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‘The trip was an astonishing experience providing memories that will last a lifetime. Professor Davies was fantastic. His lectures were fascinating and the access he secured to the observatories was something you simply could not get as an ordinary traveller.’ MR MARK & DR ROSALIND ATKINS (HERTFORD 1975) CHILE: ASTRONOMY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, APRIL 2016

WELCOMEOxford Journeys, our carefully-curated alumni travel programme, offers a world of extraordinary educational adventures created exclusively for the alumni community. Our small-group journeys provide excellent value, while opening doors and providing behind-the-scenes access that is often closed to the ordinary traveller.

Open your eyes and mindWhether you would like to unravel the mysteries of Persia (p.11), view the hidden corners of Tibet (p.15), cruise the Peruvian Amazon (p.2) or take in the Northern Lights of Norway (p.6), our extensive range of trips are designed to take you on a journey of academic exploration and discovery.

Oxford-selected expertsJoin a scholar-led trip and gain valuable insights from handpicked academics, writers, curators, journalists and broadcasters. With exclusive access to sites, insights, local experts and the very latest research, you will be treated to a deeper understanding of your chosen destination.

Expertly organisedEach trip has been carefully put together by specialist tour operators working closely with our academic experts. They are designed to help you immerse yourself in your chosen destination and field of study, confident that you are in safe and experienced hands.

In good companyOxford alumni and friends of the University are invited to bring partners, family and friends or to travel solo with a group of around 20 like-minded travelling companions. In the company of kindred spirits there’s sure to be plenty to reflect on and talk about.

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 the trip destination.

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 which 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.

STARTS: 14 AUGUST 2017ENDS: 23 AUGUST 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,890

A second departure of this special tour to experience the USA’s first solar eclipse in over two decades, accompanied by astronomy expert Charles Barclay to run in tandem with Professor Roger Davies’ sold out tour. Visit the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, as well as travelling the stunning road from Phoenix to the artists’ community of Sedona in Arizona. Join Charles Barclay on visits to one of the USA’s most important observatories to learn about the latest astronomical research before setting up at a special location near Grand Teton National Park to observe nature’s grandest spectacle, the total solar eclipse.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Enjoy expert astronomy lectures from both Charles Barclay and Professor Roger Davies

o Visit one of the USA’s most important observatories and learn about the latest research

o Marvel at the incredible scale of the Grand Canyon, Arizona

o Search for wildlife including bears in Yellowstone National Park

o Visit Bryce Canyon and Montezuma Castle, a fascinating ruined cliff-dwelling built by the indigenous Sinagua people

o Witness the eclipse at one of the best locations in terms of angle, totality duration and weather

Trip scholar

Charles Barclay, Director of the Blackett Observatory at Marlborough College in

Wiltshire; Academic Visitor in Oxford’s Department of Physics and Associate Fellow of Green Templeton College, University of Oxford.

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 89404114 PHOTO CREDIT: Photobank

The astronomy and national parks of Arizona and Wyoming

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‘Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.’ STEPHEN HAWKING

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STARTS: 26 MARCH 2017ENDS: 5 APRIL 2017PER PERSON: FROM £2,795

Join Amazonian anthropologist, Dr Laura Rival, on a six night cruise exploring the Amazon River and its tributaries in the Peruvian rainforest. Discover how Amazonian communities live and interact with the rainforest through personal introductions to members of the community by Dr Rival, who has interacted with them for decades. Enjoy the opportunity of spending three nights in historic Lima, which was the heart of Spain’s South American Empire for 300 years.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Visit the Indiana and Shipibo villages that have been established along the Amazon’s tributaries. Enjoy a unique opportunity to meet members of the community and discuss their traditional way of life in the Amazon

o Walk under canopy trees that grow up to 180 feet high and learn about the endemic flora and fauna from expert local guides

o Visit Monkey Island, home to eight endangered primate species and meet with the island’s conservationists for a briefing on their work

o Explore Lima’s Larco Museum to see treasures representing more than 5,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history

o Cruise the Yanayacu Pucate River and see parrots, monkeys and dolphins, and if you are lucky, the endangered giant river otter and red macaw in Peru’s largest wildlife preserve

STARTS: 17 APRIL 2017ENDS: 25 APRIL 2017PER PERSON: FROM £2,895

Join Professor Alan Knight in Cuba to learn about the country’s role within Latin American politics, while discovering the vibrant cities, antiquities and rural scenery of this fascinating Caribbean island. From Havana’s brightly coloured façades and revolutionary history, to the cobblestone streets of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, this journey celebrates Cuban culture and music, while also examining its economy and political history.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Learn from Professor Alan Knight, a specialist in Latin American history

o Absorb the ambience and architecture of Habana Vieja and enjoy insightful discussions with a noted architect

o Discover Cuba’s most famous industry during a cigar factory visit

o Visit Finca Vigía, the home of author Ernest Hemingway, and learn more about this popular author

o Meet the staff of a Cuban health clinic outside of Cienfuegos

o Enjoy a ride through Havana in a classic 1950s convertible, one of the most iconic sights on Cuban streets today

o Meet members of Cuba’s arts community during personal visits with artists, dancers and musicians

Cuba: People, culture, art

Cruise the Peruvian Amazon

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Richard Cavalleri, Martchan, Roxana Gonzalez PHOTO CREDITS From Top: Christian Vinces, Christian Vinces, Jess Kraft

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

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

Trip scholar

Professor Alan Knight, Emeritus Fellow and former Professor of the History of Latin America at the Latin American Centre, University of Oxford.

