ALUMNI TRAVEL GUIDE 2016

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We invite you to travel with the Alumni Association in 2016. The year begins with an exceptional opportunity to tour Vietnam in the company of University President Eric Kaler and his wife, Karen Kaler. The Kalers will be your hosts as you meet the people of Vietnam in a variety of settings, from the markets of Ho Chi Minh City to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. (See listing at right.)

We hope you will explore Vietnam or other storied destinations and captivating cultures with us. Many additional 2016 destinations will be announced at MinnesotaAlumni.org/Travel.

Dates and price information are subject to change. All prices are per person, double occupancy. To be added to our travel mailing list or request specific trip brochures, contact us at [email protected].

Vietnam: Historic and Unplugged Hosted by University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler and his wife, Karen Kaler. Meet the cultured and hospitable people of Vietnam in a variety of settings, from the entrepreneurial spirit of the markets of Ho Chi Minh City (above) to the tranquil spirit of the past in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Post-tour extension in Cambodia available.January 2–13; $3,995 plus airfare.

Costa Rica’s Natural HeritageIn this small Central American democracy kissed by nature, your group will discover a nation’s wealth in four distinct regions, from cloud forest to rain forest, Central Valley to Pacific Coast. As Costa Rica presents its staggering display of biodiversity—pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic flora and fauna—you’ll enjoy a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration that celebrates Costa Rica’s wide-ranging natural resources.January 7–18; approximately $3,500 including airfare.

Sailing the Windward IslandsEscape the depths of winter on this eight-day cruise of the Caribbean’s tropical Windward Islands aboard the exclusively chartered, 64-passenger yacht M.Y. Le Ponant. Enjoy a classic “life under sail” round trip from Fort-de-France, Martinique to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago Cays Marine Park, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Enjoy superb French-inspired cuisine!January 16–23; approximately $4,495 plus airfare.

ALUMNI TRAVEL GUIDE 2016

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Jewels of Central AmericaExperience the ecological treasures and exotic allure of Central America, includ-ing the Panama Canal, by small ship aboard the 210-guest M.S. Saint Laurent. Sail from San José, Costa Rica to Cartagena, Colombia, along the way visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, Osa Peninsula, Golfito, Coiba Island, Darién National Park, Panama City, the Panama Canal, and the San Blas Islands.January 22–31; from $4,499 plus airfare.

Cuban DiscoveryUncover the beauty, paradoxes, and complex history of this captivating Caribbean nation. Throughout this nine-day journey, visits to Havana, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, Trinidad, and Santa Clara will offer unique opportunities to connect with a variety of local citizens such as artists, students, educators, and entrepreneurs to gain insight into one of the world’s most mesmerizing countries.January 30–February 6; price TBA

Wonders Of The Galápagos IslandsA uniquely designed itinerary offering Ecuador’s Andes and Galápagos Islands. Features three nights in Quito; five days exploring the Galápagos Islands aboard a first-class expedition vessel; up-close encounters with exotic wildlife; small-group walks led by expert naturalist guides; and an excursion to the equator. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley post-tour option.February 28–March 8; approximately $4,795 plus airfare.

Sea of CortezEnjoy a unique nautical adventure aboard the M.Y. Safari Endeavour. Explore isolated bays, volcanic islands, craggy seamounts, and historic towns while sailing through waters teeming with marine life. Swim with whale sharks and sea lion pups and observe gray whales as they enter the sea to calve. Every port is filled with exciting opportunities for recreation and leisure.March 11–20; $4,895 plus airfare.

Tanzania Safari During the Great MigrationExperience a safari of a lifetime in Africa’s premier safari destination during the Great Migration. Enjoy guided game drives through Tanzania’s finest game parks—Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater—with deluxe accommodations. Visit Olduvai Gorge, the “cradle of mankind.” Tarangire National Park post-program option available.March 14–25; approximately $6,995 plus airfare.

Exploring Australia and New ZealandSmall-group touring and the lands Down Under are the perfect combination. Travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback and Ayers Rock to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mount Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland. Features ample leisure time in Sydney, a two-night stay at Mount Cook National Park, a visit to a koala sanctuary, and much more.April 6–28; approximately $7,700 including airfare.

