CAMBODIA SPRING BREAK

Transcription

1 CAMBODIA SPRING BREAK for Students & Alumni MARCH 12-20, 2016

2 EXPEDITION SUMMARY Discover the traditional charm, culture, and allure of ancient dynasties on a captivating 9-day tour through the Kingdom of Cambodia. THAILAND Siem Reap LAOS POINT OF INTEREST AIR ROUTE Fly to Phnom Penh, the vibrant, French colonial-era capital of Cambodia. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and learn about the rich heritage of Khmer art and sculpture from different historical periods at the National Museum. Uncover the dark past of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Visit French NGO Pour un Sourire d Enfant and learn how their programs are empowering Cambodian youth to escape poverty through education and training. Take a short flight to Siem Reap and visit the celebrated temple complex of Angkor, the royal seat of the Khmer empire from the 9th to 13th centuries, and one of the wonders of the ancient world. Travel the mighty Tonle Sap Lake to explore the floating village of Kompong Khleang. Wander through the haunting, jungle-clad temple of Ta Prohm, engulfed by tree roots snaking between the stones, and marvel at the delicate beauty of the carvings at Banteay Srei. Visit a local school for an intimate look at how future generations in Cambodia are educated. Explore the royal city of Angkor Thom, including the Terrace of the Leper King and the Bayon Temple. Witness the majesty and beauty of the Temple of Angkor Wat. GULF OF THAILAND HAA STUDY LEADER Phnom Penh 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 your travel experience. You will discover that our lecturers are not only first-rate scholars and teachers but also friendly traveling companions, eager to share their insights through conversation as well as in scheduled presentations. CAMBODIA VIETNAM TOUR LEADER Nick Ray has lived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the past decade and has explored almost every corner of Southeast Asia. He has written more than 30 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, including titles on Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. In addition, Nick writes for BBC Travel, BBC History Magazine, The Sunday Times and Wanderlust. When not writing, Nick works in Cambodia as a location manager and scout for feature films, television, and commercials. Bayon Face, Siem Reap SOUTH CHINA SEA Angkor Wat (cover photo) HAA SPRING BREAK TRIPS are specially designed for Harvard students and alumni to travel together. They provide meaningful and accessible travel opportunities to students and expose alumni travelers to the Harvard College students of today. Special rates are available for all Harvard University students, and there are travel scholarship opportunities for current Harvard College students (the HAA collaborates with the Financial Aid Office to establish need). Although shorter and less expensive than a typical HAA trip, these programs led by Harvard professors contain the same educational content you would expect from a Harvard travel program. A diverse audience of students, alumni, and expert leaders enlivens discussion and educational exchange. contact us today to reserve your space: or , or haatravels@harvard.edu

