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Times Journeys 2018 Departures

Journeys to Put the World in Context 2018 Departures

Contents 4 6 7 8 10 12 14

WHY TRAVEL WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES

109 Elements of Japanese Cuisine:

The Food and Producers of Central Japan

PRIVATE DEPARTURES 36 HOURS+ TIMES JOURNEYS EXPERTS EXPERT-LED TOURS WITH A FOCUS ON … TRAVEL COMPANIES PRIVATE JET

Food & Wine

Myanmar: Behind the Headlines 109 History & Context

Bhutan and Nepal: A Hidden Gem 110 and the Rebuilding of a Jewel AFRICA

History & Context

108 Ethiopia: Ancient Lands and

Religious Festivals Arts & Culture 108 Culture, History and Progress in Morocco

El Camino de Santiago Activities & Sports

Bella Tuscany in Bici (by Bicycle) 48 Activities & Sports | Food & Wine

46 Hiking the Pilgrims’ Footsteps at

Cultural and Culinary Highlights of China

Behind the Curtains of London Theater 54

Arts & Culture | Food & Wine

Arts & Culture

A Culinary Journey to India 22

Murder on the Venice 56 Simplon-Orient-Express

Saudi Arabia and the Emirates: 26 The Past and Future of Oil History & Context

Arts & Culture 58

The Christmas Markets of the Danube

Sailing & Cruises | History & Context

Unlocking the Mysteries of Indochina 28

Art and Architecture From Vienna to Venice 62

Arts & Culture | History & Context

Iran: Tales From Persia

Chernobyl: Life in the Exclusion Zone

Kashmir: The Religious Melting Pot of India 36

The Many Faces of Russia 66

The ’Stans of Asia: Follow the Silk Route 40

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great 68

Seventy Years of the State of Israel 44

Andalusia: Center of Judaism, 70

Politics & Perspectives | History & Context

Christianity and Islam History & Context

The Fall and Rise of Berlin 72

100 History, Culture and Contemporary

Life in Cuba

History & Context 74

Ancient World, Modern Problems

Brexit Means Brexit! 78 Politics & Perspective

Tulip Time in Holland by Barge 80 Sailing & Cruises | Arts & Culture

Historic Cities of Andalusia and Morocco 84 Sailing & Cruises | History & Context 88

Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs

Sailing & Cruises | Politics & Perspective

Wellness at Sea in Italy and Greece 92 Sailing & Cruises

A Walk in Provence 110 Activities & Sports | Food & Wine

Remembering the Great War (1914–1918) 111 History & Context

Cooking With the Sicilians 111 Food & Wine

The Three Countries of the Upper Rhine 112 Arts & Culture | Food & Wine

Sailing & Cruises | Arts & Culture

The Biodiversity of Southern Arizona 104 Science & Nature

Winter in Yellowstone and the Tetons 106 Science & Nature

The Canyons of the Southwest, 112 in Deep and in Depth Activities & Sports

Legacies of Spanish and Native 113 American Heritages in New Mexico History & Context

Foreign Affairs Afloat 113 Sailing & Cruises | Politics & Perspective SOUTH AMERICA

114 Colombia: Because Reality Is Very Different Arts & Culture | History & Context

Galápagos: Evolution in Action 114 Sailing & Cruises | Science & Nature 115

The Exuberance of Brazilian Culture

Arts & Culture OCEANIA

NORTH AMERICA

50 A Transatlantic Celebration of the

Times Crossword

Wild Australia

Science & Nature

Sailing & Cruises | Activities & Sports

Behind the Scenes of New York Theater 96 Arts & Culture

Cuba. The Time Is Now: 98 A People-to-People Experience

108 116 124 126 128

JOURNEY SPOTLIGHT DECK PLANS TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2018 JOURNEYS BY DESTINATION 2018 JOURNEYS BY CATEGORY

Call our travel experts at 855 698 1456 or visit nytimes.com/timesjourneys

Why Travel With The New York Times Times Journeys creates bespoke itineraries traveling to destinations that tell a story, accompanied by experts on the subject matter. That is why we invite our journalists to join you and handpick other experts so they can help you discover more.

Small group tours or cruises

From our collection of land-based journeys, limited to no more than 26 guests, to our specialist sailings on world-renowned cruise lines, you’ll travel with like-minded individuals.

Travel has always been an important aspect of the newspaper, and one look into the archives clearly portrays this. As early as 1852, travel articles were already being published. A dedicated travel section didn’t fully emerge until 1923, however, under the guidance of Lester Markel, the man behind the Sunday editions from 1923 to 1964.

EVERY DEPARTURE INCLUDES

Times-selected experts

A journalist or subject-matter specialist joins every departure, from Pulitzer Prize winners to Times Science reporters. Enjoy a mix of lectures, Q&As and informal conversations during meals.

The Times still regards the Travel section as a pivotal part of the publication. A natural progression in our approach to travel is integrating hard-hitting world news with compelling journeys that delve into such topics as the roots of Japanese cuisine or the culture of Brazil, to bring the world closer to you — Times readers and those with similar values.

Destinations that tell a story Visit locations as diverse as Wyoming, Saudi Arabia and Chernobyl, exploring everything from their politics and history to their cultures and natural wonders.

Exclusive access Escape the crowds with after-hours entrance and access to attractions normally closed to the public.

OTHER WAYS TO TRAVEL WITH TIMES JOURNEYS

36 Hours+ Based on the popular “36 Hours” in The Times’s Travel section, these on-demand itineraries give you a four-day taste of a destination: You pick the time and your fellow travelers.

Private departures A limited number of Times Journey tours are available on demand. Name a departure date and size of group and go when you want.

Private jet For the ultimate in travel and access, fly around the world in a custom-built Boeing 757 jet, with four New York Times journalists joining you at different points of the 26-day tour.

Private Departures

YOU CHOOSE THE GROUP, THE SIZE AND THE DATES OF YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY

SHORT BREAKS AND TRIP EXTENSIONS INSPIRED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES’S TRAVEL FEATURE

Maybe your local science club wants to travel to the Galápagos, or you’re planning a family vacation to India. Whatever your needs, these Private Departures are Times Journeys in nearly all respects, with the same comfortable accommodations, meals and insight from local, on-the-ground guides (we just can’t promise the Times-selected expert).

Private Departures •

Departure dates to suit your needs The same educational focus as Times Journeys Offer the same high standards as all Times Journeys Provide flexibility for your group These trips are perfect for groups of six or more; if yours is smaller, call us and we’ll try to arrange something for you. To find out if your preferred tour is offered as a Private Departure, look for the gold note in the trip information and then call our reservations team at 855 698 7979.

Designed for both independent travelers, as well as those wanting a more guided travel experience, these four-day, three-night journeys are suitable for all.

The 36 Hours+ experience • •

Each offers a choice of accommodations to suit your budget, private airport transfers and two local tours with Englishspeaking guides. Optional activities are suggested to let you customize your trip for greater cultural insights.

Choose from 11 destinations including Marrakesh, Bogotá, Belfast and Reykjavik, 36 Hours+ gives you the flexibility of a short vacation without the hassle of planning or the ability to add a special extension to another trip — all backed by the expertise of The New York Times and Abercrombie & Kent.

Flexible travel dates Three nights’ accommodation Private airport transfers Two local tours or local experiences 24/7 concierge service Restaurant reservation service No minimum or maximum group size

Private departures available

For 36 Hours+, call our travel experts at 844 761 7001 or visit nytimes.com/timesjourneys

Times Journeys Experts When you travel with Times Journeys, you will be in good company: not only will you be traveling with like-minded individuals but with New York Times journalists and Times-selected experts, too. Unless stated otherwise our experts travel with the group for the entire journey. In addition to formal talks and Q&A sessions, your experts are usually available at meals and during the tour for casual, more intimate chats. Depending on the tour, expect to be joined by experts in history, world affairs, politics and the arts. Your Times Journeys experts are so much more than ordinary tour guides: They are there to give you the kind of perspective you’ve come to expect from The New York Times. Here are just a few of the experts confirmed for our 2018 program.

Edward Alden Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs

Deb Amlen Times Wordplay Columnist

Vikas Bajaj Times Editorial Board Member

A Transatlantic Celebration of the Times Crossword

A Culinary Journey to India

Nina Bernstein Times Reporter Hiking the Pilgrims’ Footsteps at El Camino de Santiago

Doreen Carvajal Former Times Culture Correspondent

Historic Cities of Andalusia and Morocco

Melissa Clark Times Food Writer

Richard Cohen Author

Murder on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Galápagos: Evolution in Action

History, Culture and Contemporary Life in Cuba

Sandra Blakeslee Times Science Reporter

Charles Blow Times Op-Ed Columnist

The Canyons of the Southwest, in Deep and in Depth

Maureen Dowd Times Op-Ed Columnist

Erik Eckholm Former Times Beijing Correspondent

Reese Erlich Foreign Correspondent

Tom Fuller Times San Francisco Bureau Chief

Carol Giacomo Times Editorial Board Member

Myanmar: Behind the Headlines

George Johnson Times Science Writer

Laura Kennedy Former Ambassador

The ’Stans of Asia: Follow the Silk Route

Mireya Navarro Former Times Reporter

Tara Parker-Pope Founding Editor of Times Well Feature

Hiking the Pilgrims’ Footsteps at El Camino de Santiago

Wellness at Sea in Italy and Greece

Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs The Christmas Markets of the Danube

Geraldine Fabrikant Times Business Reporter

Joel Fagliano Times Digital Puzzle Editor

Cuba. The Time Is Now: A People-to-People Experience

Tulip Time in Holland by Barge

Matt Gross Food Writer

Bernard Gwertzman Former Foreign Editor

Scott Heller Times Theater Editor

Elements of Japanese Cuisine: The Food and Producers of Central Japan

Behind the Curtains of London Theater

Andrew Kramer Times Reporter in Moscow

Clifford Krauss Times National Energy Business Correspondent

Donatella Lorch Reporter and Correspondent

Saudi Arabia and the Emirates: The Past and Future of Oil

Bhutan and Nepal: A Hidden Gem and the Rebuilding of a Jewel

Andrew Rosenthal Times Op-Ed Columnist

Elaine Sciolino Times Writer and Former Paris Bureau Chief

Harleen Singh Professor and Chair of the South Asian Studies Program at Brandeis

Iran: Tales of Persia

Michèle Flournoy C.E.O. of the Center for a New American Security Ancient World, Modern Problems

Galápagos: Evolution in Action

John F. Burns Former Times Foreign Correspondent

Anthony DePalma Former Times Foreign Correspondent

Carl Hulse Times Chief Washington Correspondent Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs

John Darnton Former Times Foreign Correspondent

William deBuys Writer and Conservationist

Gal Luft, Ph.D. Co-Director of Washington Think Tank

Legacies of Spanish and Native American Heritages in New Mexico

Behind the Scenes of New York Theater

A Walk in Provence Iran: Tales from Persia

A Culinary Journey to India Kashmir: The Religious Melting Pot of India

Cultural and Culinary Highlights of China The Many Faces of Russia

Expert-Led Tours With a Focus on ... All Times Journeys have a tale to tell, one that will satisfy sophisticated curiosities. Whether it be unlocking the secrets of the Persian Empire or exploring the culture and cuisine of India, each Times Journey will help unravel some of the world’s ecological, political, historical or sociological enigmas.

Each tour has been placed into one of nine categories. With over 50 journeys traveling to over 35 countries, find your next vacation with Times Journeys.

Activities & Sports

Journeys designed for those who prefer to take part and not sit on the sidelines of life. Walk in the footsteps of pilgrims on El Camino de Santiago, or bike the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Rediscover the great events that have shaped and influenced our world, whether along the Silk Road of the ’Stans of Asia, retracing the Great War in Europe, or seeing the legacy of Spanish and Native American cultures in the American Southwest.

Arts & Culture Indulge your senses as you go behind the scenes of New York theater, see opera in the heart of Italy, experience the cultures of China or immerse yourself in the religious festivals of Ethiopia.

Science & Nature Get closer to wildlife and geographical wonders, or learn about important scientific challenges. Visit the canyons of the American Southwest or the Biosphere in Arizona, see Chernobyl three decades later or walk in Darwin’s footsteps in the Galápagos.

Politics & Perspectives Designed for questioning minds with an interest in foreign or domestic affairs, go deeper into American or British politics, examine the state of Israel 70 years after its founding or discuss modern problems while cruising the Mediterranean.

Food & Wine Whether you are interested in the food of Provence, central Japan or Sicily, or want to sample the real foods of India or China, discover great tastes from around the world.

Travel Companies

Relax, it’s all taken care of.

Times Journeys has collaborated with five world-class tour operators, each charged with sourcing and designing bespoke travel experiences exclusively targeting the intellectually curious.

Abercrombie & Kent

Insight Cruises

Mountain Travel Sobek

Abercrombie & Kent is the world’s foremost luxury travel provider, with more than 50 years of experience in combining authenticity and comfort in the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Through a network of more than 50 offices and a staff of thousands worldwide, A&K offers inspiring journeys to 100 countries on all seven continents.

Insight Cruises, founded in 1999, believes that education and travel foster growth and wholeness. Sensing that travel connects us and that the real journey is within, we create educational travel experiences for guests who value learning for its own sake. Insight Cruises welcomes you to a vital, engaging community for whom curiosity and discovery are second nature.

Mountain Travel Sobek is the premier, all-inclusive, specialty adventure travel company. Since 1969, MTS has pioneered authentic and deeply immersive experiential journeys worldwide. MTS creates fresh alternatives and unique experiences, and has an 85 percent repeat and referral rate. Clients often share how profound and moving their trip experiences have been.

Academic Travel Abroad®

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

Academic Travel Abroad® Inc. combines the competency of an educational travel company over 60 years old with the depth of an international education (study abroad) provider. This unique pairing of skills, talents and resources gives it great breadth. As a result, ATA’s innovative itineraries delve deeper, go behind the scenes, access the authentic and shun the touristic.

Our travel consultants possess a passion for travel and for sharing their enthusiasm for exploring the world and the people in it.

Introducing your Times Journeys travel consultants

You will be well cared for.

Whether you are interested in science, history or politics, have a passion for the arts or seek exhilarating outdoor adventures, your Times Journeys travel consultant will confidently review the pace of your trip, outline what’s included and work with your other special requests. They will help customize your pre- and post-trip desires and provide details about purchasing travel insurance and when to book your flights!

From the moment you inquire about a Times Journeys trip through to your departure, you will have access to the highest levels of planning services. You will receive a personalized and detailed predeparture planning guide for your destination, along with our exclusive suggested packing list and other information. Your travel consultants will ensure that your pre-trip details will be as enriching as the trip itself, so that you are fully prepared for your world-class journey.

How do I reserve my Times Journeys trip? Reserving a Times Journeys trip is easy. Contact us tollfree at 855-698-1456. Our dedicated travel consultants will review the many itinerary options to fit your interest, schedule and budget. Find all trip details online at nytimes.com/timesjourneys.

The real advantage Trust us to manage your reservation and pre-trip details wisely and in a timely manner so that you can fully enjoy the anticipation of your journey as much as the journey itself! Call us toll-free today at 855-698-1456.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel has planned and operated special-interest cruises for groups of all sizes, all around the world since 2001. Our extensive cruise ship program experience ensures seamless event execution. President Judy Perl, recognized as one of the top cruise specialists in the world, brings insider experience from her own years at Cunard and Seabourn.

Around the World by Private Jet: Cultures in Transformation Circle the globe on an inspiring and informative journey by private jet, created by The New York Times in collaboration with luxury travel pioneers Abercrombie & Kent. This 26-day itinerary takes you beneath the surface of some of the world’s most compelling destinations, illuminating them through the expertise of veteran Times journalists.

POLITICS & PERSPECTIVES SCIENCE & NATURE

26 days, 25 nights 50 travelers Cuba, Colombia, Easter Island, Samoa, Australia, Myanmar, Israel, Morocco, Iceland

Discover the true stories behind today’s most compelling headlines as you experience destinations ranging from emerging Cuba and Colombia to cutting-edge Iceland. Travel in a group of just 50 guests, joined by some of The Times’s most noteworthy journalists and local contributors, who offer firsthand perspectives on the people and places that shape our world. Join a dedicated flight crew aboard an exclusively chartered Boeing 757 with first-class, fully lie-flat seats, accompanied by A&K’s top-notch Tour Directors and local experts, for an around-the-world adventure like no other.

Return to New York

Reykjavik, Iceland

Journey Highlights New York, United States Marrakesh & Er Rachidia, Morocco

o behind the scenes at G The New York Times on an exclusive visit, and dine with its publisher.

I n Cuba, talk with a Foreign Service scholar about the history of U.S.-Cuba relations.

Jerusalem, Israel Havana, Cuba

Yangon, Myanmar

Bogotá, Colombia

I n Colombia, explore street graffiti with a local artist.

Visit the Orongo ceremonial village on Easter Island, site of the island’s “birdman” rituals.

Apia, Samoa Easter Island, Chile Sydney, Australia

ttend a private A performance of the Australian Girls Choir.

I n Myanmar, attend an exclusive cocktail party with Ma Thanegi, former personal assistant to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

I n Jerusalem, see the Western Wall and the Rabbinical Tunnels running beneath it; visit Bethlehem and the Palestinian settlements.

amp in luxury in the C desert in Morocco.

iscover Iceland’s D geothermal pools, and learn how climate change is affecting the land of fire and ice.

Around the World by Private Jet: Cultures in Transformation

The Experts Travel With You

Featured Experts

As well as enjoying brunch with Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., publisher of The New York Times, your unique journey also puts you in the company of four stellar New York Times journalists, a different one for each segment of the tour. With Alan Riding, a veteran Central American correspondent; Nicholas Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer winner; Richard Paddock, a Times Southeast Asia contributor; Jodi Rudoren, former Times bureau chief in Jerusalem; and Elisabeth Bumiller, Times Washington bureau chief, you will have so much more than tour guides. These Times experts will provide formal talks and casual chats to give you the kind of perspective you have come to expect from The New York Times.

Alan Riding February 9–14, Cuba and Colombia Alan Riding spent 30 years as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times. Riding covered dictatorships, drug wars and revolutions, first from a base in Mexico City then from Rio de Janeiro. He was once chased out of Medellín by the infamous drug baron Pablo Escobar.

Richard C. Paddock February 22–24, Myanmar Richard C. Paddock reports on Southeast Asia as a contributor to The New York Times based in Bangkok. He has worked as a foreign correspondent for more than a dozen years and reported from nearly 50 countries on five continents. His current assignment is his third posting in Southeast Asia.

Nicholas Kristof February 15–22, Easter Island, Samoa and Australia Nicholas Kristof, a New York Times Op-Ed columnist, has won two Pulitzer Prizes and been arrested in more countries than he can count. He has been in a plane crash in Congo, confronted warlords and brothel owners, borne witness to massacres and ridden on top of a public bus in Pakistan’s tribal areas to sneak through military checkpoints.

Elisabeth Bumiller February 27–March 5, Morocco and Iceland Elisabeth Bumiller is the Washington bureau chief of The New York Times. Previously, she was The Times’s Washington editor and deputy Washington bureau chief. Before that she covered the Pentagon, the White House, John McCain’s 2008 campaign and New York’s City Hall for The Times.

Jodi Rudoren February 24–27, Jerusalem Jodi Rudoren joined The Times in 1998. She has served as bureau chief in Jerusalem and Chicago, and as Education editor, deputy editor for International and Metropolitan news, and national Education correspondent. Jodi currently serves as editorial director of NYT Global, the companywide initiative to grow The Times’s audience overseas.

Journey Details DATES

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

INTERNAL AIR (FROM)

Feb. 8 – March 5, 2018

Alan Riding, Nicholas Kristof, Richard C. Paddock, Jodi Rudoren, Elisabeth Bumiller

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. For the full itinerary and terms and conditions, please visit nytimes.com/timesjourneys/travel/around-the-world-by-private-jet-cultures-in-transformation/

Cultural and Culinary Highlights of China Sample the highlights of Chinese cuisine and culture on this 13-day journey to four important regions of China. From dumplings to pandas and temples and art districts, this trip showcases the best China has to offer. With expert guidance and interpretation from The New York Times, see China through different eyes.

FOOD & WINE

• Xi’an CHINA

Welcome to China

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel. Beijing features cuisine from all corners of China, including Uighur, Sichuan and Cantonese, as well as international food. A special welcome dinner will feature Peking duck, a dish prepared since the imperial era and now one of China’s national foods. Regent Hotel or Hotel Kapok. Meal: D

The Forbidden City

Start with a visit to Tiananmen Square and a walk through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City. Today’s culinary highlight is the Imperial Meal, which originated from the ancient emperors’ kitchens. Visit Jingshan Park. This evening, visit a traditional Chinese food market to see (and maybe taste) some unusual Chinese foods. Regent Hotel or Hotel Kapok. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

The Great Wall

Drive to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall for a hike along this Chinese icon. Built in the early 15th century, it is the only section of the Great Wall that is partly submerged. Hike toward Yaoziyu, where a smaller, lessvisited section of the Great Wall is visible. Dinner is on your own in Beijing. Regent Hotel or Hotel Kapok. Meals: B, L

Former London and Baghdad bureau chief for The New York Times, John F. Burns was the longest-serving foreign correspondent in The Times’s history. For more than 30 years, he was a fearless representative in embattled regions. He is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.

Journey Highlights •

Itinerary DAY 2

John Burns April 9 and September 3

13 days, 12 nights 20 travelers Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai Private departures available

ARTS & CULTURE

Visit arts studios with the possibility of meeting with an artist in the 798 Art Zone in Beijing. Meet with a professor to learn about the politics and economy of China. Learn about Tibetan Buddhism from a monk under a thousand-year-old gingko tree, and Lamaism from a monk in the only lama temple in Xi’an.

Erik Eckholm May 7 As the Beijing bureau chief of The New York Times, Erik Eckholm covered dramatic social changes and political conflicts in Asia. Over a 30-year career with the paper, he also reported from wartime Afghanistan and Iraq, wrote about the environment, religion and legal issues in the United States and held several senior editing jobs.

See giant pandas at a breeding center, where the goal is to reintroduce the endangered pandas into the wild. Experience many cultures and tastes in several regions of China, with expert guidance and insight.

Tour operated by Mountain Travel Sobek

DAY 4   Artisans and the Temple of Heaven

DAY 7   Biking Old Xi’an and the Muslim Quarter

Visit the Temple of Heaven, built in the early 15th century. In the afternoon, visit the 798 Art Zone, a former factory housing galleries, studios and design companies. If possible, your group will have an exclusive chat with an artist about art in the stillCommunist People’s Republic. Explore Beijing’s restaurants on your own. Regent Hotel or Hotel Kapok. Meals: B, L

Visit the Old City of Xi’an and bike along the top of the city wall. Walk through the Muslim Quarter, tracing to the Silk Road. Visit the Guangren Lama Temple, the only Tibetan Buddhist temple in Shaanxi Province and talk with the head monk. Attend a dumpling banquet. Tang Dynasty Art Garden Hotel or similar. Meals: B, L, D

Xi’an and Its Zen

Tea and Tai Chi in Chengdu

Shanghai and Its Culture

Fly to Shanghai in the morning. Visit the city’s Bund and walk around the French Concession, Xintiandi and Tianzifang districts. Explore the Yuyuan Garden, among the most lavish and finest in the region. Taste some local snacks like xing long bao (steamed dumplings) to whet your appetite for your first real Shanghai meal, on your own for dinner. Yangtze Boutique Hotel. Meals: B, L DAY 11

Politics and a Water Town

Fly to Xi’an in central China, the starting point of the Silk Road. Visit the Zen Temple of Guanyin, built around an ancient gingko tree. A monk may tell the story behind this temple and his understanding of Buddhism. Return to Xi’an for dinner on your own. Tang Dynasty Art Garden Hotel or similar. Meals: B, L

Fly to Chengdu and visit Wangjiang Pavilion Park, where people sip tea and play Chinese chess or mahjong. Visit with a tai chi master to practice some moves. Watch a Sichuan opera, the art of Bian Lian, or “face-changing,” where performers wear vivid colorful masks, changing from one face to another almost instantaneously. The Temple House. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9  Pandas!

Travel early to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can get a close look at this amazing animal. Visit Qingchengshan, a birthplace of Buddhism. In the evening, explore the night market in Chengdu for quick snacks and shao kao, a local barbecue featuring chili-rubbed grilled skewers of meat and vegetables. The Temple House. Meals: B, L, D

Today is free for you to explore the city. Visit the Suzhou Creek Art District and Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art or Sun Yat-sen’s former residence, or shop Shanghai’s enticing stores. Gather this evening for a performance of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe and a farewell dinner of the best in Shanghai cuisine. Yangtze Boutique Hotel. Meals: B, D

The Terra-Cotta Warriors

Visit the Museum of Qin Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, filled his mausoleum with an army of warriors and horses made from clay. A researcher will provide commentary. Drive to a traditional village to see how Chinese farmers are cultivating their lands. Return to Xi’an for dinner on your own. Tang Dynasty Art Garden Hotel or similar. Meals: B, L

This morning, attend a discussion with a professor about Chinese politics, economy and business, and how they impact the Chinese. In the afternoon, visit the 1,700-year-old water village of Zhujiajiao, known for more than 30 Ming and Qing dynasty stone bridges, many of which you’ll view during a boat ride. Yangtze Boutique Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Shanghai on Your Own

Homeward Bound

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Meal: B

April 9 – 21, 2018

May 7 – 19, 2018

Erik Eckholm

Sept. 3 – 15, 2018

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change. If you are interested in a private departure, please contact our call center at 855 698 1456.

A Culinary Journey to India Indian cuisine is as diverse as India itself. In this 12-day journey, sample the foods of four areas of India — Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Mumbai — learning from residents and Times-selected experts how these dishes evolved and the cultural significance surrounding them. Along the way, visit local bazaars, food and spice markets and popular attractions.

Featured Experts Harleen Singh April 16

ARTS & CULTURE FOOD & WINE

12 days, 11 nights 24 travelers Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Mumbai Private departures available

Itinerary DAY 2   Street Breakfast Food and Old Delhi

Delhi • Jaipur •

• Mumbai Hyderabad •

Welcome to India

Arrive in Delhi, India’s lively capital city, and transfer to your hotel. Delhi is steeped in 3,000 years of history, and is now a cosmopolitan metropolis filled with people (and food) from around the world. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest after your journey. Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Meals: None

In Old Delhi, sample breakfast street foods. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and the red sandstone walls of Lal Qila, the Red Fort. Stop at Raj Ghat, where Mohandas Gandhi was cremated in 1948. This evening, travel to the home of a cooking expert and attend a sumptuous dinner. Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Meals: B, D DAY 3

The Sights of New Delhi

Tour New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb, constructed in the 16th century, and Qutb Minar, built in 1192. Pass the India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential residence. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple that feeds more than 10,000 people a day. This evening, discover unique Indian cuisine at a sumptuous dinner in the home of an expert. Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Meal: B

Harleen is the author of “The Rani of Jhansi: Gender, History, and Fable in India” — a study of female heroism in the 19th century. Born and brought up in India, she now teaches Women’s Studies and South Asian Literature at Brandeis University.

Vikas Bajaj October 7

Discover unique Indian cuisine at the home of a cooking expert and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Taste authentic flavors of North Indian cuisine at one of its best restaurants, where you’re invited to eat with your hands. Visit a spice market to learn about the spices and condiments used in an Indian meal and a vegetable market to learn how produce fits in. In Jaipur, join an Indian family for dinner to experience Rajasthani cuisine and cook a few dishes. Stroll through the quaint Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad and enjoy a cup of Irani chai tea and famed Osmania biscuits, and witness how the delicate silverwork “warak” is made to decorate sweets. Get cultural insight into Mumbai and pamper your taste buds on a local street food tour.