Trip scholar

Dr Laura Rival, Lecturer at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford.

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BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 89404114

STARTS: 18 MARCH 2017ENDS: 29 MARCH 2017PER PERSON: FROM £2,995

Nestled between the Pacific and the Caribbean, Costa Rica is considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Join expert zoologist and ornithologist, Professor Nick Davies, in an in-depth exploration of the region, including the waterways of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, the lush rainforests, waterfalls and lakes of Arenal Volcano, the mist-covered Cloud Forests of Monteverde, and the jungle beaches of Manuel Antonio. Stay in carefully chosen eco-lodges and enjoy quality accommodation whilst encountering and learning about some of the world’s most unusual mammals and birds.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Discover and marvel at the beauty of the waterways, coast, rainforest, beaches and lakes

o See sloths, tapirs, armadillos and squirrel monkeys in their natural habitats

o Delight in the fabulous birdlife, from bright toucans, macaws and parrots to the highly prized resplendent quetzal

o Enjoy carefully selected hotels and eco-lodges, convenient for exploring the national parks

STARTS: 8 FEBRUARY 2017ENDS: 22 FEBRUARY 2017PER PERSON: FROM £4,195

Accompanied by renowned archaeologist Dr Nicholas James, journey to the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire and discover this ‘lost’ civilization. Only discovered in Victorian times, Maya’s complex culture is still only now being interpreted. While Europe was in the Dark Ages, this warrior nation, whose hieroglyphs are known to be the most sophisticated writing system in the New World, had learned astronomers and mathematicians, as well as artisans creating elaborate sculptures and murals, without the use of metal tools. Visit major ruins as well as many smaller important sites to unravel the mystery of the Maya on this comprehensive exploration through Guatemala, Honduras and Belize.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Learn about the Mayans’ sophisticated writing system, astronomy and art

o Discover the colonial gem, Antigua and glorious scenery at Lake Atitlan

o Explore the ruins of Tikal, a site hidden in the depths of the jungle

o Visit Copán in Honduras, with its ball court and hieroglyphic stairway

o See Altun Ha, famous for the priceless solid jade head found here

o Enjoy local wildlife including armadillos, coati, tapir and hundreds of species of birds

Mysteries of the Maya:Guatemala, Honduras & Belize

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

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PHOTO CREDITS From top: Simon Dannhauer, Rafal Cichawa, Nicolas-Vanzetto-Photography PHOTO CREDITS From top: Aleksey Stemmer, Eduardo Rivero, Matt Jeppson

BOOKING DETAILS Temple World Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 20 89404114

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Trip scholar

Dr Nicholas James, member of the Archaeology and Anthropology Department, University of Cambridge.

Trip scholar

Professor Nick Davies (Wolfson, 1973) Professor of Behavioural Ecology at the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge.

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STARTS: 7 SEPTEMBER 2017ENDS: 20 SEPTEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,495

Delve into the human history and politics of South Africa accompanied by highly respected South African historian and Mandela biographer Professor Colin Bundy. Explore the origins of today’s ‘melting pot’ culture, from the ancient San people to the apartheid struggle.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Examine modern politics and apartheid with visits to Soweto in Johannesburg and Robben Island in Cape Town

o See traces of South Africa’s earliest inhabitants at Sterkfontein

o Learn about the San at a renowned rock art site in the Drakensberg

o Visit Pretoria to learn about the Dutch ‘voortrekkers’ who charted South Africa’s interior

o Discover Anglo-Zulu war sites at Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana

o Explore the beautiful Cape Huguenot wine region and see Groote Schuur, home to numerous prime-ministers

South Africa’s Rainbow Nation: A cultural and political exploration

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Espiegle, Ken Sorrie, Wikipedia Commons


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Trip scholar

Professor Colin Bundy, former Warden of Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, and Principal of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.


