Travel
Discover somewhere new or visit your favorite location with fellow Terps. As a member of the Alumni Association, you, your friends and your family have access to a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. With land, river, and cruise programs available the opportunities to explore the world are endless. Our excursions are packed with fun, fascinating experiences created by professional tour operators that provide superior service at an excellent value.
2022 Travel
Learn the meanings of Ketchikan's totem poles, and explore the wildlife-rich bays and inlets near Juneau by kayak or Zodiac raft. Explore the sights of Haines, where totem poles are sprinkled around a town with rich history and plentiful nature. Spy whales at Icy Strait Point and seek out mountain lakes and waterfalls in the old-growth rain forest near Sitka.
For more information, click here
This extraordinary 11-day “Grand Tour” of Europe combines river, rail, lake and mountain travel and features Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Cruise aboard the deluxe Amadeus Imperial along the Rhine River. Ride aboard three legendary railways—the Gornergrat Bahn, the Glacier Express and the Pilatus Railway. Amsterdam Post-Program Option.
Experience a rare performance of the extravagant Passion Play, staged once a decade for nearly four centuries in storybook Oberammergau. Enjoy a five-night deluxe cruise along the Danube River, spend two nights each in the Bavarian Alps and Munich, and visit four countries. Budapest Pre-Program and Berlin Post-Program Options offered.
Tour the maze of medieval ruins in Visby, paddle a kayak on the tranquil Minija River in Klaipėda, and see the UNESCO-listed buildings of Riga. Enjoy a nature reserve walk in Tallinn and spend two days in St. Petersburg, where you can tour the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. In Helsinki, take a scenic harbor cruise around charming bays and inlets.
For more information, click here
Explore Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and a city packed with extraordinary art and architecture. Then discover the Italian Riviera with its breathtaking coastal scenery and hike along paths through charming fishing villages of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, dip into the magic of Italy’s Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards crowned by castles and ancient abbeys.
For more information, click here
Explore Split’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, take a tuk-tuk ride around the Bay of Kotor, and snorkel in Chania. Sample vintage wine in Santorini and tour a 16th-century monastery in Mykonos. Visit the Acropolis in Athens, see the ruins of Ephesus, and make a stop at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
For more information, click here
Explore all five Great Lakes during this seven-night, exclusively chartered cruise aboard the Five-Star Le Dumont-d’Urville, visiting islands and towns rich in maritime history and natural splendor. Visit charming Mackinac Island, historic Sault Sainte Marie’s Soo Locks, revitalized Detroit and awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Milwaukee Pre-Program and Toronto Post-Program Options.
Immerse yourself in Japan’s authenticity and incredible history on this 10-night journey. Enjoy stays in Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa and Kyoto, and connect with Japan’s distinctive heritage, timeless landmarks and enriching traditions. See Mt. Fuji, visit a colorful geisha district, cruise Lake Ashi and much more!
For more information, click here
This seven-night voyage showcases the Iberian Peninsula’s coast between Lisbon and Barcelona and features Spain’s legendary Guadalquivir River. Cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star Le Champlain. Visit Portugal’s Algarve region, Spain’s Granada and Seville, the Rock of Gibraltar and the Balearic Island of Mallorca. Lisbon Pre-Program and Barcelona Post-Program Options.
Delight in the best of New Zealand on this 13-night adventure packed with dazzling natural beauty. Cruise through a pristine fiord, hike to a glacier, watch whales up close and see spectacular locations from the “The Lord of the Rings” movies. Experience Kiwi culture in Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch and the vineyard-lined valleys of the Marlborough wine region!
For more information, click here
Discover the beauty and sophistication of the French and Italian Rivieras on a 9-night journey with stays in Nice and Sestri Levante! Experience the best of these coveted destinations, from swanky Monte Carlo and medieval Èze to the colorful Cinque Terre and historic Genoa!
For more information, click here
Discover the incredible wildlife and wonders of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe on this 12-night journey! Visit Cape Town and Soweto, Victoria Falls and Robben Island, and search for exotic animals in Thornybush Nature Reserve, Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park. Plus, ride in elegance on a three-night Rovos Rail journey!
For more information, click here
Sip vintage wine in Tuscany and visit the childhood home of Napoleon in Ajaccio. Sample locally caught fish in Palma de Mallorca, visit Park Güell in Barcelona, and spend a day on the beach near Toulon.
For more information, click here
2023 Travel
Set off on an exhilarating, small-group adventure along the Nile River, plus explorations in Cairo, Luxor and Abu Simbel! This 10-night, active journey includes a deluxe, four-night cruise and an expert, licensed Egyptologist who will guide you through Egypt’s ancient wonders, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the Great Temple of Ramses II and much more!
For more information, click here.
Discover the incredible wildlife and wonders of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe! From colorful Cape Town to Victoria Falls, historic Soweto to Robben Island, every moment of this 12-night journey will inspire! See exotic animals in famous safari destinations: Thornybush Nature Reserve, Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park. Plus, enjoy three nights aboard the opulent Rovos Rail! This unmatched program includes a Rovos Rail journey, two flights within South Africa and an extensive meal plan!
