TRAVELING WILDCATS 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE Cruise, land and unique immersion experiences on every continent for UK alumni and friends!
Travel with the UK Alumni Association!
Traveling Wildcats
Dear Traveling Wildcats, I am excited to share the destinations we’ve selected for 2018, which include new tours and old favorites offered in partnership with our trusted tour operators. Many of the tours were selected based on the results of a survey conducted last fall of our past travelers and on requests received for future tours. Some tours were scheduled to offer new experiences different from the past and some were selected based on their popularity among alumni at other universities. Our tour groups start out with a common bond – the University of Kentucky, and their connections grow throughout the journey. On each tour, you will benefit from the world-class knowledge of expert tour guides, connect with fellow alumni and maintain your bond with the University of Kentucky. As an added benefit, not only do our carefully vetted tours offer the unique opportunity to travel with other alumni and friends of the University, but when you choose to travel with us you are also supporting the UK Alumni Association’s mission. Your participation contributes to student success, great alumni programs, and furthers the excellent reputation of our world-class institution. We hope you will travel with us in 2018. Please email me at stan.key@uky.edu or Nancy Culp at nancy.culp@uky.edu with any questions you may have. Or, call Nancy at (859) 257-7162 or 1-800-269-ALUM. Warmest regards,
Stan R. Key ‘72 Traveling Wildcats Program Coordinator
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2018 Tours at a Glance To request brochures on any tours of interest, please email Nancy Culp at nancy.culp@uky.edu or give her a call at (859) 257-7162 or 1-800-269-ALUM. Please note that many tour brochures are not available until approximately six to nine months prior to departure date. Additional tours may be added throughout the year. Check out www.ukalumni.net/travel for a complete list of upcoming tours.
Expedition to Antarctica January 11 – 24, 2018
The Galapagos Islands June 13 – 20, 2018
Tasman Pearls: Sydney to Auckland January 21 – February 5, 2018
Grand Danube Passage: Prague & Sofia June 19 – July 4, 2018
Passage through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica February 3 – 11, 2018
Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland July 18 – 26, 2018
Legends of the Nile, featuring Abu Simbel February 13 – 24, 2018 Sparkling South Pacific Papeete to Papeete February 25 – March 7, 2018 Amalfi Coast April 3 – 11, 2018 The Masters Tournament April 4-7, 2018 Southwest National Parks May 7 – 16, 2018 Ancient Traditions of the Inland Sea of Japan May 8 – 18, 2018 Normandy May 21 – 29, 2018 Timeless Cuba June 6 – 13, 2018 Barcelona: Art, Culture & People June 7 – 15, 2018 Isles of Enchantment: London to Dublin June 7 – 18, 2018
The Majestic Great Lakes: Chicago to Toronto July 27 – August 5, 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador July 28 – August 7, 2018 Pacific Coast Adventure August 2 – 9, 2018 Wines of the Pacific Northwest Spokane to Portland September 9 – 17, 2018 Autumn Inspiration: New York to Montreal September 13 – 23, 2018 Cape Cod & the Islands September 16 – 22, 2018 Essence of Europe: Rome to Barcelona September 23 – October 4, 2018 Alpine Countries & Oktoberfest October 1 – 9, 2018 Trade Routes of Coastal Iberia October 3 – 11, 2018 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta October 12 – 17, 2018 Glorious Greece: Athens to Athens October 13 – 24, 2018 -2-
Our Tour Operator Partners Each of our tours is offered in partnership with one of the following trusted tour providers, who specialize in alumni group travel experiences. All of our trips offer wonderful travel experiences and you’ll find that each of our tour operators offers diverse options: whether you prefer to travel on a cruise ship of 1,200 in the Mediterranean or a small-group land tour of 20 in the United States.
AHI’s tradition of excellence dates back more than 50 years. AHI Travel offers journeys-of-a-lifetime full of beauty, intellectual stimulation and unforgettable moments by land, sea and river. They cater to educated travelers like you with unique access to iconic sights and hidden treasures, at a pace that is a pleasure, all in programs that exceed your expectations for quality, value, professionalism and security. They live and breathe travel to make each journey go like clockwork, freeing you to enjoy the magical moments and peace of mind our programs guarantee. AHI Travel is a family-owned company with an outstanding team of people around the world. Visit www.ahitravel.com or call 800-323-7373.
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Gohagan & Company develops and operates deluxe group travel programs for America’s most prestigious museums, colleges, universities and cultural institutions. The Company’s unique itineraries and educational components are paired with the style and comforts of the world’s finest cruise ships, trains and hotels and enhanced by world-class guides and academic experts. Designed with the knowledge and insight provided by more than 30 years of experience, Gohagan & Company travels worldwide. En route, Gohagan & Company passengers don’t just see the world, they experience it. Visit www.gohagantravel.com or call 800-922-3088.
