Traveling COWBOYS OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY® ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2018 DESTINATION CATALOG
Dear Alumni and Friends, Greetings from the OSU Alumni Association. We are excited to send you the inaugural Traveling Cowboys catalog, highlighting all our tour selections for 2018. We hope you will take advantage of some of our amazing travel opportunities in the coming year. Our travel program is open to all OSU alumni and friends and designed to promote educational and cultural experiences while offering the unique aspect of traveling with fellow Cowboys and reconnecting to your alma mater. Enjoy a worry-free experience as our staff and travel partners take care of all your travel arrangements so you can explore and relax. Tour directors, expedition leaders and hosts will ensure you get the most from your travel dollar. Exotic locales are made more familiar by local guides, prearranged for your convenience. When you travel with the Traveling Cowboys, a portion of your tour price will come back to the OSU Alumni Association, to help fund scholarships and programming. Within this catalog, you will find carefully selected destinations both international and domestic. Tour offerings include an Amazon cruise, the fjords of Norway, a polar bear and beluga whale expedition to Canada, Panama Canal cruise and the always-popular European ports of call along with our sought-after riverboat cruise aboard the American Queen steamboat from Nashville to Memphis. We’ve included 21 travel packages with something to appeal to everyone. We partner with top-rated tour companies to offer superior quality of services, amenities and accommodations. Please be aware in this ever-changing travel climate, all prices, itineraries, dates and departures are subject to change. If you have traveled with us before, you will automatically receive a brochure for each trip in this catalog. If you haven’t previously traveled with us, all tour information and brochures are available on our website, ORANGECONNECTION.org/travel. To request a specific brochure, click on the ‘More Information’ text on the webpage. We appreciate your support for our Traveling Cowboys program and the OSU Alumni Association. Go Pokes!
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Chris Batchelder BS ‘95 - Life Member President and CEO
Joy Fieldsend Life Member Engagement & Travel Specialist
2018 TRAVEL PROVIDERS/PARTNERS
GO NEXT 800.842.9023 gonext.com
AHI TRAVEL 800.323.7373 OKSt.ahitravel.com
GOHAGAN 1.800.922.3088 orbridge.com
ORBRIDGE 866.639.0079 orbridge.com
AESU WORLD TRAVEL 800.638.7640 alumniworldtravel.com/okstate
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LEGENDS OF THE NILE AHI
• JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 3, 2018
Experience Egypt’s many wonders on a nine-night, small-group journey, featuring a deluxe Nile cruise and luxurious accommodations in Cairo and Luxor. Visit the Great Pyramid in Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and more. Fly to see Luxor and Abu Simbel’s temples and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Unlock the ancient Egyptian mysteries with the expert services of a licensed Egyptologist and a travel director throughout. Estimated starting price: $4,795 pp
SPARKLING SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE GO NEXT
• FEBRUARY 3 - 13, 2018
Embark on your cruise in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, in the tropical paradise of Tahiti. The island’s volcanic peaks overlook lush rainforest, black-sand beaches and shimmering waterfalls. Continue to Mooréa, with its lush mountains, then to the gorgeous island of Fakarava, home to extremely rare birds. Marine life is abundant in Rangiroa’s expansive lagoon and in Bora-Bora’s sparkling turquoise waters. Raiatea is dotted with vanilla plantations and is rich with fascinating history and mythology, while serene Huahine, the last stop before your return to Papeete, has beautiful white-sand beaches. Estimated starting price: $4,299 pp, airfare included
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RADIANT RHYTHMS CRUISE - BRAZIL GO NEXT
• MARCH 20 - APRIL 2, 2018
Begin your South American luxury cruise with an overnight in Buenos Aires, the capital city, boasting superb cuisine and chic boutiques. Set sail for Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, a major port with a comfortable small-town feel. Take in Punta del Este’s expansive stretches of sparkling waterfront, Rio Grande’s ancient architecture and Porto Belo’s pristine beaches. Sao Paulo is known for its cuisine, music and shopping; while the following port of Paraty has preserved colonial architecture and vehicle-free cobblestone streets. Continue to Ilha Grande, a protected ecological area that is only traversed by foot, bike or boat; and then explore Buzios’ unique and gorgeous beaches before the last stop in Rio de Janeiro, a city with a captivating coastline. Estimated starting price: $3,499 pp, airfare included
GATEWAY TO SUNSHINE CRUISE GO NEXT
• APRIL 6 - 22, 2018
The sunny scenery of Central America awaits you after you embark the luxurious Marina in iconic Los Angeles. Explore the famous San Diego Zoo; the unique desert coastline of Cabo San Lucas; and the glamorous resort town of Acapulco, a magnet for celebrities from Elvis Presley to Elizabeth Taylor. Admire Puerto Quetzal’s astounding volcanoes, the awe-inspiring rainforest canopies of San Juan del Sur, and the rare virgin tropical dry forest of Puntarenas; before traversing the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Dive into Spanish Naval history in Cartagena; scan the clear turquoise waters of George Town for the rare green sea turtle is bred on its palm-fringed shores. Estimated starting price: $4,299 pp, airfare included
