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2019 INDIA | SEPTEMBER 2019 | PAGE 11 NORWAY VIKING HERITAGE TOUR MAY 2019 PAGE 3 ETHIOPIA AKSUM, LALIBELA & MESKEL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 PAGE 10 BORNEO ORANGUTANS & THE RAINFOREST APRIL 2019 PAGE 18

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20

19

INDIA | SEPTEMBER 2019 | PAGE 11

NORWAYVIKING HERITAGE TOUR

MAY 2019PAGE 3

ETHIOPIAAKSUM, LALIBELA & MESKELSEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

PAGE 10

BORNEOORANGUTANS & THE RAINFOREST

APRIL 2019PAGE 18

EURO

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WELCOME

Oxford Journeys is a carefully curated programme of extraordinary educational travel adventures, created exclusively for Oxford and Cambridge alumni, along with their families and friends.

Our extensive range of journeys cater for all interests: from archaeology, architecture, art and astronomy, through to geology, history, ornithology, walking and wildlife. So whether you would like to unravel the mysteries of Persia, unearth the art and treasures of Dresden, explore the secrets of the Spice Islands or the wildlife and ecosystems of the Seychelles there is an Oxford Journey for everyone.

Expand your knowledgeThe itinerary for each journey is put together in collaboration with a carefully selected academic, each one a leading expert in their respective field. They will accompany you on the journey, providing illuminating lectures and insights into your chosen destination.

Enjoy congenial companyWe limit participant numbers for most trips to a maximum of 20, and our travellers always report that the lively exchanges and stimulating in-depth discussions with their travel companions make some of their most memorable moments.

Venture beyond the tourist trailOne of the most unique aspects of an Oxford Journey is that you venture far beyond the popular icons and tourist traps. Our trip scholars are able to provide exclusive admission to sites that are not usually open to the general public. With privileged access to private collections, houses, palaces, châteaus, monasteries and temples, this is a unique opportunity to venture beyond the realms of the conventional.

For more details on any journey and to book a trip, please contact the appropriate tour operator, whose details are listed at the bottom of each trip description.

CHRISTINE FAIRCHILD Director of Alumni Relations University of Oxford

Oxford Journeys Alumni OfficeUniversity of OxfordUniversity OfficesWellington SquareOxford, OX1 2JD

+44 (0)1865 [email protected]/travel

While Oxford Journeys tours are designed primarily for Oxford Alumni, enrolment is open to all members of the Oxford University community including current and past staff and friends of the University membership groups. Some tours are run jointly with the University of Cambridge Alumni Relations Office, and a small number with North American universities. In the case that the minimum number of participants to run a tour is not reached, the tour may be opened to bookings from enthusiastic travellers seeking an educational travel experience.The University is a charity that protects its assets for the benefit of its charitable activities of teaching and research. Therefore, please note that the trips on our website and in our brochure are offered, organised and run by the various commercial tour operators, and not by the University. Responsibility for taking bookings and organising and running each trip rests with the operator, and any queries or concerns you may have about a trip should be addressed to the operator. You take part in a trip at your own risk. The operator is responsible for ensuring the safety and proper running of the trip; therefore the University does not accept any liability for any loss or damage, or for the cancellation of the event. Tour operators will make every effort to operate journeys as advertised but they reserve the right to modify itineraries if necessary.

John

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STARTS: 18 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 28 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: FROM £2,695Explore Lisbon, one of the most beautiful and intriguing cities in the world and visit the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belem and the rather more contemporary Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Cruise the Douro River on a cultural voyage of discovery on a round trip from Porto, taking in the sites and savouring the tastes and sounds of Portugal and Spain. As you cruise along the meandering Douro you will visit fishing villages, traditional and medieval towns, as well as vineyards along the famous wine trail.

Trip Scholar

To be confirmed

HIGHLIGHTS: o Discover the sites of Porto on a city walking tour or a tram tour, and savour a taste of the area’s port wine

o Explore the ancient town of Sintra and the fishing villages of Cascais and Estoril

o Delve into Portuguese history at Guimarães, the city considered to be the birthplace of Portugal

o Enjoy a day excursion exploring the glories of Spain’s Salamanca on foot or by bicycle

BOOKING DETAILS AHI Travel Europe Email: [email protected] Tel: 0808 1013425

PHOTO CREDITS: From top; Sean Pavone (main), Luca Quadrio, Richard Semik, ESB Professional

‘Wine is sunlight, held together by water.’GALILEO GALILEI

ONE

STARTS: 20 MAY 2019ENDS: 29 MAY 2019PER PERSON: £2,080

Uncover the layers of cultural and natural history that explain the identity of present day Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. These three remarkable countries have always tottered on one of Europe’s great historical fault lines, where the Catholic West meets Orthodox East and the flow of Islam reaches into so much of the region’s history. During this journey the multiculturalism and complexities of these three countries will be clarified, not only through visits to magnificent historical sites, but also through regional food, wine, flora and geology, as well as conversations with local people.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit Prizren, dotted with spectacular remnants of its Ottoman past, renowned not only for its history and architecture, but for its wonderful cake shops and bakeries

o Join a special mass that Orthodox pilgrims from all over the world travel to witness, at the Visoki Decani monastery

o Enjoy a meal of traditional Kosovar dishes in a local restaurant set in an 18th-century kula

o Follow the Adriatic coast as you cross the border from Kosovo to Albania and into Montenegro, one of the most spectacularly scenic routes in Europe

o Sample traditional Albanian dishes and wine before visiting the ruins of the iconic Rozafa Castle

o Visit the delightful town of Cetinje, Montenegro’s one-time royal capital and today home to some impressive museums and enchanting architecture

A journey through Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro

PHOTO CREDITS: From top; Dave Long Media, Distant Horizons, Davor Lovincic

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

4688

Trip scholar

Nirvana Romell, lecturer in Balkan history and art, National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies

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STARTS: 22 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 28 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £2,160 WITH FLIGHTS

