Embark o n an
ADVENTURE ®
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Traveling Bulldogs Destination Catalog 2020
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | WELCOME
Dear Alumni and Friends,
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Sincerely,
Greetings from the MSU Alumni Association! We are pleased to unveil our Traveling Bulldogs tour selections for 2020 and promote two great football trips available for 2019. We hope you will take advantage of one or more of these wonderful travel opportunities coming soon. 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 comes 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 2020 and provide information about our two 2019 MSU football trips. Please be aware this is an ever-changing 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 receive, please contact me at the MSU Alumni Association at jramsey@alumni.msstate.edu or request brochures on our website at alumni.msstate.edu/travel. 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, so thank you! Enjoy looking through our catalog, select your destinations now, and begin your Traveling Bulldogs experience today!
Jordan Ramsey, ‘06, ‘15 Associate Director MSU Alumni Association
2020 TRIPS LOCATIONS DATE PAGE Wolves of Yellowstone Wyoming to Montana January 19-25 2 Expedition to Antarctica Buenos Aires to Antarctica January 28-February 10 2 Tanzania During the Great Migration Tanzania Game Parks January 30-February 10 3 Sailing the Windward Islands Grenada to Barbados February 22-29 3 Legends to Lagoons Papeete to Raiatea March 5-15 4 Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day Galway to Dublin March 11-18 4 Uniquely Israel Israel to Jordan March 28-April 5 5 Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise Charleston to Jacksonville April 11-19 6 California Rail Discovery San Francisco to Lake Tahoe April 22-28 6 Adriatic and Aegean Allure Venice to Athens May 4-15 7 Celtic Lands Scotland to France May 30-June 8 7 England to Eagle’s Nest London to Munich June 3-15 8 Great Journey through Europe Amsterdam to Zurich July 8-18 8 Oberammergau Passion Play Budapest to Munich July 21-31 9 Discover Southeast Alaska Sitka to Juneau July 24-31 9 Old West National Parks and Lodges Rapid City to Jackson August 13-21 10 Gems of the Danube Budapest to Nuremburg August 19-27 11 Baltic and Scandinavian Emperors Copenhagen to Stockholm August 28-September 8 11 Moroccan Discovery Rabat to Casablanca September 8-21 12 Great Trains and Grand Canyons Sedona to Scottsdale September 13-18 12 Ryder Cup Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 24-28 13 Fall Splendors: Canada and New England New York to Montréal September 26-October 6 13 Romance of the Douro River Lisbon, Porto, and Alto Douro October 6-17 14 Cosmopolitan Havens Rome to Monte Carlo November 3-11 14 Holiday Markets Cruise Basel to Cologne December 11-19 15
August 30-31, 2019 October 11-12, 2019
16 16
TRAVEL INFORMATION General information including trip FAQs, travel provider bios, and contact information
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GUIDE TO TRAVEL ICONS:
New Orleans, Louisiana Knoxville, Tennessee
2020
TRIP DURATION
TRAVEL PARTNER
APPROXIMATE COST
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
2019 SPORTS TRIPS MSU vs. Louisiana (Ragin’ Cajuns) MSU vs. University of Tennessee
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | CONTENTS
Table of Contents
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020 TRIPS
Wolves of Yellowstone
JANUARY 19-25, 2020 | Wyoming to Montana
JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 10, 2020 | Buenos Aires to Antarctica Join us for a spectacular 14-day journey featuring a nine-night chartered cruise to Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Cruise aboard the L’Austral, one of the finest vessels in Antarctic waters, featuring private balconies and ocean-view suites and staterooms. Experience “The White Continent” in its unspoiled state—fantastic icebergs, turquoise glaciers, and breaching whales—during the lingering light of the austral summer. Accompanied by the ship’s expert team of naturalists, board sturdy Zodiac watercraft for excursions ashore and observe the region’s abundant wildlife. The expedition team will provide a series of enriching lectures on this pristine wilderness. Spend two nights in the Five-Star Intercontinental Buenos Aires Hotel, including a tour of Argentina’s vibrant capital city. Extend your journey with the exclusive three-night Iguazú Falls post-program option. This unique itinerary is an exceptional value and perennially popular!