3 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY Saturday-Sunday, March ALOFT / PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA Depart from home and fly to Cambodia, arriving the next day. Arrive into Phnom Penh International Airport. Meet your driver outside the baggage collection area and transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Himawari Hotel Apartments Monday, March 14 PHNOM PENH Explore the stunning Royal Palace complex, home to the Cambodian Royal Family. Walk through the beautiful royal gardens, enter the Throne Hall the site of the King s coronation, and pass through the ironclad Napoleon III Pavilion, a gift from the 19th-century French emperor. Continue on to the Silver Pagoda, named for the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor. Marvel at the life size gold Buddha, studded with thousands of diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats. Finish your exploration at the National Museum, home to the finest collection of sculpture from the Angkor period. This early 20th-century building houses pre-angkor, Angkor, and post-angkor collections, with an emphasis on sandstone sculpture from the Angkor period. Return to your hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight: Himawari Hotel Apartments (B, L, D) Tuesday, March 15 PHNOM PENH Today is dedicated to the history and legacy of the Khmer Rouge from its horrific crimes to the lingering impact of its brief but brutal regime. Visit Tuol Sleng, a former high school that was turned into Security Prison 21, the largest torture and detention center in the country during Pol Pot s reign of terror. Today, it is a museum that memorializes the Cambodian genocide. The museum is filled with black and white photographs of prisoners and records meticulously taken by the guards at the prison. While this visit may be a difficult experience, it is key to understanding the national tragedy that occurred in Cambodia and its journey forward. Travel outside of Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Choeung Ek was the extermination camp for political prisoners from Security Prison 21. The remains of over 8,000 people were exhumed from this mass grave site and placed in a memorial stupa here. Despite the horrors of the past, it is a tranquil spot to reflect on the tragic events that engulfed the Cambodian people. Next, visit PSE, a French NGO providing nutrition and education to children found foraging for food at the city s garbage dump. Tour the facilities where PSE serves over 9000 meals a day, provides vocational training, and commits to helping the children and their families escape poverty. Have lunch at PSE s excellent Lotus Blanc Restaurant, run by the NGO to help fund their mission. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Himawari Hotel Apartments (B, L, D) Wednesday, March 16 PHNOM PENH / SIEM REAP After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Siem Reap. Meet your driver outside the baggage collection area and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit the mighty temple of Preah Khan built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Walk through the cruciform corridors, keeping an eye on the magnificent carvings along the walls. Originally dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism, the ruins also contain a two story structure that seem to echo Grecian inspiration. Continue on to Neak Poan, a petite temple originally on an island at the center of a reservoir. See the elaborate series of carved lion and elephant head spouts. Watch the spectacular sunset over the rice fields and Cambodian countryside from Pre Rup temple, the ancient ruins of the royal crematorium. Thursday, March 17 SIEM REAP Rise early this morning to visit Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees and roots pushing between the huge stone blocks. This mysterious temple has nearly disappeared into the jungle, and remains overgrown and oddly haunting. Explore the elegant sculptures and extensive corridors of Banteay Kdei. Built in 1186 by Jayavarman VII, this Buddhist monastery maintains its serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at Sala Bai, an NGO run restaurant that educates disadvantaged youth in the hospitality industry. After lunch, visit a local school before continuing on to the 10th-century temple of Banteay Srei, birthplace of classical Khmer-style architecture. Famous for its pink sandstone, the structure contains a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. Friday, March 18 SIEM REAP Visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat truly one of the world s most impressive ruins. This temple, which houses amazing architecture and bas reliefs, is among the largest religious buildings ever constructed. Believed to have been undertaken as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best-preserved of the Angkorian temples. Stroll around the massive hallways and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. A Khmer scholar will accompany you, offering an educated perspective on Khmer history, culture, archaeology, and civilization. This afternoon, cycle through the immense walled city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, Angkor Thom seems to be a shapeless mass, but further scrutiny will reveal numerous faces carved into its stones. Explore the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, admiring the intricate carvings that wind along a narrow passageway. Stare up at the colossal Buddha heads at the Bayon Temple, at the exact center of the walled city. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous meal as you bid your fellow travelers farewell. Saturday-Sunday, March SIEM REAP / ARRIVE HOME This morning drive to the countryside and board a boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. Observe communities living and working on the lake, and see floating schools, markets, and fish farms. After lunch visit Artisans d Angkor to see how local artists preserve age-old Khmer arts and crafts, and admire the lacquerware, silk, stone carvings, and other handicrafts. Tonight transfer to the airport and depart for home. Overnight: Aloft (B, L) contact us today to reserve your space: or , or haatravels@harvard.edu

4 RESERVATION FORM RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! or GENERAL INFORMATION PROGRAM RATES prices are per person ROOM TYPE PRICE Students $2,395 Graduate Students $2,915 Recent Graduates (classes ) $2,915 General Alumni $3,435 Single Supplement $800 WHAT IS INCLUDED domestic flight HAA Study Leader and lectures professional tour leader English-speaking Cambodian guides accommodation as indicated in itinerary bottled water at meals and in vehicles meals as indicated in itinerary activities as indicated in itinerary entrance fees to sites as indicated in itinerary airport transfers ground transportation as indicated in itinerary gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant staff at included meals $200,000 emergency medical assitance and evacuation insurance WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED international flights (USA Phnom Penh/PNH; Siem Reap/REP USA) international airport departure tax (included in most international tickets) meals not included in itinerary beverages (discretionary) travel insurance (discretionary) passport fees, visas, reciprocity fee and visa photos as required phone calls, laundry, and other items of a personal nature (discretionary) NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED, but in order to fully enjoy the trip s activities, trip participants should be reasonably fit, in good health, and have a spirit of adventure. women at Pushkar Please make checks payable to HARVARD UNIVERSITY and mail reservation to: Harvard Alumni Travel 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor Cambridge, MA TRIP DEPOSIT (NON-REFUNDABLE) Enclosed is my check for $ ($1,000 per person) made payable to Harvard University Please charge the following card for $ ($1,000 per person) VISA AMEX MASTERCARD Card No. Expiration CVC TRAVELER INFORMATION # of People in Group # of Rooms Needed Name 1 (as on passport) Date of Birth Name 2 (as on passport) Date of Birth Street Address City State Zip Code Phone Mobile ROOM PREFERENCE (circle one) SINGLE DOUBLE one bed two beds SINGLE TRAVELERS I prefer single accommodations I plan to room with I prefer to share accommodations (If a roommate is not available, I will pay the single rate) By submitting my non-refundable $1,000 trip deposit I am registering for Cambodia Spring Break for Students & Alumni, March 12-20, I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program posted on the trip web page and agree to them. See next page. SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATURE Manatee Rescue Center DATE

