Travel

2011 Travel Schedule

 January 2011 / February 2011 / March 2011 / April 2011 / May 2011/ June 2011 / July 2011 / August 2011 / September 2011 / October 2011 / November 2011  

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.

January 2011

Australia & New Zealand, January 16-29 (Waiting list)

With MIT alumnus Dr. Rafael L. Bras ’72, SM’74, ScD’75, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth System Science at the University of California, Irvine
Spend three days exploring the Great Barrier Reef and see the highlights of Australia and New Zealand, including Milford Sound, Christchurch and Sydney.

Antarctica, January 26-February 8, 2011 (Waiting list)

Travel in January during the height of whale season and when the penguin rookeries are at their most active, with groups of fluffy, squawking chicks are being watched over by adults. The sights and sounds are unforgettable!

February 2011

Splendors of India With sri lanka, February 1-17

With MIT Professor of Urban Planning Ralph Gakenheimer
Our program focuses on southern and western India, including the languorous canals of Kochi, the emerald landscapes of Mangalore, and the charming former Portuguese trading center of Marmagao.

Amazon River Expedition, February 11-20 (Waiting list)

Travel beyond the legendary inception of the Amazon River into a region of remote jungles and black-water rivers. Seek rare indigenous flora and fauna, glide down the Amazon’s tributaries, overnight in a tented camp, and visit local villages. 

Private Jet: Experiences of a Lifetime, February 18-March 12 (limited Availability)

Experience eight of the world’s most exciting and remote destinations in Africa, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Middle East. Dine at the pyramids in Egypt, go elephant trekking in Thailand, and camp under the stars in India’s Great Thar Desert.

March 2011

Death Valley: a Land of Geological Extremes, March 13-18 (Waiting list)

With MIT Emeritus Professor of Geology John Southard ’60
Despite its name, Death Valley is home to amazing wildlife, lovely desert blooms, and an inviting array of geologic diversity. Explore the canyons, sand dunes, volcanic craters, and other dramatic geological formations.

Classic China & the yangtze, March 16-29 (Waiting list)

With MIT alumnus David Scott Silverberg PhD '90
This value-priced comprehensive program includes the highlights of China. Beijing and the Great Wall, Xi’an and the Terra Cotta Warriors, 3 nights cruising on the Yangtze, and 3 nights in Shanghai.

April 2011

Newly Added: Treasures of Jordan: Antiquities & Natural Wonders, April 7-18

 Spend 12 days exploring Jordan. Highlights include touring the Roman ruins of Jerash, a three-night stay in Petra with two full days of touring, a jeep ride through the spectacular desert landscape of Wadi Rum, a two-night stay at a deluxe Red Sea resort, and a chance to float in the Dead Sea.

Campus Abroad: Holland and Belgium, April 16-24 (Waiting list)

Begin in Amsterdam, including a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, then continue to Deventer, The Hague, and Delft, Bruges, and Antwerp. A behind-the scenes meeting will be arranged for MIT focusing on the Delta Works project. 

May 2011

Campus Abroad: Rhone River, France, May 13-21 (Waiting list)

Cruise the Rhône River with stops along the way in Avignon, Arles, Viviers, and Beaune.  Talks by local citizens complement the daily excursions. 

Classic Greek Isles, May 16-28 (Waiting list)

With MIT Literature Professor Alvin Kibel
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.

Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness, May 21-28

Wake to the cry of a soaring eagle, watch ice thunder from the face of a glacier, walk in a spruce forest, and observe lunge-feeding whales. Dedicated professional guides lead explorations. Save $500 each off the voyage rate listed and get complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska.

June 2011

Baltic Sea & the Norwegian Fjords, June 9-20 (sold out)

Featuring former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbechev and former President of the Republic of Poland Lech Walesa
Experience the Baltic States and St. Petersburg while cruising under the spectacular “White Nights of Summer.” By special arrangement, enjoy a rare opportunity to hear enriching speeches by former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and former President of Poland Lech Walesa. 

Scandinavian Odyssey, June 23-July 9 (limited Availability)

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.

Campus Abroad: Swiss Alps & the Italian Lakes, June 26-July 4

Begin with 3 nights in St. Moritz with visits to the Upper Engadine village of Zuoz, and a journey on board the Bernina Express for one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe. Then, travel to the picturesque town of Como for a 4-night stay.