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DUTCH WATERWAYS RIVERBOAT CRUISE GOHAGAN
• APRIL 18 - 26, 2018
Celebrate the beauty of Holland and old-world Flanders in springtime, the best time of year to visit, when the vibrant, picturesque Dutch tulip fields are in bloom. Join us for this nine-day program cruising the Dutch waterways aboard the exclusively chartered, small river M.S. Amadeus Brilliant. Meet local residents during the exclusive River Life Forum® for a personal perspective of daily life and cultural heritage in the Low Countries. Enjoy a private cruise along the enchanting canals of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This itinerary is an exceptional value and is continually praised by our past travelers as the ideal Dutch and Flemish experience. Estimated starting price: $2,995 pp
EUROPEAN SERENADE CRUISE GO NEXT
• MAY 16 - 25, 2018
Ancient architecture, colorful villages and Mediterranean beauty await on your voyage around Italy and Greece. Embark on a luxury cruise aboard the Riviera in Rome. Relax upon arrival at the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast filled with lemon groves, quaint fishing communities and ancient religious monuments. At the foot of Mount Etna lies Catania, home to a vibrant, cultural scene. Depart to Argostoli, Greece which houses the ruins of St. George Castle as well as Koutavos Lagoon - a feeding ground for Loggerhead turtles. Explore the medieval history of the Adriatic Sea in Kotor; breathe in the magnificence of Diocletian’s Palace in Split; and learn about Hippocrates, “Father of Modern Medicine,” in his birthplace, Kos. Your time comes to a fitting conclusion in Venice, a mysterious and romantic city.
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Estimated starting price: $2,799 pp, airfare included
CLASSIC EUROPE (GRADUATION TRIP) AESU
• MAY 17 - 28, 2018
Send your graduates on the trip of a lifetime! This experience is exclusively for recent college graduates and is a great way to celebrate graduation. Explore the royal pageantry of London and high-style of Paris to the famous fountains and ruins of Rome. Take in Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Soak in The Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay and Musee Rodin as well as beautiful Versailles. Walk the same streets as Caesar and the gladiators. Discover ancient Pompeii and the archeological treasures of fabled Athens. Soak up the sunshine on the glamourous French Riviera and picturesque Greek Islands. This grand tour ends in Athens where the Acropolis is one of the world’s most breathtaking ancient ruins. Let your adventure begin! Estimated starting price: $2,845 pp Excellent graduation gift!
GEMS OF THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE GO NEXT
• MAY 14 - 24, 2018
The Danube River has shaped not only the beautiful European landscape, but also the histories of the diverse regions it flows through. Stretching for hundreds of miles, the river links countries, cultures, people, and age-old traditions. From fairy-tale landscapes dotted with castles to grand hilltop cities and charming rural villages, a treasure lies beyond each horizon. Embark on an all-inclusive, credit card-free luxury river cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Scenic Jewel. With a meticulously planned itinerary, unforgettable shore excursions, and all onboard drinks and dining included, there is no better way to experience the Danube River region and immerse yourself in the history and culture that lines its banks. Estimated starting price: $4,749 pp
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ISLE OF ENCHANTMENT GO NEXT • JUNE 7 - 18, 2018
Experience the diverse history of the British Isles on your voyage through the United Kingdom and beyond. Embark the luxurious Nautica in London to depart for Newcastle, a cultural hub adorned with timeless Victorian structures. Arrive in Edinburgh, where you’ll find this dignified capital’s finest details in the intimate squares and maze-like alleyways of medieval Old Town; and explore fascinating Viking history at the Manx Museum in Douglas. In Belfast, birthplace of the Titanic, you’ll discover an industrial city polished into a sleek Northern Irish destination; before indulging in the cultural feast that is Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. From the beaches to The Beatles, Liverpool delights with modern attractions and classic British heritage. Hike the Welsh countryside in Holyhead before disembarking the Nautica in Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital. Estimated starting price: $4,799 pp, airfare included
NATIONAL PARKS & LODGES OF THE OLD WEST ORBRIDGE
• JUNE 21 - 30, 2018
Inspiration, a connection to the past and nature’s beauty are the gifts of this 10-day American expedition. Trace the historic paths and natural splendors of the Old West with an expert Orbridge expedition leader, and see and learn about the storied sights and monuments of Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Spearfish Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Witness bison herds, savor a chuck wagon cook-out, see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, visit a wooly mammoth dig site, and, at the volcanically active caldera of Yellowstone, see otherworldly geothermal sites. Wonderfully atmospheric hotels and lodges are a highlight of this program, including landmark lodging. Join us and experience the best of the West!