For more information, click here.
Explore the idyllic islands, atolls and motus of French Polynesia on this uniquely designed nine-night voyage. Sail for seven nights aboard the Five-Star Wind Spirit, featuring just 74 Staterooms, all with an ocean view, and enjoy unmatched small-ship sailing. This itinerary includes Five-Star accommodations for two nights (air schedule permitting) in the InterContinental Tahiti in Pape’ete, round-trip air from Los Angeles,* all onboard gratuities, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the cruise, complimentary watersports and an exclusive excursion on each island. Mo’orea Post-Program Option.
For more information, click here.
*Included Air from Los Angeles is economy class, has limited availability and is not guaranteed.
Delight in Peru’s riches on this exciting, 10-night adventure! See Lima’s grand colonial-era buildings and explore the impressive culture of the Incas while visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Marvel at abundant wildlife on a three-night luxury cruise in the Amazon rain forest. This active, small-group journey includes deluxe and first-class hotels, round-trip air between Miami and Lima and two round-trip flights within Peru.
For more information, click here.
Blessed with an abundance of pristine beaches and the wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s wealth of natural riches creates unlimited opportunities for incredible experiences. Visiting the islands of San Cristobal and Isabela are an explorer’s dream with volcanoes, marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and giant tortoises – Ecuador is unrivalled in serving up South America’s best.
For more information, click here.
Glide along picturesque waterways in the Netherlands and Belgium on a seven-night, first-class river cruise and delight in the Old-World ambience of Amsterdam, Bruges and Antwerp. Revel in a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Vermeer paintings, the breathtaking tulips of Keukenhof Gardens and a choice of included cultural and culinary experiences! No single supplement!
For more information, click here.
Discover the bounty of Croatia on this incredible 10-night journey, including a seven-night Adriatic cruise! Begin with three nights in Zagreb; then visit the stunning Plitvice National Park. Aboard your first-class ship, sail along the Dalmatian coast to enchanting islands and timeless ports of call. Enjoy the beauty of Rab, Hvar and Korčula, and unravel history of Split, Zadar and Trogir. Wrap up your adventure in Dubrovnik, a marvelous medieval town. This program features an extensive meal plan! No single supplement!
For more information, click here.
Reward yourself for all your hard work with the ultimate escape. The Essential Europe grad trip offers 23 days of exploration, adventure, and insight into many of Europe’s most popular and stunning countries. This tour provides something for everyone, from mingling with locals on the London pub crawl, and seeking adventure parasailing in the Greek isles, to photographing the majesty of Il Duomo in Florence and dancing like Julie Andrews in the Austrian hills. The beauty of this journey is the balance of fun excursions, time at leisure and fascinating looks into history, architecture and breathtaking European landscapes. Unleash your inner adventurer, enjoy this well-rounded experience and make memories and new friends to last a lifetime.
For more information, click here.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Greece and Turkey. Marvel at the famed Library of Celsus and the Grand Theater in Ephesus. Spend time in Rhodes admiring the pristine beaches and unforgettable views. Sample vintage wine at a renowned winery in Santorini where the house-dotted cliffs are the perfect backdrop.
Join us for a unique, comprehensive, seven-night voyage to Norway’s majestic fjords and Scotland’s seldom-visited Orkney and Shetland Islands. Cruise from Bergen to Glasgow aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star small ship Le Dumont-d’Urville and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Norway/Copenhagen Pre-Program and Edinburgh/Glasgow Post-Program Options.
For more information, click here.
Encounter Portuguese traditions in Porto’s beautiful historic old town and cross the bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia for a tasting of the famous port wine. Go biking in the Douro Valley wine country and discover lush river valley vineyards that lie beneath the hilltop castles. Meander up one of Lisbon’s lofty hills to the Alfama neighborhood or take famous Tram 28 to discover the capital city’s tiny neighborhoods with baroque streets and dazzling statues. Venture south to the famed Algarve with its stunning coastline views for some beach time and watersports. Portugal is still a bargain, but a destination on the rise, and now is the time to go.
For more information, click here.
This extraordinary 11-day “Grand Tour” of Europe combines river, rail, lake and mountain travel and features Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Cruise aboard the deluxe Amadeus Imperial along the Rhine River. Ride aboard three legendary railways—the Gornergrat Bahn, the Glacier Express and the Pilatus Railway. Amsterdam Post-Program Option.
For more information, click here.
Join us for the old-world charm of Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Cruise Amsterdam's canals and take in the magical medieval history of Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities. See the storybook landscapes of the Rhine Gorge, explore Heidelberg Castle ruins, and sip wine among the crooked half-timbered homes in Strasbourg. The fun starts with an included 2-night pre-cruise program in Lucerne.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call Go Next at 800-842-9023.
