HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
TRAVELS
2016
2 016 WO RLD W I D E T RA V EL P R O G R A M S
CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA
June 22–July 2, 2016
CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA
TRIP OVERVIEW
June 22–July 2, 2016
EXPERIENCE THE MAGNIFICENCE OF CHINA'S PAST & PRESENT
To visit China today is to see an ancient land being transformed by dynamic growth and economic
reforms while striving to preserve its artistic and cultural treasures. On this program, you will
explore the diversity of China’s regional cultures, from the metropolitan and modern to the rural
and historic.
In the imperial capital, Beijing, explore the awe-inspiring dynastic culture of the Ming and Qing
emperors and learn why China remains the world’s oldest continuous civilization. Outside the
Forbidden City, locals practice qigong; within its vast acreage stand imperial palaces, temples, and
gardens. Reach the top of China’s Great Wall by cable car and view the wall as it winds over
surrounding hills.
In Xian, the Qin dynasty comes to life before your eyes with Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s 2,300-yearold army of terracotta warriors. Wander Xian’s Muslim quarter where you’ll connect to the
country’s Islamic past through the colorful markets and authentic cuisine.
Embark on a three-day cruise covering the best of Yangzi River, the longest river in Asia. See the
most breathtaking sights and visit local villages and the spectacular Three Gorges Dam at
Sandouping.
Finally, experience the effusive charm of Shanghai. From the ultramodern skyline of the Pudong to
the colonial history of the French Concession, the unbridled dynamism of Shanghai is invigorating.
Tap into the pulse and energy of the city shaping China’s future.
All along the way, your Harvard study leader and your resourceful local guides will provide
insightful commentary that gives context to the China you will see.
TO BOOK A TRIP, CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
SCHEDULE BY DAY
JUNE 22–23, WEDNESDAY–THURSDAY
U.S. / BEIJING
Depart the U.S. on flights to Beijing,
arriving in China the next day.
Transfer to your hotel, located in the
heart of Beijing. (MEALS ALOFT)
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Wangfujing
JUNE 24, FRIDAY
BEIJING
This morning enter the gate of the
Forbidden City, the abiding symbol
of imperial China. Marvel at its
expansive architecture, magnificent
imperial gardens, and many
museums of Chinese antiquities
and treasures. Enjoy lunch at a local
family’s home. Then explore the
picturesque area, where wellpreserved courtyard homes and
narrow hutong alleys border treelined lakes. Tour the district by
pedicab for a closer and more
engaging experience of traditional
Chinese life. This evening, savor the
imperial city’s most famous
delicacy, Peking duck, at the
beautiful Duck de Chine Restaurant.
(B,L,D)
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Wangfujing
JUNE 25, SATURDAY
BEIJING
In the morning, drive to the Great
Wall of China at Mutianyu, a rugged
section of the Wall that offers less
crowded access and a more striking
perspective as the wall climbs and
winds over the surrounding hills.
Here the Great Wall presents a
visual experience that consistently
exceeds visitors’ expectations. Take
the chairlift to the summit. Lunch is
at Xiaolongpu Restaurant near the
base of the wall. The restaurant is
famous for farmers’ fresh produce
and unique local cuisine. Return to
Beijing and tour the Temple of
Heaven, one of the finest creations
of the Ming dynasty. The stunning
architecture realizes the great
Chinese desire to incarnate heaven
in material form, and represents the
most advanced principles of
mechanics and geometry of the
time. Tonight is free, and dinner is
on your own. (B,L)
JUNE 27, MONDAY
XIAN/CHONGQING
Fly to Chongqing. After lunch, visit
the pandas at Chongqing Zoo.
Placed amid rolling hills and
beautiful natural scenery, the zoo
houses more than 2,000 animals of
over 200 different species. The
Panda House covers five acres with
a large open den for pandas to roam
around. Other rare animals, such as
golden monkeys and South China
tigers, find their homes here.
