ComeAway 2023 DESTINATION CATALOG
We’ve included 31 travel packages with something to appeal to everyone. We partner with top-rated tour companies to offer superior quality of services, amenities and accommodations. The safety of our travelers is always a top priority for the tour companies we partner with. Please be aware that in this ever-changing travel climate, all prices, itineraries, dates and departures are subject to change.
JOY FIELDSEND Alumni Programs & Travel Coordinator Life Member from your travel dollars. 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, helping to fund alumni programs, campus events and other OSU activities.
All tour information and brochures are available on our website, ORANGECONNECTION.org/travel. We cannot wait to help make your travel dreams come true, and we appreciate your support for our Traveling Cowboys program and the OSU Alumni Association.
Within this catalog you will find carefully selected destinations, both international and domestic. Tour offerings include Israel, Egypt, Africa, Alaska, Scotland, Greece, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Australia & New Zealand and many more.
Happy Travels and Go Pokes!
Travel is back! We are thrilled to once again welcome our alumni and friends to join us on both domestic and international trips. Some of our travelers have waited years for their bucket list trip and they are ready to go! Others are still taking things slow. Whatever your comfort level regarding travel, we’re here for you when the time is right. We are so excited to share our 2023 Destination Catalog with you. Since last fall over 150 Traveling Cowboys have traveled with us to destinations as diverse as Europe, Africa and the Galapagos Islands as well as destinations closer to home like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta. Travel is not only a new way to discover new lands and cultures, but also a unique chance for our alumni, who otherwise might not have met, to share amazing experiences with one another. For those of us who love to travel, group travel is one of the safest ways to go as our tour operators have done all the groundwork to ensure that safety is a top priority. 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. Our travelers and guests are the ones who make these trips so special. Together, we share laughter, tell stories, make friends and create memories that last a lifetime. 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
Panama SpringtimePotpourriCoasts of the South Israel Land of Cultural Treasures Legends of the Nile Master Golf Tournament Tahitian ExploringLegendsAustralia & New Zealand Machi Picchu Dutch FlavorsWaterwaysofNorthern Italy Classic Europe Grad Trip Africa’s EuropeanWildlifeCoastal Civilizations Irish DanubeInspirationDelights with Prague Cruise the Rhine & Mosel Rivers10104335566778891111 Jewels of the Rhine with Lucerne Great Pacific Northwest Alpine Splendor Alaska & British Columbia Array Stunning Scotland Grandeur of Iceland Normandy, France Italian America’sPortraitLakesofItalySouthwest by Rail Passions & Pursuits River Cruise: Golfing in Southern France Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Death Valley, Yosemite & the Great Parks of California Radiant Spain & Italy Greek Isles & Turkish Riviera141412121313151516161717181819 So...where to?
Estimated starting price: $5,299 pp. + airfare From Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach) to Jacksonville (St. Augustine), leisurely beach strolls, premiere golf, and al fresco seafood dining are de rigueur where bootleggers and buccaneers once cased the coast. You’ll see the best of the South’s galleries, markets, and museums all along your route. Explore historic Savannah’s hodgepodge of art and mysterious Gothic architecture. Breathe in South Carolina’s blooming dogwoods and daffodils— snap photos along Charleston’s bright waterfront Rainbow Row and The Battery, this gracious old city’s seawall promenade. Wrap up a fantastic voyage with a day of sun and fun in Freeport’s island paradise.
Jungle rhythms and mysterious ruins—we’re going to Central America! This 10-night journey aboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena will drench you in sun, sand, and the sweet flavors of this unique region. Find the magic in the ancient Mayan ruins of Costa Maya and swim amidst the Great Mayan Reef in Harvest Caye. The treasures of Guatemala await you in Santo Tomas, where you’ll venture to crystal-clear springs and spot orange-breasted falcons.