While only a short trip across the Gulf of Finland separates Finland and Estonia, for all their differences, it might as well be a giant ocean. Join Professor Alexei Leporc and explore the history, architecture, art, music and national identities of these two countries with a visit to Tallinn and Helsinki. In Helsinki you will focus on the works of one of the greatest 20th-century European architects and designers, Alvar Allto, including his stunning University at Otaniemi. You will explore Tallinn and its charming mixture of Gothic, baroque, classical and neo-Russian monuments.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Discover one of Northern Europe’s greatest squares, Raekoja Plats – the beating heart of Tallinn’s old town

o Visit the KUMU, a spectacular seven-storey building constructed of limestone, glass and copper, and home to some of Estonia’s finest art collections

o Explore the medieval town of Tartu with its famous University which has played a critical role in the development of Russian and Soviet cultures

o Visit Helsinki’s Finlandia Hall, one of Europe’s most iconic buildings, designed by world-renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto

o Enjoy a concert in the Church of the Rock, an incredible structure carved out of an enormous solid rock that boasts some of the finest acoustics in Europe

o Explore the enchanting and peaceful village of Ainola, where the composer Jean Sibelius lived with his wife for 53 years

Jewels at the Baltic Gates: Tallinn and Helsinki

PHOTO CREDITS: From top; Leonardo Patrizi, Mosessin, Distant Horizons

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

4688

Trip scholar

Professor Alexei Leporc, Curator of Western European Art, Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

TWO

STARTS: 7 MAY 2019ENDS: 15 MAY 2019PER PERSON: £2,341 WITH FLIGHTSAwaken the explorer in you on this cruise adventure and cultural exploration of Norway’s rugged coastline. With its stirring and varied landscapes, the Norwegian coast is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. You will visit some of the major coastal cities, as well as remote communities. From beautiful islands and fjords to the wilderness of Arctic northern Norway, you’ll go face-to-face with natural wonders, as well as enjoy sightseeing tours including a Viking ship museum and a ‘meet the Vikings’ shore excursion.

Trip scholar

Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough, Associate Professor in Medieval History and Literature, Durham University

HIGHLIGHTS: o Learn from in-depth insights and lectures from your trip scholar, Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough

o Stay two nights in Oslo with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Viking ship museum

o Expand your knowledge of Viking history and heritage, as well as modern-day Norwegian culture

BOOKING DETAILS Hurtigruten Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 208 8462633

The Viking heritage tour

PHOTO CREDITS: archetype (main) all others: Hurtigruten

‘Wisdom is welcome wherever it comes from.’

BANDAMANNA SAGA

THREE

STARTS: 8 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £2,360

Experience the ‘unchanged’ Russian north from the 16th and 17th centuries, with towns and cities such as Vologda, Belozersk, Kargopol, Solovki and Archangel, which prospered from the salt and timber trade with Europe. Economic activity in the north ceased after St Petersburg became a major port, and the cities remained inaccessible until the late 19th century, when the railways finally linked them. Today, they remain picturesque with fleets of white stone cathedrals and kremlins, while their many original and highly decorated wooden merchant’s houses bear witness to the former prosperity of the region.

HIGHLIGHTS: o The journey begins amidst the incomparable beauty and grandeur of St Petersburg, and ends in majestic Moscow

o Enjoy a first-class train journey through some of Russia’s most wonderful rural scenery to visit these remote historic cities

o Witness the resurgence of orthodox faith after nearly a century of atheism and communist rule

o Enjoy the hospitality and opportunity to converse with a local farmer

o Explore the immense 14th-century Kirillovo Belozersky Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site

o Visit the home of Rimsky Korsakov and enjoy a privately arranged concert of the composer’s music in a nearby chapel with its perfect acoustics

The Russian north: A journey from St Petersburg to Moscow

PHOTO CREDITS: From top; Markovskiy, others; Distant Horizons

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

Trip scholar

Professor Alexei Leporc, Curator of Western European Art, Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

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4688BOOKING DETAILS ACE Cultural Tours Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1223 841055

STARTS: 17 JUNE 2019END: 18 JUNE 2019PER PERSON: £695*

Described as the grandfather of political cartoon, William Hogarth was an 18th-century English painter, printmaker and pictorial satirist. He entertained his public with narrative stories in pictures, lifted from the events of the day. Join Lars Tharp, art historian, lecturer and broadcaster in London, on a two-day serpentine trail of William Hogarth, following his progress from apprentice to England’s pre-eminent artist and social observer.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Enjoy privileged access to Sir John Soane’s Museum, home to Hogarth’s world-famous Rake’s Progress (1732) and his Humours of an Election (1755)

o Visit the Foundling Museum in the company of your trip scholar, and the museum’s former Director, Lars Tharp

o Come face-to-face with Hogarth at the National Portrait Gallery and at Tate Britain

o Explore the winding Georgian streets and alleys of London and become totally immersed in Georgian London and the lively world of William Hogarth

Hogarth’s world in London

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Mary Evans Picture Library, Shahid Khan, DaLui*£105pp single room supplement

Trip scholar

Lars Tharp, former Director of the Foundling Museum, art historian, lecturer and broadcaster

FOUR

STARTS: 16 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 20 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £1,865 WITH FLIGHTS*Discover Dresden in the company of Lars Tharp, art historian, lecturer and broadcaster – best known for his work on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, as well as Hidden Treasures and Art of the Baroque. Together you will explore the cultural riches of this beautiful historic city including Dresden’s Royal Palace, the former seat of the Saxon government and home to the fabulous Green Vault treasure chamber. You will visit the Zwinger Palace, and its Old Masters Picture Gallery, which includes works by Raphael (notably his Sistine Madonna), Botticelli, Velázquez, Dürer, Vermeer and Rembrandt. A visit to Meissen, Saxony’s oldest town, which is a medieval hotch-potch of red-tiled roofs and stucco architecture, includes a tour of the Gothic cathedral and a behind the scenes look at the celebrated porcelain factory.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Discover Zinger Palace’s treasure trove of famous art, as well as its formal gardens, ornate fountains and grand pavilions

o Relax as you enjoy a leisurely trip along the River Elbe

o Take the opportunity to attend an optional performance at the Semper Opera House, one of Europe’s most glorious music venues, where Wagner’s Flying Dutchman and Strauss’s Rosenkavalier premiered

