. and arrive in Tuscany the following day. The drive from Florence to Siena features views of the quintessential Tuscan landscape. Our local hosts will welcome you and give a brief orientation to the city during a festive reception and dinner at a local trattoria this evening. (D)

October 3 — Neighborhoods of Siena
Get into the spirit of Siena with an in-depth walking tour through the medieval heart of town, including a visit to the incomparable Duomo, a distinctive cathedral known for its white and black striated design. The historic center of Siena is small enough that within a few days of navigating the different neighborhoods, you’ll begin to recognize familiar faces and even acquaintances as you stroll about the city. At lunch, an informal language chat introduces you to basic terms. Enjoy the afternoon to explore on your own. (B,L)

October 4 — Gothic and Renaissance Art and Piazza del Campo
Brush up on your art history at Siena’s most famous art museum, the Pinacoteca. Then stroll down cobbled streets to the Palazzo Pubblico, an exquisite example of Gothic Tuscan architecture that towers over the Piazza del Campo. With a free afternoon, check out another museum or linger over an espresso in the Campo. (B)

October 5 — Local Markets and Modern Italy
Take part in daily life at an outdoor market, where local residents come for fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, cheese, oil, and olives—and try out your language skills under the reassuring support of your resident director. Then visit the idyllic Orto dei Pecci, a garden-park oasis for the Sienese, located in the midst of town. Following an afternoon at leisure, meet with a group of local residents for a lively discussion on modern Italy. (B)

October 6 — The Palio Horserace Culture
The Palio horserace—known as the wildest horserace in the world—is at the core of Siena’s identity. This afternoon you’ll become a temporary member of one of Siena’s 17 contrade, or districts, each with its own mascot, stable, museum, and strong rivalries. Visit a contrada museum as a personal guest, watch flag-throwers as they practice, learn the insider’s meanings of the mascots and costumes, and then dine in the contrada with members of the community. (B,D)

October 7 — San Gimignano: Walking and Painting
Enjoy the essence of the Middle Ages in beautifully preserved San Gimignano, the “town of towers,” where 14 medieval towers still stand tall above the houses. Take the day to explore this small town at leisure. And for those who have ever dreamed of sitting in a piazza in front of an easel, painting a medieval tower or a relaxed café scene, we’ll provide all the supplies (or you can bring your own favorites brushes and paints). In the evening, enjoy an aperitivo and tasting at Siena’s most famous café, Nannini, makers of spiced Tuscan pastries since the 1800s. (B)

October 8 — Chianti: Countryside Biking or Walking and Wine Tasting
What better way to see the Tuscan countryside than along the back roads, biking or walking past rows of cypress and umbrella pines? Following your walk or bicycle ride, enjoy a traditional picnic lunch and leisurely wine tasting at a Chianti winery. This evening, enjoy a lively discussion on the highlights of Italian cinema and the international impact of Italian films. (B,L)

October 9 — Everything Under the (Tuscan) Sun
Today is yours to explore Tuscany at your leisure. Enjoy a day poking around Siena and enjoy the unrushed feeling of being in a familiar place. Or, design a more ambitious day with the guidance of your resident expert as you set out to see the museums of Florence, take another bike ride in the countryside, or visit a nearby town. (B)

October 10 — Pienza: A Culinary Adventure
Pienza is a beautifully preserved Renaissance market town and a center of pecorino cheese making. During a full-day trip here, you’ll see time-honored methods for creating world-famous cheeses and wines and try some samples. Then join renowned gourmet cookbook author Pamela Sheldon Johns for a private, hands-on cooking class and lunch. Bring the day to a peaceful close at the secluded abbey of Sant’ Antimo as you listen to Gregorian chants sung by resident monks. (B,L)

October 11 — Medieval Siena and an Afternoon to Paint or Walk
Spend a mellow day in Siena. Take the morning easy or join in a discussion of medieval politics to learn about the powerful Guelph and Ghibelline factions, whose rivalries shaped the region. In the afternoon, enjoy another chance to paint or a guided walk in the countryside. This evening, after dinner on your own, meet for a gelato sampling at a neighborhood gelateria, then grab a cone of your favorite flavors for a group stroll, soaking in the atmosphere of Siena’s most beautiful squares after dark. (B)

October 12 — Gardens and Literature in Tuscany and Family Dinner
The family home of writer Iris Origo, Villa La Foce, features Renaissance gardens that were re-envisioned by the designer of Florence’s renowned Villa I Tatti. The result, which you tour today, is a realm of perfect harmony between the villas, the garden, and the natural surroundings. (Frances Mayes’ bestseller Under the Tuscan Sun was written nearby.) This evening, join a Sienese family for dinner as their special guest for a unique and intimate look at Italian culture. (B,D)

October 13 — Siena: A Final Day
Join our local historian for a talk on the history of banking and trade in Siena. Your discussion continues with a special visit to the Monte dei Paschi Bank, the oldest bank in the world, with an art collection dating from the 1400s. The afternoon is at leisure to return to your favorite sites or café, or choose to participate in a group activity with new-found friends. Enjoy a festive dinner as we say arrivederci to Siena and Tuscany—not “goodbye,” but rather “until we meet again.” (B,D)

October 14 — Return to the U.S.
Depart for your return flight to the U.S. (B)

Accommodations

Your home in Siena will be in one of two simple but lovely bed and breakfast properties chosen for their charm and location in the old city: the Palazzo Fani Mignanelli and the Locanda di San Martino. Both offer the ambiance of a comfortable private residence with welcoming staff and charming old-world décor—wooden beams, frescoed walls, wrought-iron fixtures—but also feature the comforts you want, including private baths in every room and air-conditioning for warm days.