2020
14 DAYS GOHAGAN
2020
7 DAYS ORBRIDGE FROM APPROX. $3,995 PLUS AIR
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Expedition to Antarctica
Join fellow travelers on an extraordinary small-group winter adventure: a seven-day wildlife expedition to Yellowstone—North America’s best wolf-watching habitat. Covered with frost and snow, experience the park when its beauty is more untouched by the outside world than any other time of the year. Magical landscapes are the setting for steaming geysers, trees covered in ice crystals, and the movements of bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife—followed by the park’s wolves. Close-knit, family groups of wolves are hunting, mating, and surviving. Search for the elusive predators while traveling in safari vehicles with the help of expert Orbridge Expedition leaders. Learn historic and ecological aspects of the reintroduction of the gray wolf to the Yellowstone region. Enjoy a private after-hours museum visit along with other exclusive experiences, and stay overnight in atmospheric hotels and authentic park lodges. Single supplement cost is available.
FROM APPROX. $9,995 PLUS AIR
JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 10, 2020 | Tanzania Game Parks
Sailing the Windward Islands FEBRUARY 22-29, 2020 | Grenada to Barbados
Elude the depths of winter and experience the sport of sailing on the high seas, on this custom-designed, seven-night cruise experience amid the deep blue sea of the Caribbean’s tropical Windward Islands aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star, small expedition ship Le Champlain. Cruise into secluded harbors, exploring the natural and cultural treasures of the Windward Islands. Visit Grenada, the Spice Island; Martinique’s Clément Plantation and Rum Distillery; Mayreau, Grenadines and St. Vincent, including the awe-inspiring lagoons of Tobago Cays Marine Park, Union Island with its dramatic volcanic peaks juxtaposing its flat and shallow coral reefs; Soufriére, St. Lucia’s Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Volcano and Sulphur Springs; and Bequia’s seaside Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary and Bridgetown, Barbados, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant Bajan culture. Grenada pre-cruise and Barbados post-cruise options are available.
2020
8 DAYS GOHAGAN
2020
12 DAYS GOHAGAN
FROM APPROX. $4,995 PLUS AIR
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020 TRIPS
Tanzania During the Great Migration
FROM APPROX. $8,495 PLUS AIR
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
During this 12-day journey of a lifetime, observe one of Earth’s greatest natural spectacles on game drives. Travel into the majestic grasslands of Africa’s premier safari destination during the annual Great Migration of vast droves of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and Cape buffalo—and see wildlife including elephant, lion, cheetah and leopard. Visit four of Tanzania’s finest game parks—Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Watch Tanzania’s plains and patterns unfold when you fly from Arusha to Serengeti National Park aboard a privately chartered aircraft, and spend three nights in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by the herds of the Great Migration. Stay in deluxe Serena Safari Lodges and a comfortable tented camp in Tarangire. This exceptional travel value includes all accommodations, the chartered flight in Tanzania, game drives and most meals.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MARCH 2020 TRIPS
Legends to Lagoons
Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day
MARCH 5-15, 2020 | Papeete to Raiatea
MARCH 11-18, 2020 | Galway to Dublin
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. For more information, please visit the travel partner’s website at grouptoursite.com/tours/msstate. 2020
GO AHEAD FROM APPROX. $2,299 PLUS AIR
2020
11 DAYS GO NEXT FROM APPROX. $4,299 PLUS AIR*
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8 DAYS
Settle into laid-back island life as you encounter the South Pacific’s pristine beaches and glistening lagoons cruising aboard the luxurious Regatta. Spend a day exploring Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia in the tropical paradise of Tahiti. The island’s volcanic peaks overlook lush rain forest, black-sand beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Sail to verdant Mo’orea and take in the colors of this paradise—the greens of the cliffs, the blues of the lagoons, and the white blossoms of the tiare flower. Fakarava, the following port, is home to many rare plant and animal species, quaint villages, and old coral churches. In Nuku Hiva, you can see the tallest waterfall in the world, Cascade Vaipō, before continuing to Rangiroa where marine life is abundant. Spend two days in Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Before ending the cruise back in Papeete, stop and spend two days in Raiatea, an island dotted with vanilla plantations. *Airfare included from select cities.