Trip scholar

Lars Tharp, former Director of the Foundling Museum, art historian, lecturer and broadcaster

BOOKING DETAILS ACE Cultural Tours Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1223 841055PHOTO CREDITS: Left–right; TTstudio (main) TTstudio, Mike Mareen, leocks

*£240 single room supplement

‘If a man devotes himself to art, much evil is avoided that happens

otherwise if one is idle.’ ALBRECHT DÜRER

FIVE

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STARTS: 30 AUGUST 2019ENDS: 5 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £2,595*

Enjoy a relaxing cruise with convivial company aboard a privately chartered first-class canal barge. Take in the fabulous scenery and architecture from its bright lounge or sundeck whilst enjoying a relaxing mix of complimentary wines, drinks and French cuisine. Enjoy insightful lectures from your trip scholar, Dr Catherine Sumnall, detailing the social and economic history as well as the landscape of this region from the early modern period to the 19th century.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Discover a combination of rural Camargue villages and world-class Roman and medieval cities, from the farms and marsh wildlife of the Etang De Thau to the imposing fortified city of Aigues Mortes

o Explore UNESCO-listed Arles, with its superb classical theatre, Roman arena, Romanesque churches, and winding medieval streets

o Delight in small Provencal villages such as the thousand year old Saint Guilhelm-le-Desert, known for its Romanesque Abbey and its treasure trove of restored 12th-century houses

o Enjoy a visit to Avignon and the magnificent Palais du Papes, dating to 1335 and a symbol of the wealth of Western Church during its secondment from Rome in the 14th century

Provence and the Camargue: Barge cruise from Sète to Arles along the Rhône à Sète Canal

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Vadim Petrakov, Boris Stroujko, MarinaDa*£1,950 single room supplement

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

Trip scholar

Dr Catherine Sumnall, Director of Studies in Geography, Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge

STARTS: 3 JUNE 2019 ENDS: 12 JUNE 2019PER PERSON: £2,195

Discover Albania’s glorious scenery, fascinating culture and world-class archaeology as it emerges from decades of Communist isolation. Join Gillian Gloyer, author of the Bradt Travel Guide to Albania and expert on Albania’s treasures, to gain unique historical and cultural insights as you explore this charming country. You will visit UNESCO-listed ruins and protected hillside towns, and will walk in the shoes of the ancient Romans along the Via Egnatia, discovering a host of classical sites including Antigonea, Byllis, Oricum and the former Greek colony of Durres.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman remains, including a magnificent theatre, are set amidst a beautiful lake

o Stroll around Gjirokastra’s 600 preserved Ottoman-era stone houses, quaint cobbled streets and imposing 4th-century castle

o Uncover the remains of the great classical city of Apollonia

o Delight in Albania’s monasteries, churches and basilicas, with their lavish mosaics and unique frescoes

o Discover the story of Caesar’s Civil War with Pompey, of which many crucial battles which were fought in Illyria, leaving the region littered with atmospheric sites

Albania: Hidden gem of Europe

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Klempa, Kalinka Georgieva, Landscape Nature Photo

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

Trip scholar

Gillian Gloyer (Wadham, 1979), author of the Bradt Travel Guide to Albania

2903 2903

SIX

STARTS: 25 JUNE 2019ENDS: 29 JUNE 2019PER PERSON: £2,195 WITH FLIGHTS* Join expert historians Colonel Nick Lipscombe and Professor Jeremy Black as they follow in Wellington’s footsteps examining the final stages of the Peninsular War, where the allied powers of Spain, the United Kingdom and Portugal fought to repel the Napoleonic invasion of Spain and Portugal. Start this exclusive tour in picturesque Biarritz before setting off eastwards and examining Wellington’s battle-hardened army’s audacious crossing of the mighty Ardour River. Consider the major battles fought in France before 1813, including the battles of Nivelle and the Nive, the siege of Bayonne, the battles of Orthez and Tarbes, and the final battle of the Peninsular War, whilst visiting the scenes and enjoying in-depth discussions and presentations from your trip scholars.

Trip scholar

Colonel Nick Lipscombe, Napoleonic historian and lecturer at the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, and Professor Jeremy Black (St John’s, 1978), Professor of History, University of Exeter

HIGHLIGHTS: o Stay in a luxury hotel in the picturesque seaside town of Biarritz, enjoying welcome drinks and a presentation on the closing stages of the Peninsular War, before dinner in a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay

o Visit the picturesque and historic Basque town of Bayonne

o Visit the magnificent museum at Tarbes, which houses a wonderful collection of Hussar uniforms and memorabilia

o Enjoy a night in Toulouse, and spend the next day examining the final battle of the Peninsular War whilst enjoying the opportunity to spend time in the centre of this magnificent city

BOOKING DETAILS ACE Cultural Tours Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1223 841055

The final stages of the Peninsular War

PHOTO CREDITS: Left–right; atosan (main) inacio pires, Alvaro German Vilela, Sergey Dzyuba *£310pp single room supplement

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STARTS: 1 DECEMBER 2019ENDS: 11 DECEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £4,995 WITH FLIGHTS

