Village Life along the Dalmatian Coast
July 29 , 2008–August 6, 2008

Join this voyage of discovery as we sail from the legendary city of Venice across the dark blue Adriatic Sea and along Dalmatia’s ruggedly beautiful, island-dotted shoreline. Rarely visited by American travelers, the Dalmatian Coast offers an unmatched collection of Roman ruins, medieval towns, stunning rivieras and idyllic islands. Embark the intimate, yacht-like m.y. Monet, distinguished by its tastefully appointed cabins and inviting, informal ambiance, and enjoy a full day exploring the unrivaled cultural and artistic treasures of Venice, the city that once ruled the Adriatic. Walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators in the great Roman Arena in Pula; stroll through Diocletian’s legendary palace in Split; discover the historic of the ancient port of Hvar; and explore the Romanesque and Gothic quarters of Dubrovnik. Continue with a cruise through the secluded waters of Mljet National Park and a tour of the walled city of Korcula before concluding with the splendid medieval churches of Zadar. Throughout the program, your enjoyment and understanding of the region’s fascinating history and culture will be enhanced through specially arranged lectures, a musical performance and discussions with local experts and citizens. A special two-night Venice Pre-Program Option is also offered.

Download a copy of the brochure (PDF 2.22 MB), or call the Alumni Office at 440-775-8692 for a copy.

OBIEAdventure! Napa Valley Cycling Tour
September 25-28 , 2008

Our Napa tour will take place at the height of the fall harvest - where the intoxicating smell of the grapes will surround you as you cycle past the vineyards!  The pleasant Mediterranean climate, country setting with picturesque mountains, world-class dining, and famous wines combined with the excellent company of other Obies will make this a weekend to remember.  We'll have two days of guided cycling tours, with optional wine-tasting at several vineyards, along with two independent days to cycle on your own, shop, soak in the mineral springs or do additional wine-tasting as you like!  We will be based at the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs Resort, featuring naturally heated mineral pools and just steps from the charming downtown. 

Download a copy of the brochure or call the Alumni Office at 440-775-8692 for a copy.

OBIEAdventure! Vermont Cycling Tour
October 3 –5, 2008

Join us as we explore a beautiful part of southeastern Vermont. The cycling is lovely and is highlighted by visits to quaint New England villages amidst the start of fall foliage season. Grafton is a beautifully restored village with several interesting antique shops, a pleasant general store, and the Grafton cheese factory, where you can watch as they make their renowned variety of spectacular cheddars. Chester has a lovely village green and a number of interesting stores, and Saxtons River, home to the handsome campus of Vermont Academy, is a place that Travel Holiday magazine recently designated as one of the “ten best small towns in America.”  Our base will be the Inn at Cranberry Farm in Chester, Vermont. 

Download a copy of the brochure or call the Alumni Office at 440-775-8692 for a copy.

Village Life in Dordogne
October 16–24 , 2008
Escorted by Oberlin Associate Professor of Musicology Charles McGuire '91

Due to the popularity of the Village Life in Dordogne trip, we are now taking names for a wait list.

Experience the joys of life in the heart of southwestern France’s Dordogne River Valley, a delightful region renowned for its stunning beauty, delectable cuisine, splendid castles and charming villages. From your base in the historic town of Sarlat-la-Canéda— officially recognized as one of France’s best-preserved medieval villages—explore the region’s numerous historic, cultural and natural attractions, including the prehistoric caves of Lascaux and Rouffignac, Richard the Lionheart’s castle at Beynac, the ancient fortified town of Domme and the dramatic cliff-side town of Rocamadour, one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations during the Middle Ages. Your experience will be enhanced with exclusive lectures and the Village Forum discussion with local residents. Accommodations will be in the charming Hôtel de la Madeleine where your host, Philippe Melot—a highly regarded chef and former town mayor—will introduce you to the region’s history and architecture in addition to the Périgord’s culinary wonders. Your enjoyment of the region’s gastronomic bounty will be further enhanced by special daily meals and at Sarlat-la-Canéda’s colorful outdoor market, a village tradition that dates to the Middle Ages. Due to the popularity of this trip, we are now taking names for a wait list.

Download a copy of the brochure (PDF, 744 KB) or call the Alumni Office at 440-775-8692 for a copy.

Antiquities of Egypt & Jordan
December 30, 2008 – January 13, 2009
Escorted by Grover Zinn, Emeritus Professor of Religion

Join us on a luxurious New Year’s holiday journey, which features a four-night cruise along the Nile River, complemented by private flights between exciting destinations. In Cairo, history will be brought to vivid life at the remarkable Step Pyramid of Kin Zoser, dating from the 27 th century B.C.E.; the Great Pyramid complex at Giz and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, containing fabulous relics from Tutankhamun’s tomb. A privately chartered plane takes us to St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, with its impressive art and illuminated manuscript collection. We then continue to Luxor—gateway to the magnificent temple of Karnak, the vast necropolis of ancient Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs were cut deep into the mountainside. In Luxor, we board the M.S. Nile Adventurer, a deluxe river vessel offering all modern amenities, which will take us along the Nile with a stop to see the remarkable temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Our river journey ends in Aswan, where we will view Philae Temple, sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca and visit the acclaimed Nubian Museum. Then a private plane takes us to Abu Simbel, site of the unforgettable colossal statues and rock temples of Ramses II. Fly to Jordan to experience ancient Petra, once the thriving southern capital of the Nabataeans, where we will stay for two nights. Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land, as well as Jerash, one of the best-preserved cities of ancient Rome. During our stay at the Dead Sea, we will have an opportunity to experience its buoyant waters. Congenial company, fine accommodations and magnificent antiquities will combine to capture the essence of Egypt and Jordan, both ancient and modern. This trip is selling out quickly.

Call the Alumni Office at 440-775-8692 for a brochure.