Tour operated by Abercrombie & Kent

Agra and the Taj Mahal

Travel to Agra, and have lunch at the Peshawri restaurant at the hotel, specializing in Northwest Frontier cuisine. Visit the Agra Fort, built 1565 to 1573. Then it’s the majestic Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan who died in 1630. Explore Agra’s culinary scene on your own for dinner. ITC Mughal, Agra. Meals: B, L DAY 5   The Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Jaipur

Rise early to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, glinting gold. Drive to Jaipur, stopping for lunch in Bharatpur to tour Fatehpur Sikri, the 16th-century ghost city of delicately carved red sandstone. Arrive in Jaipur, known as “the Pink City” for its abundant pink plastered stone. Explore Jaipur on your own for dinner. Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur. Meals: B, L

Sweet and Savory Tastes of Jaipur

Explore the markets of Jaipur, sampling fragrant kachoris and wonderful Rajasthani sweets and snacks. Visit the red Amber Fort, whose Mughal-style facade seems to grow out of the rugged hills. Stop for lunch at Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar, a vegetarian restaurant where you are served authentic Rajasthani delicacies. The remainder of the day is free. Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur. Meals: B, L DAY 7

The Pink City and Rajasthani Cuisine Visit the magnificent City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory, built in the 18th century to house astronomical instruments. Stop at Hawa Mahal, famous for its pink sandstone facade, and visit a spice market and a produce market to learn their roles in an Indian meal. Join a local family for a Rajasthani dinner. Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur. Meals: B, D

Vikas Bajaj, who was born and brought up in Bombay, is a member of the Times editorial board. Formerly The Times’s bureau chief in Mumbai, his upbringing and his posting to India led him to widely varying culinary experiences: from the spicy, tangy cuisine of Mumbai to the indulgent and rich traditions of the Mughal in Delhi. Melissa Clark November 3 Food writer and cookbook author Melissa Clark is staff reporter for The New York Times Food section, where she writes the popular column A Good Appetite, and appears in a weekly cooking video series. Her work has been honored with awards by the James Beard Foundation and IACP and been selected for the Best American Food Writing series.

Hyderabad and Its Food

Fly to Hyderabad, now an important information technology hub of India. Visit the Charminar, a monument with four ornate minarets, and the richly ornamented Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest and largest mosques in India. Stroll through the quaint Laad Bazaar, known mostly for bangle bracelets, and visit a kebabs shop and an Irani chai tea shop. Taj Krishna, Hyderabad. Meals: B, D DAY 9

The Fort and the Chef

Visit Golconda Fort, where a handclap sounded at the fort’s main gates can be heard at the top of the citadel to warn of an attack. Next, visit the home of Begum Mumtaz Khan for a cooking demonstration and lunch, and the Salar Jung Museum. The evening is at leisure. Taj Krishna, Hyderabad. Meals: B, L

Down to the Sea and Mumbai

Fly to Mumbai, the financial, commercial and lifestyle capital of India. Explore the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch whose design reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions; the Prince of Wales Museum and its miniatures collection; Mani Bhavan, dedicated to Gandhi; and Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple, whose dome displays the zodiac. Dinner is on your own. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Meal: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your international flight home. Meal: B

DAY 11   The Temples and Food of Mumbai

Cruise to Elephanta Island, where cave temples have been carved directly out of the basalt rock and filled with ornamental statues. Take a street food walking tour, trying pav bhajis (a vegetable mash and pav bread), vada pav (spicy fried potato patties served with pav) and snow cones. This evening, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Meals: B, L, D

April 16 – 27, 2018

Harleen Singh

Oct. 7 – 18, 2018

Vikas Bajaj

Nov. 3 – 14, 2018

Melissa Clark

Saudi Arabia and the Emirates: The Past and Future of Oil Oil transformed the Arabian Peninsula, bringing wealth into a region steeped in tradition and heightening tensions with oil-dependent Western nations. Learn more on this 10-day journey accompanied by New York Times journalists and selected experts. Explore the conservatism that grips Saudi Arabia (Women, bring a head scarf!), then see the modern architectural gem that is Abu Dhabi.

Featured Expert Clifford Krauss November 6

HISTORY & CONTEXT

10 days, 9 nights 24 travelers Jidda, Al-Ula, Riyadh, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Al-Ula Riyadh •

Abu Dhabi •

SAUDI ARABIA

Welcome to Saudi Arabia

Arrive in Jidda and transfer to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and adjust. Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, Jidda is considered among the least conservative and most open to tourism of the major Saudi cities. InterContinental Hotel Jeddah. Meals: None DAY 2

The Old City and the New City

Visit al-Balad, the Old Town, to see the houses constructed from coral and reinforced with wood beams, and Nasif House, a museum and cultural center. See the Corniche, a 68-mile modern commercial area, and Abdul Raouf Khalil,

a private art museum. Hear from an expert about the transformative history of oil in the region. InterContinental Hotel Jeddah. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

Into the Desert

Transfer to the airport and board a flight to Medina, and then drive through stunning desert landscapes to Al-Ula. This ancient oasis is surrounded by palm trees and mountains, which beautifully set off the ancient rock formations. Al-Ula Arac Resort. Meals: B, L, D DAY 4

Clifford Krauss contributed to The Times’s coverage of the Arab Spring with reporting from Bahrain, Libya and Qatar. His work covering international and domestic energy markets has included numerous articles about OPEC, western nuclear sanctions on Iran and the recovery of the Iranian oil industry.

Visit pre-Islamic structures and modern architectural marvels. See an island in Abu Dhabi built just for museums. Learn about the birth of Islam, Wahhabism and the nation of Saudi Arabia. Understand how oil transformed the region, and what the future holds. See the center of Saudi oil production on the Persian Gulf. With expert guidance, go where few are allowed to go, and experience Saudi Arabia firsthand.

Cliffside Tombs

Explore the Old City of Al-Ula, then head to Mada’in Saleh, Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage site. The Nabataeans carved more than 100 tombs in the cliff faces. The most iconic is Qasr al-Farid, the “lonely castle,” a huge tomb carved from a single rock standing alone. Al-Ula Arac Resort. Meals: B, L, D

On to Riyadh

Drive to Ha’il, seeing the mud-andclay A’Arif Fort and al-Qishlah, built as a palace but now displaying military artifacts. Ha’il, more open to tourism than many other Saudi cities, holds an annual car rally and desert life festival. Then fly to Riyadh. InterContinental Hotel Riyadh. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6

Explore the Old City of Diriyah, where the ancestors of the Saudi royal family first allied with the doctrine of Wahhabism, the rigid form of Islam practiced here. Visit one of the Middle East’s largest camel markets. Fly to Dammam. Sheraton Dammam Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 8

Castles and Palaces

Explore the Old City of Riyadh, including Al-Musmak Castle, whose capture in 1902 by Abdul Aziz bin al-Saud was a watershed for Saudi control. Visit the National Museum and Murabba Palace. Later, meet with a Saudi journalist to discuss the challenges facing the region. InterContinental Hotel Riyadh. Meals: B, L

The Roots of Wahhabism

The Center of the Oil World

In Dammam, now Saudi Arabia’s largest Persian Gulf port, visit the Saudi Aramco Exhibit, presented by the state-owned company that is the world’s top oil producer. Continue to the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture, built by Saudi Aramco to advance culture and knowledge. After lunch, fly to Abu Dhabi. Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi or Shangri-La Abu Dhabi. Meals: B, L, D

A City Built on Culture (and Oil)

Abu Dhabi is an architecturally stunning city with a focus on culture. Visit the Grand Mosque and the Cultural Foundation. Explore life before oil at Qasr al-Hosn Palace. On Saadiyat Island, visit the new Louvre Abu Dhabi. Hear a speaker’s vision for a less-oil-reliant future, then gather for farewell drinks and dinner. Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi or Shangri-La Abu Dhabi. Meals: B, L, D DAY 10

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home. Meal: B

Oct. 23 – Nov. 1, 2018

To be announced

Nov. 6 – 15, 2018

Clifford Krauss

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Indochina Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia on the Indochinese Peninsula had centuries of history before French colonization and the Vietnam War. On this 12-day journey, visit the modern yet traditional Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the ancient sacred temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat. Meet with local artisans and experts to go deeper than most tourists go.

Featured Experts Richard C. Paddock January 18

12 days, 11 nights 20 travelers Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Vietnam; Luang Prabang, Laos; Angkor Wat, Cambodia Private departures available

Itinerary •

Luang • Prabang

Hanoi • Halong • Bay

• Angkor Wat

Ho Chi Minh City •

Welcome to Indochina

On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for settling in or beginning your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. This evening, meet your fellow Times travelers at a welcome dinner. Renaissance Riverside Hotel. Meal: D

Colonial Saigon

Explore landmarks of Saigon and its colonial past, including the Reunification Palace, the former City Hall and the Central Post Office, inspired by Gustave Eiffel. After lunch, visit two musicians whose love of Vietnamese music is shown in their extensive collection of instruments. Visit Ben Thanh Market. Renaissance Riverside Hotel. Meals: B, L DAY 3

The Capital of the North

Relax for most of the morning before catching a flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. With your guide, explore the diverse architecture of old Hanoi and its small, less-visited streets. Dinner is at the venerated Cha Ca La Vong restaurant, where it serves only the cha ca la Vong fish dish. The InterContinental Westlake. Meals: B, D

Richard C. Paddock reports on Southeast Asia as a contributor to The New York Times based in Bangkok. He has worked as a foreign correspondent for more than a dozen years and reported from nearly 50 countries on five continents, including wartime Bosnia and Iraq.

Joseph Treaster March 1

Tour the old and new quarters of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, meeting local merchants and sampling local specialties. Visit ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples in Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat. Meet Chuck Searcy, a U.S. veteran who is working actively in Vietnam to help clean up bombs left from the Vietnam War. Visit a waterfall outside Luang Prabang and take a hands-on cooking class for a home-cooked Lao meal with ingredients from the chef’s garden. Explore gorgeous Halong Bay, Vietnam, on a traditional junk, and the mysterious Pak Ou caves of Laos, with its hundreds of Buddha statuettes.

The Legacies of War

Visit the mausoleum and traditional stilt home of Ho Chi Minh, the Communist revolutionary. See the One Pillar Pagoda, a reconstruction of an 11th-century Buddhist temple. Meet with a coffee expert to learn about the Vietnamese coffee culture, and Chuck Searcy, an American activist who settled in Vietnam in the 1990s. The InterContinental Westlake. Meals: B, L DAY 5

Cruising Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay, a stunning Unesco World Heritage site with 3,000 islands of towering limestone dotting the bay and Gulf of Tonkin. Board a private junk and set off on a cruise of Halong Bay with your own captain, chef and waiter. Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood on deck. Private traditional junk. Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast on board the junk, return to Hanoi (lunch will be en route) and take an evening flight to Luang Prabang. The former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is a Unesco World Heritage town, surrounded by mountains and home to numerous colorful Buddhist temples or “wats.” Kiridara Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Temples and Statues

Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a vast collection of sacred buildings, and Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in the city. Then cruise in a traditional boat up the Mekong River and visit the sacred caves of Pak Ou, which shelter hundreds of Buddha statuettes. Cruise back to Luang Prabang. Kiridara Hotel. Meals: B, L

See how silk is made, visit the home of Saa paper and visit musicians in their homes.

Joseph B. Treaster has traveled throughout Asia as a journalist for The New York Times, focusing on Indochina and Thailand. He joined The Times in Vietnam in the early 1960s and lived in Saigon — now Ho Chi Minh City — on three assignments during the Vietnam War. Susan Spano November 29 Susan Spano was the original New York Times “Frugal Traveler” and a frequent contributor to the Travel section. She has written about places as far-flung as Arctic Sweden, the pampas of Argentina, Borobudur on the island of Java, eastern Turkey’s Lake Van and the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Indochina

DAY 8   Waterfalls, Paper and a Cooking Lesson

The Magnificence of Angkor Wat

After breakfast, head to Kuang Si Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall tumbling into turquoise pools. Stop at a local house to join a Laotian cooking class and have lunch. On the way back, stop in some local villages where traditional Saa paper and woven textiles are made. Dinner is on your own. Kiridara Hotel. Meals: B, L

Discover the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat, a Unesco World Heritage site with soaring towers and extraordinary bas-reliefs. Transfer to a remote, untouched temple for a private picnic lunch and a soothing foot massage. Visit Ta Prohm Monastery, where immense trees have taken root in the stones. Shinta Mani Resort. Meals: B, L

DAY 9   The Monks’ Procession and Cambodia

DAY 11   Angkor Thom, the Citadel of Women and a Silk Farm

For early risers, watch monks in saffron robes walking in long silent processions searching for offerings left to them by the faithful. Respect them, watch silently and refrain from disturbing them. The morning and early afternoon are free, then fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and have dinner at the hotel. Shinta Mani Resort. Meals: B, D

Visit Angkor Thom, the Elephant Terrace and the raised Leper King Terrace. After lunch on your own, travel to Banteay Srei to see the small, pink temple known as the Citadel of Women. Stop at a golden silk farm to see the steps of traditional silk production. Gather for a farewell dinner. Shinta Mani Resort. Meals: B, D

Spend your last few hours by the hotel pool, or wander around Siem Reap until being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Your room in Siem Reap is at your disposal until noon. Meal: B

Jan. 18 – 29, 2018

Richard C. Paddock

March 1 – 12, 2018

Joseph Treaster

Nov. 29 – Dec. 10, 2018

Susan Spano

Iran: Tales From Persia Persia. Iran. For 2,500 years, this powerful country has entranced, mystified and beguiled the world. Discover the ancient secrets and modern complexities of this influential land on a 13day itinerary, visiting some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites and the family home of the religious leader who engineered Iran’s transition to an Islamic republic. Welcome to the once-forbidden land of Iran. Itinerary

• Kermanshah • Isfahan Yazd • • Persepolis

Welcome to Tehran

Tehran is a fascinating fusion of old traditions and young people seeking to break many of them. Explore the Golestan Palace complex, dating from the Qajar rulers, the labyrinthine Tehran bazaar and Jameh mosque. Visit the Jewelry Museum, which houses the Crown Jewels, dating to the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736). Laleh Hotel. Meals: L, D

13 days, 12 nights 20 travelers Tehran, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz, Persepolis Private departures available

A Birthplace of Culture

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kermanshah, in Iran’s Kurdish northwest. After lunch, the afternoon will be filled with ancient sites and visits to the colorful bazaar. Kermanshah, considered one of the birthplaces of prehistoric culture, is also the birthplace of the author Doris Lessing. Parsian Kermanshah Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

Along the Trade Route

Journey over the 7,000-foot-high Asadabad Pass and visit the remains of the Anahita Temple (247 B.C.–224 A.D.) in Kangavar before arriving in Bisotun to view the largest inscription from the first Persian Empire ever found. Explore what Judeo-Persians believe to be the tomb of Queen Esther and Mordechai. Zagros Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Learn about Iran’s power and influence tracing back centuries, to its controversial actions today. Explore such historical sites as Persepolis and Pasargadae, which date to the fifth century B.C. Visit Yazd, the center of Zoroastrian culture in Iran. The cities of Isfahan and Shiraz form the crux of your journey, featuring the greatest architectural and intellectual achievements of Persian culture. Follow ancient trade routes and see how they shaped the region. With the guidance of a Times journalist, gain unparalleled insight into Iran.

John F. Burns March 5, October 15

Bernard Gwertzman June 9

Dr. Philip Gordon September 30

Former London and Baghdad bureau chief for The New York Times, John F. Burns was the longest-serving foreign correspondent in The Times’s history. For more than 30 years he was a fearless representative in embattled regions. He is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.

Bernard Gwertzman was senior diplomatic correspondent of The New York Times and later its foreign editor. As senior diplomatic correspondent, he traveled to many parts of the world. He reported on the Camp David talks between Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt.

Dr. Philip Gordon was the top National Security Council official focused on the Middle East during the negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal. As White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, he advised President Obama on U.S. relations with Iran and coordinated U.S. policy toward Iran.

Fred Brock August 20

Carol Giacomo December 1

Fred Brock, who lived and taught in Iran in the 1970s and follows that country’s developments closely, is a journalist with wide experience in business and economic news and has written three books on personal finance. He worked for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Carol Giacomo is an editorial board member of The New York Times covering foreign and defense policy. In her career, she has reported on and analyzed the U.S. angle on all major foreign policy stories, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the fall of Communism, the Gulf War and the Middle East peace process.

Elaine Sciolino April 7 A writer for The New York Times, she has during her career held a number of positions including Paris bureau chief, United Nations bureau chief and chief diplomatic correspondent. She is the author of the award-winning book “Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran.” Reese Erlich May 8, November 10 Reese Erlich has reported from Iran since 2000, traveling throughout and interviewing officials as well as ordinary citizens. He accompanied Sean Penn on his historic visit to Tehran, and he witnessed and reported on the large antigovernment demonstrations.

The Home of an Ayatollah

In the Zagros Mountains, stop at the 1,800-year-old Falak-ol-Aflak Castle in Khorramabad. In Khomein, visit the family residence of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the cleric who engineered the fall of the Shah of Iran. Drive to the Googad Citadel for a night in a 400-yearold fortress. Googad Citadel Hotel or Khansar Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

The Bridges of Isfahan

Drive to Isfahan. In the afternoon, visit the 17th-century Si-o-Seh Pol and Khaju bridges, two of many bridges in Isfahan, then stroll the enchanted gardens of the 17th-century Hasht Behesht Palace, the Eight Paradises Palace, one of the last of many great mansions that once graced this city. Kowsar Hotel or Abbasi Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6

The Art of Isfahan

Isfahan is filled with Islamic art and architecture. Tour the Vank Cathedral, belonging to Armenian Christians, the Royal Square and Imam Square, one of the largest in the world. See the female-only Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. Visit a traditional teahouse and view the art and culture of Persian carpets at a gallery. Kowsar Hotel or Abbasi Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7   Palaces, Mosques and a Hebrew Settlement

Visit Chehel Sotoun Palace and its large frescoes depicting court life and its miniature paintings of the 17th-century Safavid dynasty, and the 1,000-year-old Jameh Mosque. Drive to Yazd, stopping at a 10th century mosque and the remnants of Narenj Citadel, both in Na’in, a Hebrew settlement dating to the sixth century B.C. Moshir al-Mamalek Hotel or Safaiyeh Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 8

The Center of Zoroastrian Culture

Yazd is the center of Zoroastrian culture in Iran. Visit Dakhmeh, a circular, raised structure used to expose the dead, and the Zoroastrian fire temple, where a fire has been kept alight since 470 A.D. Explore Amir Chakhmaq Square, the 14th-century mosque and the Dowlat Abad Garden and its lofty wind tower. Moshir al-Mamalek Hotel or Safaiyeh Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9

On the Road to Shiraz

En route to Shiraz, visit an ancient ice house in Abarkuh and the Tomb of Cyrus the Great at the Unesco World Heritage site of Pasargadae. This sixth century B.C. site was the capital of the Persian Empire until the Macedonians, led by Alexander the Great, conquered it in 330 B.C. Shiraz Hotel or Chamran Grand Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

The Arts in Shiraz

Shiraz has long been synonymous with the arts: Genghis Khan spared it from destruction in the 13th century, and it was the Iranian capital in the 18th century. Visit the peaceful Eram Garden, the colorful bazaar of Haji and the 19th-century Pink Mosque. Visit the tomb of the noted poet Hafez. Shiraz Hotel or Chamran Grand Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 11

Persepolis, Rediscovered

Persepolis was looted by Alexander around 330 B.C. and lost under the desert. Modern excavation began in the 1930s, around the time Persia became Iran. Visit the remains of the Gate of all Nations, the Palace of 100 Columns and the Palace of Darius. Proceed to the royal necropolis in Naqsh-e Rustam. Shiraz Hotel or Chamran Grand Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 12

Return to Tehran

Fly to Tehran. Upon arrival, we will visit the Iranian Artists Forum and adjacent art galleries, stopping for lunch in their vegetarian restaurant. Afterwards, drive by the ex-American Embassy and check in at the hotel to rest for your departure flight. Later, gather for a festival farewell dinner at the hotel. Laleh Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 13

This morning, transfer to Tehran International Airport for your flights home or onward. Meal: B

March 5 – 17, 2018

April 7 – 19, 2018

Elaine Sciolino

May 8 – 20, 2018

Reese Erlich

June 9 – 21, 2018

Bernard Gwertzman

Aug. 20 – Sept. 1, 2018

Sept. 30 – Oct. 12, 2018

Philip Gordon

Oct. 15 – 27, 2018

Nov. 10 – 22, 2018

Dec. 1 – 13, 2018

Carol Giacomo

Kashmir: The Religious Melting Pot of India One of the most populous nations on Earth, India also has some of the most varied religions on Earth, though the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Muslims have not always peacefully coexisted. On this 13day journey, explore this nation’s colorful religious history, from Delhi to Kashmir, with expert guidance and unparalleled access to remote regions.

• Dharamsala • Amritsar Srinagar • INDIA

Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax and adjust to the time change. The Lodhi Hotel. Meals: None DAY 2

Delhi, New and Old

This morning take a rickshaw ride and tour Old Delhi, founded in 1639 by Shah Jahan. Spend the afternoon at the tomb of Humayun, built in 1570. Dinner will be with some local residents. The Lodhi Hotel. Meals: B, D

The Ancient City of Mehrauli

Tour Mehrauli, the first of Delhi’s original seven cities, with your historian. Later, take a cooking lesson and have lunch at the villa of Sumeet Nair, where you’ll be joined by some people from Delhi for more immersion into the culture. The Lodhi Hotel. Meals: B, L

The Dalai Lama’s Home in Exile

Fly to Dharamsala, the residence-inexile of the Dalai Lama. Walk around his home and visit the Kalachakra temple, built around the concept of the elaborate Buddhist “wheel of time.” Dinner is at Kashmir Cottage, the home of the sisterin-law of the Dalai Lama and head of the Tibetan Nuns Project. Chonor House. Meals: B, L, D

Harleen Singh March 24, April 14 Harleen Singh was born in Himachal, brought up in Punjab, and spent many a summer and winter hiking and skiing in Kashmir. She teaches literature and gender studies at Brandeis University. Her courses focus on Indian film, culture, religion, women and modern politics.

Journey Highlights

13 days, 12 nights 20 travelers Delhi, Dharamsala, Amritsar, Srinagar Private departures available

Tour Delhi with a historian for insight into its multilayered religious past. Visit the home of the sister-in-law of the Dalai Lama, and learn about the challenges and cause of the Tibetan nuns.

Parul Sehgal October 6

Visit the Dolma Ling Nunnery and interact with the Tibetan nuns.

Parul Sehgal is a columnist and senior editor at The New York Times Book Review. Her work has appeared in Slate, Bookforum, The New Yorker, The Atlantic and The Literary Review, among other publications, and she was awarded the Nona Balakian Award from the National Book Critics Circle for her criticism. She has been a featured speaker at TED and is currently teaching at Columbia University.

In the Punjab, see the main temple of the Sikh religion and a volunteer kitchen that serves up to 100,000 free meals a day. In Kashmir, understand how the only Muslim majority state in India has struggled with its geography and religion. Visit villages trying to maintain their customs, see incredible craftsmanship, and enjoy mountainous scenery.

Kashmir: The Religious Melting Pot of India

Tibetan Arts and Nunnery

The Troubled Past of Kashmir

Shepherds’ Walk

Visit Norbulingka, where the Tibetan arts flourish as they are being smothered in Tibet. On to the Dolma Ling Nunnery, where nuns can receive the same intensive training as monks. This evening, attend an exclusive performance of a traditional Tibetan opera and a Tibetan dinner with some locals. Chonor House. Meals: B, L, D

In Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir, the only majority Muslim state in India and the site of the recent Kashmir insurgency, tour the gardens at Shalimar Bagh and the Pari Maha. Hear an expert on the complicated religious history of Kashmir, followed by dinner with locals and a musical performance. Vivanta by Taj - Dal View. Meals: B, L, D

Spend the day on the shepherds’ walk, where nomads still take herds between the mountains of Jammu and the meadows of Kashmir. In a local village, learn how the nomads live, see the women who are the first to sell their own handicrafts, and see how local Gouda is produced. Pahalgam Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Sikh Territory

The Lake and the City

Relaxation Before a Big Meal

Drive to the Punjab and Amritsar, the cultural seat of the Sikh religion, then to the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, for special seats to the colorful flag-lowering ceremony. Dine with local people and academics, who might speak of the insurgency when Sikhs rose up against the Indian government. The Taj Swarna. Meals: B, L, D

Ride on Dal Lake in a traditional wooden boat, a shakira, with snowcapped mountains on three sides. Tour the Old City, including the spice market and shops of metalworkers and cotton traders. Dinner will be at a local home with traditional food and discussions of the Kashmir of today. Vivanta by Taj - Dal View. Meals: B, L, D

Drive back to Srinagar, where the afternoon is yours for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. Dinner this evening will be a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dinner, where culture, pride in cooking and flavors mingle. You’ll be joined by several local people for your last questions about Kashmir. Vivanta by Taj Dal View. Meals: B, L, D

Life in the Punjab

Visit the Harmandir Sahib temple, the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion. Tour the amazing kitchen, which serves up to 100,000 free meals a day. Drive to rural Punjab to see how villagers live. A Punjabi food demonstration and a traditional Bhangra dance performance round out the day. The Taj Swarna. Meals: B, L, D

The Valley of the Shepherds

Drive to the Valley of the Shepherds, stopping at Mattan Sahib, a Sikh temple built in a Hindu temple complex. On to Pahalgam, a summer resort. Dinner, a traditional tarami (thali) meal, will be with the owners of the Pahalgam Hotel, who will discuss their hardships during the insurgency. Pahalgam Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Delhi and Home

Fly back to Delhi in the morning, and spend the day with last-minute shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. Have a final dinner with your fellow Times travelers before heading to the airport for your late-night flight home. JW Marriott Aerocity. Meals: B, D

March 24 – April 5, 2018

April 14 – 26, 2018

Oct. 6 – 18, 2018

Parul Sehgal

The ’Stans of Asia: Follow the Silk Route Though they were ruled by Russia or the Soviet Union for more than 100 years, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have remained far more connected to their earlier histories. This 11-day journey, with insight and guidance from Times-selected experts, will take you deep into the heart of these Silk Road nations.

Bukhara • Samarkand • TURKMENISTAN

Welcome to the ’Stans

Upon arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (usually in the middle of the night), you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. In the morning, explore Tashkent, including the Khast Imam complex, the Chorsu Bazaar, Independence Square, Amir Timur Museum and Alisher Navoi Theater. Hyatt Regency. Meals: L, D

On the Road to Samarkand

Take a high-speed train to Samarkand, a Unesco World Heritage site, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and a major stop on the Silk Road. Visit Registan Square, with its intricate designs and the vibrant colors of the blue-tiled mosques and madrassas. Dinner is in a Unescorecognized old house. Registan Plaza Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

Andrew Kramer April 15 Andrew Kramer has been a reporter based in the Moscow bureau of The Times for the past decade, covering the 15 countries of the former Soviet Union. He researched an earlier era of Russia’s dueling with the West over territory, in Central Asia in the 19th century in the contest known as “The Great Game.” As a reporter, Mr. Kramer has covered the conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, Iraq and Ukraine.

11 days, 10 nights 20 travelers Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Ashgabat, Khiva Private departures available

Visit many legendary Silk Road cities including Samarkand and Bukhara. Soak up the history of this region from Alexander the Great to Tamerlane to the Soviets. Shop for famous carpets, handicrafts and spices in bustling, colorful markets. Climb the Kalyan minaret in Bukhara, known as “the tower of death.”

Laura Kennedy May 20

Gain insight into the turmoil past and present in Central Asia.

Ambassador Laura Kennedy’s experience with Central Asia dates to her first posting in the U.S.S.R., when she left Moscow to serve as a guide at an official U.S.-Soviet exhibit in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan in 1978. She travelled to the area many times while she was posted in Moscow and Turkey, and later developed U.S. policies toward the newly established republics as Central Eurasia office director and as deputy assistant secretary of state.

