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Why see the world with a group of strangers? Take something familiar to an unfamiliar place and travel the world with other Cornellians. The best part? You already share a special bond. Now you can build on that bond and make new memories. Our tours are professionally operated by Alumni Holidays Inc., Orbridge, GoNext, and China Advocates. To see brochures for these trips, click on the red titles below.
Cornell's Adult University (CAU) provides programs on campus and around the world, designed and led by Cornell faculty members. To view these programs, visit the CAU website.
Cornell Alumni Association Upcoming Trips in 2013
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June 20 - 28, 2013 Explore the Adriatic Sea’s stunning, island-dappled Dalmatian Coast on this seven-night cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. L’AUSTRAL, featuring private balconies in 95% of the outside suites and staterooms. Visit four countries and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites on this comprehensive itinerary. From approx. $3895 per person Tour Operator: Gohagan Cornell Staff Host: Elmira Mangum |
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July 15 - 29, 2013
Begin with two nights in Istanbul, the fabled capital of two powerful empires. Explore the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and more. Then embark on an 11-night cruise to see more of Turkey plus Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria. Visit beautiful Trabzon and its mountainside monastery, see the botanical gardens of Batumi and Sochi. From approx. $3995 Tour Operator: AHI Watch the Movie |Itinerary | Optional Excursion | Pre/Post Option | Transfer Information | Cancellation Policy | Pricing |
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August 12 – 24, 2013
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime 13-day itinerary from Iceland, a land of unparalleled geological riches, to the beautiful, rugged West Coast of Greenland, the world’s largest island, and the rarely visited Arctic Circle, where the ice-filled fjords, calving glaciers and majestic icebergs are described as a “dream landscape.” From approx. $7595 per person Tour Operator: Gohagan Cornell Staff Host: Lisa Yager Optional Excursions | Transfer Information | Le Boreal Deck Plans | Le Boreal Amenities | Hotel Borg Amenities | Media Resources |
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August 22 - 30, 2013
Explore the unparalleled beauty of England’s Lake District on this flexible walking journey designed for all ages. From Bowness-on-Windermere, where you will stay seven nights at the deluxe MacDonald Old England Hotel & Spa, discover the fells, valleys, scenic passes and charming villages. From approx. $2995 per person |
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September 21 - 28, 2013
Prague remains a city with cobbled lanes, cathedrals, and gold-tipped towers shadowed by the medieval Prague Castle that gives a glimpse into the history of the Czech Republic. Visit Hradcany Castle and Saromestke Square, where you’ll find the city’s famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Tower. From approx. $2295 per person Tour Operator:Orbridge |
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September 22 - 30, 2013 SOLD OUT
Witness the vision of Peter the Great as you discover opulent, extravagantly colorful and irresistible St. Petersburg, a masterpiece of design and ingenuity, a vibrant tapestry framed by sparkling water. From approx. $3295 per person
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September 24 - October 2, 2013 Walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne as you explore the narrow streets and colorful markets of his hometown, Aix-en-Provence, and step inside his remarkable studio. Explore the ancient fortress of Les Baux and the medieval streets of Avignon. From approx. $2895 per person Tour Operator: AHI |
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October 9 - 22, 2013 SOLD OUT Visit elaborate temples, palaces and shrines throughout this exciting program. Discover Bangkok on a tuk-tuk, cruise the Chao Phraya River on a rice barge, marvel at the opulence of the Grand Palace, visit Wat Arun and more. Learn about endangered Asian elephants, and immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient Siam in Ayutthaya. From approx. $6495 per person Tour Operator: AHI Special Reception with Cornell Club in Bangkok on October 13 |
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October 20 - 29, 2013
Dive headfirst into the surreal Mediterranean cityscape of Barcelona, and witness the fantastical architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Delight your palate with local specialties, sip sparkling Cava in the rolling vineyards of Penedes, and meander along winding streets in the vibrant seaside village of San Sebastian. From approx. $2995 per person Tour Operator: AHI |
Cornell Alumni Association Trips in 2014 (this section is under construction)
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January 25 - February 4, 2014 Category A1 - 4 and B1 SOLD OUT. Availability Category B2 & above What better way to start the New Year than from French Polynesia! Cruise by swaying palms, turquise waters and white sand beaches aboard the five star Marina. Explore or relax for a full 8-10 hours on each stunning island in the South Pacific. In Tahiti, volcanic peaks overlook lush rainforest, black sand beaches and waterfalls. Tour Operator: GoNext Ports include: Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Rangiroa From $3299 per person based on double occupancy, airfare included |
