RAA Worldwide Travel Program

Join your fellow alums as we travel to exciting destinations around the world. Whether your interests run to the exotic (like an African safari), or destinations steeped in history (such as a trip exploring ancient Roman history or a cruise on the inland Russian waterways), or an Asian adventure to China and beyond, or even a week in our great National Parks out West, we have something for you. Take a look at our program and discover the joys of traveling with fellow alums.

NEW this year - "Heaven & Earth Around the World." Circle the globe, exploring natural wonders, ancient treasures, and the powerful influence the heavens have had on cultures throughout history. Travel on a private Boeing 757, with limited VIP seating. Visit Mayan ruins, Easter Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and so much more. Click for complete information.

We are always looking for new ideas and suggestions for future trips. If you have an idea that you’d like to share with us, please click here.

Mediterranean Marvels (April 20 – 28, 2013):  Enchantment awaits you aboard Oceania Cruises new, perfectly-sized (1250 passengers) brand-new ship Riviera (which has received rave reviews) on this one week cruise from Barcelona to Rome. If you have never visited Spain’s Catalan capital, a real treat awaits you.  I encourage you to make your way to Barcelona a few days early, to give you a chance to get to know this architecturally and culturally-rich city.  You won’t be disappointed; the city is a feast for all the senses.  Then, sailing from Barcelona, we’ll next visit Provence, France, with port calls in Marseille, St. Tropez and Monte Carlo, where we can see the sights of historic and cosmopolitan Marseille, and the delightful little fishing port of Cassis.  In St. Tropez we can stroll where the movie stars spend time, right on the shore of the enchanting Mediterranean.  And then Monte Carlo, the city of Princess Grace, will delight at every turn; where the mega-yachts are a must-see.  Next, we’ll leave France and set sail for the three Italian ports of Portofino, Livorno, and Sorrento, before our cruise ends in the eternal city of Rome.  One is more delightful than the next: Portofino is a jewel of a small town, from which you can easily catch a local ferry for the twenty-minute ride to Santa Margherita.  Livorno is the port city for the Tuscany region that includes Florence and Pisa, cities filled with history and stunning works of art.  And Sorrento, on the stunning Amalfi coast, is a treat in itself, and an easy boat ride to the beautiful isle of Capri. Prices for this fabulous week begin at just $1,799 per person, and include free round-trip air transportation from many cities in the U.S.  Click here for more details and booking information.

Best of the Mediterranean & The Greek Islands (May 4 - 15, 2013): If your ideal vacation is spending nearly two weeks on a wonderful new cruise ship, calling on ports in the history-rich Mediterranean Sea, then this may just be the answer to your dreams. Aboard Oceania Cruise Lines new ship Riviera, with just 1,250 passengers, we’ll sail from Venice to Athens, pampered by outstanding service in luxurious accommodations all the way. We’ll begin with two days in Venice, where you can savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city, gliding along its canals, past such sites as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the glass factories in Murano, and so much more. Venice is truly one of Italy’s (and the world’s) great treasures. From there we’ll sail to the once-fortified Old Town of Koper, in Slovenia, where there are so many attractions including the famed Postojna Caves, the most popular underground attraction in Europe. Then we stop in Dubrovnik (Croatia), a walled medieval city that is a “must-see” on any sophisticated traveler’s itinerary. To round out our Balkan stops we’ll call at Kotor (Montenegro), a medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets and stunning architecture. Next we stop at three Greek Islands: Corfu, with its glorious scenery; Monemvasia, known as the “Gibraltar of the East,” and Santorini, famous for its whitewashed hilltop towns and stunning beauty. For our last port we’ll call at Kusadasi (Turkey), and explore the world-famous ancient ruins at Ephesus, with its huge, remarkably well-preserved amphitheater, marble roads, mosaic sidewalks, and its superb Terrace Houses. Finally we’ll dock at Piraeus, the port of Athens, where our cruise ends. Prices for this remarkable trip start at only $3,499 per person, and include free round-trip air transportation fro most U.S. cities. Click here for full details.