A City of Mosques and Shrines

In Samarkand, visit Guri Emir, the mausoleum where Amir Timur and his family were buried. Visit the mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda, site of Central Asia’s most sacred Islamic shrine, the massive mosque of Bibi-Khanym, and the adjacent colorful market. Registan Plaza Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Master Ceramists

Khiva’s Silk Road Legacy

Carpets and Horses

Drive to Gijduvan and visit the ceramist family Narzullaevs, who have made beautiful pieces for six generations. Watch the ceramic-making process; a master class is available. After lunch with the Narzullaevs, drive to Bukhara, the former capital of the once-powerful Emirate of Bukhara and now a Unesco World Heritage site. Omar Khayyam Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Set off to explore Khiva on foot, including Kunya-Ark Fortress and several mosques, madrassas and minarets. One large minaret remains unfinished: legend says that the khan building it realized that the muezzin climbing the tower to issue the call for prayer would be able to see into the khan’s harem. Have lunch at a local family’s house. Orient Star Khiva Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Visit the National Carpet Museum, containing thousands of carpets from medieval to modern times. Visit Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and Turkmen Masters Park. Lunch in a local cafe, then visit the Akhal-Teke Horse Stables and Anau Mosque remains. Your afternoon is at leisure before a farewell dinner and music performance at a local restaurant. Oguzkent Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Bukhara’s Old Quarter

Into Turkmenistan

Explore the old quarter, including Kalyan minaret, one of Central Asia’s tallest, nicknamed “the tower of death.” Visit the Ark, the massive fortress that was home of the royal court for centuries. Have a dinner of plov, a local rice dish, and see a folklore and national dress show. Omar Khayyam Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

Drive to Dashoguz, an important stop on the Silk Road. Take a short city tour, including a visit to the Central Bazaar, then visit Izmukshir Fortress. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ashgabat, and transfer to your hotel. Attend a cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel. Oguzkent Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

On to Khiva

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent. You will have lunch and, if time permits, a short tour before continuing your flight to Urgench, then transfer to Khiva. Orient Star Khiva Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, transfer to the Ashgabat airport for your flight home. Meal: B

Ashgabat, City of Monuments

Ashgabat, the capital, is new by Turkmen standards. Tour the city, including Turkmenbashi Ruhy Metjidi, the biggest mausoleum complex in Central Asia. Just outside Ashgabat, you’ll visit Old Nissa, the sanctuary of Parthian kings, and the National Museum. Oguzkent Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

April 15 – 25, 2018

Andrew Kramer

May 20 – 30, 2018

Laura Kennedy

Sept. 23 – Oct. 3, 2018

Seventy Years of the State of Israel In 2018, Israel will observe its 70th anniversary as a nation. But its history goes back more than 5,000 years, and even now, its future promises many difficulties. On this nine-day itinerary, travel with experts from The New York Times, a leader in its evenhanded coverage of Israel, Palestinians and the Middle East. Enjoy extraordinary opportunities to hear from opinion makers, scholars, grassroots activists and media experts. Itinerary DAY 2   Understanding the Borders and Territories

Mediterranean Sea

• Tel Aviv • Jerusalem JORDAN ISRAEL

Welcome to Israel

Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and transfer to Jerusalem, one of the world’s most sacred cities and pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Check into the hotel and unwind. This evening, get to know your fellow New York Times travelers at a welcome reception and dinner. Inbal Hotel. Meals: R, D

9 days, 8 nights 25 travelers Jerusalem, Tiberias, Golan Heights, Tel Aviv, Jaffa

Golan Heights • Tiberias •

HISTORY & CONTEXT POLITICS & PERSPECTIVES

Hear from Avi Issacharoff, an Israeli journalist who specializes in Palestinian affairs. Take a guided tour of the West Bank led by Rami Nazzal, a New York Times contributor. Meet with a senior Palestinian official to discuss IsraeliPalestinian affairs. Drive through Ramallah, the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority. Inbal Hotel. Meals: B, L DAY 3

Jerusalem Up Close

Ascend the Mount of Olives for spectacular views of the Old City. Walk through the Old City to the Western Wall, and visit the Christian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter. After lunch on your own, meet with Colonel Danny Tirza, the chief designer of Israel’s security fence, to learn about its complexities. Dinner is on your own. Inbal Hotel. Meal: B

Meet with an Israeli journalist who specializes in Palestinian affairs and wrote a highly acclaimed geopolitical TV thriller. Visit a Palestinian refugee camp and meet with a senior Palestinian official. Re-examine the tragic events that precipitated the establishment of Israeli statehood by visiting Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, and hear the personal experience of a Holocaust survivor. Tour communities surrounding the Gaza Strip to learn about the resilience of these communities. Visit border crossings, West Bank settlements, kibbutzim, cultural centers and organizations involved in the peace process. Tour many of the Holy Land’s most famous sights, including Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives and the Western Wall.

Tour operated by Academic Travel Abroad

DAY 4   The Holocaust and a Palestinian Christian Farm

Visit the moving Yad Vashem, the living memorial to the Holocaust. Head north through the Jordan Valley, stopping at the Tent of Nations, an educational and environmental Palestinian Christian farm. Discover its movement to build bridges between people, land and cultures. Continue to the Sea of Galilee and check into the hotel. Nof Ginosar Hotel, Tiberias. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

Christianity and the Sea of Galilee

Visit the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, and visit a kibbutz. Meet with a water authority to gain a better understanding of the geopolitical role water plays in the region. At Mount Bental, see panoramic views of the Golan Heights and Syria. Have dinner on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Nof Ginosar Hotel, Tiberias. Meals: B, D

Demographics and Tolerance

Arab Identity in Israel

In Nazareth, home to Jesus during his youth, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Have lunch at a Druze restaurant on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Travel north to Haifa and visit Beit HaGefen, an Arab-Israeli cultural center that promotes coexistence, neighborliness and tolerance. Arrive in Tel Aviv and have dinner on your own. The Carlton Tel Aviv. Meals: B, L

Meet with an Israeli-Arab political analyst and human rights activist. In Jaffa, visit the Arab-Hebrew Theater, promoting cultural understanding. After lunch on your own, explore Jaffa and Neve Tzedek, built by Jewish families in 1887. Visit Independence Hall, where Ben-Gurion declared the State of Israel in 1948. Gather for a farewell reception and dinner. The Carlton Tel Aviv. Meals: B, D

In Defense of a New Nation

Tour the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip, learning how they deal with the geopolitical threats inherent in their proximity to the Gaza Strip. Have lunch in the home of a Jewish family on the outskirts. Visit a Bedouin village in the Negev, among the most vulnerable and marginalized in Israel. Dinner is on your own. The Carlton Tel Aviv. Meals: B, L

After breakfast, transfer to BenGurion International Airport for flights home. Meal: B

March 18 – 26, 2018

Oct. 7 – 15, 2018

You will be joined by a variety of local experts from both Israeli and Palestinian backgrounds.

Hiking the Pilgrims’ Footsteps at El Camino de Santiago Each year, thousands of pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago, St. James’s Way, to the shrine of the apostle James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Many just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pyrenees and Basque country. In this 11-day trek, hike the route so many have followed for centuries.

León Santiago Roncesvalles • • de Compostela • Pamplona • • O Cebreiro • Burgos

Welcome to Spain

Meet your group in the morning in Bilbao, Spain, and transfer to San Sebastián, a beautiful city along the Bay of Biscay, then to the old village of Roncesvalles, a historical site of the Basque Pyrenees. Hotel Roncesvalles. Meals: L, D DAY 2

First Steps on El Camino

Explore the old town of Saint-JeanPie-de-Port, France, then take the first steps on El Camino: Start with a gradual climb to the Bentarte and Leopeder passes, then descend into Spain and Roncesvalles. (6 hours hiking, 10 miles) Hotel Roncesvalles. Meals: B, L, D

Valleys and Forest to Pamplona

Cross the Ebro Valley and hike to Zubiri in the Valley of Esteribar. Drive to Pamplona, the first big city pilgrims encountered in Spain. Walk the streets famed for the running of the bulls. (6 hours hiking, 14 miles) Hotel Tres Reyes. Meals: B, L, D

To the Land of El Cid

Begin at Agés, with a short ascent to Monte Grande, passing several villages. Arrive at Burgos, the hometown of El Cid, the Spanish conqueror of Valencia. Tour the cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site. (5.5 hours hiking, 12.5 miles.) NH Collection Palacio de Burgos. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

Nina Bernstein June 21

ACTIVITIES & SPORTS

11 days, 10 nights 24 travelers Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Burgos, León, O Cebreiro, Santiago de Compostela

Experience one of the world’s most epic pilgrimages via the famed Camino Francés route. Explore the town of Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls; the medieval city of Burgos, home of the 11th-century hero El Cid; and the ancient Christian capital of León. Enjoy guided visits to historic towns, including Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre. Hike gorgeous mountain and Basque scenery, with nights in luxury accommodations.

Farm Country

The Gothic Cathedral of León

Hike vast fields of crops and grasslands to the medieval market city of Mansilla de las Mulas. Transfer to León, the capital of Christian Spain. The famous Cathedral of León was constructed in the Early Gothic style. Tour the cathedral. (6 hours hiking, 12 miles.) Parador Nacional Hostal San Marcos. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

El Crucero de Santo Toribio

From Hospital de Órbigo, with its picturesque old Roman Órbigo Bridge, hike an 11-mile flat route to Astorga. See El Crucero de Santo Toribio, the cross that has marked El Camino for centuries. (6 hours hiking, 11 miles.) Parador Nacional, Villafranca del Bierzo. Meals: B, L, D DAY 8

Entering Galicia

Hike to Galicia, the last stage of the El Camino journey. From Las Herrerias, climb the last five miles to reach O Cebreiro, the site of the miracle of the Eucharist. (4 hours hiking, 6 miles.) Hotel Méndez Núñez. Meals: B, L, D

The Burial Place of St. James

A flat day of hiking ends at Santiago de Compostela, the official destination of the Way of St. James. End at the cathedral, where St. James is said to be buried. (6 hours hiking, 12 miles.) Parador Nacional de los Reyes Católicos. Meals: B, L, D DAY 10

Santiago de Compostela

Visit the village of Finisterre on the Atlantic Ocean, once believed to be the end of the world. Take a guided cultural visit to the Santiago Cathedral and Old Quarter, followed by a festive farewell dinner. Parador Nacional de los Reyes Católicos. Meals: B, L, D DAY 11

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Santiago de Compostela for departures home. Meal: B

After a long career as a journalist, she has chosen medieval Spain as the setting for a very different kind of writing project: a love story based on one of the few ancient ballads to have a happy ending. Research for what will be her third book has taken her back to Spain. Mireya Navarro October 1 Mireya Navarro is a writer for The New York Times in New York. She has worked as Miami bureau chief and as West Coast correspondent in Los Angeles. Her foreign assignments have included reporting trips to Central America and Cuba. She was a member of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2001 for “How Race Is Lived in America.”

Journey Details

Cross the farm country of Tierra de Campos, today known as Castilla. Walk to Carrión de los Condes, site of La Iglesia de Santa María del Camino. (7 hours hiking, 15.5 miles.) Hotel Real Monasterio San Zoilo. Meals: B, L, D

May 28 – June 7, 2018

Deborah Sontag

June 21 – July 1, 2018

Nina Bernstein

Oct. 1 – 11, 2018

Mireya Navarro

Bella Tuscany in Bici (by Bicycle) Discover the bucolic charm and history of Tuscany, arguably Italy’s most romantic region. Admire the countryside, towns and cities by bicycle, or “in bici” — we are using electric-assist bicycles. This sevenday journey with a former Times reporter includes breathtaking views of Florence while cycling through its adjacent hills, pedaling through the renowned Chianti vineyards and winding the narrow streets of medieval villages.

Tavarnelle Val di Pesa • Certaldo • • San Gimignano Siena • ITALY

Monteriggioni and Siena

Bicycle to the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni. After a short tour, board a coach for Siena and a private guided tour of this, one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in Tuscany. Have lunch with a local family and return to Tavarnelle. (17 miles biking, 590-foot elevation change, easy effort). Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Tuscany

Arrive in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, nestled in the gentle Tuscan hills between Florence and Siena. The town has been welcoming visitors since Roman times. Meet your fellow Times travelers for an evening welcome reception and dinner, and learn more about the journey that awaits you. Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda. Meals: R, D

The Skyline and Heart of Florence

Drive to the foothills outside Florence. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, then bicycle to the historic center, stopping for lunch. Tour Florence, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo. Return to Tavarnelle by coach for an evening at leisure. (23 miles biking, 590-foot elevation change, easy-to-medium effort). H otel Borgo di Cortefreda. Meals: B, L

Bruce Weber May 1, September 25

7 days, 6 nights 25 travelers Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Siena, Florence, San Gimignano, Certaldo Private departures available

Featured Expert

See Florence and Siena from the vantage of a bicycle. Moderate distances and electric-assist bicycles allow a leisurely exploration of the Chianti region. Visit workshops and family homes and farms, and sample local wines and produce. Tour medieval walled cities and Unesco World Heritage sites. Support and expert guidance makes this an unforgettable adventure.

Wine and Pasta Making

Bicycle through the rolling hills and inspiring landscapes of the Chianti region. Stop at the Vicchiomaggio Castle, dating to the early 15th century. Enjoy a special wine tasting, followed by a private cooking lesson to learn the art of making fresh Italian pasta, then dine on your creations. (22 miles biking, 1,740-foot elevation change, medium effort). Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

Ceramics and Gelato

Ride to the quaint town of Certaldo and visit a ceramics workshop. After a quick lunch, bike to San Gimignano, a Unesco World Heritage site with 14 medieval towers, and taste the best of Italian gelato. Return to Tavarnelle by coach.

(20 miles biking, 1,280-foot elevation change, easy-to-medium effort). Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda. Meals: B, L DAY 6

Alabaster and Truffle Hunting

Drive to Volterra and visit a traditional alabaster workshop. Ride to the country farmhouse of Poggio ai Lupi, devoted to organic agriculture. Go on a truffle hunt followed by a picturesque picnic lunch. The afternoon is at leisure, then gather at the hotel for a farewell reception and dinner. (18 miles biking, 625-foot elevation change, easy effort). Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Bruce Weber spent 35 years in magazine and newspaper journalism. He is an experienced travel writer, having reported from Hungary, Germany, France, the Caribbean, Singapore, New Zealand and Vietnam, and he has chronicled his own two bicycle journeys across the United States. His books include “As They See ’Em: A Fan’s Travels in the Land of Umpires,” and “Life Is a Wheel: Memoirs of a Bike-Riding Obituarist”.

After breakfast, depart by coach to the Florence airport. Meal: B

May 1 – 7, 2018

Bruce Weber

Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, 2018

A Transatlantic Celebration of the Times Crossword In 1942, The New York Times printed its first crossword puzzle; it became a daily occurrence in 1950 and one of the paper’s most popular features. To celebrate the Crossword’s 75th anniversary, join Times puzzle editors on a seven-night transatlantic sailing aboard the luxurious Queen Mary 2®. With daily game sessions, private lectures and exclusive access to the Times experts, solve your way across the Atlantic.

9 days, 8 nights Queen Mary 2, Cunard New York; Southampton, England

Itinerary DAY 2   Six-Letter Word for “Virtuoso” (Expert)

Southampton • • New York Atlantic Ocean

DAY 1   Seven-Letter Word for “Hello” (Welcome)

Arrive in New York and check in to your hotel, just two blocks from The New York Times Building. Spend the day exploring New York City, whose street grid looks a little like a crossword puzzle. The Westin New York at Times Square. Meals: None

EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA

Begin your word adventure with the puzzle master himself, Will Shortz, at The New York Times Building in Times Square. This exclusive event includes a tour of the Times newsroom, usually closed to the public. Transfer to the Queen Mary 2 in Brooklyn, and attend an exclusive onboard cocktail party with your experts. Queen Mary 2. Meals: L, R, D DAY 3   Six-Letter Word for “Enigma” (Puzzle)

On your first full day at sea, start by solving that day’s Times puzzle, slipped under your door overnight. Attend the daily gaming hour, put together a jigsaw puzzle, or attend a private Q&A on getting into puzzles or life at The Times. This afternoon, have a private tea with some of your experts. Queen Mary 2. Meals: B, L, D

SAILING & CRUISES

Attend an exclusive brunch at The New York Times, hosted by Will Shortz, editor of the Times Crossword puzzles. Private Q&As with puzzle experts like the Wordplay columnist Deb Amlen, Times digital puzzles editor Joel Fagliano, as well as the language expert Ben Zimmer. Attend exclusive nightly dinners and cocktail receptions with your Times experts and fellow puzzle fans. Group collaborations on puzzles with Times experts. Take part in a puzzle tournament with the Times experts.

Tour operated by Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

Deb Amlen is the columnist and editor of Wordplay, the crossword column of The New York Times. She has been making people laugh and learn things they didn’t think they needed to know since 2011. Ms. Amlen is the author of “It’s Not P.M.S., It’s You!” Her work can also be seen in The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, among others.

Natan Last has been publishing crossword puzzles in The New York Times since 2007, and helps lead a class on crossword construction at the Jewish Association Serving the Aging. While a senior at Brown University, he published a book of crossword puzzles geared for a younger generation, called “Word.” Ben Zimmer

Joel Fagliano Joel Fagliano has been a digital puzzles editor for the New York Times since March 2016. Before that, he was an assistant to Will Shortz. Mr. Fagliano received a B.A. in linguistics and cognitive science from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif.

Ben Zimmer is a linguist, lexicographer, and all-around word nut. He is the language columnist for The Wall Street Journal and former columnist for The Boston Globe and The New York Times Magazine. He is the recipient of the Linguistic Society of America’s first ever Linguistics Journalism Award and was recently awarded a Poynter Fellowship in Journalism from Yale University.

DAY 4   11-Letter Word for “Difficult” (Challenging)

DAY 6   Eight-Letter Word for “Answer” (Solution)

DAY 8   10-Letter Word for “Contest” (Tournament)

Your Times Crossword puzzle awaits. It’s Sunday, so it may take you some time, and the daily meeting with your experts might be needed. Today you might hear from a puzzle constructor, with a group session on designing a mini puzzle. You might hear Ben Zimmer talk about the hunt for words in a digital age. Queen Mary 2. Meals: B, L, D

Today, you try your hand at creating a mini puzzle under the guidance of some of its editors and creators and continue working on the group puzzles. A speed solver can help you prepare for the private onboard tournament. Dine in the elegant Verandah Restaurant this evening. Queen Mary 2. Meals: B, L, D

For your last full day at sea, your Times experts will host a private tournament, with timed puzzles and an award ceremony. It’s time to finish your group puzzle, which may be submitted to The Times. Later, attend an exclusive cocktail party with all your Times experts. Queen Mary 2. Meals: B, L

DAY 7   Four-Letter Word for “Guidepost” (Clue)

DAY 9   Nine-Letter Word for “Go Ashore” (Disembark)

Continue working on your group puzzle. The puzzles have to adapt to the times: French is the most common nonEnglish language to appear in Times puzzles, but Spanish is catching up. Ben Zimmer might speak today on wordplay in the musical theater. Queen Mary 2. Meals: B, L, D

The Friday morning puzzle will be your last of this voyage, so let’s hope it’s a good one. When the Queen Mary 2 docks in Southampton, you’ll say farewell. Queen Mary 2. Meal: B

Four-Letter Word for “Sailing” (Asea) Today’s Times puzzle should be easy (or at least easier). As you cruise in the North Atlantic, work with your experts on creating a group crossword, hear about the editing process and hear from a speed solver. In the afternoon, grill your Times experts in a private Q&A and have afternoon tea with them. Queen Mary 2. Meals: B, L, D

Dec. 7 – 15, 2017

Balcony from $2,610 Britannia Club from $3,165 Princess Grill from $4,985 Queens Grill from $5,395

Balcony from $915 Britannia Club from $1,335 Princess Grill from $3,670 Queens Grill from $4,090

Deb Amlen, Joel Fagliano, Ben Zimmer, Natan Last

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change. See deck plan on page 116.

Behind the Curtains of London Theater From Shakespeare to Coward to Pinter to Churchill, theater is and has been embedded in the fabric of England’s identity for centuries. On this seven-day journey accompanied by a New York Times expert, delve into the world of London theater with artists and artisans who work to create and maintain it, and explore the social, political and financial aspects of the theater.

UNITED KINGDOM

Welcome to London

Arrive in London and meet your expert and fellow Times travelers for a private afternoon tea at the fabled Savoy Hotel. A theater artist or artisan might join you. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meal: T

Setting the Stage

This morning, meet with your Times expert to delve into the world of London theater. This afternoon, visit the impressive National Theatre complex for a backstage tour and a meeting with a member of its staff. Following dinner as a group, take prime seats to one of the National’s offerings. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meals: B, D DAY 3

Matinee Day

It’s a two-show day. After lunch, take in a matinee at one of London’s premier nonprofit theaters, such as the Menier Chocolate Factory or the Donmar Warehouse, which have ever-increasing relationships with New York theaters. This evening, attend a performance in the West End. Dinner is on your own. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meals: B, L

Scott Heller March 19 Scott Heller is the deputy editor of Arts & Leisure and the theater editor of The New York Times. He joined The Times from The Boston Globe, where he had served as arts editor. Mr. Heller was a Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellow at the University of Michigan.

7 days, 6 nights 20 travelers London

Meet with the creative talent working in London theater today, such as directors, designers, producers, playwrights, actors, artisans and dialect coaches. Gain experience and knowledge with the guidance of a New York Times-selected expert. Compare and contrast the political and financial models of theater in Britain to theater in the United States. Discover some of London’s finest offerings from Shakespeare to modern voices, all from prime seats. Explore some of London’s most iconic theaters with like-minded travelers.

Today is dedicated to the Bard. After a private morning class with a Shakespearean director or actor, visit Shakespeare’s Globe for a museum visit, a meeting with one of the company’s artisans and an evening performance. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meals: B, D DAY 5

This morning, meet with your expert for a final discussion. After enjoying one last offering on one of London’s premier stages, bid adieu to your fellow Times travelers with a farewell reception and dinner. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meals: B, R, D DAY 7

Contemporary Voices

This morning, meet with a student or faculty member from one of London’s premier training programs to get a glimpse of how actors or playwrights begin their study. The afternoon is free, before an evening theatrical offering focused on a contemporary playwright. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meals: B, D

The Final Curtain

After breakfast, depart the hotel for individual flights home. Meal: B

March 19 – 25, 2018

Scott Heller

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4, 2018

Murder on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Calling all mystery fans! Delve into the history behind famous detective novels and novelists, as well as real-life art theft and forgery, on this seven-day journey, a must for any mystery lover. At the heart of the program is a memorable overnight journey from London to Venice on the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress. With Times-selected experts and exclusive access, see fiction come to life.

Arrive in London and transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow Times travelers and experts at a welcome reception and dinner. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meals: R, D DAY 2

Agatha Christie’s London

Walk around Agatha Christie’s London. See where “The Mousetrap” has been performed since 1952. At the British Museum, tour the gallery showcasing the work of Christie and her second husband, an archaeologist. Visit the Middle Temple Hall, featured in “The Da Vinci Code,” and attend a discussion with a top contemporary crime writer.

The Art of Crime

Tour the National Portrait Gallery, focusing on the collection of Italian Renaissance artists that have often been the focus of art theft. This evening, Detective Superintendent Richard Ellis, formerly of Scotland Yard, will discuss how he contributed to some of the great art theft recoveries of the time. The remainder of the evening is on your own. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meal: B DAY 4   The Venice Simplon-OrientExpress

Richard Cohen April 9 The author and seasoned train addict, Richard Cohen met Agatha Christie when he was nine, started reading her at 11 (with “Death in the Clouds”) and has never looked back. His first job in publishing was to edit her last Poirot mystery, “Curtain.”

Dinner is on your own. Hotel Royal Horseguards. Meal: B

7 days, 6 nights 25 travelers London, Venice

See letters, photographs and objects relating to Agatha Christie on an exclusive behindthe-scenes visit to the British Museum. Delve into the world of art theft with Detective Superintendent Richard Ellis, formerly of Scotland Yard. Travel overnight on the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, the magnificently restored 1930s train that Agatha Christie used as the setting for “Murder on the Orient Express.”

Luxury Aboard and in Venice

Travel through the Swiss Alps and hear a talk from your expert on the art of the detective novel. Arrive in Venice and gather for a reception at the hotel. Meet a local expert for an after-hours, private tour of San Marco, including privileged access to parts of the basilica normally closed to the public. H otel Monaco & Grand Canal. Meals: B, L, T

Explore the beautiful Basilica of San Marco on a private evening tour.

The Mysteries of Venice

Tour the Frari church to see Titian’s “Assumption” and the “Pesaro Madonna.” Walk to the nearby Palazzo Mocenigo, reminiscent of the marchesa’s palazzo in Iain Pears’s novel “The Titian Committee.” Explore the mystery landscape of Venice on foot with your local guide. The afternoon is free. This evening, attend a farewell dinner at a Venetian restaurant. Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal. Meals: B, D DAY 7

Meet a contemporary crime novelist and discuss the art of (fictional) murder with like-minded travelers.

Board the British Pullman service of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Victoria Station in London, and enjoy a three-course meal. Cross the English Channel to Calais and board the blueand-gold Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This evening, dine with linen, crystal and silver, and imagine the golden age of travel captured in Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Venice SimplonOrient-Express. Meals: B, L, D

Nicholas Delbanco October 18 Nicholas Delbanco has authored over 30 books of fiction and nonfiction. He is the two-time winner of a National Endowment for the Arts creative writing fellowship and an adjudicator for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

After breakfast, transfer to the Venice airport for individual flights home. Meal: B

April 9 – 15, 2018

Richard Cohen

Oct. 18 – 24, 2018

Nicholas Delbanco

Featured Experts Andrew Rosenthal Nov. 30, Dec. 10

The Danube has flowed through Europe for thousands of years, bringing with it trade and culture, and is the site of dozens of markets that operate only at Christmas. On this 11-day journey aboard the Crystal Mozart accompanied by three top New York Times journalists, experience the beauty of the Danube and its historic ports as you explore topics of historic importance.

HISTORY & CONTEXT SAILING & CRUISES

11 days, 10 nights Crystal Mozart, Crystal Cruises Vienna; Melk, Austria; Linz, Austria; Passau, Germany; Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany; Krems, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia

Itinerary DAY 2   • Vilshofen An Der Donau • Passau Linz • Melk • • Vienna Bratislava • • Krems AUSTRIA

Welcome to Vienna

When you arrive in Vienna, take some time to explore this lovely city before boarding the Crystal Mozart and meeting your fellow Times Journeys travelers and your experts. The birthplace or incubator of cultural and scientific geniuses, including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Freud and Hedy Lamarr, Vienna is at the center of European culture. Meals: L, D

The Markets and Muses of Vienna

Take your pick today of shore excursions. Visit some of Vienna’s Christmas markets to see how the city has celebrated its arts and culture at Noël for hundreds of years. This evening, head to Belvedere Palace. With exclusive access, see paintings by Kokoschka, Schiele and Gustav Klimt, followed by a classical concert. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

The Monastery at Melk

Cruise to Melk, Austria. You can taste wines and other delicacies at the Klosterhof, a former monastery turned restaurant and hotel, or tour Melk Abbey, founded in 1089. One of the most exquisite examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, the abbey includes a library containing countless medieval manuscripts and stunning ceiling frescoes. Meals: B, L, D

Andrew Rosenthal joins each sailing for five nights. He is an Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times. Before that, Mr. Rosenthal had been an assistant managing editor and the foreign editor. He also served as national editor of The Times, supervising coverage of the presidential election and the post-election recount.

Attend exclusive talks by New York Times experts about the refugee crisis affecting Europe. Visit many of the famous Christmas markets that operate seasonally along the Danube. Go ashore on customized shore excursions exclusive to Times Journeys. In Vienna, visit the Belvedere for an evening concert celebrating the music of Mozart, including V.I.P. access to the Gustav Klimt masterpieces in the palace museum. Take a full-day tour to Salzburg, including visits to the city’s wonderful Christmas markets, or to the lovely Salzkammergut Lake District.

John F. Burns Nov. 30

The European Capital of Culture

Bavaria on the Border

Arrive in Linz, Austria, named the European Capital of Culture in 2009. The city has an ancient medieval center encircled by neo-Classical, neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance neighborhoods. Using Linz as your base, travel for a full day to Salzburg’s Christmas markets, including one on the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace. Meals: B, L, D

Passau, Germany, at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, has been an important port for centuries. You can take a walking tour to experience Passau’s charm and Christmas market. Or you can take a full-day tour to Munich in the heart of Bavaria, or a half-day tour of the Bavarian Forest on snowshoes. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5   Exploring Linz and Its Surroundings

You can take a walking tour to see Linz’s architectural variety and the Ars Electronica, an educational and scientific institute for new media art. You might also tour the Mauthausen concentration camp, or choose a full-day excursion to Austria’s Lake District, to visit the traditional Christmas markets in St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang. Meals: B, L, D

The Floating Market of Vilshofen

Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany, is best known for its famous floating Christmas market. You can take a guided stroll of its 1,200-year history, including Aldersbach Abbey and its 700-year-old brewery. Or take a full-day tour to Regensburg, including the Palace of St. Emmeram, home of one of the world’s most beautiful Christmas markets. Meals: L, D

Enjoy the luxuries of the Crystal Mozart, a 395foot all-suite yacht built for river cruising, with its world-class service, restaurants and amenities.