Tour Costs

In the Footsteps of the Tudors with renowned author Margaret George

October 11 – 21, 2012

Countless books, films, and television programs have recreated the intriguing lives of King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I. Henry’s life is oft remembered for his marriage to six wives and his creation of the Church of England. Elizabeth’s reign is noted for her effective use of the Privy Council, her defeat of the Spanish Armada, and her status as the Virgin Queen who took no consort. But their lives were much more than tabloid fodder.

On this extraordinary tour delve into the secrets, passions, and politics by which Henry VIII and Elizabeth I reigned. We’ll explore royal residences and strongholds significant in the lives of the Tudor monarchs amid the backdrop of exciting London and the beautiful English countryside. Accompanying us is noted author Margaret George, whose delightful stories and extensive research of the 16th century make for a fun and informative journey.

For more information please contact: 

Tel: 1.800.556.7896 or 202.785.9000. Email: travel@academic-travel.com

Download brochure here

Highlights

• Visit the most significant sites in the lives of both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, including Westminster Abbey and Hall, and the Castles of Windsor, Kenilworth, Sudeley, and more. Tour stunning Hampton Court Palace and delve into history at the Tower of London.
• Enjoy readings by and discussions with Margaret George, author of six historical novels and a children’s book. Learn about her research and backstories that don’t appear in her stories.
• See Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Globe Theatre in London. Enjoy a full Elizabethan banquet at Hatfield Hall, where Princess Elizabeth spent time as a child.
• Meet other travelers who share your passion for Renaissance Britain, historical fiction, and England’s royal family, and delve into these fascinating topics during meals and informal discussions.
• Enjoy a full service tour experience, including well-located hotels, specially-planned meals, an exciting itinerary of visits related to the royal Tudors, and the services of a professional tour manager who takes care of all of the details for you.

Itinerary

Thursday – Friday, October 11–12: USA/London, England

Leave Thursday on independent flights to London, arriving Friday morning. Take a private coach to our hotel. Check into the Grange Strathmore Hotel in Kensington for three nights. This evening, introduce yourself to fellow travelers at a welcome reception at the hotel. Meet Margaret George, our host for the thrilling tour ahead and author of the historical novels The Autobiography of Henry VIII, her first book, and Elizabeth I: A Novel, her latest work. Enjoy dinner at a local pub. Grange Strathmore Hotel (Reception, Dinner)

Saturday, October 13: Westminster Abbey, Westminster Hall,
St. Margaret Church

This morning begins with a lively talk by Margaret George focusing on Westminster Hall, England’s celebration and condemnation hall through the centuries. Westminster Abbey has long served royalty for marriages, coronations, funerals, and burials. In June 1509 Henry VIII and his bride Catherine of Aragon were coronated here; fifty years later, his daughter by Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, was crowned here. On a visit to the awe-inspiring Abbey learn about the stir Elizabeth’s coronation created by introducing English into the typically all-Latin ceremony. Later, her royal charter converted the former Catholic abbey into the Protestant Collegiate Church. Visit Elizabeth’s tomb, the last monarch to have a monument here. At the beautiful St. Margaret’s Church learn about Elizabeth’s nursemaid, Blanche Parry, who is buried here and memorialized in effigy over the door. At Westminster Hall, part of the old Westminster Palace, see where legions of kings and queens hosted great banquets to celebrate notable events, including the coronations of both Henry and Elizabeth. Its medieval hammerbeam roof is one of the finest in the country. The Hall also served a darker purpose: Anne Boleyn and Thomas More were condemned here, and during Elizabeth’s reign, the Earl of Essex was tried here. Margaret discusses these events with us and many others that took place in the Hall. (Breakfast)

Sunday, October 14: Tower of London, Globe Theatre

On a sightseeing tour of London, we’ll discover more about the history of this exciting city. Visit the Tower of London, built 400 years before Henry’s birth and used for centuries as a royal residence and fortress. Henry extensively refurbished various rooms and used the Tower to mint coins, store ammunitions, house prisoners, and of course, behead certain persons. Margaret discusses how Henry and Elizabeth both used the tower as their private execution ground. She’ll also talk about Princess Elizabeth’s imprisonment for her alleged role in attempting to overthrow her half-sister Queen Mary. See the Crown Jewels, the collection of royal armor, and the restored Medieval Palace. Head to the Globe Theatre, a reconstructed version of Shakespeare’s original in Southwark. We’ll take a private tour of this superlative structure and hear how Elizabeth’s Court became a center for poetry, music, and writing—most notably Shakespeare’s works. Grange Strathmore Hotel (Breakfast)

Monday, October 15: Windsor Castle, Broughton Castle,
Stratford-Upon-Avon

A fortress has stood on the grounds of Windsor for more than 900 years. Today Windsor Castle is the largest and longest-occupied castle in Europe. On a guided tour we’ll get an introspective look at how Henry and Elizabeth both used the castle as a royal court and to entertain diplomats. Henry is buried here in St. George’s Chapel along with Queen 3, Jane Seymour. See the window he had built for Queen 1, Catherine of Aragon. For Elizabeth, Windsor was a safe haven, and she spent more money to build and enhance the castle than on any of her other palaces. Next, we visit picturesque Broughton Castle, situated among the trees on the shore of a small lake. Stroll through the gardens while Margaret discusses what life was like for a Tudor courtier, who was expected to entertain his sovereign at home on short notice.  Such manors also served as secret hideouts for Catholic priests in Elizabeth’s day, and were often raided by her agents.  See Henry’s seal on display and hear stories of the castle’s appearance in films depicting Henry and Elizabeth. Later, head to Stratford-Upon-Avon, best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace. Our charming country house hotel mimics the quintessential Tudor manor. Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel will be our base for the next two nights. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, October 16: Stratford-Upon-Avon, Kenilworth Castle 

