EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE 2023 Travel Guide
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS, Greetings from the MSU Alumni Association! We know that the past two years have been difficult and challenging. We all have missed seeing the world and exploring new and adventurous places. We are pleased to unveil our Traveling Bulldogs tour selections for 2023. We hope you will take advantage of these 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. 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 one of these 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 2023. Please note that this is an ever-changing travel climate, and all prices, itineraries, dates, and departures are subject to change. Detailed brochures about each tour are 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 lsmith@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! The success of our Traveling Bulldogs program 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!
LEANNA P. SMITH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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GUIDE TO TRAVEL ICONS TRIP DURATION
TRAVEL PARTNER
APPROXIMATE COST
LAND
AIRPLANE
CRUISE
TRAIN
NATURE HISTORY & WILDLIFE FOCUSED alumni.msstate.edu/travel 1
2023 TOURS AT A GLANCE JANUARY Antarctica Discovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 11-22 Dazzling Down Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 16-30 Taste of the Caribbean and Panama Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 28-February 7
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FEBRUARY The Wolves and Wildlife of Yellowstone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 11-17 The Galapagos Islands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 28-March 7 Tahiti and French Polynesia Under Sail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 28-March 10
8 9 9
MARCH Victory in the Pacific. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 4-13 Great Trains and Grand Canyons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 5-10 Egypt and the Eternal Nile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 10-24 Hawaii Three Island Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 20-29 Portrait of Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 25-April 9
10 11 11 12 12
APRIL Dutch Waterways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 16-24 European Coastal Civilizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 24-May 3 Historical Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dependent on Baseball Schedule) April 2023
14 15 15
MAY The Kentucky Derby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 3-7 Cruise the Heart of Europe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 5-20 Easy Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 8-23 Village Life Dordogne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 11-19 Flavors of Northern Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 13-21
16 17 17 18 18
JUNE Stunning Scenery of Alaska ~ SEC Conference Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 16-23 National Parks and Lodges of the Old West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 22-30 Great Journey Through Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30-July 11
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19 20 20
JULY Kenya Safari ~ The Big 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 19-29 Discover the Canadian Rockies by Rail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 26-August 1
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AUGUST Discover Southeast Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 4-11
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SEPTEMBER Flavors of Sicily. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 8-16 Passions and Pursuits River Cruise ~ Golfing in Southern France. . . September 19-28 Insider’s Japan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 25-October 7
24 25 25
OCTOBER Landscapes and Lighthouses of Coastal Maine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 7-14 Gladiators to Gondolas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 20-30 Greek Isles and Turkish Riviera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 24-November 3 Operation Home Front at The National WWII Museum. . . . . . . . . . October 26-29
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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Polar Bears of Churchill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 1-6 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 22-25 Holiday Markets Cruise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 27-December 5 Montreal and Quebec City Christmas Markets . . . . . . . November 30-December 4
29 30 30 31
YOUNG ALUMNI JOURNEYS Classic Europe ~ Graduation Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 24–June 3
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Treasures of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1–8
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Greek Island Hopper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 12-20
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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 travel partner and check our website for updates throughout the year. The MSU Alumni Association provides the service of facilitating unique travel opportunities for its alumni and friends. Though our travel program works with travel partners to offer interesting and educational trips, 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 which whom our travelers make arrangements for completing travel. We are pleased to act as a liaison with tour operators should you have any questions before, during or after your tour. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with each travel partner’s cancellation and refund policy, and also to consider other services such as trip cancellation insurance. The MSU Alumni Association is not responsible for changes to trips or travel arrangements, or for losses or additional expenses resulting
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 assistance. 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 partners have negotiated special rates with major airlines that may require you to take non-
from travel.
direct flights. Please feel free to discuss “land
FAQS:
you desire a more direct flight or want to
1. WHO CAN TRAVEL WITH THE TRAVELING
use frequent flyer miles. The MSU Alumni
BULLDOGS?
Association has no control over air travel and
The opportunity to travel with the Traveling
sometimes challenging airport infrastructures.
Bulldogs and the MSU Alumni Association is
If you book your own flights, you are
open to all MSU alumni, their families, and
responsible for making connections with the
friends. You do not have to be a graduate of
main group.
only” options with the tour operator should
MSU to travel with our program. 5. SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
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2. WHERE CAN I GET MORE DETAILED
IF SO, HOW SOON DO I NEED TO ENROLL?
INFORMATION ABOUT A CERTAIN TRIP?
