Traveling Wildcats 2021 Travel Guide
Dear Traveling Wildcats, I am thrilled to share our 2021 Traveling Wildcats calendar with you! Our trips have been carefully and thoughtfully selected with you in mind. In 2021 we are offering new and exciting destinations that will take even the most experienced travelers to new corners of the world, and we have included classic bucket list destinations that everyone will enjoy. Traveling, exploring and adventuring will soon return and the Traveling Wildcats are here for you! Every Traveling Wildcats trip begins with a common bond – the University of Kentucky. Along the way, travelers have the opportunity to connect with each other, learn from world-class experts and tour guides and explore all the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences the destination has to offer. When you choose to travel with the Traveling Wildcats you are supporting the UK Alumni Association’s mission. Your participation contributes to student success, great alumni programs, and furthers the excellent reputation of our beloved intuition. Visit www.ukalumni.net/travel for details on all of our 2021 trips. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Traveling Wildcats program coordinator, Hannah Simms, at hannah.simms@uky.edu. You may reach Hannah by phone at 859-257-7174. Go Big Blue! Jill Smith Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement Executive Director, UK Alumni Association
Coastal Lidriatic & Aegean 24 - Octo Enchanting Ireland September 30 - October 12, 2021
2021 Tours at a Glance
Circumnavigation of Iceland July 29 - August 6, 2021
Antarctica Discovery January 27 - February 7, 2021
GRADUATION TRIP: Classic Europe May 23 - June 2, 2021
Nordic Magnificence August 1 - 11, 2021
Byzantine Sojourn October 17 - 28, 2021
Japan in Bloom March 31 - April 11, 2021
Yosemite, Death Valley & the Great Parks of California May 23 - 31, 2021
Majestic Great Lakes August 16 - 26, 2021
Classical Cities of Spain October 19 - 27, 2021
Imperial Splendors of Russia August 17 - 26, 2021
Antiquities of the Red Sea & Aegean Sea November 2 - 15, 2021
Italy & the Adriatic April 12 - 23, 2021 Panama to Palms April 22 - May 10, 2021 European Coastal Civilizations May 2 - 11, 2021 Italy’s Lake District May 11 - 19, 2021 Gems Gemsofofthe theDanube Danube May 14 24, May 14 - 24,2021 2021 Africa’s Wildlife: On Safari May 18 - 31, 2021
Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords June 6 - 14, 2021 Great Journey Through Europe June 21 - July 1, 2021 Alaska Glaciers & Blooms June 21 - July 2, 2021 Galapagos Islands July 10 - 17, 2021 Rhine Highlights July 11 - 18, 2021 Viking Legends July 14 - 27, 2021
Northern Gateways August 18 - 29, 2021 Cape Cod & the Islands September 18 - 24, 2021 Flavors of Chianti September 23 - October 1, 2021 Portrait of Italy September 23-October 8, 2021 Adriatic & Aegean Odyssey September 27 - October 5, 2021
Iberian Immersion November 6 - 17, 2021 Egypt & the Eternal Nile November 8 - 22, 2021 Holiday Markets November 27 - December 5, 2021 San Antonio Holiday November 30 - December 4, 2021
Travel Partners
Each of our tours is offered in partnership with one of our trusted tour providers, who specialize in alumni group travel experiences. Each partner offers a wide variety of travel options, ranging from large international cruises, to small vessel excursions and land programs. You are certain to find a trip that is right for you through one of these industry leaders!
AHI International Tower, Suite 600 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Chicago, IL 60631 1-800-323-7373 www.ahitravel.com
ODYSSEYS UNLIMITED One Newton Place 275 Washington Street, Suite 300 Newton, MA 02458 1-888-370-6765 www.odysseys-unlimited.com
Adventure Legend: AIRFARE INCLUDED FROM SELECT CITIES
GOHAGAN & COMPANY 209 South LaSalle Street, Suite 500 Chicago, Illinois 60604 1-800-922-3088 www.gohagantravel.com
ORBRIDGE P.O. Box 10339 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 1-866-639-0079 www.orbridge.com
CRUISE
GO NEXT 8000 West 78th Street, Suite 345 Minneapolis, MN 55439 1-800-842-9023 www.gonext.com
PREMIRE WORLD DISCOVERY 2615 - 190th Street, Suite 200 Redondo Beach, CA 90278 1-877-953-8687 www.premierworlddiscovery.com
TRAIN COMPONENT
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR SOLO TRAVELERS
LAND TRAVEL PRE- OR POST-PROGRAM OPTION AVAILABLE
Graduation Trip: Classic Europe MAY 23 – JUNE 2, 2021 FROM $3,099 PER PERSON
Did you know we have a graduation trip just for UK grads? Join us on an unforgettable voyage through England, France, Italy, Vatican City and Greece. In London, see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the Eiffel Tower and explore the best museums of Paris. Get whisked away via high-speed train to the French Riviera! Discover the “Eternal City” of Rome, where the Colosseum and Forum remind us of its dramatic past. Venture across the Tiber River to Vatican City –the world’s smallest state. Explore Pompeii then enjoy living like a Greek god or goddess on the Isle of Poros. End your grand tour in Athens where the Acropolis is one of the world’s most breathtaking ancient ruins.