This journey offers a rare opportunity for amateur geologists to travel with Professor Mike Searle and Professor Bruce Levell to the eastern Arabian Peninsula to explore the landscapes, geology and cultural sites of Oman. From the desert sands of the Empty Quarter and jagged peaks of the Semail Ophiolite, to the towering limestone cliffs of Jebel Akhdar, Oman is a geological paradise. You will travel to world-famous sites including Wadi Nakhr, Oman’s own Grand Canyon, and Jebel Akhdar, including important locations such as Wadi Muaydeen and the Saiq Plateau. These trips will be combined with visits to remote parts of the mountains around Wadi Hawasina, and the coastal exposures of As Sifah.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Explore the magnificent coastline around Muscat, including the fjords of Bandar Jissah

o Visit the old souq at Muttrah and the Sultans Forces Museum at Ruwi

o Witness the world’s largest and best-preserved ophiolite emplaced onto a continental margin, as well as upper mantle peridotites

o Journey to Jebel Akhdar, the highest peak in Eastern Arabia, to see mesozoic shelf carbonates, deep wadis with perennial flowing streams, spectacular hill villages and breath taking views

o Visit the beautiful As Sifah beach and see eclogites, as well as the world’s largest and best exposed sheath fold along Wadi Mayh gorge

A geology field trip to Oman

PHOTO CREDITS All: Professor Mike Searle

BOOKING DETAILS Indus Experiences Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 2089 017320

Trip scholar

Professor Mike Searle, Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, and Professor Bruce Levell , Visiting Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford

STARTS: 29 MARCH 2019ENDS: 7 APRIL 2019PER PERSON: £2,550*

Experience mesmerising Jordan and explore its incredible archaeological sites and ruins before they are once again overrun with tourists. Your journey will take you to Roman ruins and crusader towns to the desert landscape of Wadi Rum. You will be accompanied by trip scholar, Neil Faulkner, a Cambridge-educated archaeologist, who specialises in Roman archaeology and the military campaigns of Lawrence of Arabia. A visit to Jordan would not be complete without a full day to enjoy the incredible Nabataean sites of Petra and Little Petra, voted one of the new seven wonders of the world.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Explore the colonnaded avenues, temples and gateways of the ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns

o Uncover the history of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan, with a 4x4 trip to key campaign sites including Tooth Hill Camp, Tell Shahm Fort and Wadi Rum Fort

o Travel over the Ras el Negev into the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum to look for prehistoric rock engravings and enjoy a Bedouin lunch in the desert

o Drive along the famous King’s Highway to visit the Madaba Map mosaic and fabulous crusader castle of Shobak

o Gain special insights with lectures from Neil Faulkner, who has undertaken more than 10 years of fieldwork in Jordan

Jordan: Romans, Crusaders and Lawrence of Arabia

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Kanuman, Popova Tetiana, Ppictures* £222 single room supplement

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

2903

Trip scholar

Dr Neil Faulkner, Archaeological Research Fellow, Bristol University and specialist in Roman, Anglo Saxon and First World War archaeology,

EIGHT

STARTS: 10 APRIL 2019ENDS: 23 APRIL 2019PER PERSON: £3,680Resting between the steppes of Asia and the fertile crescent of the Mediterranean, Iran is a stepping-stone between East and West. This journey is an exciting opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Iran at a crucial time in its history. You will discover Persia’s ancient monuments, extraordinary archaeological sites, and beautiful cities with traditional Persian architecture. Immerse yourself in Persian culture by exploring the gardens, covered streets, bustling bazaars and peaceful teahouses. Your journey begins in Shiraz, famous for its poets, and takes you through Yazd, one of the world’s last centres of the Zoroastrian religion, which dates back to 1000 BC. Later you will travel to Isfahan, perhaps the most beautiful of all Iranian cities, and on to Tehran, which boasts some of the finest museums in Asia.

Trip scholar

Professor Michael Roaf (Christ Church, 1965), Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology at the University of Munich and formerly a Fellow of Wolfson College, University of Oxford

HIGHLIGHTS: o Stroll through Persepolis – the City of Persians, built by Darius the Great and one of the world’s most inspiring archaeological sites

o Experience Yazd, a traditional Persian city, where you will wander through the old quarter

o Explore Isfahan, with its soaring minarets and domes of glistening turquoise and blue

o Visit Kashan, the epitome of everything that is typically Persian, from its mosques and caravanserais to its stately gardens

o Take the option to extend your journey and visit the beautiful green and lush provinces around the Caspian Sea

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

PHOTO CREDITS: From top and left–right; Distant Horizons (main) Matyas Rehak, Anna Azimi, Distant Horizons, Distant Horizons

NINE

STARTS: 30 MARCH 2019ENDS: 6 APRIL 2019PER PERSON: £3,395

The 115 granitic islands of the Seychelles, ringed with pristine white sand beaches, are a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. This seven-night cruise aboard an exclusively chartered schooner takes you island-hopping in comfort between the stunning granite islands of Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and Silhouette. Accompanied by Cambridge zoologist and conservationist Dr Justin Gerlach, you will examine their carefully protected ecosystems and search for endemic gems such as the vast plant, the ultra-rare jellyfish tree, the Aldabra giant tortoise and the world’s smallest frog.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Explore the rare flora and fauna of the Seychelles aboard the privately chartered schooner, Sea Star

o Compare the unique ecosystems of the islands under the expert guidance Dr Justin Gerlach

o Combine relaxed cruising life with shore excursions, swimming and snorkelling and enjoying the pristine white sand beaches

o Visit Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, once believed to be the site of the Garden of Eden

o Extend your holiday with optional resort stays on Mahe or Praslin after the tour

Seychelles island-hopping: A natural history eco-safari by yacht

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Alxpin, Zhan Tian, Temple World

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

Trip scholar

Dr Justin Gerlach, College Lecturer in Biology, Peterhouse, University of Cambridge

STARTS: 24 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 7 OCTOBER 2019PER PERSON: £3,295*

