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Travel Program

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Vassar Travel Programs

As we are planning our future trips, we always appreciate hearing from alums regarding destinations and trip themes you’d like to explore and faculty members with whom you’d like to travel. Please feel free to contact Susan Quade, Senior Associate Director for Special Events and Programs and the Vassar Travel Program at suquade@vassar.edu.

Upcoming 2024 trips at a glance:

The Galapagos Islands
July 6–13, 2024

Egypt and the Nile
September 21–October 4, 2024

Flavors of Tuscany
September 26–October 4, 2024

Postponed Until 2025:

Namibia: Endless Horizons & Open Skies
June 20-July 1, 2025

Upcoming Trips

Tour participants aboard a small motorized raft admiring the scenery and local wildlife.

The Galapagos Islands

July 6–13, 2024

Faculty Host: Jill Schneiderman, Professor of Earth Science

Nestled in the Pacific Ocean—at the confluence of three ocean currents—the Galapagos Islands are a haven for explorers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a profound connection with the natural world. Join this transformative expedition voyage through these enchanting islands to celebrate life’s diversity and to witness firsthand the stunning display of nature’s endless wonders.

Highlights will include:

  • Observe up close the endemic species such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, and Darwin’s finches
  • Snorkel with sea lions and tropical fish or observe them through a glass bottom boat
  • Visit the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island
See the full Galapagos itinerary and reserve your place.
A very large stone pyramid is on a hill above a stone sphinx and stone walls of varying heights, on a sunny day.

Egypt and the Nile

September 21–October 4, 2024

Faculty Host: April M. Beisaw, Professor of Anthropology

The incomparable Nile. Magnificent ancient monuments. Endless golden sands. This and more is Egypt—a cradle of civilization essential to our human story and the developments in government, religion, and agriculture. With its long past and welcoming people, Egypt beckons travelers to explore ruins of the past and wonders of today.

Highlights will include:

  • Traverse the Nile Valley to visit the Great Sphinx, the Temple of Horus and the tombs of El Kab
  • Expert Egyptologists as your guides
  • Four-night cruise on a private 14-guest sailing vessel
See the full Egypt itinerary and reserve your place.
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Flavors of Tuscany

September 26–October 4, 2024

Faculty Host: Miriam Rossi, Professor emerita of Chemistry

Embrace the bewitching enchantment, bucolic ambiance, and charismatic culture of Tuscany. Meander through its colorful cities, cypress-studded hilltop towns, classic cucinas, and idyllic vineyards during this small-group journey. Explore the Italian countryside that provides endless inspiration for artists, chefs, and vintners alike.

Highlights will include:

  • Explore the Etruscan ruins and center in Volterra
  • Tour an organic farm and learn about the owners’ dedication to the slow food movement
  • Stroll Siena—a UNESCO World Heritage Site
See the full Tuscany itinerary and reserve your place.
A baby elephant and an adult elephant browse in tall wheat-colored grass next to a body of water at sunset.

Endless Horizons & Open Skies

June 20-July 1, 2025

Faculty Host: Abby Baird ’91, Professor of Psychological Science on the Arnhold Family Chair

Venture to the South African country of Namibia, renowned for its captivating vistas, sculpted red canyons, some of the most spectacular sand dunes, and the home of the world’s oldest desert. Along the way, you’ll marvel at these geological wonders and admire the remarkable wildlife that call this vast and varied landscape home—leopards, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, antelopes, and desert elephants. You’ll also learn about the country’s extraordinary conservation programs.

Highlights will include:

  • Evening game drive and rhino tracking
  • Take a bush flight deep into the Namib desert
  • Visit the AfriCat Foundation to experience the work they are doing to protect leopards and cheetahs and reintroducing them into the wild

For more information, please contact Immersion Journeys at (917) 686-2620.

Travel Insurance

The Vassar Travel Program offers quality travel insurance through Meyer and Associates.

Upon receipt of your tour registration, Vassar will send insurance information to you directly. Please note that the purchase of insurance is time sensitive to the date that your trip deposit payment is received. Insurance information will be sent to you both by email and postal mail.

Of course, the choice of whether to purchase insurance is yours, but the Vassar Travel Program wants to make sure each Vassar traveler is offered quality insurance. We believe it is very important to protect your travel investment. Meyer and Associates offers a wide range of insurance options. We strongly urge travelers to purchase the package that offers trip cancellation coverage at the minimum.

For detailed information and to purchase travel insurance, contact Meyer and Associates or call (800) 635-7801.

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