The town of Stratford-Upon-Avon has become synonymous with Shakespeare. Discover his birthplace on a tour of the Tudor-style house where he was born and lived. Margaret dispels myths about Elizabeth’s connection with the Bard, as we understand more about 16th century life and the inspiration for Shakespeare’s great works. Take time to explore Stratford and its charming cottages and stunning gardens. Later we’ll head to the ruins of Kenilworth Castle, perhaps best known as the home of Robert Dudley, ever hopeful suitor for Elizabeth’s hand. Built over centuries beginning in the 1120s, Dudley re-created the palace to impress his Queen, spending lavishly despite her turning him down. Join Margaret in a talk about Dudley’s over-the-top attempt to dazzle the fickle Queen. Explore the Elizabethan gardens, recently redeveloped into a splendid landscape of greenery. Margaret will read the details of the legendary nineteen day extravaganza that Dudley put on in the summer of 1575. Some suspect that the eleven year old Shakespeare saw it and remembered it in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” (Breakfast)

Wednesday, October 17: Sudeley Castle, Hungerford, London

Sudeley Castle has been a family home for more than 1,000 years and was owned by Henry throughout his reign. Henry’s last wife and widow, Katherine Parr, retired at Sudeley and is buried here. Engage in a lively discussion with Margaret as she tells us how Sudeley was where teenage Elizabeth learned to not trust men. On a private connoisseur tour we gain access to splendid rooms, view art by Masters such as Rubens and van Dyke, and hear stories about the castle’s colorful history. Other exhibits depict Henry’s wives, original memorabilia, and recreated period costumes. Discover the award-winning gardens, with views of the Cotswolds. Return to London, en route stopping in the market town of Hungerford to see the coaching inn Henry gave to Anne of Cleves in their divorce. The inn subsequently became Katherine Parr’s in 1541. Enjoy dinner at the Bear Hotel, which Elizabeth had visited and where, it is said, one of her coachmen died. Continue to London and return to the Grange Strathmore Hotel for the last four nights. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, October 18: Kimbolton Castle

Today we enjoy a scenic drive north of London to the lovely county of Cambridgeshire. On a tour of Kimbolton Castle, we’ll immerse ourselves in the grand home where Catherine of Aragon spent the final short years of her life.
The castle is now a private school, and Catherine of Aragon is purported to haunt the rooms. Margaret talks more about the relationship between Henry and his first Queen, reading from her book.  In Peterborough visit the cathedral where Catherine is buried. (Breakfast)

Friday, October 19: Hever Castle, Hatfield House

During the bus ride to Kent, Margaret discusses where the Boleyn family story began and ended during a full-day at Hever Castle and gardens. Discover the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, which later passed into the ownership of Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. See portraits, furniture, and tapestries dating to the 16th century, including two prayer books inscribed by Anne Boleyn. We’ll walk through the splendid gardens amid neatly clipped topiaries, colorful flower beds, and a water maze. Take a stroll along Anne Boleyn’s Walk and imagine her life here. Over afternoon tea, Margaret reads an excerpt from her book featuring Hever. This evening head to Hatfield House for a truly enjoyable Elizabethan banquet. Princess Elizabeth spent much of her childhood and early adulthood at Hatfield, and it was here in 1558 that she learned of the death of Queen Mary; Elizabeth herself would assume the throne. Later she held her first council meeting in the Great Hall at Hatfield, appointing William Cecil as a councillor. During our delicious feast, King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, and many of their Courtiers amuse and entertain us with period music, song, and theatre. Choose to come in costume for an authentic experience! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, October 20: Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace remains one of England’s most exquisite gems and Henry’s favorite residence. It was also the scene of much political and personal drama for the Tudors. We’ll see a special exhibition dedicated to Henry VIII’s crown and discover some of the sumptuous royal apartments, tapestries, costumes, and works of art. Our Hampton Court experience ties together the complex relationships between Henry and his wives, as well as that among his closest allies and worst enemies. We’ll get a further glimpse into the time period that shaped the Tudors during this full day. This evening celebrate our excursion through the lives of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I at a farewell dinner. Margaret continues to entertain us with lively stories about her research and answers any final questions you may have about the Tudors. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, October 21: London, USA

Take a private transfer to Heathrow Airport for flights home. (Breakfast)

Accommodations

Situated in London’s fashionable borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Grange Strathmore Hotel was once the residence of the Earl of Strathmore, the late Queen Mother’s father. The townhouse hotel is beautifully restored, blending Victorian grandeur and contemporary luxury to create the ambiance of an aristocratic mansion. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a lounge, elegant restaurant, and top-notch service. The attractive Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from most of Stratford’s attractions. It features private gardens, a spa and fitness center with heated pool, and wood-paneled sitting room and bar. Classic, executive rooms, and suites are available.

