Upcoming Alumni Excursions
- Jump to information about:
- Egypt and the Eternal Nile
- Wonders of the Galápagos Islands
- Italy’s Magnificent Lake District
- Turkey
- Alaska’s Inside Passage
- China and the Yangtze River
- Journey Through Vietnam
Egypt Pyramids
Egypt and the Eternal Nile
October 9-25, 2009
Guided by an expert Egyptologist, this singular small group journey features the storied treasures of antiquity. Start in Cairo with its renowned ancient sites: the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara, Old Cairo, the Egyptian Museum. Relax during a deluxe cruise on Lake Nasser, where the country’s Nubian history unfolds. Explore Abu Simbel and other temples and sites saved during construction of the Aswan Dam. A classic Nile voyage takes you from Aswan to Luxor and its acclaimed temple complexes and tombs representing the pinnacle of Egyptian architecture. End in the Mediterranean port Alexandria, one of antiquity’s most illustrious cities. A 5-day/4-night post-tour option to Petra, Jordan is available.
Approxmiately $3,995 per person including air, land and cruise from New York and based on double occupancy. Excludes airline taxes and departure fee.
Bartolomé Island—a volcanic islet
Voyage of Discovery: Wonders of the Galápagos Islands
January 22-30, 2010
The unique wildlife of the fascinating Galápagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Today, the pristine condition of this extraordinary volcanic archipelago continues to make the islands the ideal destination for any nature lover. You will cruise aboard the state-of-the-art exploration vessel, the Santa Cruz and visit islands that are overflowing with life, including species unknown elsewhere in the world. With virtually no natural predators living on the islands, the abundant wildlife accepts human company up-close. On the mainland of Ecuador, you will visit the colorful Andean market of Otavalo, the magnificent colonial churches of Quito and the cosmopolitan city of Guayaquil. An optional six-night post-tour program to Peru’s legendary “lost city” of Machu Picchu, and the historic cities of Lima and Cuzco is also available. Excursions are led by a highly qualified team of certified naturalists. University of Rochester biology professor H. Allen Orr, one of the world’s foremost evolutionary biologists, and physics professor Dr. Lynne Orr, will accompany the tour with him. She is a professor of physics at the University of Rochester.
From approximately $3,395 per person, plus taxes and airfare.
Lake Como, Italy
Alumni Campus Abroad: Italy’s Magnificent Lake District
May 18–26, 2010
Situated directly on Lake Maggiore, Stresa embodies all the allure of Italy’s charming Lake District. Explore the romantic lakeside towns of Intra and Pallanza before cruising Lake Maggiore to the colorful Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Discover cultural Milan as you visit La Scala; the 14th-century Duomo; and Santa Maria delle Grazie. Visit Tremezzo and the beautiful gardens of the Villa Carlotta. From Bellagio enjoy a private boat ride to the town of Como, and stroll its ancient Roman lanes. Finally, sail to the island of San Giulio, with its fourth-century basilica. You will be accompanied on this journey by Benton Hess, Distinguished Professor of Voice and Music Director of Eastman Opera Theater at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music.
Approximately $2,695, plus taxes and airfare.
Kos Ruins
Grand Journey: Turkey
June 2–13, 2010
Begin your discovery of this fascinating country in Istanbul, an enchanting mix of old and new, East and West. Continue to the lovely Cappadocia region, where the underground city of Kaymakli and the traditional villages and Byzantine monasteries of the Ihlara Gorge await your exploration. Admire the Goreme Valley and marvel at the ancient ruins at Ephesus. Explore the popular seaside resort of Bodrum, dominated by its impressive Castle of St. Peter, and the quaint fishing village Gumusluk. Join us on this adventure for a memorable experience showcasing Turkey’s rich culture, fascinating history and friendly people. Emil Homerin, Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester, will accompany you on the tour and provide additional insights into the history and culture of Turkey.
Approximately $3,695 per person, plus taxes and airfare.
Resurrection Bay in Alaska
Alaska’s Inside Passage
June 4-12, 2010
Experience the wild beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage from the comfort of the deluxe 36-passenger Safari Explorer. This small ship program, featuring exclusive shore excursions focusing on the history, art and culture of Alaska's native peoples, offers unparalleled access to quiet coves and small towns, and the flexibility to linger while artisans talk about their craft or bears forage on the beaches. One of the highlights of this program is two days in Glacier Bay, allowing ample time to hike scenic trails or observe the abundant wildlife while kayaking or relaxing on deck. Janet Berlo, Professor of Art History and Visual and Cultural Studies at the University of Rochester and an expert on native North American art, will enhance the educational highlights of this tour with lively lectures and discussions and a specially organized excursion to Celebration, a biennial cultural showcase of Southeast Alaska Native Peoples held in Juneau.
From approximately $4,995 per person, plus taxes and airfare.
Great Wall of China, Beijing
Grand Journey: China
and the Yangtze River
October 25–November 7, 2010
Discover China’s finest cities, exotic countryside and storied history on this comprehensive travel opportunity. In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Admire breathtaking panoramas from the Great Wall. Discover Xi’an, home to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. Visit Guilin, famous for its unusual and beautiful landscape. Continue to Chongqing to visit a zoo and see the region’s famous giant pandas. Then board the M.V. President I and cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges along the Yangtze River. Finally, arrive in Shanghai and explore the Bund and the serene Yu Garden. Ellen Koskoff, Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music and director of its Balinese Gamelan Muni will accompany you on the tour.
From approximately $3,395 per person, plus taxes and airfare.
Vietnam Opera House, Saigon
Journey Through Vietnam
October 30-November 14, 2010
With its unique physical beauty and enduring traditions, Vietnam offers endless rewards for the thoughtful traveler. Its fascinating culture comes alive in the imperial capital Hue, once home to emperors and mandarins, in the royal settlements and villages of Da Nang, and in Hoi An’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay, with its thousands of limestone islands, and experience the tributaries and colorful floating markets of the Mekong River Delta. Enjoy in-depth guided tours of Vietnam’s most important cities—Hanoi, the French-accented capital, and Ho Chi Minh City, which has figured so prominently in recent history and is now a spirited, cosmopolitan city.
From approximately $3,895 per person, plus taxes, and including airfare from New York.