We strongly recommend that you purchase
Brochures or other available information
travel insurance to ensure coverage in cases
may be requested from the MSU Alumni
of an illness, injury, medical evacuation,
Association online at alumni.msstate.edu/
delay, or unforeseen emergency. For your
travelbrochure. Brochures for each trip will
convenience, the MSU Alumni Association
be mailed approximately 6-9 months prior to
has partnered with Meyer and Associates
departure. However, not all programs have
to provide travel insurance to our travelers.
brochures, and each tour operator decides
Please call 1-800-635-7801 or enroll online at
2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
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. 6. 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
TOUR PARTNERS
MSU.meyerandassoc.com for details and
800-638-7640 www.alumniworldtravel.com/2022/msstate
800-323-7373 https://misst.ahitravel.com
800-842-9023 https://www.gonext.com/groups/ mississippi-state-university/
800-922-3088 Gohagantravels.com
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
888-370-6765 Odysseys-ulimited.com
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
866-639-0079 https://orbridge.com/grp_departures/cat/msstate
purchasing trip cancellation insurance. 7. WILL MY TOUR INCLUDE A HOST? A minimum number of participants is required to secure the services of a
877-953-8687 Res.premierworlddiscovery.com
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
Sports and Entertainment Travel 888-503-5297 https://travelingbulldogsfantravel.com/
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. 877-813-3329 x 325
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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JANUARY
ANTARCTICA DISCOVERY JANUARY 11 – 22, 2023 | ARGENTINA TO ANTARCTICA Join this life-changing 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. Trek through penguin rookeries, observe vast flocks of seabirds, learn about Antarctic ice conditions, and discover the sites of both past and present scientific expeditions. Buenos Aires pre-program and Iguazu Falls post-program options are offered.
12 Days
6
Orbridge
$$$$
2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
DAZZLING DOWN UNDER JANUARY 16 – 30, 2023 | SYDNEY TO AUCKLAND Say g’day to koalas and kangaroos on this 14-night cruise to the great down under aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta. Spend two days in Melbourne, where you can catch sight of a kookaburra or watch wallabies huddle and hop. In Burnie, let local cheesemakers dazzle your taste buds, then cruise the Fjords of Milford Sound as craggy cliffs tower over you. Strike out in Timaru on a sheep-laden country drive and experience movie-making history in Wellington, where The Lord of the Rings was filmed. Taste the flavor of Napier’s famous vintage vineyards and in Gisborne, catch sight of surfers soaking up the summer sun and New Zealand waves. Before your journey’s end in Auckland, watch for 15 Days
Go Next
$$$
dolphins in Bay of Islands.
TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN AND PANAMA CANAL JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 7, 2023 | PANAMA CITY TO MIAMI Conjure up images of white beaches, idyllic islands, and ancient ruins on this 10-night journey aboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena. Spend a full day in Panama City, then journey through the Panama Canal, one of the modern world’s most heroic feats of engineering. Stop along the shores of the Caribbean Sea in Cartagena and witness some of the finest historical architecture in Columbia. Surround yourself with forest-lined beaches and the white-peaked Sierra Nevada in Santa Marta. Visit Oranjestad, the charming capital of Aruba and stroll past the brightly hued colonial buildings. Cross the floating bridge and admire the many murals in Willemstad. 11 Days
Go Next
$$
Before journey’s end in Miami, become a rum maestro during a distillery tour in the Cayman Islands, or live the ultimate dream and look for stingrays while scuba diving.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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FEBRUARY
THE WOLVES AND WILDLIFE OF YELLOWSTONE FEBRUARY 11 – 17, 2023 | JACKSON, WY TO BOZEMAN, MT Join us on an extraordinary small-group winter adventure: a seven-day wildlife expedition to Yellowstone—North America’s best wolf-watching habitat. Dressed magnificently with frost and snow, and with visitors few and far between, experience an ecosystem when its beauty is more untouched by the outside world than any other time of the year. Hushed and magical landscapes are the setting for steaming geysers, trees covered in ice crystals, and the movements of bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife—followed closely by the park’s wolves. Safari aboard custom vehicles with expert naturalists as we explore and learn about the animals, environment, hydrothermal activity, 7 Days
Orbridge
$$
and history of the park. Don’t miss this unique experience in the Serengeti of North America.
