The 1st Northern Europe Seminar
Culture and Conflict:
The great cities of Germany
Hamburg, Berlin and Munich
Dates TBD
The June 2009 offering of this program has been postponed. We will announce a future date as soon as we can confirm it. If you are interested in future offerings of this program, please email us and we will add you to the inquiry list.
“Hamburg, Lübeck, Berlin, Weimar, Nuremberg, and
Munich–how to make sense of so much rich culture
and achievement, diverse life styles, and a uniquely
problematic and painful past - except to walk the streets,
visit the sites, attend the theater and concert halls,
participate in lively lectures and discussions, meet
the Germans and to reflect? For more than forty years
I have visited and lived at times in Germany. To share
insights from these experiences with participants–and
to learn from them along the way – will be a highlight
of my career at U.Va.” – Professor Gordon Stewart
Program Information | Faculty | Pricing and Registration
PROGRAM INFORMATION
In the past 150 years, Germany has so often been at the center of world events, from Wagnerian opera to German Expressionism, from Hitler’s failed militarism to the miracle of the post-war boom and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Launching a new series of Travel & Learn programs in Northern Europe, this journey to great German cities will give you a deeper understanding of old and new Germany and what has shaped it—its art, music, architecture, literature, politics, people, cuisine, and its distinct regional cultures.
Beginning in the vibrant port of Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city, the program will make stop to enjoy the picturesque charms of Lübeck, famous for the Brothers Mann and marzipan, before continuing on to one of Europe’s great political and cultural mecca’s, the once divided capital of Berlin. In central Germany, you’ll come to understand why Goethe said of Weimar, “where else do you find so many good things in such a small place?” And in southern Germany, we’ll become immersed in the legendary cities of Nuremberg and Munich, with their rich cultural offerings and their echoes of the Nazi era. Here, in Bavaria, you’ll also get a firsthand taste of Gemütlichkeit, the German love of music, food, drink, and companionship.
Throughout the journey, lectures by experts, guided tours and often special access to historic areas and architectural masterpieces, informal visits with local Germans, and conversations with scholars will give you a strong sense of how cultural traditions, geography, economics, and political and military history have informed this country’s destiny—and with it the Western world’s.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the most heralded cities in Germany and learn from the experts how these cities have impacted Western history and culture.
- Take part lectures and discussions on the endless topics and controversies surrounding Germany’s past, present, and future.
- With the guidance of seasoned cultural historians, come to a deeper appreciation of the art in some of the world’s finest museums, including those of Berlin’s famous Museum Island—the only such collection of museums in the world.
- Enjoy the German love of fine dining, good beer and wine, and superb music at arranged meals and while exploring on your own.
- Take advantage of a flexible itinerary, which allows you to participate in the program offerings that interest you most and still enjoy free time to explore, shop, taste, and investigate.
- Meet German citizens and dine in a Hamburg home .
- Relive some of Germany’s darkest hours on a private guided tour of the Reichstag, scene of so much German history.
- Enhance your appreciation of Germany by arriving before the official date of the seminar or staying on after it’s over.
- And more…
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
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Hamburg
Europe’s largest seaport and Germany’s second largest city, this former Hanseatic League port is still a thriving shipping center and home to one of northern Germany’s finest galleries, the Kunsthalle. Hamburg’s inner core is threaded by canals that pass by elegant homes and gardens, offering an intimate look at life here. Nightlife ranges from sophisticated venues for the performing arts to a stroll or a beer in the Reeperbahn, traditionally one of Europe’s liveliest—and Germany’s oldest—red-light districts. |
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Lübeck
Another well-known Hanseatic League city on the Baltic, Lübeck has preserved its medieval atmosphere, making it a prime example of Backsteingotik, Gothic brick architecture. Its walkable historic area has offerings as diverse as the home of German literary masters and brothers, Thomas and Heinrich Mann, to the redolent sweetshops that sell the city’s world-renowned marzipan in every shape, variety, and size. |
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Berlin
Since the mid-18th century days of Frederick the Great, Berlin has been the focal point of German political and cultural history. Today, the reunited halves of the former East and West Berlin have combined to create one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. The legacy of Germany’s capital is evident in its endless museums and art galleries, neighborhoods, parks, cafés, and fine restaurants. The domed, neo-Renaissance Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and the new Sony Center at Potsdam Square are just a few of Berlin’s architectural landmarks. |
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Weimar
Weimar nurtured the talents of Goethe, Schiller, visionaries of the Bauhaus school, and other luminaries. Weimar also spent the last half of the 20th century as a part of East Germany (the DDR). Its manageable size allows an enjoyable day of wandering through the town center, churches, and elegant 18th-century palaces and residences. |
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Nuremberg
With its roots firmly in medieval Europe, Nuremberg has been a cultural hub for a thousand years, and its Gothic architecture—from churches to homes to hospitals—reflects that. You can relive recent horrors, particularly the massive Nazi rallies held here and the post-war trials that brought Third Reich leaders before a world court as well as enjoy the quaintness of its long past. On a lighter side, the city’s Bavarian soul comes out in its love of gingerbread and sausages. |
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Munich
The heart of Bavaria and its capital city, Munich celebrates gemutlichkeit in its beer gardens, centuries of superb art in its renowned Alte Pinakothek and its churches, and the 21st century in its high-tech businesses. From Munich, you might choose to visit Dachau. We will travel the “Romantic Road” to the famous castles of Ludwig II Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Herrenchiemsee.