The Villages and Vineyards of Tuscany & The Piedmont Regions of Italy – Castiglione del Lago, Lucca, and Pollenzo (May 7 – 17, 2013): The Tuscany region of Italy is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, magnificent Renaissance art and architecture, and superb wines and cuisine.  Its historic hilltop towns are living postcards, where ancient ramparts encircle colorful piazzas, elegant Etruscan fountains, stately palazzos, and bustling cafes. On this wonderful alumni trip we’ll discover the best of this storied region, from the charming towns of Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza, and Pisa, to the walled old city of Lucca (Puccini’s hometown where we’ll be treated to a special opera dinner).  Along the way we’ll spend time in Florence, the heart of Tuscany and the soul of the Renaissance.  Then we’ll continue to the Piedmont Region, known for its hilly landscapes, wonderful vineyards, delicious food, and rich culture.  We’ll explore Pollenzo, Turin (the region’s capital), where we’ll admire the works of art housed in the Collezione Maramotti.  And we will discover the many treasures of the Venaria Reale, from the Royal Palace to the beautifully landscaped gardens to its culinary events.  If you have not traveled in these wonderful regions of Italy I invite you to come along; I promise you won’t be disappointed!  Prices for this wonderful Italian holiday begin at just $4,495 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.  Click here for more complete information.

Civil War & Southern Culture – An All-American Steamboat Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi, from Memphis to New Orleans (May 17 - 26): Now here is something truly new and different in your Alumni Travel Program – a chance to spend a full week aboard the American Queen, the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat cruising on America’s rivers. Join us as we cruise in the heartland of America, and follow the footprints of the boys in blue and gray to the Civil War battlefields, home to some of the bloodiest fighting and greatest casualties that this country has ever seen. On this cruise we’ll benefit from the expertise of our resident “Riverlorian,” and his lectures on this critical period in our country’s history. And all along we’ll enjoy the grand accommodations and sumptuous cuisine of the American Queen. Our trip begins in Memphis, Tennessee, where we’ll spend two nights in the historic Peabody Memphis Hotel, with an included excursion to Shiloh National Military Park, on the Tennessee-Mississippi border, where Union troops fought under General Grant. In Memphis we’ll board the American Queen bound for Helena, Arkansas, the Queen of the Arkansas Delta, our first stop. Helena is filled with terrifically preserved architecture, and the Delta Cultural Center lays out the antebellum roots of the city, founded in part by Andrew Jackson. The Center is also the home of King Biscuit Time – the nation’s longest-running blues radio program and the worldwide springboard for Delta blues. Our next stop is Vicksburg, Mississippi, site of a dramatic siege and major turning point in the Civil War. Vicksburg is now a center of Southern hospitality with a vibrant downtown area. Historic landmarks include the Cedar House, with five acres of stunning gardens, and Anchuca, the first columned mansion in Vicksburg. Continuing in Mississippi we next call at Natchez, where we’ll step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum South, one of the oldest European settlements in the lower Mississippi River Valley and the original state capital. Explore the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, visit historic Jefferson College, marvel at numerous restored mansions, or just amble down the Natchez Trace. From here we head to St. Francisville, Louisiana, with its truly iconic Louisiana plantation homes of the legacies of the Butlers, the Forts, the
Barrows and the Turnbulls – families who helped build the South. And we’ll follow in the footsteps of the guests who stayed here, including Andrew Jackson and John James Audubon. Next we head to the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, the center of all the great things the state has to offer. With its semi-tropical climate, Baton Rouge is a year-round playground, and one of the South’s fastest growing cities. Next it’s Oak Alley, located in the Saint James Parish, and the Oak Alley plantation that combines architectural splendor and the natural wonder of 300-year-old oak trees. Finally we’ll conclude our adventure in New Orleans, where we’ll tie up near historic Jackson Square where we’ll our ship adieu. For more information on the American Queen, have a look at this recent article that appeared in the New York Times. Prices for this fabulous All-American ten-day holiday begin at just $2,095 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a stateroom. Click here for complete booking information.