MARCH 28-APRIL 5, 2020 | Israel to Jordan
Best Bulldog Experience
®
2020
9 DAYS
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MARCH-APRIL 2020 TRIPS
Uniquely Israel
DESTINATIONS & ADVENTURES FROM APPROX. $4,995 PLUS AIR
“Traveling to Southeast Asia with the Traveling Bulldogs gave us the opportunity to see a part of the world that many people never see. Our tour guide, Victor, made sure that our itinerary provided us with experiences that would be memorable. He also recommended the best shopping places and restaurants to visit during our free time. Our accommodations were superb, and new friendships were made.”
Steve (‘70, ‘72) and Linda Murray PHILADELPHIA, MS
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
History truly unfolds on this journey to luminous Israel, where a land held sacred by three faiths, Israel, and the Holy Land, play an important role in the lives of hundreds of millions of people. Ancient remnants, biblical sites, and natural beauty highlight Israel’s heritage. Absorb the hallowed grounds of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Masada, the Dead Sea, and the Qumran Caves—all creating an unforgettable lifetime memory. Continue on an extension to Jordan—an unassuming country, with many surprising delights. Astounding its visitors with well-known Petra—ranking at the top of the world’s greatest sites. Savor in Jordan’s lesser known treasures of Roman-era Jerash, Lawrence of Arabia’s hideaway in Wadi Rum, and the Desert Castles. With private dinners and tours, Israel and Jordan, are both historical and culturally unique destinations. Single supplement cost is available.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | APRIL 2020 TRIPS
Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise
California Rail Discovery
APRIL 11-19, 2020 | Charleston to Jacksonville
APRIL 22-28, 2020 | San Francisco to Lake Tahoe A crimson bridge, cable cars, a sparkling bay, and streets lined with elegant Victorian homes—San Francisco is one of the world’s greatest cities. Take a journey through Northern California on the California Rail Discovery. Begin at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Tour highlights of the “City by the Bay,” featuring a bay cruise with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city’s skyline. Continue to the town of Sausalito, and then inland to Old Sacramento—a unique 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park commemorating California’s 1849 Gold Rush. Explore wine country as you board the Napa Valley Wine Train for lunch and wine tasting. Continue your rail travels on Amtrak’s California Zephyr which runs east into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. Disembark in Truckee and enjoy two nights at a Lake Tahoe area resort. End your adventure with dinner and a Paddlewheeler Cruise on Lake Tahoe. Single supplement cost is available.
2020
7 DAYS PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY
2020
9 DAYS AHI FROM APPROX. $4,995 PLUS AIR
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Trace a fascinating storyline in American history as you follow the Intracoastal Waterway, an ever-changing route navigated by Native Americans and the colonists and captains who followed. Join us as we set our sights on South Carolina and Georgia during a seven-night cruise aboard a first-class ship. Revel in southern charm in Charleston, where you’ll enjoy one night at a first-class hotel in this genteel city known for its bustling French Quarter, flourishing gardens, antebellum architecture, and more. On board, choose from a variety of optional excursions, such as carriage and trolley tours, history tours, alligator and shrimping tours, and more, in the ports of Beaufort and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Savannah and the Golden Isles of St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, Georgia. Bask in attentive service, relax in well-appointed, spacious staterooms, and enjoy an extensive meal program, plus daily cocktail gatherings.
