Classical Pursuits

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Classical Pursuits
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Classical Pursuits

Travel Pursuits

 

We are the only group we know of that offers the opportunity to travel through both space and time to destinations like Elizabeth Bishop’s Key West, Georgia O’Keeffe’s New Mexico or Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo. What makes our travel special is the balance of in-depth discussion of illuminating readings, guided walks to immerse ourselves in the cultural and natural history of a place, informal talks about the context of our inquiry, generous free time and exceedingly convivial company. And of course, the flexibility to take advantage of unexpected serendipity. With Travel Pursuits you will not compromise the spontaneity, flexibility and sense of personal discovery you see in your own private travels – only the logistical hassles.

Our groups are small and intimate. They include singles, couples and groups of friends and family members. Many are repeat travellers. Moderate walking is required unless otherwise stated. Trips generally include characteristic, comfortable and well-located accommodation, two meals a day, ground transportation, admissions, excursions, guided walks, expert talks and gratuities.

In response to traveller preference, our trips offer ground arrangements only. Many wish to arrive early or extend their stays or use their airline points to travel. Worldwide Quest expertly arranges the ground arrangements for each trip to complement our literary theme. They also handle all bookings and are happy to book flights and help with pre and post-trip arrangements. We will send you the book(s) for discussion upon registration and, closer to the departure, a wide-ranging booklet that includes the detailed itinerary, destination tips, plus lots of fascinating background reading.

For Terms and Conditions, click here.

Travel Pursuits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Pursuits 2010

THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
The power of place
September 24 – October 1 (7 nights)
Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose, and the New Mexico landscapes of Georgia O’Keeffe

ROCKING THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
Egypt, then and now
October 21 – November 2 (12 nights)
November 4 – 16 (12 nights)  -- waiting list, with optional pre-trip extension to Jordan, October 31 – 4 (4 nights)
Palace Walk by Haquib Mahfouz
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa al Aswany
The Hidden Face of Eve: Women in the Arab World (excerpts) by Nawal El Saadawi

Travel Pursuits 2011

FEAST, FAMINE AND STRANGE APPETITES
Food in literature in Key West
January 16 - 21 (5 nights)
Readings:

“Hansel and Gretel,”
“Demane and Demazana,”
“Babette’s Feast” by Isak Dinesen
”Bliss” by Katherine Mansfield
“Bluebeard’s Egg” by Margaret Atwood

Leader: Samantha Webb

THE MUDDLE AND MYSTERY OF INDIA
The Strange Rise of Modern India
February 25 – March 13 (16 nights)
Readings:

The Space between Us by Thrity Umrigar
In Spite of the Gods, the Strange Rise of Modern India by Edward Luce
selected poetry and excerpts

Leader: Nora Palmieri

FOUNDING FARMER
Thomas Jefferson at Home
Charlottesville, Virginia
May 1 – 6 (5 nights)
Readings:

Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia
Jefferson’s architectural drawings
Selected letters to John Adams

Leader: Rosemary Gould

MADE IN GERMANY
Tales of Three Cities: Dresden, Weimar and Berlin
June 11 – 25 (14 nights)
Readings:

Faust, pt. 1, by Johan Wolfgang Goethe
"The Use and Abuse of History" by Frederich Nietzsche
 Crabwalk by Günter Grass
The Wall Jumper by Peter Schneider

Leader: Donald Whitfield

IN SEARCH OF THE NEWFOUNDLAND SOUL
Tales of Survival and Celebration
August 6 – 16 (10 nights)
Readings:

Galore by Michael Crummey
Random Passage by Bernice Morgan

Leader: Elayne Harris

SACHERTORTE AND PAPRIKASH
Musical meanderings along the Blue Danube
Vienna, Budapest and Tokaj wine region of Hungary
September 26 - October 7, 2011 (11 nights)
Performances: world class performances tba     
Leader: Rick Phillips

ART AND LIFE IN RENAISSANCE FLORENCE
And why it continues to matter
Florence, Italy
October 24 – November 1, 2011 (8 nights)
Short selections from

Dante, The Divine Comedy (Sinclair)
Machiavelli, The Prince
Leonardo da Vinci Notebooks
Kenneth Clark, Leonardo
J.H. Plumb, The Italian Renaissance

Leader: Sean Forester