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February 8 - 19, 2014
Experience the corner of Asia described by Marco Polo as the "Golden Land" while you journey for seven nights through Myanmar, an isolated nation where Buddhist monks are revered above movie stars and the traditional way of life has not given way to the frenzied technologies of the 21st century. Visit ancient spiritual landmarks, and experience the hospitality of a gracious and friendly people. Watch the sun set over thousands of Buddhist temples and prolific shrines in Bagan, and visit the mystifying floating villages, aquatic gardens and leg-rowers of Inle Lake. Explore Yangon, formerly Rangoon, the country's prevailing cultural economic hub. Embark on an overnight cruise on the scenic Irrawaddy River, which has stirred the imagination of writers like Kipling and Orwell. Bookend your journey with a visit to Bangkok, the historic capital of neighboring Thailand. Tour Operator: AHI From $4995 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional |
United Arab Emirates, Doha, Qatar Details coming soon. |
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Undiscovered Italy: Apulia April 1 - 9, 2014 Cappuccino with a side of ancient history? Yes, please! Spend seven nights in Polignano a Mare, Italy, at the Hotel Covo dei Saraceni, which sits on a cliff along the Adriatic coast. Walk to the beach of Cala Paura amidst the white architecture of this ancient city. Visit hilltop towns, sample cuisine of the region, and explore Sassi cave houses, conical trulli, Norman castles, churches and southern baroque monuments. In addition to touring a regional winery, you will visit and family-owned and operated olive mill. Discover Bari, the spectacular regional capital, and Lecce, the Florence of the South. Explore medieval Trani, and wander narrow, whitewashed streets in Ostuni. Appreciated by those who seek quiet, Hotel Covo dei Saraceni welcomes you with the comfort and service of an international hotel, with an atomosphere typical of Puglia. The historic center of Polignano a Mare, the beach, and shops are a mere 450-600 feet away. Tour Operator: AHI From $2395 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional |
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70th Anniversary of D-Day Normandy April 29 - May 7, 2014 On this specially crafted journey to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944, interact with places which today still bear testimony of the sacrifice and courage of Allied Troops during WWII. Discover behind-the-scenes action necessary to stage the largest amphibious landing in history. Walk the beaches where the soldiers landed, stand atop bluffs the rangers scaled, explore museums that bring together the various elements that affected the landing and the ensuing Battle of Normandy, and visit places of extraordinary heroism. Visit one of the most dramatic sites along the coastline: Pointe de Hoc, where US rangers scaled steep cliffs in order to destroy key German gun positions. Walk through cratered pathways and imagine the bravery of those rangers as they faced a barrage of German artillery fire in a fierce storm. While in Ste Mere Eglise view the monument to John Steele: the church steeple on which Steele’s parachute became tangled. He survived, suspended throughout the night with church bells ringing in his ears. Visit the Peace Memorial before continuing to Utah Beach, the site of one of the two American amphibian landings in the early hours of June 6, 1944. On return to your hotel, stop at La Cambe, a large WWII German cemetery, a stark contrast to the American cemetery. After the emotional weight of D-Day, end your journey with a day exploring Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and “wonder of the western world.” On the final day of your trip to France, walk in the footsteps of Claude Monet in his gardens and home in Giverny. Visit the renowned lily ponds and that so inspired the master of impressionism. Located in the heart of Honfleur town center, Mercure Honfleur Hotel is close to the picturesque port and harbor that has been immortalized on canvas by Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin. This hotel is ideally situated for exploring Honfleur on foot. Tour Operator: AHI From $2895 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional Map | |
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Classical Highlights of China A Tour for Families June 9 - 18, 2014 Join us for a most amazing family tour to China. For our children, travel to foreign lands is a form of 'instant education' and they shall never forget the spectacular sights of China, which are the focus of this program. This tour has everything that the young and young at heart could desire. Each day you'll enjoy activities that bring out the local color of Chinese life, especially taylored for families who enjoy learning new things. You will explore the dynastic culture of Ming, Qing, and Qin emperors in Beijing and Xian, and learn why China remains the world's oldest continuous civilization. The Yangzi River will thrill with its picturesque landscape of towering mountains and steep gorges. And the spectacular Three Gorges Dam will be an unforgetable experience. Not least, end in Shanghai and explore the city that busies itself with creating China's future. This is where commerce and the high tech race are in overdrive. Program Highlights Accommodations Itinerary, Pre- and Post Extensions From $3295 per person based on double occupany, airfare is additional |