www.ukalumni.net/GradTrip
Grads
HAVE YOU MET #FLATWILDCAT? Flat Wildcat is a great way to be a UK advocate and let everyone know where your loyalty lies! Take him along wherever you go and include him in your selfies, group photos and fun settings. Share your pictures on your favorite social media channels using #FLATWILDCAT.
LEARN MORE: WWW.UKALUMNI.NET/FLATWILDCAT
Where in the world is Flat Wildcat?
Antarctica Discovery
JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 7, 2021 FROM $8,895 PER PERSON Join fellow travelers for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to experience the boundless beauty and pristine vastness of Antarctica. Embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cruise through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands amid the Antarctic Peninsula—exploring the dramatic landscapes and remarkable wildlife that call this continent home. Your expedition vessel for this amazing journey is the modern, 140-guest World Explorer, a fast cruising and nimble craft designed specifically for polar cruising—with large cabins, exceptional amenities, and a knowledgeable and friendly crew. Throughout this program, enjoy the company and keen insights of expert expedition guides, scientists, and lecturers throughout the journey. www.ukalumni.net/ AntarcticaDiscovery
Japan in Bloom MARCH 31 – APRIL 11, 2021 FROM $4,599 PER PERSON
Explore ancient traditions and natural wonders on the island nation of Japan. Embark in Tokyo and sail to Shimizu to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji through the cherry blossoms. Stop off in Kyoto, where shrines and temples abound in this former imperial capital of Japan. Visit Hiroshima to dine in one of the city’s upscale restaurants or visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Sail through the Kanmon Straits and take in sweeping vistas of the natural and urban landscapes in Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea. See Nagasaki, where the many monuments and museums celebrate four hundred years of tradition. Before returning to Tokyo, enjoy a day in the friendly city of Kagoshima to see Japan’s most active volcano, Sakurajima, put on a show.
www.ukalumni.net/ JapaninBloom
Italy & the Adriatic
APRIL 12 – 23, 2021 FROM $2,849 PER PERSON
Your adventure begins in Rome, a city rich with antiquity and culture. From there, sail to Amalfi and wander its pretty piazzas or travel to nearby Positano for incredible views while you relax in a café. Travel to Catania then Valletta, a UNESCO-listed capital teeming with limestone buildings and ancient fortifications. Relax along the coastline in Corfu or take in its colonial-style old town and Greek ruins. In Kotor, amble the narrow cobblestone streets and experience Venetian architecture, then sail to Croatia to explore Split. Head next to Ravenna—lounge on one of the city’s beaches or sip local wine in a sidewalk café. Your journey will end with a day in Venice, a city of canals, bridges, and charming red roofs, but first, stop off in Koper. Revel in its medieval ambience and take in sweeping views of the Gulf of Trieste from the top of the Cathedral of the Assumption. www.ukalumni.net/ ItalyandtheAdriatic
Panama to Palms APRIL 22 – MAY 10, 2021 FROM $4,049 PER PERSON
Explore exotic landscapes and cultures cruising Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean on an eighteen-night journey. Embark in San Francisco and sail to Catalina Island, then south to Mexico. Visit Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy an invigorating mix of art and entertainment along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón esplanade. From Puerto Quetzal, head to Antigua—see Guatemala’s history built into the Spanish colonial architecture. In San Juan del Sur, take in surfers and sunset views from the Nicaraguan coast. And in Costa Rica, take a rain forest hike outside of Puntarenas. Cross the Panama Canal off your bucket list as you head toward the Caribbean Sea. Stop in Cartagena, where blooms spill over balconies of colonial mansions in the old town. Before journey’s end in Miami, sail to the Cayman Islands for a day in the beach lover’s paradise of George Town.