5 TERMS AND CONDITIONS TOUR OPERATOR: Global Adrenaline, Inc. PROGRAM SIZE: This tour, (exclusively developed for the Harvard Alumni Association), is limited to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The minimum group size is 20. Should the minimum not be met, we reserve the right to cancel the program, levy a small group surcharge, and/or send the program without a HAA study leader. We retain the right to add staff members and/or invited guests to any of our group departures regardless of the stated group-size limitation. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at or or fill out and mail or fax the registration form (to ). You may also book online at Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Deposits may be made by check, payable to Harvard Alumni Association, or with a major credit card. Final payment, payable by check or credit card, is due 90 days before departure. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. At the time written notification of cancellation is received, the following penalties will apply: 90 or more days prior to departure: loss of $1,000 deposit 0-90 days prior to departure: 100% of trip cost INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to cover unexpected trip interruptions, cancellations, and lost baggage. An application for trip cancellation insurance will be provided by the HAA upon confirmation. The pre- existing medical conditions exclusion is waived if the insurance is purchased within 15 days of initial deposit. Neither the Harvard Alumni Association nor our tour operators, including their representatives, employees and agents, will take responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guests dependents or traveling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, cancellation or curtailment of the tour, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Nor do they accept liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for the tour. AIR ARRANGEMENTS: International and U.S. domestic airfare are not included in the program cost. The tour operator can assist you with your air arrangements. Neither the Harvard Alumni Association nor the tour operator accepts the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non- refundable airline ticket. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. WHAT TO EXPECT / PHYSICAL HEALTH: All participants must be in generally good health. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. 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 motor coaches 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. Participants with medical issues and/or dietary restrictions must make them known to us well before departure, and impairments regarding mobility must be disclosed prior to booking. If you have any questions about the level of activity of this program or your ability to participate, please call HAA at PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY: You will beprovided with comprehensive pre-departure travel information, including specific suggestions for packing, a recommended reading list and amenities pack. EMERGENCY MEDICAL & EVACUATION INSURANCE: As a service to our travelers the HAA automatically provides basic emergency medical evacuation insurance. At the time of publication, this policy has the following schedule of benefits: $5,000 Accident/Sickness Medical Expense; $200,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation & Return of Remains; $3,000 Emergency Reunion; $5,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment This insurance covers travelers for the HAA-sponsored program dates, but not for any extensions or independent travel plans. You will receive detailed information on this coverage approximately 30 days prior to your departure. Should you also purchase the Travel Insurance Select offered to you at confirmation, it will provide you with benefits which are additional to those stated above. This insurance is secondary to any insurance the traveler may already have. CHANGES IN ITINERARY, PROGRAM AND COSTS: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Harvard Alumni Association and the tour operator. We reserve the right to change a program s dates, staff (including study leader*), itineraries, or accommodations as conditions warrant. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect as of August 2015 and are subject to change. *In the event of a cancellation by the Harvard study leader, we will attempt to notify all travelers as soon as possible. We will make every reasonable effort to find a replacement study leader, but our ability to do so will depend on the availability of appropriate lecturers and proximity to the departure date. If we are not able to provide an appropriate substitute we will make every reasonable effort to provide other educational opportunities or program enhancements to ensure a viable travel study experience. Please note that all participants are bound to the cancellation fee schedule and other terms and conditions of the program regardless of whether or not a replacement study leader is found. RESPONSIBILITY: The tour operator, its owners and employees act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services, and transportation are offered or provided, and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) and the tour operator and their respective, employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability therefore. The HAA and the tour operator, assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. The HAA and the tour operator reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the tour participants. They reserve the right to withdraw this tour without penalty. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed onto participants. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release. PERSONAL INFORMATION: All personally identifiable information provided by HAA Travels tour participants is strictly confidential. Personal information is not shared with third parties or made publicly available except under the following circumstances: Name, degree, home city, and address*, may be included in the tour participant list that is distributed to tour staff and HAA passengers prior to departure; relevant information provided by tour participants to HAA and the tour operator is shared with the agents providing tour services in the destination. Per contractual agreement, the tour operator and its agents are prohibited to share or sell this information to other parties. *Please let us know if you would like to opt out of sharing your address on the tour participant list. DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Harvard Alumni Association is not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this document is subject to change. QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at or , or us at haatravels@harvard.edu