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Lifestyles Exploration in Provence June 21 - July 13, 2014 Have an adventure abroad in Aix-en-Provence for three weeks! Living in Aix-en-Provence is a chance to travel in time. Just walking around town, you will experience architectural and cultural heritage at every step. This is the city of a thousand fountains, cobble stone streets, hidden squares, and the home of Cezanne. You can literally walk in his footsteps and witness the very same scenery, little changed over the century, that so inspired him. Aix is a city that is both elegant and exciting, a city with a zest for life amidst streets and architecture timelessly classical. Pick up a lunch of farm fresh cheese and a crusty baguette at one of the many outdoor markets. Fully enjoy the sunshine in a culture that loves dining al fresco Your senses experience a simple abundance of sunshine, the constant sound of running water, and fetes of gastronomy at every meal. Accommodations Activities and events From $4995 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional |
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National Parks and Lodges of the Old West July 12 - 21, 2014 Go on a journey that celebrates the American West’s magnificent National Parks, tracing legends and viewing storied monuments of the Old West along the way. From Old Faithful to Mount Rushmore and from Deadwood to the Snake River, you’ll discover the best of the Old West as you traverse its beautiful landscapes in style and comfort. This program includes some of America’s best historic lodges --the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Old Faithful Inn and Spearfish Canyon Lodge. The country our ancestors dreamed about still resides in our nation’s great parks, where you’ll discover a new frontier of adventure with beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, storytelling and grand old lodges. Highlights include walking in the footsteps of Buffalo Bill in towns like Cody and Deadwood, as well as a chuck wagon cook-out after spying one the world’s largest free roaming bison herds. Also included is a float trip down the Snake River to spot wildlife and a visit to the world’s largest woolly mammoth excavation site! From $3495 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional Video Description | Detailed Itinerary | Map of Itinerary | |
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Alaska Adventures July 24 - 31, 2014 Embark on an adventure to Alaska and explore exciting towns woven together by the colorful threads of Native, Russian and American history. Breathtakingly beautiful and teeming with wildlife, Alaska presents a landscape so vast and unspoiled it continues to fascinate all who visit. Travel to a place of stunning landscapes and unspoiled wilderness, a place where nature reigns supreme--amazing Alaska. Let the rugged beauty of America’s last frontier captivate as you cruise its shores aboard the elegant Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, an intimate vessel with outstanding amenities, cuisine and service. Depart from Seattle and travel north along Canada’s scenic coast to the small wilderness outpost of Ketchikan, once known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and the ancestral home of the Tlingit people. Continue cruising through Tracy Arm, a breathtaking fjord whose pristine waters reflect its icy-blue tidewater glaciers and soaring granite cliffs. Stop in one of Alaska’s oldest towns, Wrangell, where hints of past settlers--Tlingit, Russian and British--are reflected in its structures. Cruise south through the open blue waters of the Pacific to Canada and the spectacular port city of Prince Rupert, where ancient native culture and pioneer heritage spring to life, before returning to Seattle where your voyage concludes. Savor the majestic beauty of ancient glaciers, soaring mountains and pristine waters on this amazing Alaskan adventure. From $1999 per person based on double occupancy, airfare included The Regatta | Ports of Call | Photos 1 2 3 |
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Baltic Marvels August 13 - 21, 2014 Marvel at the exquisite architecture and charming capitals of the Baltic as you cruise from Denmark to Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden aboard Oceania Cruises Marina, a sleek haven replete with magnificent amenities and outstanding cuisine. Set out for Warnemunde, Germany’s delightful port, and take in its Gothic churches, charming market squares and seaside promenade or head inland to Berlin, a city brimming with legendary landmarks like the poignant Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall. Sail to Estonia and admire Tallinn, a beautifully preserved city that radiates old-world charm with red-roofed homes, cobbled streets and spire-crowned churches. Savor almost two full days to soak up St. Petersburg, a Russian city exuding a European essence. Explore its pastel, onion-domed cathedrals and legendary palaces, like the immense Winter Palace and lavish Catherine’s Palace. Treasure even more architectural gems in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, a renowned international design mecca where sophistication and innovation are complemented by an array of verdant forests and parks, before concluding your journey in Stockholm. From $2699 per person based on double occupancy, airfare included The Marina | Manual | Ports of Call | Photos 1 2 3 4 5 |