Take a horseback ride down the sand in Roatan and in Puerto Limon, cruise crystal canals as birds and monkeys dance in the treetops. Revel in a journey through the Panama Canal, one of the modern world’s most heroic feats of engineering. Whether you’re a history buff, a lounge chair lover, or a scuba diving master, this cruise is for you! Estimated starting price: $3,099 pp. / airfare included SPRINGTIME COASTS OF THE SOUTH GO NEXT • MARCH 18 - 29, 2023
3 PANAMA POTPOURRI GO NEXT • JANUARY 18 - 28, 2023
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Estimated starting price: $4,545 pp. + airfare
Dr. DeVuyst holds degrees in Agricultural Economics and is a seminary graduate. He held faculty positions at the University of Illinois and North Dakota State University, before he and his wife, Cheryl, joined OSU in 2008. They also own and operate a ranch north of Morrison, Oklahoma. Dr. DeVuyst has traveled to Israel three times over the last five years, including leading Study Abroad courses in 2018 and 2020. These experiences, combined with his seminary courses, provide a rich background on ancient and modern history of the Near East, especially Israel. Dr. DeVuyst is passionate about teaching biblical history and sharing his experience with first-time visitors to the Holy Lands. LAND OF CULTURAL TREASURES
TRIP HOST: Dr. ERIC A. DeVuyst
PROFESSOR AND JEAN & PATSY NEUSTADT CHAIR IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
AHI • MARCH 5 - 14, 2023 Experience a rich, cultural journey in Israel as you explore the country’s diverse religious heritage, architecture, dramatic landscapes, culinary traditions and more. This eight-night program begins in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv. Visit a colorful market and artist’s studio in nearby Jaffa, the second oldest port city in the world, then cruise the Sea of Galilee. Explore Akko’s Crusader fort, an ancient fishing village and the scenic Mount of Beatitudes. Savor local olive oils, wine at a Golan Heights winery and a traditional Druze lunch with a family in their home. Tour Old Jerusalem, including the Mount of Olives, the Western Wall and the Davidson Center. Spend time at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial, and speak with a Holocaust survivor. Gaze upon the Dead Sea and witness six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Western Galilee. This once-in-a-lifetime, small-group adventure features expert-led discussions, first-class accommodations and an extensive meal plan including wine with dinner.
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Estimated starting price: $5,695 pp. + airfare GOLF TOURNAMENT SET APRIL 5 - 8, 2023 Since its inception in 1934, The Masters Golf Tournament has been synonymous with excellence and has stood as the most coveted Championship in golf. Every April, the world’s best golfers compete for the famous Green Jacket at Augusta National Golf Club. This spectacular event is known as “The Masters,” an event where legacy, competition, challenge, charm, and prestige combine for one of the most celebrated weekends in sports. Join us for an unparalleled opportunity to experience this tournament first-hand. Stay in historic Savannah and play the Club at Savannah Harbor, designed by Robert Cupp and Sam Snead. Head to Augusta National for Thursday at the Masters to see who will advance for the chance to don the green jacket. This specialty tour offers the perfect combination of golf, relaxation, southern charm, and the opportunity to be a part of the historic tournament that is the Masters. Estimated starting price: $6,499 pp.+ airfare
MASTERS
5 LEGENDS OF THE NILE AHI • MARCH 21 - APRIL 1, 2023
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!
Estimated starting price: $4,699 pp. / airfare included
ODYSSEYS • APRIL 12 - MAY 3, 2023
TAHITIAN LEGENDS GO NEXT • APRIL 6 - 16, 2023
Spend 10 luxurious days and nights among the tranquil lagoons and ethereal waterfalls of the South Pacific. Board Oceania Cruises’ Regatta in Papeete (Tahiti) and set out for an island-hopping adventure. French Polynesia strings together a trove of tropical sights and sounds. Climb aboard a catamaran in Moorea or take an off-road safari to look for plump pineapples ripening in the fields. Watch dolphins dip and dive in Rangiroa and bob in the blue waters of Bora Bora. From beaches to boats to bottlenose dolphins—this cruise is a welcome respite from the winter blues.
The Lands Down Under and small group touring make for a perfect combination on this wide-ranging 22-day journey, from Cairns and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef to sophisticated Sydney and nautical Auckland. Embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour in Alice Springs and watch the sun set over fabled Ayers Rock. With three nights in Sydney, see the city’s sights and explore independently. Visit spectacular Mt. Cook National Park, cruise through breathtaking Milford Sound, and discover Queenstown. In Rotorua, experience Maori culture. The journey ends in Auckland, with the option to enjoy additional time here with a 3 day/2-night post-tour extension.