Join Dr Jacke Phillips on an exploration of the monasteries, churches and dramatic mountain scenery of Ethiopia. Witness the colourful orthodox festival of Meskel, and learn about the incredible empire of Aksum, once the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Venture on to the holy city of Lalibela and over the spectacular Simien Mountains, where there is a chance to see gelada baboons. Also see the Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana, the famed source of the Blue Nile, dotted with island churches.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Explore Lalibela, with its wondrous UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches - a testimony to Ethiopia’s place at the very heart of early Christianity, and still a place of inspiring pilgrimage today

o Visit Meskel, an annual orthodox ceremony with its magnificently robed priests and huge bonfires

o Enjoy Askum and its monolithic obelisks, royal tombs and ruined royal castles

o Learn about the Empire of Gondar, once known as the ‘Camelot of Africa’, with medieval castles and palaces to explore

o Discover the little-known cave churches of Tigray, set high up in the rugged Geralta mountains, with many still in use today

Ancient Ethiopia: Aksum, Lalibela and the Meskel Festival

PHOTO CREDITS From top: WitR, doormouse_a, homo cosmicos £480 single room supplement

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

4688

Trip scholar

Dr Jacke Phillips, Fellow in the Department of Art History and Archaeology, SOAS University of London

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STARTS: 13 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 27 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £4,485 WITH FLIGHTSIndia has a long and proud history of astronomical observation, where scholars and priests have studied the heavens since ancient times. By the time the Vedas were written c.1500 BCE, astronomy was recognised as an important intellectual and spiritual discipline throughout the country. On this fascinating expert-led tour you will visit historical observatories and learn about modern-day astronomical developments and discoveries. Travelling around the country you will also have the opportunity to appreciate the cultural influence of star-gazing and study the effect it has on Hindu beliefs and practices today.

Trip scholar

Dr Carolin Crawford , Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

HIGHLIGHTS: o Meet researchers at the Nuclear Science Centre in Delhi

o Visit the UNESCO-listed astronomical observatories of Maharaja Jai Singh II

o Learn about contemporary research at the Centre for Astronomy in Pune

BOOKING DETAILS Indus Experiences Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 2089 017320

4586

‘Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another.’PLATO

PHOTO CREDITS: All; Indus Experiences

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STARTS: 21 AUGUST 2019ENDS: 8 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £3,820

The ancient Silk Road was not just a single route, but a vast network of roads stretching from Xi’an to the Eastern Mediterranean. It passes through spectacular cities and tiny hamlets, and through forbidding mountains, vast open steppes and hot deserts. Explore the lost cities, marvel at the great artistic achievements and discover the magic and beauty of these ancient routes with Dr Jamie Greenbaum. Trip scholar, Dr Greenbaum will reveal that the Silk Road was not simply a highway for trade; it was also the main East West artery for the flow of ideas. Buddhist monks from India rubbed shoulders with Persian Manichean priests and Zoroastrians, while Nestorian Christians sought converts among the road’s travellers and settlers.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Explore Kyrgyzstan and Lake lssykul, the world’s second- highest navigable lake

o Journey through the spectacular Tien Shan Mountains past herds of Bactrian camels and Tajik camping grounds

o Visit Kashgar, famous for its colourful markets

o Explore the oasis town of Turfan with its gardens and orchards — an extraordinary contrast to the barren desert

o Discover the caves at Dunhuang in Central China and the Longmen Caves in Eastern China, two of the world’s richest treasure troves of Buddhist art

o Explore the great city of Xi’an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road

Crossing the Ancient Silk Road: China and Central Asia

STARTS: 16 APRIL 2019ENDS: 30 APRIL 2019PER PERSON: £3,230 WITH FLIGHTS

Join Professor Charles Melville and explore and experience the legendary cities of Central Asia. Your journey begins in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and takes you to Samarkand, with its soaring minarets and glistening turquoise domes. From there you will travel to Bukhara, home to hundreds of mosques, madrasas and minarets. After crossing the great Karakum desert and Oxus River, you will arrive in the ruined city of Merv. A short flight will then take you to Ashgabat, where you will have an opportunity to explore its white marble palaces that nestle among futuristic buildings and soaring ministerial offices. Finally, you will travel to the ancient walled city of Khiva, now an open-air museum, with its maze of mosques, palaces, religious schools and homes.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit Samarkand and discover the Registan, described by Lord Curzon as the ‘noblest square in the world’ and see some of the finest examples of Islamic art

o Explore the beautifully preserved town of Bukhara, home to some of the finest and most important monuments in the Islamic world

o Discover the ruined city of Merv in Turkmenistan, which was devastated by the Mongols in the 13th century

o Cross the fabled Oxus River from Uzbekistan into Turkmenistan

o In the exquisitely restored city of Khiva, experience the timelessness of a Central Asian town

A journey through Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Distant Horizons, Oversnap, Evgeniy Agarkov, PHOTO CREDITS From top: Distant Horizons, Ke Wang, PavelSvoboda,

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

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Trip scholar

Professor Charles Melville (Pembroke, 1969), Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Cambridge

Trip scholar

Dr Jamie Greenbaum, historian specialising in the Ming dynasty, University of Beijing

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STARTS: 30 OCTOBER 2019ENDS: 14 NOVEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £4,998 WITH FLIGHTS

Join Zara Fleming, an independent art consultant, researcher and exhibition curator who has specialist knowledge of Buddhist art, on a cultural exploration of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan has preserved its unique traditions in a way that is unheard of in the modern world. Since the 1970s, it has pursued a policy of Gross National Happiness, which requires the protection and promotion of cultural values and the natural environment. You will discover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage first-hand, by immersing yourself in the living arts and traditions of the Himalayas. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the nuances communicated by national dress and jewellery, which are still worn as a matter of course. You will also discover the distinctive architectural features of Bhutan’s fortresses and monasteries, as well as the ancient stories expressed in its music and dance.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Step far beyond the picturesque scenes and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage

o Visit the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan

o Explore a weaving school and a textile convention centre

Textiles, arts and crafts of Bhutan

PHOTO CREDITS: Indus Experiences and Tourism Council of Bhutan

BOOKING DETAILS Indus Experiences Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8901 7320

4688

Trip scholar

Zara Fleming, lecturer in Buddhist History and Culture, Victoria and Albert, The Orient Foundation and Asia House