For more information please contact: 

Tel: 1.800.556.7896 or 202.785.9000. Email: travel@academic-travel.com

Download brochure here

Blog Entry

Margaret George Interview:

Fans are welcome to join New York Times best-selling author, Margaret George on her unique journey following in the footsteps of the Tudor monarchs by accompanying her on a fascinating tour of historical England and the places central to the lives of both Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I in October 2012. For more details about this exciting opportunity, please visit Margaret’s website at http://www.margaretgeorge.com

Q: Margaret, we know that you are a regular visitor to the British Isles what are your favorite places to visit?

A: The Thames up near Hampton Court in high summer, with pleasure boats, swans, and banks full of blooming hedges.

Ely Cathedral near Cambridge, rising above the flat countryside like a huge ship,and inside, the essence of the middle ages.

The town of Winchester, and nearby Cadbury Castle with its mysterious earthen rings, associated with King Arthur.

The Tower of London in winter twilight.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about why the Tudors are so fascinating to you?

A: First it was their keen intelligence that fueled their fascinating behavior and motivations. They were brilliant and complex. They managed to combine tabloid lives with historical importance; their loves and their fears changed the world. And finally it is the great visuals that they provide to us: gorgeous costumes!  Haunting faces!

Q: Margaret, what do you hope the readers will experience with you on tour this October?

A: I definitely believe in ghosts—that strong personalities linger in places that were significant to them.  On this tour we hope to encounter Henry VIII and Elizabeth I as we explore places that were emotionally important to them, and come away feeling we have met them as real people.

October 8 – 17, 2012

Held hostage as a young boy caught between warring royalty, William Marshal rose from a penniless, humble background to jousting tourney champion and loyal knight. Later in life he acquired land and titles through his marriage to Isabelle de Clare, the daughter of Richard Strongbow, a Norman baron and Irish princess Aoife McMurrough. He was a favorite of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the two had a long and mutually beneficial rapport. Marshal was as well regarded by peers as he was the object of jealousy and allegation. Despite the fractious relationship among King Henry II and his sons, Henry the Young King, Richard the Lion-Hearted, Geoffrey and John (to become the infamous King John) Marshal fought valiantly in service to the feuding family—sometimes against his better judgment. During this special history tour, delve into the fascinating life of William Marshal on an exclusive journey led by award winning historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick, who has made an extensive study of the Marshal family. Across southern Wales and England we’ll visit many landmarks and towns associated with Marshal’s life for an in-depth look at the man’s remarkable achievements and enduring legacies among the scenic landscape of Britain.

For more information and to book your space today, call 800-556-7896

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this tour >

Highlights

• Enjoy readings by and discussions with Elizabeth Chadwick, author of two award-winning historical novels about the life of William Marshal. Learn about her research and exclusive back-story tidbits that don’t appear in her novels.
• Visit the most significant sites in Marshal’s life, including Cartmel Priory in the Lake District, Pembroke Castle, Temple Church (where Marshall was interred), and the Castle of Chepstow, where original lattice-work doors— commissioned by Marshal—are still in place.
• Discover other stunning historical and natural sites such as Powis Castle & Gardens; the dramatic Pembrokeshire coast; Tintern Abbey burial place of his wife and several of their children; and the villages and cities of St. Davids, Tenby, Manorbier, Salisbury, and London.
• Meet other travelers who share your passion for the Middle Ages, historical fiction, and England’s royal family and delve into these fascinating topics during meals and informal discussions.
• Enjoy a full service tour experience, including well-located hotels, specially-planned meals, an exciting itinerary of visits related to William Marshal, and the services of a professional tour manager who takes care of all of the details for you.

Itinerary

Monday–Tuesday, October 8–9
USA/Manchester, England

Leave Monday evening from the US on independent flights to Manchester, England, arriving Tuesday morning. Take a private transfer to the Midland Hotel. This evening introduce yourself to fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner. Meet Elizabeth Chadwick, author of the William Marshal novels and your host for the exciting tour ahead. (R,D)

Wednesday, October 10
Cartmel & the Lake District

Upon his return from the Holy Land around 1186, William Marshal spent a couple of years in northwest England in what is today the popular Lake District. Learn more about his time here on a visit to the village of Cartmel and the Augustinian priory, which William founded on land granted to him by King Henry II. See the unique square belfry—constructed diagonally across the original lantern tower—sublime sculptures, and the choir and arch, as well as other remnants from the early 15th century. Cartmel itself is an attractive village situated in an idyllic Valley in England’s famous and beautiful Lake District. Though dating to medieval times, Cartmel is a delightful mix of modern amenities and 16th- to 18th-century buildings. It is particularly famous in the UK for a dessert called Sticky Toffee Pudding! We’ll also journey to Lake Windermere, England’s longest natural lake (10.5 miles). Located entirely within the Lake District National Park, Windermere sparkles beneath the fells of Cumbria. (B)

Thursday, October 11
Southwest Wales, Powis Castle & Gardens, Saundersfoot

Today we take a scenic journey from Manchester across to southwest Wales, stopping by Whittington Castle, whose present ruins date to 1221 when the FitzWarren family applied to King Henry III for permission to build a fortress. Continue to Powis Castle and Garden. This stunning architectural gem and its lush garden landscape, influenced by French and Italian designs, is a feast for the senses. Originally built as a medieval fortress, the castle has under- gone many renovations over the centuries. On a tour of the grand former residence see the collection of art, sculpture, and furnishings acquired by the Herbert family over generations. Some time at leisure to stroll among the world-famous gardens or enjoy a cup of tea with a slice of local bara brith—speckled bread. On the way to your luxury Hotel St. Bride’s Spa in Saundersfoot, Elizabeth talks about William Marshal’s connection with Wales. (B,D)