FROM APPROX. $3,575 PLUS AIR
Celtic Lands
MAY 4-15, 2020 | Venice to Athens
MAY 30-JUNE 8, 2020 | Scotland to France Commemorate the 76th anniversary of the historic D-Day landings during this eight-night Celtic Lands journey. By exclusive arrangement, visit hallowed Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy, France with Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and meet Allen Packwood, director of the Churchill Archives Centre at the University of Cambridge. Cruise aboard the chartered, Five-Star small ship Le Boreál from Glasgow, Scotland, to Wales, Ireland and France, with guided excursions in each port of call. Visit UNESCO World Heritage-designated Caernarfon Castle near Holyhead, Wales. Admire the beauty of the Inner Hebridean Isles of Iona and Mull and their treasures of Iona Abbey and Duart Castle. Walk in the footsteps of medieval and present-day princes in North Wales. And view relics of the rich Celtic heritage at Trinity College in Dublin. Edinburgh and Glasgow pre-cruise and Paris post-cruise options are available.
2020
10 DAYS GOHAGAN
2020
12 DAYS
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | MAY-JUNE 2020 TRIPS
Adriatic and Aegean Allure
FROM APPROX. $6,895 PLUS AIR
GO NEXT FROM APPROX. $3,499 PLUS AIR*
*Airfare included from select cities.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Sail to incredible destinations in the eastern Mediterranean aboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena. Your journey begins in Venice, a city of timeless piazzas and charming shops. Sail to Ancona and explore the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, its iconic eleventh-century cathedral. In Durrës, see relics of the past, including a second-century Roman amphitheater and columns of a Byzantine Forum. Next, travel to Dubrovnik, an ancient walled city on the Dalmatian Coast. Journey to Corfu and relax along the coastline. A day’s sail will take you to Rhodes where you can spend the day admiring an eclectic wealth of impressive architecture and historical sites. Then, in Kuşadasi, explore the Temple of Artemis, one of the remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Lounge on the beaches of Syros and visit its seaside cafés and shops. Before ending your voyage in Athens, stop in Nafplion and take in the view of the city from the Fortress of Palamidi or stroll through Syntagma Square.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JUNE-JULY 2020 TRIPS
featuring the Band of Brothers JUNE 3-15, 2020 | London to Munich
NOR
JULY 8-18, 2020 | Amsterdam to Zurich This extraordinary 11-day “Grand Tour” of Europe features river, rail, lake, and mountain travel including five nights aboard the deluxe Amadeus Silver III. Journey through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, cruising the fabled Rhine River. Guided excursions feature five great UNESCO World Heritage sites—see the Jungfrau-Aletsch region of the Swiss Alps, walk through Berne’s Old Town, tour the Alsatian city of Strasbourg, cruise through the Rhine River Valley, and see Cologne’s Gothic cathedral. Also visit Germany’s medieval Rüdesheim and 13thcentury Heidelberg Castle. 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. A twonight Amsterdam pre-program option is available.