Former London and Baghdad bureau chief for The New York Times, John F. Burns was the longest-serving foreign correspondent in The Times’s history. He is a twotime winner of the Pulitzer Prize, one of which was awarded for his coverage of the siege and destruction of Sarajevo. Maureen Dowd Dec. 10 Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, has covered seven presidential campaigns, served as The Times’s White House correspondent, and wrote On Washington, a column for The New York Times Magazine.

The Pearl of Wachau Valley

Spend much of the day cruising the Danube, enjoying the amenities of the Crystal Mozart and attending exclusive talks by your Times experts. Arrive in Krems, Austria, known as the Pearl of Wachau Valley, and visit its Christmas market. Be sure to taste the most famous local product, Marillenschnaps, or apricot schnapps. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9

The Gems of Slovakia’s Capital

Arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, in the late morning. Take a drive and a scenic walk to see St. Martin’s Cathedral, consecrated in 1452 and the former coronation church of kings and queens of Hungary; Michael’s Gate, built in 1300; and the main square. You can also visit the delightful Christmas market in the area. Meals: B, L, D DAY 10

Back in Vienna, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, open to Crystal guests 30 minutes before the public opening. Visit the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace and its great display of secular and ecclesiastical treasures. You can also take a walking tour along the Jewish Square and streets and visit the Jewish Museum Vienna. Meals: B, L, D

Journey Details DAY 11

After breakfast, disembark the Crystal Mozart and transfer to the airport for your flights home. Meal: B

Nov 30 – Dec 10, 2018

Crystal Suite $22,300 Penthouse $10,865 Suite with French Balcony $6,985 Suite with Window $6,105

$20,860 $7,030 $2,780 $1,404

Andrew Rosenthal John F. Burns

Dec 10 – Dec 20, 2018

Crystal Suite $21,255 Penthouse $10,430 Suite with French Balcony $6,725 Suite with Window $5,890

$19,820 $6,750 $2,650 $1,345

Andrew Rosenthal Maureen Dowd

Art and Architecture From Vienna to Venice Vienna and Venice may be nearly 400 miles apart and in different nations, but they have many ties. On this nine-day journey focusing on the arts and architecture of these two cities, learn how they became havens for artists (often the same ones), and see the influence of the Hapsburgs. With insightful guidance from Times-selected experts, cast these cities in a new light.

Featured Experts Nicholas Delbanco April 14

ARTS & CULTURE  HISTORY & CONTEXT

9 days, 8 nights 23 travelers Vienna, Trieste, Venice Private departures available

Itinerary DAY 2   Vienna • AUSTRIA

Venice • • Venice

Arrive in Vienna, the City of Music, and transfer to your hotel. Take a guided walk to get oriented to your surroundings, passing landmarks like the Hofburg and the lavish State Opera House. In the evening, have your first taste of Austrian cuisine at a welcome dinner. Grand Hotel Vienna. Meal: D

Venice in Vienna

Tour Ringstrasse Boulevard and its important buildings. Among them is the Ca’ d’Oro, a Venetian house in Vienna. Stop at Vienna Prater, a leisure area once called “Venice in Vienna.” Visit the Kunstkammer section of the Vienna Art History Museum, which includes many pieces by Italians. Grand Hotel Vienna. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

Post-Napoleonic Vienna

Walk in the historic center of Vienna. Visit the Minorites Church, which includes a life-size copy of da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” commissioned by Bonaparte. Visit the sumptuous Augustinian Church. Then, it’s on to the Hotel Sacher, for the torte, of course. Grand Hotel Vienna. Meals: B, L, afternoon tea

Nicholas Delbanco, a true man of letters, has authored over 30 books of fiction and nonfiction. He is the two-time winner of a National Endowment for the Arts creative writing fellowship and an adjudicator for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Tour Vienna, seeing sites like the Hofburg, Ringstrasse Boulevard, the Prater and postNapoleonic areas. Visit the Kunstkammer Wien section of the Vienna Art History Museum to see works by many Italian artists, and Belvedere Palace to see works of Klimt and other Secessionist artists. Visit Trieste on the Adriatic Sea to see the crossover of Italian and Austrian influences. See the sights of Venice, including many artists who also worked in Vienna. Visit the home and museum of the sculptor Canova, and the home of the last doge of Venice. Learn how Viennese and Venetian cultures intersect, and gain new insight into how these cities became magnets for architecture and arts.

Fin-de-Siècle Vienna

Dip into fin-de-siècle Vienna for your final day here. In the art gallery of Belvedere Palace, see Klimt’s “The Kiss,” as well as works by other artists who belonged to the Viennese Secession. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Grand Hotel Vienna. Meals: B, L DAY 5

A Castle and Trieste

On the way to Trieste, stop at Miramare Castle and enjoy the beautiful view across the Gulf of Trieste. Take a guided walk of Trieste, which combines the spirit of the Hapsburg monarchy and Italian culture. End on the Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia and visit Caffè degli Specchi. Hotel to be announced. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6

The Sights of Venice

Continue to Venice, and walk its many landmarks, including the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace, the Piazza San Marco and the Basilica di San Marco. See the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and its works by Titian, Bellini and other

Renaissance artists. Centurion Palace, Venice. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Venice’s Naval History

Enter the Doge’s Palace and visit the cells where Casanova was once jailed. Visit a gondola boatyard and workshop, and stroll the old Jewish ghetto. At the Venetian Arsenal, see where Galileo once worked. See a church where Vivaldi worked. Centurion Palace, Venice. Meals: B, L DAY 8

Canova in the Countryside

Visit Possagno and the historic home and studio of Antonio Canova. The next stop is Villa Manin. Ludovico Manin lived in this residence and entertained guests such as Napoleon Bonaparte. Return to Venice for a final afternoon at leisure, and then gather for a farewell dinner. Centurion Palace, Venice. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9

Alison Smale September 29 Alison Smale is the Berlin bureau chief of The New York Times and has decades of experience reporting from all over Europe, in particular in the former Soviet bloc and in Germany, where she covered the NATO missile dispute in the early 1980s and crossed the Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charlie with the first East German to do so on Nov. 9, 1989.

After breakfast, transfer to the Venice airport for your flights home. Meal: B

April 14 – 22, 2018

Sept. 29 – Oct. 7, 2018

Alison Smale

Nov. 3 – 11, 2018

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change. IIf you are interested in a private departure, please contact our call center at 855 698 1456.

Chernobyl: Life in the Exclusion Zone In 1986, the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl, U.S.S.R., experienced a cataclysmic disaster, a cautionary tale of science gone awry. On this eightday journey with a New York Times expert and a range of specialists, explore the postapocalyptic Chernobyl zone. Expand your under­standing of how the disaster came to be and how Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, is dealing with the aftermath.

• Slavutych • Chernobyl • Kiev

Welcome to Kiev

Arrive in Kiev, Ukraine, and meet your fellow Times travelers and your Times expert and local guides for a welcome cocktail followed by dinner. Premier Palace Hotel. Meals: R, D DAY 2

Kiev’s Treasures

Learn about Ukraine and Kiev, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, in visits to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves; the Kiev Fortress; the Motherland statue; and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Dinner is on your own. Premier Palace Hotel. Meals: B, L

Zeroing In on Chernobyl

Visit the Golden Gate of Kiev and St. Sophia and St. Michael churches. Continue to the Ukrainian National Chernobyl Museum, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath. Return to the hotel for dinner on your own and to prepare for your early morning departure to Chernobyl. Premier Palace Hotel. Meals: B, L DAY 4

The Exclusion Zone

Drive to the Chernobyl exclusion zone, seeing abandoned towns and a decontaminated area of what is now called the Red Forest. At the Chernobyl plant, see the dome hastily poured over Reactor No. 4, and its billion-dollar replacement. Drive to Pripyat, built to support the reactor’s workers and their families. Pripyat Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

George Johnson May 12, Sept. 8

Itinerary DAY 3

8 days, 7 nights 25 travelers Kiev, Chernobyl, Pripyat, Slavutych Private departures available

In Kiev, learn the wider historical context of Ukraine and the Chernobyl disaster and visit the city’s cultural highlights, including the Golden Gate of Kiev and St. Sophia Cathedral. Learn what became of the many plants and animals in the Chernobyl area following the disaster, and how nature has managed an impressive comeback. See the sarcophagus surrounding the reactor, and the innovative New Safe Confinement structure. Explore the restricted Chernobyl exclusion zone, staying overnight in the town of Chernobyl. With a New York Times expert familiar with the science and politics of Chernobyl, and with local guides to add their perspective, put nuclear power in global perspective.

DAY 5   The Russian Woodpecker and Pripyat

Visit the secretive and powerful Duga-1 Soviet radar system, nicknamed “the Russian Woodpecker” for the repetitive tapping it made over shortwave radios. Return to Pripyat and visit the remains of the hospital, a never-completed amusement park and other strange sights. Learn from your experts how to separate radiation truth from fact. Pripyat Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6

Nature, and People, Triumphant

Nature has returned to the exclusion zone. Visit the nuclear power plant’s cooling pond to feed the enormous catfish that have flourished there. In the village of Paryshiv, meet returned settlers determined to live out their days in the

place they were born. Board a train for Slavutych, built by the Soviet Union for the evacuees from Chernobyl. Slavutich Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Managing the Disaster

Tour Slavutych, visiting the city’s Chernobyl Museum and meeting with former citizens of Pripyat and workers at the nuclear power plant. Meet with a representative from the Training Centre for Radio-Ecology in Slavutych, where the ongoing impact of the disaster is being studied. Return to Kiev for a final night and farewell dinner. Premier Palace Hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 8

George Johnson, an acclaimed New York Times Science writer, is the author of nine books, including “Strange Beauty: Murray Gell-Mann and the Revolution in 20th-Century Physics,” “The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments,” “Fire in the Mind: Science, Faith and the Search for Order,” and, most recently, “The Cancer Chronicles: Unlocking Medicine’s Deepest Mystery.” His column, Raw Data, appears in Science Times. A two-time winner of the A.A.A.S. Science Journalism Award, he has been writing about science for The New York Times for more than 25 years.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for individual flights home. Meal: B

May 12 – 19, 2018

George Johnson

Sept. 8 – 15, 2018

The Many Faces of Russia

Featured Experts John F. Burns May 11

Throughout history, the United States and Russia have been on the same side, the opposite side and somewhere in between. On this eight-day journey to Moscow and St. Petersburg with exclusive access to some of the most historic Russian sites and in-theknow experts, delve deep into Russia’s turbulent past since 1917, and gain new insight into this giant, complicated nation. Itinerary

• St. Petersburg

Welcome to Russia

Arrive at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax. Reconvene later in the evening for welcome cocktails and dinner at the hotel, where you will meet your fellow Times Journeys travelers. Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel. Meal: D DAY 2

The Private Kremlin

Privately tour Kremlin territory, including the Armory Chamber, with its collection of gems, carriages and Fabergé eggs, and Assumption and Archangel churches. After lunch, join the Russian TV presenter

8 days, 7 nights 20 travelers Moscow, St. Petersburg Private departures available

Boris Notkin for a discussion of Russian politics. Tour Moscow Metro and Red Square. End with a talk on the 1917 revolution. Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel. Meals: B, L DAY 3

Go Deep Into the Cold War

Travel to the former top-secret Soviet command post that now houses Moscow’s Cold War Museum, 196 feet underground. Explore the Park of Fallen Idols, with its sculptures of Soviet leaders, and the cemetery where many of them are buried. Visit the State Tretyakov Gallery and its collection of prerevolution Russian art. Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel. Meals: B, L

Gorbachev’s Interpreter

Former London and Baghdad bureau chief for The New York Times, John F. Burns was the longest-serving foreign correspondent in The Times’s history. He is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.

Christopher Wren July 20

Visit parts of the Kremlin before regular hours and beat the crowds. Discuss politics with Gorbachev’s interpreter and the Romanovs with an expert on the family. Gain insight into the revolution, the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union as you visit many of their important sites. Visit the Hermitage, Pushkin and Peterhof museums, seeing the legacies and riches amassed by Peter and Catherine the Great. See prerevolution treasures and the remnants of Soviet statues. Gain perspective from The New York Times and its unparalleled tradition of deep coverage of Russia.

Meet Pavel Palazhchenko, the principal interpreter for Mikhail Gorbachev. Discuss the Gorbachev years, including the U.S.Soviet talks that led to the end of the Cold War. Travel by rail to St. Petersburg and take a private canal boat ride, seeing the “Venice of the North” the way Peter the Great intended. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. Meals: B, L, D

The Hermitage and St. Petersburg

Spend the morning at the impressive Hermitage, housing millions of artworks. After lunch, tour St. Petersburg, seeing the Winter Palace, Peter & Paul Fortress and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Dinner is on your own. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. Meals: B, L DAY 6

Pushkin and the Romanovs

Visit Tsarskoe Selo known as Pushkin, and its Catherine Palace. See the famous restored Amber Room. Hear about the Romanov family in a talk by Professor Zoya Belyakova, an internationally acclaimed specialist on the family tree of the Romanov dynasty. The evening is on your own. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. Meal: B

DAY 7   A Day With Two Greats: Peter and Fabergé

Visit Peterhof and the great summer estate of Peter the Great. Your guide will escort you around the park before official opening hours. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil. Later, tour the Fabergé Museum. Tonight, attend a farewell dinner. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. Meals: B, D DAY 8

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and privately transferred to St. Petersburg airport for your departure flight. Meal: B

Christopher Wren reported and edited for The New York Times for nearly 29 years. He covered the United Nations and reported from the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, China and Africa. Celestine Bohlen August 10 Celestine Bohlen has been a Moscow correspondent three times. She covered the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the first faltering steps of Russia’s democracy and the emergence of Vladimir Putin.

May 11 – 18, 2018

John F. Burns

July 20 – 27, 2018

Christopher Wren

Aug. 10 – 17, 2018

Celestine Bohlen

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great Alexander the Great has long captivated historians and storytellers around the world. By the time he died, at just 32, Alexander had become one of the most powerful rulers in the world, and he is still known as one of history’s most brilliant military leaders. On this nine-day journey accompanied by a New York Times-selected expert, explore Alexander’s kingdom, and uncover the secrets to his success.

Featured Expert David Ratzan June 3, September 16

9 days, 8 nights 25 travelers Athens, Pella, Philippi, Thessaloniki Private departures available

Itinerary DAY 3   Pella • Thessaloniki •

Welcome to Athens

Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow Times travelers and expert at a welcome reception and dinner. Electra Palace, Athens. Meals: R, D DAY 2

The Acropolis

Visit the Acropolis Museum to view models of the Acropolis, the Parthenon frieze and the iconic bust of Alexander. Continue to the Acropolis itself and explore its temples and architectural genius. Enjoy lunch as a group in the Plaka. Dinner is on your own. Electra Palace, Athens. Meals: B, L

Ancient Athens

Visit the National Archaeological Museum to gain further perspective on the history of Greece through its art. After lunch, visit the Laboratory at the American School of Classical Studies followed by an archaeologist-led visit to the ancient Agora. Dinner is on your own. Electra Palace, Athens. Meals: B, L DAY 4   The Heart of Alexander’s Macedonia

Fly to Thessaloniki, in Macedonian Greece, named in honor of a half sister of Alexander. Explore an impressive collection of Hellenisticperiod Macedonian artifacts at the Archaeological Museum before viewing the citadel and ramparts of this Byzantine city. This evening, attend a reception and lecture. Electra Palace, Thessaloniki. Meals: B, L, R

David Ratzan is head librarian at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University. An expert in Ancient Greek and Roman history and papyrology, Ratzan has traveled widely in the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt, where he participates in N.Y.U.’s archaeological excavations at Amheida in Egypt’s Dakhleh Oasis.

Expert guides and New York Times context offer exceptional insight into one of history’s greatest conquerors. Visit the Acropolis, the seat of ancient Athenian culture and worship. Explore Alexander’s birthplace, Pella, the capital of the Macedonians. Examine Byzantine churches with exquisite mosaics and frescoes. Travel through the important cities of Alexander’s Macedonia. Visit Early Christian sites and view intricate mosaics. Explore the newly discovered tomb of Philip II, Alexander’s father.

Alexander’s Capital

Travel to Pella, Alexander’s birthplace and capital, known for its floor mosaics and recent excavations. In Mieza, visit the School of Aristotle, where Alexander and his companions were tutored, and Lefkadia, site of four Macedonian tombs with vivid paintings. Explore the town of Naoussa before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner. E lectra Palace, Thessaloniki. Meals: B, D DAY 6

Philippi and St. Paul

Founded by Philip II, Philippi is also where St. Paul established the first Christian community in Europe. Visit a 10th-century citadel, the house of Mehmed Ali, who liberated Egypt from

the Ottomans. Visit the Islamic school imaret and have lunch in the picturesque harbor town of Kavala. Dinner is on your own in Thessaloniki. Electra Palace, Thessaloniki. Meals: B, L DAY 7

The Tomb of Phillip II

Ancient Aigai, now Vergina, is where Philip II was assassinated in 336 B.C. Visit the underground museum with recently discovered tombs, including that of Philip II himself. In Veria, take a walking tour to see Byzantine churches, the old Jewish quarter and the Bema of St. Paul. Electra Palace, Thessaloniki. Meals: B, D

Byzantine Thessaloniki

Tour Thessaloniki in depth, its Byzantine tradition expressed in architecture, churches and monasteries. Explore the Church of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Demetrius, the fifth-century Rotunda to view its well-preserved mosaics, and the Arch of Galerius. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own before gathering for a festive farewell dinner. Electra Palace, Thessaloniki. Meals: B, D DAY 9

After breakfast, depart for the airport and your journey home or onward. Meal: B

June 3 – 11, 2018

David Ratzan

Sept. 16 – 24, 2018

Andalusia: Center of Judaism, Christianity and Islam Andalusia is one of the most remarkable places in the world. The second most-populated and the second-largest area of all the autonomous communities in Spain, it is also a melting pot of cultures, races and religions. On this eightday journey with a Times-selected expert, learn more about a place rich with Jewish, Muslim and Christian influences, where sites of all three major religions coexist.

Toledo • SPAIN

• Granada Alboran Sea

Arrive in Madrid and transfer with the group to Toledo, stopping en route at El Escorial, a monastery and the historical residence of the king of Spain in San Lorenzo. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel with a representative from Red de Juderías, a Jewish network in Spain. Parador de Toledo. Meals: R, D DAY 2

The City of Three Cultures

Explore Toledo with a local expert. Visit the cathedral, named one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe; Santo Tomé Church, which houses El Greco’s “Burial of the Count of Orgaz”; the Synagogue of

Christianity, Islam and Sephardi in Córdoba

Tour Córdoba, viewing the synagogue and the sculpture of the Jewish thinker Maimonides, who was born here. Then visit the mosque-cathedral and the Alcázar to explore Muslim and Christian legacies. Tonight, hear a private Sephardi concert at Casa de Sefarad. Hotel Hospes Palacio de Bailío. Meals: B, L DAY 4

The Wonders of Seville

Take a guided walking tour of Seville. Visit the Barrio Santa Cruz, San Nicholás Church and the former synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and San Bartolomé. Explore the Seville Cathedral, the largest in the world; the Giralda and the Real Alcázar. Dine at a private neo-Baroque palace. Return to Córdoba. Hotel Hospes Palacio de Bailío. Meals: B, D

Raphael Minder November 3

El Tránsito; and Santa María La Blanca, one of the oldest synagogue buildings in Europe. Later, travel to Córdoba for dinner. Hotel Hospes Palacio de Bailío. Meals: B, D

8 days, 7 nights 25 travelers Toledo, Córdoba, Seville, Granada Private departures available

Explore the city of Toledo, known as “the City of Three Cultures” and a Unesco World Heritage site. Enjoy a private Sephardi concert at Casa de Sefarad. Dine at a private neoBaroque palace with unparalleled views of the Seville Cathedral hosted by the heir of the Marquis de las Torres de la Pressa. Take a guided tour of the newly discovered medieval Synagogue del Agua in Úbeda led by the director of the museum. Explore the magnificent gardens and water features of Generalife Gardens, summer palace of the Granada emirate and a Unesco World Heritage site. With expert guidance from a New York Times-selected expert, gain insight into this fascinating land.

A Newly Discovered Synagogue

Travel to Úbeda to visit the old quarter and tour the newly discovered Sinagoga del Agua, led by the museum director. Participate in a competition-style olive oil tasting and multicourse lunch inspired by the olive oil of Úbeda. Continue to Granada. The remainder of the day is at leisure. AC Palacio de Santa Paula. Meals: B, L DAY 6

Explore the old quarter this morning on a guided walking tour. Visit the cathedral, Royal Chapel, Corral del Carbón and El Albayzín district, with its Moorish winding streets. Spend the afternoon exploring Granada on your own, followed by a festive farewell dinner. AC Palacio de Santa Paula. Meals: B, D DAY 8

La Alhambra

Meet your guide and “climb” to the Alhambra, built as a Moorish fortress in the 13th century. Explore the magnificent gardens and water features of Generalife Gardens, the summer palace of the Granada emirate and another Unesco World Heritage site. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. AC Palacio de Santa Paula. Meal: B

Granada’s Old Quarter

After breakfast, transfer to the Granada Airport for individual flights home. Meal: B

Raphael Minder, who is based in Madrid for The New York Times International Edition, has written about Andalusia for years, focusing not only on politics but on social issues and traditions, like the Semana Santa celebrations in Seville. He has written about current debates as well as Andalusia’s rich historical inheritance. Alan Riding March 14 Alan Riding was a longtime correspondent for The Times who covered Latin America for 18 years before moving to Europe where, from a base in Paris, he also reported from Spain. He later became The Times’s European cultural correspondent.

March 14 – 21, 2018

Alan Riding

Nov. 3 – 10, 2018

Raphael Minder

The Fall and Rise of Berlin In the past century, Berlin survived defeat in World War I, raging inflation in the ’30s, the rise and fall of the Nazi party, 40 years as a divided city, and the fall of the Berlin Wall and Communism itself. On this six-day journey accompanied by New York Times experts, trace the epic story of Berlin from the rise of Hitler to the amazing city it is today.

DAY 1  Willkommen

Arrive in Berlin and take a brief orientation tour en route to the hotel. Get to know your fellow Times Journeys travelers at a welcome reception and dinner this evening. The Regent Berlin. Meals: R, D

Hitler’s Berlin

Travel along the Wilhelmstrasse from the rebuilt Reichstag to the site of the Reich Chancellery and the Führer bunker, where Hitler died. End back at the Reichstag, and have lunch on the roof next to the famed glass dome. Later, visit the Jewish Museum. The Regent Berlin. Meals: B, L

The Russian Advance

Visit the Karlshorst, where the German Army surrendered on May 8, 1945, and Treptower Park, with its Soviet monument amid the graves of fallen soldiers. Learn how the Russian armies fought from the Oder River to the Reichstag, the heart of the Third Reich. Explore Berlin and its restaurants on your own. The Regent Berlin. Meal: B

John Tagliabue October 21

6 days, 5 nights 24 travelers Berlin Private departures available

Follow the path of the Russian attack on Berlin in 1945. Visit the ruins of the Führer bunker. See Cecilienhof Palace, where Stalin, Churchill and Truman met to decide the future of Europe in the summer of 1945. Recall the Cold War era at the Berlin Wall and step into the former headquarters of the Stasi, the East German secret police. Gain insight into Berlin’s tumultuous past with a Times-selected expert.

DAY 4  Potsdam

At Potsdam and Wannsee Villa, see where the Nazis planned the “Final Solution.” Cross the Glienicke Bridge, location of many spy exchanges, to Schloss Cecilienhof, where Churchill, Stalin and Truman met in 1945 to decide the future of Germany and Europe. Tour the gardens at Sanssouci. Dinner is on your own. The Regent Berlin. Meals: B, L

Investigate the divided Berlin of the Cold War, starting at the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie before visiting the sobering Stasi secret police prison and Stasi headquarters, which is unchanged from the time the regime collapsed. This evening, enjoy a farewell reception and dinner. The Regent Berlin. Meals: B, R, D DAY 6

The Cold War and the New Berlin

John Tagliabue was a correspondent for The New York Times for 28 years, including stints as a business reporter based in Bonn, a reporter based in Rome, and as the bureau chief in Warsaw, where he covered the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. He reopened The Times bureau in Berlin as its chief in 1990, and then returned to Rome and later Paris as a business reporter for Western Europe.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home. Meal: B

Visit some of Berlin’s fabulous museums marking its turbulent history.

Aug. 19 – 24, 2018

Terence Smith

Oct. 21 – 26, 2018

John Tagliabue

Ancient World, Modern Problems Cruise the Adriatic and Mediterranean, where ancient civilizations rose and fell, as you discuss the problems of today’s world. On this 13-day journey aboard Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam, hear from New York Times journalists and foreign policy experts about the issues facing our modern world. This incomparable itinerary offers nourishment to the mind and soul.

DAY 2   • Venice • Split • Dubrovnik • Civitavecchia Naples • • Sarandë Palermo •

Katakolon • Mykonos •

Valletta • Mgarr

Welcome to the Adriatic

Arrive in Venice and absorb the otherworldly ambience of this improbable city. Wander the streets where brick meets water, drink in Renaissance art, and immerse yourself in Venice’s timeless neighborhoods. In the afternoon, board Holland America Line’s Oosterdam for your Times Journeys adventure. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: L, D aboard ship

13 days, 12 nights M.S. Oosterdam, Holland America Line Venice, Italy; Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Sarandë, Albania; Katakolon, Souda (Crete), and Mykonos, Greece; Valletta and Mgarr (Victoria), Malta; Palermo (Sicily), Naples and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Split Decisions

Arrive in Split, Croatia, with Greek, Roman, Venetian and Yugoslav pasts. You may explore the palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian, or consider a visit to Trogir, a tiny island with a Greek-era layout, Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Back on board, attend an exclusive champagne reception. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 3

Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic

Arrive early in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Dubrovnik’s massive medieval stone city walls allowed the independent, prosperous community to thrive for centuries. Among your choices are tours by buggy safari and cable car, a cultural tour or a trip to the countryside. On the ship, you might attend an exclusive discussion with one of your Times experts. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship

Journey to the culturally rich islands and cities of the Mediterranean region. Visit cradles of civilization and see architecture and art from 6,000 years ago to today. On optional shore excursions, extend the range of your visits and knowledge. Mingle with award-winning Times journalists and experts, enjoying exclusive receptions and nightly well-informed dinner table conversations.

Charles Blow

Gal Luft, Ph.D.

Charles M. Blow is an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, where his columns tackle issues such as social justice, racial equality, presidential politics, police violence, gun control and the Black Lives Matter movement. He is the author of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.”

Dr. Gal Luft is co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, a Washington-based think tank focused on energy and security. He is a leading advocate of the New Silk Road initiative — a plan to connect China with Europe.

Michèle Flournoy Michèle Flournoy is co-founder and chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Ms. Flournoy served as U.S. under secretary of defense for policy from February 2009 through February 2012.

Gideon Rose, Ph.D. Dr. Gideon Rose has been editor of Foreign Affairs since 2010, after serving as managing editor of the magazine. Before that, he was deputy director of security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Combine your love of travel with your love of learning, and gain new understanding of international and regional affairs in exclusive settings.

