From Martinique to Seville, where Columbus is buried in the grand cathedral, our voyage roughly traces the explorer's first return trip from the New World.

With faculty leader Mary Beth Norton, we'll consider salient questions about Columbus's incredible trip: What were the political imperatives of late fifteenth-century Europe that led to his voyage, and how did his exploration affect world history? What does it mean to "discover" a place where a large number of people already live? What controversies surround Columbus's achievements? This will be a journey of discovery for us all.

Instead of the seven weeks it took Columbus to reach Iberia, we will do it in twelve days—and in exquisite comfort. Le Lyrial, spanking new, was built precisely for an expedition like this of open water and vast horizons, with days devoted to lectures and reading, basking in the sun, companionable talk, and fine food. You may even opt to join a shipboard writing workshop.

Once ashore in Spain, we will steep ourselves in the history and culture of Seville and the life and times of Columbus.

This program is part of Cornell Adult University’s (CAU), which offers acclaimed education vacations designed and led by Cornell faculty. Programs include off-campus travel adventures and weeklong on-campus summer courses open to all, including Cornell alumni, families, and friends.

For more information and to register, visit cau.cornell.edu, e-mail cauinfo@cornell.edu, or call 607.255.6260.