Travel

The World Affairs Council of Northern California is a proud sponsor of the World Affairs Councils of America travel programs organized by the Philadelphia Council which offers a selection of exceptional travel opportunities that combine great locations and expert guides.  Travel to unique locations with the political and local experts as your guides.

2010 Featured Programs:

Jordan, The West Bank And Israel: Building Bridges

November 4 - 15, 2010

This special journey will allow members to meet and participate in a cultural bridge-building opportunity that few travelers experience. Our deluxe tour begins in the Kingdom of Jordan, a progressive, westernized country which also boasts the extraordinary archaeological site of Petra, the Rose-Red City. From Jordan, the tour continues to the West Bank, where our Palestinian hosts will share the historical sites of this region. Then travel through areas of Israel, experiencing both ancient sites and this small country's dynamism. Throughout the tour we will meet people from all walks of life, including private individuals, organizations and public officials. The tour is accompanied by Jerry Sorkin, who has worked for decades to promote peace in the Middle East, assuring us an inside look at this region. From $4,950 plus airfare. 

For more information and other travel program opportunities, visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia's travel page.  

Inside syria and lebanon

November 4 - 18, 2010

Lying at the crossroads between the Orient and the Occident, this deluxe trip to Syria and Lebanon offers a rare chance to explore two countries full of splendid historical sites representing a vast range of civilizations. We discover bustling, ancient bazaars, exquisite art and architecture and a magnificent landscape of deserts and ancient ruins. At the same time, a series of briefings and meetings have been arranged with carefully selected people and organizations to allow the opportunity to understand how these countries are planning for their future and their roles in today's political map of our world. Meetings include embassy visits, NGO, university briefings and visits with entrepreneurs and activists. $6,200 plus airfare.

For more information and other travel program opportunities, visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia's travel page.  

Ancient Cities of North Africa and Andalusia with Bill Moyers

November 20 - December 1, 2010

Cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II in the company of award-winning journalist Bill Moyers. In the Dark Ages, a glorious civilization sprang up in the province of Andalusia in Southern Spain. Conventionally referred to as "Moorish," it was in fact a hybrid of powerful cultural forces: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a sophisticated society. We explore Rabat, Morocco's capital, and Marrakech, visiting the medina and its Jewish Quarter. In Algeria, we'll visit the magnificent 11th century Great Mosque in the lovely city of Tlemcen. In Spain, travel to the splendid al-Andalus cities of Granada, home to the incomparable Alhambra; Ronda, dramatically built on a ridge; and Seville, site of the Alcazar. Journey is round trip from Casablanca.

For more information and other travel program opportunities, visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia's travel page.  

Myanmar and Laos with Dr. Donald Stadtner

February 3 - 16, 2011

Travel with us to a fascinating and controversial country. Begin in Yangon with a lecture by Ms. Ma Thanegi, a prominent author on Burmese cultural matters. Then wonder at the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important cultural landmark for the Burmese people and perhaps the most beautiful Buddhist shrine in the world. Experience the magnificent but decaying colonial architecture of Yangon, home to the greatest number of surviving colonial structures in Southeast Asia. Then fly to Mandalay and explore the Shwe Nandaw Kyuang, a gorgeous monastery said to contain bones from Buddha. From there, travel to scenic Pagan to meet with locals about their lives and visit a school. In Laos, visit Vientiane's stunning landmarks and feast on local cuisine. Our trip concludes in Luang Prabang, where we have arranged a meeting at the House of Puang Champa, a private organization founded by Prince Nithankhong Somsanith, a world-renowned patron of the Lao Arts. Leader, Dr. Donald Stadtner, is an expert on Asian culture and art, and has personal contacts who will provide insights on the political situation. $5,950 plus airfare.

Namibia and South Africa with Paul Volcker

February 14 - 28, 2011

Join us for a voyage around the horn of Africa aboard the deluxe 114-guest Corinthian II. Begin your journey in Mozambique's beautiful capital, Maputo. Then travel by sea to Richards Bay and experience South Africa's oldest national park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, home to the critically endangered Black Rhino. Then sail on to Port Elizabeth and view the Kariga game reserve and the Elephant National Park, which has the last surviving Cape Elephants. Then wonder at the rugged beauty of the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve or alternately explore the Oudsthoorn area or the Cango Caves. Return to civilization with a two day stop in stunning Cape Town. Explore South Africa's celebrated wine lands, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and the majestic Table Mountain. After sailing on to Namibia, we will visit Lüderitz, a former German colony filled with unmistakable Art Noveau architecture. Finally, we will enter the Namib Desert National Park home to over 150,000 birds and one of Africa's famed desert landscapes. Lectures include Paul A. Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and experts of Africa David Welsh and Lyn Mair. Throughout the trip there will also be an option to play at some of Southern Africa's world renowned golf courses. $9,995 plus airfare. An optional post-program trip to Victoria Falls is also available.

For more information and other travel program opportunities, visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia's travel page.