Tour operated by Insight Cruises

A Day in the Balkan Countryside

Arrive in Sarandë, Albania, and spend a day in the Albanian countryside on your choice of excursions that will show you the beauty of the Balkan lands. On board, attend a talk, perhaps by Gal Luft, co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, a Washingtonbased think tank focused on energy and security, and an exclusive reception. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

Olympic Echoes in Greece

Sail to Katakolon, Greece, to visit Olympia, the birthplace of the Games. Walk among the ruins of religious and athletic structures and picture Olympia in her glory, or visit the small museums extolling the area’s history. Katakolon itself is a slice of small-town Greece, a place to walk the pebble beach and have a leisurely harborside lunch. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 6   Crete, the Home of Minoan Civilization

On the island of Crete, anchored by the myth of the Minoan Minotaur and the Labyrinth, the convoluted streets of old town Chania have a timeless feel. You may visit Knossos to visit the remains of the sophisticated Minoan culture. On board, you might discuss a labyrinthine topic with Michèle Flournoy, who helped formulate national security and defense policy. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 7

Mykonos: Island of the Winds

Mykonos has beaches, quirky small museums and iconic windmills. Consider hopping a ferry to Delos, a Unesco World Heritage site with structures dating to 600 B.C., including the haunting Terrace

of the Lions. Back on board, you may hear some more modern discussions with a Times expert. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 8

At Sea, Through the Cyclades

Let the clear light and blue water of the Aegean entrance you as you head for Malta, navigating the Cyclades archipelago. Engage in discussions with your Times experts. Perhaps today it will include Gideon Rose, editor of Foreign Affairs since 2010. He was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and on the staff of the National Security Council. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 9

Valletta and Its Fortifications

Arrive in Valletta, Malta, known for its late-Renaissance concentration of fortifications, Baroque and Mannerist architecture. You might visit Mdina, the old capital, a living medieval city. For archaeology buffs, there are scattered Unesco megalithic sites, some of the earliest religious structures known, some dating back 6,000 years. More discussions await you on board. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 10

Gozo: Calypso’s Isle

Layers of History in Palermo

Palermo is a riot of art, street life, architecture, food and fervor. Visit the churches near the Norman Palace for a sampling of exuberant structures from Norman-Arab to Baroque times, or Monreale to see its incomparable cathedral, or take a quick jaunt into the Sicilian countryside. Return for more discussions and an exclusive reception. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 12

Naples, City of Cultures

Urban Naples is itself a Unesco World Heritage site because of its 25 centuries of culture. Lose yourself at the National Archaeological Museum, or wander the Capodimonte Museum and Gallery. Perhaps Pompeii beckons you. Back on board, it’s time for a final reception and dinner with your fellow travelers and Times experts. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 13

Rome and Arrivederci

Perched on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, was part of ancient Etruria, predating the Romans. Once you dock, it’s time for final farewells. You might be heading home, or staying in Rome, but your memories will linger. Meal: B aboard ship

The island of Gozo is rural and relaxed. Legend says this is where Calypso held Odysseus captive. Explore Victoria’s ancient winding streets and its ancient Citadel, or head into the countryside to visit the Ggantija Temples (circa 3600 B.C.). Return to the ship early for a long session with your Times experts. The Holland America Line’s M.S. Oosterdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship

April 30 – May 12, 2018

Interior from $4,084 Oceanview from $4,404 Verandah from $4,574 Signature Suite $5,544 Neptune Suite from $6,744 Penthouse Suite $11,344

$1,454 $1,694 $2,429 $3,399 $4,599 $9,199

Charles Blow Michèle Flournoy Gal Luft, Ph.D. Gideon Rose, Ph.D.

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change. Pricing is subject to change and based on availability at time of booking. See deck plan on page 119.

Brexit Means Brexit! The 2016 referendum on the European Union divided the United Kingdom and split traditional political allegiances, as the British population decided, after more than 40 years, to leave. It is still unclear what Brexit will ultimately mean for the U.K., politically and economically. On this six-day journey to London with New York Times experts, examine the significant implications of a historic vote.

Attend a talk on British foreign affairs, and discuss the U.K.’s trade, political and defense policies with Europe and the rest of the world. Later, have a traditional afternoon tea before joining a political historian to put British politics in context. St. Ermin’s Hotel. Meals: B, T POLITICS & PERSPECTIVES

DAY 2   Westminster: Seat of British Government

Arrive in London and transfer to your hotel, in Central London. Later, meet your fellow Times Journeys travelers and some of your experts at a welcome reception and dinner. St. Ermin’s Hotel. Meals: R, D

City of London

Visit the Guildhall, home of the City of London Corporation and a center of City government since the 12th century. Take a guided tour of City Hall, and attend a talk with a senior officer of the Greater London Authority to learn about immigration in London. The evening is at leisure. St. Ermin’s Hotel. Meal: B

Legal Implications

Tour the Supreme Court; a member of the staff will explain the Court’s role in the U.K. justice system. Take an excursion outside London to Thurrock, a Brexit stronghold. Meet with a local politician and Brexit campaigner to hear why over 70% of the local population voted to leave the E.U. Gather for a farewell reception and dinner. St. Ermin’s Hotel. Meals: B, R, D

6 days, 5 nights 25 travelers London

Take a walking tour of Westminster with a Blue Badge Guide. Tour the Houses of Parliament and join a member of the House of Lords and House of Commons to hear their views on Brexit. After a pub lunch, attend a debate in one of the houses (if in session). Your evening is at leisure. St. Ermin’s Hotel. Meals: B, L

Foreign Affairs

Attend talks and panel discussions and meet with experts, including members of Parliament, professors, international experts and a former British ambassador.

Tour the Houses of Parliament and meet with members from both the House of Commons and House of Lords. Visit City Hall and learn about issues regarding immigration and housing in Greater London. Attend a live debate in the Houses of Parliament and see the Supreme Court. Discuss the effect of Brexit on global relations at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs. Admire the changing skyline of London on a walking tour through the City.

April 23 – 28, 2018

Tulip Time in Holland by Barge Travel as they did in Holland’s 17th-century golden age: by private barge through the countryside. With a New York Times-selected expert to add perspective and context and a barge chartered just for Times Journeys, visit great Dutch cities with their historic architecture and famous museums. The highlight of this nine-day journey is the famous Keukenhof tulip garden, with millions of tulips in bloom. Itinerary DAY 2   North Sea

• Oude Wetering Leiden • Delft •

Gouda • • Rotterdam

NETHERLANDS

Welcome to Holland

Arrive in Amsterdam, where you will be met by a tour representative and be transferred to the hotel. Relax, perhaps taking a walk along the canals, before meeting your New York Times expert and fellow Times Journeys travelers at a welcome reception and dinner. Hotel Pulitzer. Meals: R, D

The Dutch Masters

Take an in-depth tour of the glorious and newly renovated Rijksmuseum, which holds paintings of great masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, and treasures of medieval sculpture, prints and Dutch silver. After lunch on your own, transfer to the M.S. Magnifique Il. This evening, the captain and crew will greet you, followed by dinner. M.S. Magnifique II. Meals: B, D DAY 3

The Original Haarlem

Relax on deck as you cruise to Haarlem. After lunch on your own, take a walking tour. Pass by the town hall, in use since 1100, and the Grote Kerk (Great Church), home to Holland’s largest pipe organ, used by Beethoven and other composers. Visit the Frans Hals Museum. Dinner is back on board. Meals: B, D

Alan Riding April 8

9 days, 8 nights 30 travelers M.S. Magnifique II Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, Delft, Gouda, Oude Wetering

Amsterdam •

Sail through Holland during the Tulip Festival, when thousands of acres of flowers are in bloom. Visit museums to see works of Dutch masters. Explore the famous Keukenhof tulip garden. Visit a delftware factory, where the delicate blueand-white pottery is made. See centuries-old windmills and learn how the Dutch keep the sea at bay. With a Times-selected expert on the M.S. Magnifique II, chartered just for your group, go deeper into the art, geography and history of your journey.

Keukenhof Tulip Garden

Windmills and Stained Glass

Every spring, the Keukenhof tulip garden attracts visitors from across the world for a beautiful and flowerpacked extravaganza. After enjoying the flowers (more than seven million bulbs are planted), take a bus to Leiden, Rembrandt’s birthplace. Take a walk through the Old City and visit the Hortus Botanicus, where the tulip was introduced to the Netherlands. M.S. Magnifique II. Meals: B, D

Sail to Kinderdijk, with the largest remaining concentration of traditional 18th-century windmills in the Netherlands. Then it’s on to Gouda to view the Gothic city hall, completed in 1450, and Sint Janskerk (St. John’s Church), with its world-famous 16th-century stained-glass windows. After some free time (say cheese?), return to the M.S. Magnifique II. M.S. Magnifique II. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7   Dutch Cheese, Dutch Food, Dutch Beer

Museums and Delftware

In The Hague, visit the Mauritshuis Museum, with works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and other old masters. See the Peace Palace (exterior only), home of the International Court of Justice. Continue to Delft, its canals lined by Gothic and Renaissance houses. Visit a factory where delftware is still made. Rejoin the M.S. Magnifique II in Rotterdam for dinner. M.S. Magnifique II. Meals: B, D

Visit the cheese-weighing house and sample some of its many varieties. Then continue along the canals toward Gouwsluis. After lunch on board, you can take a bike ride through the nearby countryside or just relax and enjoy the scenery. After dinner, attend a presentation and tasting of Dutch beer. M.S. Magnifique II. Meals: B, L, D

Alan Riding was a longtime foreign correspondent for The New York Times. As the paper’s European cultural correspondent for more than a decade, he traveled frequently to the Netherlands to write about art, music, dance and movies. Thanks to marrying a Dutch woman, he also has a special affection for a country he has visited regularly since the 1970s. Geraldine Fabrikant May 8 Geraldine Fabrikant, who travels frequently to the Netherlands and writes about the art market there, was a senior business writer for The New York Times for more than two decades. She continues to write regularly for The Times as well as other publications on business and the arts, particularly in the Netherlands.

Where Flowers Go to Be Sold

Travel early to Aalsmeer and FloraHolland, the largest flower auction market in the world, where millions of flowers are sold before being shipped around the world. Sail back to Amsterdam. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to explore this great city before a festive farewell dinner on the M.S. Magnifique II. M.S. Magnifique II. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for your flights home. Meal: B

April 8 – 16, 2018

$6,495 per person, double occupancy $7,495 per person for suite (doubles only)

May 8 – 16, 2018

Geraldine Fabrikant

Historic Cities of Andalusia and Morocco Sail around the Strait of Gibraltar with New York Times and Spanish journalists as you examine the intermingling of cultures in this vibrant region bridging Africa and Europe. On this nine-day journey aboard the luxury yacht Le Lyrial, learn of the dynamic hybrid of Islamic, Jewish and Christian culture that has existed in this region, and the centuries-long struggles for independence and religious freedom.

Seville • Atlantic Ocean

Casablanca • Marrakesh •

A Day at Sea

Become acquainted with the many amenities of Le Lyrial and attend onboard talks by your experts as you sail along the Algarve of Portugal to Cádiz, Spain. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to the Mediterranean

Arrive in Lisbon and meet your fellow Times Journeys travelers at a local hotel. Visit the Gulbenkian Museum and the Belém Quarter, historical home to Moors and Christians, and an important embarkation point for Portuguese explorers. Board Le Lyrial and set sail in the evening for Cádiz and Seville. Meal: D

The Heart of Andalusia

Disembark at Cádiz and travel to Seville, one of Europe’s most important and affluent maritime cities and the heart of Andalusia. Visit the Alcázar, one of the most beautiful Moorish sites in Spain, and the Gothic Cathedral, the largest in the world. Jews have an important history here as well. Take time to explore Seville on your own. Meals: B, L, D

EUROPE AND AFRICA

Doreen Carvajal is a Paris-based journalist and former culture reporter at The New York Times, who immersed herself in Spain and its culture to understand the secret history of her own family.

Doreen Carvajal

9 days, 8 nights Le Lyrial, PONANT Lisbon, Portugal; Seville, Spain; Granada, Spain; Tangier, Morocco; Casablanca, Morocco; Marrakesh, Morocco; Rabat, Morocco; Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Cruise between Portugal and the Canaries, where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. Visit Unesco World Heritage sites like the tower of Belém and the monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon, the Alhambra of Granada and the historic city of Rabat in Morocco. See how Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences mixed and affected the cultures and architecture from Andalusia to Morocco. Spend time in Casablanca and Marrakesh, iconic Moroccan cities. On board, attend talks by journalists to put the religious and cultural history of this region into perspective.

John Darnton DAY 4

Granada and the Alhambra

Arrive in Motril and travel to Granada, the site of impressive Moorish culture, art and architecture. Explore the incomparable Alhambra, the pinnacle of Islamic architecture, built by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty. Stroll through the splendid Generalife Gardens. Rejoin the ship in Malaga in the evening. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

The Moors of Tangier

Disembark in Tangier, Morocco. Explore the medina, dominated by its old citadel; the Dar el Makhzen, a former palace that houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities; and the Old American Legation, a palace given to the United States government in 1777. By the early 20th century, Tangier was home to about 20,000 Muslims, 10,000 Jews and 10,000 Christians. Meals: B, L, D

Casablanca and Marrakesh

Dock in Casablanca and visit the vast Hassan II Mosque before traveling to fabled Marrakesh, one of Morocco’s four imperial capitals. Explore the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret; the Bahia Palace; the Ben Youssef Madrassa; the Jewish quarter; and Jemaa el Fna, the city’s central square. Return to Casablanca, where Le Lyrial remains in port overnight. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

The Sights of Rabat

Visit Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and a Unesco World Heritage site. Tour the impressive mausoleum of Mohamed V, who led Morocco to independence. See the unfinished Hassan Tower, intended to be the tallest minaret in the world, and the citadels of the Kasbah des Oudaias and the Roman ruins of Chellah. Meals: B, L, D

Unpack only once and enjoy the luxury of Le Lyrial, launched in 2015 for the discerning traveler.

As the resident New York Times correspondent, John Darnton covered the rise of the Socialist left in Spain after decades of right-wing dictatorship. He wrote and narrated a documentary on the post-Franco years. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a best-selling novelist.

José Antonio Martínez Soler José Antonio Martínez Soler is a well-known journalist in Spain, having worked for El País, created and anchored a morning TV newscast and founded and served as C.E.O. of the daily “20 minutos.” He is also a professor of economics at the University of Almeria.

A Final Day at Sea

Today is spent at sea, enjoying Le Lyrial, attending lectures from your Times experts, and reflecting on where you have been and what you have learned. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9   The Canary Islands and Homeward Bound

Arrive early at Tenerife in the Canary Islands. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for return flights home. Meal: B

Oct. 11 – 19, 2018

Superior Stateroom $6,120 Deluxe Stateroom $6,430 Prestige Stateroom - from $6,740 Deluxe Suite $8,810 Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $11,710

$5,795 $6,105 $6,415 $8,485 $11,385

Doreen Carvajal, John Darnton, José Antonio Martínez Soler

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change. See deck plan on page 121.

Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs Sail through northern waters as you discuss issues related to foreign and domestic United States policies. On this 15-day cruise from Denmark to Iceland to Scotland and back, join the New York Times Op-Ed columnist Maureen Dowd; Carl Hulse, The Times’s Washington editor and politics correspondent; and Edward Alden, from the Council on Foreign Relations, on Holland America Line’s M.S. Zuiderdam.

DAY 2   Isafjordur Norwegian Sea • Akureyri • Seydisfjordur • Reykjavik • Granada • Runavik

Invergordon • Newhaven •

15 days, 14 nights M.S. Zuiderdam, Holland America Line Copenhagen, Denmark; Newhaven (Edinburgh) Scotland; Invergordon, Scotland; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; Isafjordur, Iceland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Runavik, Faroe Islands; Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland

Atlantic Ocean

Copenhagan •

Welcome to Copenhagen

Arrive in Copenhagen, a friendly, cosmopolitan city known for New Nordic cuisine, bike-friendly streets, fascinating 17th- and 18th-century architecture and an abundance of parks. Take some time to wander and absorb Danish culture before boarding the Zuiderdam. Attend an exclusive bon voyage cocktail party with your fellow Times travelers and experts. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: L, D aboard ship

On to the North Sea

Spend your day at sea with issues of national and world importance. Maureen Dowd won a Pulitzer Prize for her witty, acerbic commentary. Carl Hulse has reported on politics in Washington for more than 20 years. Edward Alden, a former journalist, specializes in the economic competitiveness of the United States. Later, attend an exclusive reception. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 3

Edinburgh: Along the Royal Mile

Edinburgh, a leader in education, science and technology, is also the world’s festival capital, and its Royal Mile is a Unesco World Heritage site. You can explore modern Edinburgh or take an uphill hike, literally, through Scottish history. Or head south to visit Rosslyn Chapel (think “The Da Vinci Code”) and see beautiful Midlothian vistas. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship

POLITICS & PERSPECTIVES

Visit Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Reykjavik, three cosmopolitan cities with very different vibes. See the beautiful fjords and waterfalls of Iceland, and get a sense of the Icelandic lifestyle. Visit the Shetland and Faroe Islands, whose isolation and beautiful surroundings have enhanced hundreds of years of civilization. Choose from among dozens of shore excursions. On board ship, have exclusive receptions with your Times experts, and ample time for discussing the important issues facing the United States and the world today.

Edward Alden

Maureen Dowd

Edward Alden is the Bernard L. Schwartz senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness. He previously was the Washington bureau chief for the Financial Times and prior to that was the newspaper’s Canada bureau chief, based in Toronto.

Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary and author of two New York Times best sellers, became a columnist on The New York Times Op-Ed page in 1995. She has covered seven presidential campaigns, served as The Times’s White House correspondent and wrote “On Washington.”

Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr.

Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr. was named chairman of The New York Times Company in 1997. He became publisher of The New York Times in 1992 and continues to run the company’s flagship enterprise on a day-to-day basis. Over the past decade, he has shaped and implemented innovative print and online initiatives that are enabling the company to compete successfully in the 21st-century global media marketplace. Mr. Sulzberger Jr. accompanies the cruise from Edinburgh.

Carl Hulse is The Times’s chief Washington correspondent and managing editor of First Draft, a political news stream and morning email newsletter. He has worked for The New York Times for nearly three decades.

Cruise the casual elegance of the M.S. Zuiderdam.

In the Scottish Highlands

Mountains and Sky in Westfjords

Attend a morning discussion with a Times expert, and arrive in Invergordon, a pivot point for Highlands exploration. Tour the Highlands countryside, or visit Loch Ness. Spend some time in Inverness, visit Culloden battlefield, or see what life in the 14th-century Cawdor Castle is like. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship

Arrive in Isafjordur, gateway to the Westfjords region, land of sky, mountains and fjords. Isafjordur has lots to do, or you can take a ferry to the scenic Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and to Vigur, an island that’s home to many protected bird populations, including puffins. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship

Across the Nordzee

Head back to the North Sea and cruise toward Iceland. Have two more sessions with your Times experts today, followed by an exclusive reception toward evening. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 6

Falls, Fjords and Puffins in Iceland

Arrive in Seydisfjordur, nestled deep within the steep walls of Seydisfjord, where waterfalls formed by the Fjardara River plunge to the heath. The area has been inhabited for a millennium, but today Seydisfjordur is known for its lively arts scene, fishing fleet and puffin colonies. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 7

Icelandic Ponies and Hot Springs

Arrive in Akureyri, land of waterfalls and geysers. You can visit the spectacular Godafoss waterfall or Lake Myvatn with its hot springs and otherworldly lava fields. Along the way, you will probably see Icelandic ponies, the only breed of horse in Iceland, which are often used for sheep herding. This evening, attend an exclusive reception. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship

Urbane and Cozy Reykjavik

You’ll have almost two full days under the midnight sun in Reykjavik. You can start with the architecture: Its new concert hall won the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award, and it stands out amid the rainbow-colored houses of traditional Reykjavik. Reykjavik restaurants are experimenting with new cuisine, and contemporary artists are well represented on the streets. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 10  Reykjavik’s Geothermal Landscape

You might want to get out of the city to the nearby Blue Lagoon spa, where you can soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters. Or visit Thingvellir, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. You could go whalewatching or take a glacier safari. Return to the ship in time for an exclusive early evening reception. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 11

Into the North Atlantic

Leaving Iceland behind and sailing southeast in the North Atlantic, you will have two sessions with your Times experts today. By now, you will have gained a great deal of perspective, and will probably be ready to go deeper into

domestic and world affairs. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 12

The Faroe Islands

Part of the Viking realm but controlled by Denmark for 700 years, the Faroe Islands have developed their own lifestyle. In Torshavn, named for the Norse god Thor, visit houses topped with turf roofs and the national museum and art gallery. Or get out into the country to hike or see charming villages. Attend an exclusive reception on board. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY13

The Shetland Islands

Though the Shetland Islands are part of Scotland, they are as much Norse as they are Scottish. In Lerwick, you can visit a textile museum, a museum and archives or the new arts center. Outside Lerwick, archaeological treasures await at the Bronze Age Jarlshof ruins, and you’re sure to see Shetland ponies on the way. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 14

Sailing South to Denmark

As the Zuiderdam threads its way back through the Skagerrak Strait, your last day at sea includes two final sessions with your Times experts and a final exclusive farewell reception in the early evening. The Holland America Line Zuiderdam. Meals: B, L, D aboard ship DAY 15

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark and begin your trip home. Meal: B aboard ship

July 31 – Aug. 14, 2018

Interior from $5,129 Oceanview from $5,749 Verandah from $6,319 Signature Suite from $7,689 Neptune Suite from $9,389 Pinnacle Suite $16,489

from $2,129 from $2,594 from $4,029 from $5,399 from $7,099 from $14,199

Maureen Dowd, Edward Alden, Carl Hulse, Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr.

Prices listed are per person, double occupancy. Total does not include internal or international air where required. Program subject to change. Pricing is subject to change and based on availability at time of booking. See deck plan on page 122.

Featured Experts Jane Brody

An eight-day cruise aboard the Silversea Silver Whisper from Rome to Athens sounds relaxing enough, with ports of call in stunning locations. Now add to it exclusive access to experts from Well, The New York Times’s acclaimed section on wellness, mindfulness, healthful eating and aging, and this becomes a cruise that feeds the soul and mind as well as the body.

8 days, 7 nights Silver Whisper, Silversea Cruises Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Lipari, Italy; Trapani, Sicily, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Siracusa, Sicily, Italy; Monemvasia, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Jordan D. Metzl

Itinerary DAY 2   • Civitavecchia

Tyrrhenian Sea

• Lipari • Trapani

• Siracusa Monemvasia • • Valletta Mediterranean Sea

Welcome to Italy

Arrive in Rome in time to board the Silver Whisper in late afternoon. Before you board, take time to explore some of Rome’s amazing sites, including the Colosseum and some of the famous fountains and museums. After boarding, meet your fellow Times Journeys travelers and experts. Meals: R, D

Lipari, Gateway to the Aeolians

After a morning of wellness discussions, perhaps with some yoga, arrive at Lipari, the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago just off the tip of the Italian “boot.” Among the sights are the 16th-century Spanish fortification, which contains the Aeolian Museum, chronicling the island’s history from its volcanic beginnings through today. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

Sicily’s Ancient History

Arrive in Trapani, Sicily, founded more than 3,000 years ago. You might visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its elegant Baroque facade, or take an optional wine or olive oil tasting or an excursion to the medieval town of Erice. Back on board, attend a discussion or activity with your Well experts. Meals: B, L, D

In 1965 she joined The New York Times as a full-time specialist in medicine and biology. In 1976 she became The Times’s Personal Health columnist. Her widely read and quoted column earned her the title of “High Priestess of Health” from Time magazine. She lectures frequently on health issues.

Attend exclusive discussions and cocktail parties with contributors to Well, The Times’s acclaimed health and wellness feature. Mix the educational and practical to learn ways of improving your health and life. Hear the current thinking on food, exercise, relationships and aging from the experts who write about it every day. Cruise with the splendor of Silversea’s small luxury ships. Stop in iconic and ancient ports in Sicily, Malta and Greece, with exclusive Times Journeys shore excursions.

Valletta, City of Contrasts

Spend a long day in Valletta, Malta, a Unesco World Heritage site. From the prehistoric Hal Saflieni Hypogeum to modern-day architectural marvels, Valletta also has beautiful gardens and panoramic vistas. You can take an optional sightseeing tour or an optional evening tour of Mdina, “The Silent City.” Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

Syracuse, the Birthplace of Archimedes The Silver Whisper spends a long day in Syracuse, a Unesco World Heritage site where Archimedes was born. You can visit the Necropolis of Pantalica, tombs cut into rock dating from the seventh to 13th centuries B.C., take an optional trip to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, or just wander the city. Meals: B, L, D

Wellness at Sea

Spend the day crossing the Ionian Sea with your Well experts, discussing health, aging, exercise, relationships or healthful eating. Remember, these experts and activities are exclusive to Times Journeys passengers. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Monemvasia, a City of Fortresses

Spend the day in Monemvasia, Greece, whose strategic location at the tip of the Peloponnese shows in its collection of Greek, Roman, Venetian, Byzantine, German and other architectural influences. You can get your fill of fortresses, churches and monasteries, or wander around the cliffs to see the remains of ancient baths, on your own or on optional excursions. Meals: B, L, D DAY 8

Athens, End of a Journey

After breakfast and a final Well activity, the Silver Whisper arrives in Athens, and it’s time for you to say farewell to your Well experts and your fellow travelers. Optional excursions and extensions are available if you just can’t say goodbye. Meal: B

Jordan D. Metzl, M.D. is a renowned sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. Metzl is pioneering a new connection between the worlds of fitness and medicine to actively engage patients in their own preventive health through activity. He is the bestselling author of five books. Tara Parker-Pope Tara ParkerPope is the founding editor of Well, an award-winning consumer health site with news and features to help readers live well every day. She received an Emmy Award for the Well video series “Life, Interrupted,” which chronicled the challenges of a young cancer patient in her 20s.

June 7 – 14, 2018

Grande Suite $14,490 Royal Suite $14,075 Silver Suite $9,625 Medallion Suite $9,210 Veranda 3 Suite $6,625 Vista Suite $5,380

$13,410 $13,000 $8,550 $8,135 $1,780 $1,475

Jane Brody, Jordan Metzl, Tara Parker-Pope

Behind the Scenes of New York Theater When you go to the theater, you probably don’t think about the hours, conversations and details that went into that production. On this six-day backstage journey, meet with the creators of New York theater, visit some Broadway hangouts, and learn about the inner workings that come together only when the curtain rises.

Give Your Regards to Broadway

Arrive in New York in the afternoon and meet your fellow Times travelers for an evening welcome reception and dinner. You will be joined by theater insiders who will share stories of experiences in New York theater. The InterContinental Times Square Hotel. Meals: R, D

The Play’s the Thing

This morning will set the stage for the rest of your journey. Meet with a dramaturge or playwright to delve into the genesis of play development, and the process of how a play goes from page to stage. After lunch as a group, explore the Drama Bookshop, the go-to store for the industry’s play needs for 100 years. Meet with a staff member to discuss the importance of the bookshop to American playwrights and industry insiders. After dinner on your own, attend an invitationonly play reading. The InterContinental Times Square Hotel. Meal: L DAY 3

Break a Leg! (Not Really)

At an audition and rehearsal space, meet a dancer and choreographer. You will have the opportunity to show off your own moves if you wish (no experience necessary). This evening, dine with a casting director or theatrical agent before seeing an Off Broadway show. The InterContinental Times Square Hotel. Meal: D

Scott Heller January 21, April 27 and December 13

6 days, 5 nights 20 travelers New York

Immerse yourself in some of New York’s finest theatrical offerings from prime seats. Participate in exclusive discussions and seminars with theater insiders like a director, producer, casting director, actor, dramaturge, choreographer, designer or stage manager. Discuss the delicate balance of art and commerce that drives the theater industry. Experience stages of the theatrical process by attending a reading, workshop or invited dress rehearsal (subject to availability).

Life Is a Cabaret

After a morning at leisure, enjoy prime seats to a Broadway matinee followed by a backstage tour led by the production’s stage manager or technical director. Then experience another side of Broadway with dinner and a performance at a place like Feinstein’s/54 Below, where you can see some of Broadway’s finest performers in a cabaret atmosphere. The InterContinental Times Square Hotel. Meal: D

Meet with a veteran director or designer to discuss the creative process. After lunch on your own, meet with a Broadway actor or actress for a private master class. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner followed by prime seats to a Broadway musical. Enjoy a postshow reception at another favorite hangout for theater insiders. How many luminaries can you spot? The InterContinental Times Square Hotel. Meals: D, R DAY 6

Depart for individual transportation home at your leisure. Meal: None

Get a glimpse into the pre- and postshow world of theater makers at their favorite haunts. Details on people, places and performances will be available closer to the journey dates.

Triple Threat

Scott Heller is the deputy editor of Arts & Leisure and the theater editor of The New York Times. He joined The Times in 2010 from The Boston Globe, where he had served as arts editor. Mr. Heller, a Brooklyn native, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He was a Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellow at the University of Michigan, where he also earned an M.A. in American studies.

Jan. 21 – 26, 2018

April 27 – May 2, 2018

Dec. 13 – 18, 2018

Cuba. The Time Is Now: A People-to-People Experience Cuba has intrigued since before the United States was born, but it was virtually off-limits for most of the past 50 years. In this seven-day people-to-people journey to a land more accessible but still intriguing, focus on Cuba’s colonial past, the challenges of its economic present, and plans for its uncertain future, with an emphasis on the nation’s cultural and natural riches.

• Havana • Las Terrazas CUBA

Miami – A Stepping-Stone to Cuba Arrive in Miami and check in to the Miami airport area hotel. This evening, begin your understanding of Cuba with a welcome reception and a lively, thoughtprovoking panel discussion on the most vital issues facing Cuba today. Pullman Hotel Miami. Meals: R, D DAY 2

Hop to Havana

Board your group flight from Miami to Havana. After passing through customs, enjoy lunch followed by a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigía, meet for an informational briefing, followed by a welcome dinner.* Hotel Parque Central.

DAY 3   The Crumbling Beauty of Habana Vieja

Meet with an urban planner and architect to discuss the challenges of restoring Havana’s colonial architecture. Walk through Habana Vieja, “Old Havana,” and hear locals’ take on Cuba’s economic challenges. After lunch, take a walking tour of the city’s Prado, and meet with the city’s cuentapropistas (self-employed). This evening is free. Hotel Parque Central. Meals: B, L

Anthony DePalma Jan. 5, Feb. 16, April 13, Nov. 9, Dec. 7 Anthony DePalma spent 22 years as a reporter and foreign correspondent for The New York Times, focusing most of his attention toward Mexico and Cuba. His book “The Man Who Invented Fidel,” about U.S.-Cuba relations, was published in 2006.

Meals: B, L, D *This day’s itinerary may vary according to the flight schedule.

7 days, 6 nights 25 travelers Miami, Florida; Havana, Cuba; Las Terrazas, Cuba

Tour the timeless city of Havana accompanied by local experts in the fields of art and economics. Visit Las Terrazas, a sustainable community in the mountains of Sierra del Rosario, a Unesco-designated Biosphere Reserve. Discuss evolving U.S.Cuba relations with Cuban citizens at the first English-language bookstore. Talk with journalists and ordinary citizens about the huge economic and social changes Cuba faces.

DAY 5   Cuba’s Lush Countryside: Pinar del Río

Explore Pinar del Río, known for its surrounding tobacco-growing region. Visit an operating tobacco farm and meet with campesinos along the way. After lunch, tour the local newspaper of Viñales, Guerrillero, then discuss the role of media in Cuba with local journalists. Return for dinner as a group. Hotel La Moka. Meals: B, L, D

Learn about social issues such as gender equality and gay rights at meetings with social advocates in Havana.

A Land of Changes

Return to Havana and meet with a Cuban expert to discuss race and ethnicity in Cuba. Enjoy lunch at the extraordinary studio of the artist José Fuster. After lunch, meet with editors and journalists at Cuba’s national daily newspaper. Hotel Parque Central. Meals: B, L, R, D DAY 7

This morning, check in for your flight back to Miami. Note that this day’s itinerary may vary according to the flight schedule. Meal: B

Reese Erlich March 16 Peabody Awardwinning foreign correspondent Reese Erlich has reported 11 times from Cuba since 1968. He has filed numerous stories for National Public Radio and CBC, among others, and is author of the book “Dateline Havana.”

DAY 4   Cuba’s Lush Countryside: Las Terrazas

A representative of the U.S. Embassy will discuss the complexities of U.S.Cuba relations. Head to Las Terrazas, a sustainable community in the mountains of Sierra del Rosario, and walk through the village center. Meet some locals and visit a former coffee plantation. Hotel La Moka. Meals: B, L, D

Jan. 5 – 11, 2018

Anthony DePalma

Feb. 16 – 22, 2018

March 16 – 22, 2018

April 13 – 19, 2018

Nov. 9 – 15, 2018

Dec. 7 – 13, 2018

History, Culture and Contemporary Life in Cuba Cuba’s new relationship with the United States has opened ways of exploring its complex history and culture. None is quite as intimate as meeting the locals on a people-to-people tour as you cruise from culturally diverse Santiago de Cuba to Havana aboard the 64-passenger sailing yacht Le Ponant. Exclusive to The New York Times, this 11-day adventure to Cuba includes an 8-day cruise, followed by a two-night stay in Havana.

• Havana • • Cayo Largo • Cienfuegos • Punta Francés Trinidad

Santiago de Cuba •

Caribbean Sea

Welcome to Cuba and Le Ponant

Fly from the U.S. to Santiago de Cuba. On arrival, tour the culturally diverse city before transferring to the port to embark Le Ponant. Travelers will attend a briefing, including the program schedule and reaffirmation of the obligatory requirement of participation in all activities. Sail from Santiago de Cuba in the evening. Meals: R, D

Sailing and Discussions

Today, attend talks by your New York Times experts and enjoy the amenities of Le Ponant as you sail toward Casilda, the port town of Trinidad. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

The Crown Jewel of Colonial Cuba

Trinidad is the crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial towns. Take a walking tour, led by representatives of the Office of the City Historian, interacting with residents. Meet an owner of a free-enterprise casa particular, a Cuban bed-and-breakfast. Meals: B, L, D

Lizette Alvarez

11 days, 10 nights 58 travelers Le Ponant, PONANT Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Cayo Largo, Punta Francés, Havana

Included in the tour price is round-trip air between Miami and Cuba. Eight nights accommodation aboard Le Ponant, exclusively chartered for Times Journeys travelers. Two night post-cruise stay in Havana, with accommodations at the Parque Central Hotel. Get the Cuban perspective on the Bay of Pigs invasion where it happened. See colonial cities and speak to local historians and residents. All shore excursions and tours as listed in the itinerary, including museum entrance fees. All meals from arrival in Santiago to departure from Havana, including room service on Le Ponant.

Santería and Afro-Cuban Religions

Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, including Santería and other Afro-Cuban religions. Explore these belief systems with practitioners. Santería originated in West Africa, but combines facets of Christianity and secret rituals, and has become increasingly popular — and openly practiced — in Cuba. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5

The Bay of Pigs

Drive to Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) and Playa Girón, and gain the Cuban perspective on the ill-fated 1961 United States-backed invasion. Visit the Korimacao Community Arts and Cultural Project, which provides free arts training, and have lunch at a local paladar. In Cienfuegos, visit the Benny More Art School and meet with students and teachers. Meals: B, L, D

Cayo Largo and the Economy

On Cayo Largo, with teeming coral reefs and a profusion of turtles, iguanas, cranes and flamingoes, learn about tourism’s role in the Cuban economy and from scientists involved in coral reef protection. Meet with local residents and fishermen and visit a sea turtle breeding center and endangered species protection program. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Marine Conservation

Visit one of the most beautiful Cuban beaches, on Isla de la Juventud. The beach is part of Parque Nacional Marino de Punta Francés-Punta Pedernales, a marine conservation area established in 1978. Take advantage of the excellent swimming and snorkeling, and talk with Cubans concerned with preserving the natural environment and fragile ecosystem of the island. Meals: B, L, D

Lizette Alvarez, the Miami bureau chief for The New York Times, first reported on Cuba as an immigration reporter and Cuba correspondent for the Miami Herald. Besides her Caribbean coverage, she has reported on northern Europe from The Times’s London bureau, on Congress from the Washington bureau and for The Times’s Metropolitan desk. Anthony DePalma Anthony DePalma spent 22 years as a reporter and foreign correspondent for The New York Times, focusing most of his attention toward Mexico and Cuba. His book “The Man Who Invented Fidel,” about U.S.-Cuba relations, was published in 2006.

Open bar on board Le Ponant. Ship and airport transfers.

Cruising to Havana

Spend the day at sea reflecting on your voyage and all that you have learned about this island nation and its people. Attend talks by your experts as Le Ponant heads for Havana. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9

Ashore in Havana

Say farewell to Le Ponant and disembark in Havana. Visit Plaza de la Revolución and the Museum of Fine Arts, with branches dedicated to Cuban arts and universal arts. Attend a private cocktail party at the home of a local contemporary artist. Dinner will be at a popular local paladar. Hotel Parque Central. Meals: B, L, D DAY 10

Havana Vieja

Tour the Old City, Havana Vieja. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigía, and Morro Castle, guarding the harbor. See the large prerevolution homes of Miramar and the terra-cotta structures of the Instituto Superior de Arte. Drive back to the hotel in old American convertibles. Have a farewell cocktail party in an artist’s home and dinner in a paladar. Hotel Parque Central. Meals: B, L, D DAY 11

Before departing Havana, learn about the revolution by visiting the Museum of the Revolution in the former Presidential Palace. This day’s itinerary may vary according to the flight schedule. Meal: B

March 10 – 20, 2018

Marie Galante from $10,015 Premium from $10,430 Antigua from $12,925

$5,435 $5,845 $10,925

Anthony DePalma, Lizette Alvarez

Quoted tour prices are per person, double occupancy except where indicated and subject to availability. Program includes air between Miami and Cuba. Excludes international air. Program subject to change. Price does not include gratuities or Cuba visa fee.

The Biodiversity of Southern Arizona Experience a scenic adventure through some of the most biodiverse landscapes in the United States, in southern Arizona. Isolated mountain ranges topped by 10,000-foot peaks rise from desert valleys and grasslands, prompting the nickname “Sky Islands.” On this seven-day journey, hike through a unique array of geographic, topographic and climatic influences and visit the Biosphere, a unique ecosystem of its own.

Featured Experts William Schmidt April 29

SCIENCE & NATURE

7 days, 6 nights 18 travelers Saguaro National Park, Biosphere 2, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Chiricahua National Monument

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• Biosphere 2 • Saguaro National Park Chiricahua National Monument • Ramsey Canyon Preserve •

Welcome to Arizona

Arrive in Tucson and transfer to the hotel, on the border of Saguaro National Park. Meet your fellow Times travelers and guides at an orientation and welcome dinner. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Meal: D DAY 2

Cactus and the Desert

Venture into the desert beauty of Saguaro National Park and learn about the nation’s largest cactus. At the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in the park, containing a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum and aquarium, hear a private presentation from a museum

specialist. Then travel to Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 Campus Village. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3

A Walk Through Biosphere 2

Hike about two miles in Catalina State Park, seeing typical desert plant species in addition to many associated with higher elevations. Explore the remains of a Hohokam Indian village. In the afternoon, take a privately guided tour of Biosphere 2 that includes portions of the complex not usually open to the public, with an interpretive specialist. Biosphere 2 Campus Village. Meals: B, L, D DAY 4

William Schmidt is a veteran journalist who spent more than three decades as a correspondent and senior editor for The Times. As a domestic correspondent, he ran bureaus in Miami, Chicago, Atlanta and Denver. He was part of a team of nine Times editors and correspondents who shared the 1987 Pulitzer Prize in national reporting.

Get exclusive access to normally closed areas of Biosphere 2. See the iconic saguaro cactus and amazing cave formations. Hike desert and chaparral, looking for endangered birds and reptiles. Hear from researchers and scientists on projects to study and preserve species in the region. With expert guidance, learn about the amazing biodiversity of one of the United States’ most beautiful areas.

Jim Robbins May 13, September 23 DAY 5

Chiricahua National Monument

Explore the Chiricahua National Monument and hike three to five miles. At the Chiricahua Desert Museum, explore the art gallery, animal collection and outdoor garden. Walk to a picturesque old homestead site. Arrive at the Southwestern Research Station, and hear a presentation from a researcher on a real-time project. The Southwestern Research Station. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6

In Depth in the Chiricahuas

Immerse yourself in the unique flora and fauna of the Chiricahuas with P. D. Hulce, a local researcher, naturalist, botanist and guide. He’ll decide what to best

highlight, depending on time of year, but expect a few miles of light hiking. End with a celebratory dinner and a nocturnal outing to search for night critters. The Southwestern Research Station. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7

Choose your last adventure in Chiricahua. You may explore the station labs and research projects, go for a hike with a guide, or simply relax by the springfed pool. After a final lunch at the Southwestern Research Station, return to Tucson and the airport for your journey home. Meals: B, L

Jim has written for The New York Times for more than 35 years, primarily on science and environmental issues. He has also written five books. His first, about Yellowstone National Park and the West, was “Last Refuge: Environmental Showdown in the American West.” He has just completed a sixth book about the future of birds in a changing world. He has lived in Helena, Mont., for 40 years.

Caverns and Canyons

Tour Kartchner Caverns and see impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Take a four-mile hike at Ramsey Canyon Preserve, where the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts all come together, offering a unique variety of plant and animal life. Dinner is on your own in Bisbee. Copper Queen Hotel. Meals: B, L

April 29 – May 5, 2018

William Schmidt

May 13 – 19, 2018

Jim Robbins

Sept. 9 – 15, 2018

Sept. 23 – 29, 2018

Winter in Yellowstone and the Tetons Winter is magical in Yellowstone, when visitors are few and wildlife-viewing is outstanding. In the chilled air, see bubbling mud pots and gushing geysers eerily veiled in steam. With expert guidance, this seven-day journey, with insight provided by a New York Times-selected expert, puts one of our greatest ecosystems on full display.

Yellowstone National Park • Grand Teton National Park • • Jackson Hole

Depart at dawn for an unforgettable day of wildlife-viewing deep in the northern range and Lamar Valley. Using spotting scopes, observe the resident herds in the valley. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Meals: B, L DAY 3

Welcome to Yellowstone

After arriving in Bozeman, Mont., and meeting your fellow Times travelers, drive through Paradise Valley to the small town of Gardiner, Mont., Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance. Check into the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and gather for a welcome reception and dinner. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Meals: R, D

The Lamar Valley

Jim Robbins Jan. 8 and 15

Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyo.

7 days, 6 nights 25 travelers

Enjoy exclusive access to sites at Yellowstone. View wildlife in their habitat as few see them. Hike the geysers, springs and mud pools of Yellowstone. Take a horse-drawn sleigh through the National Elk Refuge, where over 7,500 elk spend their winter. With expert guidance and Times-selected specialists, get unique insight.

Yellowstone and Old Faithful

Board snow coaches for a spectacular trip through Yellowstone. Stop at several geyser basins and at the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River to see the dramatic, iced-over Upper and Lower Falls. Check into the hotel near Old Faithful, then stroll the short distance to watch the geyser’s spectacular eruptions. Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Meals: B, L

Upper Geyser Basin

National Elk Refuge

Hike the boardwalks and trails of the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains the largest concentration of geysers in the world. See a fascinating array of geothermal features. The afternoon is free to hike, travel to the more distant geyser basins, or simply relax. Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Meals: B

Explore Jackson during a free morning. This afternoon, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge where over 7,500 elk spend the winter. Celebrate your Western adventure at a festive farewell dinner this evening. Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa. Meals: B, D

Across the Continental Divide

Travel by snow coach to Flagg Ranch, Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Cross the Continental Divide and drive through the spectacular Grand Teton National Park. Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Continue to Jackson Hole for a free evening. Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa. Meals: B, L

Depart Jackson this morning on individual flights home. Meal: B.

Jan. 8 – 14, 2018

Jan. 15 – 21, 2018

Journey Spotlight A SNAPSHOT OF SOME OF OUR MOST POPULAR TOURS

Ethiopia: Ancient Lands and Religious Festivals

Culture, History and Progress in Morocco

From $7,595 9 days, 8 nights 24 travelers Departs April 4 and Nov. 27, 2018 Operated by Abercrombie & Kent Addis Ababa, Axum, Cave Churches of Lalibela, Gondar, Blue Nile Falls Private departures available

From $6,150 12 days, 11 nights 25 travelers Departs April 21, Sept. 15 and Nov. 3, 2018 Operated by Academic Travel Abroad Casablanca, Volubilis, Fez, Marrakesh, Aït Benhaddou, Essaouira, El Jadida Private departures available

From $9,595 12 days, 11 nights 20 travelers Departs May 7 and Sept. 24, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Tokyo, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Wajima, Kyoto, Asuka, Nara Prefecture, Osaka Private departures available

Ethiopia may bring to mind its history of famine and the modernism of Emperor Haile Selassie, but the oldest independent country in Africa is among its most stable. This journey, coinciding with a national religious festival, will showcase the unique cultural heritage of Ethiopia.

A land of legend and intrigue, Morocco lies close to Europe, yet its place on the African continent has made it a multicultural crossroads for goods, ideas and people. On this journey, discover the rich, artistic influences of Moorish and European cultures, meeting with locals and experts to delve deep into this colorful nation.

Discover the building blocks of Japanese cuisine — soy, fish and rice — and the interplay of food and ritual on this culinary discovery of Japan. See where miso and wasabi are produced, visit fishing villages and farms, and learn how lacquerware for bento boxes and bowls is created.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

articipate in a religious festival, a joyous ceremony P and once-in-a-lifetime experience. • See the National Archeological Museum, home to Lucy, one of the oldest hominids ever found. • Attend an ancient coffee ceremony and learn of its importance to Ethiopia.

xplore the Imperial Cities of Meknes, Fez, Rabat E and Marrakesh, all Unesco World Heritage sites. • Discover Morocco’s diverse architecture. • Visit cooperatives that provide locals with the skills needed to thrive in modern-day Morocco. • With expert guidance, gain insight into Morocco’s role in history and the major challenges it faces today.

Raymond Wilkinson April 4 Raymond Wilkinson has led a boundary-defying career as an international journalist and aid worker, reporting and serving in parts of Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In addition to his years spent reporting on conflict, he has also worked in communications for the United Nations Commission for Refugees.

Seth Sherwood April 21 Seth Sherwood has contributed some 200 articles to the Travel section of The New York Times since 2004. Ever since his first Morocco article for The Times, he has returned to the country almost every year.

iscover the building blocks of Japanese cuisine D and the interplay of food and ritual. • Visit local producers and farms, sample new and interesting foods, and gain appreciation for ones you know. • From casual dining to carefully orchestrated meals and tea ceremonies, experience a wide range of Japanese cuisines. • With expert guidance, take a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic tour of Japan.

Matt Gross Sept. 24 Matt Gross has been writing about travel and food for most of the last two decades. East Asia has been a particular focus of his adventures, and over multiple trips to Japan he’s delved deeply into Tokyo’s food and culture.

Myanmar: Behind the Headlines From $5,395 10 days, 9 nights 18 travelers Departs March 7, Sept. 19, Nov. 7, 2018 Operated by Abercrombie & Kent Yangon, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Bagan Private departures available

Myanmar, once forbidden, has been seeing more liberalization since 2011. See into the heart of what was once called Burma on this 10-day land journey incorporating golden pagodas, bountiful paddies and an unvarnished look at its politics. With insight from The New York Times and local experts and people, gain a true understanding of Myanmar’s beauty and blemishes.

et exclusive insight into Myanmar’s troubled past G and promising future from a Times journalist and local experts. • Meet Ma Thanegi, former personal assistant of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace laureate, activist and politician. • Chat with a monk in a monastery in Mandalay. • Join a chef on a visit to a local market to buy ingredients for a Burmese dish followed by a cooking lesson. Richard C. Paddock Sept. 19 Richard C. Paddock reports on Southeast Asia as a contributor to The New York Times based in Bangkok. He has reported from nearly 50 countries on five continents. His current assignment is his third posting in Southeast Asia. Mr. Paddock is the shared recipient of an Emmy Award, an Overseas Press Club award and a Pulitzer Prize.

Journey Spotlight

ACTIVITIES & SPORTS |

Bhutan and Nepal: A Hidden Gem and the Rebuilding of a Jewel From $7,895 11 days, 10 nights 24 travelers Departs Oct. 8 and Nov. 5, 2018 Operated by Abercrombie & Kent Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Bhutan; Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nepal Private departures available

A Walk in Provence From $6,995 8 days, 7 nights 22 travelers Departs June 10, Sept. 16, Oct. 7, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gordes, Saint-Rémy-deProvence, Arles Private departures available

Remembering the Great War (1914–1918) From $6,995 9 days, 8 nights 25 travelers Departs April 12 and Sept. 13, 2018 Operated by Academic Travel Abroad Ypres, Verdun, Reims, Paris Private departures available

Cooking With the Sicilians From $7,650 9 days, 8 nights 25 travelers Departs May 29 and Sept. 16, 2018 Operated by Academic Travel Abroad Ragusa, Modica, Noto, Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna

This exclusive nine-day journey delves into the history and cuisine of Sicily. Meet with artisans and chefs to explore Sicilian cooking, from olive farmers and cheesemakers to Michelin-starred chefs. Soak in the long history of the region, from Baroque architecture to ancient ruins.

The April 2015 earthquake caused major damage in Nepal, but, as it has done for hundreds of years, the nation is rebuilding. In this journey to Nepal and neighboring Bhutan, see the transformations and get expert insight into these two breathtaking nations.

In a week that celebrates the world-renowned gastronomy of Provence, go behind the scenes and have access to unique experiences. From a Michelin-starred restaurant to a home-cooked meal, this journey is packed with the flavors of Provence. With a little walking to literally take you off the beaten path, this is a trip you won’t find in any guidebook.

ear a local expert discuss Bhutan’s history and society H and stroll through a village, meeting locals and monks. • Meet a senior monk for a talk about Buddhism and the different types of meditation techniques. • Join a heritage expert and architect for a behind-thescenes look at the process of rebuilding Unesco World Heritage sites in Patan, Nepal. • Meet a Nepali journalist and Bhutanese author for deep insight into these nations’ pasts and futures.

alk through vineyards, past fields of thyme and W lavender, and in the mountains. • Visit the famous Les Halles market, where a chef will buy and prepare lunch for you. • Learn to cook specialties of Provence. • Visit farms and local producers, and taste their wares. • With expert guidance and private access, experience a Provence few can.

Donatella Lorch Oct. 8 and Nov. 5 Donatella Lorch has been a reporter and correspondent for more than 20 years. Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, for three years, her writing, filming and photography during the Nepal 2015 earthquake and its aftermath appeared in multiple publications. She has raised funds for and assisted in the postquake rebuilding of a Nepali village.

Marjorie R. Williams June 10 and Oct. 7 Marjorie R. Williams is the author and photographer of “Markets of Provence,” and co-author and photographer of “Markets of Paris.” Her insights into food, travel and markets have been featured in Afar, GoNOMAD and on NPR. Marjorie travels extensively and believes that exploring markets is one of the most rewarding ways of immersing oneself in the local culture.

emember the Great War during its final centenary R year, when extra commemorations and exhibitions will be taking place. • With a military historian, walk the most significant and bloodiest battlefields of World War I, from the Somme to the Marne to Verdun. • Stay in Ypres and Reims, two cities whose great medieval architectural treasures were badly damaged during the war but have been restored to their earlier splendor. • With the expert insight of your Times-selected guide, learn the lessons of “the war to end all wars,” and why it didn’t.

The centennial of the Great War has attracted abundant attention in the media, and anniversary events are taking place across Europe. Join our experts as we travel to many of the most important sites of the Great War, from Flanders Fields to Paris. The 100th anniversary of the Battles of Le Hamel and Amiens and the armistice ending the war are being commemorated in 2018.

Mitch Yockelson April 12 and Sept. 13 A military historian and archivist, Dr. Mitch Yockelson works for the National Archives and also teaches at Norwich University. He has written extensively on World War I.

earn about traditional cheese, chocolate, wine and L the process of making olive oil from local artisans using centuries-old techniques. • Admire Italian architecture from a range of time periods. • Get up close to the impressive Mount Etna, an active volcano that has erupted as recently as 2014. • Enjoy private food and wine tastings and meet with local producers. Fred Plotkin Sept. 16 Fred Plotkin is one of the world’s foremost experts on everything Italian. He is the author of seven books on Italian topics, five of which relate to the food and wine traditions of Italy. His “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler” is the most complete food travel book on Italy.

ARTS & CULTURE |

The Three Countries of the Upper Rhine

From $8,395 10 days, 9 nights 25 travelers Departs April 20, June 1 and Sept. 14, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Konstanz, Germany; Basel, Switzerland; Freiburg, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Heidelberg, Germany Private departures available

From $5,495 8 days, 7 nights 16 travelers Departs May 27, June 10, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Antelope Canyon Private departures available

From $4,595 8 days, 7 nights 16 travelers Departs Aug. 12 and Sept. 30, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Albuquerque, Bandelier National Monument, Ghost Ranch, Santa Fe, Taos

Travel the Upper Rhine region, where France, Switzerland and Germany meet in a medley of great wine, picturesque, half-timbered villages, transcendent medieval and Renaissance architecture, natural beauty and long-standing traditions. Immerse yourself in the cultures of three nations that share borders and many customs, yet maintain their own identities.

Go far beyond sightseeing and go deep into the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and other national parks. Spend an active eight days and seven nights learning about the geology, flora and fauna of these diverse landscapes with naturalist guides.

POLITICS & PERSPECTIVES |

After thousands of years of Native American settlement, the land that is now New Mexico was claimed for the Spanish Crown. On this eight-day journey, travel many of the same trails as the Spanish, and see how the Native and Spanish peoples worked together, or in opposition, to create new civilizations on top of old.

Foreign Affairs Afloat From $2,944 8 days, 7 nights Departs Nov. 26, 2017 Operated by Insight Cruises MS Rotterdam, Holland America Line Tampa, Fla.; Key West, Fla.; Mahogany Bay, Roatán, Honduras; Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala; Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

Join The New York Times to mingle discussion of foreign affairs and the natural and cultural landmarks of the Maya world. Cruise aboard the Holland America ship Rotterdam, attend exclusive discussions on American foreign policy, Russia and China, and what the future may hold.

ee magnificent examples of medieval and Renaissance S architecture, including a 400-year-old farmhouse. • Visit the beautiful Black Forest and a famous maker of cuckoo clocks. • See panoramic mountain and lake views, and ride Germany’s longest cable car. • With expert guidance, follow the Rhine and learn how it has shaped this multinational region.

aze at the stars with a local expert and high-powered G instruments, taking you from the land to the heavens. • Take an exclusive tour with the Grand Canyon Field Institute to see this natural wonder through the eyes of a professional instructor. • Examine current environmental and political concerns that threaten some of these beautiful areas.

John Tagliabue April 20 John Tagliabue was a correspondent for The New York Times for 28 years, including stints as a reporter based in Rome and as the bureau chief in Warsaw. He reopened The Times bureau in Berlin and then returned to Rome and later Paris as a business reporter for Western Europe.

William Schmidt May 27 William Schmidt is a veteran journalist who spent more than three decades as a correspondent and senior editor for The Times. He ran bureaus in Miami, Chicago, Atlanta and Denver. He was part of a team of nine Times editors and correspondents who shared the 1987 Pulitzer Prize in national reporting.

earn how newly arrived Spanish settlers/conquerors L and the Native tribes that had inhabited the land for millennia created a unique part of America. • Understand historic battles, including a seminal Civil War fight, and examine the legacies of Coronado, Kit Carson and others. • Special departures coinciding with the Santa Fe Opera season and the Albuquerque Balloon Festival allow additional options.

William deBuys Aug. 12 and Sept. 30 William deBuys is an award-winning writer and conservationist, eight of whose nine books concern the land and culture of the American Southwest.

ombine your love of travel with your love of learning, C focusing on foreign affairs and the United States’ place in the world. • Mingle with award-winning Times journalists and experts and attend exclusive discussions and lectures. • Cruise the eastern coast of Mexico and Central America, with many optional shore excursions. Adam Nagourney Nov. 26 Adam Nagourney was appointed Los Angeles bureau chief for The New York Times in August 2010. Before that, he served as the chief national political reporter at The Times, a position he has held since the 2002 election. He has covered the campaigns of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Hillary Clinton (for senate and president).

SCIENCE & NATURE |

Colombia: Because Reality Is Very Different From $6,495 10 days, 9 nights 20 travelers Departs May 18, Nov. 23, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Bogotá, Coffee region, Medellín, Cartagena Private departures available

Galápagos: Evolution in Action From $6,795 11 days, 10 nights 15 travelers Departs Jan. 11, March 22 and Aug. 9, 2018 Operated by Mountain Travel Sobek Quito, Ecuador; Galápagos Islands: Fernandina, Isabela, Rábida, Santa Cruz, Santiago Island, Sombrero Chino Private departures available

The Exuberance of Brazilian Culture From $5,995 8 days, 7 nights 24 travelers Departs May 6, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21, 2018 Operated by Abercrombie & Kent Rio de Janeiro, Salvador Private departures available

Wild Australia From $8,995 12 days, 11 nights 25 travelers Departs March 11 and Oct. 14, 2018 Operated by Academic Travel Abroad Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Uluru/Ayers Rock, Lamington National Park, Heron Island/Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane

Australia is one of the 17 megadiversity countries in the world, home to a stunning array of plants and animals, many found nowhere else on Earth. This ambitious 12-day itinerary explores Australia’s key ecosystems, from desert to rain forest to coral reefs.