A Week in Cortona, Italy, in the heart of Tuscany (May 22 – 30, 2013): Come join us as we spend a week “Under the Tuscan Sun,” the very area where Frances Mayes, in her book of that name, captures the charm and romance of Italian living.  Here is the perfect opportunity to experience this idyllic world firsthand on a special program that combines guided sightseeing excursions with ample free time to immerse yourself in community life.  Wander through the streets of Cortona, the base from which we’ll explore this storied area.  Delight in the bustle of the main square, and the aroma of warm baked goods and fresh cappuccino wafting from the quaint shops and cafes.  Explore the tranquility of Assisi, and the graceful Gothic ambience of Siena.  See the fascinating medieval history in Perugia, the well-preserve jewel of Umbria.  And spend time in the charming town of Montepulciano, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Florence – jewel of the Renaissance.  Like Mayes’ story, you’ll find that Tuscany will weave its way into your heart and mind.  Here we’ll discover the art, architecture, cuisine and culture of one of Italy’s most beloved regions.  Prices for this wonderful Italian holiday begin at just $2,895 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.  Click here for more complete information.

A Week in Aix-en-Provence, France – Alumni Campus Abroad (June 4 – 12, 2013): Provence, where sun-drenched beaches and undulating hills tie the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps, conjures images of idyllic days with dazzling light illuminating the verdant countryside’s storied vineyards and lush olive groves.  The spectacular scenery of this magical region enraptured Cezanne, Chagall, and van Gogh.  Writers have flocked here and extolled it as the Great Land of Inspiration – for all that is both French and fabulous.  If you cannot spend “A Year in Provence” as author Peter Mayle did, you can certainly take a week for a holiday that you will remember for a lifetime.  And here I speak from personal experience.  Three years ago my wife and I joined about a dozen other alums on this trip, and it was – in a word – perfect.   We stayed for one week at the Hotel Roi Rene in Aix, the perfect spot to be based for a week.  Aix is a charming small city, wonderfully located for our excursions to Arles, the Pont du Gard, Avignon, Cezanne’s studio, the Le Luberon region, Les Baux, and so much more.   If you have always wanted to spend time in the south of France, this may just be the perfect opportunity.   Prices for wonderful vacation begin at just $2,995 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.  Click here for more complete information.

Portrait of Italy: From the Amalfi Coast to Venice (June 4-20, 2013): This is one of our unique small group tours, limited to just 24 travelers. This special motorcoach trip will take us from the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to eternal Rome, through the gentle Umbrian and Tuscan countryside to timeless Venice, at a leisurely pace, showcasing ancient sites, contemporary life, priceless art, and beautiful natural scenery. Our small group size allows us to stay in unique accommodations in the Tuscan countryside and a medieval village. We’ll begin in Naples, from which we’ll have a short ride to the spectacular hillside town of Amalfi, the mountaintop town of Ravello, and even a short cruise (weather permitting). We’ll stop in Pompeii, the city frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., and take a breathtaking drive along the winding Amalfi Coast high above the azure Mediterranean. Enroute to Rome we will visit the town of Montecassino, whose Abbey is the mother church of the ­Benedictine order and a center of medieval art. In Rome we will visit the 55,000-seat Colosseum, the temples of the Forum, the fashionable Via Ven­eto; the Trevi Fountain; the Vatican for a tour of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. Next we visit Orvieto, perched high on a plateau above a vineyard-clad plain, and the peaceful town of Todi, before we get to Assisi, considered a gem of an Umbrian town, with the renowned Basilica di San Francesco, the burial place of St. Francis. Next is the equally alluring region of Tuscany, including Deruta, known for its prized hand-painted Majolica ceramics, Perugia, and Siena, ­whose ochre-colored buildings and ancient ramparts evoke the city’s medieval past. And, of course, to Florence, the crown jewel of Tuscany, where we’ll spend a full-day immersed in its culture, including the Galleria dell’Accademia to view Michel­an­ge­lo’s sublime “David,” as well as the revered duomo, with its stupendous dome by Brunelleschi. We will also visit the hill town of San Gimignano, known for the 13 watchtowers that have left its skyline virtually unchanged since medieval times. Finally we’ll travel through the Veneto region to Venice, where we’ll have ample time to enjoy this wondrous city before we bid “arrivederci” to Italy and our fellow travelers. Prices for this Portrait of Italy begin at $4,695 per person; click here for complete information.