www.ukalumni.net/ PanamatoPalms
European Coastal Civilizations MAY 2 – 11, 2021 FROM $5,595 PER PERSON
Explore the historical legacies and dynamic cultures of coastal Portugal, Spain, France and England. Cruise for eight nights. Enjoy a memorable trip up the storied River Thames to London’s Tower Bridge. Special guest speaker Dwight D. Eisenhower II accompanies you to the hallowed beaches of Normandy. Explore Oporto in Portugal’s renowned wine country, walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela and visit Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum and Mont-Saint-Michel’s impressive abbey. Lisbon pre-program and London post-program options available.
www.ukalumni.net/ EuropeanCoastalCivilizations
Italy’s Lake District MAY 11 – 19, 2021 FROM $3,595 PER PERSON Discover northern Italy’s lake district, where sparkling lakes mirror the green hills and craggy slopes of the Alpine foothills. Based in Stresa by Lake Maggiore, spend your days exploring breathtaking islands, lakeside towns and thrilling Milan. Witness the Romanesque basilica on the Isola San Giulio, and stroll through quaint Bellagio, where poets and writers from around the world have found inspiration. Cruise aboard a private boat to discover the beauty of the three Borromean Islands, which range from a fishermen’s islet to a lavish island estate. Glide across Lake Como, passing fairy-tale villas and colorful villages, and learn the secrets of northern Italian cuisine during a cooking lesson. In Milan, feast your eyes on Leonardo’s “The Last Supper” and visit the legendary La Scala, Italy’s opulent opera house.
www.ukalumni.net/ ItalysLakeDistrict
Gems of the Danube
MAY 14 – 24, 2021 FROM $5,199 PER PERSON Spend two days exploring Prague before embarking on a river cruise. Travel to Nuremburg, a city brimming with history, museums and stunning architecture that dates back to the year 1040. Visit Regensburg, a town with two millennia of history that blends modern influence while remaining true to tradition. Stroll through the narrow streets and alleys of its old town, enjoying the intricate balance of old and new. Passau will cast a spell with its thriving promenade, culinary delights and the sounds of the St. Stephens Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ. Vienna is a city that blooms with beauty, romance and nostalgia— flourishing for centuries at the heart of various art movements. Celebrate your exceptionally orchestrated Danube journey with a memorable final tour of Budapest. www.ukalumni.net/ GemsoftheDanube
Africa’s Wildlife: On Safari in Botswana, Zambia & Victoria Falls
MAY 18 – 31, 2021 FROM $7,784 PER PERSON Go on safari through some of Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries. The small group adventure begins with sightseeing in Johannesburg’s renowned Soweto district. Then spend three nights near Zimbabwe’s spectacular Victoria Falls. Next is Botswana’s Chobe National Park, boasting one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife. Take a privately chartered flight to Zambia, enjoy unparalleled wildlife viewing at Lower Zambezi National Park. Finally, Discover Cape Town with an optional post-tour extension. www.ukalumni.net/ AfricasWildlife
Yosemite, Death Valley & the Great Parks of California MAY 23 – 31, 2021 FROM $3,995 PER PERSON
Survey the dramatic landscapes of three of Nevada’s and California’s national parks as nature testifies to its size, beauty, and diversity. Discover the vast desert region of Death Valley National Park—home to both the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level and the world’s highest recorded temperature at 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Admire the iconic waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, and extensive wilderness of Yosemite. And marvel at the celebrated groves of sequoia giants at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
www.ukalumni.net/ GreatParksofCalifornia
Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords JUNE 6 – 14, 2021 FROM $5,495 PER PERSON Join us for this custom-designed, seven-night journey to Norway’s majestic fjords and Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland Islands. Cruise from Bergen, Norway, to Glasgow, Scotland. Travel in the wake of Viking explorers, cruising into ports accessible only by small ship. Ride Norway’s Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, and enjoy a full-day excursion into the Scottish Highlands. Visit Neolithic Orkney—including a special presentation by the Ness of Brodgar archaeological site director and head archaeologist, Nick Card—and tour Bergen’s UNESCO-inscribed Bryggen. Pre-program and post-program options available.