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Anyone with an interest in experiencing and understanding Germany and the ways in which its rich, diverse, and problematic history has shaped it will find this seminar compelling. New and experienced travelers, sophisticated habitués of Europe, veterans, teachers, enthusiasts of art, music, architecture, and people with an insatiable love of history and culture will find the cities endlessly absorbing. In short, anyone who enjoys travel with open-minded, educated, and energetic people will welcome the intellectual stimulation and congenial environment.
This seminar offers unsurpassed value, rich content, and is part of an educational travel tradition with a long history of exceptional participant satisfaction.
PROGRAM LODGING, TRANSPORTATION, AND OTHER PERTINENT CONSIDERATIONS
The program begins in Hamburg and ends in Munich. Participants may want to consider purchasing an open jaw ticket in order to fly into Hamburg and out of Munich.
Hotel accommodations will be in attractive three and four-star European hotels that offer comfort (rooms with private showers) and accessibility to sights, either through walking or public transportation. Traditional and filling German breakfasts will start the day, with light lunches along the way. We are arranging many tantalizing dinners, so you’ll discover how far German cuisine has come from the days of pork, potatoes, bread and beer.
Our group will travel by comfortable, safe, and modern motor coach, which we will also use for tours of our destinations.
Participants should expect a fair amount of walking. Not all of the places we’ll visit are accessible by bus, and walking is also the best way to experience the atmosphere and exuberance of city streets and neighborhoods.
No knowledge of German is necessary to benefit fully from this seminar. All instruction is in English.
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Program Information | Faculty | Pricing and Registration
Program Faculty
Gordon Stewart (M.A. and Ph.D. The Johns Hopkins University, B.A. Union College)
Gordon M. Stewart, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, has interests in German cultural history, Goethe, and the liberal arts in general. For many years he has taught GETR (German in Translation) courses on various literary and cultural topics. Mr. Stewart’s interest in Germany goes back a long way to a junior year spent in Freiburg, and it continues today with his support for study abroad and active involvement in the establishment of the University of Virginia's Center for German Studies. In January 2007 and January 2008 he taught a short course on German cultural history in Berlin.
Mr. Stewart has been a visiting professor in Germany, living in Germany with his wife, Gret, twice at the University of Tübingen and twice at the Free University of Berlin. Mr. Stewart will lecture along the way, lead discussions, and accompany the group on its scheduled activities. Mrs. Stewart, who has been along on each trip to Germany and who has broad interests in its art history and popular culture, will be on the trip as well.
Margaret Nelson Spethmann, a U.Va. alumna and businesswoman. Ms. Spethmann has lived for 25 years in Hamburg, Germany.
Program Staff
Joan Elias Gore, PhD., Director of Travel Programs at the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Cynthia Smith , Program Administrator.
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Program Information | Faculty | Pricing and Registration
pricing and Registration
The June 2009 offering of this program has been postponed. We will announce a future date as soon as we can confirm it. If you are interested in future offerings of this program, please email us and we will add you to the inquiry list.
PROGRAM TUITION AND FEES INCLUDE:
• Twelve nights lodging in classic European hotels
• Breakfast each day, four lunches and six dinners
• A boat ride on the Alster and tickets to two cultural performances
• All internal city-to-city transportation, bus transportation to events within the city as noted on the final schedule, and public transportation passes in Hamburg and Berlin
• Program sessions led by expert faculty
• Specially prepared program materials
• All entrance and related fees for site visits, including tour related gratuities
• Airfare or other trasnportation to Hamburg and from Munich, inlcuding airport transfers, are not included
PER PERSON PROGRAM TUITION AND FEES: (Reserve your spot with a $750 deposit)
- $4,865 per person in a double hotel room - mutual requests only for all doubles.
- $5,830 per person in a single hotel room.