STARTS: 12 AUGUST 2019ENDS: 29 AUGUST 2019PER PERSON: £3,180

Locked away in the wilderness of the Himalayas, on the very edge of the Tibetan plateau, lies the ancient kingdom of Mustang. After decades of isolation its borders are now open, and this is your opportunity to explore this spectacular land and learn about its history, customs and traditions. The trek passes through open valleys, deep ravines, desert canyons, grasslands with white-walled villages, and ancient cave homes, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the soaring snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Classed as ‘moderate’, the walk involves around five to eight hours of walking per day. You will stay in lodges, which offer very simple accommodation, and will only need to carry day packs, as porters will carry the rest of your baggage.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Enter Mustang by walking along the Kali Gandaki River through one of the world’s deepest gorges

o Visit Mustang’s fascinating capital, Lo Manthang, a repository of Buddhist art treasures and one of the most isolated and remote capitals in the world

o Explore the Chamba and Thugchen monasteries with wall paintings from the 15th century

o Enjoy some of the most spectacular views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other majestic peaks in the Himalayas

o Explore the Himalayan cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara

Walks in the forbidden kingdom of Mustang

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Hadynyah, Hadynyah, Weareadventures

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

Trip scholar

Zara Fleming, lecturer in Buddhist History and Culture, Victoria and Albert, The Orient Foundation and Asia House

4688

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STARTS: 24 FEBRUARY 2019ENDS: 8 MARCH 2019PER PERSON: £3,875 WITH FLIGHTS

Discover the architecture and artistic traditions of Sri Lanka through the eyes of Cambridge-educated, Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919–2003). Considered the creator of tropical modernism, Bawa was the most influential Asian architect of his generation. He was responsible for reviving an interest in indigenous materials and crafts, and left behind an inspiring legacy of contemporary buildings. This unique tour places Bawa and his work in context as you explore the art and architecture of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods, through to present-day Sri Lanka.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit the Lunuganga Estate, Bawa’s country house and the place that inspired him to become an architect

o Tour the rock fortress of Yapahuwa, the 13th-century capital of Sri Lanka

o Visit Peradeniya Gardens and its renowned orchid house

o Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built by the Dutch in 1663 and remains remarkably well preserved

o Enjoy the wonderfully preserved ruins of ancient Buddhist kingdoms

Art and architecture of Sri Lanka

PHOTO CREDITS: All; Indus Experiences

BOOKING DETAILS Indus Experiences Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8901 7320

Trip Scholar

Dr Marie-Louise Lillywhite, art historian on sacred art and architecture, University of Oxford

4586

STARTS: 8 OCTOBER 2019ENDS: 29 OCTOBER 2019PER PERSON: £4,180

Explore and experience hidden China on this journey that takes you from the lush jungle lowlands of Laos, through the hills of Yunnan Province, to the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Tibet. From endless rice paddies, luscious jungles and misty mountains, tea plantations, glittering Buddhist temples and colourful markets, you will discover the history and culture of these three very distinct regions. Travel among the Hmong hill tribes, whose settlements are perched precariously on high cliff faces, and the beautifully preserved Tibetan world of Shangri-La. Your adventure ends with the world’s most dramatic of train journeys, the Qinghai-Tibet railway, a miraculous feat of engineering across the Tibetan plateau.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Discover the unspoilt haven of Luang Prabang, with its 33 glittering Buddhist temples that date from the 16th century

o Travel through endless rice paddies to the misty mountains of the Hmong hill tribes and Dai Minority villages

o Visit the beautiful and rarely visited mountain village of Shaxi in Yunnan

o Explore the medieval capital city of Lhasa and the sumptuous Potala Palace

o Learn more of the subtle shift of religious culture and practices from Himayana to Mahayana Buddhism

o End your journey with one of the world’s most dramatic train journeys across the Tibetan plateau

Tribal and sacred China: A journey through Laos, Yunnan and Tibet

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Qian, Distant Horizons, Nickolai Repnitskii

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

4688

Trip scholar

Professor Charles Ramble, Professor of Tibetan History, Sorbonne, former lecturer in Tibetan Studies, University of Oxford

FOURTEEN

STARTS: 3 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 20 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £4,260

Explore Indonesia and enjoy an opportunity to discover its incredible landscapes and diverse cultures. Your journey takes you to Java, Sulawesi and Bali. You will enjoy walks in the foothills of volcanoes and across rice terraces, as well as excursions to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful towns and temples. Visits to Gadjah Madah University in Yogya and an Islamic educational institution will also provide a unique opportunity to discuss the views and aspirations of Indonesia’s younger generation with staff and students. You will be joined by Dr Sharrock, who will share his knowledge and experience of Indonesian history and culture as you travel across the three islands.

Trip scholar

Dr Peter Sharrock, Senior Teaching Follow, School of Oriental and Asian Studies, SOAS University of London

HIGHLIGHTS: o In Yogya, visit Borobudur, one of the world’s largest Mahayana Buddhist monuments

o Drive to Candi Sukuh, which was built on the slopes of the majestic Mount Lawu, and visit the spectacular temple complex at Panataran, the largest temple complex in East Java

o Explore Torajaland and its exquisitely carved houses with geometric motifs, as well as the Hanging Graves at Lemo, where burial chambers are carved out of the rock face

o Discover Indonesia’s cultural capital, Jogjakarta

o Explore Bali and experience one of the most complex social and religious structures in the world

BOOKING DETAILS Distant Horizons Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 6253425

Secrets of the Spice Islands

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PHOTO CREDITS From top: Merabet Hichem (main), Takashi Images, Fabio Lamanna

‘...Bali is one of the few cultures with origins in one of the great ancient cultures which is still alive.’