www.ukalumni.net/ ScottishIslesandNorwegianFjords
Great Journey Through Europe
JUNE 21 – JULY 1, 2021 FROM $3,995 PER PERSON This extraordinary eleven-day “Grand Tour” of Europe features an incredible combination of river, rail, lake and mountain travel. Journey through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, cruising the Rhine River. Spend two nights each in Lucerne and Zermatt, Switzerland; ride aboard three legendary railways—the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, the Gornergrat Bahn for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the Glacier Express from Andermatt to Zermatt—and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne. This is the trip of a lifetime at an exceptional value! Amsterdam post-program option available.
www.ukalumni.net/ GreatJourneythroughEurope
Alaska Glaciers & Blooms JUNE 21 – JULY 2, 2021 FROM $3,599 PER PERSON
Climb aboard in Vancouver, British Columbia and cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan. In Wrangell, visit the Wrangell Museum to learn how gold rushes transformed the area, or catch a glimpse of the city’s native heritage at the Tlingit Tribal House. Stop in Hoonah, a Tlingit fishing village and home to the largest native settlement in Alaska, or venture to nearby Icy Strait Point. Travel to Skagway to learn about the city’s gold fever history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and voyage to Juneau, where you can visit the shimmering Mendenhall Glacier. Then take in Sitka’s totem-lined forest trails and two dozen attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Before ending your journey in Seattle, cruise the Outside Passage to Victoria.
www.ukalumni.net/ AlaskaGlaciersandBlooms
Galapagos Islands – Northern Itinerary JULY 10 – 17, 2021 FROM $4,995 PER PERSON
Designated the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands have been described as a “unique living museum and showcase of evolution.” 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. Sailing by small ship allows for flexibility in the itinerary to maximize wildlife viewing.
www.ukalumni.net/ GalapagosIslands
Rhine Highlights JULY 11 – 18, 2021 FROM $3,999 PER PERSON
Explore the iconic canals of Amsterdam, or discover the charming towns of Volendam and Edam. Make your way to Cologne, where you may stroll the town, or discover the Schloss Drachenburg. Next, take a guided tour of Koblenz, a historic city that straddles two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Alternatively, explore Cochem, a medieval gem that rests on the banks of the Moselle. From Mannheim, travel with a guide to Heidelberg and visit Heidelberg Castle or for a walking tour in Heidelberg. Arrive in BadenBaden, a spa town in southwest Germany famous for its Roman baths. Join a guide for a tour of the town and the ruins of the baths, or perhaps take an invigorating hike to Hohenbaden Castle. Your river cruise will end in Basel, but first, stop in Strasbourg, where you’ll discover La Petite France. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in Alsace and sample some of the best wines.
www.ukalumni.net/ RhineHighlights
Viking Legends JULY 14 – 27, 2021 FROM $5,249 PER PERSON Embark in Reykjavík and set sail for two days in Iceland. Visit Ísafjörður to take in the bountiful summer landscape and wildlife of the West Fjords, and spend time in Húsavík, where deep seafaring traditions live on. Take in Denmark’s Faroe Islands, then visit Scotland’s Shetland Islands, graced with rugged moors and petite Shetland ponies. Continue your journey in Bergen, Norway, the heart of the fjord district. In Stavanger, converted white cottages ornamented with blooming trellises house art galleries and boutiques. In Kristiansand, a charming old quarter lined with wooden houses borders a vibrant shopping district. And in Oslo, a wealth of attractions, from glass works to the Nobel Peace Center, entices sophisticated travelers from around the world. Before journey’s end in Copenhagen, sail to Gothenburg, Sweden and Lübeck, Germany.
www.ukalumni.net/ VikingLegends
Circumnavigation of Iceland JULY 29 – AUGUST 6, 2021 FROM $6,795 PER PERSON Join us for this seven-night circumnavigation of Iceland, a land of fire and ice where glittering glaciers cap active and dormant volcanoes and Viking ruins coexist with geothermal baths, mud pots and powerful geysers. Look for orcas and humpback whales and touch ice calved from one of Europe’s largest glaciers in UNESCO-designated Vatnajökull National Park. Cross the Arctic Circle on Grímsey Island and marvel at dramatic Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Round-trip, economy-class Included Air is from Boston, New York JFK, Newark, Toronto and WashingtonDulles; Low Air add-ons available from select cities. Reykjavík and The Golden Circle pre-program option available.