Go Next is dedicated to creating and operating high quality, reasonably priced travel programs based on an understanding of customers’ expectations and service to them. Their programs have traditionally served numerous locations in Europe and Asia, but have expanded their offerings in recent years to include South America, the South Pacific, Alaska, Caribbean and the rivers of the United States. They are proud of their history and reputation of business leadership, financial strength, and marketing creativity in the travel industry. In 1972, Ronald Weeks, the company’s president, created a business philosophy and direction that has remained unchanged for almost 40 years. Over the years they have established a strong base of sponsoring organizations as well as thousands of loyal and satisfied repeat travelers. Visit www.gonext.com or call 800-842-9023.
Orbridge focuses on destinations that offer those life-changing experiences you’ll never forget. Places with historical significance, stunning natural beauty, engaging people, treasures waiting to be discovered, and unique experiences you may not even know exist. Then they combine them with outstanding properties and ships, specially crafted excursions, and knowledgeable guides and expedition leaders to create days you will remember. They know people–people you will want to know. Their expedition leaders, local guides, and property owners will help you discover a location’s most spectacular features. Visit www.orbridge.com or call 866-639-0079.
Premier World Discovery features more than 70 diverse programs that span the globe. Whether you are looking for a traditional escorted tour, a one hotel experience, a nostalgic train tour, a special event or holiday tour or a relaxing cruise, they can help you see the world. The values that have made them a group travel leader and one of the most respected companies in the travel industry include a consultative team of nationwide sales professionals, a responsive customer support team, quality & innovative product and a unique grouponly focus. Their dedication to quality, value and integrity in travel is unparalleled.
With more than 20 years of experience developing and delivering experiential programs to the largest sporting events in the world, including the Super Bowl, Final Four, Ryder Cup, Rose Bowl, Wimbledon, College Football National Championship Game, Olympics, Masters, World Tennis events, and more. PrimeSport leads the industry in official access and hospitality. Today, PrimeSport is the official partner to more than 140 sporting events, colleges/universities and professional teams around the world. Visit www.primesport.com or call 800-591-9198.
Visit www. premierworlddiscovery.com or call 877-953-8687.
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Expedition to Antarctica
January 11 – 24, 2018 | From $9,695 per person | Airfare not included ITINERARY Buenos Aires Ushuaia Drake Passage Port Lockroy Petermann Island Lemaire Channel Neko Harbor Paradise Bay Deception Island Pendulum Cove Half Moon Island Weddell Sea
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Join us for this spectacular 14-day journey featuring a nine-night exclusively chartered cruise to Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Cruise aboard the intimate M.S. LE SOLÉAL, one of the finest vessels in Antarctic waters, featuring private balconies in 95% of the deluxe, ocean-view accommodations. Experience the White Continent in its unspoiled state—fantastically shaped icebergs, turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries and breaching whales. Accompanied by the ship’s expert team of naturalists, board sturdy Zodiac watercraft for excursions ashore and observe Antarctica’s abundant wildlife. Spend two nights in vibrant Buenos Aires. Extend your journey with the exclusive three-night Iguazú Falls Post-Program Option.
Ready to book? Contact Gohagan & Co: www.gohagantravel.com, 1-800-922-3088
Tasman Pearls: Sydney to Auckland January 21 – February 5, 2018 From $6,999 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from select cities
Embark on your luxury cruise in Sydney and sail to Eden, a sleepy seaside town that’s home to the fascinating Eden Killer Whale Museum and the historic Boyd’s Tower, which affords visitors striking panoramic views. See koalas, wallabies, and more at a wildlife park in Melbourne; discover natural gems on the many trails of Fern Glade Reserve in Burnie; and look for sunbathing fur seals and yellow-eyed penguins in Dunedin. With sloping hills to the west, the vibrant waters of the Pacific to the east, and a river winding gently through its center, Christchurch, also known as the Garden City, boasts rich natural beauty; while the following port of Picton offers a seafront lined with cafés, restaurants, and galleries. Before ending your cruise in Auckland, admire Napier’s art-deco architecture, and take in Rotorua’s geysers and hot springs.
ITINERARY Sydney Eden Melbourne Burnie Tasmania Milford Sound Dunedin (Port Chalmers) Christchurch Picton Napier Tauranga Rotorua Auckland
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
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Passage through the: Panama Canal and Costa Rica
February 3 – 11, 2018 | From $4,795 per person | Airfare not included ITINERARY US to San Jose Costa Rica Puerto Caldera Quepos Manuel Antonio National Park Curu National Wildlife Refuge Isla Parida Panama Panama City Panama Canal Transit Colon San Blas Islands Panama City Return to US
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Join us for this spectacular nine-day journey through the mighty locks of the Panama Canal to the Costa Rican rainforest. Cruise for seven nights from Colón, Panama, to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star, all-Suite M.V. STAR BREEZE, among the highly acclaimed Windstar fleet. Experience a daylight passage through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal and visit the San Blas Islands, where indigenous Guna people have maintained their traditional lifestyle for centuries. Tour Panama City, including its Casco Antiguo (Old Quarter), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the new Frank Gehrydesigned Biodiversity Museum. Call at rarely-visited Cebaco Island and discover the rich marine life in its spectacular coral reefs. Explore the terrestrial wonders of Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park and Curú National Wildlife Refuge and spend one night in a deluxe hotel in San José. Enjoy lectures by exclusive onboard study leaders throughout the itinerary. Extend your stay with the Dynamic Panama Pre-Program and Costa Rica’s Cloud Forests and Volcanoes Post-Program Options.