STARTS: 24 MARCH 2017ENDS: 1 APRIL 2017PER PERSON: FROM £2,995

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, 18-berth schooner, takes you in comfort between Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Aride, Curieuse and Saint Pierre islands to examine their carefully protected ecosystems. Accompanied by zoologist and conservationist Dr Justin Gerlach, you will explore mist-forests and mangroves for endemic gems such as the vast Coco-de-mer plant and the ultra scarce jellyfish tree, as well as the Seychelles paradise flycatcher and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

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

o Discover ultra rare species such as the world’s smallest frog and largest tortoise

o See exceptional birdlife including the Seychelles paradise flycatcher and black parrot

o Find endemic plants such as the Coco-de-mer plant and the ultra scarce jellyfish tree

o Explore diverse habitats from the mist-forests of Mahé to the mangroves of Curieuse

o Enjoy a relaxed cruising life aboard S/Y Sea Star, with just nine air-conditioned en-suite cabins

Seychelles under sail: A natural history eco-safari

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

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Trip scholar

Dr Justin Gerlach (Wadham College, 1988), Affiliated Researcher, University Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge.

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STARTS: 30 OCTOBER 2017ENDS: 3 NOVEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £1,995 This spectacular private tour of Rome has been specially curated for the alumni community. Join Anthony Majanlahti, historian and author on the history of Rome and resident of the city, who will share his insights of this magnificent city. Venture far beyond the popular icons and tourist traps and away from the crowds, and enjoy captivating lectures and access to palaces and places that are not normally open to the general public.

BOOKING DETAILS Art Tours Ltd. Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 207 4499707

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Dimbar76, Everett Art

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Insightful lectures by Anthony Majanlahti, one of Rome’s foremost experts and a captivating teacher

o A private evening visit to the Vatican: a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy exclusive, private access to the Sistine Chapel

o A private visit to the Palazzo Farnese to view Carracci’s magnificent and rarely seen ceiling

o A private visit to the Villa Ludovisi to see Caravaggio’s only ceiling painting

o A private visit to the Palazzo Colonna, one of Europe’s greatest private art collections

o A trip to the Villa d’Este, one of Italy’s most beautiful gardens

Trip scholar

Anthony Majanlahti, Historian, Author, Fellow of the British School at Rome

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‘Every block of stone has a statue inside it

and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.’

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STARTS: 29 JANUARY 2017ENDS: 9 FEBRUARY 2017PER PERSON: FROM £1,403 WITH FLIGHTS

Join Cambridge astrophysicist researcher, lecturer and Public Astronomer, Dr Carolin Crawford, on Hurtigruten’s definitive 12-day winter voyage in search of the mesmerising aurora borealis along Norway’s beautiful coastline. Immerse yourself in Norwegian culture and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos under the expert guidance of a Cambridge Professor of Astronomy.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Enjoy a series of informative lectures by Dr Carolin Crawford, touching on subjects such as Exploring the Solar System, Exoplanets, the Lifecycles of Stars, Our Milky Way and other Galaxies, and Cosmology

o Explore the Science Centre, Tromsø during an exclusive tour, followed by a talk by fellow Oxford alumni Dr Terje Brundtland

o The deck of Hurtigruten’s MS Nordlys, far from artificial ambient light, is the best place to see the Northern Lights, if they appear

o Add to the adventure with a wide range of pre-bookable, optional excursions, such as husky dog sledging, visiting the UNESCO Meridian Monument, a Polar History walk, and a visit to the North Cape

STARTS: 17 JUNE 2017ENDS: 22 JUNE 2017PER PERSON: FROM £1,860 WITH TRAIN

Join Oxford medievalist Dr Cathy Oakes on a tour of some of Europe’s most delightful architectural monuments in the heartlands of the medieval Duchy of Burgundy. Today the region is famed for its fine wines, but from 1363 to 1477, the old Duchy, with the glittering court of Dijon, became the focus of one of the most important polities of the Middle Ages, leaving a rich cultural inheritance in its wake.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Gain insight into medieval building techniques at Guédelon, where master-builders are currently working to recreate a medieval castle

o Spend a day exploring Dijon, historic capital of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy

o Admire the Burgundian Romanesque style at Cluny, Autun, and Vézelay

o View Gothic art in its emergent form at the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay

o Enjoy wine tasting in the vineyards of the Mâconnais

Medieval Burgundy Sailing the stars of Norway

PHOTO CREDITS From top: JeniFoto, Clément Guérard, Guédelon PHOTO CREDITS From top: V. Belov, Peter Norman, Trym Ivar Bergsmo

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

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

Trip scholar

Dr Cathy Oakes (Lady Margaret Hall, 1974) Fellow of Kellogg College and Lecturer in History of Art, University of Oxford.

Trip scholar

Dr Carolin Crawford, Public Astronomer at the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy.

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STARTS: 22 JUNE 2017ENDS: 26 JUNE 2017PER PERSON: FROM £1,195 Join professional photographer and artist, David Tolley, and experience Budapest from a very different perspective on this exclusive photography tour. Explore areas of the city that are off the tourist trail and away from the crowds. Capitalise on professional photography advice from David and enjoy an incredible opportunity to capture unique images of one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities.

Trip scholar

David Tolley, Visiting Artist at The Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford.