Paradores and PousadasA distinctive small-group journey through the Iberian Peninsula to the intimate legends of Spain’s paradores and Portugal’s pousadas: medieval monasteries, historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region. You will experience the spell of Iberia’s rich Roman and Moorish past and the pull of its vibrant contemporary life.April 7–21; approximately $4,395 including airfare.

Stepping Stones of Western EuropeThis unique cruise features Bordeaux, Brittany, Normandy, and Britain. Visit Guernsey, Channel Islands; the spectacular French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer; and Saint-Malo to explore the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel. Visit the beaches of Normandy 72 years after the historic D-Day landings, accompanied by David Eisenhower. Paris pre-cruise and London post-cruise options.April 23–May 1; approximately $3,995 plus airfare.

Insider’s JapanJapan is a land of delicate art and bustling commerce; of rich traditions and amazing modernity; and an array of fascinating sights, sounds, and tastes. This 13-day small-group tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa and the stunning scenery of Mount Fuji and Fuji–Hakone–Izu National Park.April 30–May 12; approximately $5,100 including airfare.

Inland Sea of Japan and South KoreaA unique combination of two nights in Kyoto, Japan, and seven nights aboard a five-star small ship (only 110 staterooms), exploring Japan’s inland sea and South Korea. Visit picturesque formal gardens, a classic teahouse, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. See the magnificent landscapes of Busan, South Korea, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. Tokyo post-program option.May 5–15; approximately $5,695 plus airfare.


Lands and Islands of MysteryTake a trans–Pacific voyage from Tokyo, Japan, to Seward, Alaska, visiting Russia’s Far East, the Bering Sea, the Aleutian Islands, and Japan’s northern islands. Call on rarely visited ports: Kushiro, Petropavlovsk, Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Homer aboard a six-star Silversea Cruises all-suite ship. Kyoto, Japan pre-cruise option.May 5–17; approximately $5,094 plus airfare.

Passage of Lewis and ClarkDiscover the timeless majesty of the Columbia and Snake rivers as you immerse yourself in the history and natural grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. From Spokane, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, cruise to charming towns and historic sites aboard the unique steamboat American Empress, visiting Clarkston and the Tri–Cities, Washington; The Dalles, Oregon; Stevenson, Washington; and Astoria, Oregon.May 7–15; from $3,995 plus airfare.

Changing Tides of History: Cruising the Baltic SeaA spectacular six-country program, featuring Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden. Experience the cultural rebirth of the Baltic states during eight nights aboard the five-star M.S. Le Boreal. Enjoy specially arranged presentations by former president of Poland, Lech Walesa, and by Brown University Professor Sergei N. Khrushchev, son of Nikita Khrushchev.June 15–24; approximately $5,995 plus airfare.

Great Journey Through EuropeThis extraordinary “Grand Tour” features the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, and five nights aboard the deluxe Amadeus Fleet, cruising the most scenic sections of the Rhine River. Ride three legendary railways—the Matterhorn’s Gornergrat Bahn, the Glacier Express, and Lucerne’s Pilatus railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel. Amsterdam preprogram option.July 4–14; approximately $4,295 plus airfare.

Discovering Eastern EuropeWhether you seek to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers wonderful opportunities for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment. Both leisurely and comprehensive, it provides a generous overview of five distinctly different and fascinating nations: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic.July 12–28; approximately $4,700 including airfare.

Oxford and the English CountrysideTravel through quintessential England, with four nights in Oxford’s landmark Macdonald Randolph Hotel and three nights in a charming Cotswold village. Visit the village of Bampton of Downton Abbey fame, and, by special arrangement, meet Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill in Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Cambridge preprogram and Windsor, Buckinghamshire, River Thames post-program options.August 19–27; approximately $3,995 plus airfare.