During the program, there will be opportunities to purchase tickets to optional site visits in both Berlin and Munich. You will not have to make these choices before the start of the program, but rather upon arrival in each city.
Printable Registration Form
• If you register prior to March 27, 2009, please return the registration form with a $750 per person deposit (or the full fee if you choose). The balance of your program fee is due by March 27, 2009.
• If you register after March 27, 2009, please return the registration form with full program fee.
We encourage early registration as space is limited. If space is available after May 20, a late registration fee of $175 will apply
Register by fax, 434-982-5297, or by telephone, 800-346-3882 or 434-243-2277, using VISA, MasterCard, AmEx or DISCOVER; or by sending us your downloadable form by mail with a check (made payable to U.Va.) or credit card information to:
Germany Seminar
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400764
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764
Some participants may wish to precede the group and or extend their stay*. * For extra hotel room nights on pre or post tour dates, please contact:
DeAnne Syed
Travel Coordinator
Seminars International, Inc.
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1160 * Chicago, IL 60603-5303 *
800.541.7506 or 312.332.7027
Fax: 312.332.5509 * E-mail: DeAnne@semint.com <mailto:Travel@semint.com>
All pre and post hotel room requests must be received by Seminars International no later than March 25, 2009.
WITHDRAWAL & OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
BEFORE JANUARY 15, 2009, If you withdraw in writing within 14 days of registration, you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw in writing between January 16 and before March 27, 2009, you will receive a full refund, minus the $750 deposit. In the event withdrawal is necessary after March 27, 2009, there will be no refund but you may substitute another person to attend the program in your place.
There will be no refund for unused portions of the program, including but not limited to, missed meals, lodging nights, and sightseeing.
We highly recommend you purchase travel cancellation insurance that covers both your airfare and our program fees. Confirm what your policy covers.
Useful travel insurance information can also be found at www.TripInsuranceStore.com or 888-407-3854. You may also wish to check with your local travel agency for recommended sources.
Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters, a registered travel vendor with the state of Virginia and a full-service travel agency, has worked with our participants in the past to guide them through booking appropriate travel insurance to fit their needs, including insuring expenses for the Travel & Learn program itself. They can also book airfare and arrange car rental, rail tickets/passes, hotel bookings and other excursions. If you wish to work with them, visit their website at www.peacefrogstravel.com or call 434-977-1415.
Each participant must be covered by a health insurance policy while on this program.
If you are unsure of what your health insurance policy covers when you travel from home, please confirm your coverage with your insurer. The University of Virginia Travel & Learn program purchases MEDEX WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE coverage for all program participants. Please note, this is not trip cancellation insurance and it is not health insurance coverage. MEDEX benefits include an essential 24-hour, multilingual travel emergency service, providing help during emergency medical or security situations, replacement prescriptions, emergency travel arrangements, and emergency evacuations. Your MEDEX card will be issued you upon arrival at your travel destination.
You are required to hold a valid passport to participate in this program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should check with your Embassy to determine if you have any special visa requirements to enter our destination countries. Some nations require that you hold a passport that is good for at least six months after your program ends.
Information about other travel resources including airport safety and security, currency, health care, packing, passports, personal safety, telephoning, and other useful information can be found on our travel resources page.
Please note: The value of the dollar against the Euro is improving steadily and fuel charges are declining. Therefore we anticipate no steep decrease in the value of the dollar prior to the final payment deadline for our program. But do note that our partnering vendor reserves the right to increase land fees if there is a 4% increase in the value of the Euro to the dollar after October 29, 2008.
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QUESTIONS? CONCERNS?
Please feel free to contact us by telephone at 800-346-3882 or 434-243-2277 or e-mail us at travelandlearn@virginia.edu.
Important information for Teachers: Many licensed teachers in the state of Virginia use their participation in Travel & Learn programs to earn professional development points applicable to meeting the requirements for the renewal of their teaching license. (http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Compliance/TeacherED/remanual.pdf). Out-of-state teachers may also be able to use their program participation for similar license renewal or professional development requirements and should check with their schools or state policy for requirements. Upon request, we will provide teachers with documentation describing their participation in this program.
For students: Travel & Learn seminars are noncredit adult learning programs. Some students use their participation in our Travel & Learn seminars as a foundation for a research paper in a course or independent study program they have arranged at their home university. Upon request, we will provide documentation describing your participation in this program for you to present to your home school faculty.
For University of Virginia faculty and staff: Travel & Learn seminars are noncredit adult learning courses. You may apply to Human Resources to use your educational benefit to pay for the tuition portion of our Program Tuition and Fees. Please contact us at 434-243-2277 or travelandlearn@virginia.edu for further information.
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