Travel Schedule 2012
Travel The World With MIT
January 2012 / February 2012 / March 2012 / April 2012 / May 2012 / June 2012 / July 2012 / August 2012 / September 2012 / October 2012 / November 2012 / December 2012
Trip details are available online now for all the highlighted programs. If you have questions on any of our trips, listed below, please call us at 800-992-6749 or email compass@mit.edu and we'll send you trip information. Please note that trips and dates are subject to change.
January 2012
Wings Over New Zealand, January 3–17
with MIT Professor R. John Hansman SM ’80, PhD ’82
Experience this beautiful country from a different perspective, traveling on a Convair CV-580 turboprop airliner. Insightful lectures enhance and complement daily excursions.
Hawaii, January 5–13
with MIT Professor and Department Head Edmund Bertschinger
Explore the natural history of Maui and the Big Island and enjoy behind-the-scenes access to laboratories and observatories not open to the general public, including the Keck Observatory.
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal, January 14–21
Walk rain forest trails, home to capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, iguanas and hummingbirds. Snorkel and kayak along wildlife-rich coastlines, plus transit the legendary Panama Canal. On board National Geographic Sea Lion.
Botswana Safari, January 23–February 2
Discover the best Botswana has to offer, from the vast Kalahari Desert to the fertile Okavango Delta, and experience some of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness on the African continent. By day, venture out in open 4X4 vehicles; at night fall asleep to the sound of hippos crunching on water lettuce and awaken to the songs of hundreds of birds welcoming a new day.
Classic Seychelles, January 24-February 10
With MIT Professor Ronald G. Prinn ScD ’71
Cruise the protected waters of the Seychelles, a haven for coral
reefs and fish. Explore dense forest and pristine beaches to discover native
and endemic species. Also travel to the volcanic islands of the Comoros and
visit Zanzibar.
February 2012
Cruising the Lesser Antilles, February 3-10 (sold out)
with MIT Professor Kerry Emanuel ’76, PhD ’78
Ports of call include St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Barts, St. Maarten,
and St. John. Enjoy an informative lecture series, traveling on board the MV Silver Cloud.
Southern Africa, February 9-23 (sold out)
A comprehensive exploration of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park, Botswana including travel on board the deluxe Rovos Rail train.
Kilimanjaro Trek, February 11-23 (sold out)
with MIT Assistant Professor Lindy Elkins-Tanton ’87, SM ’87, PhD ’02
Embark on
one of the world’s greatest adventures and alluring challenges—a bid for the
summit of Kilimanjaro. We will
take the beautiful and least traveled Western Approach route. The routing
allows for a summit bid by daylight and offers plenty of time for
acclimatization.
Private Jet: Experiences of a Lifetime, February 21-March 14
An epic 23-day journey by private jet. Destinations and activities include the pyramids in Egypt, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, game drives in South Africa, the Maldives, elephant trekking in Thailand, Bhutan, a sunset camel safari in India, and the lost city of Petra, Jordan.
Patagonian Frontiers: Argentina & Chile, February 27-March 15 (waiting list)
with MIT Professor Emeritus Frederick Frey
Begin with three days in Buenos Aires and then witness the
majestic fjords and glaciers of Southern Patagonia, the stunningly dramatic
scenery of Torres del Paine National Park, and Chile’s Lake District.
March 2012
Mekong River, Cambodia and Vietnam, March 1-14
with MIT Professor Emerita Isabelle de Courtivron
An 11-night journey through Cambodia and Vietnam, highlighted by a
seven-night cruise on the Mekong River, three nights in Siem Reap and one night
in Ho Chi Minh City. This custom-designed itinerary also features the
magnificent Angkor temples and Phnom Penh.
Death Valley: Land of Geological Extremes, March 3–9
With MIT Emeritus Professor John Southard '60
Explore the canyons, sand dunes, volcanic craters, and other
dramatic geological formations of America’s stunning Death Valley,
California. Daily excursions are
enhanced by informative talks
MoroccAn Discovery, March 3-16
Morocco is a land of dramatic contrasts with its lush desert oases, imposing kasbahs, spirited souks, and ancient ruins. Travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech, to the High Atlas and vast Sahara to experience a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.
Classic China & the Yangtse, March 14-27 (limited availability)
In Beijing, visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. In Xian, see the terra-cotta army, then cruise on the Yangtze. Conclude in Shanghai.
