Travel for 2008
Galapagos Family Trip
August 22 – 31
The Galápagos Islands, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are the natural habitat for some of the world’s most unusual animals. The archipelago is one of the world’s great remaining natural areas, full of wonder, beauty, and unusual wildlife. This remarkable journey brings you face-to-face with this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary.More...
France's Loire Valley
September 12 – 20
Discover the glory of the golden age of the French monarchy on this unique gourmet journey through the Loire Valley. Explore the scenic treasures of France’s “playground of kings” as you follow in the footsteps of the Renaissance King Francis I. More...
London & Stratford-upon-Avon
October 19 – 25
Travel to cosmopolitan London and historic Stratford-upon-Avon for backstage insight into theater. This program offers exceptional access to the best the world of theater has to offer. You will attend choice performances at four important venues: the Old Vic, the National, a West End theater, and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) Courtyard Theatre. More...
The New Face of Spain: La Rioja Wine Region and the Basque Region
October 19 – 26
Join AAVC and Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies Eva Woods as we tour the La Rioja Wine Region and the Basque country of Spain. Our home base for six nights will be the elegant four-star Hotel Carlton, located in the center of the lovely city of Bilbao. More...
Around the World
November 22 – December 16
For centuries, explorers and scientists, artists and adventurers have traveled to the far reaches of the world, uncovering hidden treasures, seeking lost civilizations, and chronicling the Earth’s infinite array of plant and animal life. Travel in the comfort, safety, and convenience of a private Boeing 757 jet and discover the wonder and beauty of the world’s remote corners and the timeless landscapes that have shaped human experience. More...
Tanzania – Family Safari
December 22 – January 3
In Tanzania, the landscapes are as diverse as the wildlife, from vast open plains to lush highlands to colorful, bustling villages. This trip is ideal for all ages and for all with a spirit of adventure! Your journey will begin in the great Serengeti and will continue deep into the wilds of Africa, where the multitude and diversity of species is unrivaled. More...
Travel for 2009
Australia & New Zealand
January 25 - February 7
A fascinating adventure Down Under. Explore the peaks of the Southern Alps, nightlife in Sydney, and the underwater jewels of the Great Barrier Reef.
Immerse yourself in the remote beauty of New Zealand — famous for its magnificent landscapes, scenic windswept shores, and warm Kiwi hospitality. Cruise on an old-fashioned coal-powered steamer on Lake Wakatipu, see the mountainous fjords of Milford Sound, and revel in the classic English charm of the delightful city of Christchurch. More...
Costa Rica: On the Wind Star
January 28 - February 7
Renowned for its preservation of natural habitat and wildlife diversity, Costa Rica makes the natural environment easily accessible. This program features a visit to the highland rainforests in the center of the country, coupled with a cruise along the Pacific coast.
The trip offers a wide range of ports of call, experienced in a leisurely and comfortable style.. More...
Panama Walking Trip
February 14 - 21
Panama is a marvel — a country of relatively small size but with a wealth of natural assets. It boasts a stunning landscape and vibrant wildlife, as well as a rich cultural heritage.
Your first stop will be to explore the town of Gamboa and the Soberania National Park. More...
Egypt & Jordan
February 28 - March 11
Experience the ancient and modern worlds of Egypt and Jordan.
Begin with four nights in intriguing Cairo, where highlights include the Great Pyramid complex at Giza and one of the decorated tombs at Sakkara. More...
Silk Road - Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan
March 10 - 23
Travel the heart of the Central Asian Silk Road — the countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
You begin your journey in the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan, re-living ancient songs and admiring Small Almaty Gorge, where the world-famous Medeo Sports Complex is located. More...
Tuscany
April 13 - 20
The string of five villages, known as Cinque Terre, are perched along the mountainous coast considered once of Italy’s most beautiful scenic corners.
The city of Lucca lies on the Tuscan plain just miles from the Mediterranean, ensconced in its remarkable Renaissance walls. More...
Waterways of Holland & Belgium
April 24 - May 2
Celebrate the spirit and beauty of springtime in the Low Countries on this spectacular journey along the waterways of Holland and Belgium.
Your seven-night round-trip cruise begins in Amsterdam, with ports of call at Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, and Gouda. More...
China, Tibet & the Yangtze River
May 6 - 24
From sacred temples to Giant Pandas, China offers the traveler a variety of experiences.
Your journey begins in Beijing, China’s modern-day capital. Experience its legendary attractions: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and, of course, the Great Wall. More...
France
June 20 - 28
The French southwest around Bordeaux and the Dordogne provides a glimpse of an unvarnished, rustic France — from the robust red wines of Bordeaux to the oysters of Arcachon to the goat cheeses of Rocamadour, France’s southwest has conquered many a spirit.
Two Vassar professors helped to design this tour to explore the concept of terroir — the relationship between the geology and soil of a food product’s origin and the flavors and smells that product contains. More...
Peru Family Trip
July 2 - 9
Five hundred years ago, Peru lay at the heart of a vast empire that stretched over 400,000 square miles from northwest Argentina to southern Columbia.
A legendary kingdom, this Land of the Inca came to an end with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. More...
Norway
July 16 - 30
Journey to Scandinavia for an unforgettable 1,250-mile voyage along Norway’s majestic coastline.
From the Finnish capital, Helsinki, head north to unspoiled Lapland. Encounter the Sami people of the village of Ivalo, where you’ll enjoy a home-hosted dinner at a reindeer farm. More...
Great Lakes Voyage
August 1 - 8
Nearly 15,000 years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us with this magnificent chain of freshwater lakes along the U.S.-Canadian border, one of the wonders of the natural world.
Sometimes called inland seas, the lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior) contain roughly one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water. Once some of the busiest commercial waterways in the world, the Great Lakes offer the modern-day adventurer both natural beauty and charming, old-fashioned towns and villages. More...
Dalmatian Coast
September 23 - 30
Explore the cultural and natural treasures of Venice and Croatia’s island-dotted coast line.
Spend a full day experiencing the unrivaled cultural and artistic treasures of Venice, the romantic port city that once ruled the Adriatic Sea. You will visit Piazza San Marco and the Doges’ Palace. More...
Greece
October 16 - 25
Enjoy the sun and sea while exploring this country’s thousands of years of fascinating history.
On your visit to glorious Greece, you’ll see where theater was born, stand where Paul preached to the Corinthians, walk under the legendary Lion Gate, and sail Homer’s “wine-dark sea.” More...
Guatemala Volunteer Trip
October 31 - November 14
As a volunteer in bustling Guatemala City, you will experience first-hand one of the world’s most diverse and historically rich nations
The population includes Ladinos, or people of Spanish heritage, Mayans, and Mestizos, people who are a mix of both Ladino and Mayan. Guatemala City is the economic, governmental and cultural capital of Guatemala. More...