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Discover Wales & Yorkshire August 23 - September 3, 2014 Escape to a land of fairy-tale castles, breathtaking views, quaint towns, a deeply rooted heritage and a friendly, hospitable people. Explore England and Wales as you've never seen them before on this exclusive journey. Tour historic walled cities and fortified castles, including the majestic Conwy and Caernarfon castles, bulid by Edward I. Experience the sublime natural landscapes of Snowdonia National Park and Yorkshire Dales, tour the lush gardens of Conwy and Harrogate and visit a mining town to see its labyrinthine underground caves. Enjoy time at leisure to explore these fascinating destinations on your own, and enhance your adventure with educational lectures by local experts on the Welsh language and music, contemporary British politics and the history of the region. Tour Operator: AHI Program Highlights Accomodations Includes all excursions, welcome and farwell receptions and dinners as well as 10 breakfasts, four lunches and 10 dinners. From $3595 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional Watch the Video | Map | |
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Natural Wonders of the Galapagos Islands September 5 - 14, 2014 Discover the enchanting Galapagos Islands that have captivated people for two centuries. The islands represent the epitome of biodiversity, pristine habitats above and below water. Each day a new island to explore, including Santiago Island: the back drop to Charles Darwin’s epic 1835 voyage. Walk past volcanic landscapes just beginning to evolve into forests. See lagoons filled with colorful wading birds, stroll unspoiled white sand beaches past wildlife found nowhere else, and witness hundreds of seabirds perched atop steep, dramatic cliffs. From flightless cormorants and red-footed boobies to marine iguanas and giant tortoises, exceptional creatures flourish here; each island offers its own distinctive flora, fauna, geology, and history. The M/V Santa Cruz is an expedition vessel was specifically designed, built, and outfitted for exploring the Galapagos. Cruising on the M/V Santa Cruz allows you to observe the diverse landscape and abundant wildlife first hand. Due to a minimal human presence and few natural predators, the creatures of the Galapagos are remarkably unafraid. This allows for a rare, closer view of these marvelous animals. If you want to get up close and personal, snorkeling gear is available, for others the glass bottom boat is an excellent way to experience the underwater marine life. Hydrophones beneath the sea transmit the underwater wildlife or marine life sounds to those onboard the boat. There is also a “splashcam” video camera, and a spotting scope. This journey of discovery aboard the M/V Santa Cruz is limited to 90 passengers (43 cabins) alongside a Chief Naturalist and 5 naturalists who are knowledgeable multilingual naturalists/guides. From $4599 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional M/V Santa Cruz | Deck Plan | Superior Double Cabin | Superior Twin Cabin | at Sea | Deck Bar | Salon Lounge | Restaurant | Hallway | from Deck | Ports of Call | |
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Autumn in American Heartland September 26 - October 4, 2014 Experience the breathtaking beauty of autumn along the Mississippi River from Missouri to Minnesota: the brilliant red, yellow and orange foliage among scenic river bluffs, and the one-of-a-kind communities of classic riverside America. Begin with a hotel stay in St. Louis, its famed, high-rising Gateway Arch dominating the cityscape before boarding the grand American Queen, an authentic paddlewheel steamboat that brings to life the river lore of Mark Twain. Continue to Mark Twain’s charming boyhood home, Hannibal, Missouri, a bountiful source of American lore. Take in a three-state fall vista in Dubuque, “The Masterpiece of the Mississippi,” home to a vibrant revitalized riverfront. Visit La Crosse, a Victorian architectural gem highlighted by towering bluffs and a scenic river walk. Cruise to the picturesque town of Red Wing, and let the past come to life on a walking tour of its many historic sites. Autumn in America’s Heartland concludes in Minnesota’s friendly capital, St. Paul, a cultural city rich with fascinating museums and lovely parks. From $2595 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional American Queen Steam Boat: Video | Resources | Deck Plan| Hop on-Hop off |
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Tanzania Migration Tour September 26 - October 7, 2014 Journey to the best of East Africa’s vast natural reserves during one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world---the Great Migration. Explore Tanzania’s world-famous national parks and reserves, where wildlife such as lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, wildebeest, zebra, primates, antelope, gazelle, crocodile, and more than a thousand species of birds inhabit the lands of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Highlands, and the rarely seen western Serengeti. After an exciting day of game drives, retreat to a beautiful lodge or tented camp that overlooks Tanzania’s breathtaking landscape. Imagine a morning game drive Tarangire National Park amidst baobab trees, more than 260 bird species, and large elephant herds. Perhaps a picnic lunch at Lake Manyara National Park, after the game drive you’re off to Karatu and the Mto Wa Mbu village where you will have an opportunity to explore and socialize with the locals. Later-the Ngorongoro Highlands, one of the most beautiful safari areas in East Africa because of both the exceptional natural surroundings as well as wildlife viewing opportunities. Volcanic craters form amazing backdrops to some of the richest grazing grounds in Africa. The most famous part is, without question, the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera - and home to the highest density of big game in Africa.