BOOKING DETAILS Heritage Group Travel Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1225 466620

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o One-on-one photography advice and hands-on workshop from professional photographer, David Tolley

o Go ‘behind-the-scenes’ with a private tour of the Hungarian State Opera House

o Capture images of the Danube and Parliament buildings at dawn

o Enjoy special access to a wartime bunker at the Manfred Weiss Steel and Metal Works

o Visit the abandoned Kelenföld Power Plant and its remarkable Art Deco control room

o Enjoy breakfast at the renowned New York Café, Boscolo Hotel

Photography tour

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‘Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.’MARK TWAIN

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Fotografie, David Tolley, David Tolley

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STARTS: 16 MAY 2017ENDS: 20 MAY 2017PER PERSON: FROM £1,850

Join University of Oxford’s Nordic Art specialist, Dr Jan Cox, on a tour of Copenhagen’s seminal art collections. Enjoy exclusive private tours of some of Denmark’s world-class galleries and museums. Explore and admire the incredible design and architecture of this maritime city, where water, space, sustainability and light feature heavily, and bold urban planning coexists comfortably with historic buildings and palaces.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Enjoy a private tour of the world’s oldest collection of European prints and drawings in the company of a 19th-century Nordic Art specialist

o Admire the works of 19th-century Danish artists on a private tour of the Hirschsprung Collection

o Take a private tour of Thorvaldsens Museum, the oldest art gallery in Denmark

o Explore the Glyptotek on a private visit of Denmark’s major cultural museum

Art collections of Copenhagen

STARTS: 26 OCTOBER 2017ENDS: 28 OCTOBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £649

An exclusive opportunity to join Robert Hulse, Director of London’s Brunel Museum, to explore the life and work of Britain’s most ingenious and prolific engineers. Discover Brunel’s extraordinary legacy of creativity and ingenuity starting with his very first official project, the Thames Tunnel, where at aged 19 he worked with his father on what was initially dubbed “the Eighth Wonder of the World”.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Make a privileged descent into the underground entrance hall of the Brunel Museum, housed in the original Thames Tunnel engine house

o Attend a Gala Steam Day at Didcot Railway Centre and see Great Western locomotives in action

o Cruise along the Thames via Hungerford Bridge to the launch ramps of the Great Eastern

o Climb aboard and explore the SS Great Britain, Brunel’s revolutionary iron ship

o Stay in the Avon Gorge Hotel with unparalleled views over the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Brunel’s legacy in London and Bristol

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Gary_Newman, Colin Hutchings, Jo Ann Snover PHOTO CREDITS From top: Bucchi Francesco, Vlada Photo, Rumolay


BOOKING DETAILS Heritage Group Travel Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1225 466620

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Trip scholar

Robert Hulse, (St Catherine’s, 1972) Director of the Brunel Museum.

Trip scholar

Dr Jan D. Cox, Lecturer in Nordic Art in the Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford.

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Join medieval historian, Dr Rowena Archer, on this fabulous barge cruise through the heart of Alsace-Lorraine, where French and German culture entwine. Journey on a privately chartered barge with just 11 cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. Take in the fabulous scenery and architecture from its bright lounge or sundeck whilst enjoying local wines and wonderful French cuisine. Enjoy escorted visits with your trip scholar to many of the region’s medieval sites and walk or cycle along the towpath for a more intimate view of the stunning scenery.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Visit the quaint ‘Hansel and Gretel’-style 15th century town of Riquewihr in the Rhine Valley and enjoy local wine tasting

o Discover Colmar with its maze of medieval streets, Renaissance buildings and ‘Little Venice’

o Explore Strasbourg’s Medieval riverside district ‘Petite France’, and one of the finest cathedrals in Europe, the Cathedral of Notre Dame

o Delight in the beautiful scenery of the Zorn valley and Vosges mountains

o Wonder as the barge is lifted 45m at the incredible inclined plane of Arzwiller, an incredible feat of engineering

Medieval Alsace Lorraine:A barge cruise along the Marne-Rhine canal

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Sjoerd van der Wal, JeniFoto, Temple World


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Trip scholar

Dr Rowena Archer, Fellow and Medieval History Lecturer at Brasenose College and Lecturer at Christ Church, University of Oxford.


