The National Alumni Association has made arrangements with Alumni Holidays and Gohagan Travel to coordinate the Association's 2009 tour program. By using these agencies, we can offer our alumni and friends tour options with a wide variety of places of interest, a range of tour costs, and a variety of time commitments.  

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Preview Dinner
August 7, 2009

Dates are tentative and subject to change

RIVER LIFE IN SAXONY ALONG THE ELBE RIVER
April 3 to 11, 2009
From approximately $2595 per person (plus airfare)

From the splendid castles of Prague and the captivating beauty of Bohemia to the medieval river towns of Saxony, immerse yourself in the incomparable treasures and the timeless traditions of the Elbe River on this fascinating journey to the Czech Republic and Germany. From Prague, home to some of the finest medieval architecture in Europe, cruise along the River Elbe aboard the deluxe M.V. FREDERIC CHOPIN through enchanting landscapes of hillside villages, clifftop castles and verdant woodlands. Tour the imposing medieval fortifications of Königstein Castle; marvel at the Baroque splendors of Dresden and walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther along the narrow streets of historic Wittenberg. Throughout the program, enjoy specially arranged educational presentations and cultural activities, including a private beer tasting, a demonstration of porcelain craftsmanship in Meissen and an exclusive VILLAGE FORUM with local residents to discuss life in this ancient region. We also invite you to further explore the riches of Prague on a special two-day Pre-Program Option, and to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Germany's cosmopolitan capital on the Berlin Post-Program Option.

CRUISING THE CANARY ISLANDS AND MADEIRA, MOROCCO, GIBRALTAR
April 7 to 15, 2009
From approximately $2795 per person (plus airfare)

Journey along sea routes once plied by Phoenician triremes and Roman galleys to the sun-washed Canary Islands, the verdant isle of Madeira, the fabled coast of Morocco and the fortress-like bastion of Gibraltar. Admire the Spanish-Colonial architecture and dramatic scenery of the islands of Tenerife and La Palma, formed millions of years ago through the activity of submarine volcanoes. On the verdant paradise of Madeira, taste the island's full-bodied, namesake wine and view the stunning cliffs of Cabo Girão. Discover the exotic allure of cosmopolitan Casablanca, stroll through the lanes of imperial Rabat and explore the storied British Crown Colony of Gibraltar, "Gateway to the Mediterranean." Throughout your voyage, travel aboard the exclusively chartered M.S. LE DIAMANT, a deluxe vessel that provides a memorable small ship experience. You may enhance your travel experience with an exclusive Madrid Pre-Program Option and a Post-Program Option featuring the Moorish monuments of Granada and Seville.


Treasures of Argentina & Chile
April 7-19, 2009
From approximately $4,695 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T. (if applicable), based on double occupancy.

Explore the majestic natural and architectural diversity in Argentina and Chile! Begin in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina, and visit the Teatro Colón, the Casa Rosada and the city's European-influenced barrios. From San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, travel along the beautiful shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Cruise breathtaking Andean lakes, passing thundering falls and spellbinding mountain scenery, to arrive in Puerto Varas, Chile. Discover the beauty of Ainsworth Bay and stand in awe of magnificent Brookes Glacier. Marvel at Pia Glacier and sail along the majestic Glacier Alley. Visit Cape Horn; Puerto Williams; and Ushuaia, the most important city in Tierra del Fuego. Don't miss this unique travel experience-a perfect blend of picturesque land and cityscapes, authentic South American cuisine and luxurious accommodations.

Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes
May 10-18, 2009
Approximately $2,795 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Literary luminaries in the 19th century heralded the idyllic treasures of Switzerland and Italy in praise-filled travelogues. Since then, not much has changed in this pristine part of Europe. Elegance reigns supreme in the hideaway village of St. Moritz where weathered wooden chalets bedecked with red geranium boxes stand in bright contrast to lushly turfed valleys and snow-capped peaks. Visit the picturesque Alpine village of Zuoz. Board the famous Bernina Express, the highest rail crossing of the Alps, and enjoy a spectacular scenic journey to Tirano, Italy. Sunshine dances on the turquoise waters of Lake Como and in its namesake village, renowned for fine silks. Cruise Lake Maggiore to the beautiful Borromean Islands and explore cosmopolitan Milan with its magnificent architecture. Come experience the timeless magic of mountain vistas and glacial lakes!

