Embark o n an
ADVENTURE ÂŽ
Traveling Bulldogs Destination Catalog 2021
MSU Traveling Bulldogs
Dear Alumni and Friends,
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Greetings from the MSU Alumni Association! We are pleased to unveil our Traveling Bulldogs tour selections for 2021. We hope you will take advantage of one or more of the wonderful travel opportunities. While visiting exotic, historical, or educational destinations, you will have the added value of traveling with your MSU family and reconnecting to your alma mater in a meaningful and life-changing way! If you have never traveled with us before, we invite you to give the Traveling Bulldogs a try and be a part of this special group. Our tours are open to anyone, so if you have family or friends you enjoy traveling with, please feel free to invite them to join you on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Specifically, our tours promote educational and cultural experiences for our alumni and friends, and when you travel with us a portion of your tour price will come right back to the MSU Alumni Association. Within this catalog, you will find a variety of destinations, price ranges, and modes of travel. This catalog is meant to give you a preview of the tours we will be offering in 2021. Please be aware this is an everchanging travel climate, and all prices, itineraries, dates, and departures are subject to change. Detailed brochures about each tour will be mailed approximately 6-9 months prior to departure. If there are specific brochures you would like to make sure you receive, please contact me at the MSU Alumni Association jramsey@alumni.msstate.edu or request a brochure(s) on our website at alumni.msstate.edu/travel. I cannot stress enough the importance of booking a tour as early as you can to ensure you get the space you want! Tours fill up quickly and “early booking deadlines” are not a guarantee of space. If you see something you are interested in, book now! This is an exciting time for our Traveling Bulldogs program as it continues to gain momentum and interest among our beloved MSU family and friends. Our success could not happen without the loyal and committed support from people like you. Enjoy looking through our catalog, select your destinations now, and begin your Traveling Bulldogs experience today!
Sincerely,
Jordan Ramsey, ‘06, ‘15 Associate Director, MSU Alumni Association
2021 TRIPS Wonders of the Galápagos Islands Great Trains & Grand Canyons Brazilian Spotlight The Pride of South Africa Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland Legends of the Nile Kentucky Derby Aegean Glories Dutch Waterways Flavors of Chianti The Great Journey through Europe Glaciers and Blooms of Alaska – SEC Conference Cruise Easy Company: England to the Eagle’s Nest Cape Cod and the Islands Circumnavigation of Iceland
2021
TRIP DURATION TRAVEL PARTNER APPROXIMATE COST
DATES February 8-16, 2021 March 7-12, 2021 March 8-19, 2021 March 11-25, 2021
PAGE 2 2 3 3
March 12-19, 2021 March 25-April 3, 2021 April 6-17, 2021 April 28-May 2, 2021 April 29-May 12, 2021 April 24-May 2, 2021 June 3-11, 2021 June 11-21, 2021
4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8
June 21-July 2, 2021
9
England to Austria
June 24 - July 6, 2021
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Boston, Nantucket Island, Martha’s Vineyard, & Newport, Rhode Island Multiple cities showcasing the “Land of Fire and Ice” Toronto, Canadian Rockies, & Vancouver Toronto to Chicago Rapid City to National Parks of the West
July 10-16, 2021
10
July 17-25, 2021
11
July 27-August 2, 2021 August 16-26, 2021 August 18-24, 2021
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Winnepeg to Gangler’s Lodge
September 19-24, 2021
13
Las Vegas to San Francisco
September 26-October 3, 2021
14
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, & Taos Phoenix to Las Vegas Athens to the Greek Islands Barcelona to Rome Paris to the Beaches of Normandy
October 8-13, 2021 October 13-22, 2021 October 15-23, 2021 October 25-November 2, 2021 October 31-November 8, 2021
14 15 15 16 17
Basel to Amsterdam
December 11-19, 2021
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TRAVEL INFORMATION General information including trip FAQs, travel provider bios, and contact information
19-20
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
GUIDE TO TRAVEL ICONS:
Toronto to Vancouver by Rail The Majestic Great Lakes Black Hills, Badlands & Legends of the West Northern Lights & the Wildlife of Northern Manitoba Yosemite, Death Valley, & the Great Parks of California Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta National Parks of the Southwest Ancient Greece: An Aegean Odyssey Ramblas & the Rivieras The River Seine to the Beaches of Normandy Holiday Markets Cruise
LOCATIONS Quito, Galápagos, & Guayaquil Sedona to Scottsdale Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, & Zimbabwe Dublin, Cork, & Galway Glasgow to Edinburgh Cairo, Luxor, Nile Cruise, & Abu Simbel Lexington & Louisville, Kentucky Athens to Venice Amsterdam to Ghent Florence to Tuscany’s colorful cities Rhine River Cruise and the Glacier Express Vancouver, Alaska, & Seattle
MSU Traveling Bulldogs
Table of Contents
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | FEBRUARY 2021 TRIPS alumni.msstate.edu/travel 2
Wonders of the
Galapágos Islands
Great Trains & Grand Canyons MARCH 7-12, 2021 | Sedona to Scottsdale
FEBRUARY 8-16, 2021 | Quito, Galápagos, & Guayaquil 2021
This incredible nine-day journey features a four-night cruise in the Galápagos Islands, a nature lover’s dream destination and UNESCO World Heritage site, aboard the first-class, small ship SANTA CRUZ II. This exploration vessel is equipped for the complete Galápagos experience, from a fleet of Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat to certified naturalists and complimentary snorkeling gear. Visit six islands where the unique wildlife accepts up-close human interaction like nowhere else on Earth. On mainland Ecuador, enjoy three nights exploring the colonial treasures of UNESCO-inscribed Quito, one of South America’s most captivating cities. Six-night Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, and Lima Post-Program Option.