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EXPLORING AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Estimated starting price: $9,7845 pp. / airfare included
7 MACHU PICCHU TO THE GALAPAGOS ODYSSEYS • MAY 2 - 17, 2023 Machu Picchu’s enigmatic ruins and the fascinating Galapagos Islands rank among South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the ideal way to experience both. This outstanding 16-day adventure begins with Lima’s highlights. Traverse the magnificent Sacred Valley, visiting impressive Incan sites and indigenous villages during a two-night stay. After taking a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, tour and absorb this astounding site on two separate days, overnighting nearby. Then encounter the history and beauty of Cuzco and Quito, both UNESCO sites. Spend the next four nights on the Galapagos’ beautiful Santa Cruz Island; the relaxed stay here includes cruising on a private yacht to two nearby islands to learn about Darwin’s incredible “living laboratory” from an expert naturalist guide. Estimated starting price: $9,093 pp. / airfare included DUTCH WATERWAYS
Embark on a delightful, 7 night cruise along the intimate waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium brimming with centuries of history and Old-World charm! See Amsterdam’s iconic canals, stroll amid the brilliant tulips at Keukenhof Gardens and relish an extraordinary and rare exhibition of Vermeer’s paintings at the Rijksmuseum! Take in Bruges’ wonderfully preserved Gothic gems, Antwerp’s impressive medieval old town and the city of Kampen with its laid-back seaside harbor town of Veere. Explore The Hague and the famed Mauritshuis, watch artisans at the Royal Delft porcelain factory or sample delectable cheeses in Gouda. In Bruges, visit a chocolaterie, discover the beer culture or admire fine Belgian art. Aboard your exclusively chartered, first-class ship, savor generous meals with wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
AHI • MAY 4 - 12, 2023
Estimated starting price: $3,245 pp. + airfare
ORBRIDGE • MAY 13 - 21, 2023
CLASSIC EUROPE (GRAD TRIP)
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Estimated starting price: $3,099 pp. + airfare
AESU • MAY 15 - 25, 2023
Join our small group for a nine-day journey to the culinary and cultural heart of Northern Italy—a region brimming with exquisite local wines, specialty ingredients, soul-satisfying signature dishes and the wonderful Italians who conjure them with time-honored techniques. Settle into a beautiful wine estate outside Verona. Within reach is a connoisseur’s pick of centuries-old wineries, artisan producers and extraordinary, historic sites. With each day highlighted by exclusive experiences, access authentic Italy, learn from local Italians and, most of all, revel in la dolce vita—the joyful celebration of food, friends and life!
FLAVORS OF NORTHERN ITALY
Reward yourself for all your hard work with this ultimate escape. The Classic Europe grad trip offers 16 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 a London pub crawl, and seeking adventure parasailing in the Greek isles, to photographing the majesty of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and venturing through the Roman Forum and the 2000-year-old Parthenon in Athens. The beauty of this journey is the balance of fun excursions, time at leisure and fascinating looks into history, architecture and breath-taking European landscapes. Unleash your inner adventurer and make memories and new friends to last a lifetime.
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AFRICA’S WILDLIFE ODYSSEYS • MAY 28 - JUNE 10, 2023
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Discover South Africa’s sparkling “Mother City,” Cape Town, with an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension, including a full-day Cape Peninsula tour and a full-day Cape Town and Winelands tour. Estimated starting price: $8,784 pp. / airfare included
Glimpse a world primeval on this singular 14-day safari through some of Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. On this small group tour limited to 24 travelers, encounter one of the planet’s last unspoiled natural refuges – the African savannah. The adventure begins with sightseeing in Johannesburg’s renowned Soweto district, and visits to Nelson Mandela’s and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s homes. Leaving urban life behind, spend three nights near Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. Experience the spectacular falls – among the world’s largest – up close on a guided walk and take a game drive in search of the elusive black rhino. A “Sundowner” Zambezi dinner cruise offers another opportunity to observe wildlife. For a window on local life, visit Victoria Falls town and a local grade school. Continuing on to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, which boasts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife, embark on sensational boat safaris and game drives with three nights here. Then take a privately chartered flight to Zambia for a small group tour highlight: unparalleled wildlife viewing at Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia’s newest and least developed preserve and a UNESCO site. During a relaxing three-night stay at the intimate Royal Zambezi Lodge, enjoy a variety of activities, including open-vehicle game drives, guided canoe trips, bush walks, and boat safaris, before transferring to Lusaka for the flight home.
