2012 Upcoming Trips
Alumni Campus Abroad: Cruise the Rhone River
from May 19, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Discover the treasures of magical Provence — a land of colorful sunflowers and fields of lavender, lush vineyards and charming towns, as you cruise along the storied Rhône River. Admire the magnificent Palace of the Popes in Avignon. Marvel at the remarkable Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Roman amphitheater in Arles. Immerse yourself in the viticulture of Châteauneuf du Pape, and meander along the picturesque streets of Viviers. See the regal Basilica atop Fourviere Hill in Lyon and explore the historic old quarter. Continue to the walled city of Pérouges, the elegant castle and peaceful gardens at Cormartin, and the stately abbey at Tournus. Sail to Beaune, famous for the dazzling works of art housed in its Hôtel-Dieu, before concluding in Lyon. Join us for a special program that combines the best of Provence with the finest in river cruising accommodations, creating an experience you will always remember.
Changing Tides of History: Cruising the Baltic Sea
from Jun 05, 2012 to Jun 17, 2012
Featuring Guest Speakers Mikhail Gorbachev and Lech Walesa. Experience the cultural rebirth of the Baltic States and the magnificent imperial riches of St. Petersburg. Cruise for 10 nights under the spectacular “White Nights of Summer” aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. Le Boreal, launched in 2010. By special arrangement, enjoy a rare opportunity to hear enriching speeches by former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Polish President Lech Walesa.
Cruising Alaska's Glaciers and the Inside Passage
from Jun 21, 2012 to Jun 28, 2012
Join this magnificent seven-night cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, through the pristine waters of the Inside Passage to Seward, Alaska, aboard the six-star, all-suite M.V. Silver Shadow—an intimate, 382-passenger ship in the premier Silversea fleet (voted the “World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line” in 2010 by Travel + Leisure and the Robb Report Reader’s Choice for “Favorite Cruise Line” in 2009.
Insider's Perspective on Berlin
from Jun 30, 2012 to Jul 07, 2012
Once separated into East and West, today Berlin is a marvel to behold. Explore Berlin’s cultural heritage, from palaces to parks, cathedrals to museums. See the symbolic Brandenburg Gate, the Pariser Platz, and the modern-style Federal Chancellery. Travel along the fashionable Unter den Linden and Kurfürstendamm boulevards. Visit the Reichstag for an insider’s look at Germany’s Parliament, and view classical antiquities at the Pergamon Museum.
Penn State's Newfoundland Wildlife Adventure
from Jul 01, 2012 to Jul 08, 2012
Enjoy the people and places of Newfoundland and experience the world’s largest gathering of humpback whales, a fabulous diversity of marine wildlife, and some of the planet’s most significant seabird reserves on this small group, exclusive Penn State departure. Observe and learn about seabirds, murres, puffins, eagles, gannets, razor-billed auks, moose, caribou, and other varied wildlife.
Penn State Family Escape to Barbados
from Jul 21, 2012 to Jul 28, 2012
Transform the standard family trip to the beach this summer, and create an international adventure by traveling with the Penn State Alumni Association to the sixth annual Penn State Family Escape. Relax poolside or take part in specially planned activities. Optional excursions are available each day just for Penn Staters, families, and friends. Bring the grandparents and the kids, come with a friend, or come alone—this fun-in-the-sun tradition is for Penn Staters of all ages.
High Tide in Pennsylvania: Civil War Comes to Gettysburg
Our tour is heading back to Gettysburg, but this time with a completely different perspective, new activities, and fresh leadership. Join us for three full days of instruction in the classroom and on the battlefield of the Civil War's bloodiest clash of arms, with more than 51,000 casualties. Recent terrain restoration efforts have made it possible to see the battlefield the way Generals Lee and Meade saw it during the intense fighting.
Paris & The Villages and Vineyards of France
from Sep 02, 2012 to Sep 12, 2012
Discover the bucolic countryside, picturesque vineyards, and charming towns of Champagne and Burgundy on a special program that combines the history and charm of these regions with the sophistication of the nation’s capital. Begin in Reims, once the coronation site of French kings and today a gateway to the idyllic landscape and renowned champagne houses in the area.
Discovering Eastern Europe
from Sep 15, 2012 to Oct 01, 2012
Depart on a special odyssey through Central Europe that visits five distinctly different nations—Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic—focusing on the past as well as the monumental events of the last century. Tour Warsaw’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the haunting concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau.
Grand Danube Passage & Byzantine Greece
from Sep 20, 2012 to Oct 05, 2012
Described by Napoleon as the “king of Europe’s rivers,” the Danube is steeped in beauty, legend, and lore. Discover its bustling metropolises, picturesque towns and breathtaking countryside on this exciting trip. Travel to Austria and visit the lovely town of Dürnstein. Stop in Melk to admire its magnificent Abbey.
Crossroads of the Classical Mediterranean
from Oct 18, 2012 to Oct 27, 2012
Cruise for eight nights from Istanbul, Turkey, to Nice, France, aboard the deluxe M.S. L’AUSTRAL. Transit the Corinth Canal, explore the treasures of Delphi and Olympia, Greece; Taormina and Palermo, Stromboli, the Amalfi Coast, Italy and Bonifacio, Corsica, France. Pre-Cruise Option in Istanbul or Istanbul/Cappadocia and Post-Cruise Option in Nice.
Alumni Campus Abroad: Tuscany
from Oct 31, 2012 to Nov 08, 2012
From the innovations of the Etruscans to the enlightenment of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a region steeped in history and human achievement. Let the charming village of Cortona be a base for discovery of the many treasures of this celebrated land. Journey to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti country, and admire the magnificent palaces and churches that grace its squares.
Six-day Getaway to Madrid
from Nov 07, 2012 to Nov 13, 2012
More than 48 million tourists visit Spain each year, making it one of the three most visited countries in the world! Travel to Spain and experience sun, superb food, great hospitality, and the country’s truly rich heritage. Monuments and sights remind visitors of the imprint from civilizations that once made Spain their home.
Family Friendly Tanzania Safari
from Dec 21, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012
This is the classic safari of the imagination—waking to the song of the morning dove and falling asleep to the distant roar of lions and low murmur of grazing wildebeest. Superb wildlife viewing throughout northern Tanzania culminates each day in a variety of accommodations.
New Year's Eve in London
from Dec 28, 2012 to Jan 02, 2013
Visit the magical city of London during the festive holiday season and celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. London has been called a “world in one city” with a melting pot of cultures and royal pomp and pageantry.