2021
6 DAYS PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY FROM APPROX. $3,295 (AIRFARE INCLUDED)
9 DAYS GOHAGAN FROM APPROX. $5,795 PLUS AIR
Inspire your sense of adventure and board the Grand Canyon Railway for an epic journey to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. See the cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle National Monument and the restored mining town of Jerome. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad along a spectacular route between two national forests. Complete your trip in Scottsdale’s Old Town, where Western storefronts recall a departed era. This experience combines the scenery of the American West with Native American history at the Montezuma Castle National Monument; the Old West nostalgia of two train rides; and five nights at a resort property in Sedona. Just north of Phoenix, Sedona is known for its upscale resorts, art galleries, and breathtaking red rock scenery. The trip concludes with a fun Chuckwagon Supper & Stage Show before heading home with many great memories of this six-day adventure.
MARCH 8-19, 2021 | Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Best Bulldog Experience
Travel up the coast of Brazil on this captivating journey aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina. Begin your journey in Buenos Aires, the cultural pulse of Argentina and a city sometimes referred to as the “Paris of South America.” Board Marina and sail to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. Stroll through the Plaza Independencia, visit the National Museum of Visual Arts, or pop into a tango bar for some music and dancing. In Rio Grande, dine at an authentic churrascaria and keep an eye out for the enchanting Criollo horses. Spend your day here on the beach or travel to nearby Florianopolis to browse its historic sites. Discover São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, filled with trendy art-house cinemas and museums. Then, head to Paraty, a small town that boasts preserved colonial houses and vehicle-free cobblestone streets. In Ilha Grande, explore some of the most beautiful of the Atlantic rain forest and look for humpback whales and dolphins in this island’s pristine waters. Before ending your cruise in Rio de Janeiro, sail to Búzios. Popularized by Brigitte Bardot in 1964, this Brazilian resort city is reminiscent of the French Riviera.
2021
12 DAYS GO NEXT FROM APPROX. $3,399 PLUS AIR*
*Airfare is included from select cities.
“Traveling with the MSU Bulldogs alumni group was a wonderful and exciting opportunity. While this was our first trip it certainly will not be our last! It was a great time. Very educational and informative. We met new faces and saw new places!”
Danny (’69) and Dot Cheatham STARKVILLE, MS
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Picture taken on 2019 Cape Cod and the Islands with Premier World Discovery
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MARCH 2021 TRIPS
Brazilian Spotlight
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MARCH 2021 TRIPS
Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day MARCH 12-19, 2021 | Dublin, Cork, & Galway
Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland MARCH 25-APRIL 3, 2021 | Glasgow to Edinburgh From its ancient castles to its rolling landscapes and blaring bagpipes, Scotland is undeniably intriguing. With plenty of time to explore, you’ll get your dose of well-known Scottish icons. Then, head a little off the beaten path, moving farther into the untamed Highlands and over craggy hills laden with lochs and Gaelic-speaking villages.
2021
8 DAYS GO AHEAD FROM APPROX. $2,450 PLUS AIR
alumni.msstate.edu/travel 4
Can you think of a better time to visit Ireland than during St. Patrick’s Day week? Drop in on the Emerald Isle during one of the most festive times of year, exploring its vibrant cities and breathtaking countryside. Start your journey in Galway, making your way to Cork and the Blarney Castle before settling in for the celebrations in Dublin. Don some green, grab a pint, and join the locals for the city’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade.