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 7, 2023 | QUITO, GALAPAGOS, GUAYAQUIL Join fellow alumni and friends as we explore the Galapagos Islands which 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 journey features a day of guided touring in Quito plus an intimate cruise through the archipelago with upclose access to endemic species. Accommodations for this adventure are aboard a 40-guest vessel with spacious cabins, local cuisine, and a staff dedicated to ensuring your maximum enjoyment of this truly extraordinary destination and its diverse inhabitants. Sailing by small ship allows for flexibility in the itinerary to maximize wildlife viewing, as well as access to exclusive ports. Quito pre-tour and Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred 8 Days
Orbridge
$$
Valley post-tour options are offered.
TAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA UNDER SAIL FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 10, 2023 | TAHITI, BORA BORA, HUAHINE, RA’IATEA Join us for a uniquely designed voyage to the idyllic islands and motus of French Polynesia. Sail for seven nights aboard the Five-Star WIND SPIRIT, featuring just 74 staterooms, all with an ocean view. Enjoy unmatched small-ship sailing amid the emerald green peaks, chalk-white atolls and berylblue lagoons of the Society Islands. Explore Tahiti, Mo’orea, Ra’iatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Huahine. Snorkel or swim with stingrays, lagoon sharks and exotic fish, and enjoy visits to ancient marae, a vanilla plantation and a black pearl farm. This exceptional
11 Days
Gohagan & Company
$$$
itinerary includes two nights (air schedules permitting) in the Five-Star INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI in enchanting Pape’ete, round-trip air from Los Angeles*, all onboard gratuities, complimentary beverages and watersports, and an exclusive excursion on each island. Post-tour option in a deluxe seaside resort on Mo’orea is offered. *Included Air from Los Angeles is economy class, has limited availability and is not guaranteed.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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MARCH
VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC MARCH 4 – 13, 2023 | PEARL HARBOR, SAIPAN, TINIAN, GUAM, IWO JIMA Led by renowned experts James Scott and Jonathan Parshall, along with a number of expert battlefield guides, travel in the company of Pacific Campaign veterans whose stories illuminate your experience. Start your journey at Pearl Harbor, where the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, plunged the United States into World War II. Along the way, visit Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and attend the 76th commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima, on the only day of the year the island is open to US citizens. Every detail has been arranged for you, complete with meals and luxury accommodations throughout. Extend your stay with an optional pre-tour program, World War II in the 10 Days
National WWII Museum
$$$$
Philippines, and/or an optional post-tour program, The Battle for Peleliu, visiting Palau and Peleliu. (Actual tour dates pending official announcement of the Iwo Jima Anniversary
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
Commemoration date.)
GREAT TRAINS AND GRAND CANYONS MARCH 5 – 10, 2023 | SEDONA TO SCOTTSDALE Inspire your sense of adventure and board the Grand Canyon Railway for an epic journey to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. See the cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle National Monument and the restored mining town of Jerome. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad along a spectacular route between two national forests. Complete your trip in Scottsdale’s Old Town, where Western storefronts recall a departed era. This experience combines the scenery of the American West with Native American history at the Montezuma Castle National Monument; the Old West nostalgia of two train rides; and five nights at a resort property in Sedona. Just north of Phoenix, Sedona is known for its upscale resorts, 6 Days
Premier World Discovery
$$
art galleries and breathtaking red rock scenery. The trip concludes with a fun Chuckwagon Supper and Stage Show before heading home with many great memories of this six-day adventure.
EGYPT AND THE ETERNAL NILE MARCH 10 – 24, 2023 | CAIRO, LAKE NESSER, ABU SIMBEL, LUXOR Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular 15-day small group journey reveals antiquity’s treasures. In storied Cairo, tour Memphis’s open-air museum and splendid Sakkara, and experience Giza’s astounding pyramids. After visiting Aswan’s massive dam, embark on a fascinating four-night Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel, encountering ancient Nubia’s outstanding temples. A classic three-night Nile voyage from Aswan to Luxor follows, with opportunities to sail aboard a traditional felucca and explore Luxor’s awe-inspiring temples. Returning to Cairo, tour historic Old Cairo and the acclaimed Egyptian Museum. Discover fabled Petra, ancient Jerash, and Amman with an optional five-day/ 15 Days
Odysseys Unlimited
$$$
four-night post-tour Jordan extension.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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HAWAII THREE ISLAND ADVENTURE MARCH 20 – 29, 2023 | OAHU, BIG ISLAND, MAUI Aloha! From the moment you arrive in this incredible destination you will be greeted with sheer beauty and will quickly realize why Hawaii is known as the “Paradise of the Pacific.” With many exotic beaches, flowers, mountainous landscapes, breathtaking views and magnificent waterfalls, you will be amazed everywhere you travel within this incredible Island State. Begin in Honolulu with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl Crater, and the Hawaii State Capital. Spend 2 nights on the Big Island (Hawaii) learning about the unique geological and cultural landscapes found at Volcanoes National Park and spend time in the historic fishing village of Kailua Kona. Continue to Maui for more spectacular sights of majestic waterfalls, and the lush tropical foliage surrounding the Iao Needle, a rock formation rising 2,000 feet from the valley floor. Complete the 10 Days
Premier World Discovery
$$$
tour as anyone should with a traditional Hawaiian Luau, a fun-filled cultural event featuring local food, dancing, and music.