Explore the beautiful Dalmation coast in the company of Dr Nigel Spivey, Cambridge classicist and author, who will provide insightful lectures and discussions throughout your voyage. From aboard the yacht M/S Barbara, cruise from Dubrovnik to Split and take in the incredible architecture and artistic and cultural legacy that remains from the occupation of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Venetians.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Walk within Dubrovnik’s historic city walls and explore this beautiful city

o Visit the iconic Stradun and Gothic/Renaissance Sponza Palace

o Explore the island of Mljet, a stunning national park

o Cruise to Korcula, known to the Knidian Greeks as ‘Black Corcyra’ with its wonderfully preserved medieval city

o Discover the island of Hvar, where the churches house paintings by Tintoretto and Bellini

o Visit Trogir, with its stunning Renaissance and Baroque buildings

o Enjoy delightful Split, a city contained within the walls of a giant palace built by the Roman Emperor, Diocletian.

o Enjoy wonderful local cuisine and exclusive use of the motor sailer M/S Barbara, with just 16 ensuite cabins

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Exclusive yachting from Dubrovnik to Split

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Paul Prescott, Temple World, Paul Prescott


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Trip scholar

Dr Nigel Spivey, Senior Lecturer in Classical Art and Archaeology in the Faculty of Classics at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge.

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GREAT LIBRARIES OF PRAGUE AND BOHEMIA

STARTS: 20 APRIL 2017ENDS: 24 APRIL 2017PER PERSON: FROM £1,880 WITH FLIGHTSStep into a bibliophile’s paradise to explore some of the very finest historic libraries that the Czech Republic has to offer. Rich collections of books and artefacts are paralleled by lavish architectural environments, from magnificent country houses to former monasteries. Led by art historian Harriet Landseer and hosted by James Legg, Taylor Librarian and Head of the Bodleian Humanities Libraries, this trip will enable you to view and enjoy the fabulous literature collections of the region, as well as some of the most beautiful library spaces in central Europe.


PHOTO CREDITS: Hemis (main image) Petr Kratochvil (Book Tunnel), Bango

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Enjoy the company and academic insights of Harriet Landseer and James Legg, Taylor Librarian, Bodleian Libraries

o Enjoy a tour of Prague’s famous Strahov Monastery Library with its curator of manuscripts, who will reveal a selection of its most precious books

o Admire the richly adorned Baroque interiors of Klementium Hall

o Be treated to personal introductions to many of the libraries by their owners

o Uncover hidden treasures of the collections, including first editions by Copernicus and Galileo

Trip scholar

Harriet Landseer, Specialist in Czech and Central European country houses and Prague’s architectural history

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STARTS: 7 SEPTEMBER 2017ENDS: 21 SEPTEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,240 WITH FLIGHTS

From the Promethean legends to stories of the Golden Fleece, the Caucasus mountains are known for their turbulent histories, extraordinary cultural traditions and spectacular landscapes. For centuries the mountains have been an impenetrable barrier whose ancient tribes have survived despite the ravages of the vagabond hordes from the steppes and the mighty Eurasian empires of the Byzantines, Arabs, Turks and Russians. On this unique journey, accompanied by Dr Hubertus Jahn, learn more of the rich culture whose history is steeped in ancient customs and traditions. The journey involves a series of moderate walks (4 – 6 hours) along the southern crest of the Caucasus Georgia whose peoples have been profoundly affected by the country’s adoption of Christianity in the 4th century.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Visit Tbilisi, which in the 12th century was one of Asia’s most important political, economic and cultural centres

o Explore Colchida, a former capital and home to UNESCO sites - Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery

o Enjoy traditional polyphonic singing borne of mountainous isolation and an ancient Christian faith

o Discover the villages of Mestia and Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, with their incredible ‘tower houses’

Walks in the mountains of Georgia: Land of heaven and earth

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Gmstockstudio, Vvvita, Creative Travel Projects

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

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Trip scholar

Dr Hubertus Jahn, Lecturer in East European History and Chair of the Committee for Russian and East European History, University of Cambridge.

STARTS: 25 APRIL 2017 ENDS: 9 MAY 2017 PER PERSON: FROM £3,980 WITH FLIGHTS

Resting between the steppes of Asia and the fertile crescent of the Mediterranean, Iran is a stepping-stone between East and West, as Persia’s vast empire once stretched from India to Egypt. Discover this land of incomparable beauty with some of the finest monuments in the Islamic world and extraordinary archaeological sites. Join Professor Michael Roaf and explore its vaulted bazaars of turquoise domes and its exquisite gardens where poetry is read with the sound of water never far away.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Enjoy the beautiful garden city of Shiraz, famous for its poets and peaceful teahouses

o Explore Persepolis, the City of Persians, one of the world’s most inspiring archaeological sites

o Experience Yazd, a traditional Persian city and the last home of the Zoroastrian religion

o Stay in a traditional Iranian home which has recently been converted into a delightful hotel in the garden town of Kashan

o Discover Isfahan, the most beautiful of all Iranian cities with its soaring minarets and domes of glistening turquoise and blue

o The journey can be extended to visit the north-west and the beautiful green and lush provinces around the Caspian with visits to Tabriz and Ardebil

The mysteries of Persia: Gardens and palaces of Iran

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Matyas Rehak, Leonid Andronov, Anna Azimi

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

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Trip scholar

Professor Michael Roaf (Christ Church, 1965) was a Research Fellow at Wolfson College as well as G.A. Wainwright Fellow in Near Eastern Archaeology at University of Oxford. He is former director of the British School of Archaeology in Iraq and Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology at the University of Munich.