The Magnificent Great LakesImmerse yourself in the glorious scenery and history of North America’s Great Lakes as you sail from Chicago to Montreal aboard an intimately small ship, the 210–guest M.S. Saint Laurent. Admire towering, rugged bluffs, untouched deep-green wilderness, and historic ports on this tranquil odyssey along the St. Lawrence River and all five majestic Great Lakes.August 22–31; from $4,499 plus airfare.

Sandra and Gary Peterman

FUN, FOOD, AND WINE Now that Sandra and Gary (B.S.B. ’78) Peterman are retired, international travel is on the top of their to-do list. Last year they took two trips with the Alumni Travel Program, a Mediterranean cruise and a tour of Tuscany. More than 50 alumni were on board for the cruise and after being introduced at a mixer, many of them met up daily to take tours at different stops, including Monaco and Portofino. The group also spent time relaxing and talking over meals as the ship made its way along the coast, starting in Barcelona. “Every day was something new and interesting, and we took a lot of pictures so we can look back and remember what we saw,” Gary says.

In October, the Petermans went to Tuscany on a small-group tour that included visits to ruins, cheese-making and olive demonstrations, and wine tasting at vineyards and wine estates. The personalized itinerary also included dinners at the homes of local residents and a private tour of some recently discovered ruins by the mayor of a little town they visited. “They were excavating the ruins under a building and we walked all the way down in there and it was closed,” Gary recalls. “The mayor just got on the phone and the director of the site came right over to help. We’re still in touch with that mayor.”


Rivieras and IslandsExplore France, Italy, and Spain aboard a five-star small ship, the M.V. Tere Moana. Visit Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Nice, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Provence, and Carcassonne. See six UNESCO World Heritage sites; enjoy a panoramic tour of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda and a visit to Nuraghe Fortress; a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence; and much more. Rome pre-cruise option and Barcelona post-cruise option.August 26–September 3; approximately $5,495 plus airfare.

Peruvian Amazon Discovery VoyageFew places have the staggering breadth of natural diversity that exists along the Amazon River. This expedition into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon jungle explores one of the largest expanses of tropical rain forest and one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Includes two nights in Lima and a four-night Cusco/Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley experience.September 3–11; approximately $4,000 plus airfare.

Moroccan DiscoveryMorocco is a land of dramatic contrasts, inviting you to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, vast desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs, and spirited souks. As you travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, your eyes and heart will be opened to an age–old culture and warmly hospitable people. This tour features visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites.September 9–22; approximately $5,100 including airfare.

South Africa: Contrasts in MajestyElegant and mysterious, South Africa invites you on an exciting safari of treasures. Explore Cape Town’s unrivaled beauty and exotic botanical gardens; then travel up to the Cape of Good Hope and the endearing penguins of Boulders Beach. Visit Table Mountain and the verdant winelands and see Africa’s Big Five up close in Kruger National Park.September 15–26; $5,995 plus airfare.

China, Tibet, and the Yangtze RiverThis distinctive small-group journey combines a special visit to remote, spiritual Tibet with a memorable cruise on the Yangtze, China’s fabled “long river.” Adding to this highly popular itinerary: intriguing Beijing, the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors of Xian, and cosmopolitan Shanghai. Visits to Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, and Three Gorges are featured.October 20–November 7; approximately $5,900 including airfare.

Quebec, CanadaExplore Quebec City, then travel the St. Lawrence River route, where the forest, mountain, and sea coast wilderness of the Gaspé Peninsula provides unforgettable outdoor experiences. Observe up close an incredible variety of animal, bird, and marine life. Be charmed by Quebec’s French heritage, outstanding cuisine, and natural beauty.Date TBA; approximately $4,795 plus airfare.

Peggy and Dave Lucas

LASTING FRIENDSHIPSSo far, Peggy (B.A. ’63, M.S.W. ’78) and Dave (M.D. ’64) Lucas have traveled to China and from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro via the Alumni Travel Program. Both trips had their high points, but China was their favorite because of the unique experiences they had and the lasting friendships they made. “Our guide in China was fantastic and there were experts at every stop, which is important. On a University trip like this, people want to feel like they’re learning something,” says Peggy, a regent of the University of Minnesota.