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IRISH INSPIRATION
GO NEXT • JUNE 20 - 29, 2023
Join us as we explore the gorgeous green coasts of Ireland on an 8-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. Begin your journey in Belfast and set sail for Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), the birthplace to some of the world’s greatest literary figures. Stroll through Waterford, a 1,110-year-old Viking town and the oldest city in Ireland. Explore storied castles outside of Cork and Bantry Bay, a region where whisky distilleries, fishing villages, and Irish pubs uphold strong traditions. Venture to the countryside of Galway to take in the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Explore the town history of Killybegs and see the world’s largest knotted loom. Before making your way back to Belfast, visit Derry, known for the in-tact 17th century walls surrounding the city center. Estimated starting price: $3,799 pp. / airfare included
Explore the storied legacies and dynamic cultures of coastal Portugal, Spain, France and England and commemorate the historic D-Day landings on this uniquely designed itinerary. Cruise for eight nights from Lisbon with access to ports unavailable to larger vessels. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites and conclude with a memorable cruise up the legendary River Thames to spend one night aboard ship a stone’s throw from London’s illustrious Tower Bridge. Special guest speaker Dwight D. Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, accompanies you to the hallowed beaches of Normandy. Cruise Spain’s ruggedly beautiful Costa Verde, explore Oporto in Portugal’s renowned port wine country. Onto Bilbao to visit Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Museum. Tour Mont-Saint-Michel’s astounding abbey. Estimated starting price: $5,995 pp. + airfare
GOHAGAN • MAY 20 - 29, 2023
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EUROPEAN COASTAL CIVILIZATIONS
11 DANUBE DELIGHTS WITH PRAGUE GO NEXT • JUNE 21 - JULY 1, 2023
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Toast Prost! as you make your way from Prague to Budapest on this sevennight Danube River cruise. Enjoy a two-night pre-cruise program in Prague exploring all that the city has to offer, featuring the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and more! After sightseeing in Karlovy Vary, visit Nuremberg, and take a self-guided tour through the WWII Documentation Center or learn to make traditional German gingerbread in a local baking class. Visit Weltenburg Abbey in Regensburg before making your way to Passau. Don’t miss Melk’s 18th-century Benedictine monastery, your gateway to another place and time. You’ll tap your toes to the strains of Strauss in Vienna, Austria’s opulent “City of Music” or visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schönbrunn Palace, before wrapping up your adventure with two days in Budapest. Estimated starting price: $5,390 pp. / airfare included RHINE & MOSEL RIVERS
Create cherished memories with the whole family as you explore Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands together! Kick off with a three-night, stay amid the alpine splendor of Interlaken, Switzerland, and then delight in vineyard-lined valleys and hilltop castles on a seven-night, first-class cruise! You’ll stroll through Brienz, a picture-perfect Swiss village, and take in wonderful views of the serene Mosel River valley from the castle high above Cochem. Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge and glide along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals. Tailor your journey with a choice of included family-friendly, cultural excursions, such as hiking, biking, museum visits and culinary experiences, in Interlaken, Strasbourg, Speyer, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Cologne and Amsterdam. Open to ages 7+. Estimated starting price: $4,795 pp. + airfare
AHI • JULY 3 - 14, 2023