Ready to book? Contact Gohagan & Co: www.gohagantravel.com, 1-800-922-3088
Legends of the Nile, featuring Abu Simbel
February 13 – 24 | From $4,795 per person | Airfare not included On this once-in-a-lifetime journey, experience Egypt’s splendid cultural heritage and eternal allure. Contemplate the Great Pyramid in Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. In Cairo, explore the Egyptian Museum’s dazzling treasures, discover its mosques, churches and synagogues, and revel in the old bazaar’s hubbub. Fly to Luxor and sail by felucca boat to the impressive Luxor Temple. Journey to the intriguing Valleys of the Kings and Queens. At the Oriental Institute’s Chicago House, learn about their meticulous epigraphic survey work. Then embark on a luxury Nile cruise to tour the temples of Karnak, Edfu and Kom Ombo. See Aswan’s High Dam and fly to Abu Simbel to witness Ramses’ colossal temple. Discuss what you are most curious about with your Egyptologist, a gifted, licensed professional who accompanies you on all excursions. While cruising, enjoy deluxe accommodations and generous meals, including wine with dinner. This nine-night, small-group program includes a Travel Director, four nights in a deluxe Cairo hotel and an overnight first-class hotel stay in Luxor.
ITINERARY Ciro Luxor Aswan Abu Simbel
Ready to book? Contact AHI: www.ahitravel.com, 1-800-323-7373
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Sparkling South Pacific: Papeete to Papeete
February 25 – March 7 | From $4,299 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from select cities ITINERARY Papeete Moorea Fakarava Rangiroa Bora Bora Raiatea Huahine
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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 verdant 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.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
Amalfi Coast
April 3 – 11, 2018 | From $3,295 per person, no single supplement Airfare not included
Journey to the Amalfi Coast, a serene paradise of majestic mountains, pastel houses and the cerulean Mediterranean Sea. Spend seven nights in your base of Vietri sul Mare and enjoy fascinating excursions and educational programs designed to immerse you in the region’s daily life. Travel a serpentine coastline to Amalfi, and admire Positano, Italy’s most vertical village. Taste buffalo mozzarella at a local dairy farm, and see Paestum’s fascinating Greek ruins. Tour Naples and view treasures at the city’s Museo Archeologico Nazionale, one of the world’s most important archaeological museums. Peek into the lives cut short at Herculaneum and Pompeii by the A.D. 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Invigorate your senses while exploring lemon-scented Sorrento and marvel at the colorful gardens and Arabesque architecture of Villa Rufolo. This Alumni Campus Abroad program includes first-class accommodations and an extensive meal plan complemented by wine with dinner. For single travelers, there is no single supplement.
ITINERARY Naples Vietri sul Mare Amalfi Coast Paestum Pompeii Herculaneum Sorrento Ravello Naples
Early Booking Date October 31, 2017.
Ready to book? Contact AHI: www.ahitravel.com, 1-800-323-7373
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The Masters Tournament
April 4 – 7, 2018 | From $3,855 per person, double occupancy Airfare not included ITINERARY Augusta Atlanta
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Three nights at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta or similar hotel, with breakfast daily. Thursday golf at an Atlanta local private course. Thursday Masters Viewing Party with special guest appearances. Friday roundtrip transportation to Augusta National. Friday admission to The Masters, with ability to add on additional days. Friday access to the Executive Club Hospitality. Masters souvenir.
Ready to book? Contact PrimeSport: www.primesport.com, 1-800-591-9198
Southwest National Parks
May 7 – 16, 2018 | From $3,995 per person | Airfare not included Join us on a 10-day journey through a spectacular series of natural wonders in the American Southwest. Travel to Grand Canyon National Park for awe-inspiring views from the park’s rim. Admire the beauty of light striking Antelope Canyon’s narrow sandstone walls, share a peaceful evening with Navajo storytelling, and ponder cultures past and present at a petroglyph site during a river raft ride down Glen Canyon. Continue to Utah where you’ll spend enjoyable time at all five national parks—Arches, Canyon-lands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion—viewing rock formations and otherworldly landscapes that must be seen to be believed. Joined by an expert Orbridge Expedition Leader and traveling in the comfort of a private motor coach, there is no better way to visit our national parks.