www.ukalumni.net/ CircumnavigationofIceland
Nordic Magnificence AUGUST 1 – 11, 2021 FROM $4,595 PER PERSON
Delight in the pleasures of Denmark and Norway on this journey that features Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen, plus a one-night cruise on the North Sea. In Copenhagen, visit the Old Town and Rosenborg Castle, and admire the city’s famous architecture during a canal cruise. An overnight ferry cruise along the coast serves as a prelude to Oslo, which offers an up-close look at ancient Viking ships and the seafaring lifestyle. Thrill to spectacular Scandinavian scenery as you ride Europe’s highest-altitude train line on your way to Bergen. Discover Bergen’s landmarks including Bryggen, the town’s colorful, 12th-century wharf. Take in jaw-dropping scenes of waterfalls and alpine vistas on a train ride from the top of a mountain to the pristine Aurlandsfjord, then cruise this majestic waterway. www.ukalumni.net/ NordicMagnificence
Majestic Great Lakes AUGUST 16 – 26, 2021 FROM $5,199 PER PERSON Your adventure begins with an included one-night hotel stay in Toronto. The next day, embark and sail to Niagara Falls—witness the thunderous power of the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. In Cleveland, browse the West Side Market. Stop in Windsor en route to Detroit, a city on the rise. Seek out new players in the craft beer scene and the attractive parks, plazas, and public spaces of the RiverWalk. Take a scenic sailing of Lake Huron and head to Little Current—tour Manitoulin Island, which thrives with Ojibwe culture. In Sault Ste. Marie, check out New Fort Brady or visit the Soo Locks. Your journey will end in the cultural hub of Chicago, but first, sail to Mackinac Island where you can take in the history of the island aboard a horse-drawn carriage.
www.ukalumni.net/ MajesticGreatLakes
Imperial Splendors of Russia
AUGUST 17 – 26, 2021 FROM $3,995 PER PERSON In Moscow, stride across Red Square, wonder at St. Basil’s swirling domes and discover the city’s beautiful Metro stations. Inside the Kremlin walls, glimpse gilded crowns, carriages and Fabergé eggs. Take a guided walk in Novodevichy Cemetery, the resting place of notables including Chekov and Khrushchev. Then, travel by high-speed rail to St. Petersburg, where you’ll marvel at lavish cathedrals and cruise along its pretty canals. Visit Peterhof, the palace of Peter the Great, and Catherine, the splendid summer home of the Romanovs. Watch dancers warm up at the Saint Petersburg Theater Classic Ballet School, and enter the celebrated State Hermitage Museum early to admire artistic masterpieces. www.ukalumni.net/ ImperialSplendorsofRussia
Northern Gateways
AUGUST 18 – 29, 2021 FROM $3,849 PER PERSON
Embark in Stockholm and set sail for the vibrant city of Helsinki, with access to Finland’s renowned ruined fortification, Suomenlinna. Stop in St. Petersburg for two days of touring Russia’s window to the West—discover pastel-hued palaces, distinctive onion domes, and a vast network of canals and bridges. Then explore the region’s medieval gems: in Estonia, see Tallinn’s Gothic churches and gabled merchants’ houses, and in Sweden, stroll Visby’s well-preserved town wall and romantic cottage-lined lanes. Stop in Lithuania before venturing to rocky cliffs and ivory-white beaches on Denmark’s island of Bornholm, or take in the cobbled streets and bright half-timbered houses of Rønne. Before journey’s end in Copenhagen, stop in Warnemünde, gateway to northern Germany’s historic towns and castles.
www.ukalumni.net/ NorthernGateways
Cape Cod & the Islands
SEPTEMBER 18 – 24, 2021 FROM $3,275 PER PERSON Experience the beauty and history of Cape Cod with visits to Boston, Newport, Rhode Island; and the famous Islands of Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket. Our home base will be in Cape Cod, which is known for its myriad charming villages and hundreds of stunning beaches. We will travel to Boston, one of America’s oldest cities, first incorporated as a town in 1630 with a rich economic and social history. Only accessible by boat or plane, we will ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard, a longtime New England summer community. We will also visit Nantucket, formerly the whaling capital of the world, is an island featuring unspoiled beaches & beautiful lighthouses. Then explore the seaside city of Newport famous for its historic mansions and an upscale downtown.