2021
10 DAYS GO AHEAD FROM APPROX. $2,750 PLUS AIR
2021
Best Bulldog Experience
12 DAYS AHI FROM APPROX. $4,995 PLUS AIR
“Alaska was an amazing place, and we made so many memories there with the Traveling Bulldogs. One of the reasons this cruise was so appealing to us was the Regatta was a small ship, and Stan and I would be cruising with other Bulldogs. I felt that we were great ambassadors for our university and our state since we met so many people from all over the country. The food, the shows at night, the service, the lectures, and the Trivia game each day were entertaining. “The Real Bulldogs” trivia team did exceptionally well! I encourage anyone who has a sense of adventure and would like to travel, sign up with The Traveling Bulldogs. You will not be disappointed.”
Stan and Becky Herren (‘69) MADISON, MS
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Discover ancient Egypt along the Nile River. This exhilarating, ten-night active adventure features four nights on a deluxe ship, five nights in Cairo, and one night in Luxor. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, and the tomb of King Tutankhamen come to life with an expert, licensed Egyptologist by your side during all excursions. Stroll the burial grounds at the Temple of Karnak, gaze at Tutankhamen’s gold burial mask and sarcophagus in the Egyptian Museum, and learn how ancient treasures are preserved with special access at the Oriental Institute’s Chicago House in Luxor. Marvel at the Great Temple of Ramses II carved out of a mountain in Abu Simbel, seek out treasures in Cairo’s old bazaar, and visit venerable mosques and Coptic Christian churches.
Picture taken on Glacial Adventures of Alaska with Go Next in July 2019
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MARCH 2021 TRIPS
Legends of the Nile APRIL 6-17, 2021 | Cairo, Luxor, Nile Cruise, & Abu Simbel
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | APRIL 2021 TRIPS
Kentucky Derby APRIL 28-MAY 2, 2021 | Lexington & Louisville, Kentucky
APRIL 29-MAY 12, 2021 | Athens to Venice Stroll cobbled streets in Mykonos, explore magnificent ruins at Ephesus, and visit sacred sites in Patmos. Take in the sunny beaches of Marmaris. Admire Chania’s Venetian-influenced old town and discover ancient Olympia. Walk Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, see Ravenna’s mosaics, and frescos, and glimpse Rijeka’s Habsburg glory. End your journey with a day in the celebrated city of Venice. *Airfare is included from select cities.
2021
14 DAYS GO NEXT FROM APPROX. $4,099 PLUS AIR*
2021
5 DAYS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT TRAVEL FROM APPROX. $3,399
alumni.msstate.edu/travel 6
Aegean Glories
Delight in the horse capital of the world with an exclusive Kentucky Derby experience in Lexington. Enjoy downtown accommodations at the Lexington Marriott City Center or Hyatt Regency Lexington while exploring what makes the Run for the Roses a truly special event including Dawn at the Downs, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, working horse farm tours, Keeneland race track, and more! Sit front and center for all the excitement on Derby Day, take in the sights, grandeur (and hats!) at Churchill Downs. This specialty tour offers an unforgettable way to experience “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”. Lexington Pre-Program Option.
Flavors of Chianti
APRIL 24-MAY 2, 2021 | Ghent to Amsterdam
JUNE 3-11, 2021 | Florence to Tuscany’s colorful cities Embrace the bewitching enchantment, bucolic ambiance, and charismatic culture of Chianti. With your small group, enjoy seven nights deluxe accommodations in the luxurious hilltop Castello La Leccia in Castellina featuring exceptional views of the lush, rolling Tuscan landscape. 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—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its well-preserved cityscape, celebrated Duomo, and bustling Piazza del Campo. Admire the Etruscan ruins and Roman center at Volterra before visiting charming San Gimignano—the Town of Fine Towers—which is completely encircled by medieval walls. At Podere Il Casale—an organic farm—learn about the owners’ passion for the slow food movement and see a cheese-making demonstration. Also, learn the history of Bagno Vignoni, a small village surrounded by thermal waters.