ITINERARY Las Vegas Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Moab Monument Valley Lake Powell Antelope Canyon Grand Canyon National Park Scottsdale
Ready to book? Contact Orbridge: www.orbridge.com, 1-866-639-0079
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Ancient Traditions of the Inland Sea of Japan
May 8 – 18, 2018 | From $5,995 per person | Airfare not included ITINERARY Osaka Kyoto Himeji Hiroshima Miyajima Hagi Sakaiminato Matsue Ulsan, South Korea Gyeongju Moji Uno Kurashiki
Early Booking Date October 10, 2017.
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Experience the timeless splendor of Japan and South Korea on this unique, custom-designed itinerary, featuring two nights in Kyoto and a seven-night cruise across the full length of the serene Inland Sea of Japan from Himeji, including historic ports of Japan such as Miyajima, Sakaiminato and Moji, and Ulsan, South Korea. On board the exclusively chartered, Five-Star small ship M.S. L’AUSTRAL, featuring only 110 ocean-view Suites and Staterooms, enjoy this 280-mile stretch of scenic, tranquil ocean with port calls at captivating points of interest, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the enchanting city of Kyoto, visit opulent temples and the Nijō Castle, an imperial gem. Walk through the imposing Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, tour the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima with its awe-inspiring Great Torii Gate and see the impressive Himeji Castle, the oldest surviving feudal structure from medieval Japan. In Gyeongju, South Korea, visit the glorious Buddhist Bulguksa Temple and the ancient Silla Kingdom Royal Burial Mounds. Tokyo Pre-Program and Kanazawa Post-Program Options are available.
Ready to book? Contact Gohagan & Co: www.gohagantravel.com, 1-800-922-3088
Normandy
May 21 – 29, 2018 | From $2,995 per person, no single supplement Airfare not included Today, Normandy is a peaceful place where life is enjoyed with joie de vivre, but just over seven decades ago, it was the site of the pivotal World War II battle against the Nazis. Settle in charming Honfleur, and delve into Norman history and culture, including an outing to an estate farm and authentic fromagerie in the French countryside. Take an emotional journey to Juno Beach, the Canadian War Cemetery and the inspiring Peace Memorial. Normandy’s military past began long before 1944; in Bayeux, see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered history of the Battle of Hastings. Journey to Mont Saint-Michel, the breathtaking fortress monastery guarded by the tide’s ebb and flow, and taste Calvados, the local cider brandy, and other renowned food and drink of the region. Local guides and expert speakers provide insight during excursions and lectures. This seven-night program features a first-class hotel, engaging excursions, educational talks and ample meals, plus wine with dinner. There is no supplement for solo travelers.
ITINERARY Paris Honfleur Fromagerie Mont Saint-Michel D-Day Beaches Bayeux Caen Honfleur Paris
Early Booking Date November 28, 2017.
Ready to book? Contact AHI: www.ahitravel.com, 1-800-323-7373
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Timeless Cuba
June 6 – 13, 2018 | From $1,899 per person | Airfare included ITINERARY Miami Havana Cienfuegos Santiago de Cuba Miami
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Open the door to Cuba’s soul on this week-long luxury cruise through the heart of this once-forbidden island nation. Embark aboard the Sirena in Miami, an international city built on the foundation of Cuban immigration; and make your way to Havana, Cuba’s largest city and the epicenter of the nation’s lively lifestyle. Go beyond the tourist destinations during your two days in Havana with our unparalleled Go Next Exclusive Excursions. These trips, offered exclusively to Go Next travelers, allow you to dive deep into the city’s 500 years of history and culture with intimate group sizes and uniquely educational experiences. From Havana, sail the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea to the astounding bayside city of Cienfuegos, a former French settlement which remains a paragon of 19th-century urban planning. Your last stop on the island is the southeastern cultural hub of Santiago de Cuba. As the birthplace of Desi Arnaz and Bacardi Rum, home to the tide-turning Battle of San Juan Hill, and the site of the Cuban Revolution’s victory proclamation, every aspect of Cuban history is deeply ingrained in the island’s second largest city.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
Barcelona: Art, Culture & People
June 7 – 15, 2018 | From $2,995 per person | Airfare not included Cosmopolitan Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the sparkling jewel of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, imbued with a creative spirit that has propelled innovations in architecture, art, cuisine and more. Settle in and explore this enchanting seaside city with a small group of fellow travelers on an exhilarating seven-night adventure. Discover the historic Barri Gòtic neighborhood, and marvel at the whimsical masterpieces of architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familía basilica and Casa Batlló. During a hands-on cooking class, roll up your sleeves and prepare delectable Catalán cuisine. Explore the serene, ninth-century monastery of Montserrat, and sample the Penedès region’s renowned sparkling cava wine. Tour the El Born district, the center of medieval Barcelona, and admire the Picasso Museum’s impressive collection, including many of the artist’s earliest works. In addition to ample free time for exploring on your own, this program includes first-class accommodations, a Travel Director, enlightening lectures and generous meals with wine at dinner.