We’re heading north! Together we are reliving old memories and creating new ones on a 12-night cruise from London to Copenhagen, July 2023. Explore secret tunnels, medieval quarters, and UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites. Go behind the scenes in some of the world’s most fascinating towns. Spend time in Sweden, Germany, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland!
For more information, click here.
Join this specially arranged, nine-day French sojourn in world-famous Provence and the Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions during the best time of year. Cruise from historical Lyon along the fabled Rhône and Saône Rivers aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe Amadeus Provence. Enjoy an excursion to Beaujolais for a private wine tasting and see a wealth of architecture during a walking tour of Old Lyon. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, the Roman amphitheater in Arles, the Roman city of Orange and the medieval papal palace of Avignon. Experience a specially arranged wine and chocolate tasting in Vienne. Geneva Pre-Program Option.
For more information, click here.
Experience Europe from a new vantage point on this unforgettable Grand Danube Passage! Visit eight countries, including stays in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Prague, Czech Republic, and a nine-night Danube cruise. Gain insight into each destination’s history, regional cuisine, soul-stirring landmarks and architecture, and personalize your cruise with a selection of included excursions! Enjoy first-class ship accommodations, deluxe hotels and a generous meal plan. No single supplement!
For more information, click here.
Discover the French and Italian Rivieras on an extraordinary nine-night journey! Stay in Nice and Sestri Levante, experiencing the best of these coveted destinations. Tour Nice, glamorous Monaco and swanky Monte Carlo. Take in the sights of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, medieval Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The adventure continues in Sestri Levante where you’ll explore Genoa, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and the colorful Cinque Terre! This small-group journey features first-class hotels and a generous meal plan. No single supplement!
For more information, click here.
From Barcelona to Rome––live your best life on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. Begin in beautiful Barcelona and set sail along the sunny Mediterranean. Sample paella in Valencia and visit the astonishing City of Arts and Sciences. See lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district of Alicante.
For more information, click here.
Join us on this 14-day journey to the cradle of civilization. Visit three continents, navigate the Red, Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, transit the Suez Canal and experience up to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tour historical Alexandria. Stand in the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Overnight in Luxor and visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb. Travel to Wadi Rum and tour the “rose-red city” of Petra. Enjoy one night in Aqaba and three nights in Amman to visit Jerash. Cruise for seven nights aboard the Five-Star, small ship Le Bougainville. Two-night Classical Greece Pre-Program and six-night The Holy Land Post-Program Options.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call Gohagan & Company at 1-800-922-3088.
Embrace the joyous Old-World holiday spirit in Germany and France on a seven-night, first-class Rhine River cruise! Explore enchanting, festive markets decked out for the holidays, stroll through charming medieval towns and personalize your journey with a choice of excursions, from wine tastings to culinary tours, in many ports. No single supplement!
For more information, click here.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY AND MEMBERSHIP
We invite you, your family and friends to participate in our travel program. To participate, one member of the group must be a current member of the University of Maryland Alumni Association.
Not a member? Join today!
Call 301.405.4678/800.336.8627 or click here for membership information and online registration.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The University of Maryland Alumni Association has made arrangements with the insurance provider, USI Travel Insurance Services, to offer protection for our travelers. Details will be sent with your confirmation letter. We strongly urge you to consider this or other travel insurance in addition to your own health insurance policy. The plan provides help with lost, delayed or damaged baggage and/or a medical problem that may suddenly arise, causing you to cancel your trip. Since most medical policies, including Medicare, do not provide full coverage for medical expenses incurred outside of the U.S., this plan provides important coverage for international travelers. Purchase travel insurance here.
For questions regarding USI Travel Insurance Services, travelers can email the Customer Care email inbox at customercare@travelinsure.com or call (800) 937-1387. When emailing, travelers should reference their departure date, their association with the University of Maryland Alumni Association, and their state of residence so returned calls will be during appropriate hours. Because of the high volume to the USI Call Center, returned call backs and emails may take up to 48-72 hours.
RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS
Reservations will be honored on a first-come, first served basis. A deposit indicated on the reservation form will hold your space. If the program of your choice is full when we receive your application, we will put your name on a waiting list and notify you in writing. We will call you if a space becomes available. If you choose to withdraw from the waiting list, please notify us by mail or phone, and your deposit will be returned.
TOUR COSTS
Dates, schedules, program details and costs are given in good faith but may be subject to change and revision. All trip prices are per person based upon double occupancy, current exchange rates and tariffs, a minimum number of participants and current airfare from your gateway city. Single occupancy is available on a limited basis for each program at a single supplement charge.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
To enjoy the alumni travel experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep pace with the group. Program participants requiring extraordinary help must be accompanied by an assistant who will provide all required aid.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Tour participants are subject to cancellation policies governing the particular trip in which they are enrolled. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations or other included features. For further information regarding the cancellation policy for a particular trip, please call Rosemary Ligsay at 301.405.0896/800.336.8627.