2021
9 DAYS
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MAY 2021 TRIPS
Dutch Waterways
GOHAGAN FROM APPROX. $2,595 PLUS AIR
2021
9 DAYS ORBRIDGE FROM APPROX. $4,995 PLUS AIR
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Celebrate the beauty of Holland and Flanders in springtime. Cruise for seven nights aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe river ship Amadeus Star when the tulip fields are in bloom. Meet local residents during the exclusive River Life® Forum and discover the true essence of river life in the Low Countries. Expert-led excursions include the historic canals of Amsterdam, storybook Bruges and Ghent, the worldclass Kröller-Müller Museum, the incomparable Keukenhof Gardens, Hoorn, Maastricht, the American Military Cemetery and Antwerp. This comprehensive itinerary is an exceptional value, praised as the ideal Dutch and Flemish experience. Amsterdam Pre-Program and The Hague Post-Program Options are offered.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MAY 2021 TRIPS alumni.msstate.edu/travel 8
Best Bulldog Experience
The Great Journey through Europe JUNE 11-21, 2021 | Rhine River Cruise and the Glacier Express This extraordinary 11-day “Grand Tour” of Europe features an incredible combination of river, rail, lake, and mountain travel including five nights aboard the new deluxe AMADEUS IMPERIAL. Journey through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, cruising the Rhine River. Spend two nights each in Zermatt and Lucerne; ride aboard three legendary railways—the Gornergrat Bahn for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Andermatt, and the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway; and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne. This is the trip of a lifetime at an exceptional value. Amsterdam Post-Program Option. 2021
11 DAYS GOHAGAN
Picture taken on 2019 Great Journey through Europe with Gohagan & Company
“C’est magnifique! The Great Journey through Europe alumni trip was simply - just great. Between staying in spectacular hotels in Zermatt and Lucerne, plus the other half of the trip cruising the Rhine on the riverboat with many beautiful cathedrals and castles, it was a good mix of seeing Switzerland and Germany on foot, train/rail, and the onshore excursions from the riverboat. We enjoyed visiting with the other State alumni plus the extra bonus of meeting members from other college alumni groups, whether in a guided tour group or on the riverboat during meal times. It was inspiring and informative to learn about the history and architecture of the various countries and locales, plus being able to talk to some of the local guides about the customs and differences, compared to America. We won’t soon forget this trip and all the cool things and people we encountered.”
Greg (‘86) and Sandy Hays (‘87) BELLINGHAM, WA
FROM APPROX. $3,995 PLUS AIR
JUNE 21-JULY 2, 2021 | Vancouver, Alaska, & Seattle Experience unforgettable Alaskan summertime vistas on this elevennight adventure aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta. Climb aboard in Vancouver, British Columbia, a wonderland of diversity, culture, and breathtaking views. Cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan—take in the city’s colorful totem poles and a backdrop of steep, forested mountain slopes. 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 where you can watch for whales spouting. 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 or stop downtown for upscale dining and shopping. Then take in Sitka’s totemlined forest trails and two dozen attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Before ending your journey in Seattle, cruise the blue waters of the Outside Passage to Victoria. Spend time in the beating heart of the Inner Harbour, where you can watch street performers or grab a drink at a seaside café. *Airfare is included from select cities.
MSU’s OnBoard Ambassador
12 DAYS GO NEXT FROM APPROX. $3,549 PLUS AIRFARE*
Experience the incredible vistas of Alaska’s summertime on this exciting eleven-night journey aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
For over five decades, Rockey Felker has bled Maroon and White during a Mississippi State career that has seen him as a SEC Player of the Year, an assistant coach, a head coach, and administrator. In 2019, he added another accolade to the storied list as a Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer. At age 33, Felker was the nation’s youngest collegiate head coach when he was selected to guide the MSU football program in 1986. He directed the Bulldogs to a 6-5 mark in his first season at the helm, the school’s first winning season in five years. Felker later served stints as coordinator of football operations, running backs coach (2006-08), and director of player development on the staffs of Jackie Sherrill, Sylvester Croom, and Dan Mullen. Today, Felker assists with the MSU Bulldog Club.