ARTHUR ERICKSON

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‘In South Korea, they believe that when you turn 60, you’ve become a baby again and the rest of your life should be totally about joy and happiness, and people should leave you alone, and I just think that that’s the height of intelligence. ALICE WALKER

SIXTEEN

5,000 years of culture and history

STARTS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2019ENDS: 25 SEPTEMBER 2019PER PERSON: £3,595* A compact country full of delightful contrasts, South Korea’s juxtaposition of ancient tradition and fast-paced modernity make it truly unique. Travel in the company of Professor James B Lewis, Associate Professor of Korean History at Oxford University, on a journey exploring this incredible country. From tranquil Buddhist temples and UNESCO-listed fortresses, tombs and villages, to shimmering Seoul, South Korea’s economic powerhouse, you will discover the country’s culture and traditions, kept alive through its traditional music, poetry, religion and dance.

Trip scholar

Professor James B Lewis, Associate Professor of Korean History, University of Oxford, and President of the Association for Korean Studies in Europe

HIGHLIGHTS: o Discover the 500-year Joseon Dynasty with visits to well-preserved UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace, Hwaseong Fortress and the atmospheric Bukchon Village

o Learn about the Korean War at the demilitarised zone and ‘Freedom Bridge’, and see the infiltration tunnel discovered in 1978 after a tip-off from a defector

o Explore Hahoe Village, where centuries-old traditions influenced by the teachings of Confucius are still alive

o Enjoy unique insights from trip lecturer Professor James B Lewis, President of the European Association for Korean Studies

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

2903

PHOTO CREDITS From top: SiHo (main), toey19863, ESB Professional, JNEZAM* £495 single room supplement

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STARTS: 6 APRIL 2019ENDS: 20 APRIL 2019PER PERSON: £2,980 WITH FLIGHTS

For anyone with an interest in wildlife, and rainforest wildlife in particular, the Bornean rainforest is one of the most ecologically diverse habitats to explore. On this journey through the rainforests you will discover a wide range of plant and animal species, including the elusive wild orangutan. You will also enjoy a rare opportunity to meet the indigenous communities who have made the rainforest their home for millennia, and whose active involvement is so vital to its future survival. The Matang Wildlife Centre is a particular highlight of this trip. Here you will see animals that have been rescued or surrendered from illegal trade, and learn about the challenges that resident conservationists face in trying to care for and rehabilitate the wildlife of Borneo.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit Bako National Park, home of endangered proboscis monkeys, silver langurs, macaques, bearded pigs and flying lemurs, as well as a whole host of reptiles, insects and bird life

o Enter Batang Ai National Park by long boat, then trek to find wild orangutans

o Enjoy wildlife walks and nature cruises to discover the wonders of the rainforest from both the land and river

Orangutans and rainforests of Borneo

PHOTO CREDITS: Indus Experiences

BOOKING DETAILS Indus Experiences Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 8901 7320

4586

Trip Scholar

To be confirmed

STARTS: 10 NOVEMBER 2018 ENDS: 23 NOVEMBER 2018 PER PERSON: FROM £3,740

Colombia’s diverse, colourful culture is an amalgamation of several influences, from a rich and fascinating pre-colonial history to the Spanish conquest and subsequent battles for independence. On this tour Dr Alexander Herrera will bring the ancient and modern cultures of this friendly and welcoming country to life. Admire Lake Guatavita, setting of the El Dorado ceremony of the pre- Columbian Muisca people. Tour a coffee plantation near Popayán, an old religious centre and colonial hub linking the viceroyalty of New Granada to Lima and Quito. Explore and experience modern Colombia before ending the trip on the Caribbean coast with visits to the Tayrona National Park and the beautiful city of Cartagena.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit Bogotá’s extraordinary Gold Museum

o Explore the archaeological park at San Agustín, containing the largest collection of monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America

o Admire the most important art collection in Latin America at the Botero Museum

o Visit Pueblito, the heart of the Tayrona civilisation which flourished before the arrival of the Spaniards

o Stay in the romantic walled city of Cartagena, with its colonial buildings and narrow cobbled streets

Colombia: A rich and fascinating cultural history

BOOKING DETAILS Last Frontiers Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1296 653000

Trip scholar:

Dr Alexander Herrera (Camb), Associate Professor at the Department of Art History, Universidad de los Andes, Colombia

PHOTO CREDITS All: Last Frontiers

LAST FEW PLACES REMAINING!

2018 TRIP

EIGHTEEN

STARTS: 1 APRIL 2019ENDS: 13 APRIL 2019PER PERSON: £4,595Join Joanne Page on this exploration of Argentinian culture, scenery and wildlife. Starting at spectacular Iguassu Falls, a natural wonder of the world, explore both sides and go in search of shy wildlife in the surrounding tropical forest. Travel to sophisticated Buenos Aires, with its grand colonial architecture, Latin passion and thriving arts scene. Continue south to the remote wilderness of UNESCO-protected Glacier National Park, to discover the magnificent Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers. Finish in the beautiful Argentine Lakes at Bariloche, famous for its outstanding scenery, chocolate-making and Swiss alpine-style architecture.

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

HIGHLIGHTS: o Visit Iguazu Falls, part of the largest waterfall system in the world and a spectacle to behold

o Explore the boardwalks along the waterfall’s edge and spot howler monkeys, giant anteaters, toucans and maybe even an elusive jaguar

o Explore Buenos Aires’ cultural highlights including the Colon Theatre, the Plaza de Mayo, atmospheric San Telmo, colourful La Boca and the fascinating cemetery in Recoleta, resting place of Eva Peron

o Spend a day navigating ice floes by catamaran to see the western face of the Upsala Glacier and the immensity of the Spegazzini Glacier

o Traverse Lake Nahuel Huapi to explore the famous Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island, with opportunities to walk and photograph the staggering lake scenery

Trip scholar

Dr Joanne Page, Director of the Centre of Latin American Studies, University of Cambridge

‘The best place I’ve ever been is Argentina. IAN MCKEEVER (RECORD-BREAKING MOUNTAINEER & ADVENTURER)

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PHOTO CREDITS From top: sharptotyou (main), Oleg Senkov, lembi