The Changing Tides of History – Cruise the Baltic Sea from Oslo to Stockholm with Mikhail Gorbachev and Lech Walesa (June 21 – July 2, 2013):  This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime Baltic Sea cruise, featuring a rare opportunity to hear enriching lectures by two historic world leaders—former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and former President of Poland Lech Wałesa.  This unique opportunity to experience one of the great cruises of the world begins in scenic Oslo, Norway, cruises through the spectacular Oslo Fjord, and then stops at Copenhagen (Denmark), Gdansk (Poland), Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia), Helsinki (Finland), before concluding in Stockholm (Sweden).  There may be no more fascinating place to cruise than this Baltic region, home to so much history, as well as six UNESCO World Heritage sites.  On this unique voyage we’ll sail aboard the exclusively chartered, five-Star small ship, m.s. Le Boréal to see first-hand the cultural rebirth of the Baltic States, and the imperial riches of St. Petersburg, Russia.  In the tradition of the ancient Viking mariners and medieval merchants, we’ll cruise under the glistening White Nights of summer from Norway’s beautiful and sophisticated capital city of Oslo to the exceptionally “green” and cosmopolitan Stockholm, Sweden.  And we’ll have a chance to discover the stunning architecture of Helsinki, Finland; spend two days in regal St. Petersburg (including a tour of the world-acclaimed State Hermitage Museum and visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress and the spectacular czarist palaces at Petrodvorets and Pushkin).  And we’ll experience the well preserved medieval Old Town of Tallinn (Estonia’s capital), and immerse ourselves in the historic epicenter of the Solidarity movement in Gdansk, Poland.  This is a rare opportunity to be in the company of two historic world leaders, and to enjoy a comprehensive look at the diverse countries bordering the Baltic Sea.  And, of course, there are shore excursions in each port (included) led by expert, English speaking guides.  And let me add that I was on a similar cruise in the summer of 2011 (without the famous guests that we will see here), and it was an absolutely fascinating trip.  This is one that you will not want to miss – trust me!  Prices begin at just $7,795 per person (based on two people traveling together and sharing a room). Click here for more details and booking information.

British Isles & Norwegian Fjords (August 14 - 27, 2013): Join us on a  wonderful two-week cruise through the British Isles and into Norway’s spectacular fjords.  You’ll quickly find that our Oceania cruises perfectly-sized (just 684 passengers) ship Nautica will pamper you in luxury at every turn – especially in the dining room where you’ll find some of the best cuisine at sea.  We’ll begin our cruise in Dover (of the White Cliffs fame), England, and proceed to Scotland with stops in Edinburgh’s port of Leith; Invergordon (recognized for its rich naval history); and Lerwick in the rugged, beautiful Shetland islands – home of the famous ponies.  Our next stop is in the beautiful Scandinavian country of Norway, justly famed for its stunning beauty virtually everywhere.  Here we’ll first call at Alesund – a city destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Art Noveau style.  Today it enjoys a well-deserved architectural reputation.  Then we’ll cruise into what is arguably the most spectacular of all the Norwegian fjords – Geiranger Fjord.  Be sure to have your cameras out: the scenery is absolutely stunning in every direction.  And we’ll even stop briefly in Hellesylt, Norway’s oldest Viking port.  Leaving this northern paradise, we’ll spend a day at sea before stopping at three cities in Ireland, Belfast (Northern Ireland), Dublin and Cork, each a gem in its own right.  And finally, before returning to Dover, we’ll stop in Portland (England), in the heart of England’s dramatic Jurassic Coast.  Prices for this two-week cruise begin at just $4,999 per person, and include free round-trip airfare from several major U.S. cities.  Click here for more details and booking information.