Friday, October 12
Tenby, Manorbier

As Earl of Pembroke in Wales, William Marshal was tenant-in-chief, managing large parcels of land, as well as the people, for the Crown. During a relaxing morning with coffee and pastries, Elizabeth reads from her novels and discusses William’s faithful service and duties to his king amid the feuding royalty. Later, we visit the seaside town of Tenby, where medieval fortress walls still stand. See the impressive Five Arches Gate, the sandy stretch of beach separating St. Catherine’s Island from the mainland, and perhaps walk along the promenade below the 19th-century arched road. At the scenic village of Manorbier, discover the ruins of the small castle, situated on the coast with stunning views. Manorbier was the birthplace of one of the most famous (and notorious) chroniclers of William Marshal’s time – Gerald of Wales. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel and recap the day’s highlights. (B,D)

Saturday, October 13
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Pembroke Castle, St Davids

The treasures of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are many: iron-age hill forts, tombs, and Neolithic and Paleo-lithic art have all been uncovered here. On a visit to this spectacular area, you’ll also discover its natural riches: dramatic cliffs dropping to the sea, sandy beaches, and a host of wildlife. Tour Pembroke Castle on the banks of an estuarine river. This important seat was occupied over centuries by many men of power who helped shaped Britain; it’s remarkably intact and beautifully preserved. William Marshal was largely responsible for reconstructing the castle, whose original sections were built around 1093. Elizabeth discusses William’s influence with the castle, which also features exhibits about events long after his day. Travel to the scenic coastal village of St Davids and tour the cathedral, a popular pilgrimage site during William’s day. Stop by the medieval ruins of Bishops Palace next door. During dinner Elizabeth gives us a preview of Marshal’s life at Chepstow, known as Striguil during his time, with his beloved Isabelle de Clare. (B, D)

Sunday, October 14
Chepstow, Tintern Abbey, Chippenham

Throughout the day Elizabeth reads scenes from her book that take place at what is now called Chepstow. Hear tidbits from Marshal’s biography, L’Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal, which was commissioned by his son William II following the elder’s death. Visit Chepstow Castle, a Norman edifice high on the banks of the River Wye and a key stronghold from which campaigns were launched to quell rebellious uprisings in the region. William Marshal gained ownership of the castle when he married; he quickly set about updating it with modern defenses and other indulgences. View the impressive original lattice-work doors that William commissioned, the earliest known example of mortise-and-tenon in the UK. At Tintern Abbey, see the ruins of Wales’s first Cistercian monastery. The abbey was founded in 1131 by Isabelle de Clare’s father and has close connections with the Marshal family. Stay at the charming country hotel, Beechfield House, near Bath. (B,D)

Monday, October 15
Chippenham, Salisbury, London

Begin the day with readings and a discussion about William Marshal’s connection to Salisbury. His mother, Sybilla, was the sister of the Earl of Salisbury, and several scenes from Elizabeth’s novels are set here. We’ll stop by Old Sarum, once an iron-age hill fort and the original site of Salisbury. Here are the ruins of the palace where King Henry II kept Eleanor of Aquitaine prisoner for 16 years. Discover the 5,000-year- old history of Old Sarum and take in the stunning view fromits ramparts. Two miles away, visit Salisbury Cathedral to view the original Magna Carta and admire the awe-inspiring architecture as well as the tomb of William Longespee, who had a large part to play in the history of the Marshals. We’ll also call in at Devizes, a Wiltshire market town that grew up around its Norman castle. Visit Marlborough, where William may have been born—though no one knows for certain. This evening we’ll check into our hotel in London. (B)

Tuesday, October 16
London: Temple Church, Tower of London

On a half-day tour of London aboard our private coach, visit Temple Church to pay homage to William Marshal, who was buried here. His sons Gilbert and Walter also rest here. Though his remains are likely long gone, Marshall’s stone effigy lies in repose on the floor, gallant in death as in life. The church was built by the Knights Templar, the 12th-century order of crusading monks that protected pilgrims on their way to and from the Holy Land. Shortly before his death in 1219, William Marshal took his vows, dying a Templar Knight. The church is one of the most spectacular in London. Later, tour the Tower of London, on the banks of the Thames, and learn how this amazing fortress was to become the world’s most impenetrable. See the Crown Jewels, the collection of royal armor, and the restored Medieval Palace. Learn about the centuries-old tradition of the locking of the gates, said to be the longest- running ritual of its kind in the world. This evening celebrate your excursion through the life of William Marshal at a local restaurant. Elizabeth continues to entertain us with lively stories about her research and answers any final questions you may have about the Greatest Knight. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, October 17
London, USA

Take a private transfer to Heathrow Airport for individual flights home. (B)

For more information and to book your space today, call 800-556-7896

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this tour >

Stayed tuned for further literary adventures that will expand the Politics & Prose tradition of bringing booklovers together and literally take readers and authors on the road.

July 15 – 25, 2012

Study Leader: Jonathan Stein

Click here to learn more about this journey and book your space today – or call 877-338-8687

OVERVIEW

Start your engines and join other car enthusiasts to explore Vorsprung durch technik (advancement through technology) as well as the beauty and design of famous German cars and the renowned Bugatti. Our automotive historian provides insight into the best of auto design and engineering. Trace the history of German autos from Karl Benz’ first car to the Porsche sport cars of today.