2021
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JUNE 2021 TRIPS
Glaciers and Blooms of Alaska – SEC Conference Cruise
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JUNE 2021 TRIPS
Easy Company: England to the Eagle’s Nest JUNE 24-JULY 6, 2021 | England to Austria
Cape Cod and the Islands JULY 10-16, 2021 | Boston, Nantucket Island, Martha’s Vineyard, & Newport, Rhode Island
Made famous by The New York Times best-seller Band of Brothers and the critically acclaimed miniseries that followed, Easy Company members shared their stories with Museum founder Stephen E. Ambrose, who immortalized their lives from jump training to the war's end. On this unforgettable, 13-day travel experience, you will follow in the footsteps of Easy Company, part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne. Led by historians and curators from The National WWII Museum, this tour takes you from the hedgerows of Normandy, along "Hell's Highway" in the Netherlands, through the foxholes surrounding Bastogne, and atop the Eagle's Nest — immersing you in the lives of Easy Company. NOR
TH SEA
2021
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND London 2
Aldbourne
Arnhem Nijmegen Eindhoven
Stockcross
Portsmouth ENGLISH CHAN
NE
L
POLAND GERMANY
BELGIUM
D-Day Bea
Crépon
ches
Bastogne Ardennes LUX
NORMANDY
Clervaux
FROM APPROX. $6,995 PLUS AIR 2021
FRANCE
7 DAYS
Haguenau Stuttgart
#
13 DAYS
Route Pre-Tour Extension Nights Tour Stops Overnights Departure City
Dachau Munich Berchtesgaden
S W IT ZE R L AND
Zell am See
AU S T R IA
PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY FROM APPROX. $3,220 (AIRFARE INCLUDED)
alumni.msstate.edu/travel 10
ME
DI
TER
RANEAN SEA
Lodge for five nights on The Cape to experience its beauty and history. Enjoy a night in Boston and a tour of historic Boston with dinner at a local restaurant. Take a ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard to see the colorful Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and view beautiful pristine beaches along the shore. Cruise to scenic and historic Nantucket Island, with a visit to the Nantucket Whaling Museum. In Newport, enjoy a guided tour of The Breakers mansion and see additional exquisite mansions from the turn of the century along the “Ten Mile Drive.” The tour concludes with a traditional New England Lobster Farewell Dinner.
JULY 17-25, 2021 | Multiple cities showcasing
Toronto to Vancouver by Rail JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2021 | Toronto, Canadian Rockies, & Vancouver
the “Land of Fire and Ice” 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. Cruise aboard the Five‑Star expedition ship LE CHAMPLAIN. 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.” Reykjavík and The Golden Circle Pre-Program Option.
2021
9 DAYS GOHAGAN FROM APPROX. $6,795 PLUS AIR
2021
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JULY 2021 TRIPS
Circumnavigation of Iceland
7 DAYS ORBRIDGE
Discover the majestic beauty of Canada on a nostalgic rail journey that brings back the golden age of train travel while enjoying the serenity and beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Your prestige class stateroom aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian provides 50% more living space than other class cabins and each feature a picture window and dedicated concierge service. Awake each day to panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. Niagara Falls and Toronto Pre-Program Option and Victoria Post-Program Option.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
FROM APPROX. $5,995 PLUS AIR
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MSU TRAVELING BULLDOGS | JULY 2021 TRIPS
The Majestic Great Lakes AUGUST 16-26, 2021 | Toronto to Chicago
Black Hills, Badlands & Legends of the West AUGUST 18-24, 2021 | Rapid City to National Parks of the West Experience the history and culture of the American West. Unpack once and enjoy six nights in historic Rapid City, SD. Visit Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park, among others. Ride aboard the 1880 Steam Train, a part of the Black Hills Central Railroad. Also, enjoy the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, home to landscapes which feature buttes, pinnacles, and some of the world’s richest fossil beds.
2021
11 DAYS GO NEXT APPROX. $5,199 PLUS AIR
alumni.msstate.edu/travel 12
Span the majestic Great Lakes on this incredible ten-night adventure. Your adventure begins with an included one-night hotel stay in Toronto. The next day, sail to Niagara Falls—witness the thunderous power of the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. In Cleveland, browse the West Side Market, which offers fares from over 100 unique local vendors. 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 River Walk. 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, one of the world’s largest and busiest set of 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.
2021
7 DAYS PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY FROM APPROX. $3,695 (AIRFARE INCLUDED)
2021
Best Bulldog Experience
6 DAYS ORBRIDGE FROM APPROX. $6,995 PLUS AIR
Lynn and Myra Reinschmiedt STARKVILLE, MS
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Venture with us into the vast Canadian north—a remote tundra teeming with glacial landforms, boreal forest, and beautiful wilderness— accessible only by plane or boat. The destination: an exclusive, supremely outfitted lodge that will be home base amidst days filled with wildlife spotting and outdoor adventures, and evenings featuring delicious dinners followed by opportunities to watch for the northern lights. Northern Manitoba is considered to be one of the best places in the world to view this phenomenon, and fall is considered the best time to comfortably view the aurora borealis and to experience the other wonders of this extraordinary region. Winnipeg Post-Program Option.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the Traveling Bulldogs trip to the Southwest National Parks, a nine day trip covering over 1,900 miles by motor coach. This was our third Orbridge sponsored trip in addition to those done previously (Canadian Rockies-Rocky Mountain Express to Vancouver and the Wolves of Yellowstone) and like those the tour guides proved to be extremely knowledgeable, competent, and professional. We could never have pulled off a trip of this nature hitting this many sites on our own in a stress free manner. Highly recommend keeping this trip in your future offerings.”