PORTRAIT OF ITALY MARCH 25 – APRIL 9, 2023 | AMALFI, NAPLES, ROME, TUSCANY, VENICE From the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to eternal Rome, through the gentle Umbrian and Tuscan countryside to treasured Venice, this wide-ranging 16-day small group tour showcases ancient sites, contemporary life, priceless art, and unique accommodations. Begin on the storied Amalfi Coast, experiencing this stunning region by sea and by land and visiting Pompeii’s exquisite ruins. Continuing on to the Eternal City for a three-night stay, tour the Colosseum, the Forum, monumental St. Peter’s Square, and the sublime Sistine Chapel, and explore independently. Spend three nights in Italy’s “green heart” of Umbria, enjoying a cooking demonstration in Orvieto and a visit to beloved Assisi. Journeying to alluring Tuscany, tour splendid Siena. Discover Florence, living monument to the Renaissance, and encounter classic Tuscany in the hill town of San Gimignano. Sample a local winery’s offerings before concluding your tour in wondrous Venice. Savor 16 Days
12
Odysseys Unlimited
$$$
2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
more time in Venice with an optional post-tour extension.
“
It was great fun going to Iceland with the Traveling Bulldogs. The accommodations were first class. We got to see many interesting places and things that we had wanted to see. We spent several hours photographing puffins! And, we really enjoyed meeting people from other universities. Steve Brandon (’72) and Patsy Fowlkes (’74) Chattanooga, TN Circumnavigation of Iceland Summer 2021
REDISCOVER STARKVILLE Starkville
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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APRIL
DUTCH WATERWAYS APRIL 16 – 24, 2023 | AMSTERDAM TO BRUSSELS Celebrate the beauty of Holland and Flanders when vibrant spring tulip fields are in full bloom. Cruise for seven nights along the enchanting Dutch Waterways and discover the true essence of river life in the Low Countries. Expertled excursions include visits to the historical canals of Amsterdam, storybook Bruges and Ghent, the world-class Kröller-Müller Museum, the incomparable Keukenhof Gardens, Delft, Kinderdijk, Antwerp and the largest of the Delta Works engineering projects. This comprehensive itinerary is an exceptional value, praised as the ideal Dutch and Flemish experience. Amsterdam pre-tour and The Hague post-tour options available. 9 Days
14
Gohagan & Company
$$
2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
EUROPEAN COASTAL CIVILIZATIONS APRIL 24 – MAY 3, 2023 | LISBON TO LONDON Explore the storied legacies and dynamic cultures of coastal Portugal, Spain, France and England and commemorate the historic D-Day landings on this unique itinerary. Cruise for eight nights up the legendary River Thames to spend one night aboard ship a stone’s throw from London’s illustrious Tower Bridge. Special guest speaker Dwight D. Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, accompanies you to the hallowed beaches of Normandy. Cruise along Spain’s ruggedly beautiful Costa Verde, explore spirited Oporto in Portugal’s renowned port wine country, and walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on the Way of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Observe the intriguing 10 Days
Gohagan & Company
$$$
juxtaposition of old and new in Bilbao and visit Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Museum. Lisbon pre-tour and London post-tour options offered.
HISTORICAL BASEBALL APRIL 2023 | NEW YORK, COOPERSTOWN, BOSTON Time and again referred to as America’s National Pastime, the game of baseball has helped play a key role in the shaping of our nation. Join us on this historical baseball experience that will take a deep dive into the historical aspects that make baseball the game we enjoy today. We will visit two historical baseball parks in Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park. The tour will include behind-the-scenes tours, live game action, and a private tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
6 Days
Sports & $$$ Entertainment Travel
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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MAY
THE KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 3 – 7, 2023 | LOUISVILLE TO LEXINGTON Delight in the horse capital of the world with an exclusive Kentucky Derby experience in Lexington. Enjoy downtown accommodations 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 racetrack, 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!”
