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Alumni Travel Programs
WIU Alumni & Friends are invited to join your Alumni Association and other Western alumni in traveling and learning opportunities worldwide on an Alumni Travel Abroad Program.
We've missed traveling with you! The WIU Alumni Association is pleased to announce our newly-restructured Travel Abroad Program. We are excited to offer more trips, more travel dates and a wide range of prices. We hope you will join us on the journey(s)!
Alumni Holidays
AHI International Corporation, better known as Alumni Holidays®, an alumni partner for the past 40 years, has been a leader in the creation and operation of exclusive and unique travel programs for sophisticated travelers. Together, we work to ensure that each travel experience reflects the high standards set on behalf of our alumni and friends. All sponsored programs are researched by travel experts, utilizing many years of experience in designing creative itineraries that provide a strong connection to the places and people of the cultures you will visit.
In addition to our Alumni Travel Abroad Programs, the Alumni Association offers Alumni Escapes which feature a collection of travel favorites visited in a whole new way. At exceptional values, these well planned programs offer first class accomodations and a pleasurable mix of excursions and events along with plenty of time for personal pursuits.
In addition to the featured Western Illinois University travel programs sponsored for alumni and friends, the Alumni Association also provides you the opportunity to travel independently on all AHI programs and dates.
Gohagan & Company
Gohagan & Company develops and operates deluxe group travel programs for America's most prestigious museums, colleges, universities and cultural institutions. The Company's unique itineraries and educational components are paired with the style and comforts of the world's finest cruise ships, trains and hotels and enhanced by world-class guides and academic experts. Designed with the knowledge and insight provided by more than 20 years of experience Gohagan & Company travels from the pristine wilderness of Antarctica to the unfolding mystery of China, from the Celtic Lands of Britain to the bustle of Istanbul's bazaars, from the medieval villages of France to East Africa's game parks, from the spectacular Dalmatian Coast to Russia and the great countries of the Baltic. En route, Gohagan & Company passengers don't just see the world, they experience it.
Go Next
For nearly 40 years, Go Next has made the world more accessible to the sophisticated traveler. Offering unique and fascinating itineraries on land, at sea and by river, Go Next programs are designed to provide the maximum experience at an affordable price. With the ideal balance of exploration, education and relaxation, our trips provide the savings and conveniences of a group program, while presenting opportunities for independent exploration. Go Next is committed to providing quality travel programs and excellent customer service for professional associations and college alumni groups. Accompanied by an experienced and dedicated staff, Go Next travelers have journeyed the globe.
We Recommend Travel Insurance
NOTE: The itinerary(ies) outlined below is preliminary and is subject to change due to operational conditions.
Upcoming Trips
Click here to see all the Alumni Travel Abroad Trips chronologically.
Alumni Holidays trips
(For more information or to make a reservation for any of the below Alumni Holidays trips, call 800-323-7373.)
Jewels of Antiquity Crusie~Cannes to Venice
Switzerland
Ireland
Gohagan trips
(For more information or to make a reservation for any of the below Gohagan trips, call 800-922-3088.)
The Great Journey through Europe
Island Life in Ancient Greece and Turkey
Go Next trips
(For more information or to make a reservation for any of the below GoNext trips, call 800-842-9023.)
European Mosaic~Oceania Cruises
Alaskan Adventures~Oceania Cruises
Mediterranean Inspiration~Oceania Cruises
SAVE THE DATES for these 2014 trips....more will be announced soon!
