Past Trips

We are delighted to be offering this extraordinary program for the second year in a row, in the Spring of 2020! Join fellow alumni/ae from Smith and Vassar Colleges as we visit some of the most important sites of the Civil Rights Movement.

From Little Rock to Birmingham to Selma and Montgomery you’ll experience the iconic places that shaped American history. But it is not just the sites that make this program exceptional, it’s the voices we will hear along the way.

Delve into the lush Amazon River Basin and the legendary “lost city of Incas,” Machu Picchu on this 13-day custom-designed land and river cruise expedition. Join Donald Joraleman, professor of anthropology, on this unforgettable journey featuring a five-night natural history cruise aboard the deluxe, all-suite MV Zafiro. This shared departure with Dartmouth alumni travelers also features guest faculty Nathaniel J. Dominy, Charles Hansen Professor of Anthropology and professor in the Ecology, Evolution, Ecosystems and Society (EEES) Graduate Program at Dartmouth College.

Join fellow alumnae and friends on this five-day escape to the Land of Fire and Ice. Immerse yourself in Iceland’s rich culture and Viking heritage beginning with two nights in the bustling capital city, Reykjavík, followed by two nights exploring the vast countryside.

Set sail on one of our most popular departures for a 14-day exploration of the lush green islands of New Zealand, sometimes referred to as “God’s own country.”  Soak up the dramatic setting of Queenstown during a two-night stay, then cruise for nine nights all the way from Milford Sound to Auckland, avoiding internal flights. Board the intimate Caledonian Sky and explore New Zealand’s islands, fjords, and craggy coastline. Call at hidden gems that larger ships miss, including Steward Island and Rotura. 

Join us on a 14-day journey featuring a nine-night exclusively chartered cruise to Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Cruise aboard the intimate Le Boréal, one of the finest vessels in Antarctic waters. Experience “The White Continent” in its unspoiled state. Admire fantastically shaped icebergs, turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries and breaching whales.

Accompanied by the ship’s expert expedition team of naturalists, board sturdy Zodiac watercraft for excursions ashore and observe the playful antics of this region’s abundant wildlife.

Travel off the beaten path to East India, a location selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the “50 Trips of a Lifetime.” Immerse yourself in the cacophony of the city of Kolkata, the former seat of the British Raj and home to two Nobel laureates—Mother Teresa and Rabinranath Tagore.

Back by popular demand, experience an unforgettable exploration of Egypt’s inspiring history and ancient civilizations. Join Scott Bradbury, professor of classical languages and literature, on a 15-day small group journey accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide.

Journey into Southern Africa to explore the magnificence of four distinct nations: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Experience astonishing beauty, consummate adventure and outstanding accommodations in a small group of no more than 24 guests. The “City of Gold,” Johannesburg, is the starting point for an exceptional 18-day tour.

Join this exclusively chartered, seven-night journey as you revel in the beauty of France and gain a unique perspective on the country’s history, traveling from Paris to Honfleur. An evening illumination cruise is a prime way to see the City of Light, admiring its architecture and landmarks as you float under the graceful arches of charming bridges.

This fall join a small group of alumnae on a uniquely curated experience to an island paradise. A shining jewel set in a silver sea, the island of Mallorca lies in the Mediterranean, off the eastern coast of Spain.

Discover the intriguing mélange of cultures that flourished in the wake of ancient empires on this exclusively chartered cruise to the resplendent shores of Italy, Sicily and Malta. Cruise for seven nights from Rome to Valletta, Malta, aboard the newest five-star expedition ship, Le Bougainville, with only 92 suites and staterooms, each with a private balcony.

Experience life in Italy’s southern region of Apulia, where views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea vie with picture-perfect towns for your attention. Spend seven nights in seaside Polignano a Mare and venture out to discover the unique character of this region.

Unearth the grandeur of the ancient world on this 14-day journey combining prominent archaeological sites with the beauty and lore of the Aegean and its isles. The ancient world comes alive in Athens, Nafplio, Crete and Santorini as your small group celebrates the glory that was Greece—and still is today.

Over the course of many millennia, a succession of civilizations—from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to the Crusades and the Renaissance—swept across the Eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, leaving behind a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures. In a region well worth exploring for its natural beauty alone, you will visit spellbinding archaeological sites, impressive cathedrals, dramatic palaces and ancient city centers that illuminate the layered history of the Dalmatian Coast.

Join fellow alumnae as we explore the Galapagos Islands—one of the most biologically unique places on earth. Undiscovered by Europeans until the 16th century, the Galapagos Islands hold a central position in modern history as the birthplace of the theory of evolution. Designated the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands are home to a fascinating array of wildlife inhabiting an unspoiled ecosystem, living in harmony with their human visitors.

Discover the timeless pageantry and traditional folkways of Russia along the scenic rivers, lakes and canals that link St. Petersburg with Moscow. Cruise with fellow alumnae on this six-night voyage aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe, 90-passenger Volga Dream during this carefully crafted itinerary.