Following dinner, board the Yangzi
cruise ship. (B,L,D)
Aboard Victoria Jenna
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Wangfujing
JUNE 28–29, TUESDAY–WEDNESDAY
JUNE 26, SUNDAY
The main focus of the cruise is the
extraordinary Three Gorges— the
deep valleys and towering
mountains carved by the Yangzi
River. Each day enjoy special
excursions on shore, including visits
to the Lesser Gorge Daninghe and a
relocation village. Tour the immense
Three Gorges Dam construction site
at Sandouping and sail through the
new ship locks. (B,L,D - both days)
BEIJING/XIAN
This morning, fly to the ancient
Tang dynasty capital of Xian. Upon
arrival, tour the tomb of China’s
first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, home
to the extraordinary 2,300-year-old
terracotta warriors. The warriors
still stand on the original site of the
emperor’s burial complex, where
peasants discovered them in 1974.
Before dinner explore the lively
Muslim Quarter, and get a sense of
the Islamic past that traces its
heritage to the flourishing Silk Road
culture of the Tang dynasty. The day
concludes with a banquet at
Defachang Restaurant, where you’ll
feast on 20 kinds of Chinese
dumplings. (B,D)
Overnight: Wyndham Grand Xian
YANGZI RIVER CRUISE
Aboard Victoria Jenna
JUNE 30, THURSDAY
YICHANG/SHANGHAI
Disembark the ship in Yichang. After
lunch, tour the Yichang Museum,
which houses local artifacts and
relics. In the evening, fly to
Shanghai and transfer to your hotel.
A light dinner is served during the
TO BOOK A TRIP, CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
flight. (B,L,D)
PRICING: MAIN TOUR
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel
Shanghai New World
Not including international airfare
Per person, double occupancy:
$5,995
Single supplement:
$1,495
JULY 1, FRIDAY
SHANGHAI
In the morning, tour Yuyuan
Gardens, an elegant classical
Chinese garden. Enjoy the Chinese
love of porous rockeries and zigzag
bridges. Then immerse yourself in
the wonderful collections of the
Shanghai Museum, including its
world-class displays of Chinese
bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and
calligraphy. Lunch is at the popular
Ding Tai Feng Restaurant featuring
Shanghai dim sum. In the afternoon,
tour the Pudong economic district
and ride the elevator to the top of
the highest building in Asia, the
World Financial Tower, for a bird’seye view of the old and new
Shanghai by the Huangpu River. The
rest of the day is free for personal
exploration. This evening, enjoy a
farewell dinner at the Xi Family
Garden Restaurant where Shanghai
cuisine is the specialty. (B,L,D)
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel
Shanghai New World
JULY 2, SATURDAY
SHANGHAI / U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the
Shanghai airport for flights home.
Arrive in the U.S. the same day. (B,
MEALS ALOFT)
HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel with a Harvard study leader who will provide a rich
educational program in China.
• Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a rugged section in the
countryside offering a stunning visual experience.
• Come face-to-face with the extraordinary army of 2,300year-old terracotta warriors that still stand guard over the
tomb of China's first emperor.
• Visit the enigmatic giant pandas at the Chongqing Zoo.
• Cruise the Yangzi River through the spectacular Three Gorges.
• Stroll through Shanghai’s historic bund and soak in the
splendor of the colonial art deco architecture.
• Marvel at the world-class displays of Chinese bronze, jade,
pottery, ceramics, painting, and calligraphy at the Shanghai
Museum.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The schedule involves moderate to light physical activity. Travel in China
requires good physical condition and health. Travelers should be able to
walk up to two miles throughout the day, sometimes uphill, over uneven
terrain, and on stairs without railings. Special needs must be arranged for
in advance and may result in additional costs. Some aspects of this tour
may not be appropriate for travelers with certain health concerns or
disabilities. China lacks facilities that are accessible to people with
disabilities.
Cover photo courtesy of Lawrence Marcus.
GENERAL INFORMATION
TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: Double occupancy accommodations in
centrally located, first-class hotels; all meals listed in the itinerary at
fine Chinese restaurants specializing in regional cuisines or in private
homes; local beer and wine at lunches and dinners; all sightseeing,
entertainment, and cultural activities listed in the itinerary; all air and
ground transportation within China; Chinese airport taxes; Englishspeaking Chinese national and local tour guides; Harvard Study Leader;
$200,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance; gratuities to
national guides, local guides, and drivers; preparatory materials.
TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: Domestic U.S. and international airfare;
Airport transfers and porterage; gratuities on extension tours; visa
processing; meals not listed in the itinerary; excess baggage charges;
travel insurance; liquor and other items of a personal nature.
RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space
on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either
call us at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806 or fill out and mail or fax the
registration form found in this brochure. Reservations are
acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has
been reached. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure, and
must be paid by check. Payment terms will be sent to you with your
reservation confirmation from our partner tour operator.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be made in
writing to the Harvard Alumni Association. Cancellation penalties based
on the date of receipt of written notice are as follows: 91 or more days
prior to departure, a cancellation fee of $500 per person is retained;
90–46 days prior to departure, $1,500 per person; 45–31 days prior to
departure, $2,500 per person; 30–0 days prior to departure, no refund
is made.
INTERNATIONAL AIR ARRANGEMENTS: Roundtrip international
airfare is available through AirTreks. For pricing, please contact AirTreks
directly at 415-977-7136 or at [email protected]. Air
cancellations and penalities are based on each carrier and ticket. Be
sure to review these policies before purchasing tickets via AirTreks.
CHANGES IN ITINERARY AND COSTS: The itinerary is subject to
change at the discretion of HAA Travels and the tour operator.
Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the
individual. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfare
and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing
and are subject to change. Although the tour operator will do everything
possible to maintain the published trip price, it may be necessary to
institute a surcharge.
INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation
insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by HAA Travels
upon confirmation.
RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations
of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of
responsibility is available at alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/classicalhighlights-of-china. If you are not able to access the Internet, please call
HAA Travels at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.
DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy of information presented in this publication. Neither HAA
Travels nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages
resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information
contained in this brochure is subject to change.
QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at 800-422-1636 or 617-4960806, email: [email protected].
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TOURS
PRE-TOUR: CHENGDE IMPERIAL RESORT JUNE 19–23
Activity Level: Moderate
Arrive in China a few days early and experience the grandeur of one of China’s greatest
cultural landmarks, the Qing dynasty Summer Palace at Chengde. The garden complex includes imperial halls, southern-style lake gardens, Mongolian yurts, and a wooded hillside
with numerous pavilions.
Price: $1,390 per person, double occupancy, $395 for single supplement
POST-TOUR: GUILIN & LONGSHENG RICE TERRACES JULY 2 – 6
Activity Level: Active
Explore the sublime scenery of Guilin, Longsheng, and the famous Li River. Known for rice
terraces cut into precipitous hills since the Yuan dynasty, Longsheng’s beauty is awe-inspiring. Take in the spectacular karst limestone formations of Guilin, vertical mountains
thrust up from the seabed some 300 million years ago.
Price: $2,550 per person, double occupancy; $895 for single supplement
POST-TOUR: THE MAGNIFICENT HUANG MOUNTAINS JULY 2 – 6
Activity Level: Active
This extension focuses on Anhui Province and its idyllic landscape of rice paddies, Ming
and Qing dynasty villages, and old town centers. Discover traditional Anhui life, regional architecture and museums, and the crown jewels of the region, the Huang Mountains.
Price: $2,100 per person, double occupancy; $795 for single supplement
POST-TOUR: DELIGHT OF HONG KONG HARBOR JULY 2 – 4
Activity Level: Light
Combine captivating sightseeing with ample free time for personal exploration to create
the perfect finish to your China tour. With a magical skyline as backdrop, there is no end to
the fascination of this self-styled world city.
Price: $1,790 per person, double occupancy; $595 for single supplement
EXTENSIONS ON THIS PROGRAM ARE GUARANTEED TO OPERATE WITH TWO TRAVELERS.