TH SEA
2020 NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND 2
Arnhem Nijmegen Eindhoven
Stockcross
Portsmouth ENGLISH CHAN
NE
L
POLAND GERMANY
ches
Bastogne Ardennes LUX
NORMANDY
13 DAYS
Clervaux
WWII MUSEUM
FRANCE
Haguenau Stuttgart
#
2020
BELGIUM
D-Day Bea
Crépon
11 DAYS GOHAGAN
London Aldbourne
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Great Journey Through Europe
England to Eagle’s Nest
Route Pre-Tour Extension Nights Tour Stops Overnights Departure City
Dachau Munich Berchtesgaden
SWITZERLAND
Zell am See
AUSTRIA
FROM APPROX. $6,995 PLUS AIR
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 the National WWII 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. ME
DI
TER
RANEAN SEA
FROM APPROX. $3,995 PLUS AIR
Discover Southeast Alaska
JULY 21-31, 2020 | Budapest to Munich
JULY 24-31, 2020 | Sitka to Juneau Set out on a summertime expedition through some of nature’s more secluded landscapes as we discover the remote inner reaches of Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard the 66-guest Admiralty Dream. Enjoy the agility and flexibility of small-ship travel, up-close encounters with wildlife, stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and the guidance of two expert naturalists including an Orbridge Expedition leader. Capture the sight of whales breaching next to your boat, bears fishing along the shoreline, and eagles looking down from their nests—all part of nature’s amazing show. This program also offers an optional pre-extension to Denali National Park. Explore this vast and stunningly beautiful wilderness—home to Mt. Denali, the highest mountain in North America. Ride the Alaska Railroad, stay in a hilltop lodge with panoramic views located inside the park, and learn how this magnificent area became one of our nation’s most breathtaking conservation areas. 2020
8 DAYS
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | JULY 2020 TRIPS
Oberammergau Passion Play
ORBRIDGE 2020
11 DAYS
FROM APPROX. $3,495 PLUS AIR
GOHAGAN FROM APPROX. $4,295 PLUS AIR
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Experience one of the world’s greatest dramatic spectacles amid the storybook landscapes of the Bavarian Alps—the extravagant Passion Play staged once a decade by residents of the quaint village of Oberammergau. This rare tradition is made even more exceptional with this trip’s reserved seating and thoughtfully arranged cultural enrichments. The custom itinerary, effortlessly blending history with stunning scenery, features an exclusively chartered, five-night deluxe cruise along the Danube River, two nights in the Bavarian Alps and two nights in Munich. Visit Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany and enjoy excursions to medieval Salzburg, a scenic backdrop for The Sound of Music, and Neuschwanstein Castle. Experience five UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tour Budapest’s most historic landmarks, the worldclass city of Vienna, 11th-century Melk Abbey and medieval Bratislava. Budapest pre-program and Munich post-program options offered.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | AUGUST 2020 TRIPS
Best Bulldog Experience
Old West National Parks and Lodges AUGUST 13-21, 2020 | Rapid City to Jackson
®
Inspiration, a connection to the past, and nature’s beauty are the gifts of this American expedition. Accompanied by an expert Orbridge Expedition leader, trace the historic paths and natural splendors of the Old West. See and learn about the storied sights and monuments of Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Spearfish Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Witness bison herds, savor a chuck wagon cook-out, see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, visit a wooly mammoth dig site, and, at the volcanically active caldera of Yellowstone, observe otherworldly geothermal sites. Wonderfully atmospheric hotels and lodges are a highlight of this program, including landmark lodging within the parks themselves. Traveling comfortably in a private motor coach, there is no better way to see our national parks.
2020
9 DAYS ORBRIDGE FROM APPROX. $3,995 PLUS AIR
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“The Great Journey through Europe was fantastic! The canal ride through Amsterdam, the serenity of the castles on the Rhine River, the cathedrals and European history, the beauty of the countryside and Lake Lucerne, and the magnificent Swiss Alps . . . these special memories will last a lifetime, as well as the friendships with our Bulldog family and the many other wonderful people we met along the way!”
Sharon Fanning-Otis and Larry Otis (‘60) STARKVILLE, MS
Baltic and Scandinavian Emperors AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 | Copenhagen to Stockholm Experience Baltic and Scandinavian culture, history, and scenery aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina. Begin in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Sail to Warnemünde and laze on the beach or take a scenic drive to Berlin to see the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. In Rønne, wander the cobblestone streets or venture outside the city to explore ivory-white beaches and rocky cliffs. Uncover the history of Gdynia at the Emigration Museum and the Polish Naval Museum or visit nearby Gdańsk with its historical museums and churches. Discover Klaipėda and the remains of a once-glorious castle. The walled city of Tallinn has a UNESCO-listed Old Town. Spend three days in the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg, where palaces and domes complement the city’s canals and arched bridges. Visit the Russian Museum or browse Picasso paintings at the Hermitage. In Helsinki, see the Suomenlinna, a ruined fortification that spans six islands. Your journey will end in Stockholm.