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Estimated starting price: $3,995 pp
VISTAS & GLACIERS ALASKA BIG 12 CRUISE GO NEXT
• JULY 13 - 23, 2018
Explore the astounding glaciers, native traditions and awe-inspiring scenery on this cruise up and down the Alaskan and Canadian Pacific coast. Embark on the Regatta in Seattle, Washington’s waterfront city and home of the famed Space Needle. Cruise Alaska’s more sheltered Inside Passage, a stunning waterway edged by verdant forests, mountains and glaciers; dotted with countless islands. You’ll stop in Ketchikan, once proclaimed the Salmon Capital of the World, on your way to Alaska’s capital city, Juneau. From authentic totems to upscale shopping, Juneau is a picturesque blend of the historical and contemporary. Catch sight of the beautiful Alaskan wildlife - from brown bears to bald eagles - along America’s longest fjord in Haines. Stand in awe of the massive Hubbard Glacier before immersing yourself in native Tlingit culture in Hoonah and the multicultural hub of Sitka. Finally, cruise the open blue waters of the Outside Passage to Victoria, western Canada’s oldest city. Estimated starting price: $3,949 pp, airfare included
HOST: “Voice of the Cowboys” Larry Reece Larry Reece is the senior associate athletic director of development for OSU Athletics. Originally from Miami, Okla., Larry attended OSU and was named the 1993 Outstanding Graduate of the School of Journalism and Broadcasting. He has served in a number of roles in and around OSU Athletics. In the early 1990’s, he worked as account executive and general manager for KSPI AM & FM Â – the home of the OSU Cowboys and Cowgirls since 1947. Larry left KSPI in 1998 to become director of corporate relations for OSU Athletics at the request of then OSU Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips. In 2000, Larry joined Cowboy Sports Properties, a division of Learfield Sports, where he oversaw corporate advertising and sponsorships, and the 31 station Cowboy Sports Radio Network. In 2004, he accepted his current role in fundraising for OSU Athletics and served on the “Next Level” Stadium Campaign Team, which raised over $100M for Boone Pickens Stadium. He was the first student to call OSU games in 1990 and has since served as public address announcer for all OSU Football and Basketball games. Larry has helped coin OSU phrases such as “Here Comes Bullet,” “They call him Big Country” and “Welcome to Gallagher-Iba Arena...the rowdiest arena in the country”. He is the author of “The ABC’s of College Sports: The OSU Cowboys”. Larry, his wife, Jimi, and daughter Lauren (an OSU freshman) proudly reside in Stillwater, Okla.