TO BOOK A TRIP, CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
2016 HAA TRIPS
LAND & RAIL:
BEST OF PATAGONIA
(BUENOS AIRES,
SANTIAGO, CALAFATE
AND TORRES
NATIONAL PARK)
NOV 6–19, 2015
JEFFREY QUILTER
NEW ZEALAND FOR
STUDENTS & ALUMNI
JAN 8–17, 2016
BOTSWANA &
ZIMBABWE SAFARI
JAN 10–22, 2016
CLASSICAL
HIGHLIGHTS OF
CHINA
JUNE 22–JULY 2, 2016
FRANK LLOYD
WRIGHT'S AMERICA
JUN 24–30, 2016
TANZANIA:
EXPLORING THE
CRADLE OF
HUMANKIND
JUL 16–30, 2016
SAN MIGUEL DE
ALLENDE &
COLONIAL MEXICO
FEB 10–15, 2016
SANTA FE: ART &
LANDSCAPE IN THE
CITY OF
ENCHANTMENT
JUL 27–31, 2016
JOHN STEWART
GATEWAY TO
ICELAND
FEB 12–15, 2016
STEPHEN MITCHELL
INSIDER’S CHINA:
ANCIENT VILLAGES
TO DYNAMIC BOOM
OCT 22–NOV 4, 2016
AUTHENTIC HAWAII
MAR 1–6, 2016
CRUISES:
KENYA & TANZANIA:
PRIDE OF EAST
AFRICA
MAR 2–18, 2016
TREASURES OF
JORDAN
MAR 9–19, 2016
CARLOS DIAZ ROSILLO
MUST-SEE
GUATEMALA
MAR 10–17, 2016
CUBA IN-DEPTH
APR 1–11, 2016
EXPLORING HAVANA,
CUBA
APR 4–9, 2016
EXPERIENCE THE
MASTERS
APR 9–12, 2016
BERLIN: PAST &
PRESENT
APR 22–May 2, 2016
VILLAGE LIFE IN
DORDOGNE
MAY 12–20, 2016
MOROCCAN
DISCOVERY
MAY 13–26, 2016
SUE WEAVER SCHOPF
INSIDE THE RUSSIAN
SPACE PROGRAM
MAY 24–JUN 1, 2016
CATHY LEWIS
THE DESERT
KINGDOMS OF PERU
MAY 25–JUN 5, 2016
JEFFREY QUILTER
HIMALAYAN
KINGDOMS: TIBET,
NEPAL & BHUTAN
MAY 29–JUN 12, 2016
MARK VAN BAALEN
MONGOLIA: LAND OF
THE BLUE SKY
MAY 29–JUN 10, 2016
ANDREW BERRY
MOAB, UTAH
JUN 13–17, 2016
CRUISING
PATAGONIA'S
CHILEAN FJORDS
ON VIA AUSTRALIS
OCT 20–NOV 2, 2015
MARK VAN BAALEN
SPAIN'S
MEDITERRANEAN
COAST: BARCELONA
TO MALAGA
ON SEA CLOUD
OCT 28–NOV 4, 2015
INDIA, SRI LANKA &
THE MALDIVES
ON ISLAND SKY
NOV 27–DEC 14, 2015
R EG ISTRATION FORM
JEWELS OF THE
WESTERN
MEDITTERANEAN:
ROME TO MALAGA
ON SEA CLOUD II
MAY 11–20, 2016
JAMES SIMPSON
To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your
deposit of $1,000 per person. Please note that for some programs an
additional deposit may be requested after you book.
SPAIN & PORTUGAL
ON SEA CLOUD
MAY 17–29, 2016
MICHAEL MCELROY
Please return this form by mail to:
IN THE WAKE OF THE
VIKINGS
ON LE BORÉAL
JUN 8–16, 2016
Or by fax: 617-496-4011
ADRIATIC SEA
VOYAGE
ON ISLAND SKY
JUN 10–18, 2016
MICHAEL MCCORMICK
HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association
124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806

I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST.
