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2008 Travel Tours
2008 Traveling Cyclones ItineraryJanuary 4-12 | Copper Canyon & the Sea of Cortez This sea and land journey combines two of North America’s greatest natural treasures: the dramatic Copper Canyon and the marine-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. In the Sea of Cortez, you’ll spend four days among hundreds of playful dolphins, snorkeling with sea lions, kayaking, bird watching, observing marine life, and hiking on uninhabited desert islands. After the voyage, board the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad for a view of the Copper Canyon, one of the world’s most awesome landscapes, and encounter the reclusive Tarahumara Indians, natives of the canyon. January 28-February 13 | Panama Canal Join your fellow alumni on this cruise aboard the luxurious Oceania m/s Regatta. The Panama Canal is one of man’s greatest achievements and is a shining example of America’s can-do spirit. Embark from Los Angeles and call on exciting ports of Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala; Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Acapulco, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and San Andres, Colombia. Of course, you will enjoy a full transit of the great canal, complete with the amazing locks and dams and the massive Gatun Lake. After visiting Cozumel, conclude your journey in Miami. February 3-11 | Tahiti & French Polynesia Experience the paradise of the South Seas aboard the S.Y. Star Flyer, an intimate sailing vessel that calls to mind the sleek, swift clipper ships that plied the waters of the Pacific during the 19th century. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tahiti and French Polynesia and discover the legendary warmth and hospitality of their people. To enhance your travel experience, this program features exclusive lectures by a local expert on the culture and ecology of French Polynesia and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters of idyllic lagoons. February 20-March 2 | Discovering Australia Journey to Australia and discover why this fascinating country has captivated millions around the world. Your adventure begins in Cairns, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland, where rain forests are home to many rare animals and plants. Next, visit Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city and a center of culture and style. Then journey to Sydney, Australia’s largest and oldest city. February 23-March 1 | Colonial Mexico Visitors to the mountain resort of Cuernavaca can indulge in the rejuvenating powers of its European-style spas, explore its ancient spiritual sites and verdant landscape, and relax in its gentle, sunny climate. Visit the elaborate Santa Prisca Church in Taxco de Alarcón and the mysterious pyramids at Xochicalco. Explore the highlights of Mexico City, admire one of the best collections of modern Mexican art with a visit to the Centro Cultural Muros, and discover the stunning array of artistic treasures at the Museo Robert Brady. April 13-21 | Waterways & Canals of Holland & Belgium Explore the spectacular waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. Cruise the scenic canals of Amsterdam and admire the spectacular tulips and other flowers at the renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Journey to The Hague, site of the royal residence and the Mauritshuis Museum, and Delft, famous for its blue porcelain. Cruise past windmills at Kinderdijk, and travel along the Zeeland coast from Veere. Discover Bruges, Belgium, with its Burg Square and charming cobbled streets. Experience the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp. April 14-26 | Treasures of China & the Yangtze River Join us for an unforgettable trip to exotic China. We will visit cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s largest city; 3,000-year-old Beijing, the pulsing heart of today’s China; and the extraordinary Terra Cotta Army of Xi’an. You’ll spend three days cruising the timeless Yangtze River, with its magnificent Three Gorges, panoramic views of scattered villages, and green terraced fields. April 29-May 7 | Discover Copenhagen & Stockholm The ageless land of the Vikings is one of unrivaled beauty, a land of dramatic scenery and ancient, deep-rooted traditions. Just the thought creates visions of majestic mountains, rich, green pine forests, charming villages, friendly locals, and geographic diversity. Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen, is the largest in Scandinavia and bursts with life and culture. It counts among its many treasures the famous mermaid statue in the harbor and the magical Tivoli Gardens, glittering with music and lights in the heart of the city. In Sweden, Stockholm offers a wealth of attractions, from the narrow streets and splendid courtyards of the Old Town to the grand old buildings of the Renaissance Royal Palace. May 1-11 | Greece: The Peloponnese & the Island of Poros A land steeped in mythology and legend, the magic of ancient Greece is yours to discover as you immerse yourself in the towns of the scenic Peloponnese and the capital of Athens. Visit the treasures of Delphi; meander along the winding streets of Patras; and travel back in time to the first Olympic games in Olympia. Explore the remains of the palace at Mycenae, and marvel at the theater in Epidauros. Enjoy the charm of the small town of Poros and the cosmopolitan city of Hydra. Finally, discover the priceless treasures of Athens, from the remains of the Acropolis to the fashionable Plaka district. May 3-18 | Cruise the Rhine & Moselle Rivers Cruise the incomparable Rhine and Moselle Rivers aboard the MS Avalon Tapestry. Visit Amsterdam, with its art galleries and canals; Reichsburg Castle; the windmills of Kinderdijk; the Rhine Gorge; the Black Forest; and the beautiful wine-growing regions of Germany and France. Ports of call include Dordrecht, Rotterdam, Arnhem, Cologne, Coblenz, Cochem, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Worms, Strasbourg, and Breisach. May 9-17 | Saxony Cruise Discover one of Europe’s most majestic and historic regions as you cruise the sapphire waters of the lovely Elbe River. Begin your adventure in Prague, and marvel