MSU TRAVELING BULLDOGS | AUGUST 2021 TRIPS
Northern Lights & the Wildlife of Northern Manitoba SEPTEMBER 19-24, 2021 | Winnepeg to Gangler’s Lodge
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MSU TRAVELING BULLDOGS | SEPTEMBER 2021 TRIPS alumni.msstate.edu/travel 14
Yosemite, Death Valley, & the Great Parks of California
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta OCTOBER 8-13, 2021 | Albuquerque, Santa Fe, & Taos
SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 3, 2021 | Las Vegas to San Francisco 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. Monterey to Los Angeles Post-Program Option.
2021
8 DAYS ORBRIDGE FROM APPROX. $3,995 PLUS AIR 2021
6 DAYS PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY FROM APPROX. $3,250 (AIRFARE INCLUDED)
Travel to the Land of Enchantment and enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful landscapes, history, and architecture. Visit the world famous Albuquerque Balloon Festival, the world’s largest hot air ballooning event. Witness the Mass Ascension, which includes over 500 balloons taking to the skies and also view the balloons up close and illuminated during the Balloon Glow. Learn about Native American history and culture with visits to the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center and Taos Pueblo. Enjoy three nights in Santa Fe, founded in 1607 making it America’s oldest state capital city and the third oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Santa Fe is also home to one of the most important art markets in the United States.
OCTOBER 13-22, 2021 | Sedona to Las Vegas
Ancient Greece an Aegean Odyssey OCTOBER 15-23, 2021 | Athens to the Greek Islands
It’s a land of scenes epic in scope, from the immense Grand Canyon to Zion’s red-rock cliffs, which your small group celebrates on this captivating 10-day journey. Setting out from Phoenix, experience Sedona’s striking red sandstone landscape with an exhilarating Jeep tour. Spend a memorable day exploring the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Staying at a hotel on Lake Powell’s shores, discover spectacular Upper Antelope Canyon, and embark on a rousing Colorado River motorized rafting excursion. In stunning Bryce Canyon National Park, marvel at the hoodoo rock formations, then encounter wondrously diverse Zion National Park. Toast the Southwestern adventure in Las Vegas.
2021
®
10 DAYS ODYSSEYS UNLIMITED FROM APPROX. $3,495 PLUS AIR 2021
9 DAYS GOHAGAN
MSU TRAVELING BULLDOGS | OCTOBER 2021 TRIPS
National Parks of the Southwest
FROM APPROX. $4,995 PLUS AIR alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Join us for this unparalleled nine-day Aegean odyssey cruising round trip Athens, Greece, aboard the exclusively chartered, newest Five-Star small ship LE BOUGAINVILLE. Call on the islands of Delos, Mykonos, Pátmos, Rhodes and Santorini, and the Peloponnese Peninsula. Visit extraordinary Meteora, where 14th- and 15th-century monasteries stand high atop natural sandstone pinnacles, and walk through legendary sites of antiquity—including the ancient citadel of Mycenae and historic Epidaurus. Meet and engage with local residents during the specially arranged ISLAND LIFE® FORUM for a personal perspective on the true character of the Aegean Sea’s maritime culture. Extend your voyage with the Athens Pre-Cruise Option and Ancient Olympia Post-Cruise Option.
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MSU TRAVELING BULLDOGS | OCTOBER 2021 TRIPS alumni.msstate.edu/travel 16
Best Bulldog Experience
Ramblas & the Rivieras OCTOBER 25-NOVEMBER 2, 2021 | Barcelona to Rome
Sail along the sunny rivieras of Spain, France, Monaco, and Italy on this unforgettable seven‑night journey from Barcelona to Rome aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina. Begin your voyage in Barcelona, an influential center for art and architecture. Set sail for Palma de Mallorca, where the magnificent Palma Cathedral and Bellver Castle dominate the harbor. See the beautiful Cathédrale de Marseille Notre Dame de Major as you cruise into Marseille and from there, venture to the vineyards of Provence. In Antibes, pitch a visit the best natural beaches on the French Riviera. Before journey’s end in Rome, travel to Florence, the heart of Renaissance art and architecture. Rome Post-Cruise Option.