During the trip, the Lucases were part of a small group that visited the University’s China Center in Beijing. “It was really interesting to see how many alumni there are in China and how involved they are,” Peggy recalls. “A few of us got to have dinner with them and later we shared our experience with everybody in the rest of the group. We still keep in touch with some of the people we met.”


OCEANIA CRUISES

Pagodas and PalacesDiscover timeless pagodas and palaces, exotic landscapes, and captivating cities as you cruise the South China Sea aboard the intimate Nautica from Singapore to alluring ports in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China.January 6–24; from $6,799 including airfare.

Bridge of the Americas From Miami to Lima via the Panama Canal, encounter idyllic natural wonders, dramatic coastlines, and fascinating ancient relics along the shores of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru while sailing aboard the regal Regatta.January 20–February 7; from $4,999 including airfare.

Pacific Dreams of the Tahitian IslandsExperience the wonders of French Polynesia while cruising the South Pacific on the majestic Marina to the enchanting tropical islands of Mo`orea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and more. Savor shimmering lagoons, colorful marine life, and blissful beaches on this extraordinary voyage.January 25–February 4; from $3,999 including airfare.

Tasman Treasures Visit the land of koalas and kangaroos as you explore charming seaside towns Down Under. Discover the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand while cruising aboard the Marina, a masterpiece of sophistication.February 21–March 9; from $6,999 including airfare.

Radiant RhythmsPulsating tango rhythms, sparkling beaches, and exotic botanical gardens. Experience South America on a voyage aboard the intimate Regatta. Buenos Aires offers the perfect point of departure for an odyssey filled with historical, natural, and cultural marvels in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.February 27–March 11; from $4,499 including airfare.

Journey Through the AmazonJourney deep into the Amazon, savoring the sights and sounds of secluded towns nestled amid exotic wilderness as the regal Regatta takes you on an incredible 22-night voyage to historic ports in Brazil and the Caribbean.March 10–April 2; from $6,499 including airfare.

Mediterranean PassageExplore picture-perfect villages, age-old cities, and breathtaking landscapes on this exciting 10-night cruise aboard the Riviera from Barcelona, Spain, to Istanbul, Turkey. Ports of call in France, Monaco, Italy, and Greece will captivate you with their timeless intrigue.April 24–May 5; from $3,799 including airfare.

Palms in Paradise From palm-studded emerald landscapes to man-made wonders and majestic colonial architecture, experience the highlights of Central America as the regal Regatta takes you from Florida to Colombia through the Panama Canal and on to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and California.April 24–May 10; from $3,299 including airfare.

Portraits of the PastSail away on the intimate Nautica and revel in the esteemed architecture, stunning seascapes, and cultural gems of the Mediterranean as you cruise from Rome to Barcelona. Ports of call include Corsica, Cinque Terre, Monte Carlo, Antibes, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia.May 9–20; from $3,999 including airfare.

Essence of the AtlanticSail the sparkling Atlantic from New York to Lisbon, where beautiful ports and lush islands beckon with eclectic architecture, intriguing cultures, and enchanting, rugged scenery on a tranquil odyssey aboard the luxurious Marina.May 14–28; from $2,999 including airfare.


Cloisters and CourtyardsImmerse yourself in the charm of coastal Spain, Portugal, and France as you sail for 12 nights from Barcelona to London aboard the intimate Nautica. Your picturesque ports of call include Málaga, Seville, Lisbon, Oporto, A Coruña, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and Paris.May 19–June 1; from $4,799 including airfare.

Scenic Coves of the MediterraneanA seven-night cruise from glamorous Monte Carlo, Monaco, to lively and lovely Barcelona, Spain, aboard the majestic Riviera. Admire the stunning coastal scenery and enjoy the charming hospitality of Cinque Terre, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Saint-Tropez, Marseille, and Palamós along the way.June 21–29; from $2,899 including airfare.

Baltic and Scandinavian TreasuresMarvel at the storybook settings, deep history, and charming canal-laced capitals of the Baltic as you sail from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Stockholm, Sweden, aboard the sophisticated Marina. Along the way, visit Berlin; KlaipÐda, Lithuania; Riga, Latvia; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia.July 11–22; from $4,599 including airfare.