Enjoy in-depth curator-led tours to BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche museums and tours of modern production lines. Spend time in Stuttgart—Germany’s “auto city” where Gottlieb Daimler and Otto Benz independently built their workshops in the 19th century. Although the two never met, their companies combined in the 1920s to form Daimler-Benz. Today, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is the Guggenheim of car museums, featuring beautifully restored early racing cars, while the factory is one of the most modern automobile facilities in the world. Travel to nearby France to admire the amazing Musée National de l’Automobile, home to the world’s largest Bugatti collection, and to Molsheim, Bugatti’s spiritual and modern home. A highlight for any car enthusiast will be watching the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

ITINERARY

July 15-16 — U.S. , Munich
Depart the U.S. for Germany. Upon arrival in Munich transfer to the centrally located Eurostar Grand Hotel for the first of three nights. In the evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner. (R,D)

July 17 — Munich
Begin your exploration of German engineering and technology at the famous Deutsches Museum. The impressive automotive collection includes the precious original Benz tricycle of 1886. Carl Benz donated it to the museum only 20 years after its first drive. The museum houses 40 passenger cars, each one representing an important step in the evolution of automobiles until 1950. (B)

July 18 — Munich and BMW
Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Bavarian Motor Work’s factory. BMW began as an aircraft manufacturer during the World War I, but soon after turned to motorcycle and then automobile manufacturing. The production of their distinctive automobiles resumed after World War II. After touring the factory, visit the BMW Museum, which houses a collection of early BMW motorcycles and cars. Enjoy a private viewing of BMW vintage cars at the BMW Group Classic and see the company’s own restoration facilities. (B)

July 19 — Ingolstadt and Audi, Stuttgart
Take the autobahn north to Ingolstadt to discover the true meaning behind Audi’s tagline vorsprung durch tecknik (advancement through technology). Today’s visits include a guided tour through the Audi Mobile Museum and an exclusive tour through the factory. Continue to Stuttgart, Germany’s “auto city.” Check into the stylish Arcotel Camino Hotel in Stuttgart for three nights and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

July 20 — Stuttgart and Mercedes-Benz
It was in Stuttgart in the 19th-century where both Gottlieb Daimler and Otto Benz independently built their workshops. An irony of automotive history is that the two never met yet their companies combined in the 1920s to form Daimler-Benz. Begin with a visit to the impressive and recently opened Mercedes Museum in nearby Unterturkheim. A curator-led tour includes the world’s oldest practical car, Karl Benz’s 1886 Motorenwagen and Nicolaus Otto’s gasoline engine that made it possible. Each floor of the museum features beautifully restored early racing cars, classic limousines, and great Mercedes models. This afternoon take a tour of the Mercedes factory, one of the most modern in the world. Travel to nearby Fellbach to visit the Mercedes Classic Car Center where vintage Daimler-Benz cars are lovingly restored. Your evening is at leisure with dinner on your own. (B)

July 21 — Stuttgart and Porsche
Drive to the nearby Porsche plant where you will follow Ferdinand Porsche’s impact on automotive design. Not only did he work for Mercedes and influence their pre war design, he also created the “Peoples Car” – the pre-war Volkswagen. After the war he and his son Ferry launched the famous Porsche Company. From the early 356 to the classic 911, the name Porsche has signified fast racing and sport cars. Visit the Porsche museum. From the atrium lobby, ascend the fast moving escalator affectionately known as “a stairway to heaven” for Porsche enthusiasts and arrive in front of an aluminium-body Type 64 racecar, considered the ancestor of all Porsches. Visit the Kienle Automobiltechnik – one of the world’s finest independent Mercedes-Benz restoration and sales facilities. The evening is at leisure with dinner on your own. (B)

July 22 — Hockenheim
Spend the day at the world famous Hockenheimring, home to the German Grand Prix in even years. From your excellent seats in the grandstand watch the world’s best Formula 1 teams and top drivers race for the win. Drive over the border into France this afternoon and check into Hotel Regent Contades in the center of Strasbourg. (B,D)

July 23 — Mulhouse, Sochaux, and Peugeot
Spend the day in Mulhouse discovering the magnificent car collection at the Musée National de l’Automobile. The museum houses the largest and finest assembly of Bugattis and other French cars. Learn the story of brothers Hans and Fritz Schlumpf, who obsessively tried to corner the market on Bugattis at the expense of their once flourishing textile empire. Conclude the day at the Peugeot Adventure Museum in Sochaux. Peugeot has been gone from the United States for 20 years, but it is still a force in the European market and at Le Mans with its brutally fast diesels. More importantly, it has a long history—dating back to 1810—and built its first automobile in 1891. Billed as “More than a museum, an adventure,” the Peugeot Museum of Adventure at Sochaux details the company’s rich heritage with displays of its earliest cars as well as significant production and rallying machines. (B)

July 24 — Molsheim and Bugatti, Zurich
Visit the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim, where brilliant automaker Ettore Bugatti crafted his rolling masterworks in the 1920s and 1930s. Today Audi builds its astonishing all-wheel-drive Bugatti Veyron supercars. Then drive over the border into Switzerland to enjoy a farewell dinner and final night at the Hotel Continental in Zurich. (B,L)

July 25 — Zurich and U.S.
Transfer to Zurich airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

Click here to learn more about this journey and book your space today – or call 877-338-8687

July 14 – 22, 2012

Click here to learn more about this tour and to book your space today

OVERVIEW

Volcanoes, glaciers, river rafting, Vikings, horseback riding! Iceland is the active family’s perfect holiday destination with varied landscapes and outdoor activities to engage youth and adults alike. Perched on the rift between North America and Europe, it is a constantly changing land of fire and ice where cooled lava in the shape of trolls and fairies has spawned a lively folklore.