Live your best life on this river cruise through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Begin your adventure with an included two-night pre-cruise program in Lucerne and take a cable car and ice flyer to the magnificent Mount Titlis. Set out for Breisach, a lovely German town resting amongst rolling vineyards. Visit Strasbourg’s wine cellars and half-timbered homes in “La Petite France,” and hike beneath the Black Forest evergreen canopy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Lace up your hiking boots for a tour of Heidelberg Castle’s Renaissance ruins and enjoy the refreshing white wines of the Moselle Valley’s terraced vineyards. Marvel Cologne’s Gothic twin-spired cathedral and the city’s medieval history. Spend a full day in Amsterdam and cruise the canals fronted by stately Dutch Golden Age mansions. Estimated starting price: $5,190 pp. / airfare included GREAT PACIFIC NORTHWEST
GO NEXT • JULY 9 - 17, 2023
JEWELS OF THE RHINE WITH LUCERNE
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GO NEXT • JULY 6 - 16, 2023
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this 7-night cruise aboard American Queen Voyages’ American Empress. In Vancouver, enjoy an included 1-night stay before embarking on this memorable adventure to Spokane. Visit Astoria and discover a city full of rich historical significance, captivating architecture, and stunning scenery. Make a stop in Stevenson to view the historic Bonneville Dam. Spend time in The Dalles and learn about the days of gold miners and gun slingers. In Richland, learn a little bit about everything from World War II to geology to the city’s agricultural roots. Before journey’s end, spend a day in Clarkston and trace the path of Lewis and Clark. Estimated starting price: $3,899 pp. + airfare
Estimated starting price: $6,692 pp. / airfare included ALASKA & BRITISH COLUMBIA ARRAY GO NEXT • JULY 21 - AUGUST 1, 2023 Explore “The Last Frontier” on this action-packed Alaskan voyage. Begin the journey in Seattle and revel in the scenery of bears, sea otters, moose, and eagles against a summertime backdrop of steep forested mountain slopes and pristine waters while cruising the Outside Passage and Hubbard Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have access to old-growth rain forests hikes in Ketchikan and salmon sportfishing in Sitka. Mush your own team of huskies, pan for gold, or kayak ocean bays and inlets with glacier views—all in Juneau. Spot Icy Strait Point’s spouting whales and immerse yourself in nature in Hoonah. Explore Wrangell and Prince Rupert before cruising into Victoria, British Columbia via the Inside Passage. Tour the lavish Craigdarroch Castle before returning to Seattle.
13 ALPINE SPLENDOR ODYSSEYS •
As your small group discovers mountain villages and European cities, cruises on glassine lakes, and ascends snowcapped summits, the region’s history –and beauty – enchant one and all. This captivating 14-day Swiss and Austrian exploration begins with lovely Lucerne, its namesake lake, and a cogwheel train ride up Mt. Pilatus. Take the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt, gateway to the Swiss Alps, and ride the Gornergratbahn, Europe’s highest open-air railway, to Gornergrat’s summit to admire the majestic Matterhorn. In lakeside Lugano, see Bellinzona’s iconic Castelgrande and lunch alfresco at a grotto restaurant. Enjoy a leisurely Lake Lugano cruise and a tasting at Schloss Salenegg, Europe’s oldest winery. In beautiful Salzburg, the Hohensalzburg castle and the Nazis’ Eagle’s Nest retreat concludes the journey.
Estimated starting price: $3,649 pp. / airfare included
JULY 13 - 26, 2023
STUNNING SCOTLAND ORBRIDGE • AUGUST 5 - 14, 2023
GRANDEUR OF ICELAND AHI • AUGUST 7 - 15, 2023
Estimated starting price: $5,695 pp. + airfare
Behold the inspiring landscapes of Iceland during this unforgettable seven-night adventure. From our base in the cultural capital of Reykjavik, we’ll journey through lands of unspeakable beauty to encounter unique land formations, waterfalls, hot springs and authentic, charming villages. Fascinating history and culture are brought to life at a storytelling performance. Learn how the country has become a world leader in sustainability and green living, and honor the memory of Iceland’s greatest medieval writer. During an ocean cruise, scan the horizon for magnificent breaching whales and darling puffins as they glide on sea breezes. At the mystical Golden Circle, gaze at bubbling mud pools and geysers, followed by a visit to a family-run farm to indulge in a delicious traditional feast.