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STARTS: 5 JANUARY 2017ENDS: 16 JANUARY 2017PER PERSON: FROM £2,885 WITH FLIGHTS

Join professional photographer and artist, David Tolley, and experience southern India’s traditions and wildlife through a photographer’s discerning eye. Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’ for a reason, and photography opportunities here are unparalleled. Learn how to compose, expose and capture images of this incredible country, whilst being immersed in its wonderful culture and traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Develop photographic talents with hands-on advice and workshops from a professional photographer

o In Cochin, capture images of the intriguing Chinese fishing nets at work and visit the Kochi Art Bienalle and old British Parade Ground

o Photograph the rich flora and fauna of Athirapally and its magnificent waterfalls

o Capture the scenic beauty in the cooler temperatures of the hill station of Munnar with its endless expanses of tea estates, and coffee and pepper plantations

o Delight in the beauty of the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri tahr

o Spend time on a Kettuvallam (traditional rice boat) and photograph the Keralan backwaters whilst watching for glorious multi-coloured kingfishers on the water

Kerala: God’s Own Country exposed

STARTS: 20 AUGUST 2017ENDS: 7 SEPTEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,960 WITH FLIGHTS

The term Silk Road was not a single route but a vast network of roads stretching from Xi’an to the eastern Mediterranean. Linking India, Europe and the Far East, routes passed through spectacular cities and tiny hamlets, through harsh forbidding mountains, gentle steppe lands and hot deserts. Along its length, intrepid merchants traded in a huge number of precious items such as Baltic amber, beautiful silk, fine carpets and porcelain. Dr Greenbaum will show that the Silk Road was not simply a highway for the trade of precious items; it was the main East West artery for the flow of ideas. Buddhist monks from India rubbed shoulders with Persian Manichean priests, and Zoroastrians whilst Nestorian Christians sought converts among the travellers and settlers of the roads.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Explore Kyrgyzstan and Lake Issykul, the world’s second highest navigable lake

o Take in the spectacular Tien Shan mountains with its herds of Bactrian camels and Tajik camping grounds

o Visit Kashgar and its famous Sunday market

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

Crossing the ancient Silk Road China and Central Asia

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Distant Horizons, PavelSvoboda, Maxim Petrichuk PHOTO CREDITS: David Tolley (All)


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

4688 4586

Trip scholar

Dr Jamie Greenbaum, Lecturer at Renmin University in Beijing, Visiting Fellow in the School of Culture, History and Language at the Australian National University.

Trip scholar

David Tolley, Visiting Artist at The Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford.

TWELVE

STARTS: 24 OCTOBER 2017ENDS: 6 NOVEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,350

Accompanied by Dr Matthew Walton, a leading expert in Burmese studies, take a scenic river cruise to explore Burma and learn about this fascinating country. Journey up the Irrawaddy from Bagan, one of the world’s greatest, yet least visited archaeological sites, to Mandalay, whose very name evokes the romance of the Orient. Along the way be treated to specially arranged talks and gain a unique insight into the complex history, religion and politics of the region.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o In Yangon, Dr Walton has arranged exclusive talks from local journalists, artists, religious leaders and a former activist, offering unique insights into subjects that are normally taboo

o Explore thousands of temples at Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites

o Visit Yandabo and learn about the Anglo-Burmese war and this village’s pivotal role in the conflict

o Visit the richly historic former imperial capitals, Ava and Amarapura

o Enjoy a seven night cruise aboard the 18 berth Kalaw Pandaw

o Spend a night in Mandalay, famous for Kipling’s evocative poem

Burma revealed: A cruise to Mandalay on the Irrawaddy River

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Xavier Arnau, Niko Guido, Temple World


2903

Trip scholar

Dr Matthew Walton, Aung San Suu Kyi Senior Research Fellow in Modern Burmese Studies at St Anthony’s, University of Oxford.

STARTS: 1 NOVEMBER 2017ENDS: 18 NOVEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,895 WITH FLIGHTS

Literature lovers and those with an eye for adventure are invited to explore India through Rudyard Kipling’s eyes. Lecturer Sarah Shaw, a Kipling expert, will accompany the tour which journeys from the bustling metropolis of Bombay (now Mumbai) to the wild jungles of Maharashtra and then on by train to Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas. This literary journey has been designed to bring to life the places, cultures and characters of Kipling’s most famous works.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Expert lecturer Sarah Shaw, Faculty Member at Oxford University’s Oriental Institute, will deliver a series of short lectures about Kipling and his work, as well as carefully chosen poetry and short story readings

o Follow in Kipling’s footsteps to understand the cultures, characters and settings of The Jungle Book and Kim, as well as Kipling’s poetry

o Encounter Kipling’s inspiration for Shere Khan in the Bhandavgarh National Park and meet Tara, the elephant star of Mark Shand’s best-selling ‘Travels on my Elephant’ at Kipling Camp

o Ride the toy train of the Kalka-Shimla railway, with its 120 tunnels and breath-taking mountain views

Rudyard Kipling & The Jungle Book

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Encikat, Sasin Tipchai, Dchauy

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

Trip scholar

Sarah Shaw, Faculty Member at the Oriental Institute, University of Oxford.

