In Transit: Depart on international flight.

In Transit: Continue international flight. Cross International Date Line.

Morning: Arrive at Siem Reap airport and transfer to the hotel.

Lunch: Lunch in the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Meet in the hotel lobby at 4:00 PM for a Road Scholar introduction and orientation to the program.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the Fou Nan Restaurant.

Lodging: Tara Angkor Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: Travel to the gem of the Angkor area, the beautiful temple of Banteay Srey, which is best viewed in the warm morning light. The so-called "Citadel of the Women" was built between the 11th and 13th century and remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art and this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs depicting the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srey is unique because of the pink sandstone used in its construction and which is not seen anywhere else in Angkor. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at the Landmine Museum where the museum's founder, Mr. Aki Ra, was a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner. The museum also serves as a rescue center for a number of landmine amputee children that Aki Ra has brought off Phnom Penh's streets or from impoverished rural communities.

Lunch: Lunch at Champey Restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the legendary Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carving and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the ways Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around 30 years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is featured on the Cambodian national flag as it symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. You will be there during sunset, when Angkor Wat is less crowded and the Apsaras (female spirits) will shine in the most beautiful light.

Dinner: Dinner at Kanell Restaurant.

Lodging: Tara Angkor Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: Embark on a fascinating boat ride on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will learn about life on the lake. Tonlé Sap is South East Asia's largest freshwater lake and its size varies greatly between seasons, sometimes swelling up to four times its original size during the wet season! Visit the small village of Kampong Phluck where you will see houses built on stilts to protect them from Tonlé Sap Lake's ebb and flow. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests.

Lunch: Lunch at Cassia Restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom. This city was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman II. This city is surrounded by a 26 foot high wall, with each side of the city being 2.5 miles long, forming a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate. Continue to the exact center of the city to find the Bayon Temple. This temple is unique because of the 54 towers with four faces representing the 54 provinces of the then Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and The Terrace of the Leper King are also a must, as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Afterwards, partake in a very special ceremony in which Buddhist monks will perform a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and safety during your journey.

Dinner: Dinner at Viroth Restaurant.

Lodging: Tara Angkor Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: Explore the Ta Prohm temple which is unique because it has been largely left as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the 'Tomb Raider Temple' one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Field trip to the Angkor National Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Golden Era of the Khmer Empire.

Lunch: Lunch in hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Transfer to airport for 3:20 PM flight to Bangkok (estimated arrival 4:45 PM). Transfer to hotel. En route, learn about the city, its rich history, and Thai culture in general.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Lodging: Majestic Grande

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: An early start will take you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual. After this uplifting and often private experience visit the temple grounds and the famous 146 foot reclining Buddha. Continue to the Grand Palace and marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

Lunch: Lunch at the Supatra River House.

Afternoon: Enjoy an exhilarating long tail boat ride through the klongs of Bangkok to Nonthaburi in the far north of the city, where the cityscape turns into countryside. Stop the boat to walk through a bustling local market place and discover a riverside temple with an impressive reclining Buddha far from the tourist crowds. We stop for a fresh coconut juice and chat with the locals before cruising back into town.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Enjoy a New Year's Eve toast with your fellow Road Scholars.

Lodging: Majestic Grande

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: Free time to relax or explore the city.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Your local guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and accompany you, by coach, for embarkation at the Lam Chabang Pier. Transfer to MV Aegean Odyssey for embarkation at 4 PM. Late afternoon Road Scholar orientation to the ship in the "Observation Lounge." You will benefit from the advantage of small-ship cruising as you board Aegean Odyssey in the heart of Bangkok, before sailing down the Phraya River to the Gulf of Thailand.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. A chance to relax on deck and enjoy the shipboard guest lectures.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. Take advantage of the ship's well stocked library that has a wide selection of volumes covering classical history, literature, art, architecture, and philosophy. The frequently updated collection also includes an extensive reference section as well as modern and classic novels.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Please cover arms, shoulders and knees. It is recommended to wear socks as it is required to remove shoes at the Silver Pagoda. Museum photography is allowed only in the courtyard. Backpacks are not permitted in the Royal Palace. On occasion, the palace closes at short notice. If this occurs, the temple will be combined with a visit to the Central Market.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: From the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville, you will travel to the country's exotic capital Phnom Penh. With its fragrant markets, Royal Palace, bustling riverfront and monks in traditional saffron robes, this is a place redolent of an older Asia. After Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century, Phnom Penh on the banks of the Mekong River became the country's new capital. The city flourished during French colonial rule and much of its current layout dates from this time. Despite horrific suffering during the time of the Khmer Rouge, the Cambodians are a resilient people and Phnom Penh is once again a thriving and charming place.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Your field trip will include the National Museum with its extensive collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and the Royal Palace with its beautiful gardens. * Please note that the trip to Phnom Penh is a very long day; those participants wishing a less strenuous excursion will be able take a half day excursion, “Sihanoukville & Surroundings.”