From $5795 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional |
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Sicily & The Amalfi Coast October 3 - 12, 2014 Strategically situation between Europe and AFrica, the island of Sicily is a cultural crossroads paved by legendary Mediterranean civilizations. Its natural beauty is embellished by man-made creations seemingly untouched by time. Discover sun-bleached Greek temples, Roman ruins and ancient theaters amidst lively towns. Then continue to the divine Amalfi Coast, where mountains erupt from the waters of the Mediterranean and pastel-painted buildings cascade down their sides. Travel the Amalfi Road, the fables, serpentine ribbon that stretches from destination to destination. Along the way, gain historical perspectives and take in the breathtaking views that inspired countless artists adn poets throughout time. Tour Operator: AHI Program Highlights Accommodations Included are all excursions, a personal VOX listening device (to hear every word from your expert English-speaking guides), Welcome and Farewell receptions and dinners as well as eight breakfasts, six lunches and four dinners. From $3195 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional |
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Journey Through Vietnam November 2 - 17, 2014 Discover Vietnam’s captivating beauty, enduring traditions, and profound hospitality on this comprehensive 16-day journey.�� Tour the highlights of the French-accented capital Hanoi and take a full-day excursion to scenic Ha Long Bay.�� See Da Nang’s acclaimed Cham Museum, explore the nearby colorful village of Hoi An, where many traditions hold sway, and relax at a lovely resort on China Beach. Visit the imperial capital Hue, once home to emperors and mandarins. Cruise the Perfume River to peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, a significant Buddhist monastery.�� In southern Vietnam explore the tributaries and floating markets of the beautiful Mekong River Delta.�� Conclude in bustling Saigon with tours of Reunification Palace, the History Museum, and the underground Cu Chi Tunnels.�� A 3-day/2-night optional post-tour extension to Cambodia to explore the incredible Angkor Wat temple complex is also available. From $3095 per person based on double occupancy, airfare is additional |
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Pearls of Mediterranean November 7 - 15, 2014 Discover some culturally-rich pearls of the Mediterranean, as you cruise from Monaco to Spain aboard Oceania Cruises Riviera, an elegant vessel replete with breathtaking amenities and outstanding cuisine. Depart Monte Carlo for Portofino and find a magnificent 16th-century castle overlooking a modern playground of villas and yachts. Journey to Rome and admire its stunning wealth of historical monuments and marvelous wonders, like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica. Head inland from the port of Livorno and experience the idyllic Tuscan countryside and the legendary cities of Florence and Pisa---two icons bursting with world-class art and Renaissance architecture. Savor the historic port city of Marseille, or explore its rich Provencal countryside dotted with medieval towns and quaint villages, before heading to Port Vendres. Bound by beauty, this classic Mediterranean harbor town along the Vermillion Coast is a true gem. Continue to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, a beautiful island offering stunning architecture from a massive Gothic cathedral to an ancient circular castle overlooking the harbor. Stroll the cobbled streets of Old Palma, or relax along the picturesque countryside sprinkled with windmills, before your exceptional voyage concludes in Barcelona. Tour Operator: GoNext From $2299 per person based on double occupancy, airfare included |