Tahitian Jewels – January 15–25, 2014
Caribbean Discovery – February 12–22, 2014
Normandy, 70th Anniversary of D-Day - April 1-9, 2014
Cradle of History - May 4-15, 2014
Italian Inspiration - May 14-22, 2014
Apulia - July 1-9, 2014
Baltic Treasures - August 21-September 1, 2014
Cruise the Rhine - September 22-30, 2014
Southern Africa - October 15-29, 2014
China and the Yangtze River - October 20-November 3, 2014
Pearls of the Mediterranean - November 7-15, 2014
Cruise the Panama Canal - November 19-30, 2014
Alumni Holidays Trips
Jewels of Antiquity Cruise~Cannes to Venice ~ MV Aegean Odyssey
May 28-June 12, 2013
(from $4795 + reduced air + VAT)
Cruise the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean and Adriatic seas during this 14-night voyage from Cannes to Venice aboard the MV Aegean Odyssey, a boutique ship that offers an informal cruising experience and access to remote inlets, quiet harbors and magnificent islands. Set sail along the beautiful French Riviera to explore Cannes, the sparkling jewel of the Côte d'Azur, and vibrant Provence. Cruise Italy's shores and experience the art of Florence and palpable history of Rome. Drive along the scenic Bay of Naples to the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum and roam the timeless majesty of Taormina. Sail sparkling waters to the ancient Greek colony of Butrint; the narrow stepped streets of Corfu; Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic; Split's lavish Palace of Diocletian; and the walled town of Zadar. End your journey with an overnight in Venice. This unique adventure includes excursions, lecture series by noted scholars, an extensive meal plan, and gratuities for onboard staff, guides and drivers.
Discover Switzerland
June 19-July 4, 2013
($3995 + air + VAT)
See the majesty of Switzerland's landscape unfold before your eyes on this exclusive small group journey through its idyllic alpine meadows, crystal lakes and broad vistas. From the beautiful mountain village of Meiringen in the Hasli Valley, your home for 14 nights, discover this cultural and geographic heart of Europe by train, bus, boat and on guided walks with your Swiss Rail Pass. Enjoy panoramic views set against the incredible Alps and cruise magnificent lakes as you explore captivating Swiss villages such as Lucerne, Magisalp, Kandersteg, Grindelwald and Berne. Travel to Zermatt and witness the imposing Matterhorn. Trek through Rosenlaui Gorge and view the stunning Reichenbach Falls. Board the Simplon Alpine railway to the Italian towns of Domodossola and lakeside Locarno. And visit historic Montreux and the Castle of Chillon made famous by the poetry of Lord Byron. This remarkable experience includes an extensive meal plan, wine with dinner and time for independent exploration.
Ireland
August 26-September 3 (please note the NEW trip date)
($2995 + air + VAT)
Due to the change in dates, the early booking price is still being honored.
Experience the rugged beauty of Western Ireland, a land rich with Celtic myth and legend. Discover its vibrant culture during your seven-night stay in Galway at the deluxe Ardilaun Hotel, and see the Quiet Man's Bridge, made famous in a classic John Wayne movie. Enjoy daily excursions to idyllic spots to learn about Ireland's colorful history, music and sports from knowledgeable experts throughout this exclusive small group journey. Visit the homestead of Dan O'Hara in Connemara, then learn about the ancient art of bodhrán drum making in Roundstone and visit the workshop of a famous craftsmen. Enjoy the energy and generational traditions of Irish singing, Seanchaí storytelling and "Sean-nós" dancing. Delight in the spectacular vistas along the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, attend a Hurling demonstration, and cruise to the Aran Islands to see prehistoric monuments. This Alumni Campus Abroad® program includes all excursions, educational programs and an extensive meal plan featuring wine with dinner.
Book now and save up to $250 per person WITH THE EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT on any of the above trips.
Gohagan Trips
The Great Journey through Europe
cruising aboard the Deluxe M.S. Amadeus Diamond
The Netherlands ~ Germany ~ France ~ Switzerland
September 4-16, 2013 (please note the NEW dates)
(from $3995 + air + VAT)
Travel through three countries and the western heart of the Continent. Experience three of the world's legendary railways, then cruise from the fairy-tale beauty and UNESCO‑designated section of the Rhine River to the scenic beauty of the Mosel River Valley's legendary wine country and visit three more important UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spend two nights in lovely Lucerne in the Five-Star Hotel Schweizerhof, where glorious panoramas surround you. Then, cross the mountainous backbone of Switzerland aboard the celebrated Glacier Express. Stay in Zermatt for two nights, where you will marvel at the iconic Matterhorn as you travel aboard the Gornergrat Bahn. Travel overland through the verdant countryside of Switzerland en route to the lovely Alsatian city of Strasbourg, France, with stops in Interlaken, scenically situated near the magnificent Bernese Oberland Alps, and the medieval gem of Berne. The m.s. Swiss Crown, one of the finest ships sailing Europe's waterways, provides our accommodations en route from Strasbourg, France, to Cologne, Germany. Port calls along the way include Worms, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Boppard, Koblenz, Cochem and Speyer for Heidelberg, Germany.