Alaska PassagesLet the rugged beauty of America’s last frontier captivate you! Sail for 10 nights aboard the serene Regatta from Seattle to Seattle, visiting the stunningly scenic ports of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, B.C., Canada. Two days at sea feature the Hubbard Glacier and the Outside Passage.July 25–August 4; from $3,599 including airfare.

Royals and Vikings of the British IslesTake in the British Isles on a luxury cruise aboard the majestic Marina. Depart Southampton and sail to Newcastle, a cultural hub on the River Tyne, followed by Edinburgh, Scotland. Visit Belfast and Londonderry, the only remaining walled city in Ireland. Discover Dublin, Ireland’s capital, and admire Liverpool’s cathedrals and celebrated galleries. Then journey to the fishing town of Cobh, a gateway to lively Cork. Before concluding your voyage in Southampton, stop at Portland to experience the Jurassic Coast. August 3–15; from $2,400

Greek Isles OdysseyEnjoy a seven-night cruise of the iconic Greek Isles aboard the sophisticated Riviera. Along the way from Istanbul to Athens, explore the history and culture of Volos, Greece; Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey; and Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and Athens, Greece.September 25–October 3; from $2,399 including airfare.

Canada and New EnglandSet sail from Montreal aboard the intimate Regatta. Cruise the brilliantly colored northeastern shores of the North Atlantic, visiting the scenic and historic ports of Canada’s Quebec City, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick; then Bar Harbor and Camden, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York City.September 30–October 12; from $5,199 including airfare.

Iberian InspirationExperience a dazzling array of landscapes and cultures along the Iberian Coast aboard Oceania Cruises’ elegant Marina. Your ports of call are brimming with exotic beauty and fascinating history: Lisbon, Portugal; Tangier, Morocco; Malaga, Cartagena, and Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Portofino, Florence, and Rome, Italy.October 5–16; from $4,299 including airfare.

Mediterranean Waterways and MarinasIncluded within the captivating itinerary of this 10-night cruise aboard the lovely Marina are the port cities of Kotor, Montenegro, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Your other enchanting and picturesque ports of call are Monte Carlo, Monaco; Florence, Rome, Capri, Taormina, and Sicily, Italy; Igoumenitsa, Greece; and Venice, Italy.October 22–November 2; from $4,299 including airfare.

Many additional destinations to be announced!

Visit our website for the latest tour information.

MinnesotaAlumni.org/Travel

Bon Voyage, CherylThe Alumni Association bids a fond farewell to Travel Program Director Cheryl Jones (B.I.S. ’81), who retired in May after a 40-year career at the University of Minnesota, 27 of them with the Alumni Association. Cheryl provided attentive and enthusiastic

service to our alumni travelers and was a wise, fun, and diligent colleague. We wish her well on her next adventure.

Kent and Beth Horsager

CAMARADERIE AND CONVERSATIONSFor Kent Horsager (B.S. ’84), cruising the Dan-ube River was a bucket list trip. “The Danube flows from the heart of Europe to the Black Sea, zigzagging its way through kingdoms, countries, and empires, both as a joining and a dividing force,” Horsager says. The cruise was the first trip Kent and his wife, Beth, have taken with the Alumni Travel Program, and both of

them appreciated the interesting mix of lec-tures, tours with experienced local guides, and plenty of time to explore the sites on their own.

A favorite part of the trip for the Horsagers happened in Belgrade, Serbia. “Our guide also worked as a professional opera singer, so during the tour of St. Sava Cathedral in the capital city he broke into a beautiful kyrie [a short liturgical

prayer] to demonstrate the excellent acoustics of the cathedral.” Kent recalls.

Traveling with a group of 18 alumni enriched the Horsagers’ experience in many ways, Kent says. “Our travel mates were engaged and sea-soned travelers and that led to great conversa-tions and camaraderie all along the way.”

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ALUMNI TRAVEL GUIDE 2016