April 2012
Egypt & the Eternal Nile, April 6-22 (waiting list)
with MIT alumnus Dr. John Dobson '62, Oklahoma State professor emeritus
Begin in Cairo with visits to the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids of
Giza, the Step Pyramids at Sakkara, and the open-air museum at Memphis. Cruise
on Lake Nasser and then on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor.
Campus Abroad: Apulia, Italy, April 10-18 (waiting list)
Spend seven nights in Italy’s coastal Apulia region, unpacking only once. Daily excursions include the towns of Bari, Lecce, medieval Travi, and Ostuni. Informative talks are given by local experts.
Campus Abroad: Holland & Belgium, April 24-May 2 (Waiting list)
Highlights include the Keukenhof Gardens, Floriade, a visit to the Delta Project, tours of Bruges, Antwerp, and The Hague. Cruise on board the MS Amadeus Elegant.
Celtic Lands: Scotland, Wales, Ireland & France, April 30-May 9
Cruise on Le Boreal from the Orkney Islands, to the Isles
of Skye, Mull, and Iona. Also visit Dublin and Northern France for the beaches
of Normandy. Featured speakers Dwight David Eisenhower (historian and grandson
of President Eisenhower) and Celia Sandy (historian and granddaughter of Sir
Winston Churchill) give talks on D-Day and the Normandy landings and offer
personal reflections.
May 2012
Village Life in England's Cotswolds, May 5-13
Spend a week in the English countryside. By special arrangement, meet Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill’s cousin, for a guided tour of Blenheim Palace. Also visit Oxford, the castle of Broughton, and the storybook villages of Bibury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden.
Discovering Eastern Europe, May 22-June 7
Depart on an odyssey through Central Europe that visits five distinctly different countries: Poland, Hungry, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Village Life in Dordogne, May 24-June 1
with MIT Professor Jeffrey Ravel
Unpack once and explore the medieval pilgrimage site of
Rocamadour, the cave paintings of Rouffignac, Lascaux, and Cap Blanc. Also,
spend time exploring the home base of charming Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the
most beautiful and well-preserved medieval villages in France.
June 2012
Classic Greek Isles, June 4-16
Athens, Delphi, and a cruise to the white-washed islands, during a seven-night voyage of the azure waters of the Aegean: Delos, Santorini, and Crete.
Campus Abroad: Ireland, June 5-15
With MIT Professor Alvin Kibel
Four nights Kilkenny, four nights Ennis, and two nights Dublin.
Excursions include tours of the Irish National Heritage Park, Rock of Cashel,
the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, the island of Inishmore, and the Irish
National Stud Farm. Early booking discount of $500 per person if you book March 6, 2012.
China Family Program, June 22–July 6
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of China, from cosmopolitan cities to rural villages. Interact with the people of China, learning martial arts from local students, visiting Chinese artists and learning their craft, and meeting with young Chinese pen pals as your children learn to make traditional dumplings together.
July 2012
Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice, July 20-28
with MIT alumnus David Scott Silverberg PhD '90
See Iceland’s extraordinary landscape of fire and ice,
encountering wondrous sights at close range: abundant wildlife, world-renowned
geological marvels and ancient cultural traditions. Cruise on board the
220-passenger MS Le Boreal.
Scandinavian Odyssey, July 26-august 11 (Newly added)
with MIT Professor Richard Binzel
Explore Scandinavia
at its best,
both on and off the
beaten path. Visit Copenhagen, Norway’s stunning western fjord district, and
take a thrilling excursion on the Flam Railway, followed by Bergen,
Geirangerfjord, and Stockholm.
GalÁpagos Islands, July 27-August 5 (limited availability)
with MIT Professor Graham Walker
Explore
this fascinating environment by sea and land. Snorkel among a colony of playful
sea lions and colorful tropical fish; paddle a kayak past penguins and sea
turtles; and hike across volcanic landscapes dotted with blue-footed boobies,
iguanas, and tortoises.
Crater Lake & Rogue River Rafting, July 29-August 5
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest along the shores of the wild and scenic Rogue River.
August 2012
Waterways of Russia, August 19-29
Cruise through the heartland of Russia along scenic rivers, lakes and canals to tenth-century Uglich, medieval Yaroslavl, the Fourteenth-century monastery of Goritsy, and the legendary open-air museum of Kizhi Island. Program also includes one night Moscow and two nights St. Petersburg. Early Booking Discount: save $1,000 per person until May 15, 2012.