In recent decades, Colombia has been mostly associated with the drug trade, Marxist rebels and internal wars. But Colombia is rapidly becoming a highlight of South America. Experience its rich cultural history, beautiful architecture, geographical diversity and the simple warmth and hospitality of its people. Gain perspective from local journalists and New York Times-selected experts.

Charles Darwin called the Galápagos Islands “a little world within itself.” With just 15 travelers, this intimate 11-day journey lets you explore the world’s most fascinating wildlife destinations while cruising in air-conditioned comfort. Daily nature walks bring you close to dancing blue-footed boobies and prehistoric-looking iguanas; experience creation in progress while walking across bizarre lavascapes created recently.

I n rural Colombia, see how coffee is processed and learn its importance to the community. • In Cartagena, take a cooking class and learn to prepare a traditional dish. • See how Medellín has transformed from a drug capital to a safe, cosmopolitan city. • Hear from local journalists and experts about the changes in Colombia.

isit islands with inhabitants found nowhere else V in the world. • See giant tortoises, sea lions, seabirds and iguanas that exist nowhere else. • On a small ship, experience the islands in ways most visitors cannot. • With interpretation from Times experts, and naturalists, gain rare insight into a unique place.

xperience the flavor of Rio’s inimitable Carnival at an E exclusive Carnival-themed welcome celebration. • Interact with local musicians and artists and experience the music in a Rio favela. • Learn to prepare the delicious flavors of Bahia cuisine with a local chef.

Marc Grossman May 18 Ambassador Marc Grossman served as the under secretary of state for political affairs, the State Department's third-ranking official, until his retirement. As under secretary, he led the State Department’s participation in Plan Colombia, making numerous visits to Colombia.

Sandra Blakeslee Jan. 11 Sandra Blakeslee has been writing about science and medicine for The New York Times for over 45 years. She has covered a huge range of subjects, but since the mid-80s has focused on neuroscience. Blakeslee has co-authored nine books on a variety of topics.

Brazil is a land of seemingly endless proportions and boundless exuberance. Immerse yourself in the music and culture that arose as a blend of the African, Indian and colonial influences that make Brazil so special.

Marlise Simons May 6, Oct. 21 Marlise Simons, a longtime foreign correspondent for The New York Times, reported from Latin America, covering politics and environmental and cultural affairs. She lived in Rio de Janeiro, crisscrossing Brazil to meet its writers, musicians, rubber tappers, gold diggers, Indian tribes and boatmen on the Amazon.

xplore the diverse ecosystems of Australia on an E intensive trip that spans the country’s islands, deserts, rain forests and coral reefs. • Visit Kangaroo Island, home to roving herds of kangaroos and rare species found nowhere else on Earth. • Travel to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to learn the history of the area and the cultural heritage of the aborigines. • Stay in Lamington National Park, Australia’s largest preserved subtropical rain forest. FEATURED HIGHLIGHT

Visit Lamington National Park, Australia’s largest preserved subtropical rain forest. A Unesco World Heritage site, the park includes some species found nowhere else on Earth.

Deck Plans A Transatlantic Celebration of the Times Crossword — Queen Mary 2 Page 60

Ancient Worlds, Modern Problems — M.S. Oosterdam Page 83

Deck Plans Ancient Worlds, Modern Problems — M.S. Oosterdam Page 83

Historic Cities of Andalusia and Morocco — Le Lyrial, PONANT Page 92

Deck Plans Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs — M.S. Zuiderdam Page 96

Fjords, Falls and Foreign Affairs — M.S. Zuiderdam Page 96

Terms and Conditions These are the terms under which we offer Times Journeys Tours. By registering and paying your deposit for a Tour, you are entering into this Participant Agreement with us. Please read these terms carefully before making a deposit or payment for a Tour. These terms may be supplemented by additional terms and conditions specific to your Tour (“Supplemental Terms”). In the event of a conflict between this agreement and the supplemental terms, the Supplemental Terms will apply. TIMES JOURNEYS PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT Times Journeys, a part of The New York Times Company, acts only as the trip sponsor and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of other parties. The trip described on the Times Journeys website (the “Website”) or in your brochure (the “Tour”) is provided by an independent tour operator named on the Website or in your brochure (the “Operator”). Times Journeys and the Operator are collectively referred to as “we” or “us.” The terms and conditions of this Participant Agreement apply to your Tour and the program for the Tour (the “Itinerary”). Pricing and Inclusions: Quoted Tour prices are per person, double occupancy except where indicated. Prices include programming, planning, handling and operational charges and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes in effect at the time of publication. We reserve the right to increase Tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, taxes and V.A.T. received after prices are published and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. We will not give a breakdown in the price of a Tour or its parts. Modification of Tour content size will not affect the published price. Exclusions: Quoted Tour prices exclude: trip insurance; airfares between points on the Tour; international airfare, including airfare and other transportation to and from the Tour (unless otherwise noted); costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes (unless otherwise noted); excess baggage charges; gratuities to the Tour directors, drivers and guides; meals other than those specified in the Itinerary; sightseeing not included in the Itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability). Reservations and Payments: The Tour deposit amount is listed on the Website or in your brochure. The deposit is required in order to confirm your booking. Upon receipt of the deposit, the Operator will send you confirmation of your booking. Your final payment date will be listed on the confirmation. If a Tour is already full, we may accept deposits on a standby basis. If space becomes available, you will have the choice of joining the Tour by paying in full or forfeiting the space in return for a refund of your deposit. Final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure unless otherwise indicated on the Website or in the brochure. If your reservation is made within ninety (90) days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation. Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and medical insurance. The Operator will provide the insurance applications along with your booking confirmation. Any questions about what travel insurance does or does not cover should be addressed directly to the travel insurance company. If you decline insurance coverage, you will personally assume full responsibility for any financial loss associated with your travel arrangements, and you could lose your travel investment and/or have to pay more money to correct the situation. Single Travelers: Tour prices are based on double occupancy. Single travelers will be expected to pay the single supplement fee. Cancellation by You: We must receive your cancellation notice in writing by email, fax or overnight courier, and your cancellation date will be the date on which we receive your notice. Unless otherwise indicated on the Website or in the brochure, the following will apply. •

If we receive your cancellation notice ninety-one (91) days or more from the Tour departure date, we will refund fifty percent (50%) of the deposit amount and all of the Tour price to the extent that you have made that payment.

If we receive your cancellation notice ninety (90) to sixty-one (61) days prior to the departure date, we will retain twenty percent (20%) of the Tour price based on double occupancy, excluding optional payments.

If we receive your cancellation notice sixty (60) to thirty-one (31) days prior to the departure date, we will retain fifty percent (50%) of the Tour price based on double occupancy.

If we receive your cancellation notice thirty (30) days or fewer prior to the departure date, we will retain one hundred percent (100%) of the Tour price.

Any penalty imposed by an airline, including for airline service between points on the Tour (“Internal Air”) or travel to or from the Tour, is your responsibility.

Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department warnings, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or other delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour departure date and time, you will be considered a no-show, and we cannot provide a full or partial refund or credit toward a future Tour, but you may join the Tour late if you wish. Air Transportation During the Tour: Internal Air is not included in the price of the Tour. Estimated Internal Air costs will be identified separately on the Website or in your brochure. Internal Air costs and availability are subject to change at any time prior to final payment for your Tour and we reserve the right to increase Tour prices accordingly. We will not change your seat assignment request on commercial aircraft without your permission. However, airlines often change seat assignments to satisfy their loyalty members or because of equipment changes (aircraft type). We are not notified of these changes in advance, and often travelers are not made aware of these changes until they arrive at the airport. We cannot be responsible for seat assignment changes made by the airline. Frequent flier programs are private agreements between airlines and passengers, and we cannot be held responsible for mileage discrepancies involving airline loyalty reward programs. Passports and Visas: You are solely responsible for complying with passport and visa requirements. For U.S. travelers, international travel requires a passport valid six (6) months beyond your intended return travel date. In many cases, you will also need to have multiple consecutive blank visa pages within your passport (the number varies depending on the destination(s)). Many destinations also require that visas be obtained prior to travel. It is recommended that you check with the U.S. Department of State website for the latest passport and visa requirements. Cancellation or Substitution by Us: We will make commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Itinerary as it has been published; however, the final Itinerary may vary due to availability and factors beyond our control. We may in our sole discretion substitute services such as hotels or goods of similar quality for any service or good stated in the Itinerary. If a Times Journeys speaker (“Speaker”) cancels, the Operator will make every effort to find a replacement. You will not be refunded in whole or in part when the Operator is unable to find a replacement Speaker. We reserve the right to cancel any Tour because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of our concerns with respect to the safety, health or welfare of our travelers or staff. If we cancel a Tour, our liability is limited to a full refund of your payments to us and we will not be liable for any other costs, damages or refunds of any kind for any loss, delay, inconvenience, disappointment or expense whatsoever in such circumstances. If a Tour in progress must be interrupted or canceled, our liability shall be strictly limited to refund of the recoverable cost of any unused portion of the Tour. Other Taxes and Fees: Some governments charge departure taxes and/or fees. These fees are the responsibility of each passenger traveling to the designated country and are not included in the Tour price unless stated. Baggage: We assume no liability for loss or damage to baggage in transit to and from a Tour or while on a Tour. We recommend purchasing a supplemental travel insurance package. Children: Unless otherwise indicated in the Tour description, all Tour passengers must be at least ten (10) years of age. However, some activities contained within an Itinerary may have a different age restriction than the overall minimum age requirement, in which case details will be provided at the time of booking. We reserve the right to marginally exceed the published maximum group size on family Tours to accommodate a family. Suppliers Acts or Omissions: The Operator acts only as an independent contractor to supply or arrange for the travel services named in your Itinerary or otherwise to procure services or goods from third parties such as airlines, hotels and other lodging providers, local hosts, guides, bus lines, car rental companies, driving services, restaurants and providers of entertainment (the “Suppliers”). The Operator and Times Journeys assume no responsibility for any personal injury, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission of any of the Suppliers.

Conduct During the Tour: You are responsible for respecting the authority and following the directions of the Tour guide and the laws of the countries in your Itinerary during a Tour. We may exclude you from participating in all or any part of the Tour if, in our sole discretion, your condition or behavior renders you unfit for the Tour or unfit for continuation once the Tour has begun. Unfitness may include, without limitation, any behavior that, regardless of its cause, is inappropriate or offensive or interferes with the delivery of Tour services or may constitute a hazard or embarrassment. In such case, our liability shall be strictly limited to refund of the recoverable cost of any unused portion of the Tour. Should you decide for any reason not to participate in certain parts of the Tour or use certain goods included in the Tour, no refunds will be made for those unused parts of the Tour or goods. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from and against any costs, damages, losses or liabilities arising out of (a) the actions or omissions of any minors traveling with you and (b) if you checked the box indicating that you are signing on behalf of yourself and your traveling companions, your companions’ claims that you were not authorized to agree to this Participant Agreement on their behalf. Limitation of Liability and Damages: In no event will we be liable for any injury, loss, claim, damage or any special, punitive, exemplary, direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind, whether based in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise, that arise out of or are in any way connected with the Tour, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Travel Advisories and Warnings: It is your responsibility to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U.S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 888-407-4747. Force Majeure: We assume no responsibility for any personal injury, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any matter beyond our exclusive control, including, but not limited to, a delay or cancellation that causes you to miss all or any portion of the Tour; acts of God, acts of government, war, terrorist acts, riots, disaster, weather extremes or strikes. We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. You understand that health care standards, facilities and services abroad may be different or even inadequate for treating health conditions. For information concerning possible dangers at foreign destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at 202-647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov, and click on “Travel Warnings.” For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at 877-FYITRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. Assumption of Risks and Release: If you participate in activities during your Tour, certain risks and dangers may arise, including, but not limited to, the risk of accidents in remote places without access to medical facilities, transportation or means of rapid evacuation and assistance; the hazards of traveling in unsafe or politically unstable areas or under unsafe conditions; the dangers of civil disturbances, war, extortion, kidnapping and terrorist activities; dangers and risks inherent in activities in underdeveloped countries; and dangers of local law enforcement activity. You hereby expressly assume all of these risks and dangers, and you hereby expressly agree to forever release, discharge and hold us and our agents, employees, officers and directors harmless against any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever, which you now have or which may hereafter arise out of or in connection with your Tour or participation in any activities in which you participate.

General: You hereby consent to our use of pictures or video of you in our marketing materials without compensation. Facsimile or scanned transmission of any signed document shall be deemed delivery of an original. If there are any conflicts between this Participant Agreement and the Itinerary, this Participant Agreement shall apply. We reserve the right to decline to do business with anyone on a nondiscriminatory basis. Active Elements, Medical Conditions and Special Assistance: Some of our Tours incorporate active elements such as hiking, climbing or canoeing; you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the level of activity that will be involved in your Tour. You must disclose in your Participant Information Form (or at such later time when you become aware of such a condition) any existing physical or mental illness, disability, pregnancy or any other condition which may create a health hazard for yourself or others during the Tour, or for which you may require medical attention or special accommodation during the Tour. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your needs, but you must notify us at the time of booking for a determination of what assistance we can reasonably provide. We regret that we cannot accommodate you if you have special needs for ordinary daily activities, such as walking and dining. In no instance will our Suppliers or we physically lift or assist you on to or off any vehicles. If we cannot accommodate your special needs, you must be accompanied by a companion who will be responsible for independently providing the needed assistance. We reserve the right to decline acceptance of anyone we consider unsuitable due to fitness level. We also reserve the right to remove you from the Tour, at your own expense, if your condition is such that it could create a hazard to you or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers. Quoted tour prices are per person double occupancy except where indicated and subject to availability. Excludes internal and international air. Programs subject to change. All terms and conditions can be found at nytimes.com/timesjourneys or you can call 855-NYT-7979 and request a copy be sent to you. Abercrombie & Kent CST#2007274-20, Mountain Travel CST#2014882-10, Academic Travel Abroad CST#2059002-40, Insight Cruises CST#206538-40, Judy Perl Worldwide Travel LLC CST#2122227-40. SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Binding Arbitration Clause (for Mountain Travel only): I agree that any dispute with Mountain Travel concerning, relating or referring to this contract, the brochure, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceeding will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act. The arbitrator(s) 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. Times Journeys’ trips to Cuba are permitted under the People-to-People general license category.

Arbitration and Waiver of Trial by Jury: You agree to present any claims against us within ninety (90) days after the Tour ends and to file any suit within one (1) year of the incident, and you acknowledge that this expressly limits the applicable statute of limitations to one (1) year. In lieu of litigation and jury trials, each of which is expressly waived, any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Participation Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning your trip or the Tour shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in New York City, New York, according to the then-existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceeding will be governed by the substantive law of the State of New York. The arbitrator(s) 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 Participant Agreement, including, but not limited to, any claim that all or any part of this Participant Agreement is void or voidable.

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Cultural and Culinary Highlights of China A Culinary Journey to India The Three Countries of the Upper Rhine

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Erik Eckholm, John Burns Vikas Bajaj, Harleen Singh, Melissa Clark John Tagliabue

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Culture, History and Progress in Morocco Myanmar: Behind the Headlines Saudi Arabia and the Emirates: The Past and Future of Oil Bhutan and Nepal: A Hidden Gem and the Rebuilding of a Jewel Unlocking the Mysteries of Indochina Iran: Tales From Persia

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Story of Prague: 'New York Times Journeys' Remarkable Sights & Food

• Local English-speaking guide
• 6 food tastings at different places
• The tram ticket
• 3 beverages (Czech beer, Moravian or Italian Wine, coffee, or soft drinks)
• Entrance to Voskovec & Werich exhibition
• A map with personalised food recommendations
• Additional food or drink
• Haštalské nám. 790, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia On the benches in front of the Church of Saint Castullus (Kostel sv. Haštala), Haštalské nám. 790/1, 110 00, Prague
• Malá Strana, Prague 1, Czechia Kampa Island
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
• Local currency is Czech koruna. Euro is accepted only exceptionally and not everywhere.
• For your tour you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
• Dietary Notes: We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Please note that portion sizes vary but total amount of food equals a full meal, choices vary depending on daily/seasonal availability, vegetarian options available),
• We reserve the right to change the course of the tour and places visited in case one of the venues is closed. In the event of a change of menu, we will pick the best alternative, ensuring no loss in quality or quantity of inclusions.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Haštalské nám. 790 Haštalské nám. 790, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia On the benches in front of the Church of Saint Castullus (Kostel sv. Haštala), Haštalské nám. 790/1, 110 00, Prague See address & details
• 1 Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia - National Gallery Prague Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 2 Church of Our Lady before Tyn Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Staromestske namesti Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 4 Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 5 The Estates Theatre Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 6 Henry's Bell Tower Stop: 40 minutes See details
• 7 Lesser Town Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 8 Werichova vila Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll end at Malá Strana Malá Strana, Prague 1, Czechia Kampa Island See address & details

• M4273PRcarolp 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good Tour, Great Food; Information a Bit Disjointed The walking tour of Prague was good. The city is lovely, with so many gorgeous buildings rich with history. It's like walking in an art museum! Mark was a knowledgeable guide, with a lot of very detailed information about the places we saw: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, the Jewish Quarter, Castle Gardens and St. Vitus Church. He was able to answer questions and seems to really love the city. A plus is that he's American, so there are no language barriers in that regard. Lunch was fantastic! Loved the goulash and beetroot salad! Other thoughts: while we got an enormous amount of information, it was a hard to fit the details into a logical flow because contextual information wasn't delivered upfront and in chronological order. I'm a very left-brain, connect-the-dots processor of information. Mark and my husband have a more creative, right-brain approach. They seemed to follow one another's conversation easily, but the delivery felt disjointed to me. On occasion, Mark seemed to misunderstand my comments as well, so the disconnect was likely in both directions. For other left-brain travelers, it would be helpful to deliver an overview of the history of the city first, clumping periods into chronological order with key names and dates associated with each. That way, when the tour arrives at each stop, you can reference the relevant overview information to give a quick context for the specific details to be presented at the location. Read more Written April 27, 2024
• norarawlings 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great! Very informative and delicious tour! I am a vegetarian and there were lovely options for me even though it is not a typical thing in this region Read more Written April 22, 2024
• N4267WQpaiges 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So glad I didn’t miss this! Nikola was wonderful. So easy going and friendly—walking through town and telling us about food and culture and history in Prague…without making it apparent to everyone in a 10m radius that we were tourists on A TOUR! She made you feel like you were just a bunch of locals going out. At every restaurant we went to, they knew her and made us feel welcome and everything was DELICIOUS! She showed us a variety of foods but also was willing to add in things or tell us where other traditional foods were popular with locals. I am so glad I did this tour and didn’t leave Prague having missed all these foods and interesting info! Read more Written April 21, 2024
• lindsayc146 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Walk the city and enjoy the day! We had a wonderful city tour with Mark! He met us in our hotel lobby right on time, and we had a full day of walking, history, and food. We started at the Prašná brána and ended within a block of our hotel. We went to the Old Town Square, Franciscan Gardens, Prague Castle, and walked Charles Bridge, just to name a few. Nothing felt rushed, and he spent time explaining the unique history of Prague/Czech Republic. He is very knowledgable about the area, and he was fun to be with. I liked how much ground we covered walking the city, and I especially loved visiting his friend’s art studio! The tour is definitely worth it, and it was money well spent. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• G4813SUwilliamh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles memorable evening in prague loved every minute of our experience. Nikola was an absolute gem! she made the entire evening enjoyable from start to finish. food was awesome, would definitely recommend this tour and ESPECIALLY NIKOLA! Read more Written April 15, 2024
• DenisAbashin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Start tour hungry. Thank you it was very tasty adventure Nikola was very professional and knowledgeable about Czech culture, food, and the streets we walked through. The food and restaurants were great; I liked Slavia Cafe the most. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• Coastal13743292889 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tour with Pavla. !!!! We really enjoyed this tour with Pavla Cervinkova !! She grew up in Prague and really gave us the authentic information about the city. It was great getting all the information directly from a person who grew up in the area. She certainly knows her Country's history, culture , music etc. !! The 5 hours went by so fast ! We saw all the major sites and many other sites that only a true local would know. Was also a pleasure to enjoy an awesome lunch with her and learn even more about Prague 's history and its culture. She is also very pleasant, fun and super friendly. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. !!!!! Read more Written April 14, 2024
• 448karlaf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So far the best food tour I’ve ever had OMG!!n what a great food tour. I have done plenty of food tours around US and Europe…so far this is the best one!!! Michelle and Nikola are amazing guides, very approachable and knowledgeable with great stories!! Don’t hesitate and have a lot of fun eating your way through Prague! Read more Written April 11, 2024
• ryal66 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent food tour! This was an excellent food tour! Nicola and Michelle were knowledgeable not only about the food but also the history of Prague. We would highly recommend spending the evening on this tour! Read more Written April 11, 2024
• Mindy k 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Authentic food tour Nikola, our guide, was delightful, passionate and informative. We really enjoyed meeting her. She picked us up at our hotel, took us to a variety of local restaurants, and dropped us back off. We highly recommend using her. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• normanmL5157HY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tailormade tour of Prague with Pavla Červinková Pavla provided a great tailormade tour of central Prague. She had taken on board the specific things I wanted to see/hear about - such as antique shops Pavla had also booked a table for us to have lunch in a restaurant I really wanted to try (but hadn't been able to get into previous days)! Pavla was great at answering my questions throughout the tour, and offered some nice insights into the city, so it felt like a proper personalised tour. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• 930IanB930 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jan is the best. Just perfect! Not only do you experience food & cafés & restaurants your probably wouldn't find on your own you learn so much more about the history of Prague and the Czech Republic. Brilliant. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• nicolemX278LT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Food tour fun! We had a food tour with Jan and it was a blast! He was so kind, fun and informative. We really enjoyed ourselves and were happy to make a new friend in Prague! Read more Written March 19, 2024
• Flyer32908916479 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best introduction to Prague! I could not have asked for a better introduction to Prague! Though Mark is not a native of Prague, he could not love or know the city any less than someone that has spent their life here. We took it all in -- at my pace -- and I felt like I got the most comprehensive tour of the city possible. We walked the old town in the morning, then stopped at a local coffee shop and chatted among the locals, later having a classic Czech lunch at a popular restaurant. We needed it because we then walked the grounds of the castle and surrounding neighborhoods, did a bit of shopping and ended the tour a the top of the hour with the chiming of the famous Orlog astrological clock. Mark was an excellent guide! Read more Written March 19, 2024
• nickhills1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Try food you wouldn't normally order. And have fun seeing the city from a locals perspective. What a fab way to see and learn more about the city. Get some inside view into how Prague runs and it's history from someone who has loved it. And try foods that you wouldn't normally order. Trust your guide. She will make sure you have a fab time!! We have done a couple.of other European city food tours and this was as fantastic as the others. Michaela made sure we got to visit restaurants and cafes that we wouldn't normally get to. And to try foods and drinks that were unusual and enjoyable. Highly recommended to everyone visiting Prague with a spare couple of evening hours Read more Written March 18, 2024

More to explore in Prague

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Story of Prague: 'New York Times Journeys' Remarkable Sights & Food provided by Prague City Adventures

Times Journeys To Offer Exclusive Perks To Cruise Travelers

This special package includes both pre-cruise and onboard elements.

In New York City prior to departure, guests will enjoy a brunch at The New York Times building and an exclusive tour of The Times’s newsroom. Onboard amenities in the Times Journeys package include:

• exclusive onboard events with The Times accompanying experts, including small group Q&A’s
• two cocktail parties with the experts
• lunch at Todd English Restaurant aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
• an open bar package
• and a New York Times gift bag.

These exclusive offerings will be available on the January 3, 2016 sailing only, and each is limited to 100 guests. To book, guests should contact Times Journeys directly at 855-698-6363.

To read more about Times Journeys’s collaboration with Cunard, please click here .

(Media Contact: Jordan Cohen,  @jorcohen )

Eat the Press: Sam Sifton Named Editor of New Department, Food

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Technology and Operations Management

Mba student perspectives.

• Assignments
• Assignment: Digitization Challenge

The New York Times’ Digital Journey

How can The New York Times continue to fulfill its mission and customer promise when there are so many competing and free online news sources?

The New York Times’ core purpose is “to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information” (according to their company website) [1]. With this goal in mind, the explosion of the digital world has made the reach/distribution of their report easier to distribute on a global scale.

Pathways to Just Digital Future

The Times’ Flagship News Products

However, the new digital world has been difficult too — changing customer expectations, new competitors , and issues with monetizing a non-physical product. Furthermore, what does the future of the company look like? How can it continue to lead in journalism and generate sizable profits when there are so many free news sources available online?

Original Customer Promise meets New Expectations

While the Times can reach more people at the touch of a button and have a wider-spanning reach, the element of immediacy puts pressure on the newsroom to produce news around the clock. Without the bottleneck of the printing press and getting physical papers to readers’ doorsteps, the customer expectation is to learn about news as soon as it happens.

This means the newsroom needs to be reporting, analyzing, writing, copy editing, curating and fact checking at all hours of the day to stay competitive. It also means that one of the Times’ biggest value props – being reputable – at times works against its ability to release news more quickly than its competitors.

The Competition – Old and New

Historically, other news publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post would be considered the competition. However, now competing in the digital space, The Times now has the increased competition for readers’ time and attention — digitally-native news sources such as The Huffington Post, news aggregators like Flipboard, social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and any other mobile apps that might be consuming a readers’ time during their commute or other downtime. These apps have also contributed to new reading behaviors by making it easier to consume many different sources at one time.

These behaviors discourage brand loyalty and make monetizing more difficult. The paywall (a digital subscription required to access more than a certain number of free articles per month) depends on the Times’ readers desiring to consume more than the allotted amount of free articles per month — 10 free articles/month since its institution [2].

A few new competitors (Yahoo News, Google Newsstand, BuzzFeed)

Compared to its traditional competitors, The New York Times has done quite well in digitizing quickly and innovating. For a paper known for its long history, strong culture and long-tenured employees, it’s easy to imagine why change would be difficult for the organization. However, the Times put together an innovation team to focus on this issue and their report was leaked in 2014 [3].

The Front Cover of the leaked Innovation Report

The report was honest about the Times’ biggest challenges and areas of growth, discussing the need for the paper to focus on building out its digital business despite the lion share of its revenue still coming from its declining paper business.

Monetization Issues

The institution of the paywall in 2011 [2] was successful in revenue generation. However, there was and continues to be a large subset of US news readers who are satisfied with free news sources.

Another challenge is that while the paid subscriptions of the Times have increased, revenue has still fallen [5]. This is somewhat attributed to declining advertising revenue. Another contributing factor may be that the Times is unable to offer its digital subscriptions at similar prices to its home delivery ones [4].

Going Forward

The Times needs to find a way to monetize the readers who are not paid subscribers, and who aren’t producing enough revenue by advertising impressions alone. While their readership is high, they need to find a way to build brand loyalty, and that is going to take some innovating since quality journalism alone is not proving to produce a strong enough revenue stream.

They’ve already made progress by innovating rapidly. The Times has come out with a variety of new products focused on repackaged verticals of their report such as NYT Now, a streamlined version of the news, and NYT Cooking, 15,000+ digitized Times recipes packaged into a website and app. They also have started to produce Virtual Reality apps [6], aligning themselves with new technology, and by doing so, hopefully address a new audience.

The Times still has 165 years of news, information, photos, analysis which are an advantage, but also, they need to continue to invest in producing new high quality products that match the quality of their journalism. By doing so, they will build out their base and once their tech-based products are more mature and their user base is large, monetization of new products will come more easily.