5 Days
16
Sports & Entertainment Travel
$$
2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
CRUISE THE HEART OF EUROPE MAY 5 – 20, 2023 | AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST Sail through Central Europe along the storied Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, legendary waterways with fascinating histories. Unpack once aboard an exclusively chartered first-class river ship and settle in for a 14-night cruise for an intimate look at the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Awaken each day to medieval villages and vibrant capitals, and enchanting vistas. Centuries of heritage unfold in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, cities steeped in the legacies of great empires. Glide by idyllic landscapes of fairytale villages, castle-crowned hilltops, and the beautiful Middle Rhine and Wachau valleys. Included excursions allow you to customize your 16 Days
AHI
$$$
journey, from cycling and walking tours to wine tastings and more! No single supplement for solo travelers! Pre-tour Amsterdam and Budapest post-tour options available.
EASY COMPANY MAY 8 – 23, 2023 | ENGLAND TO AUSTRIA Made famous by The New York Times bestseller 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, 13day travel experience, you will follow in the footsteps of Easy Company, from England to the hedgerows of Normandy, along “Hell’s Highway” in the Netherlands, through the foxholes surrounding Bastogne, and atop the Eagle’s Nest. Led by expert battlefield guides, and accompanied by original cast members from the miniseries, this tour immerses you 16 Days
National WWII Museum
$$$
in the incredible lives of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne.
alumni.msstate.edu/travel
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VILLAGE LIFE DORDOGNE MAY 11 – 19, 2023 | SARLAT-LA-CANEDA, ROCAMADOUR, L’ABRI DU CAP-BLANC, LASCAUX, LAMADELEINE Experience Dordogne’s authentic provincial charms for a week in Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of France’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages. Stay in the familyowned PLAZA MADELEINE HÔTEL, formerly a grand 19th-century townhouse. Discover the region’s charming villages, medieval castles and prehistoric treasures through specially arranged excursions and cultural enrichments, including the medieval pilgrimage site of Rocamadour and the fascinating prehistoric cave paintings of Rouffignac and Cap-Blanc, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy the perfectly reproduced cave art at Lascaux, the “Sistene Chapel of Prehistory and experience a specially arranged gabare cruise on the Dordogne River. Gain insight during the exclusive VILLAGE LIFE® FORUM with local residents who will share perspectives on daily life in Dordogne. Complement 9 Days
Gohagan & Company
$$
your exploration of France’s rich culture with the Bordeaux Pre-tour option, featuring the famous wine region of Saint-Émilion, and the Albi and Toulouse post-tour option, visiting the storybook medieval towns of southern France.
FLAVORS OF NORTHERN ITALY MAY 13 – 21, 2023 | VERONA TO NORTHERN ITALY’S COLORFUL CITIES Join our small group for a nine-day journey to the culinary and cultural heart of Northern Italy—a region brimming with exquisite local wines, specialty ingredients, soul-satisfying signature dishes and the wonderful Italians who conjure them with time-honored techniques. Settle into a beautiful wine estate outside Verona. Within reach is a connoisseur’s pick of centuries-old wineries, artisan producers and extraordinary, historic sites. With each day highlighted by exclusive experiences, access authentic Italy, learn from local Italians and, most of all, revel in la dolce vita—the joyful celebration of food, friends and life! Cinque Terre pre-tour and Venice post-tour options offered. 9 Days
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JUNE
STUNNING SCENERY OF ALASKA ~ SEC CONFERENCE CRUISE JUNE 16 – 23, 2023 | SEATTLE, KETCHIKAN, JUNEAU, SITKA, VICTORIA Join us for seven nights on an action-packed Alaskan adventure aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta! As an SEC cruiser, you’ll enjoy events arranged specially for you. Begin the journey in Seattle and revel in the scenery of bears, sea otters, moose, and eagles against a summertime backdrop of steep forested mountain slopes and pristine waters while cruising the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier. With fellow SEC alumni, you’ll have access to old-growth rain forest hikes in Ketchikan and salmon sportfishing in Sitka. Beginning and ending in Seattle, this cruise also makes big-city stops in Juneau and Victoria, B.C, where you can seek out craft breweries, gardens, and local seafood specialties. Whether 8 Days
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you’re always on the go, or you prefer to kick back while the magnificent Alaskan scenery glides by, you won’t want to miss this chance to make new memories.