www.ukalumni.net/ CapCodandtheIslands
Flavors of Chianti
SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 1, 2021 FROM $4,995 PER PERSON Meander through Tuscany’s colorful cities, classic cucinas, and idyllic vineyards during this smallgroup journey. Each invigorating day is enriched by historical site visits, cultural activities and interactions, memorable cuisine, and wine tastings. Visit the childhood home of Lisa Gherardini— immortalized as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci—at villa Vignamaggio. And work side-by-side with Italian chefs during a cooking class and wine tasting in Greve. Enjoy a stroll through spectacular Siena. Admire the Etruscan ruins and Roman center at Volterra before visiting charming San Gimignano. At Podere Il Casale learn about the slow food movement and see a cheese-making demonstration. And learn the history of Bagno Vignoni, a small village surrounded by thermal waters.
www.ukalumni.net/ FlavorsofChianti
Coastal Life – Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 5, 2021 FROM $4,795 PER PERSON Cruise along the stunning Adriatic coast and through the Corinth Canal to Athens on this seven-night journey, exploring the influence of the Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Slavic civilizations. Tour Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, Dubrovnik’s 15th-century walled city, Kotor’s medieval fortifications, the remarkable archaeological site of Butrint, Corfu’s Old Town and ancient Delphi. Enjoy an event with local residents and a traditional folk music performance. Pre-program and post-program options available.
www.ukalumni.net/ CoastalLifeAdriaticandAegeanOdyssey
Enchanting Ireland
SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 12, 2021 FROM $4,792 PER PERSON Beginning in Dublin, visit Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the haunts of Ireland’s beloved literary sons. Departing for Galway, see Clonmacnoise and journey through the legendary Connemara to beautiful Kylemore Abbey, then take an excursion to Inishmore. Travel along County Clare’s spectacular coastline, encountering the rugged Burren and the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Ferrying to County Kerry, tour charming Killarney and historic Muckross House. Experience the stunning Ring of Kerry and in Blarney, visit the famed Blarney Stone, then see the celebrated Rock of Cashel. After exploring Kilkenny, Ireland’s cultural capital, pay a final visit to Dublin. Savor the dramatic Antrim Coast and lively Belfast with an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour Northern Ireland extension. www.ukalumni.net/ EnchantingIreland
Byzantine Sojourn OCTOBER 17 – 28, 2021 FROM $2,999 PER PERSON Embark in Istanbul and set sail for Kavala. Explore this ancient city’s cultural landmarks like the Turkish Imaret and the Kamares aqueduct, or travel to discover the nearby ruins of Philippi. From Kuşadasi, venture to Ephesus to see sights like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. Next, wander through Athens to take in its astounding array of historic attractions—from the Parthenon to the Acropolis. In Katakolon, relax at a charming seaside café or head inland to the site of ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games commenced in 776 BC. Cruise the Adriatic Sea to Kotor, a walled city with narrow streets and Venetian architecture, then continue to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Your adventure will conclude with a day exploring Venice, but before that, make a stop in Ravenna, once the western capital of the Roman Empire.
www.ukalumni.net/ ByzantineSojourn
Classical Cities of Spain OCTOBER 19 – 27, 2021 FROM $3,295 PER PERSON
Set off on an adventure in Spain’s enchantingly beautiful Castile and León region, where majestic medieval castles and fortresses dot the vast, open landscapes! Discover Segovia’s stunning treasures, including one of the finest surviving Roman aqueducts and the fairy-tale Alcázar, the fortified palace of Castilian kings. Then venture off to fabled cities including Ávila, enclosed by an impressive medieval wall, and Toledo, the magnificent former capital with wonderfully preserved elements of its Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage. In Salamanca, the “Golden City,” delight in honey-colored, sandstone architecture and the lively scene at Spain’s oldest university. Wander in the landscaped gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso and view acclaimed art in Madrid’s Prado Museum. www.ukalumni.net/ ClassicCitiesofSpain
Antiquities of the Red Sea & Aegean Sea
NOVEMBER 2 – 15, 2021 FROM $7,995 PER PERSON Join us on this fourteen-day journey to the cradle of civilization. Visit three continents, navigate the Red, Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, transit the Suez Canal and experience eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spend three nights in Amman to visit Jerash and Wadi Rum, and one night adjacent to the “rose red city” of Petra. Cruise for eight nights that includes an overnight in Luxor and a visit to Queen Nefertari’s tomb. Stand in the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza and visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tour Alexandria or Cairo. Six-night The Holy Land pre-program and two-night Classical Greece post-program options available.