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. A relaxing day to enjoy the sunshine and the shipboard guest lectures as the ship makes its way to Ho Chi Minh City.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. Cool off by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool and take in the refreshing ocean air.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Participants are advised to convert about ten to twenty dollars into local currency if wishing to take a taxi or stop for a drink.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. Attend a lecture by a guest speaker. A spectacular arrival in one of Southeast Asia's most exciting cities as Aegean Odyssey cruises up the Saigon River to berth in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Your central location is perfect for not only exploring Saigon but also gives you the chance to sample one of the world's great cuisines (no visit to Vietnam is complete without trying a bowl of the local noodle soup, pho).

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Called Saigon until 1975, this city is a potpourri of pagodas, modern towers and grand old buildings influenced by its French colonial past. Bicycles and motorcycles speed frantically past carts selling all manner of goods from loaves of French bread to crispy roasted ducks. Get acquainted with the city's incredible mix on this half-day excursion that includes a photo stop at the neo-Romanesque cathedral of Notre Dame. Built in the mid- 1800s, the cathedral is the focal point of the city center. Just across the square, visit the Central Post Office, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel to showcase French colonial style. High vaulted ceilings, colonial furnishings, and period pieces accentuate the feeling of being in another place in time. In sharp contrast to this vibrant city's colonial past is the newly renovated War Remnants Museum. The grounds are dotted with an array of aircraft, tanks and other weaponry left behind. The museum itself extends over three floors and consists primarily of photos, all labeled in English, documenting the Vietnam War and its aftermath. From the museum, step into the lively world of Ho Chi Minh City today at the Ben Thanh main market, and find everything from coffee beans to bowls of the local noodle soup, pho. If you wish, stay behind to explore and later make your own way back to the ship. Just remember to bring some local currency for shopping – and your best bargaining skills.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The terrain is flat, but uneven and may be slippery. Please wear walking shoes, bring a hat and insect repellant.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Enjoy this Road Scholar field trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels in the Mekong Delta. Construction on these tunnels began in the 1940s by the Viet Minh and once stretched for 210 miles. They once contained extensive Viet Cong infrastructure including tactical quarters, storage rooms, kitchens, a school, and even an underground hospital. Most entrances were so well disguised that only a small portion of the system was ever discovered during the American war, despite the fact that some 125 miles ran under a U.S. military base.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: The ship sets sail in the early afternoon. Attend a lecture by a guest speaker.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Please remember we will be entering sacred monuments. Knees and shoulders must be covered, and shoes and hats removed when entering the prayer hall.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. Attend a lecture by a guest speaker.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: See for yourself why beautiful beaches are just part of Nha Trang's charm and walk amid pilgrims at Po Nagar, some of the best-preserved Cham towers in Vietnam. Start this afternoon's excursion at the port with a visit to the aquarium of the National Oceanographic Museum, built back in the 1920s. Then drive along the palm-fringed bay to Long Son Pagoda, an active Buddhist temple. Climb 152 stone steps to the giant white Buddha seated on a lotus blossom and meditate on the superb views. The highlight is your visit to the sanctuary of Po Nagar or "Mistress of the Kingdom." Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, these Cham towers of Hindu worship are now also used by Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Enjoy the view down on to the Ha Ra Bridge and Nha Trang’s fishing fleet. Complete your excursion with a stroll around Dam market where you can bargain for fresh produce, exotic fruit, and such treats as mango cake.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. Enjoy the Observation Deck if the weather is nice. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. You may wish to enjoy a treatment at the ship's spa.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: There is considerable walking, though mainly on flat ground. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Da Nang is Vietnam's third largest city and is located on the South China Sea coast midway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Founded by the Cham people some 3,000 years ago, it became a popular resort for GIs on R&R during the Vietnam War due to its proximity to the surf of China Beach. Set out to visit the religious ruins of the Imperial Champa city of My Son.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Hoi An sampling the variety of Vietnamese cuisine.