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NATIONAL PARKS AND LODGES OF THE OLD WEST JUNE 22 – 30, 2023 | RAPID CITY TO JACKSON Take a journey that celebrates the American West’s magnificent National Parks, tracing legends and storied monuments along the way. From Mount Rushmore to Old Faithful and from Spearfish Canyon to the Snake River, you will see the best of the Old West. Historic hotels and lodges are a highlight of this program, including landmark lodging within the parks themselves. Experience ranch life in the Big Horn Mountains. Indulge in the geological phenomena of hot springs in South Dakota, and journey through Badlands National Park, known as nature’s surreal masterpiece, where impressive herds of bison roam, and dramatic pinnacles rise over the largest undisturbed mixed-grass prairie in the United 9 Days
Orbridge
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States. Post-tour Jackson option offered.
GREAT JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE JUNE 30 – JULY 11, 2023 | SWITZERLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS 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 12 Days
Gohagan & Company
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cruise on Lake Lucerne. This is the trip of a lifetime at an exceptional value. Amsterdam post-tour option offered.
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
JULY KENYA SAFARI ~ THE BIG 5 JULY 19 – 29, 2023 | OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK, MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE Do not miss this opportunity to visit East Africa’s breathtaking terrain and admire all it has to offer. This 11-day journey of a lifetime provides exclusive access to reserves and national parks that The Big 5—endangered black rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and lion—call home. Accompanied by local guides and a naturalist Orbridge Expedition Leader, set out on game drives in comfortable 4x4 vehicles to spot for endless wildlife including cheetahs, impalas, zebras, primates, a myriad of bird species, plus The Big 5. Each evening, relax and rejuvenate amidst luxurious accommodations—each offering exceptional hospitality and superior amenities. Amboseli 11 Days
Orbridge
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National Park post-tour option available.
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DISCOVER THE CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL JULY 26 – AUGUST 1, 2023 | VANCOUVER TO CALGARY Take part in this well-paced sojourn through Canada’s glorious Rocky Mountains—highlighted by two days traveling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service—with visits to the stunning areas of Lake Louise and Banff. En route, embrace the dynamic changes in scenery as you wind through lush green ranchlands and flowing river canyons surrounded by mountain peaks. Enjoy a guided tour through Yoho National Park and take advantage of leisure time to explore the small hamlets, as well as Banff National Park. Splendid evenings await at the close of each inspiring day, including three nights at the magnificent Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff. Pre-Tour Victoria option available. 7 Days
Orbridge
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“
45th anniversary trip of a lifetime! Small crowds, small ship and exceptional service! John Meador (‘74) Nancy Meador Starkville, MS
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
Island Life of Ancient Greece 2021
AUGUST DISCOVER SOUTHEAST ALASKA AUGUST 4 – 11, 2023 | JUNEAU TO SITKA Join us for 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 76-guest Chichagof Dream. Enjoy the agility and flexibility of smallship 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 pretour to Denali National Park. Explore this vast and stunningly beautiful wilderness—home to Denali, the 8 Days
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highest mountain in North America. Ride the Alaska Railroad, stay at a hilltop lodge with panoramic views just north of the park entrance, and learn how this magnificent landscape became one of our nation’s most breathtaking conservation areas.
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SEPTEMBER FLAVORS OF SICILY SEPTEMBER 8 – 16, 2023 | ROME AND PALERMO POST-TOUR OPTIONS What could be more inspiring than a journey to Sicily highlighted by visits to renowned archaeological sites, delicious cuisine and wine, and a fabulous private villa selected as your home base? This comprehensive program will provide an intimate, immersive approach to an authentic cultural and culinary experience. You will converse with winemakers whose vineyards thrive on the flanks of Mount Etna and enjoy their boutique wines paired with savory antipasti. The beautiful landscapes of Sicily are populated by the spirits of ancient Greeks and the Romans who found paradise on this island. Pre-tour Rome and post-tour Palermo options offered. 9 Days
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Orbridge
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
PASSIONS AND PURSUITS RIVER CRUISE ~ GOLFING IN . SOUTHERN FRANCE SEPTEMBER 19 – 28, 2023 | MACON, LYON, AVIGNON, ARLES Embark on a cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers with prime opportunities to experience golf and the local culture in southern France. You will visit elite golf courses that provide a superb golfing experience, combining beautiful natural settings with technical challenges. Enriching land excursions, enticing gourmet meals, and luxury ship accommodations abound in this epic journey through one of the most breathtaking parts of the world.