www.ukalumni.net/ AntiquititesoftheRedSeaandAegeanSea
Iberian Immersion NOVEMBER 6 – 17, 2021 FROM $2,799 PER PERSON
Embark in glamorous Monte Carlo and set sail for bustling seaport of Toulon, with easy access to the picturesque countryside of Provence. Then sail down the coast of Spain. See Gaudí’s imaginative architecture and feast your senses at La Boqueria market in Barcelona. Enjoy Concepción Castle’s hilltop views and visit the Roman Theater in legendary Cartagena. Refuel at the lively tapas bars and take in the large collection of unusual modernisme architecture in Melilla. In the lively port of Alicante, catch views of the parks and waterfront boulevard from the high towers of Santa Bárbara Castle. Sail to Malta, where Valletta boasts one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. And cruise to Catania for a visit to upmarket boutiques and bistros. Before you bid farewell to Riviera in Rome, cruise to Naples for a taste of mouthwatering Southern Italian cuisine and access to the storied ruins of Pompeii. www.ukalumni.net/ IberianImmersion
Egypt & the Eternal Nile
NOVEMBER 8 – 22, 2021 FROM $4,797 PER PERSON Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, begin in Cairo with a visit to the acclaimed Egyptian Museum, Memphis’s open-air museum, splendid Sakkara, and the astounding Pyramids of Giza with their Great Sphinx. Travel to Abu Simbel for a fascinating three-night Lake Nasser cruise then sail on to ancient Nubia. After touring Aswan’s massive dam, depart on a classic four-night Nile voyage, enjoying a sail aboard a traditional felucca and visiting Kom Ombo’s unusual temple and Edfu’s remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. Reaching Luxor, explore its awe-inspiring temple complexes. End with two final nights in Cairo. Discover fabled Petra, ancient Jerash, and Amman with an optional post-tour Jordan extension.
www.ukalumni.net/ EgyptandtheEternalNile
Holiday Markets NOVEMBER 27– DECEMBER 5, 2021 FROM $2,495 PER PERSON
Feel the magic of the holidays in Switzerland, Germany and France! Celebrate centuries-old traditions in festive markets aglow with twinkling lights, good cheer and handmade decorations and other treasures. Visit Heidelberg’s castle and enjoy an exclusive musical performance in the romantic old town. Stroll through Freiburg, a vibrant university city. Admire Cologne’s spectacular cathedral and delight in Düsseldorf’s lively riverfront district. In the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf, select excursions that fit your interests, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences. Aboard your first-class ship, revel in the beauty of the Rhine Gorge and sip warm, spicy Glühwein.
www.ukalumni.net/ HolidayMarkets
San Antonio Holiday
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 4, 2021 FROM $2,475 PER PERSON Light up your holidays! San Antonio is an intriguing city with old-Spanish flavor, multi-cultural heritage, numerous parks and plazas, and the Riverwalk. We will celebrate the holiday season with the world famous Riverwalk as our backdrop for this tour, featuring more than two miles of beautifully landscaped waterfront, twinkling with hundreds of holiday lights and experience the Fiesta de las Luminarias, which features thousands of candles illuminating this magical area. Visit the Alamo where a battle was fought and men made the ultimate sacrifice to defend their freedom and the Republic of Texas. Discover the German settlements of Fredericksburg set in the Hill Country. Experience El Mercado, the Mexican Marketplace and enjoy a visit the LBJ Ranch, birthplace of the 36th President of the United States. www.ukalumni.net/ SanAntonioHoliday
Don’t see the perfect trip for you? As a Traveling Wildcat, you are eligible to book any trip offered by any of our travel partners! You are welcome to peruse their websites or call to request information about any trip, just be sure to tell them you are a Traveling Wildcat!
Attention Traveling Wildcats: Please note that all prices listed are per person, double occupancy (unless noted) and do not include airfare (unless noted). Prices are subject to applicable taxes and fees. Single supplement amounts are not listed in this brochure. Please contact travel partners for details. All trip information, dates and prices are tentative and subject to change.
Alumni Travel Protection Plan
PROTECT: YOUR TICKETS | YOUR LUGGAGE | YOUR HEALTH
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 1-833-424-4932.
Want to request a mailed brochure? Visit www.ukalumni.net/travelbrochure or call 859-257-7174.
400 Rose Street King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506
TRAVELING WILDCATS TIME TO TRAVEL