2020
12 DAYS GO NEXT
2020
FROM APPROX. $4,099 PLUS AIR*
9 DAYS GO NEXT
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2020 TRIPS
Gems of the Danube
featuring an Oberammergau post-cruise extension AUGUST 19-27, 2020 | Budapest to Nuremburg
FROM APPROX. $4,599 PLUS AIR*
*Airfare included from select cities.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Board the luxurious Scenic Amber in Budapest and uncover the city’s history on a guided tour that includes a hike to Buda Hill for breathtaking views of the Danube. Cruise the river to Vienna and sip a glass of Austrian Sekt inside Palais Liechtenstein. The next day, tour Bratislava Castle or Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, visit the Belvedere Museum, which houses works by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. Stop in Dürnstein and embark on a guided bike ride along the river to Melk or opt to continue to Melk via ship. Visit a local winery or experience the eighteenth-century Benedictine abbey. Next, travel to Linz and take an excursion to the medieval Czech town of Ceský Krumlov. Journey to Salzburg, the backdrop for the film The Sound of Music. Stroll through Regensburg on a walking tour or by ferry to Weltenburg Abbey, concluding in Nuremberg. Optional post-cruise programs to Oberammergau and Munich, or Prague, are available. *Airfare included from select cities.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | SEPTEMBER 2020 TRIPS
Moroccan Discovery
Great Trains and Grand Canyons
SEPTEMBER 8-21, 2020 | Rabat to Casablanca
SEPTEMBER 13-18, 2020 | Sedona to Scottsdale 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 5 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 6-day adventure. Single supplement cost is available.
2020
PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY 2020
14 DAYS ODYSSEY FROM APPROX. $4,495 PLUS AIR
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6 DAYS
This one-of-a-kind, small group journey opens eyes and hearts to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people. Begin by touring the Moroccan seaside capital, Rabat, and enjoy lunch in a private home. See imperial Meknes and Volubilis’ Roman ruins, one of five UNESCO sites visited. Next is exploration of Fez with its fascinating medina and dinner in a family-run riad. Passing through the Middle Atlas mountains, enjoy a tour highlight: a sunset camel excursion along Merzouga’s breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes. En route to Ouarzazate, encounter spectacular scenery in the snowtopped High Atlas, including dramatic Todra Gorge. Traverse the fabled “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” and visit scenic Ait ben-Haddou village. In alluring Marrakech, tour the medina and the city’s heart, Djemaa el Fna Square. The final destination is storied Casablanca, where a highlight is touring the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
FROM APPROX. $3,145 PLUS AIR
Fall Splendors: Canada and New England
SEPTEMBER 24-28, 2020 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 6, 2020 | New York to Montréal Begin your journey in New York and revel in its assortment of museums, theaters, restaurants, and shops before you board Oceania Cruises’ Insignia. Sailing to Newport, you can see the famous Vanderbilt homes, The Breakers, or Castle Hill Lighthouse. Cruise through Cape Cod Canal, stopping in Boston. Spend the day shopping, taking in the scenic views, and enjoying upscale dining. Experience the towering cliffs and rocky shoreline of Bar Harbor, a natural paradise near Acadia National Park. In Saint John, wander the streets lined with Victorian-style buildings or take a trip to see the Reversing Falls. Next, travel to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. Visit Citadel Hill or stroll the historic waterfront. Spend a day at sea and arrive in Sept-Îles, which boasts beaches, hiking trails, and secluded hideaways. Take in the wildlife of Saguenay’s unique fjord, that attracts visiting whales and seals. Stop in Québec City—North America’s only walled city—before ending in Montréal.