September 2012
Grand Danube Passage, September 11-25
Begin with three nights in the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital of Prague and cruise through Austria’s Wachau Valley, and visit the Abbey in Melk, the town of Dürnstein, and Vienna. Other visits include Budapest, Kalocsa and Mohács, and Belgrade, Serbia. Save $500 per person off the cabin rate if you book by February 21, 2012. Mention the promo code "DANUBE12" when making your reservation.
Columbia & Snake River Journey: Harvests, History & Landscapes, September 27-October 3
Retrace Lewis & Clark’s rich history of exploration, discover diverse, lush landscapes, and experience the region’s culinary treasures first-hand. Immerse yourself in the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy striking views of Mt. Hood, and lunch at a 102-year-old working farm.
Egypt & the Eternal Nile, September 28-October 14
Begin in Cairo with visits to the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids of Giza, the Step Pyramids at Sakkara, and the open-air museum at Memphis. Cruise on Lake Nasser and then on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor.
St. Petersburg: Russia's Cultural Capital, September 28-October 5
Learn about the inner workings of the gravity-fed fountains at Peter’s Summer Palace. Explore Catherine’s Palace, with a private tour. Enter Trubetskoi Bastion Prison and learn about the 900-day Siege of Leningrad, venture backstage at one of St. Petersburg’s famous theaters, and inspect the engine room of an historic Russian icebreaker.
October 2012
Campus
Abroad: Sicily, October 19-29
Stay four nights in Syracuse and four nights in Palmero. Excursions include Mt. Etna, Taormina for its famous Greek amphitheater, Noto, Erice, Segesta, and Cefalù. Talks by local experts complement daily excursions. Save $500 per person off the cabin rate if you book by February 21, 2012. Mention the promo code "SAVE221" when making your reservation.
Turkish Treasures, October 19-November 2
After an exploration of Istanbul, travel a bit off the beaten path to Gaziantep, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Enjoy a cruise on the Euphrates River. At Mt. Nemrut learn about King Antiochus, whose mountaintop burial site is adorned with evocative statues and temples. Explore Cappadocia, renowned for its surreal landscape and extensive underground cities.
Regal India: Rail Journey through Rajasthan, October 21-November 2
with
MIT Emeritus Professor Samuel Jay Keyser
Travel in the comfort of the newly renovated Palace on Wheels train and visit
Rajasthan’s remote and legendary cities. This itinerary highlights include Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur,
Jaisalmer, and Ranthambore, and Keoladeo Ghana National Parks.
Private Jet: Heaven and Earth, October 31-November 20
Circle the globe on an exceptional 21-day journey, exploring the lands of the sky worshippers and visiting ancient ruins of vanished civilizations in Tikal, Guatemala; Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru; Easter Island, Chile; the heart of Aboriginal Australia; Borobudur, Indonesia; the Thar Desert, India; and the Lost City of Petra, Jordan.
November 2012
Total Solar Eclipse in Australia: Sydney and the Daintree Rainforest, November 6-16
With MIT Professor Edmund Bertschinger
Witness the total solar eclipse in Queensland Australia! This trip is complimented by tours of Sydney, and explorations of the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation National Park, and the Great Barrier Reef. An optional pre-trip extension to Kangaroo Island is available; and an optional post-trip extension is available to Ayers Rock.
Total Solar Eclipse in Australia: Sydney and Cairns, November 8-15
With MIT Professor Richard Binzel
Spend two nights in Sydney with free time to explore and a
harbor cruise. Then we fly to Cairns. From here enjoy a full day excursion to
the Great Barrier Reef, where there will be opportunities to swim and snorkel.
We conclude our program with the thrill of witnessing the total solar eclipse.
December 2012
Antarctica, December 7-20
Glide around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac, walk along beaches covered with thousands of penguins, and kayak amid abundant wildlife. Cruise across the Drake Passage and spend six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. Travel under the leadership of an experienced expedition team whose expert knowledge of Antarctica’s waters will ensure the program takes advantage of the unexpected.
To reserve your space on any of our programs, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 or email the Travel Program at compass@mit.edu. To receive more information on any of these trips, order a brochure online.
Programs and dates are subject to change—updated 2/7/2012