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NORDIC MAGNIFICENCE AHI
• JUNE 24 - JULY 4, 2018
Delve into vibrant Viking heritage and the rich cultures of Denmark and Norway on this nine-night journey with stays in Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen, plus a one-night cruise. In Copenhagen, visit the Old Town and Rosenborg Castle. On an overnight cruise to Oslo, take in dramatic views of the Norwegian coast. In Oslo, see ancient Viking ships and explore the Vikings’ seafaring lifestyle. Take in the spectacular scenery on Europe’s highest-altitude train line to the historic town of Bergen. Take a ride on one of the world’s steepest train rides from the top of a mountain through the most scenic region of Norway, to the shores of the majestic Songefjord. Join a small group of curious travelers on this engaging journey. Estimated starting price: $3,995 pp
BREATHTAKING BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE GO NEXT • JULY 16 - 24, 2018
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, which together have shaped the scenery and culture of the Bordeaux region of France. In addition to the world-class wines made possible by Bordeaux’s perfect combination of climate and soil, the region has built a rich tapestry of culture and tradition from Gothic churches to opulent châteaus and medieval villages, all thanks to these magnificent waterways. Embark on an all-inclusive, credit-card free, luxury river cruise aboard the state-ofthe-art Scenic Diamond. With a meticulously planned itinerary, unique and unforgettable shore excursions, and all onboard drinks and dining included, there is no better way to experience the Bordeaux region and immerse yourself in the history and culture that lie inside. Estimated starting price: $3,899 pp
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POLAR BEARS & BELUGA WHALES (CANADA) ORBRIDGE
• AUGUST 8 - 14, 2018
Head north and discover the beauty and wildness of Churchill, Manitoba. Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” this small town sits on the banks of the Hudson Bay and is famous for these majestic animals, who spend summer and fall on the local shores before returning to the pack ice when it forms in early winter. In summer they share the area with more than 60,000 beluga whales and a wide variety of other wildlife. Come and see this annual exhibition that can only be found here in the Canadian north, and meet the local people who call it home. Pioneering spirits and welcoming smiles are waiting for you. Estimated starting price: $4,990 pp
MAJESTIC GREAT LAKES CRUISE GO NEXT
• AUGUST 14 - 23, 2018
Explore the fertile wilderness, rocky shores and pristine islands of North America as you sail the Great Lakes aboard the 202-guest M/V Victory I. Embarking in the cultural hub of Chicago, you’ll leave the Windy City and cruise scenic Lake Michigan on your way to the idyllic Victorian atmosphere of Mackinac Island. Traverse the legendary Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, the Midwest’s oldest city and explore the native traditions of Manitoulin Island. Experience pioneer life at Midland’s world-renowned living museum and relive the glory days of the American automobile at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. Cap off your cruise by experiencing the immensity and grandeur of Niagara Falls from the perspective of a Hornblower vessel. Estimated starting price: $5,999 pp
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ITALIAN LAKES GOHAGAN
• SEPTEMBER 8 - 16, 2018
Immerse yourself in the true essence of life in northern Italy’s fabled Lake District, an impossibly picturesque setting that has inspired poets, composers, artists and philosophers for centuries. For one full week, enjoy charming accommodations in the belle-époque Palace Hotel in the heart of lovely Como. Cruise by private boat on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. During expert-guided excursions and time on your own, explore beautiful villages and artistic and architectural treasures. Visit Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello, Stresa, the Borromean Islands and the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend a day in Milan to visit the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala and see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. This small group travel is the best way to experience one of the world’s most enchanting destinations! Estimated starting price: $3,995 pp
THE WONDERS OF PERU feat. Amazon Cruise AHI
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• SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 11, 2018
Tap your sense of adventure with Peru’s wondrous scenery, from the Amazon’s unspoiled beauty to ethereal Machu Picchu perched among Andean peaks. See Lima’s impressive highlights and savor a home-cooked Peruvian dinner at a landmark private residence. Cruise the exclusively chartered Delfin III for three nights. Glide in skiff boats on wildlife-watching excursions and hike into the rain forest. Journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit a remote Andes village and learn about daily life. After a panoramic train ride to Machu Picchu, meander through the Incan complex with an expert guide. This 10-night journey includes free economy airfare, round-trip between Miami, Florida, and Lima, as well as a Travel Director and generous meals with wine at dinner. Estimated starting price: $5,195 pp, airfare included Solo Traveler Friendly
AUTUMN INSPIRATION CRUISE (CANADA) GO NEXT
• SEPTEMBER 13 - 23, 2018
Experience the explosive colors of autumn as you sail up North America’s beautiful Atlantic coast. Embark on your luxury cruise in New York, and relax in New England’s own European-style resort city, Newport. Take in America’s revolutionary history in Boston before immersing yourself in Bar Harbor’s awe-inspiring Acadia National Park. Discover Saint John, and embrace British and Scottish traditions in Halifax before sailing across the magnificent Gulf of Lawrence to Sept-Îles, a port town fronted by a stunning seven-island archipelago. Admire the emerald mountains of Saguenay before Québec City shows you French Canada’s old-world beauty. You’ll disembark in Montréal, Canada’s second-most populous city, which blends North American charisma with European charm. Estimated starting price: $3,949 pp, airfare included