2903

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STARTS: 2 MAY 2019ENDS: 13 MAY 2019PER PERSON: FROM £4,695

Cruise the mighty Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis on an authentic paddle wheeler. Take in the sights, sounds, southern culture and history of the American Civil War as you meander along. Your journey begins in New Orleans where you will enjoy a taste and flavour of the city’s vibrant music scene and fabulous Cajun and Creole cuisine. You will enjoy southern hospitality when you visit Natchez, the ‘Golden City of the South’ with its 500 stately antebellum homes and impressively preserved history, as well as Baton Rouge, the state capital of Louisiana, with its legendary plantations. En route, your trip scholar will treat you to in-depth discussions on the civil war as you explore noted sites including the Vicksburg National Military Park. Finally, disembark in Memphis for a specially arranged tour of Memphis with its host of famous landmarks, as well as a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Savour the finest in southern cuisine and traditional music on a paddle wheeler sailing from New Orleans

o Visit some of South’s legendary plantations, including Oak Valley, designated a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and landscaping

o Enjoy in-depth discussions on the American Civil War as you explore famous battle sites

o Enjoy a specially arranged tour of Memphis, including some of its famous sites and landmarks

o Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the famous Lorraine Motel

Voyage on the Mississippi

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Theron Hall, f11photo, pisaphotgraphy

BOOKING DETAILS AHI Travel Europe Email: [email protected] Tel: 0808 1013425

Trip scholar

To be confirmed

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Petr Salinger, Ondrej Prosicky, JL Levy

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BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 4114

2903

Trip scholar

Dr Daniela Arroyo Barrantes (Camb), Archaeologist and Conservationist

STARTS: 4 MAY 2019ENDS: 15 MAY 2019PER PERSON: £3,395

Nestled between the Pacific and the Caribbean, fringed by powder-white beaches, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and is leading the way in environmental sustainability. Join archaeologist and UNESCO conservationist Dr Daniela Arroyo Barrantes in an educational exploration of the region’s diverse habitats, from rainforests and volcanoes to powder-white beaches. Local naturalist guides will introduce you to the incredible birdlife of the mist-covered cloud forests of Monteverde and the waterways of Tortuguero.

HIGHLIGHTS: o Learn about Costa Rica’s world-leading commitment to environmental sustainability

o Encounter incredible birdlife, from bright toucans, macaws and parrots to the prized resplendent quetzal

o Search the jungle beaches, waterfalls and volcanic rainforests for some of the world’s most unusual mammals including sloths, tapirs and armadillos

o Look out for wildlife in the canopy, including squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchins and white-nosed coatis

o Learn about Costa Rica’s little-known indigenous history by exploring San José’s Jade Museum and the excellent Pre-Colombian Gold Museum

Wildlife and conservation of Costa Rica: Central America’s Garden of Eden

10–23 November 2018 Columbia Colombia: A rich and fascinating cultural history 18

24 February–8 March Sri Lanka Art and architecture of Sri Lanka 14

29 March–7April Jordan Jordan: Romans, Crusaders and Lawrence of Arabia 8

30 March–6 April Seychelles Seychelles island-hopping: A natural history eco-safari by yacht 10

1–13 April Argentina Amazing Argentina 19

6–20 April Borneo Orangutans and rainforests of Borneo 18

10–23 April Iran The mysteries of Persia 9

16–30 April Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

A journey through Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 12

2–13 May USA Voyage on the Mississippi 20

4–15 May Costa RicaWildlife and conservation of Costa Rica: Central America’s Garden of Eden

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7 –15 May Norway Classic voyage north: The Viking heritage tour 3

20–29 MayKosovo, Albania and Montenegro

A journey through Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro 2

3–12 June Albania Albania: Hidden gem of Europe 6

17–18 June UK Hogarth’s world in London 4

25–29 June France Wellington invades France: The final stages of the Peninsular War 7

12–29 August Nepal Walks in the forbidden kingdom of Mustang 13

21 August–8 September China and Kyrgyzstan Crossing the Ancient Silk Road: China and Central Asia 12

30 August–5 September FranceProvence and the Camargue: Barge cruise from Sète to Arles along the Rhône à Sète Canal

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3–20 September Indonesia Exploring Indonesia: Secrets of the Spice Islands 15

8–15 September Russia The Russian north: A journey from St Petersburg to Moscow 4

13–27 September India Astronomy in India 11

15–25 September South Korea Secrets of South Korea: 5,000 years of culture and history 17

16–20 September Germany Art treasure of Dresden 5

18–28 September Portugal and Spain Romance of the Douro River 1

22–28 September Estonia and Finland Jewels at the Baltic Gates: Tallinn and Helsinki 2

24 September–7 October Ethiopia Ancient Ethiopia: Aksum, Lalibela and the Meskel Festival 10

8–29 October Laos and China Tribal and sacred China: A journey through Laos, Yunnan and Tibet 14

30 October–14 November Bhutan Textiles, arts and crafts of Bhutan 13

1–11 December Oman A geology field trip to Oman 8

PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT - TRIPS REGULARLY FILL UP WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF ADVERTISING

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLYWe recognise that tourism can have environmental, economic and social impacts and we aim to minimise these impacts and ensure our trips benefit local people and places. All of our journeys involve learning about the places visited from both academic experts and local guides, allowing you

to have a deeper understanding of the local culture and environment. Travelling in small groups also helps to reduce the environmental impact.Please contact the relevant tour operator for details of their responsible tourism policy.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS We love seeing the images you take while on our trips. Occasionally we use the best of them in our publications and online. Please send yours to: [email protected]

PHOTO CREDITSFront cover: sippakornBack cover: Rick LordInner back cover: Feel Good Studio

CONTACT DETAILSOxford Journeys Alumni Office University of Oxford University OfficesWellington SquareOxford, OX1 2JD

+44 (0)1865 [email protected]/travel

MISSISSIPPI:BATTLES, BAYOUS & THE BLUES

MAY 2019 PAGE 20