ITINERARY Barcelona
Ready to book? Contact AHI: www.ahitravel.com, 1-800-323-7373
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Isles of Enchantment: London to Dublin
June 7 – 18, 2018 | From $4,799 per person, double occupancy Airfare included ITINERARY London (Southampton) Newcastle upon Tyne Edinburgh Glasgow Belfast Douglas Liverpool Holyhead Dublin
Early Booking Date September 26, 2017.
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Experience the diverse history of the British Isles on your voyage through the United Kingdom and beyond. Arrive in London; Britain’s forward-thinking capital that blends history, pageantry, and innovation; and embark the luxurious Nautica before you 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 the sleek Northern Irish destination you see today; 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.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
The Galapagos Islands
June 13-20, 2018 From $4,495 per person when reserved by October 5, 2017 Airfare not included Join fellow alumni and friends as we explore the Galapagos Islands. Designated the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands have been described as a “unique living museum and showcase of evolution,� and they are home to a fascinating array of wildlife inhabiting an unspoiled ecosystem, living in harmony with their human visitors. This exciting journey features a day of guided touring in Quito plus an intimate cruise through the archipelago with up-close access to endemic species. Expert naturalists guide you through the wonders of this national park, whale sanctuary, and marine reserve. Accommodations for this adventure are aboard the Isabela II, a 40-guest vessel with spacious cabins, local cuisine, and a staff dedicated to ensuring both your comfort and maximum enjoyment of this truly extraordinary destination and its diverse inhabitants. Stateroom availability is limited.
ITINERARY Quito Ecuador Baltra Santa Cruz Floreana Espanola San Cristobal Guayaquil Ecuador Lima Peru Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Saqsayhuaman San Blas Villa Tipon
Ready to book? Contact Orbridge: www.orbridge.com, 1-866-639-0079
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Grand Danube Passage: Prague & Sofia
June 19 – July 4, 2018 | From $4,695 per person, no single supplement Airfare not included ITINERARY Prague Passau Melk Vienna Bratislava Budapest Kalocsa Pecs Mohacs Belgrade Iron Gate Gorge Drobeta Turnu Severin Vidin Sofia
Early Booking Date November 14, 2017.
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Travel through eight European countries to discover oldworld capitals, charming villages and the storied Danube River. Enjoy two nights in Sofia, Bulgaria, sail the Danube for nine nights and complete your adventure with three nights in Prague, Czech Republic. During this exciting program, view archaic facades, castles and cathedrals, and step inside the Baba Vida fortress, Melk Abbey and other architectural highlights. Wander Sofia’s Serdica ruins, and honor Drobeta’s World War I Memorial. Laud epic panoramas of Budapest at night, the lush Wachau Valley and the immense Iron Gate Gorge. Engaging culture experiences steep you in local heritage and flavors, and our popular Personalize Your Cruise options offer a choice of excursions in select ports. Best of all, our expert guides and lecturers will immerse you in the diverse highlights of this famed region. Enjoy first-class accommodations aboard ship and an extensive meal plan featuring wine and beer with lunch and dinner. For our solo travelers, there is no single supplement.
Ready to book? Contact AHI: www.ahitravel.com, 1-800-323-7373
Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland
July 18 – 26, 2018 | From $2,995 per person | Airfare not included
Switzerland is a gem nestled in the heart of Europe. Discover picture-perfect towns, alpine meadows and majestic mountains during fascinating excursions via cable cars, lifts and alpine railways. Settle in Interlaken, in the Alps’ Bernese Oberland. Travel by train to Kandersteg and visit Oeschinen Lake. Stroll through Lucerne and take a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne. A rail excursion takes you to Grindelwald and the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. Explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley by train or on foot — the choice is yours — and make your way to Mürren for incredible views of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger peaks. Visit the wood-carving center of Brienz and travel by antique steam train to see the famed Rothorn. Later, continue to Interlaken to explore this lovely town. Local guides and speakers provide fascinating insight during included excursions and lectures. This program includes first-class accommodations, a Swiss rail pass and an extensive meal plan featuring wine with dinner.
ITINERARY Zurich Thun Kandersteg Lake Oeschinen Lucerne Grindelwald Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge Lauterbrunnen Valley Murren Thun Brienz Rothorn Interlake Zurich
Early Booking Date March 13, 2018.