(For more information or to reserve your spot today, call 800-922-3088.)
Island Life in Ancient Greece and Turkey
Aboard the exclusively chartered, Deluxe M.S. L'Austral
September 24-October 2, 2013
(from $3595 + air + VAT)
Join us for this exclusive nine-day odyssey to the windswept paradise of Greece's ancient islands and Turkey's fabled coast. Cruise from Athens to Istanbul aboard the exclusively chartered, intimate M.S. L'Austral, featuring private balconies in 95% of the deluxe, outside suites and staterooms. Meet local residents during the specially arranged Village Forum™ for a personal perspective on the true character of the Aegean Sea's maritime culture. Discover the very cradle of Western civilization during carefully designed, expert-led excursions, highlighted by the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the classical ruins of Delos, the Old Town of Rhodes, the Monastery of St. John on Pátmos and legendary Troy. Visit Mykonos, known for its iconic windmills and sugar-white cube houses. Enjoy panoramic views of Santorini's caldera from a cable car. Stroll the marble-paved boulevards of Ephesus, the most spectacularly preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Sample authentic Greek and Turkish cuisine during exclusive C'est Bon! Culinary Traditions™ optional excursions. Extend your voyage with the Athens Pre-Cruise Option and the Istanbul or Cappadocia Post-Cruise Option.
(For more information or to reserve your spot today, call 800-922-3088.)
Go Next Trips
European Mosaic~Oceania Cruises: Rome to Lisbon
June 5 – 13, 2013
(from $2199 + VAT)
Sample some of Europe's rich past and exciting present as you cruise to distinctive ports in Italy, Monaco, France and Spain aboard the elegant Oceania Cruises Nautica. Leave Rome behind and cruise north on the coastal route to the port of Livorno and the glorious cities of Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower, and Florence, where Renaissance masterpieces await. Sail to Monte Carlo, famous for its casino and its stunning French Riviera locale on the winding Grand Corniche. Continue to colorful Marseille, a Provençal gateway for visits to the towns of Aix, renowned for its lovely fountains, and Avignon, a medieval refuge for 14th-century popes. Visit Barcelona, a city known worldwide for its enduring cultural influence and the distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudí. This European mosaic becomes even more colorful in Cartagena, Spain, with spectacular ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins, Baroque ramparts, Art Nouveau façades and contemporary maritime attractions.
(For more information or to reserve your spot today, call 800-842-9023.)
Alaskan Adventures~Oceania Cruises: Seattle to Vancouver
August 5 - 12, 2013
(from $1,999 + VAT)
Travel to a place of stunning landscapes and unspoiled wilderness, a place where nature reigns supreme – amazing Alaska. Discover America's Last Frontier from the elegant decks of Oceania Cruises' Regatta, an intimate vessel with outstanding amenities, cuisine and service. Depart from Seattle and travel north along Canada's coast to Wrangell, one of Alaska's oldest towns and the only one in the state to be governed by four nations: Tlingit, Russia, Britain and the U.S. Continue cruising through Tracy Arm, a breathtaking fjord whose pristine waters reflect its icy-blue tidewater glaciers and soaring granite cliffs. Follow the Alaskan coast to Sitka, the former Russian capital of North America and an astoundingly picturesque city known for its many historic attractions, and visit the small wilderness outpost of Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." Sail on through the scenic Inside Passage heading south to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver where your voyage concludes. This Alaskan cruise is truly an unforgettable adventure.
