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Stepping Stones of Western Europe Bordeaux Bordeaux Brittany Brittany London London D-Day Beaches D-Day Beaches of of Normandy Normandy Guernsey Island Guernsey Island Exclusively Chartered Small Ship Five-Star M.S. L’AUSTRAL M.S. L’AUSTRAL April 23 to May 1, 2016 April 23 to May 1, 2016 Guest Speaker Guest Speaker DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER II DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER II accompanies you to the Normandy Beaches accompanies you to the Normandy Beaches Educational Excursions for Alumnae/i, Family and Friends Vassar Host: Molly Shanley, the Margaret Stiles Halleck Professor of Political Science emerita

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Page 1: ooff Stepping Stones of Western Europe - Vassar College€¦ · Stepping Stones of Western Europe BBordeauxordeaux BBrittanyrittany LLondonondon DD-Day Beaches -Day Beaches ooff NormandyNormandy

Stepping Stones of

Western Europe

BordeauxBordeaux ◆ BrittanyBrittany ◆ LondonLondonD-Day Beaches D-Day Beaches ofof Normandy Normandy ◆ Guernsey IslandGuernsey Island

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Exclusively Chartered Small ShipFive-Star M.S. L’AUSTRALM.S. L’AUSTRAL

April 23 to May 1, 2016April 23 to May 1, 2016

Guest SpeakerGuest Speaker

DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER IIDWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER IIaccompanies you to the Normandy Beachesaccompanies you to the Normandy Beaches

Educational Excursions for Alumnae/i, Family and Friends

Vassar Host: Molly Shanley,the Margaret Stiles Halleck Professor of Political Science emerita

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Dear Vassar Travelers, I am delighted that Vassar has asked me to accompany an alumnae/i trip to France and England aboard the Five-Star small ship M.S. L’AUSTRAL. Each port on this wonderful itinerary reminds us of the shifting relationships between England and France that have contributed to shaping today’s Europe. We begin in Bordeaux, then visit both British and French islands and the coast of Normandy, and sail up the River Thames to dock beneath London’s Tower Bridge. This itinerary invites us to think about the infl uences of trade, culture, military positioning and territorial rivalry in the relations between these two countries separated by the English Channel. Our journey together starts in Bordeaux, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII of France (she later married Henry II of England and Bordeaux then came under English control). We call at Belle-Ile-en-Mer, with its 17th-century citadel built to defend French borders under Louis XIV. Held by British troops during the Seven Years War (1756-63), in more peaceful days its natural beauty inspired paintings by Claude Monet. We visit Guernsey Island, part of Great Britain but strong in French culture (including the Norman language). Docking next at St. Malo, we visit the stunningly beautiful abbey and fortress of Mont Saint-Michel, fortifi ed in the twelfth century by Henry II as part of his French possessions and extended in gothic splendor in the thirteenth century. We proceed to the beaches of Normandy, where our guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II, will accompany us. David Eisenhower, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will illuminate many aspects of the historic D-Day landings. After we tour the beaches, we visit the cemeteries that honor the memory of the fallen, and the D-Day Museum or the Bayeux Tapestry. Our Vassar program includes two lecture-discussion sessions about participation of women in the US military during World War II and the impact of the war on women’s economic and civic status. From St. Malo, we cross the Channel and sail up the Thames, passing the Thames Flood Control Barrier and Greenwich, docking at Tower Bridge. My husband, Vassar astronomy professor Fred Chromey, joins us on this trip. If there are clear skies, he will lead a stargazing session. He’ll also share his knowledge of the moon and tides to explain the high waters that periodically surrounded Mont Saint-Michel and were part of its defenses; the role of tides in determining the date for the D-Day invasion; and the tidal surges that led to construction of the massive rotating gates of the River Thames Flood Barrier. I am so looking forward to this stimulating week together and encourage you to make your plans early and reserve now while space and Early Booking Savings are available for this unique excursion. Sincerely,

Molly Shanley

Molly Shanley is the Margaret Stiles Halleck Professor of Political Science emerita at Vassar College. She has taught courses and published extensively in political theory, women’s history, and aspects of family law (she currently writes about family formation, bioethics and reproductive technologies). Her expertise on women and gender will inform and enliven our consideration of women’s experiences

in and contributions to World War II. Molly loves teaching and served as Director of Vassar’s Learning and Teaching Center. She teaches a course on social issues at Taconic Correctional Facility, a medium-security women’s prison in Bedford Hills, enrolling equal numbers of students from Vassar and Taconic CF. She received her B.A. from Wellesley College and her M.A.and Ph.D. from Harvard. Molly delights in singing in Cappella Festiva, a community chorus, and enjoys backpacking.