Taste of Europe (London to Barcelona – Aug. 26 – Sept. 6, 2013):  Here is an opportunity to visit four European countries on a ten day cruise aboard Oceania cruises perfectly-sized (684 passengers) ship Nautica, that will pamper you in luxury every day.  We’ll begin our trip in Dover, England, and sail to Saint-Malo, France, on the rugged Brittany coast, where the mystical Mont St. Michel is close at hand.  Next we call at Pont-Aven, where the walled town of Concarneau is one of the most beautiful in all of Brittany. And our last stop in France is Le Verdon, gateway to the famous wine-producing Bordeaux region.  Be sure to visit such famous wine chateaux as Medoc, Saint-Emilion, and Sauternes.  Leaving France we’re off to Spain, and the 700-year old city of Bilbao, home to the famous Frank Gehry designed, world famous Guggenheim Museum.  From Bilbao we’ll sail to La Coruna, close to the beautiful pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, and its magnificent cathedral.   From here our next stop will be Oporto (Portugal), home to the famed port wine industry.  Continuing in Portugal we sail next to the capital city of Lisbon, with its ornate Belem Tower and home to one of the largest public squares in all of Europe.  And our last stop will be in Seville, home to the famed Giralda Tower, and the gorgeous Alcazar and its gardens.  After a day at sea we’ll disembark in Barcelona, where I encourage you to stay for a few extra days, to give you a chance to get to know this architecturally culturally-rich city.  You won’t be disappointed; the city is a feast for all the senses, with a fabulous beach and waterfront.  Prices for this Taste of Europe begin at just $3,999 per person, and include free round-trip airfare from several major U.S. cities. Click here for more details and booking information.

The Grand Danube Passage, an 8-night River Cruise aboard the year-old MS Amadeus Brilliant, from Prague to Sofia (Sept. 15 - 30, 2013):  If Prague, Budapest and Vienna have always been on your “must see” list, then this may just be the perfect vacation for you.  Join your fellow alums as we spend two weeks (including an 8-night river cruise) traveling from Prague to Vienna, to Budapest, Belgrade and Sofia.  Along the way we’ll also visit Passau (Germany), where we’ll board the MS Amadeus Brilliant for a river cruise to Melk/Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohacs, Belgrade, and finally through the famous Iron Gate Gorge to Vidin and Sofia (Bulgaria).  Napoleon once described the Danube as the “King of Europe’s Rivers,” for it is steeped in legend unlike any other waterway in Europe.  Its winding course offers a veritable feast of unparalleled history, ancient capitals, picturesque villages, Roman ruins, magnificent churches, palaces and medieval castles.  All in all we’ll visit twelve cities and towns in eight countries, in a trip that will ensure life-long memories.   Prices for this two-week vacation begin at just $4,395 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.  Click here for more complete information.

Provincial French Countryside (September 27 – October 11, 2013):  Another of our unique small group tours (limited to just 24 travelers), this special motorcoach trip will take us from Toulouse, in Southern France, to Paris two weeks later. Join us as ww experience the beauty, allure, and hospitality of provincial France, at an easy pace and in a unique style. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, our journey features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy as we stay in charming rural inns and small country hotels. It’s a small group tour de force! Highlights include Carcassonne, the quintessential medieval town with the longest city walls in Europe, Alibi, the hometown of Belle Epoque artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the Dordogne Valley, Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of France’s prettiest villages and one of Europe’s best preserved medieval gems, with more registered historic sites than anywhere else on the continent. We’ll also travel along the Loire Valley, stopping in picturesque Saumur where we’ll stay in a converted 18th-century mansion on the banks of the Loire River. Then traveling north, we’ll stop at Mont-St-Michel, Normandy’s famed Gothic abbey that sits atop a 264-foot high rock formation at the edge of the sea. We’ll have time to commemorate World War II with a stop at the British Cemetery, and then continue on to Caen to visit the Memorial Museum devoted to “history for peace.” Next we’ll visit Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches, the very places where Allied forces overcame overwhelming odds to alter the course of World War II. Then it’s off to the lovely, picturesque port of Honfleur before continuing on to the village of Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Our last stop is the City of Light, where we’ll get acquainted with one of the world’s great cities, including an inside visit to the Louvre. Prices for this Provincial French Countryside begin at $4,795 per person; click here for complete information.