VILLAGE LIFE IN THE ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT
May 16 to 24, 2009
Approximately $2795 per person (plus airfare)

Savor la dolce vita - "the sweet life" - in Italy's legendary Lake District for one week while discovering the renowned art, magnificent architecture and storied history of a region whose beautiful and romantic alpine setting has inspired some of Western Civilization's greatest creative minds from Virgil to Hemingway. While spending seven nights in the lakeside village of Cernobbio in the charming Hotel Regina Olga, explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Lombardy and the Lake District through educational lectures, meetings with local citizens and specially arranged guided tours. From Lake Como, take a private cruise to the charming town of Bellagio; witness the stunning beauty of the Villa Balbianello; and walk through the world famous gardens of the Borromean Islands on legendary Lake Maggiore. In Milan, stroll through one of the world's most famous shopping districts and marvel at the genius of Leonardo da Vinci's magnificent Last Supper. You will also meet with local citizens at the exclusive VILLAGE FORUM and learn the secrets to preparing authentic Italian cuisine during a hands-on culinary class and meal at the Centro Studi Alberghiero Casnati cooking school.


Alaska Discovery
May 23-30, 2009

Approximately $4,095 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Alaska is a land of superlatives. Its mountains rival the Alps, its fjords surpass Norway's in their grandeur, its glaciers are outnumbered only by Greenland's and Antarctica's, and its marine life is boundless! After arrival in Canada's cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, explore southeast Alaska in a way the early pioneers could not even imagine-from the elegant environs of the Seven Seas Mariner. Cruise to Ketchikan, home of the world's largest collection of totem poles. Explore the length of Tracy Arm and see Sawyer Glacier. Visit Juneau, Alaska's picturesque capital city; the Yukon Gold Rush town of Skagway; and Sitka, where onion-domed churches recall its quaint Russian heritage. Marvel at the electric-blue expanse of Hubbard Glacier before concluding in Seward. The legendary coastal beauty of Alaska awaits your discovery on a fantastic journey along America's Last Frontier.

VILLAGE LIFE IN ENGLAND'S COTSWOLDS
May 24 to June 1, 2009
Approximately $2795 per person plus airfare

Time has passed with an unusually gentle hand over the rolling hills and small villages of England's Cotswolds, a delightful region of lush pastoral landscapes, medieval castles and deep-rooted cultural traditions. On this exclusive sojourn, immerse yourself in the heart of the English countryside and discover this region's enchanting natural beauty and priceless historic treasures. Stroll across the fabled quads of Oxford, marvel at the grandeur of Gloucester Cathedral, and experience the traditions of villages like Broadway and Chipping Camden where life has remained little changed for centuries. Take a special private "behind-the-scenes" tour of Sir Winston Churchill's birthplace at Blenheim Palace hosted by Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill. Throughout your stay, enjoy charming accommodations at the Queen's Hotel, a splendid 150 year-old example of Regency style architecture situated amidst immaculately groomed gardens of Cheltenham. Also, to further enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the Cotswolds region, this carefully planned itinerary features a full program of lectures and presentations about regional art, history and culture and a specially arranged VILLAGE FORUM with local residents.

THE GREAT JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE
June 7 to 17, 2009
From approximately $3195 per person (plus airfare)

Explore the cultural and scenic treasures of the heart of Europe on this unique cruise and rail itinerary tracing the Rhine River from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea. Begin your "grand tour" in Switzerland, with two nights in a deluxe hotel in the beautiful lakeside town of Lucerne and two nights in the classic alpine resort of Zermatt, nestled beneath the craggy profile of the Matterhorn. During your stay in Switzerland, you will experience the soaring majesty of the Alps on three of Europe's most spectacular rail journeys-the Mt. Pilatus Railway, the Glacier Express and the Gornergrat Bahn. Travel overland to Basel and board the deluxe M.S. AMADEUS PRINCESS for a five-night voyage down the Rhine River through France, Germany and Holland to Amsterdam, passing Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, terraced vineyards, rustic villages of half-timbered houses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. A special Amsterdam Post-Program Option is also offered.

Amalfi ~ The Divine Coast
June 17-25, 2009
Approximately $2,795 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Delight in the scenic grandeur of the Amalfi Coast, with its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape. Nicknamed The Divine Coast, the serpentine Amalfi Drive winds around towering cliffs and sandy coves, past charming villages, brightly colored villas and cascading flower gardens. During your stay in the seaside resort of Amalfi, venture out to see the town of Ravello with its spectacular 13th-century Villa Rufolo and the dramatic cliffs of Positano, Italy's most vertical town. Explore the cliff-top village of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Discover an epoch suspended in time at the fabled ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. See the Temples of Hera and Athena at Paestum, and immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty and classical antiquity of Capri, the Isle of Dreams.