Ready to book? Contact AHI: www.ahitravel.com, 1-800-323-7373
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The Majestic Great Lakes: Chicago to Toronto
July 27 – August 5, 2018 | From $5,999 per person, double occupancy Airfare not included ITINERARY Chicago Lake Michigan Mackinac Island Sault St. Marie Little Current Midland Lake Huron Windsor Detroit Niagara Falls Lake Erie Toronto
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Explore the verdant 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; sail the shimmering waters of Georgian Bay; and explore the native traditions of Manitoulin Island. Celebrate music history at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, 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 thrilling perspective of a Hornblower vessel before disembarking in Toronto, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
Newfoundland and Labrador
July 28 – August 7, 2018 | From $4,495 per person, double occupancy Airfare not included Journey through time to learn about the birth of a continent. Walk in the footsteps of the New World’s first peoples and explore the home of the first Viking explorers. This exciting tour starts in St. Johns, Newfoundland and explores the National Historic Sites of Cape Spear and Signal Hill. Observe the nature and geology of Gros Morne National Park — a United Nations (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. Visit L’Anse aux Meadows, North America’s first authenticated Norse settlement and another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Red Bay, the Labrador home to Basque whalers during the 1540’s. As these destinations highlight your experience, view historic lighthouses along the route and watch whales, dolphins and numerous species of birds along the coast and within the harbors, bays and coves of Newfoundland and Labrador.
ITINERARY St. John’s Newfoundland Gander Grand Falls-Windsor Gros Morne National Park Labrador; St. Anthony Deer Lake Cornerbrook
Ready to book? Contact Orbridge: www.orbridge.com, 1-866-639-0079
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Pacific Coast Adventure August 2 – 9, 2018 | From $3,395 per person Airfare included from Gateway cities ITINERARY Seattle Mt. St. Helens Portland Newport Crater Lake National Park Redwood National Park Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco
Highlights include: Seattle City Tour, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center, Portland City Tour, International Rose Test Garden, Oregon’s Pacific Coast, Newport, Oregon Dunes Nat’l Recreation Area, Rogue River Jetboat Trip, Redwood National Park, Avenue of the Giants, Sonoma Valley Winery Tour & Tasting, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco City Tour, Fisherman’s Wharf Dinner
Ready to book? Contact Premier World Discovery: www.premierworlddiscovery.com, 1-877-953-8687 - 23 -
Wines of the Pacific Northwest: Spokane to Portland
September 9 – 17, 2018 | From $3,499 per person, double occupancy Airfare not included Your journey through the Pacific Northwest begins with a stay in the heart of Vancouver, Washington, where you can sample the world-famous Pinot Noir of the nearby Willamette Valley. Embark on the luxurious American Empress and follow the Snake and Columbia Rivers through the stunning Columbia Valley AVA, nestled on the same latitudes as the famed Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France. Along the way, cruise into Astoria—one of the oldest cities west of the Rockies—and explore The Dalles, a picturesque frontier town once known as the end of the Oregon Trail. Delve into the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum, and let a legendary piece of American history comes to life in Sacajawea State Park, the 1805 campsite of fabled explorers Lewis and Clark and the famous Shoshone Indian guide to whom the park owes its name. Before disembarking American Empress, you’ll stay the night in Clarkston, Washington, where you can wander the town known as the gateway to Hells Canyon.
ITINERARY Spokane Clarkston Tri Cities (Sacajawea State Park) River Cruising The Dalles Stevenson Astoria Vancouver Portland
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
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Autumn Inspiration: New York to Montreal
September 13 – 23, 2018 | From $3,949 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from select cities ITINERARY New York Newport Portland Bar Harbor Saint John New Brunswick Halifax At sea Sept-Iles Saguenay Quebec City Montreal
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Experience the explosive colors of autumn as you sail up North America’s immense and beautiful Atlantic coast. Embark on your luxury cruise aboard the Insignia in New York, the “City that Never Sleeps.” Your first stop is New England’s own Europeanstyle resort city, Newport. Take in America’s revolutionary history on Boston’s renowned Freedom Trail before docking in Bar Harbor, where you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Acadia National Park. As you sail north into Canada, you’ll discover Saint John, a Victorian city with its own curious reversing river. 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. Flanked by emerald mountains and towering plateaus, Saguenay claims Canada’s only navigable fjord; while Québec City, the only walled city in North America, shows old-world European charm seeping into the heart of French Canada. You’ll disembark in Montréal, Canada’s second-most populous city.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
Cape Cod & the Islands
September 16 – 22, 2018 | From $2,695 per person Airfare included from Gateway cities
Enjoy six nights at one property on ‘The Cape’ to experience its beauty and history. Enjoy history which dates back to our founding including a tour of historic Boston, and a visit to the recreated Plimoth Plantation of 1627 where you will interact with costumed interpreters. Additional historical visits include seeing Plymouth Rock and a visit to the village of Sandwich, established in 1639. Ferry rides will bring you to the picturesque islands of Nantucket (once the Whaling Capital of the World) and famous Martha’s Vineyard (featuring the colorful Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs). Both islands have retained their charm and beauty with pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic sites and wonderful architecture. A drive along scenic “Ten Mile Drive” will bring you to the Breakers mansion, Cornelius Vanderbilt’s summer home built in 1895. You will enjoy a guided tour of the largest and most opulent mansion in Newport. Of course, no trip to Hyannis would be complete without some sightseeing and history of the Kennedys. Top your trip off with a traditional New England Lobster Dinner.
