AHI Travel, a company selected by the AMA for its members, offers SPG members all-inclusive educational programs conducive to learning, recreation and fellowship. Through a series of lectures, excursions and Meet the People exchanges, participants can become involved in the way of life of a local community and its surrounding area.
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2008 AHI Travel Schedule
Ukraine on the Dnieper River - April 21-May 4
Grounded in tradition but driven by a vibrant modern spirit, Ukraine is rapidly forging a new identity within today's Europe . Explore the glittering domes of Kiev before sailing the fabled Dnieper River through the heart of the country. Visit the historic Caves Monastery, and stop in Zaporizhia, the cultural home of the Cossacks. Then, travel to Kherson at the Dnieper 's delta. In the charming Crimea, visit Sevastopol and Bakhchisarai, a city that inspired author Aleksandr Pushkin. Experience Yalta and Livadia Palace , former summer residence of the Romanovs and site of the famous WWII conference. Admire elegant Odessa , the Pearl of the Black Sea . Disembark in Tulcea , Romania , and enjoy the beautiful Danube Delta. Finally, transfer to Bucharest , where stunning architecture and romantic squares await.
Waterways and Canals of Holland & Belgium - April 22-30
Explore the spectacular waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands ! Experience the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp , Belgium . Discover Bruges , with its Burg Square and charming cobbled streets. Then, travel along the Zeeland coast from Veere , Netherlands , and learn about the Delta Works' complex Storm Surge Barriers on Neeltje Jans Island . Cruise past iconic windmills at Kinderdijk, and see Willemstad . Journey to Delft , famous for its blue porcelain, and The Hague , site of the royal residence and the Mauritshuis Museum . After rejoining the ship in Arnhem , sail to the quaint stone buildings and historic cathedral of Deventer , and continue to Kampen. Finally, cruise the scenic ring of canals in Amsterdam , and admire beautiful arrangements of Dutch tulips and other flowers at the renowned Keukenhof Gardens .
Normandy & Brittany - May 1-12
Discover the stunning seascapes, riveting histories and glorious countryside of the Normandy and Brittany regions. From Cabourg, travel to Bayeux to see its famous tapestry. Learn about the Allied invasion with visits to Caen and its Memorial and Museum for Peace; Omaha Beach ; and the British landing zone at Arromanches, then pay tribute to the brave soldiers at the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Enjoy a stop at a Calvados distillery and sample the renowned brandy, then explore the harbor town of Honfleur . Your home base in Brittany is Rennes , the capital of the region. Immerse yourself in local history in Josselin, Vannes and Carnac, then cruise along the Rance River from medieval Dinan to St-Malo. Your adventure concludes with two nights in Paris , the City of Light.
Treasures of Southern Africa - May 16-29
Experience the diversity of South Africa . Tour cosmopolitan Cape Town , ascend flat-topped Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views and cruise to historic Robben Island , site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration. Admire the natural beauty of Cape Point, and observe the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach . Then, transfer to Livingstone , Zambia , and marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls . In Johannesburg , explore Soweto and the Apartheid Museum . Finally, enjoy a game viewing safari at Thornybush Game Reserve in Kruger National Park , replete with zebras, giraffes, kudu and more. Optional excursions include a visit to the wine country towns of Dutch-colonial Stellenbosch and French-settled Franschhoek followed by a wine tasting; a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River ; and Chobe National Park in Botswana , with its renowned African elephants.
Scotland - June 29-July 8
Walk in the footsteps of William Wallace and Prince Charles Edward Stuart on this adventure showcasing the stunning countryside and fascinating history of Scotland! From Oban, travel to the Isle of Mull and its 13 th -century Duart Castle . Visit the Isle of Skye's Armadale Castle to learn about ancient Gaelic life, and enjoy a drive through the scenic Highlands . Admire the charm of the Slate Islands , and journey through The Trossachs to view the “bonnie banks of Loch Lomond .” See the stately castle in Stirling and the monument to William Wallace, then venture into the surrounding area with excursions to St. Andrews, the Home of Golf, and the important port city Dundee . Conclude your discovery of Scottish history and culture with an excursion to Edinburgh.
Tuscany ~ Cortona - July 16-24
From the innovations of the Etruscans to the enlightenment of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a region steeped in history and human achievement. Let the charming village of Cortona be your base as you travel through the surrounding Tuscan hill country, admiring the beauty of the land. In Siena , navigate narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, visit the city's magnificent Duomo, and stroll the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest squares in Italy . Then, journey to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti Country. In Umbria , explore two walled cities—medieval Assisi , home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis, and Perugia , an ancient Etruscan city-state. Finally, experience the brilliant artistic and architectural heritage of Florence , the Cradle of the Renaissance.