10 Days
Orbridge
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INSIDER’S JAPAN SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 7, 2023 | TOKYO, FUJI-HAKONE-IZU NATIONAL PARK, KYOTO A truly fascinating land of rich traditions and dizzying modernity is revealed on this well-crafted 13-day small group tour. See highlights of amazing Tokyo and cultural capital Kyoto, engage in local life, and head off the beaten path to alluring historic destinations. Japan’s pastoral side dazzles with magnificent Mt. Fuji and a cruise on Ashi Lake. Overnight in a traditional ryokan inn and travel by express train to lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps. A traditional tea ceremony and a cooking class offer hands-on Japanese cultural experiences. Explore culturally rich 13 Days
Odysseys Unlimited
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Kanazawa. Discover Hiroshima reborn with an optional three-day/two-night post-tour extension.
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OCTOBER
LANDSCAPES AND LIGHTHOUSES OF COASTAL MAINE OCTOBER 7 – 14, 2023 | BOSTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MAINE From the iconic lighthouses perched along sparkling bays to Portland’s cobblestone streets boasting award-winning restaurants, Maine offers unique landscapes and experiences for everyone. Begin your journey in Boston highlighted by historic Fenway Park. Enjoy a five-night stay overlooking the Kennebunk River. Explore Portland and a Casco Cruise to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats and seals. Visit the Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse Libby House, the nation’s premier showpiece of Victorian architecture. Head to Cape Elizabeth to visit the Portland Head Lighthouse & Museum, one of America’s oldest and most photographed lighthouses. In Kennebunkport, see the Wedding Cake House, an 8 Days
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over-exuberant version of gingerbread Victorian architecture, and take in the view from Walker’s Point, the longtime summer retreat of George H.W. Bush and family. Board a working lobster boat and enjoy a hands-on experience in the lobstering trade with a lobster haul.
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
GLADIATORS TO GONDOLAS OCTOBER 20 – 30, 2023 | ROME TO VENICE Weave your way through the mythical Mediterranean on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. Cruise the terracottalined waters of the Amalfi Coast and visit Valletta to see the celebrated St. John’s CoCathedral. Under the gaze of Mt. Etna, revel in the flavor of hand-crafted Sicilian wines poured straight from the source. In Katakolon and Corfu, travel back in time to ancient Greece, and in Dubrovnik, indulge your historic side as you traverse the lanes of the Old Town, filled with fortresses and fortification. In Koper, taste the flavors of Slovenia as you meander markets and sample small-town staples. Finally, sink into the magic of Venice—glide the Grand Canal in a 11 Days
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gondola as Italian musicians serenade you.
GREEK ISLES AND TURKISH RIVIERA OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 3, 2023 | ISTANBUL TO ATHENS Bask in the beauty of authentic villages, pristine beaches, and ancient architecture on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena. Set sail on majestic waters and make way for Mytilene. Explore the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus as you walk where chariots once roamed. Marvel at the famed Library of Celsus and the Grand Theater. Spend a day in Rhodes admiring the pristine beaches or venture through the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. Relax by the cobalt blue waters of Agios Nikolaos (Crete) or take in the Minoan and Byzantine villages surrounded by charming irrigating windmills. Before disembarking in Athens, tour a 16th century monastery in Mykonos. 11 Days
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OPERATION HOME FRONT AT THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM OCTOBER 26 – 29, 2023 | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Travel to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans to explore, remember, and reflect on World War II through exclusive access to the Museum’s campus. The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a custom program at this world-class institution! 4 Days
National WWII Museum
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“
My wife and I had a fantastic time with the Traveling Bulldogs on our National Parks and Lodges of the Old West trip last year. We not only saw the beautiful scenery of the area, but we met some great folks, the majority of which were fellow Bulldog alums. Five of those State couples are traveling with us to Vancouver and riding the Canadian Rocky RR across southern Canada this year. Not only were the food, scenery, and buses beautiful, comfortable, and enjoyable, the fellowship of having fellow Bulldogs, and other friendly folks, along for the ride made for a trip we will cherish for a long time. I highly recommend any State alum or fan who enjoys traveling to join this fun group and have a trip you will certainly remember for the rest of your lives. John and Mary Eileen Passons Madison, MS
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
NOVEMBER
POLAR BEARS OF CHURCHILL NOVEMBER 1 – 6, 2023 | WINNIPEG TO CHURCHILL Experience this special opportunity to witness one of the largest confluences of polar bears in the world. As polar bears await the formation of arctic sea ice over the Hudson Bay to begin their hunt for ringed seals, they descend upon this tiny seaport town, forming one of the largest congregations of polar bears in the world. During this annual spectacle, observe, photograph, and learn about these “Kings of the North.” The quality guidance of a naturalist Orbridge Expedition Leader and exclusive educational experiences, including presentations by experts at Churchill’s Northern Studies Centre and your local 6 Days
Orbridge
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guide, distinguish this once-in-a-lifetime program. Winnipeg pre-tour option offered.