ITINERARY Boston Hyannis Plymouth Sandwich Nantucket Island Martha’s Vineyard Newport
Ready to book? Contact Premier World Discovery : www.premierworlddiscovery.com, 877-953-8687 - 26 -
Essence of Europe: Rome to Barcelona
September 23 – October 4, 2018 From $3,499 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from select cities ITINERARY Rome Florence Pisa Tuscany (Livorno) La Spezia Cinque Terre Calvi Corsica Monte Carlo Antibes Provence Marseille Roses Palma de Mallorca Valencia Barcelona
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Explore ancient cities, alluring beaches, and culture straight from the Old World as you set sail across the Mediterranean Sea aboard the luxurious Marina. Embark from Rome, Italy’s treasure of history and architecture, and view great masterpieces of the Renaissance—Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and Michelangelo’s David—in Florence. Hike the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre, unwind in the sparkling beach town of Calvi, and bask in the glitz and glamour of fabulous Monte Carlo. Cruise the Côte d’Azur to Antibes and its marvelous Picasso Museum before being welcomed into Provençal France and the historic port city of Marseille. Explore Spanish history and culture in the Citadel of Roses, Beliver Castle in Palma de Mallorca, and the stunning blend of contemporary and baroque architecture in Valencia. Your time aboard the Marina will end in cosmopolitan Barcelona, Spain’s gem of art and culture.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
Alpine Countries & Oktoberfest
October 1 – 9, 2018 | From $4,295 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from Gateway cities
The annual 16 day Oktoberfest Festival started in 1810 and is held each year in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany. Beginning in September and running through the first weekend in October, it is the world’s largest fair with 6 million visitors per year. Here is your chance to enjoy the culture, music, food and of course Bavarian beer, where they have been creating “liquid bread” for 3,000 years! Upon arrival into Munich, make your way to Innsbruck, Austria, your home for the next seven nights. Innsbruck is the perfect hub to venture from and experience majestic scenery, sample wonderful food and explore historic cities & sights of the Alpine Countries. Enjoy an Innsbruck City Tour and learn about the history of this 800-year old university city which hosted the 1964 & 1976 Winter Olympic Games. Other features include a scenic drive into Bavaria for a panoramic Munich City Tour, the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, known for its Passion Play, performed every ten years after the village was spared from the plague of 1633, and nearby Salzburg, well known as the birthplace of Mozart and its role in the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’.
ITINERARY Innsbruck Munich Salzburg
Ready to book? Contact Premier World Discovery: www.premierworlddiscovery.com, 1-877-953-8687 - 28 -
Trade Routes of Coastal Iberia
October 3 – 11, 2018 | From $4,395 per person | Airfare not included ITINERARY Barcelona Palma de Mallorca Valencia Almeria Granada Andalusia Motril Gibraltar British Crown Colony Cruise the Guadalquivir River Seville Andalusia Portimao the Algarve Lisbon
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This unique and exclusive nine-day itinerary and small ship voyage showcases the coastal jewels of the Iberian Peninsula between Barcelona, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, during the best time of year. Cruise up Spain’s legendary Guadalquivir River, “the great river,” into the heart of beautiful Seville, an exclusive opportunity only available on this itinerary and by small ship. Visit Portugal’s lesser-traveled Algarve region and the regal city of Granada, Spain. Stand on the “Top of the Rock” to see the Pillars of Hercules spanning the scenic Strait of Gibraltar and call on the enchanting Balearic Island of Mallorca. During daily port calls and included excursions, enjoy stunning scenery and see four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cruise ancient trade routes from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star M.S. LE LYRIAL. This stateof-the-art small ship, launched in 2015, features 110 oceanview Suites and Staterooms and complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi throughout the ship. A two-night Barcelona Pre-Cruise Option and two-night Lisbon Post-Cruise Option are offered.
Ready to book? Contact Gohagan & Co: www.gohagantravel.com, 1-800-922-3088
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
October 12 – 17, 2018 | From $2,695 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from select cities
Travel with us to the Land of Enchantment-New Mexico where you will enjoy beautiful landscapes, history, architecture and the world famous Albuquerque Balloon Festival. First, experience the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, the world’s largest hot air ballooning event and said to be the world’s most photographed event where hundreds of colorful balloons fill the sky. Pueblo Indian history and culture will be on display at the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center, Bandelier National Monument and culminate in a visit to Taos Pueblo- a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Pueblo homes which have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Enjoy 3 nights in Santa Fe, founded in 1607 and is the oldest state capital city and 3rd oldest continuously inhabited city in the US. You will enjoy this UNESCO Creative City which is renowned for its beauty, Pueblo-style architecture and being one of the most important art markets in the US.