It is an ideal place for budding scientists: young naturalists delight in the many species of birds nesting in summer, the whales swimming off the coast, and the unique, gentle Icelandic horse suitable for even inexperienced riders. View numerous marshland and ocean birds on a kayak excursion and hike over the surface of Solheimajokull Glacier. During a whale watching trip, spot Minke whales and playful harbor porpoises that frequent the area during the summer.

Youngsters and adults alike learn about plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and glacial formations as they explore many of Iceland’s geologic wonders. Watch the world’s most reliable geyser, Strokkur, blast up to 100 feet in the air every few minutes and hear the thundering rush of Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfalls, before a thrilling ride down the icy Hvita River. Visit the Nesjavellir geothermal plant that turns heat from Hengill volcano into electricity.

Swim in a geothermally heated swimming pool and listen to fireside stories about Icelandic trolls. Join a treasure hunt for relics of the Viking culture that thrived here over a thousand years ago.

ITINERARY

Day 1-2
Depart Home | Keflavik, Iceland | Reykjanes Peninsula (Swimming)
Depart for Reykjavik on overnight flights. Upon arrival, have breakfast at a local restaurant before proceeding along the Reykjanes peninsula. Stop at the bridge between continents, a monument that marks the transcurrent fault between the North American and Euro-Asian plates. At Reykjanes lighthouse, view the sheer cliffs of Eldey Island, home to a large gannet population. Continue to the cottages at Minniborgir, located in the heart of Iceland‘s Golden Circle. After a short rest, meet for a walk around the area, ending up at the nearby geothermally heated swimming pool. This evening enjoy a welcome barbecue dinner followed by fireside stories about Icelandic trolls. Minniborgir Cottages (Meals aloft,B,D)

Day 3
Minniborgir (Horseback Riding) | Stokkseryi (Kayaking)
This morning drive to Eldhestar farm for an introduction to the Icelandic horse. Known for their gentle temperament, these horses are perfect for even the most inexperienced riders to explore the wild countryside. After a horseback ride across rugged landscape, drive south to the town of Stokkseryi on the coast. Enjoy lunch at a renowned local lobster house then explore the seashore before visiting a museum dedicated to elves and trolls. Board sea kayaks for a paddle around the nearby lagoon, summertime home to thousands of ocean and marshland birds. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at the local geothermal pool before returning to the cottages for the evening. Minniborgir Cottages (B,L,D)

Day 4
Geysir and the Golden Waterfall | Hvita River (Rafting)
In the morning discover the wonderful spouting springs at Geysir geothermal field where the world’s most reliable geyser, Strokkur, blasts up to 100 feet in the air every few minutes. Next, discover Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Gullfoss, whose thundering flow is fed by the nearby Langjokull Glacier. After lunch, drive along the Hvita River to Drumboddstadir to suit up and board rafts for a thrilling ride down the icy river. Return to Minniborgir for a soak in the hot tubs and stories by the fireside. Minniborgir Cottages (B,L,D)

Day 5
Solheimajokull Glacier (Hiking) | Dyrholaey (Birding by Boat) | Skogar
After breakfast, drive through the land of the Sagas and under the shadow of Eyjafjallajökull, which famously erupted in April 2010. Arrive at the Solheimajokull Glacier for an adventurous hike across its surface. Continue to Dyrholaey Headland where a picnic lunch awaits in a cave, which can only be approached by amphibious boat. After eating, reboard the boat and look for birds – fulmars and puffins – nesting by the thousands in the cliffs. Heading back along the coast in the afternoon, stop in Skogar for a quick visit to the country museum, the best open-air museum in Iceland, vividly presenting life in the past, and at Seljalandsfoss Falls, where the water has eroded a cave behind the cascade. Return to the cottages in the evening. Minniborgir Cottages (B,L,D)

Day 6
Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant | Thingvellir (Treasure Hunt)
Say goodbye to Minniborgir after breakfast and drive along the scenic Thingvallavatn Lake road past steaming rivers to visit the Nesjavellir geothermal plant. Here, Icelanders have harnessed the heat of the adjacent Hengill volcano to produce electricity for much of southwestern Iceland as well as most of Reykjavik‘s hot water. Continue towards Thingvellir, where the parliament of the Icelandic nation was held, starting in 930 B.C.E. This park is located right in the middle of the Central Atlantic Ridge, separating the European and North American tectonic plates. This is one of the best places in the world to see a collapsing rift zone as North America slowly rips away from Eurasia. In the afternoon, join park rangers for a treasure hunt, searching for relics of the Viking culture that thrived here over a thousand years ago. Drive to Reykjavik this evening and check into the hotel in the heart of downtown. Room With A View (B)

Day 7
Laugardalur Valley
After a leisurely morning, visit Laugardalur Valley, which contains Family Park and Zoo as well as the botanical gardens. After lunch at the garden, take a walking tour of downtown, ending up at the harbor where fresh seafood is brought in daily. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Room With A View (B,L)

Day 8
Reykjavik (Whale Watching)
This morning, take a whale watching trip in the waters off the west coast of Iceland. Minke whales and playful harbor porpoises frequent the area during the summer. This afternoon is unscheduled for you to explore the city on your own before meeting up again for a festive farewell dinner at one of Reykjavik’s fine restaurants. Room With A View (B,D)

Day 9
Reykjavik (Swimming) | Return Home
Depart the hotel around mid-morning, stopping at the therapeutic Blue Lagoon en route to the airport. (B,Meals aloft)

Click here to learn more about this expedition and to book your space today!