2020
11 DAYS GO NEXT
2020
5 DAYS
FROM APPROX. $4,199 PLUS AIR*
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT TRAVEL
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 TRIPS
Ryder Cup
FROM APPROX. $3,399 PLUS AIR
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
The Ryder Cup is known for its unrivaled golf setting for spectators, fans, and players that travel to support and compete for their country. Established in 1927, the Ryder Cup continues to attract golf fans from around the world. This biennial men’s golf competition features teams from Europe and the United States that include the top players from their respected countries. Every two years, the Ryder Cup is played and rotates between home courses in Europe and the United States. Join us when the United States tries to bring back the Ryder Cup on our home turf in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the world-famous Whistling Straits Golf Course. Milwaukee is a city that cherishes its roots. Enjoy the newly renovated RiverWalk and Lake Michigan along with the brand-new arena district and revitalized architecture throughout downtown. Don’t miss popular attractions that include the Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear, and the Old World 3rd Street. *Airfare included from select cities.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2020 TRIPS
Romance of the Douro River
OCTOBER 6-17, 2020 | Lisbon, Porto, and Alto Douro
Cosmopolitan Havens
NOVEMBER 3-11, 2020 | Rome to Monte Carlo Sail to some of the most cultured cities on the western Mediterranean aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina. Begin in Rome, once the center of the world’s greatest empire and now the capital of modern Italy. Next, cruise to Florence and take in some of the masterpieces of the Renaissance, like Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Baptistery, and Michelangelo’s David. Nearby, discover Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower or the Tuscan countryside. In Ajaccio, visit the childhood home of Napoleon Bonaparte before sailing to Palma to discover the Arab Baths. Valencia, the next port, is Spain’s third largest city and the birthplace of paella. Tour the incredible Real Colegio Seminario del Corpus Christi or try a glass of Aigua de València. Then, experience Barcelona, the sunkissed capital of Spain. Your voyage will conclude in Monte Carlo, but first, stop in Marseille and wander the ancient Le Panier Neighbourhood or explore the picturesque countryside of Provence.
2020
GO NEXT 2020
FROM APPROX. $2,299 PLUS AIR*
12 DAYS AHI FROM APPROX. $3,895 PLUS AIR
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9 DAYS
The romantic Douro River meanders its way from Spain through Northern Portugal, delivering a breathtaking landscape of sculpted hills, terraced vineyards, and scenic splendor. Explore the historic river during a seven-night cruise on an exclusively chartered first-class ship. Before embarking, enjoy Lisbon and its highlights, including the Alfama neighborhood, a hillside maze of cobbled lanes and ancient landmarks. See the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, and embark the ship in Porto, a colorful town spread across the river banks. In Vila Real, taste local pastries and tour an 18th-century palace. Sip the region’s famous port wine at a traditional quinta on a drive along the Douro Wine Road. Enjoy Lamego with its quintessential blue and white tiled staircase and elegant, sun-kissed Salamanca in Spain! This journey features a choice of included excursions and an extensive meal plan, plus a selection of complimentary beverages. There is no supplement for solo travelers. *Airfare included from select cities.
DECEMBER 11-19, 2020 | Basel to Cologne
Best Bulldog Experience
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2020
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | DECEMBER 2020 TRIPS
Holiday Markets Cruise
9 DAYS AHI FROM APPROX. $2,295 PLUS AIR
“We had a great experience on our trip. The Great Trains and Grand Canyons tour was well planned. The Grand Canyon was on our bucket list, and we thoroughly enjoyed the train rides and red rock mountain area tours. We took advantage of two optional tours of this beautiful area of our country. We really enjoyed meeting and traveling with other MSU alumni and look forward to future MSU trips!”
