Travel Schedule
View Trips by Region
Africa / Asia / Europe / Middle East / North America / Oceania / Polar regions /Russia and the Baltics /South America
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. Or you may use our handy Brochure Request Form and place your order today! Please note that trips and dates are subject to change.
Africa
Classic Serengeti Safari, November 2-14, 2009 (Sold Out)
with MIT Emeritus Professor of Geology John Southard '60
Watch animals scavenge and graze and mothers nurture their young on
this once in a lifetime journey. Expert local guides share their vast
knowledge of the Serengeti and use their skill to track giraffes,
lions, ostriches, zebras, elephants, and leopards and much more across
the plains. Also, visit Olduvai Gorge, the site of the Leakey family's
remarkable discoveries.
Southern Africa and the Rovos Rail Train, January 19-February 2, 2010
This comprehensive program includes time exploring Cape Town, Kimberly, a journey on the five-star Rovos Rail train, and two days of game viewing at Kruger National Park.
Family Adventure in Tanzania, December 20-January 1, 2011
Share the experience of a lifetime with your family and explore the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Expert guides share their wealth of knowledge. Overnight in permanent tented camps and lodges.
Asia
Japan: Empires of the East, April 9-26, 2010
Explore Hong Kong and Taipei, the remote archipelagoes of Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands, the venerable Shinto Shrine of Miyajima, and the Peace Memorial Park at Hiroshima. For nature lovers, the range of landscapes and biodiversity is inspiring. On sub-tropical islands and in sub-alpine forests, watch for wildlife and search for rare and endemic birds.
China Old and New: Art, Architecture & Commerce, October 9-20, 2010
with MIT Emeritus Professor of Linguistics Samuel Jay Keyser HM
First is Beijing and a briefing at US Embassy, a visit to the site of the Beijing Olympics, and a meeting local experts responsible for recent advances in Beijing urban development. Other visits include the Great Wall, the incomparable Huang Mountains, the elegant city of Hangzhou, and Fuchun Resort, a significant complex based on Song dynasty building principles where traditional life is being restored.
Mystical India, October 17-November 3, 2010
Travel the classic Golden Triangle: bustling Delhi, Agra, home of the sublime Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, great city of the Rajput. Also, search for elusive Bengals at Ranthambore Tiger Preserve and admire Khajuraho's ancient temples.
Europe
Cruising the Canary Islands, Morocco & Spain, April 8-16, 2010
Cruise on board Le Diamant for an exploration of the Canary Islands including Tenerife and La Palma, followed by a stop in Funchal on the island of Madeira, and time in Casablanca and Gibraltar.
Campus Abroad: Holland and Belgium, April 13-21, 2010
Explore Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft, Burges and Antwerp. Also a day is devoted to visiting and learning about the Delta Works project's massive dam and flood barriers which protect the region when powerful storms strike.
Village Life in Dordogne, May 6-14, 2010
Stay for one-week in the charming, family-owned Hotel de La Madeleine, located in one of Europe's most beautiful and intact medieval villages, Sarlat-la-Caneda. Program highlights include the prehistoric cave art of Lascaux II and Rouffignac Cave.
Campus Abroad: Greek Isles, May 31-June 10, 2010
With MIT Professor of Literature Alvin Kibel
Visit Crete and Santorini, and spend a full day in Athens. Talks given by local experts complement daily excursions. Special Promotion: Save $500 per couple ($250 per single) if registered by January 5, 2010.
Campus Abroad: Cortona, June 16-24, 2010
The town of Cortona nestled in the heart of Tuscany serves as the home base for this much loved itinerary. Daily excursions include Assisi, Siena, Perugia, and Florence. This program is being offered once again due to popular demand. Special Promotion: Save $500 per couple ($250 per single) if registered by December 8, 2009.
Douro River, Portugal, June 24-July 5, 2010
With MIT Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies Margery Resnick HM
Enjoy the Portuguese countryside cruising from Oporto inland to Regua, followed by Pinhao, the center of Port winemaking, and then across the border to Spain for a walking tour of Salamanca, a renowned seat of learning since the early 13th century. Also explore the cities of Oporto and Lisbon.
Campus Abroad: Italian Lakes, June 29-July 7, 2010
Stay seven nights in the town of Stresa located on Lake Maggiore and explore the towns of Intra, Pallanza, the city of Milan, and cruise the great lakes of Maggiore and Como by private boat. Special Promotion: Save $500 per couple ($250 per single) if registered by January 5, 2010.
Cruising the Baltic Sea, July 3-11
Experience the cultural rebirth of the Baltic States and the magnificent imperial riches of St. Petersburg while cruising under glistening White Nights of the Summer from Denmark's charming capital, Copenhagen, to the cosmopolitan Swedish capital of Stockholm. Ports of call include Tallinn, St. Petersburg, and Helsinki.Special Promotion: Save $200 per couple ($100 per single) if registered by December 11, 2009.
Village Life: Dalmatian Coast, September 2-10, 2010
Our voyage along the Adriatic includes stops along the ruggedly beautiful island-dotted shoreline including Zadar, Split, Ploce, Mljet National Park, and Dubrovnik in Croatia. We also spend time in Venice.
Greek Isles Cruise, September 13-25, 2010
With MIT Professor of Planetary Astronomy Richard Binzel
Cruise on board the Harmony V for a voyage from Athens to the islands of Kea, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Also enjoy time in Athens and the archaeological site at Delphi.