A Week in Sestri Levante, on the Italian Riviera – Alumni Campus Abroad (Sept. 28 – Oct. 6, 2013): The Italian Riviera has been captivating visitors for centuries – and in a few short days spent here will make the reasons clear .  The area is known for its sparkling, turquoise waters, and lush green landscapes.  The streets of Sestri Levante itself are lined with pastel-colored houses, all just steps away from the neighboring picture-perfect bays.  Here we’ll discover the charms of the nearby villages including Santa Margherita, Portofino, Portovenere, Manarola, and the other towns of the Cinque Terre.  We’ll also have a chance to visit the town of Carrara, known for its snow-white marble, where we’ll see a sculptor at work.  And we’ll also spend time in Genoa, the fabled port city that houses the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.  And, we’ll spend the last day, in the beautiful walled city of Lucca, an Italian gem.   It is said that no one who travels to Italy ever has a bad time; if you join us on this trip I know that you’ll agree!   Prices for wonderful Italian holiday begin at just $2,995 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.  Click here for more complete information.

A Grand Journey Around the World, from Japan to Germany (Sept. 21 – Oct. 16, 2013): This three-and-a-half-week expedition to see the world’s greatest sights is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Accompanied by knowledgeable guides accompanying us every step of the way, we’ll discover the history and culture of Japan, China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Germany.  This small group trip is limited to just 20 people, who will travel in Business Class and stay in specially selected world-class hotels.  We’ll visit ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient Kyoto and Nara in Japan; the Great Wall, the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Temple of Heaven in China; Ayutthaya, Thailand; ancient Thebes and the pyramids of Giza in Egypt; Petra, Jordan; Masada, Israel; and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley in Germany.  This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime never-to-be-forgotten travel opportunity, at a surprisingly affordable price ($40,995 per person, air inclusive, with a $2,500 Early Savings discount if you book by March 20, 2013).  Get more information by clicking here.

Villages and Vineyards of the Mosel, Rhine and Main Rivers: 7-Night River Cruise in Germany (Oct. 7 – 15, 2013):  I invite you to spend a week cruising with us aboard the deluxe MS Amadeus Diamond (5-star, 150 passengers), along the principal rivers in Germany.  Our river cruise begins on the Mosel, arguably the most beautiful river in Germany, with beautiful vineyards perched along its steep banks.  Here you’ll feel as if you are sailing right through a picturesque painting!  We’ll cruise along the Mosel, beginning in Bernkastel-Kues, and stopping in Trier and Koblenz, where the Mosel joins the majestic Rhine River. Here we’ll see the legendary Lorelei Rock, and the towns of Rudesheim, and Riesling (home of the famous wine of the same name), before sailing into the Main River for our first stop at Miltenberg.  From here it’s just a short hop to the magnificent Heidelberg Castle.  And finally our cruise ends in romantic Wurzburg, nestled in a charming valley, and home to the storied Romantic Road, with its treasure trove of castles, including the most famous Neuschwanstein Castle.  Aboard this deluxe river cruiser, built in 2009, you’ll find every amenity of a luxury hotel.  Truly there is no better way to see Europe than relaxing on the upper deck and watching the world pass leisurely by.   Prices for this 7-night cruise begin at just $2,725 per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.  Click here for more complete information.