Bohemia
June 23-July 1, 2009
Approximately $2,395 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a country of storied history, rich nature and diverse culture. It is a land of contrasts, from the lively streets of Prague to peaceful villages dotting verdant countryside, from stunning works of architecture to the majesty of magnificent mountain ranges. Discover the many highlights of its famed Bohemian region on this exciting travel adventure that encompasses historic towns, stunning capitals and impressive castles. Begin your journey in Cesky Krumlov, a town known for its dazzling architecture. Marvel at the charming village of Holasovice and the 13th-century Jindrichuv Hradec, one of the largest castle complexes in the Czech Republic. Experience the pageantry of Prague and admire the fashionable spa town of Karlovy Vary. Discover this land where old and new meet in a union that always delights.

Cruise the Legendary Rhine River
August 8-16, 2009
From approximately $2,395 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

For over 2,000 years the Legendary Rhine has been Europe's leading waterway. Discover why this scenic pathway has inspired artists and literary luminaries on a magical seven-night journey from Beethoven's birthplace in Bonn to the quaint village of Breisach. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the mythical Loreley, visit Gutenberg's city of Mainz and discover the history of Worms. Marvel at the beauty of the Student Prince's Heidelberg and the grandeur of one of the largest medieval churches in Europe at Speyer. Walk along the streets of global Strasbourg, admire the beautiful French region of the Alsace and travel through the fabled Black Forest. Experience the unrivaled scenery, magnificent architecture and epic history of one of Europe's loveliest regions on this exciting adventure.

Lucca
August 25-September 2, 2009
Approximately $2,495 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Discover the history and allure of the celebrated Tuscan region on this unforgettable journey. Charming Lucca, set in a valley and surrounded by hills, is imprinted with Ligurian, Etruscan and Roman history. Walk atop the 16th-century walls and admire its ancient buildings. See the famed Leaning Tower and Piazza del Duomo in Pisa. Spend a full day discovering the priceless art, stately palaces and gorgeous churches in the Renaissance capital of Florence. Discover the artistic heritage of Carrara. Walk along beautiful beaches in the coastal town of Viareggio. Whether this is your first visit or a return trip, Tuscany is always sure to amaze!

Cruise the Black Sea
September 1-14, 2009
From approximately $5,695 per person, plus airfare and taxes, based on double occupancy. Special airfare add-ons are available from most major cities throughout the United States and Canada.

The shores of the Black Sea have given rise to captivating cities that have played pivotal roles in the emergence of Western civilization. Board the Six-Star Crystal Serenity and discover the lands of Cossacks and crusaders, gods and goddesses, minarets and mythical beasts. Our journey begins in Venice and spans ancient seas to Katákolon, the gateway to the magnificent ruins of Olympia, and the idyllic island of Mykonos. Explore the Romanian port of Constanta and the Ukraine's historic Odessa and Yalta on the Crimean Peninsula. Admire the beautiful natural harbor in Sinop and delight in the grandeur of one of the world's most magnificent monuments-the magnificent Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Every day unfolds in a series of breathtaking panoramas on this idyllic route through volcanic cliffs, sandy beaches and verdant hills of cypress.

ANCIENT WONDERS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
September 11 to 21, 2009
From approximately $3995 per person (plus airfare)

Join us on a grand journey to the heart of the Mediterranean and experience the grand colosseums, spectacular temples and rich cultures of the Classical World on this 11-day voyage accompanied by a special guest editor from Bon Appétit magazine. Sail aboard the deluxe, exclusively chartered M.S. LE DIAMANT along the stunning coasts of the French and Italian Riviera and marvel at Michelangelo's David in Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance." Walk in the footsteps of caesars and centurions along the streets of ancient Rome, Pompeii and Ephesus and travel in the wake of Roman galleys, medieval mariners and the sleek triremes of Phoenician sea traders to Sicily, Delphi and the coast of Turkey, where classical temples, medieval cathedrals and great cities stand as eloquent testimonials to the passage of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Ottomans. Throughout the program, learn more about the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean during unique lectures, demonstrations and optional excursions to restaurants, markets and tastings across the region.