Middle East
Morocco, February 20-March 5, 2010
Travel from Rabat to Fez, and enjoy dinner in the home of a local family. Next travel to the High Atlas, and the vast Sahara to out on a sunset excursion to the beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga. Conclude in Marrakech. Our trip is hosted by Alumni Association President Toni Shuman '58.
The Canary Islands, Morocco & Spain, April 8-16, 2010
Cruise on board Le Diamant for an exploration of the Canary Islands including Tenerife and La Palma, followed by a stop in Funchal on the island of Madeira, and time in Casablanca and Gibraltar.
Jordan: Featuring Petra, April 9-18, 2010
with MIT alumnus John Dobson '62 Emeritus Professor Oklahoma State
Explore the country's rich history through the treasures and monuments in and around Amman and the Dead Sea. Also, spend a full day among the massive rose-red ruins of the ancient city of Petra. Meeting with local citizens enhance our understanding of the country and its people.
North America
Copper Canyon & the Sea of Cortez, January 6-14, 2010
Begin with four nights exploring desert islands of the Sea of Cortez with a tremendous abundance of plant life and enormous cacti. Then embark on a rail journey to the rim of one of the world's greatest canyons, the Copper Canyon.
The Manhattan Project, May 20-25, 2010
Travel to Los Alamos, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe to gain a better understanding of the historical and current-day implications of the Manhattan Project. The amazing story of what transpired, the drama and the genius of work to do something that was only theoretically possible, has continued to enthrall the world. The program will examine the many questions related to these historic events.
Ultimate Alaska and the Yukon, June 22-July 4, 2010
Wit MIT alumnus Frank Incropera '61, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Notre Dame
Ride the rails with MIT alums from Anchorage to Denali National Park and spend two nights. In Fairbanks, visit the TransAlaska Oil Pipeline. Then step back in time during a visit to Dawson City and Whitehorse, visit the Pipeline Terminal at Valdez, and, finally enjoy a cruise on Prince William Sound.
Oceania
Exploring Wild Hawaii, January 20-29, 2010
With MIT Professor of Geology Frederick Frey
Learn about the natural history of Hawaii's flora and fauna, the
geological forces that shaped the islands, the region's conservation
efforts, and Hawaiian culture, past and present. See the fluted cliffs
and deeply eroded canyons on Kauai, explore tropical marine life, and
witness vivid examples of ongoing activity of Mount Kilauea, the
world's most active volcano.
Tahiti and French Polynesia, February 7-15, 2010
With MIT Professor of Foriegn Langauage and Literature Isabelle de Courtivron
Sail on board the intimate SY Star Flyer
clipper to the idyllic islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea,
Taha’a, and Huahine. Snorkel and swim in pristine waters, meet with
local experts and citizens, and participate in discussions with on
board lecturers.
Russia
Inside the Russian Space Program, May 23-June 2, 2010
Visit the Mir Space Station simulator, the International Space Station Simulator, and the Baykonur Cosmodrome to witness the manned launch of the Soyuz spacecraft. Enjoy unparalleled access to VIP viewing areas and briefing sessions. And, if you choose, experience a zero-G flight or float in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (at an additional cost).
Baltic Sea and the Norwegian Fjords, July 3-11, 2010
Ports of call include Bergen, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Gdansk, Riga, St. Petersburg, and Tallinn. Our comprehensive itinerary features the spectacular fjords of Norway, visits to the Baltic nations of Latvia and Estonia, and an early entry to the Hermitage Museum.
South America
Amazon River, January 15-24, 2010
With MIT alumnus Rafael Bras '72, SM '74, ScD '75, Dean of Engineering at the University of California/Irvine
Travel on a 40-passenger riverboat beyond the confluence of the Rio Ucayali and Rio Maranon – the legendary inception of the Amazon River – where the primeval calls of tropical birds and wildlife echo across the rainforest.
Family Adventure in Costa Rica, June 20-27, 2010
Explore this natural paradise with the entire family. Glide from platform to platform for a bird's-eye view of the rainforest on an exhilarating canopy tour. Relax in hot springs warmed by heat from the Arenal volcano. Enjoy canoeing and snorkeling amidst a wide variety of coral reef and marine life. One day is spent with pen pals from a local school.
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Salkantay Trail, July 22–August 3
Explore the fascinating archaeological remnants of the Inca civilization from the comfort of quaint Peruvian lodges, taking in the sights at the ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo. Embark on a four-day trek with three nights of comfortable camping along the Salkantay Trail, which offers a seldom-seen view of Machu Picchu, intimate encounters with local farmers, and a stunning perspective of the Andes.
The Galapagos Islands, October 16-25, 2010
With MIT Profoessor Emeritus John Southard '60
The moment one steps foot on the first island they see unusual wildlife and understand that freedom and fearlessness are a way of life here. Join fellow alumni and 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.
Polar regions
Antarctica: The White Continent, November 4-18, 2009
With MIT alumnus John Dobson '62, Professor Emeritus Oklahoma State
Cruise across the Drake Passage and explore the Antarctic Peninsula and
its surrounding islands. Daily explorations with researchers and
experts guides include cruising by Zodiac, paddling kayaks, and walking
on glaciers.
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 10/26/2009