Tommy and Jackie (‘74) Owens BROOKHAVEN, MS
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
Feel the magic of the holidays in France, Germany, and Switzerland on a seven-night Rhine River cruise. Celebrate centuries-old traditions and shop festive markets with handmade decorations, toys, jewelry, and other treasures. Delight in the sounds of carolers and bells and the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon, and fresh pine in the air. Sip warm spicy Glühwein on the ship. Visit a hillside castle and enjoy a musical performance in Heidelberg. Admire Cologne’s spectacular Gothic cathedral, the red sandstone landmarks of bustling Freiburg, and the pastel-colored houses of charming Breisach. Personalize your cruise with a variety of included excursion choices in Basel, Breisach, Rüdesheim, and Strasbourg, such as a wine tasting, art tour or culinary experience. This heartwarming journey includes a generous meal plan, plus wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner. There is no supplement for solo travelers.
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MSU Traveling Bulldogs | 2019 SPORTS TRIPS
MSU vs. Louisiana (Ragin’ Cajuns) AUGUST 30-31, 2019 | New Orleans, Louisiana
MSU vs. University of Tennessee OCTOBER 11-12, 2019 | Knoxville, Tennessee
Join the MSU Bulldogs in Knoxville, Tennessee as they compete against the University of Tennessee Volunteers. This package includes two nights hotel accommodations with breakfast each morning at the Hyatt Place Downtown Knoxville, which is within walking distance to the pre-game event at the Knoxville Convention Center and Neyland Stadium. A Friday evening welcome reception and deluxe souvenir and a Saturday pregame event at Knoxville Convention Center are included in this package. MSU alumni staff will be on site throughout the program at the Traveling Bulldogs hospitality desk. Hotel taxes and gratuities on all items are also included. Although, transportation is not included, parking rates for Hyatt Place are $22 per day. Make your plans early to enjoy Southeastern Conference football at its finest and travel with us to Knoxville for this exciting match up between the Bulldogs and the Volunteers. 2019
2 DAYS FOR PRICING VISIT: ALUMNI.MSSTATE.EDU/ TRAVEL 2019
2 DAYS FOR PRICING VISIT: ALUMNI.MSSTATE.EDU/ TRAVEL
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Don’t miss your chance to travel to the Big Easy to watch the Bulldogs take on the Ragin’ Cajuns in the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome! This is the first time MSU has played in New Orleans since 2007. This package includes two nights hotel accommodations at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center—the MSU team hotel. This location is within walking distance to the WWII Museum for Friday evening’s Travelers Welcome Reception. Admission is also included for Saturday’s MSU Alumni Pre-game Event (location TBD). Hotel taxes and gratuities on all items are included. However, no transportation or parking rates at the hotel are included. Off-site parking is $30 daily, and valet parking is $39 daily, but valets cannot accommodate oversized vehicles. Alumni will staff the on-site hospitality desk throughout the program. Make your plans now to join the Traveling Bulldogs as we journey to New Orleans for the MSU vs. Ragin’ Cajuns football game.
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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 5 FAQ’s 1. 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.
3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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 case of an illness, injury, medical evacuation, delay or unforeseen emergency. For your convenience, the MSU Alumni Association has partnered with TripAssure and Travel Insured to provide travel insurance to our travelers. Please call 1-800-6357801 or enroll online at MSU.meyerandassoc.com for details and coverage points. 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. Additional FAQ’s can be found online at alumni.msstate.edu/travelFAQ.
TRAVEL PARTNERS 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. AHI Travel (800) 323-7373 misst.ahitravel.com Destinations and Adventures (800) 659-4599 daitravel.com Go Ahead (800) 438-7672 grouptoursite.com/tours/msstate Go Next (800) 842-9023 gonext.com/groups/mississippi-state-university Odysseys Unlimited (888) 370-6765 odysseys-unlimited.com Orbridge (866) 639-0079 orbridge.com/grp_departures/cat/msstate Premier World Discovery (877) 953-8687 res.premierworlddiscovery.com Sports and Entertainment Travel (888) 503-5297 The National WWII Museum Travel (877) 813-3329 x 325 Thomas P. Gohagan and Company (800) 922-3088 gohagantravel.com
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
2. 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.
MSU Traveling Bulldogs | TRIP INFORMATION
Travel Information
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUPELO, MS PERMIT NO. 290
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.