Travel Programs
Whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime, a return to a favorite vacation spot, or simply looking for your next adventure, the Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô Cardinal Adventures Travel Program is a great place to start your journey.
The Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô Office of Alumni Affairs works alongside several travel partners to provide the best travel experience possible for our alumni and friends. Your safety is most important to us.
May 21-30, 2025
- The splendor of Austria awaits on this exceptional, eight-night experience brimming with history, natural beauty, and scrumptious cuisine!
- Enjoy four nights at first-class hotels in the heart of both Graz and Salzburg, named UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Take in Graz’s charming ambience on a guided stroll and from atop its iconic hilltop.
- In music-filled Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, delight in a memorable performance of his works with a three-course dinner and see the landmarks of his life.
- Outings around the Styria region introduce you to mighty Riegersburg Castle and the renowned Lipizzaner stallions.
- Other standouts include a cruise on picturesque Lake Hallstatt, a day in Bavaria featuring the historic Eagle’s Nest and a 60th-anniversary "The Sound of Music" tour!
- This adventure is offered by LU’s travel partner, AHI.
July 1-9, 2025
- Indulge in glorious views of lakes, mountains and opulent villas while cruising on Italy's spectacular lakes.
- Enjoy seven nights in Stresa, Italy, at the first-class Hotel La Palma.
- Glide along tranquil Lake Orta and experience the legendary Isola San Giulio.
- Admire the Borromean Islands and enjoy a private reception on Isola Bella.
- Learn from local chefs during a private farm-to-table cooking class.
- Witness "The Last Supper," a UNESCO World Heritage site, inside the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
- This adventure is offered by LU’s travel partner, AHI.
July 28-August 5, 2025
- Embark on an unforgettable journey cruising the captivating northern Adriatic, weaving through a tapestry of enchanting destinations that span Croatia, Montenegro and the cultural gems of Northern Italy.
- Cruise aboard a five-star luxury vessel, Le Bougainville, to enter a world where the delicate balance between modern luxury and responsible travel is seamlessly achieved. Among the vessel's unique features is the Blue Eye Lounge, an innovative and immersive underwater observation area featuring large, curved windows that provide views of the subaquatic environment.
- Traverse the charming streets of Kotor, Montenegro, where the past whispers through its ancient walls.
- Journey to the sun-drenched, fishing-village-turned-posh-"Croatian-Riviera" city of Havar, a haven of natural beauty and vibrant energy.
- Lose yourself in the labyrinthine lanes of Split, where the juxtaposition of old and new captivates the senses.
- Embrace the medieval architecture, historic charm and artistic treasurers along the Dalmatian coast.
- This itinerary includes 7 nights aboard luxurious Le Bougainville, all onboard meals and select beverages, private tours and special small-group excursions, private motor coach transportation, luggage porterage, and airport transfers.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
August 2-11, 2025
- Discover Glasgow, including a visit to a local distillery to learn about whisky making followed by a tasting of the local beverage.
- Explore many of the stunning castles of Scotland with professional guides and behind the scenes tours including Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, and the breathtaking Glamis Castle.
- Enjoy a relaxing excursion cruising the infamous Loch Ness.
- Witness the impressive showcase of military pipes and drums, Highland dancers, and marching formations of the celebrated Edinburgh Tattoo.
- Optional Northern Ireland pre-tour and St. Andrews post-tour also available.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
October 29-November 10, 2025
- Sail from Lisbon, Portugal through the sparkling Azores and Canary Islands down to the exotic souks and bazaars of Morocco!
- Enjoy tasty Portuguese tapas in Lisbon.
- Take a walk on the scenic beach promenade, pick up a slice from one of the city's many delicious pizzerias, relax on the beach, and get a taste of the real Moroccan street scene all in one port.
- Along the way, explore seven exotic and seldom-visited seaside wonders, ending with ancient Cadiz and fascinating Seville, Spain.
- In the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, discover Tenerife’s colorful art galleries and stroll past brightly painted buildings, unique local shops, and vivid street art.
- In mystical Morocco, savor Agadir’s gorgeous beach resorts and flavorful local cuisine, then browse Casablanca’s vast and bustling central market.
- This adventure includes airfare from Houston, TX in the price, and is offered through LU's travel partner, TRIPS, Inc. Other departure cities are also available. Excursions on board the cruise are optional and at an additional fee.
January 22-February 1, 2026
- After spending two nights directly on the famous Waikiki Beach, unpack just once and visit all of the main islands of this tropical paradise.
- Marvel at the sacrifices made by touring Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, followed by a free evening to explore and enjoy Waikiki however you like.
- Experience optional excursions at every port, or choose to explore on your own with two overnight stays on Maui and Kauai - so no rushing to get back on the ship!
- January is prime whale watching time in the Hawaiian Islands, so an excursion to see them may cross this off your bucket list.
- This adventure includes airfare from Houston, TX in the price of this trip, and is offered through LU's travel partner, TRIPS, Inc. Other departure cities are also available. Excursions on board the cruise are optional and at an additional fee.
June 21-30, 2026
- Delight in exploring a trio of remarkable Canadian cities, spending 3 nights each in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.
- History, art, and culinary gems await you through expertly guided walking tours of old town neighborhoods and majestic historical sites.
- View the remarkable Montmorency Falls from a cable car, and taste fine local wines on a unique winery tour.
- Float along the 19th-century waterway on a Rideau Canal Cruise, a lovely centerpiece of the city of Ottawa, one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites on this trip.
- This adventure is offered by LU’s travel partner, AHI.
July 13-18, 2026
- This memorable, close-to-home itinerary includes 2 nights hotel accommodations in Seattle and 3 nights in Friday Harbor during your exploration of these serene and stunning islands.