PROGRAM NAME
START DATE
FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT
DATE OF BIRTH
RIVERS & LAKES:
INDIA'S GANGES
RIVER
ON BENGAL GANGA
DEC 30–JAN 15, 2016
DIANA ECK
EMAIL ADDRESS
EGYPT & JORDAN
JAN 13–27, 2016
CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE
AMAZON RIVER
ADVENTURE
ON ZAFIRO
FEB 19–28, 2016
HOME TELEPHONE
WORK TELEPHONE
SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT
DATE OF BIRTH
PRIDE OF SOUTH
AFRICA, NAMIBIA,
BOTSWANA, &
ZIMBABWE
ON ZAMBEZI QUEEN
MAR 3–17, 2016
PETER DEL TREDICI
STREET ADDRESS
EMAIL ADDRESS
STREET ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE
PASSAGE THROUGH
THE PANAMA CANAL
& COSTA RICA
ON TERE MOANA
JAN 1–9, 2016
BRIAN D. FARRELL
EXPEDITION TO
ANTARCTICA
ON LE BOREAL
JAN 26–FEB 8, 2016
DAVID AGUILAR
CRUISING TAHITI &
FRENCH POLYNESIA
ON PAUL GAUGUIN
FEB 4–14, 2016
ROBERT DARNTON
ELBE RIVER CRUISE:
PRAGUE TO BERLIN
ON SWISS RUBY
APR 26–MAY 6, 2016
ROBERT KIELY
DUTCH AND FLEMISH
LANDSCAPES
ON AMAPRIMA
APR 10–18, 2016
THOMAS FORREST
KELLY
WORK TELEPHONE
METHOD OF DEPOSIT
WATERWAYS OF
FRANCE ON THE
AMADEUS FLEET
MAY 29–JUN 9, 2016
SUSAN SULEIMAN
VIENNA TO
BUCHAREST
ON ROYAL CROWN
JUN 3–13, 2016
MICHAEL SHINAGEL
FAMILY ADVENTURES:
JOURNEY THROUGH
THE PHILIPPINES
ON CALEDONIAN SKY
MAR 12–28, 2016
HOME TELEPHONE
TANZANIA FAMILY
SAFARI
DEC 26, 2015–JAN 6,
2016
JAMES ENGELL
FAMILY GALAPAGOS
ON SANTA CRUZ II
JUL 19-26, 2016
WARREN ZAPOL
 CHECK (please enclose check)
 MASTERCARD
 VISA
CARD NUMBER
EXPIRATION DATE
3-DIGIT SECURITY CODE
NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD
 I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR
THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY
CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
SIGNATURE
SIGNATURE
ACCOMMODATIONS
JAPAN BY SEA
ON CALEDONIAN SKY
APR 20–MAY 3, 2016
HARVEY COX & NINA
TUMARKIN
RIVIERAS AND
ISLANDS OF FRANCE,
ITALY, AND SPAIN
ON TERE MOANA
MAY 6–14, 2016
LEO DAMROSCH &
JOYCE VAN DYKE
CAMBODIA SPRING
BREAK FOR
STUDENTS & ALUMNI
MAR 12-20, 2016
GREECE SPRING
BREAK FOR
STUDENTS & ALUMNI
MAR 12-20, 2016
ROME & TUSCANY: A
FAMILY ADVENTURE
AUG 8-16, 2016
CATEGORY PREFERENCE
 DOUBLE ROOM
 SINGLE ROOM
 SHARE A ROOM WITH:
ROOMMATE
EXTENSIONS
 PRE–CHENGDE
 POST–GUILIN
 POST–HUANG MTS
 POST–HONG KONG
W hy t ravel with HAA?
HARVARD STUDY LEADER
• Expert Harvard faculty and study leaders
As this brochure goes to print, we have not yet
confirmed the faculty study leader for this
program. We intend, however, that you will be
joined by a Harvard lecturer who will enhance
• Over 80 destinations on all 7 continents
• Choice of land & rail, cruises, rivers & lakes, and
family adventures
your travel experience. You will discover that
our lecturers are not only first-rate scholars
• Travel with fellow Harvard alumni
and teachers but also friendly traveling
companions, eager to share their insights
through conversation as well as in scheduled
• Local culture, history, and cuisine at each
destination
presentations.
• Relationships that last beyond your itinerary
BOOK YOUR NEXT JOURNEY WITH THE HAA TODAY!
Call 800-422-1636 or visit us at
alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel.
Yangzi River
Terracotta Warriors, Xian
TO BOOK A TRIP, CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel.
Call 800-422-1636 or visit us at
BOOK YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
WITH THE HAA TODAY!
HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
124 MOUNT AUBURN STREET, 6TH FLOOR
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