Afternoon: Continue your full-day field trip in the medieval trading port of Hoi An. The narrow streets of Hoi An are lined with pristine 16th-century houses decorated with lacquer panels and built from rare timbers: this place is a real delight. On your way you will pass through the picturesque scenery of rural Vietnam with its extensive paddy fields and luscious vegetation. From Hoi An, you may return to ship, or stay on and take the later coach back.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. A chance to relax on deck and enjoy the shipboard guest lectures.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. You may wish to enjoy a selection of freshly-prepared sandwiches, cakes and scones served in the Observation Lounge. Accompanying these is a selection of refreshing teas and a choice of coffees.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: The capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, Hanoi is the perfect blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from 42 centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. It is largely unspoiled by modern architecture and as a result it has retained a Parisian grace with its wide boulevards lined by huge mansions and carefully designed parks and public spaces. Departing from the port of Hong Gai, you will see many of the great sights this fascinating city has to offer including the 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Walking through the Old Quarter with its market stalls heaving with exotic produce and myriad street food stalls is like stepping back in time.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue your excursion of Hanoi before returning to the ship in Hong Gai.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Wind through the jade waters of the Gulf of Tonkin for a close-up look at this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 3,000 stone islands and islets create one of Vietnam's great scenic wonders. These limestone pillars, known as drowned karst towers, rise from the water in shapes that inspire such names as Marionette, Monkey and Toad islands. The legend of the islands' creation is equally whimsical. Halong Bay is said to have been created by dragons. Long ago, a Mother Dragon and her children were sent by the Jade Emperor to protect the Viet people in time of war. Rather than fire, the dragons spit out pearls, jades, and all manner of jewels that turned into a barrier of islands. The invaders were repelled but the dragons, instead of returning to the heavens, chose to stay and make Halong Bay – literally descending dragon bay – their home. Board a local boat for a gentle cruise around these islands, draped with lush foliage and pocked with caves and grottos created by waves and wind. Cruise past all manner of watercraft, from junks to sampans, as you pass generations-old floating fishing villages and step ashore on one of these islands to explore a cavern pocked with stalactites and stalagmites before returning to the ship.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Continue to enjoy the picturesque views of Halong Bay.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. A chance to relax on deck and enjoy the shipboard guest lectures.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. Enjoy the Observation Deck if the weather is nice, or dive into a good book from the ship's library.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: At sea. Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: At sea. Cool off by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool and take in the refreshing ocean air.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Aegean Odyssey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Disembark and ride the historic Star Ferry across the harbor to Central District. Even after 100 years, the ferry remains an important commuter link from Kowloon to Hong Kong island. The eight-minute crossing provides spectacular 360 degree views of Hong Kong's magnificent harbor. Drive to the base of Victoria Peak and take the funicular up the highest mountain on the island, where spectacular views stretch over the city's most expensive real estate, to the harbor beyond.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Explore Stanley Bay's seaside promenade and its famous market independently or relax at one of its many waterfront restaurants and cafes.

Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Lodging: Hotel Harbour Grand Kowloon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: Known for its antique and curio shops as well as contemporary art galleries, this area is a favorite for collectors or simple those who want to browse and imbibe the ambience of 'old Hong Kong.' At the foot of Hollywood Road lies colorful Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong's oldest and most active.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to relax or explore.

Dinner: Depart for a farewell dinner at Lei Yue Mun. Once a small fishing village, it still retains much of its original character. Lei Yue Mun overlooks the Eastern gate of Victoria Harbor.

Lodging: Hotel Harbour Grand Kowloon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Morning: Free time to prepare for your departure.

Lunch: Enjoy a lunch of dim sum - a Cantonese/Hong Kong 'tea meal' favorite. These dishes include a selection of fried and steamed dumplings as well as various other savory items. The term for this Chinese style of eating translates as "heart's delight." Originally dim sum referred to the Cantonese practice of serving small dishes in teahouses.

Afternoon: At the fascinating Hong Kong History Museum, learn about the unique origins of this beautiful city - from the history of its original inhabitants to its present-day status as a distinctively international port and financial center. Late afternoon transfer to the airport.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch