Learn about the daring risk-takers who harnessed and dominated the Middle Ages from the Fall of Rome to the Crusades.

Harness the mighty Dnieper and Volga Rivers with Viking explorers as they forge the lands of Rus.

Join the Vikings as they set out to conquer England, Ireland, France, and points west!

Meet the Valkyries, Völuspás, and ordinary women of the colorful Viking Age.

Meet the queen who shaped England’s destiny during the tumultuous Viking Age.

Learn more about the talented, ambitious, and cosmopolitan Normans, originally Vikings who carved out a Duchy in France and went on to control Sicily and England.

Delve into the legends of the gods and heroes of the Norse pantheon.

Learn more about the bravery and resilience of Norway’s population during the brutal occupation by Nazi Germany.

Sample the unique cuisine and customs of Norway including gnomes, lots of fish, and familar Christmas rituals.

Delve into the colorful history of Norway from the early Bronze Age to World War II.

Explore the economic powerhouse of the Middle Ages that ferried goods around the Baltic and North Seas, lent money to kings, and formed Europe’s first coalition government.

Witness the growth of Sweden, Denmark, Poland, and Russia into the Baltic’s major powers.

Reconsider aspects of the so-called “Dark Ages,” through an exploration of the flowering of scholarship, science, and politics in the known world.

Revisit a watershed moment of European and world history as Martin Luther challenges the power of the papacy.

Trace the development of modern-day Germany from Roman times to the present.

Discover the rich history and modern charm of the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Most of what we know about the Vikings is thanks to one man: the thirteenth-century Icelandic politician, poet, diplomat, and visionary: Snorri Sturluson, who preserved the oral traditions of the Norsemen by committing them to writing for the first time. We will examine these magnificent stories as both history and literature as well as their massive impact on world literature from Wagner’s operas to the Marvel Comics.

Explore the weird and wonderful superstitions, legends, and traditions of the magic powers of the extreme north.

Explore The Baltic littoral’s cuisine, customs, and culture.

Experience the Northern Renaissance, which  swept through Germany, England, Poland, and the Low Countries in the late fifteenth century. We will examine the major artistic and scholarly influences from Italy and the economic prosperity of the Low Countries, which combined to create iconic Gothic cathedrals and masterpieces by artists such as Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein, Hieronymus Bosch, and Pieter Bruegel.

Discover the magnficient flourishing of painting, Gothic architecture, and sculpture of the Northern reaches of Europe.

The Viking “discovery” of Iceland is a fusion of myth and fact, but it is undoubtedly in Iceland that the true Viking spirit was preserved for posterity. This overview lecture examines the resilient island nation’s history from the early days of the Settlements to its emergence from isolation after World War I, and the bright present the Icelanders have forged for themselves.

This potent mash up of history, culture, climate, cuisine, and trivia sets the scene for a marvelous adventure on shore in Greenland!

This lively lecture takes a look at Iceland’s traditional cuisine, as well as the exciting innovations that are putting the tiny island nation on the culinary map.  Climate dictates cuisine, and we will explore the ways that the Icelanders harnessed nature to make their food, including the phenomena of “rotted shark” and “geyser bread.” We will touch on the traditional fishing, farming, and foraging that are the backbone of Iceland’s food supply, but also look at  how today’s Icelanders are using their innovative technology including geothermal and hydroelectric energy to create greenhouse produce, such as the phenomenal tomato farm at Friðheimar and the extraordinary story of Iceland’s mussel farm.  I will also share with you the best place to sample lobster soup and the legendary Icelandic hot dog!

Most of what we know about the Vikings is thanks to one man: the thirteenth-century Icelandic politician, poet, diplomat, and visionary: Snorri Sturluson, who preserved the oral traditions of the Norsemen by committing them to writing for the first time. We will examine these magnificent stories as both history and literature as well as their massive impact on world literature from Wagner’s operas to the Marvel Comics.

This lecture introduces the fascinating history of Russia in the ninth century when Slavic tribes invite the Volga Vikings to rule over them. The early medieval success of Kievan Rus’ give way to the invasions of the Tatar Mongols in the thirteenth century, who hold sway over Russia until the late fifteenth century. We will then trace the emergence of Moscow as the political power base, the development of the Kremlin under Ivan III and his Byzantine wife, Sophia, the troubled reign of Ivan the Terrible, and the rise of the Romanovs.

This lecture looks at the vital cultural legacy that Byzantium played in spreading Christianity across the Black Sea region. We will examine the connective tissue between the early pagan Slavs and the sophisticated Byzantine empire as well as considering the unique aspects of Eastern Orthodoxy, which Prince Vladimir of Kyiv adopted in 988, later converting his own subjects at swordpoint, and the legacies of that choice. We will also look at the invention of the written Cyrillic language by Greek monks, Cyril and Methodius, which becomes the the lingua franca for the Slavs, and an important cultural connective tissue in the region.

For more than 300 years, the Romanov dynasty ruled Russia with an iron fist, doggedly refusing to cede any of their authoritarian power to the people. This lecture traces the rise of this seventeenth-century aristocratic family to the throne of Russia and looks at the reign of each of the dynasty’s monarchs, paying particular attention to Peter the Great, his daughter Elizabeth, Catherine the Great, Alexander II, and the last of the dynasty, Nicholas II. During the lecture, we will endeavor to answer the question: could things have turned out differently?

This lecture traces the short but significant century and a half in which Russia emerged as a powerful empire, during the reign of the ambitious Tsar Peter the Great, who founded his dream city on the Baltic Sea. Peter’s daughter Elizabeth created some of the more iconic architecture of Russia and set the stage for the Golden Age of Russia under Catherine the Great.

Catherine’s legacy to Russia was a mighty empire, but also a magnificent art collection and many of the more iconic buildings in Russia. This lecture looks at the rise to power of this intelligent and determined German princess who went on to reign as Russia’s greatest ruler, leaving the empire an extraordinary artistic and political legacy.

This lecture examines St. Petersburg’s cultural role as a city that upends norms, from architectural to political. We will study the three principal revolutions of 1825, 1905, and 1917, as well as the immense cultural revolutions of art, poetry, literature, and urban design. The lecture is designed to help guests look beyond the Baroque beauty of the facades and delve into the city’s fascinating social and political history.

Witness Ukraine’s centuries-long struggle to achieve independence.

The marriage of Tsarevich Nicholas II and Princess Alix of Hesse-Darmstadt was a rare love match for nineteenth-century royalty, and the two remained passionately devoted to one another until their tragic end in 1918. This popular and usually very well-attended lecture looks at the marriage of Nicholas and Alexandra, their family life, and the tragedy of their only son, Alexis, afflicted with hemophilia. We will explore the role played by Grigori Rasputin and how his close association with the Imperial Family contributed to their ultimate downfall. This lecture includes a trove of Romanov family photographs, excerpts from diaries, and letters.

When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, the world rejoiced. But as the Soviet Union began to disintegrate, a messy era ensued of economic instability and lawlessness, which witnessed a complete social upheaval. When Vladimir Putin assumed the presidency on New Year’s Eve, 1999, a new era dawned for Russia, one which we are still parsing. This lecture looks at the period of 1991 – Present, including Putin’s two-decade rule, his 2014 annexation of the Crimean peninsula and its consequences, and the return of authoritarianism. Leaving ample time at the end, I will share my own experiences of living in Moscow during this era and happily lead a discussion about where Russia might be headed next.

St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum is the world’s largest museum, containing masterpieces of painting and sculpture from earliest antiquity to the present day. But before it was a museum, it was a palace, and one of the most opulent in Europe. This lecture is an introduction to the fascinating social and architectural history of the museum, with breathtaking images from the interior of the Winter Palace. We will cover Catherine the Great’s mania for collecting, which created the nucleus of the collection, the dark days of the Russian Revolution and the World War Two Siege of Leningrad, and we will reveal some of the museum’s most closely held secrets, including its regiment of cats, deployed to keep the mice at bay. This lecture is designed to lay the groundwork for a more enjoyable visit to the museum.

This lecture introduces three exceptional Romanov women, who lived in the lavish splendor of pre-revolutionary Russia. Nicholas II’s mother, Empress Marie Fyodorovna, came to Russia as a Danish princess to marry the heir to the throne and became the darling of society. It was for Marie that Peter Carl Faberge made the first Imperial Easter Egg. Marie Fyodorovna’s sister-in-law, Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, presided over the most cultured set in St. Petersburg society and made a daring escape from the revolution over the Caucuses Mountains. Empress Alexandra’s sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna, was considered the most beautiful princess in Europe when she married Grand Duke Sergei. After his brutal assassination, Elizabeth became a nun and founded a charitable order in Moscow. The fascinating lives of these three women and their ultimate fate at the hands of the Bolsheviks are explored through the medium of photography and portrait painting as well as modern-day photos of the lovingly restored palaces and convents that were their homes.

Investigate some of Russia’s most enduring unsolved mysteries, including the disappearence of the famous Amber Room during World War II, the mysterious Dyatlov Pass, and the possibility that Grand Duchess Anastasia survived the massacre of her family in Ekaterinburg in 1918.

Revel in the vibrant and ground-breaking ballet company led by Sergei Diaghilev, featuring the genuius of Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, choreographer Michel Fokine and the incandescent talents of dancers including Vaslav Nijinsky, Tamara Karsavina, and Anna Pavlovna.

A passion for Russian literature is often the catalyst to journey to Moscow and St. Petersburg in search of fictional heroes and heroines. This lecture is a broad-strokes review of the most beloved Russian writers: Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Gogol, Dostoyevsky, Turgenev, and Chekhov. We will explore the major works of each author, their influence on one another, as well as their relationship with both Church and State. This lecture is always tailored to reflect cities visited so that guests are advised where they can find Anna Karenina’s train station or Raskolnikov’s house. This lecture can be used as the opening for informal book discussions with guests.

Icon means “image,” but in the Eastern Orthodox Church, icons are venerated as potent messages of the Church’s fundamental teachings. Many icons are revered as holy and capable of working miracles. This talk will cover a brief history of icon painting in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Tradition and to provide a road map to reading and interpreting icons and iconostases.

Discover the intricate and exquisite world of Peter Carl Faberge, who created the iconic Imperial Easter Eggs in this lecture, which charts the creation of each of the 50 Easter Eggs, and their owners, Empresses Marie Fyodorovna and Alexandra Fyodorovna. This lecture features exquisite slides of the eggs, and special film footage from the Link of Times Museum in St. Petersburg about how the “surprises” in the Imperial Egg work.

Russian culinary history falls into four distinct eras: pre-Petrine traditional cooking of the peasantry in ceramic stoves, European-style lavish dining, heavily influenced by French chefs, pared down and functional Soviet food, and finally “Federal cuisine” which combines a vibrant renaissance of traditional Russian cuisine fused with more exotic flavors and international methods. In this lecture, we will consider how politics influenced food and vice versa, as well as the perennial cycle of feast or famine that colors not only the culinary landscape but also the social psyche. Finally, we will highlight key dishes to try from borscht to pelmeni as well as national beverages such as kvas, vodka, and cordials. This is a fun lecture that helps orient guests to the experience of trying local fare onshore.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

Venice’s rise as a mighty trading hub, successfully facing both east and west, is at the heart of her story. From a Byzantine outpost, Venice’s maritime and economic might grew steadily throughout the Middle Ages. We examine the structure of government under the Doges, Venice’s role in the Crusades, and her slow but steady decline in the sixteenth century. Throughout her colorful history, economic prosperity funds the magnificent art and architecture that today makes La Serenissima an unforgettable destination.

Observe the world as Leonardo did in his famous notebooks, which informed much of his art.

Immerse yourself in the power and pomp of the Vatican and its popes.

Learn more about the turbulent life of Joanna I of Naples, who struggled against sacred and secular powers to keep her throne during the action-packed 14th century.

Discover the scintillating and turbulant history of Sicily and its shifting power bases.

This lecture puts the significant artists of the Quattrocento in context, focusing on their most outstanding achievements: Giotto, Piero Della Francesco, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pietro Perugino, Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and others. This lecture is designed to set the stage for a visit to Florence and the Uffizi Gallery.

In this lecture we examine Rome’s transition from Republic to empire, tracing the rise of the Caesars and examining key institutions that sustained their rule: the Roman senate and army.

This lecture traces the rise of Rome from its legendary beginnings to the dawn of empire.

The Medici family were bankers, politicians, patrons of the art, and popes. Their drive and ambition elevated the family to near royal status. Their expansive vision dominated the Renaissance and beyond. They were the proud patrons of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, and left an indelible cultural stamp on Florence.

Explore the development of the concepts of chivalry and courtly love, incubated in the glittering court of Eleanor of Aquitaine in the South of France.

In the world of early medieval Europe, Eleanor of Aquitaine was a superstar. Though guests may know her best from The Lion In Winter, this lecture goes back to her adolescence, when she was Europe’s richest heiress, and traces her volatile private life through two marriages to two kings, her difficult offspring, and her instrumental role in creating and developing the notions of chivalry and courtly love, particularly in the South of France.

This lecture is a broad overview of the critical milestones of French history from the emergence of the Frankish Empire under the Carolingian kings and the Holy Roman Emperors to the Revolution of 1789. We will look at France’s continued struggle with England for preeminence in Western Europe, and the reigns of the Capetian, Valois, and Bourbon dynasties.

Learn more about the talented, ambitious, and cosmopolitan Normans, originally Vikings who carved out a Duchy in France and went on to control Sicily and England.

In this lecture, we examine at the fascinating world of the Celts, the largest ethnic group in ancient Europe. We examine the migration of the Bronze Age Celts and witness how these migrations created the branches of Celtic languages, many of which are still used today. We will explore the development of Celtic designs of intricate knots and vegetal patterns that adorned not only luxury items, but also the arms and armor of Celtic warriors, as well as everyday objects such as cauldrons and flagons. This talk also delves into the complex polytheistic religion of the Celts and examines the important role in the community played by the Druids. We will explore the Celtic encounter with Rome, including the famous rebellion of Boudica. Finally, we will chart the retreat of Rome and the emergence of new Christian kingdoms in the Celtic world, and note with interest the renewal of Celtic culture in our own time.

This overview lecture highlights the rise of Spain from a post-Roman backwater to a mighty empire. Highlights include the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Reconquista, the Golden Age of Spain, the Habsburg Rule and the Spanish Civil War.

Explore the history of Britain’s obession with the fortified wines of the southern Iberian peninsula.

Sample Spanish and Portuguese cuisine — two of Europe’s most diverse palates and traditions. In this lively talk, designed to whet the appetite for explorations on shore, we delve into the fascinating culinary history of the region and learn how layers of Islamic, French, and South American influences have made the cuisine so appealing.

This lecture examines the incredible gamble that was the Age of Exploration and the Voyages of Discovery and colonization of the New World. We will look at the visionary explorers who dared the Atlantic, the science of navigation and shipbuilding that made it possible, the race between Portugal, Spain, England, and the Netherlands for preeminence, and the economic and social consequences of the adventure.

Learn more about Arabic discoveries and innovations in the study of astronomy in the Arab world and the Iberian Peninsula.

Spend time with Isabella of Castile, the powerful queen who united Spain through her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon. Blazing a trail for the powerful female monarchs who came after her, Isabella made Spain into a mighty empire through her patronage of Christopher Columbus.

Learn more about the legends and lore of the pilgrimage road of Santiago de Compostela, which spans Northern Spain from the Pyrenees to the Atlantic Ocean.

Examine the Islamic legacies of science and scholarship in Southern Spain.

Trace our common passion for coffee from its earliest appearence in Ethiopia, its progress through the Levant and Persia into Italy and the Mediterreanean to its arrival in Western Europe, and subsequent cultivaiton in the New World.

This lecture examines the phenomenon of the religious, military orders, which were created during the eleventh and twelfth-century Crusades. We will see how their original purpose changed and how these disciplined elite fighting forces became a threat to rulers across Europe. We will explore the many legends, mysteries and conspiracy theories, which surround the orders even today, including the disappearance of the Templar Fleet after the Massacre of the Templars in 1307. This lecture provides an excellent introduction to the history of these orders, as well as setting the stage for a visit to Malta, Rhodes, Cyprus, or Jerusalem.

Reconsider aspects of the so-called “Dark Ages,” through an exploration of the flowering of scholarship, science, and politics in the known world.

Where did pirates come from? How did the skull and crossbones come to be their symbol? We answer these and other questions in this lively talk about the brigands of the high seas!

Discover the tightly controlled and secretive world of glassmaking from its invention in the Near East to its pivotal role in enabling the developments of Scientific Revolution.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

This lecture is a broad overview of the fascinating history of Malta. We will consider the strategic position of Malta, which shapes the contours of her past as the island changes hands from the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Aragonese, Napoleon, and the British. We will see how each of these conquerors left their mark on the island. This lecture can be combined with “The Knights of Malta” for a full overview of the island’s colorful history.

This lecture looks at the storied history of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John in Jerusalem, better known as the Knights of Malta. We will explore the reasons for their founding in the eleventh century in Jerusalem. We will see the Knights create a mighty navy headquartered in Rhodes and later Malta. We will look at the long tenure of the Knights in Malta, where their history is intrinsically linked with that of the island. We will look at the role the Knights played in battling the spread of Protestantism, and we will test their military prowess when they pit their strength against the army of Suleiman the Magnificent in the Great Siege of Malta. We will also look at the Order’s modern-day activities running medical missions in more than 120 countries.

Explore the development of the politics, philosophy, and culture of the Greeks, which remain the fulcrum of Western Civilization today. We will trace the rise of Greece from its earliest “Palatial” era through the collapse of the Bronze Age and the rise of democracy, looking to Greece’s leading scholars, scientists, and politicians for guidance through this civilization which so informs our modern age.

This lecture continues to examine the eras of Ancient Greek history, examining the rise of the polis and the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles. We also look at the rise of Macedonia and Rome on the peripheries of the Greek world.

Delve into the glittering history of the Byzantine Empire, which emerged organically from the Roman Empire in the 4th century CE.  With its magnificent capital in Constantinople, the Byzantine empire lasted more than a thousand years, and left a lasting cultural and religious legacy in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Balkans.

Examine the history of the controversial Parthenon Marbles from their creation in the 5th century BCE to glorify Athens and its powerful patron goddess, Athena, to their removal in the early nineteenth century by the Earl of Elgin to the British Museum. Ponder what might be the future fate of these exquisite sculptural pieces, even as the debate rages over whether to reunite the ensemble in the new Acropolis Museum.

Learn more about the Magna Graecia or “Greater Greece,” the wider Greek world in Italy and the Black Sea, that resulted from Greek colonization in the aftermath of the Bronze Age Collapse.

In this lecture, we examine the archtypes of the male gods of the Greek and Roman pantheon, and their portrayal in myths and art.

Meet the goddesses of the Greek and Roman pantheon and explore their signficance in myth and art, as well as their influence on Christian worship.

Sample the enduring cuisine of the Aegean, with its key food groups such as olives, fish, lamb, herbs, and honey.

Savor the rich culinary and mercantile history of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor!

This lecture introduces guests to the astonishing achievements of Alexander III of Macedon, who came to be known as Alexander the Great. In his short life, he managed to conquer most of the world from Greece through Asia Minor and as far as India. Alexander’s empire held together thanks to a combination of exceptional military genius and a very canny ability to administer the regions he conquered. Alexander’s lasting legacy is the spread of Greek culture and language in what would become the “Hellenistic World.”

This lecture sets the stage for a voyage through the Adriatic Sea. We will look at the history of the littoral nations: Italy, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Slovenia and the 1,300 islands that are scattered along this stunning coast. We will look at the Roman period when the region was a vital link in the all-important movement of troops and goods. We will look at the ebb and flow of great powers during the Middle Ages when the dominant force was the Byzantine Empire, and later the Kingdom of Hungary and the Republic of Venice. We will discuss the shifting alliances and hostilities during the Ottoman Rule between the 15th and 17th, leading to the uneasy peace during Habsburg rule.

This lecture looks at the extraordinary story of the Republic of Ragusa, which managed to punch well above its weight through centuries of dominance by Venice, Byzantium, and later the Ottomans. We will look at the legends, lore, and fascinating maritime history of this gutsy Republic, best known for the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik.

Delve into the action-packed history of the Balkan Peninsula, the setting for successive waves of invaders and inhabitants, all of whom contribute to the rich culutral life of this ancient land.

This lively lecture examines regional touchstones including major festivals, literature, superstitions, and food!

Venice’s rise as a mighty trading hub, successfully facing both east and west, is at the heart of her story. From a Byzantine outpost, Venice’s maritime and economic might grew steadily throughout the Middle Ages. We examine the structure of government under the Doges, Venice’s role in the Crusades, and her slow but steady decline in the sixteenth century. Throughout her colorful history, economic prosperity funds the magnificent art and architecture that today makes La Serenissima an unforgettable destination.

Discover the tightly controlled and secretive world of glassmaking from its invention in the Near East to its pivotal role in enabling the developments of Scientific Revolution.

Delve into the glittering history of the Byzantine Empire, which emerged organically from the Roman Empire in the 4th century CE.  With its magnificent capital in Constantinople, the Byzantine empire lasted more than a thousand years, and left a lasting cultural and religious legacy in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Balkans.

This lecture provides a comprehensive look at the mighty empire that straddled east and west from 1299 – 1922. We will examine its military might, system of government, the extent of its empire, its cultural legacy as well as its legendary clashes with its foes, including its conquest of Byzantium in 1453, the epic struggle at the Battle of Vienna in 1683, and repeated clashes with the growing might of Russia throughout the nineteenth century. We will also explore the waning might of the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century.

Suleiman the Magnificent was a contemporary of both Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire and Henry VIII of England and was no less ruthless than they were. He ruled over the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power and tried to expand the empire west. This lecture looks at Suleiman’s extraordinary life, his many achievements, the world he lived in, and his great love for the Russian slave girl, Roxelana, for whom Suleiman defied tradition and married her. Roxelana was a canny politician and became the Ottoman Empire’s only female ruler.

Hone in on an oft-overlooked aspect of Ottoman and Arab history: the politics of the harem, where powerful women yeilded considerable power that resonated far beyond their cloistered world.

This lecture examines the rich history of Istanbul: the only capital located on two continents. We will consider its earliest iteration through its designation as the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the subsequent Byzantine Empire, with larger than life figures such as Emperor Constantine, his mother, Saint Helena, Empress Theodora, and others. We will see how the city changes when it is sacked in 1453 by the Ottoman’s and made the capital of their vast empire.

Explore the prehistoric cultural and religious influences, which influenced the worship of Artemis at Ephesus. The great goddess made the city the fourth largest polis in antiquity. Discover the ways in which this tenacious worship of the powerful female deity influenced the worship of the Virgin Mary as Christianity became the dominant belief system in Asia Minor.

Reconsider aspects of the so-called “Dark Ages,” through an exploration of the flowering of scholarship, science, and politics in the known world during this period that bridges Antiquity and the Renaissance.

This lecture is an introduction to the ancient and fascinating art of carpet weaving, a cultural sash that encircles the Eastern Mediterranean, the rim of Africa and the Middle East. We will examine the techniques used to weave carpets, and look at the symbols of carpet design, delving into their meaning, and finally, we will discuss the etiquette of carpet shopping and bargaining.

Who was Cleopatra? Femme fetale, as the Romans insisted, or an astute political operator? In this lively lecture, we examine the woman behind the legend.

Hypatia of Alexandria (350-415 CE) was an outstanding polymath: philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer and the first female mathematician to be acknowledged in her own day. Her brutal murder heralded the conflict between the waning classical world and the rise of Christianity. In this talk, we examine Hypatia’s life against the backdrop of the cosmopolitan Alexandria, her contributions to scholarship, and the circumstances behind her murder.

This lecture considers the enduring Mystery Cult of Isis, one of the oldest in Egypt, which enjoyed considerable popularity across the ancient world, particularly in Rome. We will examine the goddess Isis, including her key role as Egypt’s Mother Goddess, and the foundation myth of the death and resurrection of her husband, the god Osiris.

We will then trace the rise of the Isis Cult and the appeal of its central creed: the promise of life after death, or resurrection, and its immense popularity in the Ancient World, even after it was outlawed by the Roman emperor. Finally, we will examine the influence this powerful tradition had, not only on the worship of Greek and Roman gods but also Christianity; and we will finish with a though-provoking look at the non-traditional hypothesis that Jesus Christ may have been a disciple of the Isis cult.

In this lively lecture, we explore the rich culinary history of the Middle East.

Learn more about the origins and tenants of Islam, the major religion of the Arab world. We will examine the rise of this belief system and its rapid spread throughout the world and its primary tenants, traditions, and festive holidays.

Trace the rise of Islam from its humble beginnings with the spice merchant Muhammed, whose visions and prophecies attracted millions of followers and united the Arab people under the banner of a new faith.

Review the primary tenants and traditions of Islamic Art & Architecture, and learn how calligraphy, poetry, designs inspired by nature, and tessellation are all employed to create the magnificent palaces, mosques, manuscripts, textiles, and ceramics that are such a hallmark of the Arab world.

This lecture examines the through line of powerful female goddesses in the Eastern Mediterranean: Ishtar, Isis, Aphrodite, and the Virgin Mary. We will explore the separate myths surrounding each goddess, the forms and tradition of her worship, and iconography and symbolism in art and sculpture. We will also look at each deity’s strong associations with nature and fertility, the life-death cycle, the reproductive and regenerative spirit, the quality of mercy, and above all, the association with motherhood.

We will then attempt to trace possible military, political, trade, and cultural routes by which these traditions spread throughout the region over several centuries. Finally, having considered the shared attributes and traditions, we will attempt to answer the question: could these four goddesses be one and the same?

Visit Jerusalem through the history of the monuments of the three Abrahamic faiths.

This lecture is designed to compliment broader lectures on the history of the ancient world by honing in on the extraordinary developments in food history in Ancient Egypt and Judea. We will explore the all-important flooding of the Nile and the many agricultural products its bounty made possible. We will look at tomb engravings for evidence of what the Egyptians ate and how this society became the first to create an elite cuisine for the court, distinct from the diet of ordinary citizens.

In nearby Judea, we will examine Biblical references to food and its close association with the Jewish faith and traditions. We will see humanity focus on dietary restrictions for the first time and introduce volunteer fasting as part of religious observance. Finally, we will look at the rich tradition of Jewish festivals and the role food plays in their observance to this day.

Frankincense, a gummy sap, when dried, emits a magical scent, believed by both pagans and Christians to be a potent conduit of prayers to heaven. Native to the Dhofar highlands, trade in this inimitable aromatic established one of the key trade routes from east to west, and was responsible for feuling a keen desire for the exotic amongst the people of Western Europe. In this talk, we take a closer look at the trade and uses of frankincense throughout the ages.

In the Cradle of Civilization, food is at the heart of the story. This lecture is an overview of the region’s culinary history from Biblical times to the present. We will see how food cultivation and production affected politics and religion and review the crucial staples of the area and their modern-day iterations. We will look at the movement of salt and spices across the region and how these affected the development of each regional cuisine. We deconstruct the meze and whet the appetite for trips to restaurants onshore.

Trace the spectacular rise of the Knights Templar against the turbulent backdrop of the First Crusade. Witness the Order become a major economic force throughout Europe, which will ultimately lead to its grisly end. We will also consider various theories on what happened to the famous Templar Fleet.

This lecture examines the phenomenon of the religious, military orders, which were created during the eleventh and twelfth-century Crusades. We will see how their original purpose changed and how these disciplined elite fighting forces became a threat to rulers across Europe. We will explore the many legends, mysteries and conspiracy theories, which surround the orders even today, including the disappearance of the Templar Fleet after the Massacre of the Templars in 1307. This lecture provides an excellent introduction to the history of these orders, as well as setting the stage for a visit to Malta, Rhodes, Cyprus, or Jerusalem.

Explore the religious and military struggle between the Christian churches in Byzantium and Rome to recover the Holy Land from Muslim rule. We will meet the Templar Knights and parse the legends of Richard the Lionhearted and Saladin. We will examine the cultural legacy of the Crusades in terms of trade, politics, and even food! This is an essential piece of the historical puzzle for any journey through the Eastern Mediterranean.

The charismatic founder of the Ayyubid dynasty and a mighty empire, Saladin faced off against the Crusaders, including the Leper King and Richard the Lionhearted, ultimately prevailing over the Christians to reestablish power in the Middle East. Noted for his nobility and courtesy, Saladin is one of the more fascinating figures of this tumultuous era!

Explore the life and songs of King David from several angles: as one of the world’s earliest literary figures and a legendary Biblical figure. We will examine his unlikely rise from a humble shepherd boy who defeated a giant with a slingshot to the King of a mighty nation. We will explore the great king’s messy family life, his role as a nation builder, and the magnificent psalms he is said to have penned to the glory of the Lord.

Explore the rich history of the British Isles from the early Celts to the reign of Charles III.

This lecture takes a broad look at the fascinating history of Ireland from the ancient Celts to the modern Celtic Tigers. We will pay special attention to the flourishing Viking settlements in Ireland as well as Ireland’s periodic clashes with its near neighbor, England. We will also explore the rich literary history of Ireland in poetry, song, and literature.

IIn this lecture, we examine at the fascinating world of the Celts, the largest ethnic group in ancient Europe. We examine the migration of the Bronze Age Celts and witness how these migrations created the branches of Celtic languages, many of which are still used today. We will explore the development of Celtic designs of intricate knots and vegetal patterns that adorned not only luxury items, but also the arms and armor of Celtic warriors, as well as everyday objects such as cauldrons and flagons. This talk also delves into the complex polytheistic religion of the Celts and examines the important role in the community played by the Druids. We will explore the Celtic encounter with Rome, including the famous rebellion of Boudica. Finally, we will chart the retreat of Rome and the emergence of new Christian kingdoms in the Celtic world, and note with interest the renewal of Celtic culture in our own time.

Trace the three centuries of Roman rule in Britain, which begins with the uprising of Queen Boudica and ends, perhaps, with the coming of King Arthur.

Explore the compelling canon of Arthurian legend, which has captivated the Western imagination from medieval times to the age of video games. We will examine the historical bread crumbs to multiple British leaders, who led the defense of Britain against early Saxon raiders. We will then examine how colorful history becomes legend as each generation adds layers to the tales of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Finally, we will review the iterations of the Arthurian legends from the twelfth-century French writer Chrétien de Troyes to Broadway musicals.

Learn about the daring risk-takers who harnessed and dominated the Middle Ages from the Fall of Rome to the Crusades.

Join the Vikings as they set out to conquer England, Ireland, France, and points west!

Meet the queen who shaped England’s destiny during the tumultuous Viking Age.

In the world of early medieval Europe, Eleanor of Aquitaine was a superstar. Though guests may know her best from The Lion In Winter, this lecture goes back to her adolescence, when she was Europe’s richest heiress, and traces her volatile private life through two marriages to two kings, her difficult offspring, and her instrumental role in creating and developing the notions of chivalry and courtly love, particularly in the South of France.

Meet the bold dynasty that reshaped England from the 12th to the 15th centuries, and famously clashed in the bloody Wars of the Roses, which ended the dynasty’s control of the throne.

Delve into the messy private life of Henry VIII of England, whose quest for the right woman led him to break with the Roman Catholic Church.

Examine the consequential reigns of the Tudors, the bridge between the Late Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period. England under the Tudors becomes Protestant and a major economic powerhouse in Europe.

Follow the fortunes of Scotland’s beloved queen, who followed her heart to a grisly end.

Learn more about one of royalty’s greatest love stories: that between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Learn about the development of the concept of a royal family, which began with Queen Victoria and has endured to the present.

Delve into the matchmaking machinations of England’s Queen Victoria, whose children’s and grandchildren’s marriages into the royal houses of Denmark, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Romania, and Spain, created a web of familial relations during the twilight of monarchical power.

Explore the extraordinary life of Mary of Teck, better known as Queen Mary, the queen consort of George VI, mother of Edward VIII and George VI, and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, who survived two world wars, the abdication of her eldest son, and played a pivotal role in vouchsafing the British Monarchy when so many other crowns toppled and disappeared.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

Learn more about the talented, ambitious, and cosmopolitan Normans, originally Vikings who carved out a Duchy in France and went on to control Sicily and England.

Witness the beginnings of the Holy Roman Empire under the leadership of the talented and ambitious Charlemagne.

Trace the development of modern-day Germany from Roman times to the present.

Explore the economic powerhouse of the Middle Ages that ferried goods around the Baltic and North Seas, lent money to kings, and formed Europe’s first coalition government.

Revisit a watershed moment of European and world history as Martin Luther challenges the power of the papacy.

Reconsider aspects of the so-called “Dark Ages,” through an exploration of the flowering of scholarship, science, and politics in the known world during this period that bridges Antiquity and the Renaissance.

Sample the unique cuisine and customs of Norway including gnomes, lots of fish, and familar Christmas rituals.

Learn more about the bravery and resilience of Norway’s population during the brutal occupation by Nazi Germany.

Delve into the colorful history of Norway from the early Bronze Age to World War II.

Experience the Northern Renaissance, which  swept through Germany, England, Poland, and the Low Countries in the late fifteenth century. We will examine the major artistic and scholarly influences from Italy and the economic prosperity of the Low Countries, which combined to create iconic Gothic cathedrals and masterpieces by artists such as Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein, Hieronymus Bosch, and Pieter Bruegel.

Discover the magnficient flourishing of painting, Gothic architecture, and sculpture of the Northern reaches of Europe.

Meet the powerhouse dynasty Europe forgot: The Burgundians. Elegant and ruthless, they forged a mighty empire that balanced other superpowers.

This lecture examines the commercial might that funded some of the most magnificent paintings of Western Civilization and how the Dutch Masters so perfectly reflected the pride and prosperity of the Golden Age of the Netherlands in their paintings.

This lecture provides an introduction to the region we think of as Benelux: Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. We will trace their emergence from the post-Roman era through the dominance of the Holy Roman Empire. We will examine the astonishing feat of reclaiming lowlands from the sea and how this shaped the remarkable prosperity of the textile industry in cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. We will trace the origins of Habsburg rule and the emergence of The Netherlands as an Independent Nation. This lecture can be combined with “The Golden Age of the Netherlands & The Apogee of Dutch Painting,” for a full history of the region, as well as an excellent introduction to the Dutch Masters in Amsterdam and St. Petersburg.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

Writing Around the World is designed for the duration of an around-the-world voyage, with 45 modules, which introduce participants to a broad range of writing techniques such as narrative voice, point of view, plot, dialog, and setting.  The length of the course affords ample opportunity for silent sustained writing and presenting work for critique with fellow class participants.  The course is designed to encourage participants to make significant progress on a creative writing project, or to explore multiple genres and techniques.  For more information, visit the course’s online syllabus. 

Jumpstart Your Creativity is a compact course of five 45-minute modules that create a roadmap of how to turn inspiration into a creative project of any kind.  The course encourages participants to explore self-reflective writing as tool for pursuing creativity, and tips on how to maintain the discipline and commitment necessary to get the project completed.  The format of the course includes sustained independent thought, PowerPoint presentations, and group discussion. See course outline for more details.

Writing at Sea 21 and Writing at Sea 10 are designed for longer voyages of 21+ days or selected consecutive segments of an around-the-world voyage.  Each course presents aspects of writing techniques such as plot, narrative voice, editing, as well as an overview of traditional genres and emerging forms such as blogs and newsletters.  The course aims to offer an inclusive introduction to creative writing and establish a writing practice that participants can continue when the journey has ended.  Visit the course catalog for more details!  

Discover the power of repetitive, reflective writing and journaling.

Learn more about writing and publishing fiction and non-fiction, including advice on trouble-shooting and the many routes to publication.

Explore ideas for a creative project in this interactive workshop, which outlines the procedure to taking inspiration, developing and executing an idea.

This stand-alone lecture introduces the popular mediums of blogs and newsletters. We will explore the technology and software options for each medium and look at the ways each can become a powerful conduit for ideas and thoughts.  We will consider how to adapt our writing style and length to these mediums as well as the skills and mindset necessary to sustain these long-term project.  In a group discussion, we will brainstorm ideas for our own blogs or newsletters.

Witness the invention, rise, and spread of money in human history.

Discover the tightly controlled and secretive world of glassmaking from its invention in the Near East to the monopoly of mirror making in Venice, to its pivotal role in enabling the developments of Scientific Revolution.

This lecture is an introduction to the ancient and fascinating art of carpet weaving, a cultural sash that encircles the Eastern Mediterranean, the rim of Africa and the Middle East. We will examine the techniques used to weave carpets, and look at the symbols of carpet design, delving into their meaning, and finally, we will discuss the etiquette of carpet shopping and bargaining.

Observe the world as Leonardo did in his famous notebooks, which informed much of his art.

Witness Ukraine’s centuries-long struggle to achieve independence.

Join the Vikings as they set out to conquer England, Ireland, France, and points west!

Explore the economic and social phenomenon of America’s sumptuous Gilded Age.

Immerse yourself in the glamour and elegance of the heyday of Transatlantic travel.

This lecture looks at the social history of storied hotels, which are synonymous with the history and spirit of the cities they call home, including London’s Savoy, The Ritz in Paris, New York’s Plaza and many others. We will examine the growth of luxury hotels in the late nineteenth century as well as the history of each hotel, its owners, and famous guests.

Discover the intricate and exquisite world of Peter Carl Faberge, who created the iconic Imperial Easter Eggs in this lecture, which charts the creation of each of the 50 Easter Eggs, and their owners, Empresses Marie Fyodorovna and Alexandra Fyodorovna. This lecture features exquisite slides of the eggs, and special film footage from the Link of Times Museum in St. Petersburg about how the “surprises” in the Imperial Egg work.

This talk looks at the life of Queen Marie of Romania, born Princess Missie of Edinburgh, the daughter of Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, and Prince Alfred of Great Britain. This beautiful and spirited granddaughter of Queen Victoria married the heir to the Romanian throne when she was just 16 and went on to rally her people during World War I and lead Romania’s delegation to Versailles Peace talks in 1918. She navigated a problematic marriage, several dramatic love affairs, and remained a symbol of continuity for the country during the disastrous reign of her troubled son, Carol. She had a front seat to many of the major royal events of her age and wrote about them vividly and compellingly in her memoirs. Queen Marie was an iconic figure who bridged two eras: The Victorian and the sometimes confusing world of post-World War I Europe.

This overview lecture highlights the rise of Spain from a post-Roman backwater to a mighty empire. Highlights include the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Reconquista, the Golden Age of Spain, the Habsburg Rule and the Spanish Civil War. This lecture is best divided into Part I and Part II, particularly on a leisurely trans-Atlantic or repositioning crossing.

Learn more about the legends and lore of the pilgrimage road of Santiago de Compostela, which spans Northern Spain from the Pyrenees to the Atlantic Ocean.

In the Cradle of Civilization, food is at the heart of the story. This lecture is an overview of the region’s culinary history from Biblical times to the present. We will see how food cultivation and production affected politics and religion and review the crucial staples of the area and their modern-day iterations. We will look at the movement of salt and spices across the region and how these affected the development of each regional cuisine. We deconstruct the meze and whet the appetite for trips to restaurants onshore.

Learn about the development of the concept of a royal family, which began with Queen Victoria and has endured to the present.

Explore the extraordinary life of Mary of Teck, better known as Queen Mary, the queen consort of George VI, mother of Edward VIII and George VI, and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, who survived two world wars, the abdication of her eldest son, and played a pivotal role in vouchsafing the British Monarchy when so many other crowns toppled and disappeared.

Learn more about one of royalty’s greatest love stories: that between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Trace our common passion for coffee from its earliest appearence in Ethiopia, its progress through the Levant and Persia into Italy and the Mediterreanean to its arrival in Western Europe, and subsequent cultivaiton in the New World.

Explore the history of Britain’s obession with the fortified wines of the southern Iberian peninsula..

This lecture examines the incredible gamble that was the Age of Exploration and the Voyages of Discovery and colonization of the New World. We will look at the visionary explorers who dared the Atlantic, the science of navigation and shipbuilding that made it possible, the race between Portugal, Spain, England, and the Netherlands for preeminence, and the economic and social consequences of the adventure.

Sample Spanish and Portuguese cuisine — two of Europe’s most diverse palates and traditions. In this lively talk, designed to whet the appetite for explorations on shore, we delve into the fascinating culinary history of the region and learn how layers of Islamic, French, and South American influences have made the cuisine so appealing.

Learn more about Spain’s great queen, the patron of Christopher Columbus.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

Explore the fascinating centuries-long history of the Persian empire, which at its height stretched from the Balkans to the Indus Valley. We will examine the impressive achievements of the empire from its unrivaled postal service to its stunning art and architecture. We will witness the empire’s rise under emperors such as Cyrus and Darius the Great and its eventual fall to the armies of Alexander the Great in 330 BC. Finally, we will examine the legacy of Persian culture and Zoroastrianism throughout the Middle East today.

The experience is unforgettable for everyone who passes through the narrow winding Siq, a twisting corridor of yellow, brown, and suddenly sees the elegant facade of Petra’s rose-red Treasury, protected for centuries from the cruel erosion by the desert winds. The contrast between the rough rock and the polished facade begs the question: who made this fabled but forgotten city? How did they make it, and why? This lecture seeks to answer that questions, delving into the elusive history of the Nabateans and the later periods of history associated with the heyday of Petra as a fabled city along the trading routes of Antiquity.

In this talk we examine the history and culture of the Phoenicians, who lived in modern day Lebanon, and were one of the more influencial societies to emerge from the Late Bronze Age collapse. We will explore their talent for sailing and trade, as well as the important cities they founded including Tyre and Carthage, as well as their encounters with Greece and later Rome.

Follow in the footsteps of T. E. Lawrence in this lecture, which traces efforts to carve out a unified Arab state out of the dying Ottoman Empire in the waning days of World War I. We will examine the legacies of the subsequent British and French mandates, noting how their effect is still felt today.

Frankincense, a gummy sap, when dried, emits a magical scent, believed by both pagans and Christians to be a potent conduit of prayers to heaven. Native to the Dhofar highlands, trade in this inimitable aromatic established one of the key trade routes from east to west, and was responsible for feuling a keen desire for the exotic amongst the people of Western Europe. In this talk, we take a closer look at the trade and uses of frankincense throughout the ages.

In the Cradle of Civilization, food is at the heart of the story. This lecture is an overview of the region’s culinary history from Biblical times to the present. We will see how food cultivation and production affected politics and religion and review the crucial staples of the area and their modern-day iterations. We will look at the movement of salt and spices across the region and how these affected the development of each regional cuisine. We deconstruct the meze and whet the appetite for trips to restaurants onshore.

Where did pirates come from? How did the skull and crossbones come to be their symbol? We answer these and other questions in this lively talk about the brigands of the high seas!

This lecture is an introduction to the ancient and fascinating art of carpet weaving, a cultural sash that encircles the Eastern Mediterranean, the rim of Africa and the Middle East. We will examine the techniques used to weave carpets, and look at the symbols of carpet design, delving into their meaning, and finally, we will discuss the etiquette of carpet shopping and bargaining.

Discover the tightly controlled and secretive world of glassmaking from its invention in the Near East to its pivotal role in enabling the developments of Scientific Revolution.

The charismatic founder of the Ayyubid dynasty and a mighty empire, Saladin faced off against the Crusaders, including the Leper King and Richard the Lionhearted, ultimately prevailing over the Christians to reestablish power in the Middle East. Noted for his nobility and courtesy, Saladin is one of the more fascinating figures of this tumultuous era!

In this lively lecture, we explore the rich culinary history of the Middle East.

Explore the religious and military struggle between the Christian churches in Byzantium and Rome to recover the Holy Land from Muslim rule. We will meet the Templar Knights and parse the legends of Richard the Lionhearted and Saladin. We will examine the cultural legacy of the Crusades in terms of trade, politics, and even food! This is an essential piece of the historical puzzle for any journey through the Eastern Mediterranean.

This lecture examines the phenomenon of the religious, military orders, which were created during the eleventh and twelfth-century Crusades. We will see how their original purpose changed and how these disciplined elite fighting forces became a threat to rulers across Europe. We will explore the many legends, mysteries and conspiracy theories, which surround the orders even today, including the disappearance of the Templar Fleet after the Massacre of the Templars in 1307. This lecture provides an excellent introduction to the history of these orders, as well as setting the stage for a visit to Malta, Rhodes, Cyprus, or Jerusalem.

Trace the rise of Islam from its humble beginnings with the spice merchant Muhammed, whose visions and prophecies attracted millions of followers and united the Arab people under the banner of a new faith.

Delve into the historic split between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, a split which occurred in the years immediately following the death of the prophet Muhammed, and still affects geopolitics today.

Review the primary tenants and traditions of Islamic Art & Architecture, and learn how calligraphy, poetry, designs inspired by nature, and tessellation are all employed to create the magnificent palaces, mosques, manuscripts, textiles, and ceramics that are such a hallmark of the Arab world.

Trace the rise of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661-750 CE, and the establishment of their sprawling, multi-ethnic empire, and their patronage of Islamic art, architecture, and scholarship.

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Delve into the flowering of culture, learning, and artistic endeavor that characterized the era of the Abbasid Dynasty. We will learn about the dynasty’s incorporation of Persian imperial institutions as well as their ambitious building program that made Baghdad one of the greatest cities in the Middle East. The Abbasid emphasis on education led to a flowering of the sciences, especially astronomy and medicine.

In this lecture, we will expand on broader lectures on Middle Eastern History by delving into some key cultural touchstones of the region.  After briefly examining the spread of Arab culture after the life of the Prophet Muhammed, we examine Islam’s key beliefs and observances — the Five Pillars of Islam, and discover the stunning ways these are interpreted in the artistic traditions of the region.

We will unpack the original split and ongoing conflict between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims, before looking at the cultural values that dominate life in the Middle East and the changing role of women in the region.  We will look at the food and holiday traditions of the countries we are visiting on our cruise, and provide some helpful tips on etiquette to help guests make the most of their time on shore.

Learn more about the origins and tenants of Islam, the major religion of the Arab world. We will examine the rise of this belief system and its rapid spread throughout the world and its primary tenants, traditions, and festive holidays.

This lecture introduces guests to the Black Sea Region in antiquity, and examines how the unique geography of the Black Sea — particularly that of the Dardanelles — has shaped history. We will consider the regional legends of Jason and the Golden Fleece and the Scythians and other regional lore, even as we try to separate myth from fact and construct a historical time line that will bring us to the emergence of Constantinople as the political center of Asia Minor.

Rediscover the great bard, Homer, and his two epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Delve into the glittering history of the Byzantine Empire, which emerged organically from the Roman Empire in the 4th century CE.  With its magnificent capital in Constantinople, the Byzantine empire lasted more than a thousand years, and left a lasting cultural and religious legacy in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Balkans.

This lecture introduces guests to the astonishing achievements of Alexander III of Macedon, who came to be known as Alexander the Great. In his short life, he managed to conquer most of the world from Greece through Asia Minor and as far as India. Alexander’s empire held together thanks to a combination of exceptional military genius and a very canny ability to administer the regions he conquered. Alexander’s lasting legacy is the spread of Greek culture and language in what would become the “Hellenistic World.”

Learn more about the Magna Graecia or “Greater Greece,” the wider Greek world in Italy and the Black Sea, that resulted from Greek colonization in the aftermath of the Bronze Age Collapse.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

This lecture is an introduction to the ancient and fascinating art of carpet weaving, a cultural sash that encircles the Eastern Mediterranean, The Black Sea, the rim of Africa, and the Middle East. We will examine the techniques used to weave carpets, and look at the symbols of carpet design, delving into their meaning, and finally, we will discuss the etiquette of carpet shopping and bargaining.

This lecture looks at the vital cultural legacy that Byzantium played in spreading Christianity across the Black Sea region. We will examine the connective tissue between the early pagan Slavs and the sophisticated Byzantine empire as well as considering the unique aspects of Eastern Orthodoxy, which Prince Vladimir of Kyiv adopted in 988, later converting his own subjects at swordpoint, and the legacies of that choice. We will also look at the invention of the written Cyrillic language by Greek monks, Cyril and Methodius, which becomes the the lingua franca for the Slavs, and an important cultural connective tissue in the region.

This lecture examines the rich history of Istanbul: the only capital located on two continents. We will consider its earliest iteration through its designation as the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the subsequent Byzantine Empire, with larger than life figures such as Emperor Constantine, his mother, Saint Helena, Empress Theodora, and others. We will see how the city changes when it is sacked in 1453 by the Ottoman’s and made the capital of their vast empire.

This lecture provides a comprehensive look at the mighty empire that straddled east and west from 1299 – 1922. We will examine its military might, system of government, the extent of its empire, its cultural legacy as well as its legendary clashes with its foes, including its conquest of Byzantium in 1453, the epic struggle at the Battle of Vienna in 1683, and repeated clashes with the growing might of Russia throughout the nineteenth century. We will also explore the waning might of the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century.

Icon means “image,” but in the Eastern Orthodox Church, icons are venerated as potent messages of the Church’s fundamental teachings. Many icons are revered as holy and capable of working miracles. This talk will cover a brief history of icon painting in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Tradition and to provide a road map to reading and interpreting icons and iconostases.

Harness the mighty Dnieper and Volga Rivers with Viking explorers as they forge the lands of Rus.

Hone in on an oft-overlooked aspect of Ottoman and Arab history: the politics of the harem, where powerful women yeilded considerable power that resonated far beyond their cloistered world.

Suleiman the Magnificent was a contemporary of both Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire and Henry VIII of England and was no less ruthless than they were. He ruled over the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power and tried to expand the empire west. This lecture looks at Suleiman’s extraordinary life, his many achievements, the world he lived in, and his great love for the Russian slave girl, Roxelana, for whom Suleiman defied tradition and married her. Roxelana was a canny politician and became the Ottoman Empire’s only female ruler.

This lecture introduces the fascinating history and culture of the Republic of Georgia, the Caucasian country that straddles Europe and Asia, but is neither. This is a history of centuries of constant occupation, but fierce cultural independence and autonomy until Georgia finally emerges as an independent nation and one of the world’s most exciting emerging destinations. This lecture will cover the major highlights of Georgian history as well as the touchstones of Georgian culture: music, art, and, of course, food and wine!

Bring your appetite and your imagination to this lively lecture that introduces Georgia’s delectable food, wine, and the traditions and culture surrounding both. We will look at the way climate has dictated cuisine in Georgia and her neighboring countries, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we will learn about the unique tradition of wine-making in terracotta “qveri,” a method that has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This lecture is designed to help guests navigate the sometimes bewildering choices at Georgia’s legendarily expansive restaurants.

This popular lecture unpacks the Romanian mythical creature, the vampire, and examines its historical origins. We will explore the life of Vlad the Impaler, a real-life folk hero who fought against the Ottomans. We will see how this real-life character inspired the legend and how that legend has been interpreted throughout history and in today’s popular culture.

This talk looks at the life of Queen Marie of Romania, born Princess Missie of Edinburgh, the daughter of Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, and Prince Alfred of Great Britain. This beautiful and spirited granddaughter of Queen Victoria married the heir to the Romanian throne when she was just 16 and went on to rally her people during World War I and lead Romania’s delegation to Versailles Peace talks in 1918. She navigated a problematic marriage, several dramatic love affairs, and remained a symbol of continuity for the country during the disastrous reign of her troubled son, Carol. She had a front seat to many of the major royal events of her age and wrote about them vividly and compellingly in her memoirs. Queen Marie was an iconic figure who bridged two eras: The Victorian and the sometimes confusing world of post-World War I Europe.

This lecture traces the history of modern-day Bulgaria. We will explore the culture of the ancient Thracians, known throughout the region for their exquisite jewelry. We will see Bulgaria conquered by Rome and then allied with Byzantium in 395 CE. We will consider the arrival of the Slavs in 500 BCE and the mighty empire that the Huns of Central Asia carve out of Bulgaria and rule for more than three hundred years. We will see Bulgaria return to the Byzantine fold and convert to Eastern Orthodoxy. The fascinating period of the Bogomils gives way to Ottoman capture in 1396, and we will explore the ways in which this cultural influence is still felt today.

This succinct lecture offers a broad introduction to Russia’s history from Peter the Great to the Revolution, with particular emphasis on the significant events, which took place in the Black Sea: Peter’s conquest of Azov, Catherine the Great’s conquest of Ukraine and Crimea and the foundation of Sebastapol and the Black Sea Fleet. We will look at the nineteenth century Crimean War fought on the peninsula against the English, as well as Alexander II’s continued campaign to gain a foothold in Turkey. We will look at the mutiny of the Battleship Potemkin, a major milestone in the march towards Revolution, and finally, the Civil War when the Black Sea saw some of the fiercest fightings between the Red and White Armies.

Witness Ukraine’s centuries-long struggle to achieve independence.

This lecture explores the history of the Crimean Peninsula from antiquity to the present, including the Baptism of the Kievan Prince Vladimir in 988 CE, and the apogee of Tatar culture, idolized by Russian writers. We will delve into the causes and effects of the Crimean War of the mid-nineteenth century, as well as the emergence of Crimea as the playground for Russia’s elite. We will visit the darker moments of the peninsulas’ twentieth-century during and after World War II, as well as the lighter moments of Soviet pioneer camps. We will look at the more contemporary cultural, military, and ethnic significance of Crimea, including its 2014 Annexation by Russia, and the invasion of 2022.

Catherine’s legacy to Russia was a mighty empire, but also a magnificent art collection and many of the more iconic buildings in Russia. This lecture looks at the rise to power of this intelligent and determined German princess who went on to reign as Russia’s greatest ruler, leaving the empire an extraordinary artistic and political legacy.

Witness the beginnings of the Holy Roman Empire under the leadership of the talented and ambitious Charlemagne.

Who was Cleopatra? Femme fetale, as the Romans insisted, or an astute political operator? In this lively lecture, we examine the woman behind the legend.

In the world of early medieval Europe, Eleanor of Aquitaine was a superstar. Though guests may know her best from The Lion In Winter, this lecture goes back to her adolescence, when she was Europe’s richest heiress, and traces her volatile private life through two marriages to two kings, her difficult offspring, and her instrumental role in creating and developing the notions of chivalry and courtly love, particularly in the South of France.

Investigate some of Russia’s most enduring unsolved mysteries, including the disappearence of the famous Amber Room during World War II, the mysterious Dyatlov Pass, and the possibility that Grand Duchess Anastasia survived the massacre of her family in Ekaterinburg in 1918.

Delve into the messy private life of Henry VIII of England, whose quest for the right woman led him to break with the Roman Catholic Church.

Learn about the development of the concept of a royal family, which began with Queen Victoria and has endured to the present.

Learn more about Spain’s great queen, the patron of Christopher Columbus.

Learn more about the turbulent life of Joanna I of Naples, who struggled against sacred and secular powers to keep her throne during the action-packed 14th century.

Follow the fortunes of Scotland’s beloved queen, who followed her heart to a grisly end.

The Medici family were bankers, politicians, patrons of the art, and popes. Their drive and ambition elevated the family to near royal status. Their expansive vision dominated the Renaissance and beyond. They were the proud patrons of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci, and left an indelible cultural stamp on Florence.

Meet the powerhouse dynasty Europe forgot: The Burgundians. Elegant and ruthless, they forged a mighty empire that balanced other superpowers.

Meet the bold dynasty that reshaped England from the 12th to the 15th centuries, and famously clashed in the bloody Wars of the Roses, which ended the dynasty’s control of the throne.

Examine the consequential reigns of the Tudors, the bridge between the Late Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period. England under the Tudors becomes Protestant and a major economic powerhouse in Europe.

Meet the queen who shaped England’s destiny during the tumultuous Viking Age.

Meet the queen who shaped England’s destiny during the tumultuous Viking Age.

This talk looks at the life of Queen Marie of Romania, born Princess Missie of Edinburgh, the daughter of Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, and Prince Alfred of Great Britain. This beautiful and spirited granddaughter of Queen Victoria married the heir to the Romanian throne when she was just 16 and went on to rally her people during World War I and lead Romania’s delegation to Versailles Peace talks in 1918. She navigated a problematic marriage, several dramatic love affairs, and remained a symbol of continuity for the country during the disastrous reign of her troubled son, Carol. She had a front seat to many of the major royal events of her age and wrote about them vividly and compellingly in her memoirs. Queen Marie was an iconic figure who bridged two eras: The Victorian and the sometimes confusing world of post-World War I Europe.

Explore the extraordinary life of Mary of Teck, better known as Queen Mary, the queen consort of George VI, mother of Edward VIII and George VI, and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, who survived two world wars, the abdication of her eldest son, and played a pivotal role in vouchsafing the British Monarchy when so many other crowns toppled and disappeared.

Delve into the matchmaking machinations of England’s Queen Victoria, whose children’s and grandchildren’s marriages into the royal houses of Denmark, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Romania, and Spain, created a web of familial relations during the twilight of monarchical power.

Learn more about one of royalty’s greatest love stories: that between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

This lecture introduces three exceptional Romanov women, who lived in the lavish splendor of pre-revolutionary Russia. Nicholas II’s mother, Empress Marie Fyodorovna, came to Russia as a Danish princess to marry the heir to the throne and became the darling of society. It was for Marie that Peter Carl Faberge made the first Imperial Easter Egg. Marie Fyodorovna’s sister-in-law, Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, presided over the most cultured set in St. Petersburg society and made a daring escape from the revolution over the Caucuses Mountains.

Empress Alexandra’s sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna, was considered the most beautiful princess in Europe when she married Grand Duke Sergei. After his brutal assassination, Elizabeth became a nun and founded a charitable order in Moscow. The fascinating lives of these three women and their ultimate fate at the hands of the Bolsheviks are explored through the medium of photography and portrait painting as well as modern-day photos of the lovingly restored palaces and convents that were their homes.

Trace the significance of tiaras and crowns, the tangible symbol of royalty, nobility, and power.

This lecture examines the rich history of Istanbul: the only capital located on two continents. We will consider its earliest iteration through its designation as the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the subsequent Byzantine Empire, with larger than life figures such as Emperor Constantine, his mother, Saint Helena, Empress Theodora, and others. We will see how the city changes when it is sacked in 1453 by the Ottoman’s and made the capital of their vast empire.

Explore the life and songs of King David from several angles: as one of the world’s earliest literary figures and a legendary Biblical figure. We will examine his unlikely rise from a humble shepherd boy who defeated a giant with a slingshot to the King of a mighty nation. We will explore the great king’s messy family life, his role as a nation builder, and the magnificent psalms he is said to have penned to the glory of the Lord.

For more than 300 years, the Romanov dynasty ruled Russia with an iron fist, doggedly refusing to cede any of their authoritarian power to the people. This lecture traces the rise of this seventeenth-century aristocratic family to the throne of Russia and looks at the reign of each of the dynasty’s monarchs, paying particular attention to Peter the Great, his daughter Elizabeth, Catherine the Great, Alexander II, and the last of the dynasty, Nicholas II. During the lecture, we will endeavor to answer the question: could things have turned out differently?

Hone in on an oft-overlooked aspect of Ottoman and Arab history: the politics of the harem, where powerful women yeilded considerable power that resonated far beyond their cloistered world.

Explore the economic and social phenomenon of America’s sumptuous Gilded Age.

Immerse yourself in the glamour and elegance of the heyday of Transatlantic travel.

Witness the invention, rise, and spread of money in human history.

Immerse yourself in the power and pomp of the Vatican and its popes.

This lecture looks at the social history of storied hotels, which are synonymous with the history and spirit of the cities they call home, including London’s Savoy, The Ritz in Paris, New York’s Plaza and many others. We will examine the growth of luxury hotels in the late nineteenth century as well as the history of each hotel, its owners, and famous guests.