Sincerely,

Molly Shanley

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The Reigning Emblem of

Western EuropeU.S.Saturday, April 23Depart the U.S.

Bordeaux, FranceSunday, April 24Arrive in Bordeaux, voted the top European Best Destination 2015, and embark the Five-Star M.S. L’AUSTRAL.

BordeauxMonday, April 25Port de la Lune, built on a bend of the Garonne River shaped like a crescent moon,is the lovely port city and UNESCO World Heritage site of Bordeaux, a veritable delight of enlightenment-age architecture and one of the oldest trading ports in France. Known the world over for its extraordinary wines, Bordeaux’s wine trade began during Roman times and expanded rapidly after the discovery of the New World. The resulting vast accumulation of wealth built the magnifi cent city that stands today. See the 18th-century Place de la Bourse and the beautiful 14th-century Porte Cailhau, the original gate to the city. See the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Andre, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII, King of France, then see the charming 18th-century riverfront where the wine trade began. Join the Captain on board the ship for the Welcome Reception this evening.

Photo this page: Charming harbors dot the rocky coastlines and quaint seaside hamlets of France’s Belle-Île-en-Mer.

Cover Photo: Begun in the 11th-century, the magnificent Gothic-style Benedictine monastery Mont-St-Michel is located on a bay with Europe’s highest tidal variations.

Cruise up the River Thames to London’s iconic Tower Bridge.

The fl eur-de-lis, a stylized emblem of a lily fl ower said to signify perfection, light and life, has been recognized as a symbol of the French monarchy as far back as 1060. Its appearance in England began with the beguiling story of Eleanor of Aquitaine—one of the most powerful women in the history of Western Europe—who served almost consecutively as Queen of France then Queen of England for 50 years, married fi rst to King Louis VII of France then to King Henry II of England. With her second marriage in 1154, the city of Bordeaux came under English rule, remaining a fl ourishing English port, rich from the wine trade, for 300 years. Many years later, the distant grandson of Queen Eleanor, King Edward III of England and rightful heir to the French throne, adopted the fl eur-de-lis onto the English coat of arms when he declared himself King of France in 1340. Today, traces of this interlaced history are found throughout the captivating ports we will visit. The fl eur-de-lis appears on Bordeaux’s coat of arms, and the city motto “Seule la fl eur-de-lys régne sur la lune, les vagues, le château et le lion” (the fl eur-de-lis alone rules over the moon, the waves, the castle and the lion) suggests the power shift between France and England for hundreds of years. Found on the fl ags both of St. Malo and Belle-Île-en-Mer, and crowning the British monarchy’s gilded gates surrounding Buckingham Palace in London, the fl eur-de-lis remains an eternal symbol of royalty associated with Western Europe that is recognized the world over.

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Atlantic OceanAtlantic Ocean

Belle-Île-en-MerTuesday, April 26This afternoon, anchor at Belle-Île-en-Mer, France’s “Beautiful Island in the Sea,” off the coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biscay. Much of the island’s current population is descended from repatriated Acadian colonists who returned to France from Nova Scotia in the mid-18th century. See the charming island community of Le Palais and visit the 18th-century Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the preeminent military architect, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. Admire the unique beauty of the island’s stunning Côte Sauvage, which has inspired artists from the time of Romans and medieval monks to French Impressionist painter Claude Monet and author Alexandre Dumas in his adventures of The Three Musketeers.

Guernsey, Channel Islands, Great BritainWednesday, April 27A British outpost located off the coast of France, Guernsey is a fascinating mosaic of fi shing villages, greenhouses and fi elds dotted with its well-known chestnut-brown-and-white dairy cows. The island’s unique culture is a delightful amalgam of English tradition and French lifestyle. Its capital, St. Peter Port, is an old Regency town distinguished by granite buildings and wrought-iron garden railings.

French writer Victor Hugo lived here from 1855 until 1870 while he penned his epic novel, Les Misérables. See the remnants of Germany’s 1940 to 1945 occupation of the Channel Islands, a launching point for invading Great Britain during World War II. Visit a historical vestige of the German Occupation and see Fort Hommet, the permanent fortifi cations constructed to keep a German foothold on Europe, during a scenic drive along the spectacular coastal road. This evening, enjoy an exclusive onboard lecture by special guest lecturer and historian Dwight David Eisenhower II.

St. Malo, France,for Mont-St-MichelThursday, April 28The UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-St-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of France—its spectacular, soaring spires rise majestically from a tidal plain seemingly suspended above the sea. A pilgrimage site since the early eighth century, this fortifi ed village began as a humble oratory and grew into an infl uential Benedictine monastery between the 12th and 13th centuries, becoming a renowned medieval center of learning. Experience the extraordinary beauty of its cloisters, refectory, stained-glass windows and

The dramatic White Cliffs of Dover, formed more than 136 millioto a composition of mostly soft, white chalk that has erod

The Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) fountain refl ects the grandeur of Bordeaux’s Place de la Bourse.

The seaside town of Arromanches overlooks Gold Beathe D-Day beaches and its associated artifi cial harbor

GREAT BRITAINGREAT BRITAIN

FRANCEFRANCE

White Cliffsof DoverLONDONLONDON

GUERNSEYGUERNSEY

ST. MALOST. MALO

BORDEAUXBORDEAUX

ST-ÉST-ÉMILIONMILION

CAENCAEN

BELLE-ÎLE-EN-MERBELLE-ÎLE-EN-MER

Mont-St-Michel

Cruise ItineraryAir Routing

Land Route

UNESCOWorld Heritage Site

NormandyBeaches

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the Abbaye du Mont-St-Michel, a three story Gothic masterpiece known as La Merveille (The Miracle) since the 12th century.

Caen for Normandy BeachesFriday, April 29Dock in Caen and travel through the bucolic countryside to the historic Normandy Beaches. In the company of Dwight David Eisenhower II, walk where Allied forces landed over 70 years ago under the direction of his world-renowned grandfather, Supreme Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 6, 1944. Contemplate the solemn commemorative crosses and Stars of David in the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. And, envision the brave American rangers who scaled the 100-foot sheer cliffs to capture German gun emplacements at Pointe du Hoc. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the Atlantic and continue to Arromanches to see the remnants of Mulberry Harbor, constructed by the British to support Allied landings on the beaches. Here, view exhibits chronicling the campaign at the D-Day Museum overlooking Gold Beach; alternatively, you may choose to see the famous 230-foot-long Bayeux Tapestry, a stunning visual chronicle of the Norman conquest of 1066.

Cruising the English Channel/White Cliffs of Dover/The River Thames/London, Great BritainSaturday, April 30Be on deck this morning as the ship cruises past the famous, spectacular White Cliffs of Dover, just 21 miles north of the shores of France. These limestone bluffs served as vital strategic defense sites for Allied Forces during both World Wars. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime cruise up the River Thames into the heart of London, a memorable passage possible only by small ship. Enjoy a cup of afternoon tea while passing the Thames Barrier; historic maritime Greenwich, where the Cutty Sark ship is moored and the prime meridian lies; and the soaring skyline of Canary Wharf. Culminate your voyage in a dramatic approach to the iconic Tower Bridge. Dock overnight on the River Thames across from the Tower of London andalongside the historic naval vessel H.M.S. Belfast. Attend the Captain’sFarewell Reception this evening.

London/U.S.Sunday, May 1Following breakfast this morning, disembark and continue on the London Post-Cruise Option or transfer to the airport for your fl ight home.

London’s Royal HistoryPost-Cruise Option ◆ May 1 to 3

Experience stately London, where living history makes each successive visit more enjoyable than the last. Visit the Tower of London and see the magnifi cent Westminster Abbey, both UNESCO World Heritage sites; then stroll through legendary

Hyde Park and see Buckingham Palace, where history, tradition and modernity meet. Accommodations for two nights are in the elegant INTERCONTINENTAL PARK LANE HOTEL, just steps from Hyde Park.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Options are available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confi rmation.

on years ago, owe their brightness ded naturally since the Ice Age.

Since the early 1200s, the formidable Castle Cornet has stood guard over the town and harbor of St. Peter Port on the island of Guernsey.

ach and Mulberry “B,” military code names for one of that was used to land troops and equipment.

London Coat of Arms

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Small Ship, State-of-the-Art DesignThe highly acclaimed, exclusively chartered M.S. L’AUSTRAL, launched in 2011, represents the newest generation of Five-Star small ships, featuring only 110 Suites and Staterooms and distinctive French sophistication.

Spacious 100% Ocean-View Suites and Staterooms, 95% with Private BalconiesEach air-conditioned deluxe Stateroom and Suite (200 to 484 square feet) features a private bathroom with shower and luxurious Five-Star hotel amenities. Most accommodations havetwo twin beds that convert to one queen bed, individual climate control, satellite fl at-screentelevision, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closet, writing desk/dressing table, plush robes and slippers.

Chic and Casual DiningInternational and regional cuisine is served in the stylish, spacious Le Coromandel dining room in single, unassigned seatings; alfresco in the casual Le Rodrigues Restaurant; or from 24-hour room service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a four-course dinner are served daily. Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner.

Spacious Public Areas/World-Class Service and FacilitiesIn keeping with the low passenger density relative to the ship’s size, the public areas are spacious and inviting and can accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy views from the Panoramic Lounge, nightly entertainment in the Main Lounge and lectures, cultural performances and fi lm screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. There is a library, Internet salon, Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa, Turkish bath-style steam room, full range of fi tness equipment and two elevators. The infi rmary is staffed with a doctor and nurse. The highly trained international crew provides personable and attentive service.

Respect for the EnvironmentThe state-of-the-art propulsion system and custom-built stabilizers provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable voyage. By design, the ship is energy effi cient and environmentally protective of marine ecosystems and has been awarded the prestigious “Clean Ship” rating, an extreme rarity among ocean cruising vessels. The ship has two tenders.

FIVE-STAR, SMALL SHIP M.S. L’AUSTRAL

Splendors of Bordeaux featuring St-Émilion and MédocPre-Cruise Option ◆ April 21 to 24

Long distinguished as the wine capital of the world, the verdant Bordeaux region has been producing, fermenting and bottling the grape since the eighth century. Tucked away in the heart of the rolling French countryside and endless green vineyards, visit the charming and legendary village of St-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for the Merlot grape grown here that produces rich, full-bodied red wines. Visit the impressive medieval monuments of St-Émilion, including the Église Monolithe, one of the largest underground churches in Europe. Just north of Bordeaux in the Médoc region, experience the grand cru classé,

Bordeaux’s distinguished wine classifi cation, at a famous local château and enjoy a tasting of their exquisite wines. Accommodations are for two nights in the deluxe GRAND HOTEL DE BORDEAUX AND SPA, located in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic center.

Bordeaux Coat of Arms

Pool Deck

Lounge

Dining Room

Stateroom with Balcony

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Included Features Acclaimed Guest Speaker

Historian Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will provide a lecture and accompany you to the Normandy Beaches.On board the exclusively chartered, On board the exclusively chartered, Five-Star Five-Star M.S. L’AUSTRALM.S. L’AUSTRAL

◆ Exclusive seven-night cruise from Bordeaux, France, to Tower Bridge, London, Great Britain, with port calls at Belle-Île-en-Mer, St. Malo for Mont-St-Michel, and Caen for the Normandy Beaches, France; and Guernsey, Channel Islands, Great Britain.

◆ Spacious, Five-Star, ocean-view Suite or Stateroom accommodations, each with a private bathroom.

◆ Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions. ◆ All meals—continental breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and dinner—throughout the cruise, featuring fi ne international and regional cuisine, served at single, unassigned seatings.

◆ Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner.

◆ Excursion to the world-famous capital of the wine region, Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of 18th-century architecture.

◆ Panoramic tour of Belle-Île-en-Mer with its citadel, one of Vauban’s UNESCO World Heritage site fortifi cations.

◆ Panoramic tour of Guernsey, Channel Islands, to see the remnants of Germany’s World War II occupation, and leisure time in St. Peter Port.

◆ Walking tour of Mont-St-Michel and a visit to its 11th-century Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

◆ Full-day excursion to the historic Normandy Beaches where the D-Day landings took place, including a visit to the American military cemetery and a choice to visit the D-Day Museum or the legendary Bayeux Tapestry.

◆ Cruise the Strait of Dover past the famous, dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.

◆ Memorable, once-in-a-lifetime cruise up the River Thames into the heart of London, with overnight on board ship docked near the legendary Tower Bridge.

Enhanced Travel ServicesEnhanced Travel Services ◆ Transfers and luggage handling abroad for

participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).

◆ All excursions and visits, as outlined above, with experienced local guides.

◆ Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.

◆ Hospitality desk aboard ship. ◆ The services of experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program.

◆ Complimentary use of a state-of-the-art audio headset for each participant during guided excursions.

◆ Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information.

◆ Automatic $250,000 fl ight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on fl ights by Gohagan & Company.

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Allied forces landed at the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, launching the D-Day invasion.

Featured Guest Speaker

David EisenhowerThere can be no more fi tting way to pay tribute to the Allied Forces, whose courageous D-Day invasion changed the course of World War II, than to

walk on the historic beaches of Normandy liberated by American, Canadian and British forces. It is a privilege to have David Eisenhower, our expert historian who is personally familiar with one of the most powerful world leaders of the 20th century and World War II, present a dynamic lecture and accompany this profound visit to the beaches of Normandy.

DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is a noted historian of World War II and the Cold War. His 900-page best seller, Eisenhower: At War 1943-1945, published in 1986, was a fi nalist for the Pulitzer Prize in history. David is Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Public Policy Fellow at the Annenberg School of Communication and the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches “Communication and the Presidency.”

The Normandy BeachesIn a pivotal moment in the history and culture of Europe’s Atlantic coastal regions, on June 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower gave the order for 133,000 Allied troops to land along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortifi ed French coastline. The invasion, known as Operation Overlord, was supported by 7000 ships and 11,000 aircraft, and by day’s end, had gained the Allies a foothold on the continent to begin their march to free Europe. A portal to the region that altered the new world order, the beaches of Normandy bring history to life.Scheduled guest speaker may be altered due to circumstances beyond our control. See Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

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Please make my/our reservation(s) in Stateroom Category:1st Choice _____ 2nd Choice _____❏ Double occupancy (two twin beds).❏ Double occupancy (one queen bed).❏ Single accommodations.❏ I am reserving as a single but prefer to

share accommodations and will allow you to select my roommate (shares cannot be guaranteed).

❏ Please send me/us more information about combining this voyage with the seven-night cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux.

Please make my/our reservation(s):Splendors of Bordeaux Pre-Cruise Option❏ Double at $795 per person.❏ Single at $1295 per person.❏ I am reserving as a single but prefer to

share accommodations.London’s Royal HistoryPost-Cruise Option❏ Double at $1075 per person.❏ Single at $1775 per person.❏ I am reserving as a single but prefer to

share accommodations.

❏ I/We want you to book my/our air from

__________________________(fi ll in departure city)

to Bordeaux, France, with return from London, Great Britain, at additional cost to be advised.‡

Class: ❏ Economy ❏ Business ❏ First‡ Note: Airfare is subject to change and availability and is nonrefundable.

❏ I/we will make my/our own air arrangements.

STEPPING STONES OF WESTERN EUROPE RESERVATION FORM

Deck 6, MahéDeck 5, BengaleDeck 4, ChandernagorDeck 3, Calicut

M.S. L’AUSTRAL

_____ __________________________________________________ __________Title Full Name (exactly as it appears on your passport) Class Year

_____ __________________________________________________ __________Title Full Name (exactly as it appears on your passport) Class Year

____________________________________________________________________Street Mailing Address (no P.O. Box number please) ______________________________________ ________ _____________-______City State Zip Code _________________________________ __________________________________Telephone: (Home) (Mobile) _________________________________ __________________________________Email Address (Business) ____________________________________________________________________Preferred Name(s) on Badge(s) Tour No. 142-04/23/16-172

Program reservations require a deposit of $800 per person plus$200 per person Bordeaux Pre-Cruise Option and/or $200 per person London Post-Cruise Option. By reserving and depositing on this program, I/we agree to the Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement as printed on the outside back cover of this brochure.❏ Enclosed is my/our check(s) for $__________ as deposit.