Estimated starting price: $4,495 pp. + airfare
Experience the pure magic that is Scotland while exploring the inspiring history, exuberant culture and fascinating sites — from the bustling cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, to the windswept islands of Skye and Arran—and the Highlands themselves. Sample heavenly spirits cruising the Loch Ness to Inverness before wandering cobblestoned streets. Explore fascinating castles, tour the southern area of the Isle of Skye, browse works crafted by skilled masters, and try on a traditional tartan or two. Guests with Scottish heritage can delve deeper into their ancestry and connect with Scotland’s history on a personal level. Finally, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo—a thrilling, international performance of music, dance, and military artistry that bring Edinburgh Castle to life in a unique way.
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ITALIAN LAKES GOHAGAN • SEPTEMBER 9 - 17, 2023
Estimated starting price: $3,295 pp. + airfare
Estimated starting price: $3,695 pp. + airfare
15 NORMANDY, FRANCE AHI • SEPTEMBER 9 - 17, 2023
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. Enjoy charming accommodations in the heart of lovely Como, steps away from the local market. Cruise by private boat on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Explore beautiful villages - 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 The Last Supper. Exclusive VILLAGE LIFE® FORUM with local residents provide personal perspectives. Exclusive small group opportunity. Verona and Venice Post-Program Option.
From the sweeping, cliff-lined coast to rolling countrysides, discover proud traditions, dramatic history, culinary delicacies and alluring beauty. Take an emotional journey to Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery and related sites, contemplating the impact of D-Day and World War II. Admire some of France’s greatest treasures including magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel. Savor an expertly prepared artisanal lunch at a stately, 10th-century castle and sample Normandy’s acclaimed Calvados apple brandy on an estate. Expert guides and lecturers share illuminating details about the region’s history and culture. Relax at your first-class hotel in the heart of Honfleur. This small-group journey features a professional Travel Director and a generous meal plan with wine at dinner.
PORTRAIT OF ITALY ODYSSEYS • SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 13, 2023
From the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to eternal Rome, through the gentle Umbrian and Tuscan countryside to treasured Venice, this wide-ranging 16-day small group tour showcases ancient sites, contemporary life, priceless art, and unique accommodations. Experience the stunning Amalfi Coast region and visiting Pompeii’s exquisite ruins. Tour Rome’s Colosseum, the Forum, monumental St. Peter’s Square, and the sublime Sistine Chapel, and explore independently. In Italy’s “green heart” of Umbria, enjoy a cooking demonstration in Orvieto and a visit to beloved Assisi. Journeying to alluring Tuscany, tour splendid Siena. Discover Florence and encounter the classic hill town of San Gimignano. Sample a local winery’s offerings before concluding your tour in wondrous Venice. Estimated starting price: $5,774 pp. / airfare included
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AMERICA’S SOUTHWEST BY RAIL ORBRIDGE • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 4, 2023
Travel by rail between the mile-high city of Denver to the red rock formations of Moab by joining a luxury train journey to America’s Southwest—a region steeped in history and full of opportunities to explore. Oversized windows and glass-domed coaches allow you to relax and soak in the magnificent scenery that includes colorful deserts, bewitching hoodoos, and natural archways. As the train winds alongside rivers, through mountain ranges, and past ancient rock canyons, watch for wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots. Entertaining stories from onboard hosts and touches that define comfortable travel combine with locally inspired cuisine to make this an unforgettable adventure. Off the train, enjoy nature with guided tours of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Estimated starting price: $3,495 pp. + airfare
Embark on a cruise along the meandering rivers Rhône and Saône with prime opportunities to golf and enjoy the local culture of southern France. Accompanied by an expert golf professional, you’ll visit select golf courses that provide a superb golfing experience, combining beautiful natural settings with technical challenges. Quality courses present exquisite natural beauty and delightful views. Savor a guided tour of Lyon and revel in this UNESCO World Heritage city that’s home to Beaujolais wine and is the second biggest center for the Renaissance. Discover Ardèche Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” where impressive limestone cliffs tower over the river below. Enriching land excursions, enticing gourmet meals, and luxury ship accommodations abound in this epic journey.
Estimated starting price: $4795 pp. + airfare
Estimated starting price: $2,799 pp.
ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA SET • OCTOBER 6 - 9, 2023 Hear the thrilling roar of hundreds of burners simultaneously igniting, turning the Balloon Fiesta Park into a remarkable site with hundreds of thousands of smiling, upturned faces, awestruck by the spectacular beauty of hot air balloons filling the big blue New Mexico sky. Enjoy deluxe hotel accommodations at Hotel Albuquerque and free time in Old Town Albuquerque to explore museums, shops, and galleries. Sit front and center at the Gondola Club, the Balloon Fiesta’s premium hospitality location for morning evening sessions featuring Dawn Patrol and Evening Glow. Join us for special access to experience the world-renowned attraction, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
17 PASSIONS & PURSUITS RIVER CRUISE: GOLFING IN SOUTHERN FRANCE ORBRIDGE • SEPTEMBER 19 - 28, 2023
A transformative journey into the sublime, sprawling wilderness of California’s national parks. With more national parks than anywhere in the nation, California is home to some of our most iconic natural wonders—the highest waterfalls, largest trees, and one of the deepest canyons. Showcasing Death Valley, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, this 8-day program celebrates the history, beauty, and culture of these magnificent public lands. Together we’ll experience rich and diverse natural landscapes, opportunities to glimpse wildlife, a cosmic voyage of stargazing, and a palpable connection with nature. Each days provides rewarding and surreal geological formations at Death Valley, picturesque panoramas at Yosemite, and the towering forests of Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
DEATH VALLEY, YOSEMITE & THE GREAT PARKS OF CALIFORNIA ORBRIDGE • OCTOBER 6 - 13, 2023
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Estimated starting price: $4,695 pp. + airfare
Beginning with Nice’s garden-wrapped villas before encountering glamorous Monaco and swanky Monte Carlo. Marvel at the stunning peninsula of SaintJean-Cap-Ferra and step back in time in medieval Èze.Journey north to the heart of Genoa, historic port city and birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Continue in charming Sestri Levante where we’ll introduce you to Portofino and the colorful, dreamy landscape fo the Cinque Terre. Memorable moments and incredible culinary experiences, including dinner by the Bay of Silence and an Italian cooking lesson.
RADIANT SPAIN & ITALY GO NEXT • OCTOBER 9 - 20, 2023
Estimated starting price: $3,449 pp. / airfare included
Discover the illustrious beauty and chic cultures of the French and Italian Rivieras on an extraordinary journey. Stay in Nice, France, and Sestri Levante, Italy, experiencing the best of these coveted European destinations.
19 GREEK ISLES & TURKISH RIVIERA GO NEXT • OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Bask in the beauty of authentic villages, pristine beaches, and ancient architecture on this 10-night cruise. Make way for Mytilene, explore wellpreserved ancient city of Ephesus as you walk where chariots once roamed. Marvel the famed Library of Celsus and the Grand Theater. Spend a day in Rhodes admiring the pristine beaches or venture through the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. Take in gorgeous groves of olives, oranges, and lemons growing beneath the majestic mountains in Limassol. Relax by the cobalt blue waters of Agios Nikolaos (Crete) or take in the Minoan and Byzantine villages surrounded by charming irrigating windmills. Before disembarking in Athens, tour a 16th century monastery in Mykonos.
Estimated starting price: $3,449 pp. / airfare included
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE OSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION?
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’s passenger coordinator can provide detailed information about physical demands for the trip.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR MY TRIP?
HOW IS AIRFARE HANDLED?
A passport is required for all international travel. Make sure your passport is valid for six months 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.
20 joy.fieldsend@okstate.edu405.744.8837JoyQUESTIONS?Fieldsend
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 part of your travel insurance package.
ARE THERE ANY PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS?
DOES THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFER TRAVEL INSURANCE? We strongly encourage the purchase of travel insurance. The 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 obligation quote, please visit osu.alum.trawickinternational.com.
Some of our trips are priced with airfare included. For the programs priced without airfare, the Alumni 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 airfare, 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).
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 keeping you involved and aware of new trip offerings.
Book today by calling the partner listed on your desired trip! AESU WORLD alumniworldtravel.com800.638.7640TRAVEL AHI okst.ahitravel.com800.323.7373TRAVEL GO 800.842.9023NEXTgonext.com GOHAGAN ODYSSEYS odysseys-unlimited.com888.370.6765UNLIMITED 866.639.0079ORBRIDGEorbridge.com 21
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