Cruise the Passage of Peter the Great - July 29-Aug. 10 (AMA's 50-year Anniversary Trip**)
Journey through the heart of Russia , beginning in St. Petersburg . Trace the steps of Peter the Great as you encounter his famous replica, The Bronze Horseman , and marvel at one of the world's most impressive art collections in the prestigious Hermitage Museum . Embark on a cruise to the amazing architecture of Kizhi Island , Goritsy and beautiful Yaroslavl . Admire the scenic countryside as you sail the Volga River from Uglich to Moscow . Then, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, and immerse yourself in Russian history at the Kremlin's Armory Museum . Visit Red Square and see iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. In Star City , home to Russia 's space program, enjoy a talk with a cosmonaut and an exclusive tour at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
Swiss Alps - Aug. 20-28
From the ambiance of small villages steeped in tradition to the cosmopolitan flair of fashionable resorts, Switzerland has it all! Explore the beauty, history and culture of the majestic Bernese Oberland on this spectacular program that showcases the charming village of Kandersteg; the quaint town of Interlaken, where a cruise on Lake Thunersee takes you to historic Thun; and the capital city of Berne. Admire the splendor of the Alpine scenery during your journey to Zermatt for a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn peak. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Glacier Express, one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Europe, and visit the lovely town of Lucerne . Don't miss this opportunity to discover first-hand the myriad of treasures this magical land has to offer.
Italian Riviera - Aug. 23-31
Relish the splendor of the Italian Riviera. Embrace a colorful painter's paradise among the winding streets of the charming seaside village of Sestri Levante . Lose yourself in the stunning coastal scenery leading en route to Santa Margherita, where the Gothic church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia awaits. Cruise placid waters to the enchanting harbor of cosmopolitan Portofino and its awe-inspiring Punta del Capo lighthouse. In Genoa , you'll have the opportunity to discover Christopher Columbus' House. Visit the lovely Cinque Terre towns of Portovenere and Vernazza. Time has also been carved out for a review of marble sculpting art in Carrara . Finally, explore the walled city of Lucca , with its sensational Duomo, the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele.
Spain ~ Barcelona & San Sebastián - Oct. 1-12
Discover the fashionable and modern city of Barcelona , heart of Spain 's culturally distinct Catalonia region, rich in artistic heritage. Walk Las Ramblas before touring the prominent Modernist architectural sites of Antoni Gaudí, including the ornate La Sagrada Familia basilica. In Spain 's enchanting Penedès wine country, see the town of Montserrat , and enjoy Cava, the Catalan sparkling wine, on a visit to a local vineyard. Then, travel to the Basque Country, with its unique language and culture, as you drive along the scenic route from Montserrat to seaside San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay . Tour the city of Bilbao , and explore its renowned Guggenheim Museum , designed by postmodern architect Frank Gehry. Experience the sites of Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls.
China and the Yangtze River Discovery - Oct. 15-27
In Beijing , visit the ornate Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven , the royal Summer Palace , the narrows streets of the Hutongs and massive Tiananmen Square . Admire beautiful countryside from the Great Wall. Discover Xi'an , home to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and famous Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. Board the M.V. Yangtze President in Chongqing , and cruise the Yangtze River to Fengdu. Sail through the magnificent Three Gorges region before disembarking in Yichang to explore Sanyou Cave . Finally, arrive in Shanghai , and experience the Bund, the prestigious Shanghai Museum and the serene Yu Garden. An optional excursion to the lovely town of Suzhou is also available. Take advantage of the exceptional value of this unique travel opportunity!
Holiday Markets of Salzburg and Vienna Discovery - Nov. 24-Dec. 2
Discover the magic of the holiday season with visits to Austria 's renowned holiday markets. This special program combines an itinerary of planned excursions and free time at two of Austria 's most spectacular cities with an exceptional value, making this a journey you won't want to miss. Begin in the picture postcard town of Salzburg , the setting for the beloved film The Sound of Music . Travel to the town of Steyr , known for its exquisite nativity scenes, before arriving in the opulent capital of Vienna , where dazzling sights abound at every turn. Optional excursions include a walking tour of Salzburg 's highlights, a tour of Mozart's home, an Alpine sleigh ride, a panoramic tour of Vienna and a visit to Scönbrunn Palace and its Christkindlmarkt.
**The AMA designates a trip to honor physicians graduation from medical school in 1958. All physicians and guests are welcome.
Content provided by: Senior Physicians Group