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MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE NOVEMBER 22 – 25, 2023 | NEW YORK, NEW YORK Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been the official kick-off to the holiday season! Every year, the Emmy Award-winning tradition is seen by more than 3.5 million people in New York and 50 million people at home, all tuned in to see the famous big balloons, a collection of amazing performances, one-of-a-kind floats and more! Join us to see one of the most popular events in New York City, first hand!
4 Days
Sports & Entertainment Travel
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HOLIDAY MARKETS CRUISE NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 5, 2023 | BASEL TO DUSSELDORF Feel the magic of the holidays in Germany and France on a seven-night Rhine River cruise! Celebrate centuriesold traditions in festive markets aglow with twinkling lights and good cheer and overflowing with handmade decorations and other treasures. Visit Heidelberg’s castle and enjoy an exclusive musical performance in the romantic old town. You’ll also stroll through Freiburg, a vibrant university city, and admire the details of Cologne’s spectacular cathedral. In the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf, choose 9 Days
AHI
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excursions that fit your interests, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences. There is no supplement for solo travelers.
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
MONTREAL AND QUEBEC CITY CHRISTMAS MARKETS NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 4, 2023 Join us as we experience the holiday season fondly remembered from years gone by. Explore outdoor markets, enjoy the sound of carolers, and horse-drawn wagons on cobblestone. Embrace delightfully decorated town squares with magical streets and the scents of gingerbread filling the air with spice. This full-guided tour features fantastic hotels, wonderful meals, and provides ample time to shop at your own pace.
5 Days
Premier World Discovery
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“
My wife Belinda and I went on a trip out west last year with the Traveling Bulldogs and it was the best trip we have ever been on. Everything was planned and all the details were planned. The best part was making new lifelong friends. We were so pleased that we have scheduled another trip this year to the Canadian Rockies by train. Dick Spann (‘74) Belinda Spann (’75) Columbus, MS
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YOUNG ALUMNI JOURNEYS
Explore the world with young alumni and friends of peer institutions, ages 22–35. These programs provide social, cultural, and recreational activities and many opportunities for learning enrichment and enjoying a connection back to Mississippi State.
CLASSIC EUROPE ~ GRADUATION TOUR MAY 24 – JUNE 3, 2023 | ENGLAND, FRANCE, ITALY, VATICAN CITY The Classic Europe grad trip offers 16 days of exploration, adventure, and insight into many of Europe’s most popular and stunning countries. This tour provides something for everyone, from mingling with locals on a London pub crawl, and seeking adventure parasailing in the Greek Isles, to photographing the majesty of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and venturing through the Roman Forum and the 2000-yearold Parthenon in Athens. Unleash your inner adventurer and make memories and new friends to last a lifetime.
11 Days
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2023 MSU Traveling Bulldogs
TREASURES OF SCOTLAND JULY 1 – 8, 2023 | EDINBURGH, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, FORT WILLIAM, LOCH NESS, INVERNESS, STIRLING Scotland is a land with a rich, complex history and a place where every inch of the landscape is steeped in the past. Therefore, it is no surprise that it served as a backdrop for so many movies and films, such as Harry Potter, Braveheart, Rob Roy and Outlander – to name a few. It harbors large wilderness areas, creating a wildlife haven for eagles soaring above lochs, heather-laden mountains of the Highlands and seals tumbling in the waters along the shores. Experience the finest of nature with the warmest of hospitality. Taste some of the famous malts and discover the treasures of Scotland on this incredible journey.
8 Days
AESU
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GREEK ISLAND HOPPER AUGUST 12 - 20, 2023 | SANTORINI – MYKONOS - ATHENS Catch the sun and set your course for an extraordinary journey. The Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, known for their amazing beaches and dramatic landscapes overlooking azure waters, are also filled with archaeological treasures, history, culture – and let’s not forget – delicious food. Discover the myths and legends of ancient Athens, visit the magnificent Acropolis, wander the paths of Plato, Socrates and Sophocles and test your bargaining skills at the markets of Monastiraki.
9 Days
AESU
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P.O. Box AA One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526 www.alumni.msstate.edu/travel
BULLDOGS EMBARKING ON THEIR OWN ADVENTURES