4586

THIRTEEN

ASI

A

STARTS: 27 OCTOBER 2017ENDS: 10 NOVEMBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,890

Join Professor Peter Bellwood and journey down the Mekong River from Cambodia to Saigon. With exclusive use of Toum Tiou, a shallow-draft river cruiser, the tour begins at Siem Reap where two days are spent exploring jungle-clad Ta Prohm, as well as the vast temple complex of Angkor and the beautiful 10th century Hindu temple complex at Banteay Srei. Cruise past paddy fields, pagodas and towns on stilts and enjoy stops to discover local life. Visit Phnom Penh before crossing the border into Vietnam with its lively floating markets and sampans. The journey ends with an exploration of Saigon and its French colonial heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Enjoy illuminating evening lectures from Professor Peter Bellwood, a specialist in the archaeology and prehistory of Southeast Asia

o Discover French colonial heritage in Saigon and Vietnam war history at Cu Chi

o Explore Angkor Wat’s vast temple complex and jungle-covered Ta Prohm

o Get up close to the banks of the Mekong to discover local life

o Explore Phnom Penh, the charming ‘Pearl of Asia’ with its magnificent Royal Palace

o Cruise in style on the privately chartered Toum Tiou, with its ten comfortable ensuite cabins, through the fertile fields and floating markets of the Vietnamese delta

Magnificent Mekong: Exclusive cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Rawpixel.com, Nuno Miguel Lopes, Temple World


2903

Trip scholar

Professor Peter Bellwood, Professor of Archaeology at the Australian National University.

STARTS: 11 APRIL 2017ENDS: 25 APRIL 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,230 WITH FLIGHTS

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of travellers more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. Originally caravanserais on the Golden Trade route across Central Asia, they developed into thriving centres of commerce and culture. Under the ferocious medieval warriors Genghis Khan and then Tamerlane and their descendants, they assumed inimitable power and splendour. Accompanied by Islamic cultural historian, Dr Peter Morgan, learn more of the history and culture of these great cities which were once so remote behind barriers of deserts and mountains.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Visit the Registan in Samarkand, the ‘noblest square in the world’

o Explore the beautifully preserved ‘Devine Bukhara’ where many of its architectural styles became models for the rest of the Islamic world

o Learn more of the ancient city of Nisa, seat of the Parthian Kings at their height in the 3rd century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site

o Cross the mighty Oxus River and Karakum Desert with its splendid array of spring flowers

o The journey finishes amidst the marvellous city of Khiva, where it is still possible to experience the timelessness of a Central Asian caravan town

Along the Golden Road from Samarkand: A journey through Central Asia

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Evgeniy Agarkov, Anton_Ivanov, Dudarev Mikhail


4688

Trip scholar

Dr Peter Morgan, Lecturer in Islamic Art and Architecture at the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford.

FOURTEEN

STARTS: 11 OCTOBER 2017ENDS: 27 OCTOBER 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,560

Accompanied by one of the world’s leading Tibetologists, Dr Charles Ramble, travel on this unique journey through the three states of the Tibetan world, Amdo, Kham, and Ü-Tsang, each with its own cultural and linguistic traditions. Some sites are just opening up to foreigners and can only be reached on foot - therefore a number of moderate walks have been arranged. The journey begins in the remote alpine landscapes of Kham with its patchwork of ancient warring kingdoms around the first bend of the Yellow River. Continue into Amdo with its herds of yaks and lush expansive pastures. The journey ends in Ü-Tsang (Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigate) the cultural heartland of the Tibetan people.

Trip scholar

Professor Charles Ramble (Hertford, 1979), former Lecturer inTibetan and Himalayan Studies at University of Oxford and an Emeritus Fellow of Wolfson College.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Travel by boat up the mighty Yellow River to the famed 5th century Bing Ling grottoes

o Visit the colourful Geerdeng and Sezhi Monasteries on the banks of the Bailong River

o Explore Danba - a ‘kingdom of watchtowers’ with some of the most beautiful villages in China

o Discover the Zhecha Stone Forest, a natural phenomenon tucked away in the dramatic grasslands of Gansu Province

o Marvel at the awe inspiring Potala Palace, spectacularly located with views over the city of Lhasa


PHOTO CREDITS From top: Qian, Nicram Sabod, My Good Images (main)