ANCIENT VIGNETTE’S CRUISE GO NEXT
• OCTOBER 3 - 14, 2018
Ancient cultures come to life as you explore the art and history of Southern Europe. Embark on your luxury cruise in cosmopolitan Barcelona, and set off to Provençal France, where you will be welcomed into historic Marseille. View great masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence - Brunelleschi’s Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. More remnants of Italy’s glorious past await you in Rome. Near the legendary ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento delights with cobblestone streets, a seaside promenade and classic Greek mythology. Messina is surprisingly modern, famously rebuilt after a ruinous 1908 earthquake. In Greece you’ll lounge on the black sand beaches of Santorini and trek through the medieval walled city of Rhodes. Your time concludes in Athens, the Cradle of Western Civilization. Estimated starting price: $2,999 pp, airfare included
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BLUES TO COUNTRY: AMERICA’S MUSIC GO NEXT
• NOVEMBER 4 - 12, 2018
From blues to country, discover America’s musical roots on this week-long riverboating experience. Spend your first night dancing around Memphis before embarking on the luxurious and stately American Duchess. Hike pristine trails and beautiful bluffs in Ashport Landing, and see the epicenter of the infamous New Madrid Earthquake in the city of the same name. In Paducah, the refurbished Hotel Metropolitan salutes the legends who played there like Ellington, Armstrong and Calloway. Hear Civil War hymns at Fort Donelson in Dover; and explore the local boutiques, breweries and restaurants of Clarksville. Disembark the American Duchess in Nashville and learn why this vibrant, artistic hub is known as the Country Music Capital of the World. Estimated starting price: $2,999 pp, airfare included + 1 FREE night at the Memphis Peabody Hotel
HOLIDAY MARKETS - GERMANY AHI
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• NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 5, 2018
Delight in the magical merriment of Germany’s holiday markets on a cruise celebrating festive traditions. During Advent, villages of wooden kiosks festooned with pine branches, red ribbons and cheerful lights spring up in town squares along the Rhine and Main Rivers. Linger in these fanciful Christkindlmarkts, as you savor the tantalizing aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread. Aboard your first-class ship, relax on deck as the stunning scenery unfolds around you, vistas of clifftop castles, charming villages and rolling hills. Sail through the scenic Rhine Gorge; gaze upward at the soaring spires of Cologne’s magnificent cathedral; admire the medieval architecture of Miltenberg and Rothenburg; and explore the stately halls of Würzburg’s palace and beautiful Koblenz. Estimated starting price: $1,995 pp Solo Traveler Friendly
FAQS DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE OSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION?
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR MY TRIP?
No, you do not have to be a member. We have lots of family members and friends who travel with us. We would be pleased to have you as a member of the Oklahoma State Traveling Cowboys family. Once you travel with us, we will have the capability to keep you up-to-date on future travel opportunities, so from time to time you will receive more information from us. You are under no obligation – it’s just our way of wanting to keep you involved and aware of new trip offerings.
A passport is required for all international travel. Make sure your passport is valid beyond your return date. To apply for a passport, contact your local post office for an application and instructions several months before your departure. If the trip requires a Visa, information will be sent to you from the travel company.
ARE THERE ANY PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS? To enjoy your alumni travel experience to its fullest, we recommend that participants be in good health and able to keep pace with the group. If you require extra assistance we recommend that someone who can provide the required assistance accompany you. If you have questions about the physical requirements of individual tours, the travel company is passenger coordinator can provide detailed information about physical demands for the trip. HOW IS AIRFARE HANDLED? Some of our trips are priced with airfare included. For the programs priced without airfare, the Association strongly recommends you utilize the airfare that can be provided by the travel company. They will let you know the price and connecting times prior to actually booking the airfare. This is just one more detail we like to take care of for you, so you can be assured of the appropriate connections and transfers. If you choose to book your own air, the travel company can provide you with the connection and transfer information. If you do not arrive when the scheduled transfers are provided, you are responsible for handling this on your own (using the recommended ways of transfer the company will provide to you).
QUESTIONS?
Contact Joy Fieldsend at 405.744.8837 or joy.fieldsend@okstate.edu.
CAN I CANCEL AND GET A REFUND FOR MY TRIP? Be sure to read the cancellation policies that apply to your particular trip. Most generally, penalties apply as a percent of the tour cost calculated by the number of days prior to departure. Trip cancellation insurance can be a part of your travel insurance package. DOES THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFER TRAVEL INSURANCE? We strongly encourage the purchase of travel insurance. The OSU Alumni Association offers trip insurance through our insurance partner specializing in alumni travel that is underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. To receive a no obliogation quote, please visit alumni.tpaproducts. com/travelingcowboys.
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So much of who we are is where we have been. ~WILLIAM LANGEWIESCHE
ORANGECONNECTION.org/travel
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