2021
9 DAYS GO NEXT FROM APPROX. $2,399 PLUS AIR*
Picture taken on The River Seine to the Beaches of Normandy with the WWII Museum in October 2019
“This was the best cruise that Nancy and I have taken to date. All services of travel arrangements, fees, gratuities, cabins, crew amenities, rooms ashore, dining, and side trips were first class and five-star professionalism. On-board staff of the MSU Alumni Association and WWII Museum were extremely helpful, friendly, and conducted all programs, lectures, and activities efficiently. The coordination of the WWII history lectures and side trips to WWII places of interest were excellent and very informative. We will be choosing river cruises over open ocean cruises in our travels and hope to participate in another WWII Museum/MSU Alumni Association sponsored cruise soon.”
Donald and Nancy Durham MONROE, LA
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | Paris to the
Holiday Markets Cruise The Festive Rhine River DECEMBER 11-19, 2021 | Basel to Amsterdam
Beaches of Normandy Feel the magic of the holidays in Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands on a seven-night, Rhine River cruise! Celebrate centuries-old traditions in festive markets aglow with twinkling lights and good cheer and overflowing with handmade decorations and other treasures. Delight in the sounds of carolers and bells and the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon and fresh pine in the air. Visit Heidelberg’s castle and enjoy an exclusive musical performance in the romantic old town. Stroll through Koblenz and Speyer, charming German towns. Admire Cologne’s spectacular cathedral and cruise Amsterdam’s scenic canals. In the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Amsterdam, select excursions that fit your interests, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences. Aboard your exclusively chartered, first-class ship, revel in the beauty of the Rhine Gorge and sip warm, spicy Glühwein. This heartwarming journey includes an ample meal plan, plus wine and beer with lunch and dinner. There is no supplement for solo travelers. 2021
9 DAYS AHI
2021
10 DAYS NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
FROM APPROX. $2,395 PLUS AIR
MSU TRAVELING BULLDOGS | NOVEMBER 2021 TRIPS
The River Seine to the Beaches of Normandy
FROM APPROX. $7,499 PLUS AIR alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Sail from the heart of Paris along the River Seine, exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Normandy countryside. The river itself will be your guide as we call upon the well-preserved villages of Les Andelys and Rouen, and visit some lesser known WWII sites at La Roche Guyon and Dieppe. Following 4 nights on the five-star river cruise aboard the exclusively chartered Joie de Vivre, transfer deep into Normandy with 4 nights at an historic château and delve into D-Day and the Battle of Normandy along the French Coast. Travel with featured expert historians Craig Symonds and John McManus as you visit all five landing beaches and the many villages, bridges, and hedgerows our troops faced along the way as they pushed inland. Guests may choose to add an optional two-night Paris pre-cruise program, The Liberation of Paris.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | DECEMBER 2021 TRIPS alumni.msstate.edu/travel 18
Travel Information DISCLAIMER Dates, schedules, pricing and program details listed in this catalog are all subject to change. Please verify details, dates and pricing prior to booking a reservation directly with the tour operator and check our website for updates throughout the year. The Mississippi State University Alumni Association provides the service of facilitating unique travel opportunities for its alumni and friends. Although our travel program works with its travel partners to offer interesting and educational trips, please remember that MSU does not conduct tours, nor does it act as an agent for guests interested in tours. The Traveling Bulldogs program, instead functions as a facilitator with travel partners with whom our travelers make arrangements for completing travel. We are pleased to act as a liaison with travel partners should you have any questions before, during or after your tour. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with each tour operator’s cancellation and refund policy, and also to investigate other services such as trip cancellation insurance. The Mississippi State University Alumni Association is not responsible for changes to trips or travel arrangements, or for losses or additional expenses resulting from travel. TOP 7 FAQ’S Who can travel with the Traveling Bulldogs? The Traveling Bulldogs of the MSU Alumni Association is open to all MSU alumni, their families, and friends. You do not have to be a graduate of MSU to travel with our program. Where can I get more detailed information about a certain trip? Brochures or other information may be requested from the MSU Alumni Association online at alumni.msstate.edu/travelbrochure. Brochures for each trip will be mailed approximately 6-9 months prior to departure. However, not all programs have brochures, and each travel partner decides how many brochures to mail. Therefore, everyone in our travel pool may not receive each brochure so there is no need to wait for a brochure to reserve your spot. Many tours will fill quickly. We encourage you to call the travel partner for help.