4688

FIFTEEN

ASI

A

STARTS: 25 APRIL 2017ENDS: 10 MAY 2017PER PERSON: FROM £3,740 WITH FLIGHTS

Accompanied by cultural historian, Dr Jamie Greenbaum, enjoy a number of walks through the beautiful mountainous regions of Southern China, home to many of China’s 56 ethnic minority groups, who over recent generations have been marginalised into these remote lands. This unique journey involves a series of easy walks (6 hours per day) through this fascinating region whose cultures are fast disappearing under the wheels of China’s economic juggernaut. Spring is the best time to visit the region as the water-filled rice terraces resemble glistening mirrors and much of the Yunnan’s spectacular flora is in full bloom.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

o Learn more of the matriarchal clans of the sacred Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

o Visit Shaxi, a beautiful village whose architecture has been restored by the World Memorial Fund for Architecture

o Walk down the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest ravines

o Ascend into the Tibetan world of Shangri-La as rolling terraced hills give way to jagged snow-capped peaks

Tribal kingdoms of South China

PHOTO CREDITS From top: Distant Horizons, Nickolai Repnitskii, Martinho Smart


4688

Trip scholar

Dr Jamie Greenbaum, Lecturer at Renmin University in Beijing, Visiting Fellow in the School of Culture, History and Language at the Australian National University.

NOTABLE DATES

Bank Holiday 2 January

Bank Holiday (Scotland) 3 January

Burns Night (Scotland) 25 January

Chinese New Year 28 January

St. Valentine’s Day 14 February

Shrove Tuesday 28 February

Ash Wednesday 1 March

St. David (Wales) 1 March

Commonwealth Day 13 March

St. Patrick (Ireland) 17 March

Bank Holiday (N. Ireland/Eire) 17 March

Mothering Sunday 26 March

British Summertime commences 26 March

Palm Sunday 9 April

Passover (Jewish) 1st day of 11 April

Good Friday 14 April

Easter Day 16 April

Bank Holiday (Easter Monday - Excl. Scot) 17 April

H.M. The Queen’s Birthday 21 April

St. George (England) 23 April

Bank Holiday 1 May

First Day of Ramadan 27 May

Bank Holiday 29 May

Feast of Weeks (Jewish) 31 May

Whit Sunday 4 June

Bank Holiday (Eire) 5 June

Fathers’ Day 18 June

Longest day 21 June

Midsummer Day 24 June

Bank Holiday (N. Ireland) 12 July

Bank Holiday (Eire & Scotland) 7 August

Bank Holiday (Excl. Scotland) 28 August

Jewish New Year (5778) 21 September

Islamic New Year (1439) 22 September

Day of Atonement (Jewish) 30 September

Tabernacles (Jewish) 1st day of 5 October

British Summertime ends 29 October

Bank Holiday (Eire) 30 October

Hallow’een 31 October

Guy Fawkes 5 November

Remembrance Sunday 12 November

St. Andrew (Scotland) 30 November

Shortest day 21 December

Christmas Day 25 December

Boxing Day 26 December

SIXTEEN

5 – 16 January India Kerala: God’s Own Country exposed 12

29 January – 9 February Norway Sailing the stars of Norway 6

8 – 22 February Guatemala, Honduras, Belize Mysteries of the Maya 3

18 – 29 March Costa Rica Wildlife of Costa Rica 3

24 March – 1 April Seychelles Seychelles under sail 4

26 March – 5 April Peru Cruise the Peruvian Amazon 2

11 – 25 April Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Along the Golden Road from Samarkand 14

17 – 25 April Cuba Cuba: People, culture, art 2

20 – 24 April Czech Republic Great Libraries of Prague and Bohemia 10

25 April – 9 May Iran The mysteries of Persia 11

25 April – 10 May China Tribal kingdoms of South China 16

16 – 20 May Denmark Art collections of Copenhagen 8

17 – 22 June France Medieval Burgundy 6

22 – 26 June Hungary Backstage in Budapest 7

14 – 23 August USA American West: Total solar eclipse 1

20 August – 7 September China, Kyrgyzstan Crossing the ancient Silk Road 12

7 – 20 September South Africa South Africa’s Rainbow Nation 4

7 – 21 September Georgia Walks in the mountains of Georgia 11

10 – 17 September Croatia Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast 9

22 – 28 September France Medieval Alsace Lorraine cruise 9

11 – 27 October Tibet, China The hidden corners of Tibet 15

24 October – 6 November Burma Burma revealed 13

26 – 28 October UK Brunel’s legacy in London and Bristol 8

27 October – 10 November Vietnam, Cambodia Magnificent Mekong cruise 14

30 October – 3 November Italy Rome: A private view 5

1 – 18 November India Rudyard Kipling & the Jungle Book 13

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 whilst on our trips. Occasionally we use the best of them in our publications and online. Please send yours to: [email protected]

PHOTO CREDITSFront cover: Dimbar76Back cover: Bucchi FrancescoInner back cover: Smilyk Pavel

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

+44 (0)1865 [email protected]/travel

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