(For more information or to reserve your spot today, call 800-842-9023.)
Mediterranean Inspiration~Oceania Cruises: Rome to Venice
October 18 – 29, 2013
(from $3,299 + VAT)
Go Next is pleased to advise that due to the popularity of the Mediterranean Inspiration cruise outlined below, we are extending the "Early Booking Discount".
"EBD" NOW through June 14, 2013
Discover true inspiration from the elegant decks of Marina, one of Oceania Cruises' newer mid-sized vessels, as you sail the Mediterranean to ports in Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. Depart from Rome and delve into Italy's picturesque west coast, a combination of world-class beauty and world-renowned works of art. In Florence, Brunelleschi's extraordinary Duomo stands magnificently over the city just as Michelangelo's David stands over the world of sculpture, as it has since the early 1500s. Explore the magical cobblestone streets of Sorrento, or travel to Capri, an island so beautiful it served as a vacation getaway for ancient Romans. Discover the harbors and hillside towns of Amalfi and Positano, each a vertical showcase of colorful, centuries-old architecture. Next is Sicily's ancient town of Taormina, a blend of ancient Greek and Roman ruins and vibrant modern shops popular with authors and artists. Sail to the gorgeous Greek island of Corfu, stroll the painstakingly preserved streets of medieval Kotor, and enter the ancient walls, turrets and towers that encircle Dubrovnik, Croatia's red-tiled gem. Cap off your inspirational journey with a full day in Venice, the magical city of canals and bridges.
(For more information or to reserve your spot today, call 800-842-9023.)
2014 Trips
Tahitian Jewels
January 15-25, 2014
from $3,299 per person, double occupancy (including airfare)
Savor the tropical splendor of emerald-green palms, white sand beaches and brilliant turquoise waters as you sail aboard the luxurious Oceania Cruises Marina to the most stunning destinations in the South Pacific, the gorgeous Polynesian islands. Experience a cruise with the finest service, accommodations and cuisine at sea, where every port of call is an island paradise. Admire multihued lagoons around Moorea and discover the region's cultural heritage on beautiful Raiatea. Be engulfed by magnificent tropical beauty on romantic Bora Bora and wander the black sand beaches of Nuku Hiva. Sail to Hiva Oa, artist Paul Gauguin's idyllic island home, and enchant your senses with colorful sea life at Rangiroa, before returning to Papeete on the lovely island of Tahiti. Set adrift, catch the breeze and discover Polynesia's most beautiful gems on this exceptional voyage.
(For more information or to reserve your spot today, call 800-842-9023.)
Caribbean Discovery
February 12-22, 2014
from $2,699 per person, double occupancy (Including airfare)
Follow the sounds of waterfalls, steel drums and exotic birds as you cruise the Caribbean aboard an exquisite vessel with the finest service, accommodations and cuisine at sea, the elegant Oceania Cruises Riviera. Your adventure sets sail from Miami to the beautiful tropical islands of Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Barts. Experience spectacular vistas framed by swaying palm trees, hike through lush rainforests and beneath waterfalls, and snorkel vivid coral reefs teeming with colorful wildlife. Explore vibrant towns dotted with gingerbread architecture, meander exquisite gardens and stroll pristine beaches edged by crystalline blue waters as you discover the Caribbean, a world filled with cultural and natural marvels.
Cradle of History
May 4-15, 2014
from $3,499 per person, double occupancy (Including airfare)
Follow the echoes of ancient civilizations as you cruise the Mediterranean on Oceania Cruises Riviera, an elegant vessel replete with breathtaking amenities and culinary delights. Immerse yourself in the ancient legends, traditions and cultures of Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt, where each destination whispers an intriguing tale. Begin in Istanbul, the magnificent city that straddles two continents, and take in its legendary sites before departing for Kusadasi, where you can walk mosaic sidewalks in the nearby ruins of Ephesus. Cruise to the Greek island of Rhodes, a sun soaked canvas of age-old white-washed towns and dazzling, turquoise waters, and then on to Limassol and the ancient riches of Cyprus. Continue to Haifa, Israel, a picturesque city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel offering spectacular hanging gardens and ancient temples. More wonders await in Jerusalem, the holiest city on earth for three major religions, including the legendary Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next, sail to the second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, dubbed the Pearl of the Mediterranean and the home of a magnificent Roman amphitheater from Ptolemaic times, before concluding your journey in Athens, one of the world's oldest cities.