July 2011

Newly Added: Campus Abroad: Normandy, July 1-10

Enjoy six nights in Honfleur followed by two nights in Paris.  Tours include Giverny, Rouen, Bayeux, Caen, and Arromanches, the Omaha Beach Memorial, and the US Military Cemetery at St. Laurent. Daily excursions are complemented by talks given by local experts.

Family program: Galapagos Islands & the Andean Highlands, July 15-24

With MIT Professor of Biology Graham Walker
Experience the rich culture of the Andes and the amazing natural history of the Galapagos with the entire family. Cruise the Galapagos Islands, with opportunities to explore, swim, snorkel, and view the almost tame wildlife.

Family Program: Dino Dig in Colorado, July 23-29

Join other MIT families deep in the red-rock country of western Colorado. Children and adults will dig side by side with scientists in an active quarry where bones from eight species of dinosaurs have been uncovered.

Newly Added: Peru: the Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu, July 31-August 12

Embark on a trek to Machu Picchu following the Salkantay Trail. This program is an in-depth exploration of the culture and archaeology of the Inca and provides intimate interaction with the people and rural authenticity of Andean villages, as well as with the urban energy of Lima and Cusco. This trek was extremely popular last summer so reserve your spot today!

August 2011

Rafting the Cataract Canyon, Utah, August 6-13

Raft on a stretch of the Colorado River that includes easy floating and Class III whitewater. Also enjoy stunning red rock south-west scenery, great side-canyon hiking, ample relaxation time, and great camping in a beautiful, natural landscape. Professional guides lead excursions and provide daily commentary on the geology and the history of the region.

Campus Abroad: Scotland, August 24-September 1

Stay seven nights in Stirling and experience the stunning countryside and fascinating history of Scotland with daily excursions and presentations.

September 2011

Village Life: Tuscany, September 4–12 (new date)

From the home base of Siena, discover gems like the ancient hill towns of Montalcino and San Gimignano, and spend a day in Florence. Talks by local citizens complement the daily excursions. Unpack once. Early Booking Discount EXTENDED! Save $600 per couple.

Danube River: Vienna to Istanbul, September 16-26 (Waiting List)

From the Habsburg’s imperial capital of Vienna to the Byzantine and Ottoman splendors of Istanbul, this cruise visits seven historic countries and features some of Europe’s greatest cultural and natural treasures, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Circumnavigation of the Black Sea, September 25-Oct 9 (limited Availability)

With MIT alumnus John Dobson ’62, professor emeritus Oklahoma State
Discover Eurasia’s most intriguing destinations: Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. Beautiful landscapes, from rugged mountains to pastoral farmlands, set the stage for stunning architecture and archaeological sites that span the centuries, connecting contemporary cultures with those of vanished civilizations.

October 2011

Newly Added: A Voyage Along the Columbia and Snake Rivers—In the Wake of Lewis and Clark, October 5-11 (Waiting list)

Explore the grand gateway to the West, pioneered by Lewis and Clark, roamed by fur traders, and traversed by courageous settlers as they forged their way over the Oregon Trail. Unpack once and spend six nights cruising from the mouth of the Columbia all the way inland to Idaho, more than 450 miles upstream and through eight locks.

Treasures of Peru, October 17-27 (Waiting List)

Discover Peru’s archeological, cultural, and natural treasures in Lima, in Cuzco and the beautiful Sacred Valley, the Indian market at Pisac, and the extensive ruins at Ollantaytambo. Travel by train to Machu Picchu for an overnight stay. Later, travel overland through Peru’s rugged altiplano with its snow-capped mountains and remote villages to Lake Titicaca.

NEWLY ADDED: Vietnam, October 19-November 3

Discover Vietnam’s captivating beauty, enduring traditions, and profound hospitality as the country races to modernity. This comprehensive journey features all of Vietnam’s highlights plus a two-day stay in the beautiful, remote Mekong Delta.

November 2011

Private Jet: Around the World, November 1-22 (limited Availability)

This exploration by private jet begins in Peru’s Machu Picchu, and continues to Easter Island, Samoa, the Great Barrier Reef, and to Angkor Wat.  Watch the sunset amid Africa’s greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania and admire the inspiring architecture of the Taj Mahal and Jaipur.

Botswana Safari, November 11-21 (SOLD OUT, See Second Departure in January 2012)

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.

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 7/12/2011