Voyage of Ancient Empires – Cruise from Malta to Rome (October 11 – 19, 2013):  Join us as we travel across the historic sea lanes of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas, aboard the exclusively chartered, 5-Star M. V. Tere Moana, as we discover the fascinating mix of cultures left in the wake of ancient empires. On this exclusive journey we will visit the resplendent shores of Malta, Sicily, and Italy’s southern Mediterranean coast, all during the best time of year.  And you’ll find that our sophisticated, just-renovated ship is the perfect size, (only ninety passengers), allowing us access to ports that simply cannot accommodate larger vessels.  Our historic voyage begins in the fortified city of Valletta, Malta, founded in 1566 by the French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John.  Next stop is Agrigento, Sicily, and its majestic Valley of Temples, one of the most memorable sights of the ancient world.  Then we’ll explore Siracusa, where we will tour one of the best-preserved ancient Greek theaters in the world --   and enjoy a walking tour of the storied town of Taormina, in the shadow of famed Mt. Etna. And speaking of volcanoes, our ship will cruise past the volcanic island of Stromboli, still actively erupting today, and known as “The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.”  It has been used as a navigational marker for centuries.  Next we’ll drive along Italy’s magnificent Amalfi Coast, and see first-hand its exceptional natural beauty.  Our journey continues on to the storied Isle of Capri, and the famous ruins of Pompeii, with a guided tour of this stunning archaeological preservation.   Our trip ends in the Eternal City of Rome, once the center of a vast empire, and today a UNESCO World Heritage site.  All along the way we will be treated to lectures by an experienced Study Leader who will immerse us in the history, legends and modern life of these ancient cities, medieval ports and scenic landscapes.  And there is even a chance for further exploration of the ancient city of Valletta and the Knights of St. John on a Pre-Cruise Option, and the Roman Empire on a Post-Cruise Option. Cruise prices begin at just $4,995 per person (based on two people traveling together and sharing a room).  Click here for more details and booking information.

The Pride of Southern Africa (January 14 – 26, 2013): A trip to South Africa is often a lifetime dream, and we have the perfect opportunity to make your dream come true, aboard the six-star, all-suite luxury small ship of Silversea Cruises Silver Wind. On this voyage we’ll discover the staggering diversity of South Africa, “a world in one country.” We’ll see stunning natural beauty, exotic wildlife in abundance (more than 850 species of birds and a predominance of the “Big Five” wild animals), soaring mountains, expansive velds, lowlying grasslands, green gorges, lush swamplands, and 3,000 miles of spectacular coastline. Join us for this unique cruise for endless opportunities to discover this most amazing country. Here we’ll unpack just once, as we cruise round-trip from Cape Town with stops in Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban and East London, South Africa, and Maputo, Mozambique. Experience these the world-class cities and diverse cultures, while returning to your “floating hotel” every night. And soak up the grandeur of the landscape while on safaris at first light, and beneath the radiant glow of the African sunset. And if you wish, a three-night Victoria Falls Pre-Cruise and a two-night Cape Town Post-Cruise options are available (at any additional cost). Prices begin at just $6,395 per person, and include free round-trip air transportation from 43 gateway cities, and a $1000 per couple Passport to Luxury shipboard credit. Click here for complete information.

An Expedition to Antarctica (January 17 – 30, 2013): Here is certainly one of the most unusual trips that your Alumni Association has ever offered; join us as we travel to Antarctica, where Ernest Shackleton wrote “Everything wears an aspect of unreality; Icebergs hang upside-down in the sky, the land appears as layers of silvery or golden cloud, cloud banks look like land, and icebergs masquerade as islands.” This spectacular 14-day journey features a nine-night cruise to Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. We’ll cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, intimate M.S. L’AUSTRAL, the finest vessel in Antarctic waters, combining innovative design with personalized service, and featuring private balconies in 95% of the deluxe, outside suites and staterooms. Here we’ll have a unique opportunity to experience the White Continent in its unspoiled state—fantastically shaped icebergs, turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries and breaching whales—during the lingering light of the austral summer. Accompanied by the ship’s expert expedition team of naturalists, we’ll board sturdy Zodiac craft for excursions ashore and observe the antics of Antarctica’s abundant wildlife: you’ll find that the penguins and seals, especially, are unafraid of human visitors. Our expedition team will provide a series of enriching lectures on this untouched wilderness. And our trip also includes two nights in a deluxe hotel in Buenos Aires, and features a cultural tour of this vibrant capital. Prices begin at just $7,595 per person, if you reserve your place by July 5, 2012. But this unique itinerary sells out every year; book now and don’t be disappointed. You may also extend your journey with our exclusive three-night Iguazú Falls Post-Program Option. Click here for complete information.

For more information on any of the programs, contact the alumni office at alumni@rpi.edu, call (518)-276-6205, or e-mail Michael Wellner ’64 at captmike46@alum.rpi.edu or call (212) 486-3064.