Italian Inspiration
May 14–22, 2014
from $2,499 per person, double occupancy (Including airfare)
Let Italian-influenced towns and islands inspire you from aboard the elegant and intimate Oceania Cruises Insignia as you cruise to captivating ports in Italy, Croatia and Greece. Set out from Rome's port, Civitavecchia and journey south along Italy's sublime shores. Explore the lovely Italian village of Sorrento, a trove of cobblestone streets and dramatic vistas, or travel to Capri, an island so beautiful it served as a vacation getaway for ancient Romans. Cruise further down the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit Amalfi or Positano, timeless towns with colorful Moorish-style houses set on stunning seaside slopes, before heading to Sicily's northeastern tip. Here you'll find Messina, a lovely medieval city that's home to a wealth of ancient churches and a cathedral where it is rumored Richard the Lionheart worshipped. Discover the verdant island of Corfu, where beauty abounds among the emerald hills and lush fields, and then step back in time in Dubrovnik, Croatia's red-tiled jewel, evolved from centuries of Roman and Venetian rule. Your voyage concludes in Venice, a romantic masterpiece built on water. Explore this legendary city of opulent palazzi and enchanting squares set amid a network of weaving canals and bridges.
Baltic Treasures
August 21–September 1, 2014
from $4,299 per person, double occupancy (Including airfare)
Baltic treasures abound on this voyage to some of Northern Europe's most legendary ports aboard Oceania Cruiseselegant Nautica. Discover distant monarchies, Baroque palaces and stunning harbors as you cruise the Baltic Sea to Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Sweden. Beginning in Copenhagen, sail to the delightful German port of Warnemünde and enjoy its lovely seaside promenade, or take a short drive to Berlin and view weathered remnants of the iconic Berlin Wall and other notable landmarks. Cruise to Lithuania and stroll past charming timber-framed buildings in Klaipeda's Old Town, and then on to Latvia's capital Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dubbed the "Paris of the East." Head to the Finnish capital of Helsinki, a renowned international design mecca, where you'll discover a splash of modern art and architecture. Delight in almost three full days to soak up St. Petersburg and explore its gorgeous onion-domed cathedrals and fabled palaces, or perhaps head south on a day trip to Moscow and visit famed sites like Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral. Before concluding your journey in Stockholm, visit Estonia to admire Tallinn's beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Create unforgettable memories as you sail the legendary Baltic Sea.
Pearls of the Mediterranean
November 7–15, 2014
from $2,299 per person, double occupancy (Including airfare)
Discover some culturally-rich pearls of the Mediterranean, as you cruise from Monaco to Spain aboard Oceania Cruises Riviera, an elegant vessel replete with breathtaking amenities and outstanding cuisine. Depart Monte Carlo for Portofino and find a magnificent 16th-century castle overlooking a modern playground of villas and yachts. Journey to Rome and admire its stunning wealth of historical monuments and marvelous wonders, like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica. Head inland from the port of Livorno and experience the idyllic Tuscan countryside and the legendary cities of Florence and Pisa—two icons bursting with world-class art and Renaissance architecture. Savor the historic port city of Marseille, or explore its rich Provençal countryside dotted with medieval towns and quaint villages, before heading to Port Vendres. Bound by beauty, this classic Mediterranean harbor town along the Vermillion Coast is a true gem. Continue to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, a beautiful island offering stunning architecture from a massive Gothic cathedral to an ancient circular castle overlooking the harbor. Stroll the cobbled streets of Old Palma, or relax along the picturesque countryside sprinkled with windmills, before your exceptional voyage concludes in Barcelona.