ITINERARY Albuquerque Bandelier Los Alamos Santa Fe Taos
Ready to book? Contact Premier World Discovery: www.premierworlddiscovery.com, 1-877-953-8687 - 30 -
Glorious Greece: Athens to Athens October 13 – 24, 2018 | From $2,999 per person, double occupancy Airfare included from select cities ITINERARY Athens Gythion Katakolon Taormina Sicily Valletta Heraklion Crete Rhodes Santorini Patmos Athens
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Classic mythology, glistening oceans, and ancient cities await you on this luxurious tour of Greece. Embark on the Riviera in Athens, the Cradle of Democracy; and set off to Gythion, the port city of Sparta. Play around in Katakonos, a quiet seaside town where you can head inland to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Enjoy astounding views of Mount Etna in Taormina and explore Valetta, Europe’s smallest capital, before cruising the Mediterranean to the island of Crete and Heraklion’s astounding ruins. Soak in the ever-present sunshine of Rhodes, and lounge on the fabulous black sand beaches of Santorini that epitomize Grecian beauty. You’ll hear the sounds of over 300 churches’ bells echo over the otherwise-tranquil island of Patmos, where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations, before you complete your voyage of Greece back in Athens.
Ready to book? Contact GoNext: www.gonext.com, 1-800-842-9023
ATTENTION TRAVELING WILDCATS: Please note that all prices listed are per person, double occupancy (unless noted) and do not include airfare (unless noted), applicable taxes and fees. Single supplement amounts are not listed in this brochure; contact travel partner for details. Trip information, dates and prices are tentative and subject to change. Visit www.ukalumni.net/travel for the most up-to-date information. Trips have limited space so early booking is recommended. 400 Rose Street King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506 www.ukalumni.net 800-269-ALUM (2586)
DON’T SEE THE PERFECT TRIP FOR YOU?
As a Traveling Wildcat, you’re eligible to book any trip offered by any of our travel partners! You are invited to peruse their websites or call to request information about any trip, just be sure to tell them you are a Traveling Wildcat!
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!
Injury, illness, trip delays and lost baggage are a few issues that could cost you more than just your vacation. The Alumni Travel Protection Plan is custom-designed exclusively for Traveling Wildcats and provides the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. For complete details, visit www.ukalumni.net/travelinsurance or call 800-753-1000, option 6.
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2018 Travel Tour Locations Worldwide
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INTERESTED IN RECEIVING A BROCHURE? To receive brochures for 2018 Traveling Wildcats tours, complete and mail this page to: UK Alumni Association, ATTN: Traveling Wildcats, 400 Rose Street, King Alumni House, Lexington, KY 40506-0119.
Please note that tour brochures are usually available approximately nine months prior to tour departure dates. Please send me a brochure for the tours checked below! Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone Number: Email:
The Traveling Wildcats Program is an exclusive benefit of UK Alumni Association membership. One member per party is required to participate. o NOT A MEMBER? Check this box to have membership information mailed to you or visit www.ukalumni.net/join to become a member of the association. o Expedition to Antarctica January 11 – 24, 2018 o Tasman Pearls: Sydney to Auckland January 21 – February 5, 2018 o Passage through the Panama Canaland Costa Rica February 3 – 11, 2018 o Legends of the Nile, featuring Abu Simbel February 13 – 24, 2018 o Sparkling South Pacific Papeete to Papeete February 25 – March 7, 2018 o Amalfi Coast April 3 – 11, 2018 o The Masters Tournament April 4-7, 2018 o Southwest National Parks May 7 – 16, 2018 o Ancient Traditions ofthe Inland Sea of Japan May 8 – 18, 2018 o Normandy May 21 – 29, 2018 o Timeless Cuba June 6 – 13, 2018 o Barcelona: Art, Culture & People June 7 – 15, 2018 o Isles of Enchantment: London to Dublin June 7 – 18, 2018 o The Galapagos Islands June 13 – 20, 2018 o Grand Danube Passage: Prague & Sofia June 19 – July 4, 2018 o Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland July 18 – 26, 2018 o The Majestic Great Lakes: Chicago to Toronto July 27 – August 5, 2018 o Newfoundland and Labrador July 28 – August 7, 2018 o Pacific Coast Adventure August 2 – 9, 2018 o Wines of the Pacific Northwest Spokane to Portland September 9 – 17, 2018 o Autumn Inspiration: New York to Montreal September 13 – 23, 2018 o Cape Cod & the Islands September 16 – 22, 2018 o Essence of Europe: Rome to Barcelona September 23 – October 4, 2018 o Alpine Countries & Oktoberfest October 1 – 9, 2018 o Trade Routes of Coastal Iberia October 3 – 11, 2018 o Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta October 12 – 17, 2018 o Glorious Greece: Athens to Athens October 13 – 24, 2018
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400 Rose Street King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40508