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Hokies praise alumni tours
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Virginia Tech Alumni Association tours are the way to go
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For nearly 40 years, the Virginia Tech Alumni Association has sponsored group-travel opportunities around the globe. The association works with reputable tour providers that arrange for transportation, local excursions, and, often, meals. Alumni travelers say that they appreciate the convenience of these turnkey programs, and that the real bonus is meeting fellow alumni and sharing memories.
Alumni tours span all of the continents, even Antarctica. Trips include ocean and river cruises, land tours, and Alumni Campus Abroad educational tours, and excursions to U.S. cities, national parks, the Masters, and the Kentucky Derby. Some travelers have been loyal repeat participants for a decade or more.
During the Mediterranean Inspiration cruise in October 2010, alumni were captivated as they cruised on the deluxe 684-passenger Oceania Cruise Nautica. "We enjoyed the cruise tremendously, especially meeting so many marvelous friends," said Ken Hinson (industrial engineering '69), who traveled with his wife, Walli. "Cruising is always better with fellow Hokies." The group sailed along Italy's treasured west coast, stopping in some of its most famous ports and visiting the shores of Monaco, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. Some alumni opted to visit Michelangelo's magnificent David in Florence, Monte Carlo's famous casino, the medieval city of Dubrovnik, and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter.
Virginia Brown took the Canada Rockies Rail tour in May 2009. She praised the program. "It was billed as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime trip,' and that was exactly what is was." Brown's group visited the towns of Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, and traveled the Icefields Parkway among glacial peaks, imposing cliffs, and snowcapped mountain ranges.
In 2009, the Alumni Association started offering tours to Augusta National for the Masters, said to be golf's best battle on golf's greatest stage. Tech alumni were part of the "roar of the crowd" that makes the Masters one of the supreme sporting events in the world. Patrick (history '74) and Gene O'Leary experienced a fun-filled two days. Said Patrick, "Gene and I really enjoyed this trip. It was great to be at the Masters."
In her book Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes captures the charm and romance of Italian living. Tech alumni experienced this idyllic world firsthand in June 2010 on their travels to Cortona in Tuscany. The tour combined guided sightseeing with a total immersion in community life. Alumni walked the cobbled streets of Etruscan Cortona and discovered the art, architecture, cuisine, and culture of one of Italy's most-beloved regions. "I would definitely travel with the Virginia Tech Alumni Association again," said Leslie Skinker (elementary education '82). "This tour was well organized and we made many new friends."
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2011 Alumni Association travel tours • www.alumni.vt.edu/travel
- BALTIC TREASURES: Copenhagen to Stockholm
June 10-21 • $3,699* (air included)**
Sail away on Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Marina, to a selection of the loveliest sights
Northern Europe has to offer.
- AMALFI: The Divine Coast of Italy
June 15-23 • $2,795*
Delight in the scenic grandeur of the Amalfi Coast, with its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape. Hosted by Pamplin College of Business Dean Richard Sorensen.
- VIKINGS, KINGS, AND CASTLES: England, Scotland, Norway, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and Wales
July 14-29 • $5,299* (air included)**
Uncover the cultural and historical riches of Northern Europe while cruising on the grand and regal Oceania Cruises' Marina.
- GRAND JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
Sept. 3-28 • $29,995*
Embark on a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, and see some of the world's greatest sights. Begin your discovery in Japan, where you'll visit Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo, before heading off toward China, Dubai, Jerusalem, Germany, and more.
- CHICAGO: An Insider's Perspective
Sept. 6-11 • $1,995*
From the impressive exhibits at world-renowned museums to the history at Jackson Park and the dazzling modern architecture at Millennium Park, Chicago has something for everyone. Hosted by Jack Davis, dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies.
- GRAND DANUBE PASSAGE CRUISE: Amadeus Elegant
Sept. 13-27 • Starting from $3,895*
Described by Napoleon as the "king of Europe's rivers," the Danube is steeped in beauty, legend, and lore. Begin your discovery of the river's breathtaking countryside in charming Passau, Germany.
- FRANCE: Paris and the Villages and Vineyards
Oct. 6-16 • $3,295*
Discover the picturesque vineyards and charming towns of Champagne and Burgundy on a special tour that combines the history and charm of these regions with the sophistication of the nation's capital.
- TREASURES OF EAST AFRICA
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 • $5,495*
Once synonymous with the travels of big-game hunters in search of adventure, the word "safari" is Swahili for "journey." The adventure is still there as visitors to Tanzania and Kenya seek out lions, leopards, elephants, and more.
- MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE: Symphony
Nov. 27-Dec. 4 • Starting from $3,795* (air included)**
Board the six-star Crystal Symphony for a cruise adventure through the spectacular Mexican Riviera.
* Dates and prices are subject to change.
Pricing is per person based on double occupancy without air, except as noted.
** Free air is available from select North American gateway cities.
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digital edition
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Spring 2011
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