What if I am only booking for myself? Most trip pricing is based on double occupancy, or two people sharing a room or cabin. Some trips, however, are considered “No Single Supplement,” which means there is no extra charge for a single room or cabin, based on availability. Many of the trips offered will require a single supplement for those who wish to travel alone. On most tours, a limited number of single rooms are available. Please consult the travel partner for more details. How do I make a trip reservation and arrange air travel? To make a reservation, contact the travel partner, or if there is an online booking option available, visit the appropriate website. To lock in low airfares, our travel suppliers have negotiated special rates with major airlines that may require you to take non-direct flights. Please feel free to discuss “land only” options with the travel partner if you desire a more direct flight or want to use frequent flyer miles. The MSU Alumni Association has no control over air travel and sometimes challenging airport infrastructures. If you book your own flights, you are responsible for making connections with the main group. Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, how soon do I need to enroll? We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to ensure coverage in cases of an illness, injury, medical evacuation, delay or unforeseen emergency. For your convenience, the MSU Alumni Association has partnered with Meyer and Associates to provide travel insurance to our travelers. Please call 1-800-635-7801 or enroll online at MSU.meyerandassoc.com for details and coverage points. We also suggest that you research the many options of travel insurance available to you, as each person has individual needs. While we feel that Meyer and Associates offers some of the best possible coverage, you may purchase travel insurance from another provider. We also suggest that you check with your medical insurance provider to determine if you are covered outside the United States. Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States.
What happens if I need to cancel? Will I get a refund? Tour participants are subject to cancellation penalties as outlined in the individual trip brochures. Cancellation penalties are structured to coincide with advance payments that our tour operators must make to their suppliers, and the penalties are strictly enforced due to these contractual commitments. Because our tour operators have different cancellation policies, please make sure that you understand all cancellation penalties prior to making your trip deposit. Each travel supplier has a unique cancellation and refund policy. Please review each trip brochure carefully prior to enrolling in a tour. We also strongly encourage purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Will my tour include a host? A minimum number of participants is required to secure the services of a Mississippi State representative. We make every effort to send a host on as many departures as possible as we know this greatly enhances the travelers’ experience. Please note that our tour operators provide tour directors and program guides on every trip, and they do a fantastic job. Their goal, and ours, is to take great care of you and make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Additional FAQ’s can be found online at alumni.msstate.edu/travelFAQ.
The Mississippi State University Alumni Association proudly works with an array of travel professionals (listed below) to offer our Traveling Bulldogs program. We hope you will consider traveling with us to many locations as your schedule permits.
Unexpected travel hiccups don’t have to ruin your travel plans. MSU alumni—and family members—qualify for special travel insurance features. • Trip cancellation, interruption, or delay • Emergency evacuation • Accident and sickness medical expenses • Cancel for Any Reason
*
• and many more benefits!
* some plans
Go Ahead (800) 438-7672 grouptoursite.com/tours/msstate Go Next (800) 842-9023 gonext.com/groups/mississippi-state-university Orbridge (866) 639-0079 orbridge.com/grp_departures/cat/msstate Odysseys Unlimited (888) 370-6765 Odysseys-unlimited.com Premier World Discovery (877) 953-8687 res.premierworlddiscovery.com Sports and Entertainment Travel (844) 438-8738 The National WWII Museum Travel (877) 813-3329 x 325 Thomas P. Gohagan and Company (800) 922-3088 gohagantravel.com
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
For more information about protecting your investment, please visit MSU.MeyerAndAssoc.com
AHI Travel (800) 323-7373 misst.ahitravel.com
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | TRIP INFO
Travel Partners
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Embark on a n ADVENTURE ®
Post Office Box AA Mississippi State, MS 39762
Connect with the Traveling Bulldogs! Connect with us on social media, or sign up for our Traveling Bulldogs e-newsletter at alumni.msstate.edu/travelnews. To request a travel brochure, visit our website at alumni.msstate.edu/travelbrochure. @msstatealumni Post Office Box AA Mississippi State, MS 39762 PHONE (662) 325-7000 EMAIL info@alumni.msstate.edu WEB alumni.msstate.edu/travel
MSU is an AA/EEO university.