September 29 – October 4, 2012

Download this program brochure here
Note: This tour is only open to current members of the IMFRA’s Retirees Association

Call 1-800-556-7896 for more information on this program

 
OVERVIEW

The vast forests of New England have long drawn autumn visitors to marvel at the vibrant, changing colors. During the excursion experience the vibrant palette in gold, orange, and red as the changing leaves transform the landscape. Visit the sublime Springwood Estate, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home in Hyde Park, stay at an historic inn, ride an historic mountain train, and tour the celebrated collections at the Norman Rockwell Museum. At the Mount Washington Resort, home of the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, choose among a variety of outdoor adventures and activities or spend some time in the spa and relaxing on the resort’s exquisite grounds. Guest speaker James Boughton, IMF historian, retired, has been invited to join us on this autumn excursion and will speak about Bretton Woods on the last evening.

• Visit Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home, Springwood, in Hyde Park on the Hudson River and learn about the estate’s history and the Roosevelt family on a private guided tour.
• Tour the Norman Rockwell Museum, which celebrates the art and spirit he brought to the field of illustration.
• Spend a relaxing evening at the historic Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires, renowned for its hospitality and beautiful setting in charming Stockbridge, MA.
• Take a trip up Mount Washington on the historic Cog Railway and view the vibrant autumn forests of New England, at its peak this time of year.
• Gather with colleagues old and new at the Bretton Woods hotel where the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference first gathered in 1944. Learn more about the conference from IMF historian James Boughton.
• Enjoy a full day for personal explorations at your Mount Washington Resort, with its host of indoor and outdoor activities.

Saturday, September 29:
Albany, NY
Arrive in Albany, NY, and check into the Crowne Plaza Hotel. In the evening meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. (D)

Sunday, September 30:Hyde Park, Norman Rockwell Museum, Berkshires
In the morning visit the Presidential Library, Museum, and home of Franklin D. Roosevelt at Hyde Park, beautifully situated on the Hudson River. Take a private guided tour of Springwood; learn about the estate’s history and the 32nd President, who was born—and now laid to rest—here. View Roosevelt’s collection of artwork, his library, and bird specimens he collected as a boy. This afternoon head north to Stockbridge, a charming village in the beautiful Berkshire region of Western Massachusetts. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, which is
dedicated to education and art appreciation inspired by the legacy of Norman Rockwell. Continue to the historic Red Lion Inn for the evening. (B,L)

Monday, October 1: Bretton Woods
Depart for Bretton Woods and your luxury accommodations at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. It was here that the Bretton Woods Conference was held in July 1944. Officially called the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference, the meeting of world leaders met to discuss plans for an international monetary system to ensure more global financial stability in the years following the Great Depression. En route to Mount Washington, stop for photo opportunities of the vibrant fall foliage at its peak during this time of year. Take in the colorful array of oranges, reds, and golds against the blue autumn sky. In the evening gather with your companions for dinner at the resort. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, October 2: Mount Washington Cog Railway
Take an excursion up Mount Washington on the historic Cog Railway, a breathtaking trip through spectacular mountain landscape that includes a 3-mile-long trestle. At the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak—6,288 feet—visit the observatory and museum. Learn about the history of the Cog, the first mountain-climbing railway, which took its first trip in 1869 and is now a National Historic Engineering Landmark. Afterward have lunch at Fabyan’s Station. One of the original railroad stations from the era when most visitors traveled by train, this was the stop for those venturing into New Hampshire’s magnificent Crawford Notch. After lunch, head back to the resort to relax and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Wednesday, October 3: Bretton Woods Resort
Today is free to enjoy all the amenities of the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Take a hike or walk through the forest, play a round of golf or a game of tennis, have a swim or a spa treatment. In the evening celebrate your reunion with friends new and old at a farewell dinner. Guest speaker and IMF historian James Boughton will speak about the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference. (B,D)

Thursday, October 4: Manchester, NH • Flights/Travel
After breakfast, depart for the Manchester Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH, for independent flights/travel
back home. (B)

Albany’s Crowne Plaza Hotel is located in New York’s historic capitol district just one block from the state capitol and Times Union Center. All rooms and suites are newly renovated (Wi-Fi included), and the hotel has a fitness center, two restaurants, a café, and indoor pool and hot tub. The historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, offers charming,
individually decorated rooms. The antique-filled inn is a statement to its 200-year history and offers personalized hospitality. Main building rooms have complimentary WI-Fi and cable television. The inn offers excellent, regional cuisine in its historic dining room, plus casual dining and nightly entertainment. In addition there is a heated outdoor pool and hot tub for year-round use. The luxury Omni Mount Washington Resort offers something for everyone, from relaxing spa treatments to outdoor adventure packages, the resort is perfectly situated in New Hampshire’s mountains. Each room is beautifully appointed and includes Wi-Fi. Restaurants include fine dining in the Dining Room; Stickney’s, a pub and steak house; and The Cave, offering a unique speakeasy atmosphere and live entertainment. There is also a bar and separate cocktail lounge.
 

Land Cost, Double Occupancy (if booked by November 30, 2011)
$1,995

For a Single Room, add
$ 750