Budapest, Vienna & Prague Discovery
September 17-27, 2009
Approximately $2,995 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Explore three charming European capitals on this flexible program that combines expertly guided city tours with the opportunity for independent activity. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, the Paris of the East. Marvel at its gothic Parliament Building, Opera House and Heroes' Square. Visit Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic, before arriving in cultural Vienna, Austria, where the Ringstrasse, Burgtheater and Hofburg Palace await. Conclude your adventure in cosmopolitan Prague, Czech Republic, the City of One Hundred Spires. Admire the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock. Optional excursions include the Puszta, or Great Plain, outside Budapest, Melk and Dürnstein in Austria's Wachau Valley, and Prague Castle.

ISLAND LIFE IN ANCIENT GREECE
September 20 to 28, 2009
From approximately $2995 per person

Join us on this distinctive voyage across the Aegean Sea to Turkey's historic coast and the Greek Isles and experience a region steeped in fascinating history, stunning beauty and deep-rooted cultures. Sail in the wake of Achilles, Odysseus and Agamemnon to legendary Troy aboard the exclusively chartered M.S. Le Diamant, one of the finest ships to cruise the eastern Mediterranean, and stroll through the ruins of Ephesus, the most intact Greco-Roman city in the world. Explore Greece's most fabled islands, including Santorini, renowned for its pristine beaches and Delos, mythical birthplace of deities. Gain unique insight into life in the Aegean during an exclusively arranged VILLAGE FORUM with local residents, and enhance your understanding of the region's history and cultures through educational lectures and a comprehensive series of excursions. We also invite you to join a two-night Pre-Program Option in mystical Istanbul, crossroads of East and West, and/or a two-night Post-Program Option in the ancient Greek capital of Athens.

China and the Yangtze River Discovery
September 23-October 5, 2009
Approximately $2,695 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

No longer the "sleeping giant" described by Napoleon, China continues to hold its rightful place as one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Discover its finest cities, exotic countryside and storied history on this unique travel opportunity that showcases the many treasures of a fascinating land at an exceptional value. In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Admire breathtaking panoramas from the Great Wall. Discover Xi'an, home to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. Board the M.V. Yangtze President and sail through the magnificent Three Gorges region. Finally, arrive in Shanghai and experience the Bund, the prestigious Shanghai Museum, the serene Yu Garden, and an exciting acrobat show.


CULTURAL CAPITALS OF RUSSIA
November 7 to 16, 2009
From approximately $2995 per person (plus airfare)

Encounter the timeless pageant of Russian history and culture, while combining the imperial splendor of Moscow and St. Petersburg with luxury rail travel through the Russian countryside aboard the first-class Grand Express Train. Marvel at Moscow's czarist grandeur including Red Square, the dazzling onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and the spires of the fabled Kremlin. Explore the unrivaled artistic and architectural treasures of St. Petersburg during specially arranged visits to the world-renowned Hermitage Museum and Catherine's Palace, with its recently restored Amber Room. Gain unique insight into Cold War espionage while meeting a former KGB agent and learn about Russia's rich spiritual heritage during an exclusive discussion with a high-ranking member of the Russian Orthodox Church. Throughout your journey, enjoy the finest accommodations available in Moscow and St. Petersburg at deluxe hotels in the heart of each city, and aboard the Grand Express Train, the finest passenger train in Russia.



 

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2009 Tour Program



River Life in Saxony along the Elbe River (4/3 - 4/11)

Cruising the Canary Islands (4/7 - 4/15)

Treasures of Argentina and Chile (4/7 -4/19)

Alumni Campus Abroad in the Swiss Alps & the Italian Lakes (5/10 - 5/18)

Village Life in the Italian Lake District (5/16 - 5/24)

Village Life in England's Cotswolds (5/24 - 6/1)

Alaska Discovery (6/3 - 6/10)

The Great Journey through Europe (6/7 - 6/17)

Alumni Campus Abroad in Amalfi (6/17 - 6/25)

Alumni Campus Abroad in Bohemia (6/23 - 7/1)

Cruise the Legendary Rhine River (8/8 - 8/16)

Alumni Campus Abroad in Lucca (8/25 - 9/2)

Cruise the Black Sea (9/1 - 9/14)

Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean (9/11 - 9/21)

Budapest/ Vienna/ Prague Discovery (9/17 - 9/27)

Island Life in Ancient Greece (9/20 - 9/28)

China & the Yangtze River (9/23 - 10/5)

Cultural Capitals of Russia (11/7 - 11/16)

DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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For more information on the National Alumni Association Tour Program contact:

Pam Lyons
P.O. Box 861928
Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0017
E-mail: plyons@alumni.ua.edu
Phone: (205) 348-5964
Fax: (205) 348-1737

Alumni Fund

National Alumni Association