- Stroll through the picturesque town of La Conner, with its historic waterfront, vibrant arts scene and charming shops, all set against the backdrop of the Swinomish Channel.
- Sail through the islands with numerous opportunities to spot orcas, seals and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
- Optional post-tour of Olympic National Park also available.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
August 30-September 13, 2026
- Journey through stunning landscapes with 9 nights aboard a private train - your haven on the rails featuring well-appointed sleeping compartments with private baths, fine dining, and inviting social spaces.
- Experience the thundering beauty of Victoria Falls where a spectrum of dancing colors create mesmerizing photo opportunities.
- Immerse yourself in this historic region through visits to notable landmarks including the Nelson Mandela Statue and ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
- Along with four nights on safari in prime properties for wildlife viewing, take in riveting game drives through reserves and national parks alongside knowledgeable guides and opportunities to see the Big Five.
- Optional Cape Town pre-tour also available.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
September 10-20, 2026
- Enjoy 4 nights in Bordeaux, France, and 5 nights in northern Spain on this memorable itinerary including the autonomous community known as Basque Country.
- Take in three UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural gems such as stately Bordeaux and charming Saint-Emilion.
- Delight in exclusive winery tours in France’s Bordeaux region and Spain’s Rioja Alavesa region.
- Explore the fashionable French seaside resort of Biarritz as well as admiring the art collection of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
- Optional excursion available to experience Pamplona’s colorful streets where throngs gather for the Running of the Bulls each July.
- This adventure is offered by LU’s travel partner, AHI.
September 22-30, 2026
- Unpack once and immerse yourself in the old world charm of scenic Umbria.
- Spend time exploring the Etruscan city of Cortona in Tuscany with its historic palazzos and archeological treasures.
- Marvel at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the sweeping views of the Umbrian valley’s natural serene beauty.
- Romantic old villas and medieval pageantry await you amid the 14th-century piazzas and cobblestone streets of this cultural treasure.
- Ideal for solo travelers with no single supplement on this itinerary!
- This adventure is offered by LU’s travel partner, AHI.
September 22-October 2, 2026
- Experience an exceptional blend of cultural richness and natural splendor on this tour, combining the allure of historic villages with the breathtaking grandeur of the Alps. (There are no overnights on trains on this itinerary - stay each night in premier, four-star properties).
- Begin your adventure with a breathtaking funicular ride to the summit of Mount Baldo—the cable car’s rotating cabins offer 360° views of the stunning Dolomites.
- Board the legendary Bernina Express—the highest mountain railway in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Experience.
- Traverse the Swiss Alps on the legendary Glacier Express - crossing three high-mountain passes, 291 bridges and 91 tunnels - while enjoying a gourmet lunch on board as you make your way to the iconic Matterhorn.
- Wander through the Renaissance-era streets of Trento’s historic center on a guided tour, marveling at the architectural splendor of Piazza del Duomo and the majestic Cathedral of San Vigilio.
- Optional Prosecco pre-tour, and optional Mont Blanc post-tour available for this itinerary.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
Check Back Often
If you would like to be notified when trip dates become available, please let us know by contacting our Travel Coordinator. Let's explore the world together!
Contact Laurie Ritchel, Travel Programs Coordinator, for more information or to answer any questions you may have about our program. laurie.ritchel@lamar.edu 409-880-8922 voicemail, 409-790-4307 cell.
What People are Saying
The combination of touring a beautiful and historic part of Europe; first class / well planned / well executed tour programs; and a group of awesome, friendly, fun-loving LU Alumni made this a fantastic trip for us. We definitely hope to go on some more of these Alumni trips in the future. The trip was A+ all the way.
Susan (Terry) '64 and Bob '64 McLendon
Richardson, Texas
Lamar's first Alumni trip abroad could not have been better! AHI was terrific to work with and we all loved our Campus Director, Enrique Trave', who met us at the Paris airport and was with us the entire trip. Our tour guides were terrific, especially William Jordan at the Normandy beaches, who has written books on D-Day! It was an educational and fun-filled trip....and a great group of travelers. We look forward to many more trips abroad with alumni and friends!
Camille Mouton
Former Vice President for University Advancement
AHI was an excellent choice for Lamar's first alumni educational tour, and we are interested in being included in the future. I think, everything considered, we couldn't have had a better experience.
Sue and John '56 Morrison
Lees Summit, MO
The trip was perfectly splendid from start to finish—accommodations, food, scheduling—all went flawlessly, and we enjoyed every minute of it. I also want particularly to commend our Campus Director, Enrique Trave'—I lack the words to describe just how capable he was in every way.
Ellen (Walker) Rienstra '62
Beaumont, TX
We are thankful to Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô for initiating these educational Alumni Travel Programs. The use of AHI Travel was an excellent choice and of course, we can't say enough about our AHI Campus Director. The planned itinerary certainly took us to many significant places and was a nice balance between historical, cultural and fun!!
Marilyn and Charlie '56 Radaz
Lompoc, CA
We really had a fantastic trip and enjoyed the group so much - I would not have imagined that traveling with a group would have turned out so well! A large part of the success of the trip was due to Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô and our Campus Director Enrique!
Charlette (Prothro) '88 and Randy Sandell
Spring, Texas
What a wonderful trip. We loved it!
Michael Ann (Agee) ' 64 and Grady '64 Crawford
Baton Rouge, LA
Life Long Learning
The Mission of Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô encourages life-long learning in a multicultural world. One of the ways in which Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô seeks to fulfill that mission is through the establishment of an educationally-based travel program for alumni and friends of the university. For full information about future trips offered through the Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô Travel Program, please visit this site regularly.