Make checks payable to 2016 Stepping Stones of Western Europe.❏ I/We authorize you to charge my/our deposit of $__________ to:

❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard____________________________________________________ _______________Card Number Exp. Date

____________________________________________________________________Signature as it appears on credit card

All FINAL PAYMENTS are required to be made by check or wire transfer by January 19, 2016.

LAND/CRUISE TARIFF (per person, based on double occupancy)

Stateroom Category*

Description- Staterooms range from 200 to 484 sq. ft. and most have two twin beds that convert to make one queen bed. All feature a private bathroom with shower and individual climate control.

Early Booking Price through

January 15, 2016

Regular Price after

January 15, 2016

8 Ocean-view, one large window. Deck 3, Calicut, forward. (limited availability) $4195 $51957 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony.

Deck 3, Calicut, aft. (limited availability) $5595 $65956 Ocean-view, small window and single door onto private, partial wall balcony.

Deck 3, Calicut, midship. $6095 $70955 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private,

partial wall balcony. Deck 4, Chandernagor, forward. $6995 $79954 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony.

Deck 4, Chandernagor, midship. $7195 $81953 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony.

Deck 5, Bengale, forward. $7595 $85952 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony.

Deck 5, Bengale, midship. $7895 $88951 Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony.

Deck 6, Mahé. $8395 $9395DeluxeSuite

Ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto private balcony and sitting area with sofa. Deck 6, Mahé. (limited availability) $9995 $10995

PrestigeSuite II

Two-room, ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 5, Bengale. (limited availability)

$11195 $12195

PrestigeSuite I

Two-room, ocean-view, expansive fl oor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto large private balcony, two bathrooms, large sitting area with sofa, two closets, writing desk and dressing table. Deck 6, Mahé. (limited availability)

$11695 $12695◆ An Owner’s Suite (Deck 6, Mahé) is available upon request at a cost to be advised, on a fi rst-come fi rst-served basis.

◆ Singles are available in category 6 at $12190 and in category 4 at $13095 on or before January 15, 2016. Add $1000 for reservations made after January 15, 2016.

◆ Taxes are an additional $549 per person and are subject to change.

* M.S. L’AUSTRAL has been specially contracted for this tour, and the applicable deck plan is available on request from Gohagan & Company and refl ects the only valid cabin categorization of the vessel.

Send to: Thomas P. Gohagan & Company209 South LaSalle Street, Suite 500Chicago, Illinois 60604-1446(312) 609-1140

The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risk inherent therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless Vassar College and any of their offi cers, trustees, agents, licensees, or representatives, from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death or for the loss of or damage to his/her property however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, the tour. Each Participant Must Sign:Signature___________________________________ Date__________ Signature___________________________________Date__________

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11/15-2

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The soaring bell-tower of its monolithic church dominates the picturesque skyline of St-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site amongst lush vineyards.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENTRESPONSIBILITY: Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and the Vassar Travel Program/Vassar College, and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affi liates, offi cers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, fl ight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specifi c room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the fl ight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.NOT INCLUDED: Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air/airport tax(es); airfare and associated local taxes, airport facility and security taxes and federal inspection fees not listed in the “Included Features” section of the brochure; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel/ship on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to fl ight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifi cally mentioned in the “Included Features” section.AIRFARE: Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.LUGGAGE: Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without prior notice. Please contact your airline(s) for the most current luggage allowance policy.PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment. DISCOUNTED RESERVATIONS: Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offi ces of Gohagan in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by January 15, 2016. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offi ces of Gohagan. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply: reservation cancellation(s) are subject to a $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person administrative fee from the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure; from 95 through 119 days prior to departure, $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person; from 60 through 94 days prior to departure, 70% of the published full regular tariffs; cancellations 59 days or less prior to departure, a no-show, or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs. In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply.TRIP INSURANCE: Because our cancellation policies are strictly enforced, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. RATES: Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fl uctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after fi nal payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.REGISTRATION: CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.BINDING ARBITRATION: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement, the brochure, or any other information relating in any way to the trip, or to the trip itself, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent. In any such proceeding, the substantive, but not procedural law of Illinois will apply. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT: By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

Photo Credits: AGE Fotostock, Alamy, Corbis, Glow Images, Photoshot; all images are rights managed and cannot be used without permission.

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