at the exquisite blend of architecture and natural beauty that characterizes this capital city. Admire the treasures of Dresden, tour a porcelain factory in Meissen, sail to Torgau and Wittenburg, and travel to Potsdam. Conclude in Berlin, where you will walk along its famous boulevards and see the remnants of the Berlin Wall. NEW! May 12-30 | European Odyssey for Graduating Seniors Experience the culture, history, and charm of Europe amongst fellow students and recent Iowa State University grads in a safe and hassle-free environment. Visit seven countries in 19 days. Destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Munich, Salzburg, an Alpine retreat, a stay at a 12th-century castle, Venice, Florence, and Rome. May 13-29 | Discovering Eastern Europe: Poland, Hungary, Austria, & the Czech Republic Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity 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. You will visit the enchanting cities of Warsaw, Czestochowa, Auschwitz, and Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Prague, Czech Republic. May 19-30 | Italy: Sorrento & Orvieto Discover two of Italy’s most remarkable regions as you journey through coastal Campania and bucolic Umbria. Begin with a stroll through cliff-top Sorrento. Then, travel along the sunny Amalfi Coast to the town of Positano, with its unique vertical cityscape. In Pompeii, enter a veritable time capsule of Roman life as you explore ruins once buried in the volcanic ash of Vesuvius. Enjoy the terraced hillsides of the Isle of Capri before journeying to Orvieto, with its 12th-century Duomo and delightful food market. Experience the Renaissance art and architecture of Florence, and explore two walled cities: Perugia and Assisi, home to the Basilica of St. Francis. June 9-17 | Dublin in an Irish Castle Ireland is a rare land where rugged beauty surrounds quaint villages and contemporary cities alike. Explore this spellbinding country from the cosmopolitan capital of Dublin. Learn about its literary heritage with a visit to the Writers’ Museum, stop at Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, and delight in the sights of Dublin’s West End. Discover Irish history with a journey to the Neolithic monument of Newgrange. Marvel at the beauty of the Irish countryside as you travel to Belfast. Admire the lovely Powerscourt Gardens, and drive through Wicklow Mountains and Gap, which boast some of the most breathtaking panoramas in Ireland. June 20-July 3 | The Romance of the Blue Danube The Danube is steeped in beauty, legend, and lore. From Passau, Germany, embark for Melk, Austria. Cruise through the charming Wachau Valley to medieval Dürnstein. Visit cultural Vienna; tour Bratislava, Slovak Republic; and sail to Budapest, Hungary. Enjoy Belgrade, Serbia, and Kovacica. Cross the Carpathian Mountains through the Iron Gate Gorge to Roman ruins in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania. Experience historic Vidin, Bulgaria, and admire the stunning architecture and romantic squares of Bucharest. June 27-July 6 | Amazon Family Adventure The Amazon voyage is a perfect place for young people to learn about the natural world. As you cruise down the Amazon in a classically styled riverboat, be ready to see a vast amount of wildlife: more than 100 kinds of birds, gray and pink Amazon River dolphins, and giant river otters. And as always, monkeys are sure to put on a good show as they swing through the trees. Our 10-day family voyage follows the same itinerary as our regularly scheduled departures but includes educational and fun activities for our young explorers. You’ll travel with a family director, expedition leader, and expert naturalist guides who will make the experience come alive. July 15-28 | Alaska Cruisetour July 21-28 | Alaska Cruise Back by popular demand, this outstanding program has it all: unparalleled beauty, plentiful wildlife, fantastic photo opportunities, great food and entertainment, and exceptional service. The cruisetour begins with seven days of land travel. Highlights include Denali National Park, Mt. McKinley, and the amazing Kenai Wilderness. Aboard the Island or Coral Princess, ports of call are Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Plus, you will cruise through College Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park, and the Inside Passage. July 26-August 11 | Cruise the Face of Europe Join us on a captivating voyage of discovery to trace the wondrous features of Europe along its most legendary waterways as we Cruise the Face of Europe. Join a group of like-minded travelers as we cruise through five countries, visiting many fascinating ports of call, experiencing a world of breathtaking grandeur and discovering hidden treasures with the guidance of local experts. July 29-August 10 | Cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow Journey through the heart of Russia, beginning in St. Petersburg, where you will marvel at one of the world's most impressive art collections in the prestigious Hermitage Museum. Embark on a cruise to the amazing architecture of Kizhi Island, Goritsy, and beautiful Yaroslavl. Admire the scenic countryside as you sail the Volga River from Uglich to Moscow. Then, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, and immerse yourself in Russian history at the Kremlin's Armory Museum. Visit Red Square and see iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. July 31-August 8 | Village Life in the Dordogne Experience life in the heart of southwestern France for one week in the Dordogne River Valley, a delightful region renowned for its stunning beauty, delectable cuisine, splendid castles, and charming villages. From your base in the historic town of Sarlat-la-Canéda – one of France’s best-preserved medieval villages – explore the region’s numerous historic, cultural, and natural attractions. Philippe Melot – a highly regarded chef – will introduce you to the region’s history and architecture in addition to its culinary wonders. Your enjoyment of the region’s gastronomic bounty will be further enhanced during daily meals and at Sarlat-la-Canéda colorful outdoor market, a village tradition that dates to the Middle Ages. August 31-September 8 | Machu Picchu Explorer Immerse yourself in the myths, legends, and history of the Incas on our nine-day Machu Picchu explorer. Start with a day in Cusco, one of the most beautiful towns in Peru. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile valley lined with picturesque Andean markets and Inca ruins. Bargain with local crafters in the Andean textile markets. Trek for four days along the Inca Trail, hiking through high, mountain passes, descending through verdant valleys, and exploring Inca ruins along the way. If you’re not up to hiking the Inca Trail, take a breathtaking train ride through the Sacred Valley. Either way, you end up in Machu Picchu, the perfectly preserved Inca citadel that was lost in the dense jungle for hundreds of years. September 4-17 | Mediterranean Cruise & the Greek Islands This 12-day cruise combines the many pleasures of the Greek Isles with fascinating Dubrovnik and mysterious Istanbul. Your voyage begins in Athens, where you will have time to visit some of the city’s gems such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Constitution Square. After calling on Dubrovnik, enjoy stops in Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Delos, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Kusadasi before concluding your voyage in epic Istanbul, where you will spend a full day and night before disembarking. The islands of Greece are set amidst the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, where you’ll enjoy friendly people, exotic food, and an incredible collection of history, art, and architecture. September 13-21 | Tuscany & the Italian Riviera The best known of all Italian spas, delightful Montecatini is located in the heart of Tuscany. Experience the exquisite beauty of the surrounding Tuscan landscapes with visits to charming Siena and beautiful Florence, a living museum of Renaissance art and architecture. The seaside resort town of San Remo basks in the wonderful climate of the sun-drenched Italian Riviera and is ideally situated for visiting the glamorous cities of Monte Carlo and Nice. September 18-21 | ISU Football in Las Vegas Join us for a special adventure to sunny Las Vegas to cheer on the Iowa State football team vs. UNLV September 19-27 | Dubai Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, The United Arab Emirates has a history that spans 5,000 years and a future that seems already here. The country offers an alluring mix of Bedouin and Western cultures, and with its warm climates, beaches, coral reefs, and stunning man-made islands it has become one of the world's top tourist destinations. September 20-28 | Swiss Alps & Salzburg From the medieval roofs of Salzburg to soaring mountain peaks, tranquil lakes to a refined artistic heritage, Switzerland and Austria offer a kaleidoscope of inspiring delights to discover. Embark on thrilling rail journeys through the Swiss Alps; stay amidst the picture-perfect scenery of Davos, with its charming restaurants, relaxing cafes, and elegant shops; and discover the varied charms of Mozart’s home city, Salzburg, one of Europe’s loveliest towns. This holiday encompasses everything from sublime natural splendors to grandiose monuments and distinctive cuisine. September 30-October 11 | Normandy & Brittany Discover the stunning seascapes, riveting histories, and glorious countryside of the Normandy and Brittany regions. Learn about the Allied invasion with visits to Caen and its Memorial and Museum for Peace; Omaha Beach; and the British landing zone at Arromanches, then pay tribute to the brave soldiers at the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Your home base in Brittany is Rennes, the capital of the region. Immerse yourself in local history, then cruise along the Rance River from medieval Dinan to St-Malo. Your adventure concludes in Paris, the “City of Light.” October 4-19 | Blue Voyage: Turkey & the Turquoise Coast Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic Turquoise Coast where we board a privately chartered yacht for a distinctive five-day voyage, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group travel experience. October 15-30 | Journey Through Vietnam In a land of breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people, rewards abound for the thoughtful traveler. With our flexible and congenial small group, we encounter rewards aplenty on this comprehensive journey featuring Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoa Chau, and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), plus the beautiful, remote Mekong Delta. October 27-November 18 | Around the World Join us on a very special private jet journey around the world to explore 13 of the world’s most treasured and legendary places. An extraordinary team of experts has been assembled to lead this remarkable journey: An ecologist, historian, art historian, ornithologist, and geologist will travel with you, sharing their knowledge, perspective, and enthusiasm for these legendary destinations. Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 jet transports us to these remarkable wonders comfortably and safely. November 7-16 | Galapagos The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest, most interesting, and exciting wildlife anywhere. The animals, who have little fear of humans, allow you to get extremely close, making for fabulous photographs and a remarkable vacation. You’ll find yourself just inches away from giant tortoises and the courtship rituals of comical blue-footed boobies, and you’ll gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be. The islands’ varied terrain adds to the beauty of this place, from desert landscapes and volcanic soils to lush highland forests and pristine beaches. November 28-December 6 | Holiday Markets of Vienna and Salzburg Sip hot cider and snack on gingerbread as you browse the ornate vendor stalls of Austria’s holiday markets. Begin in the picture postcard town of Salzburg, the setting for the beloved film The Sound of Music. Travel to the town of Steyr, known for its exquisite nativity scenes, before arriving in the opulent capital of Vienna, where dazzling sights abound at every turn. |
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(877) ISU-ALUM (478-2586) | alumni@iastate.edu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