(Word count: 800)

[1] The New York Times Company website, http://www.nytco.com/who-we-are/culture/standards-and-ethics/

[2] The New York Times Company website,  http://www.nytco.com/who-we-are/culture/our-history/

[3] NiemanLab, “The leaked New York Times innovation report is one of the key documents of this media age,”  http://www.niemanlab.org/2014/05/the-leaked-new-york-times-innovation-report-is-one-of-the-key-documents-of-this-media-age/

[4] NYTimes.com Subscription website, https://www.nytimes.com/subscriptions/Multiproduct/

[5] The New  York Times website, “New York Times Co. Reports Loss as Digital Subscriptions Grow,”  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/04/business/media/new-york-times-co-q1-earnings.html

[6] NYT VR http://www.nytimes.com/marketing/nytvr/

Student comments on The New York Times’ Digital Journey

Laura, amazing article and really happy to see someone who is expert to talk about what is happening to this industry. To be honest, a couple of years ago I was pretty sure institutions like NYT would have difficulty to justify their presence in a couple of years. After the recent election though, I am pretty sure they have their spot in the market. As a ton of news populates our newsfeed in Facebook everyday, we would need some to provide us with a reliable source of news. Internet is full hoaxes and fake news while the world is full of people willing to believe without filtering what they read online and re-post them. We need some institutions to guarantee broadcasting confirmed, real news. NYT need, in my eyes, to find ways to meet that need and not just become another portal.

Great post on an industry that has been extremely challenged by the rise of technology – thanks for sharing your experience. I agree with your view that “The Times needs to find a way to monetize the readers who are not paid subscribers”. Your perspective is that “quality journalism alone is not proving to produce a strong enough revenue stream.” However, I wonder the extent to which expanding their product offering may come in direct conflict with their mission “to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information”. For example, NYT Cooking recipes may require new staff to create and package these into the website/app which may divert resources away from “quality journalism”. You mention that “the customer expectation is to learn about news as soon as it happens”, but the Times is investing in initiatives like NYT Cooking which are more timeless. My guess would be that there is even more competition when it comes to recipes that are readily available online. If customers struggle to pay for news in a world of free data what makes you confident their willingness to pay will increase as they introduce timeless products beyond the news? My concern is that the Times could fall into a death spiral of adding more service, at a higher cost without this necessarily translating into brand loyalty and higher profitability.

I’m thrilled that you brought up journalism and were able to leverage your first-hand knowledge of the Times’ digitization strategies. I know this issue has gotten a lot of attention over the past 10-15 years, but as you’ve noted we still haven’t reached any kind of equilibrium. And given our current troubles with fake news, the challenge of generating sufficient revenue to sustain high-quality journalism in the digital age seems as important as ever.[1]

I don’t think I can add much to your analysis of the New York Times, but I think that the sacrifices that smaller newspapers have had to make are worth noting. While staff cutbacks and print suspensions have garnered plenty of attention, the outsourcing of journalism through outlets like LocalLabs (formerly Journatic).[2] A few years ago, an episode of This American Life revealed that Journatic writers–most of whom were based in the Philippines–were using fake bylines. That well-known newspapers like the Chicago Tribune were publishing these stories suggests the pressure to cut costs while maximizing content generation has resulted in a worrisome loss of editorial control.

While it’s difficult to imagine stalwarts like the WSJ, NYT, and WaPo resorting to such measures, it’s important to note that these papers are facing similar pressures. I doubt there’s a silver bullet solution, but it’s encouraging to see that NYT subscriptions are up since the election, suggesting our frustration with fake news might finally be high enough to motivate us to pay for the real thing.[3]

[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20/opinion/sunday/facebook-and-the-digital-virus-called-fake-news.html [2] http://www.npr.org/2012/07/06/156311078/fake-bylines-reveal-true-costs-of-local-news [3] http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/17/new-york-times-says-subscriptions-are-booming-after-trumps-election.html

Great post. From reading your interesting article and also your comments in class, I have a new appreciation for the amount of time, investment, and effort the NY Times has put into building out its digital platforms.

Your post made me think about the purchase of the Washington Post by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos in the last few years that has led to tremendous growth in readership and development of its digital offerings ( http://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-washington-post-changed-after-jeff-bezos-acquisition-2016-5 ). The purchase by Bezos was an opportunity for the Washington Post to modernize, restructure, and innovate and take advantage of access to the technology resources/contacts associated with Amazon and Bezos. After reading your post, I wondered whether a similar acquisition by another technology company would be advantageous for the NY Times going forward.

I agree that one of the most significant value propositions of the NY Times is its identity as a reputable news source. I wonder whether recent conversations following the Presidential election about the proliferation of “fake news” on the internet would lead to bolstered support going forward for news sources like the NY Times ( http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20/opinion/sunday/facebook-and-the-digital-virus-called-fake-news.html ).

Great to see that NY Times is offering a wide range of digital products to stay relevant for consumers who demand immediacy. I do think that newspaper businesses will continue to find the rise of substitute social media news avenues a challenge. As unreliable as these sources of information maybe, time and again it has been seen that there is a large fraction of the population who is also very vocal that values sensational journalism over credible journalistic endeavors. While it is NY Times responsibility to stay true to its promise of authentic reliable news reporting, I wonder whether they can leverage digital as an opportunity to change consumers reliance on social media. One possibility could be to build a platform or an app that immediately confirms whether news is authentic or fake and can direct consumers to reliable NY times sources of information. Digital value added services and then monetizing them in my opinion are key for newspaper business to stay afloat.

Hi Laura, thanks for sharing a great piece and bringing up such an interesting topic for discussion. NY Times has done an amazing job in battling the digitization trend, which has proven to be devastating for the traditional printed media. I remember a few years back people were predicting that no one can ever charge for news anymore. I agree with the sentiments you shared in the post and couple of the comments. NY Times needs to differentiate itself by offering real news that adds value to its readers. The question you raised about monetization, declining revenue and appealing to broader audience is a tough question. Unfortunately I don’t have a good answer and I do not think the initiatives such as VR apps are the right one. There just seems to be some mismatch in targeted audience. Maybe they ought to have strategic partnership with some social medium platform?

Thanks for a fantastic read Laura. It particularly interesting to hear your view given your experience. Very happy to hear that such a wide range of digital offerings are available, and that post election subscriptions are up. I too believe that there will always be a place for quality journalism and analysis. Are you worried that by focussing on building out their userbase there is a risk that NYT will risk running out of cash before sufficient monetisation is possible? Additionally what is the Times’ plan for attracting a broader audience in the future given the aversion of millennials to paying for content?

I believe one reason the New York Times was successful in its transition to digital (besides due to Laura working there), and will continue to be successful is its brand. Laura mentioned its status as a reputable news source. Its repute includes reporting accurately on the news. But it also includes a reputation for quality and thoughtfulness. I believe that highlighting the Times’ quality will be crucial in getting people past the paywall. You are right to point out that people don’t pay for the Times to get the fastest news. But they do pay for it to get very high-quality and well-written news. Free news sources abound. But if you are going to spend your time reading the news, you might as well read high-quality news. Or this is how the New York Times should pitch its product, in my view, anyways!

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Bernie Williams on a ‘nervous’ journey from World Series to New York Philharmonic

For Bernie Williams, grabbing a bat was easy. He would pull out the same trusty 34 1/2-inch, 33-ounce Rawlings model for all occasions during his New York Yankees career, whether that was in spring training or the playoffs, whether he was facing a flamethrower or a knuckleballer.

Music, however, is different.

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“Choosing a guitar is about the gig,’’ Williams said. “It’s about the sound that you want to create, and it’s about the music that you’re going to play. You need the right instrument with the right gig, and that varies with time.”

Such is what vexes the former outfielder as he prepares for a second big-league debut — this time in the arts. Williams for the first time will play guitar with the New York Philharmonic, at the Spring Gala on Wednesday, an epic milestone for a five-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion now deep into life’s second act.

So, which guitar? The acoustic steel string? The archtop? Williams said a few weeks ago that he might even choose to go electric “for that sort of Santana-like sound,” though he added it “might just be too over the top for that environment.”

Williams, who spent his entire career with the Yankees from 1991 to 2006, has rebranded himself as an accomplished musician, ordained with a Latin Grammy nomination and critical acclaim. Still, at age 55, the thought of stepping into the spotlight at another hallowed New York venue — think Yankee Stadium, but with better acoustics — gives Williams butterflies.

On Wednesday, he will play one selection, his 2009 piece “Moving Forward,” as newly arranged by jazz artist Jeff Tyzik. Famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel will be at the helm.

“I expect to be as nervous as I’ve ever been on any kind of stage,’’ Williams said “But I think it’s gonna be no different from playing a seventh game of the World Series, you know?”

To answer that last question: No, Mr. Williams, we don’t know. There is no one else in baseball history poised to compare the experience of baseball’s Fall Classic and the Philharmonic’s Spring Gala. No one else has played in “The House That Ruth Built” and in the concert hall Leonard Bernstein christened by conducting on opening night in 1962.

Williams’ distinction means much gnashing of teeth for the president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic. Gary Ginstling is an ardent Mets fan.

“This is a deeply difficult decision for me, I have to say,’’ Ginstling cracked during a phone interview. “I did scour the landscape for any retired Mets. But no one could hold a candle to Bernie Williams.”

This experience is enough to give Williams flashbacks to his first big-league at-bat. The switch hitter was 22 years old when he stepped to the plate in the third inning at Yankee Stadium against left-handed junkballer Jeff Ballard on July 7, 1991. It was hardly a soaring opening note. The Baseball-Reference box score immortalized the moment this way: Groundout: 3B-1B (Weak 3B) .

The outing got better. Williams drove in a run with the sacrifice fly in the fifth and brought home another run with an infield single in the ninth .

“I remember being really nervous,’’ Williams said of that debut. “I remember being in this place where there was a lot of uncertainty about my career and my own ability to stay in the big leagues. All I wanted to do was to get an opportunity to be able to show people what I can do.’’

A week later, Williams hit his first home run at Anaheim Stadium against the California Angels. He hit a fastball thrown by Chuck Finley over the left-center field wall. He kept rolling from there: a .297 batting average with 287 home runs and 147 stolen bases over 16 seasons.

July 14, 1991 Bernie Williams hits his first career home run pic.twitter.com/nYIteNuXlL — NY Yankees Throwbacks (@yankeethrowback) February 19, 2022

Williams helped the Yankees win four World Series titles, including three in a row from 1998 to 2000. His 22 career postseason homers rank third all-time behind Manny Ramírez (29) and José Altuve (27).

That summation has applied, at times, to his musical career, partly because it would be easy to dismiss Williams as just another retired jock with an expensive new hobby. But his lifelong musical journey is part of what appeals to the New York Philharmonic. The Spring Gala, to be performed at the David Geffen Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, is a fundraiser for musical education. Ginstling wants the younger crowd to be inspired by Williams’ scholarly dedication to his craft.

Williams’ first instructor was his father. Bernabé Williams, an able seaman with the Merchant Marine, returned from Spain with a gift for his 7-year-old son. It was a guitar that his son never put down. The family then found a guitar teacher in its neighborhood in Puerto Rico, and by the time Bernie was 9 years old, he had performed on a local radio station with other star pupils.

“The guitar teacher had all the little kids that were taking lessons with him, the ones that were kind of like standouts,’’ Williams recalled. “He would give them an opportunity to play a song or two on that radio show. … It was such a great experience and kind of set the stage for everything that came after.”

Williams kept playing throughout his baseball career, especially so while grieving the loss of his father, who died of lung disease in 2001 . The former batting champion then studied guitar and composition for a year at the State University of New York at Purchase in preparation for his first album, “Moving Forward.” That release strengthened his bona fides thanks to 14 solid tracks including collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Secada and Dave Koz.

But eventually, Williams formalized his expertise. He enrolled in the prestigious Manhattan School of Music en route to a bachelor’s degree.

“I tell you what, none of the home runs that I hit in the postseason helped me there,” Williams said. “I had to really reinvent myself. And in a very strange way, I had to earn the admiration of the kids that I was playing with, because they were all virtuosos in their own instruments by the time they got to the Manhattan School of Music.

“I was the old guy in the back of the room. I was asking all the questions and asking that no one erase the blackboard until I was finished writing all the notes.”

Williams wasn’t chasing a diploma for the sake of the paper. The experience signified his graduation from ballplayer to artist.

“I think the school gave me a great perspective on the reasons why I wanted to be a musician and the responsibility that we have as music makers to make sure that we make this world a better place,” he said. “The joy and the power of music is just incredible thing to use for the good of the world.”

Therein lies the message of the Spring Gala and underscores why even a Mets fan like Ginstling embraces a Yankee in the house. The eclectic bill on Wednesday is designed to introduce new audiences to the philharmonic. Selections range from a suite from Richard Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier” to two pieces from rapper Common to an aria called “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5,” sung by the South Korean soprano Hera Hyesang Park.

“I think that’s what I’m so excited about,” Ginstling said. “We’re gonna get a ton of Bernie Williams fans in the house that night who probably will be hearing the New York Philharmonic for the first time. It’ll be great for them to hear Bernie, but we want them to hear the orchestra play Strauss. And we want them to hear the orchestra play Nina Shekhar, this up-and-coming composer whose piece we’re playing.

“We’re hoping that they’ll get hooked not just by Bernie, but by all of this repertoire, and they’ll come back.”

Until then, Williams sometimes wakes up unexpectedly at 2:30 a.m. and reaches for his guitar. Still half-awake, he’ll strum until the notes sound just as they should before allowing himself to drift back to sleep.

“That’s the level of preparation you need for an event like this,” he said. “Because when the nerves come in, you want to still be in control and not freeze when the situation arises. The only antidote to that is being well-prepared.

“That’s true of doing anything that requires the spotlight and great expectations and great pressures.”

Williams hardly is the first ballplayer to make news with his music. As far back as 1964, a Yankees bus ride turned tense when Yogi Berra grew tired of hearing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as played on the harmonica by a utility infielder named Phil Linz.

But that was the “New York Phil harmonica.” The New York Philharmonic is a whole different ballgame.

“If anything,” Williams said, “baseball taught me to be able to perform under pressure, and this is definitely going put that to the test.”

(Top photo: Mychal Watts / Getty Images)

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Daniel Brown is a staff editor/writer for The Athletic MLB. He began covering Bay Area sports in 1995, including stints as a beat writer covering the Giants and 49ers. His feature story on Sergio Romo and a young cancer patient won first place in feature writing from the Associated Press Sports Editors in 2015. He is a native of Cotati, Calif., and a graduate of UC Davis. Follow Daniel on Twitter @ BrownieAthletic

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John Burn-Murdoch

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

I have good news and bad news about America’s roads. The good news is the number of people killed in traffic collisions fell by almost 4 per cent in 2023. The bad news is the mortality rate on US roads is still 25 per cent up on a decade earlier, and three times the rate of the average developed country.

Most of the explanations commonly put forward for why US roads remain so deadly focus on broad structural factors such as vehicle size or time spent on the road, but a review of the evidence suggests this may be mistaken. Last year’s improvement is a case in point. Two reasons often cited as key causes of poor US performance both worsened: the total number of miles driven by Americans increased, and US cars continued to grow larger. Yet fatal collisions still declined.

Car-centrism in the US is clearly part of its road safety problem — it’s about culture more than geography. So committed are Americans to their cars that 63 per cent of people choose to drive for trips of less than a mile, compared with 16 per cent in the UK. But even after adjusting for distance driven, US fatality rates remain double the rich-world average. The main reasons American roads are so unsafe stem from how they drive, not how much.

On vehicle size, there is a wealth of evidence that larger cars are more deadly to pedestrians, but the contribution of America’s bloated fleet to its fatality rates turns out to be modest. US pedestrian deaths would be roughly 10 per cent lower if all SUVs and pick-up trucks were replaced with standard-sized cars, according to a study by Justin Tyndall, assistant professor of economics at the University of Hawaii.

Adding to the evidence that this is not a dominant factor, car sizes in Canada, Australia and New Zealand have traced similar paths to the US without resulting in a spike in fatalities.

Another theory is that the rise of homelessness in the US may be pushing pedestrian deaths higher. A recent study found that there had indeed been a marked rise in traffic-related deaths among the homeless, but this, too, can only explain a small portion of the overall rise.

Instead, an underrated factor seems to be not American cars but American drivers.

In an eye-opening analysis last year, Emily Badger, Ben Blatt and Josh Katz of The New York Times revealed that the rise in US road deaths was driven almost exclusively by pedestrian fatalities happening at dusk under fading light when drivers are most likely to be using their phones. A theory emerged that the proliferation of smartphones in a population who, unlike their European counterparts, almost exclusively drive cars with automatic transmission gives them a false sense of security about how dangerous it is to multitask at the wheel.

Yet this idea only half works. Using phones at the wheel is a big problem in the US, according to data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics. But just across the border, Canadians, who also drive automatics, spend less than half as much time using their devices while driving. The determining factor seems to be different attitudes to safety, with Americans twice as likely as Canadians or Europeans to say they find it acceptable to use a phone while driving.

The same pattern shows up in other behaviours. Americans are much less likely to wear seat belts than most Europeans and also have higher rates of drink-driving.

Given that studies find a lack of seat belts, alcohol and distracted driving all increase either the likelihood or lethality of a collision by a greater amount than vehicle size or shape — and that American drivers are more exceptional in these behaviours than in their car size — these factors may be the determining ones.

To be clear, driver habits don’t form in a vacuum, and they can and must change. As transport expert David Zipper points out , everything from the design of streets, to investment in public transport, to stricter — and enforced — laws on drinking, speeding, mobile phone usage and seatbelt-wearing has been proved to shape behaviour. This also shows up in the wide variation in road death trends between US states with more and less strict road safety laws.

Taking all the evidence together, America’s dire record on the roads is neither the result of happenstance nor industry-wide trends. If the US is to achieve developed-country levels of road safety, America and Americans need to change direction.

[email protected] , @jburnmurdoch

Letter in response to this column:

US drug laws put road users on collision course / From Lis Rhodes, Concord, MA, US

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A Journey Across London on the Elizabeth Line

The new rail line lets travelers leave the city’s tourist-clogged core and embark on fast, inexpensive journeys to fascinating outer-London destinations, from a bustling market town to a hub of South Asian culture.

Credit... Video by Jeremie Souteyrat

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By Mark Vanhoenacker

• May 30, 2023

London’s magnificent Elizabeth line opened last May, and on its first birthday there’s so much to celebrate.

Running from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, the Elizabeth line brings an additional 1.5 million people within 45 minutes of the capital’s busiest districts; eases congestion on older lines; and makes London more accessible to all, as wheelchair users can reach its platforms from street level. As a pilot who commutes to Heathrow — I fly the Boeing 787 for British Airways — I’m often among its 600,000 weekday riders. The line, which runs alongside the Heathrow Express, offers another comfortable way to get to work.

Many visitors will find the line’s soaring station halls and gleaming trains — they’re accented in royal purple and nearly three times as long as a Boeing 747 — not only convenient but also an inspiration. London, after all, is the home of the world’s first subway, a transport map that remains a design icon, and the planet’s most recognizable buses and taxis. Who can say which other metropolis might be influenced by the Elizabeth line’s transformative efficiency, let alone its good looks? Perhaps yours.

What’s certain is that the line empowers travelers to leave behind the familiarities of Zone 1 — the often tourist-clogged core of the city’s transport network — and embark on fast, inexpensive journeys to fascinating outer-London destinations. Here are four favorites.

Southall, a center of Britain’s South Asian communities, lies northeast of Heathrow Airport. Pause at its glassy new station for a selfie beneath the sign that spells out Southall in Gurmukhi, a script commonly used to write Punjabi. Then turn left, toward Southall Manor House , a 16th-century Tudor landmark.

The manor grounds offer tranquil benches and a view of the golden dome of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha , one of Europe’s largest Sikh temples. Visitors are always welcome, but for a tour you’ll need to reach out in advance . Don a head covering as you enter — an older man selected a green scarf for me from a plastic bin of loaners and helped me tie it — then remove your shoes, wash your hands at the sinks and head to reception. On a recent visit, Manjeet Kaur Panesar showed me exhibits on Sikhism and then guided me up to the main hall, where prayer and sacred music begin before sunrise. Mrs. Panesar explained that everyone is welcome at the temple’s langar, or free community kitchen. “Share everything, that’s the meaning of our religion,” she said. Her favorite dish, kadhi chawal — a curry prepared here with homemade yogurt — is typically served on Wednesdays. “We get a lot of people on a Wednesday,” she told me with a laugh.

Head next to Southall Library , home to a noted collection of Martin Ware pottery. Martin Ware is associated with the Arts and Crafts movement , which arose in the late 19th century in opposition to the industrialization of decorative arts. The Southall studio, founded by the Martin brothers in a former soap factory in 1877, remained in operation through the early 20th century. “You’ll know their work already from ‘Antiques Roadshow’ or the V&A Museum ,” a librarian explained, as he showed me a Wally Bird, an owl-shaped tobacco jar in the style known as “grotesque.”

My friend Seeta — she’s from Slough, the town five stops west on the Elizabeth line that’s familiar to viewers of the British version of “The Office” — often visited Southall as a child. She guided me first to the former Palace Cinema, constructed in a Chinese style and opened in 1929. (Angelenos may be reminded of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, of the same era.) The cinema became an essential cultural space for London’s growing South Asian population. These days, it houses the Palace Shopping Center . As we walked past the bustling stalls of jewelers, shoe-sellers and tailors, Seeta recalled the joyful escapism of catching the latest Bollywood hits with her mum here. Then she urged me to look up at the grand lamps that still hang from the Art Deco ceiling, dimmed as if in deference to the silver screen of her childhood.

The heart of Southall — familiar to fans of “Bend it Like Beckham,” which was partly filmed here — is the Broadway. “It’s mostly sari shops, gold stores and Indian cash-and-carrys,” Seeta told me, as she ordered panipuri (filled, crispy dough balls) from a streetside stand. “And that’s why I love it.”

Shop the Broadway till you drop — or simply marvel at the dazzling formal wear and wedding garb. Then head to Chaiiology for a karak chai with saffron, or to Chandni Chowk for kaju katli, a cashew-based treat topped with edible silver.

Finally, walk west to the bridge over the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal. Along its northeastern embankment runs a mural by Vivek Pereira , completed last summer with the help of Army cadets from a nearby Army Reserve Center. The Elizabeth line “has definitely changed things,” Mr. Pereira told me. “I love the energy here.” His mural incorporates bright colors and local treasures: the manor house, Martin Ware pottery, the green spaces that soothed so many during the pandemic, the canal’s regal swans, as well as the proud hashtag “#OurSouthall.”

On the line’s northeastern branch lies the market town of Romford. Start at the Havering Museum , whose exhibits include a model of the long-gone Havering Palace, where Queen Elizabeth I occasionally stayed. You’ll also learn about Romford’s link to William Kempe, an actor in several of Shakespeare’s original productions, who morris danced around 100 miles from London to Norwich in 1600, and about the weights and measures that once set standards in Romford’s market.

Indeed, turn right on leaving the museum and you’ll find the marketplace where vendors still conduct a busy trade — today, in flowers, crafts and leather goods — nearly eight centuries after its charter was granted by King Henry III. For a traditional cockney lunch, try Robins Pie and Mash on South Street. A savory pie (beef, vegetarian or vegan) with mashed potatoes and the parsley sauce known as liquor runs around 5 pounds (about $6), or £9 with a side of jellied, cross-sectioned eels.

If you’d prefer a late breakfast, head to the Teapot Cafe . Founded in 1953 by Walter Mole , a soldier and former prisoner of war who spent nearly five years apart from his family during World War II, this endearing eatery is run by his grandson, Jamie Miller. On offer are five “full English” breakfast options (all under £8, including tea), as well as Bovril , a hot drink made from beef extract. Surrounded by the voices and laughter of other diners, I devoured my crumpets, drained my milky tea (£2.75 for both), wiped the melted butter from my chin and returned to the counter for more.

Custom House

An informal survey of friends suggests that many Londoners believe their mayor still works in the Norman Foster-designed lopsided egg near Tower Bridge that the former mayor Boris Johnson christened the “glass gonad.” In fact, London’s metropolitan government recently moved downstream to another vitreous structure — more angular and less vulnerable to anatomical nicknames — alongside the Royal Victoria Dock. The mayor’s arrival here, like that of the Elizabeth line, is an opportunity to consider the history and the promise of London’s docklands.

From the new open-air station, follow the canopied walkway south toward ExCeL London , a bustling convention center that’s also home to Britain’s largest “wormery” (an ecological approach to food waste). Then descend to the plaza, where a bronze sculpture of dockworkers unloading cargo from Zanzibar, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong stands near the slender silhouettes of quayside cranes.

London was once the planet’s busiest port, and the colossal dimensions of these docklands are best appreciated from above. Pause atop the Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge , where a sign guides your smartphone to augmented-reality readings by young local poets. Then look east to the glittering runway at London City Airport, and down to the dark waters of the mile-long dock. Much of what was removed during excavations in the mid-19th century helped form Battersea Park, a dozen miles upstream.

Fancy a swim? The organization named Love Open Water welcomes intrepid swimmers at several London venues, including their year-round Royal Docks outpost , nearly at the steps of the new City Hall. After a dip, towel off and shiver over to Perky Blenders X Goodvibes. Roxanna Lyssa, an East London native who struggled with anxiety as a fashion executive, opened this cafe in 2020 as an act of both urban and personal renewal. “I decided to change my direction, toward something I love,” Ms. Lyssa told me. “I want to connect people, creating a space where people can be themselves, and open to interaction.”

Nodding to my Flemish heritage, I opted for a latte enriched with the spread made from Lotus Biscoff , Belgium’s beloved caramelized cookies. Mayor Sadiq Khan’s drink of choice? A long black coffee with skimmed milk.

Ms. Lyssa has noticed more tourists since the Elizabeth line opened, especially those looking for affordable accommodations. Drop anchor at the floating Good Hotel , which sailed across the North Sea from the Netherlands in 2016. The hotel trains and hires community members who’ve experienced long-term unemployment and directs its profits to education initiatives around the world. (Rooms with a water view from £150.)

In 1843, Marc Isambard Brunel completed his Thames Tunnel , the world’s first beneath a major waterway. (He was assisted by his son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel , who would later construct Paddington Station — today an Elizabeth line stop — from wrought-iron arches that, in my upturned eyes, form London’s loveliest gateway.) The line crosses below the Thames in tunnels excavated by Mary and Sophia, two machines named — by public vote — for the wives of the Brunels, and guarded during construction by statues of St. Barbara, the patron saint of those who work with explosives.

It’s fitting, then, that the first station beyond these tunnels is Woolwich, where armaments were manufactured for around three centuries, including by one Henry Shrapnel . Woolwich was also renowned for music — its Royal Artillery Band, Britain’s first formal military band , was organized in 1762 — and for football: Arsenal , based today in Islington and still nicknamed “the Gunners,” was founded here in 1886 as a team for armaments workers.

Damaged in World War II, the armaments factories closed in 1967. Today, the area’s prospects as a creative hub have been fortified by the Elizabeth line’s arrival. On the green by Woolwich station awaits a traditional London cab fitted with a tailgate espresso machine (around £3 for a piccolo with almond milk). “We only drive it to get fuel,” the young barista told me. “Sometimes people try to hail a latte.” Then wander through the former arsenal, now home to apartments, performance venues and the polite signage — “Please keep off the cannon” — of a post-imperial age.

Head next to Woolwich Town Hall , a masterpiece of Edwardian Baroque architecture that’s dominated by a statue of Queen Victoria and stained-glass windows that depict the 1637 inspection by Charles I of HMS Sovereign of the Seas , a gilded, Woolwich-built galleon said to have been the world’s largest ship. (“The King,” it’s written on the glass, “is mightily pleased.”) Then stroll south to St. George’s Garrison Church . A bomb devastated this Italian-Romanesque church in World War II. Today, its open-air ruins — including Venetian mosaics — are sheltered by a curving, fabric-and-wood canopy and surrounded by an oasis of green. It’s one of my favorite spots in London.

When twilight falls, enjoy a fireside bite (perhaps a fregola, wild rice and pomegranate salad, £14.50) at the Dial Arch pub, named for the 1764 sundial you’ll pass as you enter. Then you’re off to “The Burnt City,” an immersive theater experience from Punchdrunk, the arts group who’ve made a home in the former arsenal. Stow your phone and don a ghostly mask, then wander through the stories that animate a realm of Greek myth, losing and finding Agamemnon and your friends.

Mark Vanhoenacker is a pilot for British Airways, a columnist for the Financial Times, and the author of “Skyfaring” and “Imagine a City.”

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