Upcoming Travel Study Trips

Continue your Columbia education through new intellectual, cultural, and geographical horizons with the CAA Travel Study Program, one of the many benefits offered to Columbia alumni. Join alumni and friends for epic adventures to destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos. Take a small ship river or ocean cruise, or jump on one of our small group experiential programs exploring nature, local food, culture, and history.
  • All trips are open to the entire Columbia Alumni community and their guests
  • Trips are often shared with cosponsoring alumni associations
  • All tours are led by professional travel directors and feature English speaking guides

Please scroll down for all of our announced trips. Please click here to request a brochure, or to join our subscriber list.

Questions?  [email protected] or call 866-325-8664

Spain
Cruise Portugal Morocco and Spain | April 26 - May 5, 2025
Cruise Portugal Morocco and Spain | April 26 - May 5, 2025

Embark on a transcontinental journey with the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) from April 26 - May 5, 2025. Featuring legendary Morocco, the fabled British territory of Gibraltar, Spain’s captivating Andalusia region, and Portugal's breathtaking Algarve coast, you’re invited to retrace ancient trade routes at the crossroads of Africa and Europe with alumni and friends.

Sicily in Depth | May 1 - 12, 2025
Sicily in Depth | May 1 - 12, 2025
Sicily in Depth | May 1 - 12, 2025

Travel with the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) from May 1 through 12, 2025, on a twelve-day journey to the island of Sicily. Experience Sicily’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, while staying in unique, centrally-located hotels.

British and Emerald Isles Journey | May 11 - 26, 2025
British and Emerald Isles Journey | May 11 - 26, 2025ravel with alumni and friends from May 11 to 26, 2025 on a comprehensive 14-night itinerary exploring the best of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Immerse yourselves in incredible destinations—from lush landscapes in Tresco and Wales to the windswept archaeological sites of the Scottish isles; from the warm, gregarious city of Dublin to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District.
British and Emerald Isles Journey | May 11 - 26, 2025

Travel with alumni and friends from May 11 to 26, 2025 on a comprehensive 14-night itinerary exploring the best of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Immerse yourselves in incredible destinations—from lush landscapes in Tresco and Wales to the windswept archaeological sites of the Scottish isles; from the warm, gregarious city of Dublin to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District.

Flavors of Dordogne | May 23 - 31, 2025
Flavors of Dordogne | May 23 - 31, 2025
Flavors of Dordogne | May 23 - 31, 2025

Venture into a world where medieval charm meets modern sophistication, where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every vineyard whispers secrets of centuries past. Travel with alumni and friends to Dordogne from May 23 - 31, 2025, a captivating region in the heart of southwest France overflowing with history, architecture and enchanting beauty.

The Great European Journey | May 31 - June 11, 2025
The Great European Journey | May 31 - June 11, 2025The Great European Journey | May 31 - June 11, 2025
The Great European Journey | May 31 - June 11, 2025

Join alumni and friends from May 31 to June 11, 2025, for an exceptional European journey. Bask in Switzerland’s sensational scenery over three nights in the Swiss Alps, then wend your way along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers for seven nights through France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Machu Picchu to the Galapagos | June 10 - 25, 2025
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos | June 10 - 25, 2025
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos | June 10 - 25, 2025

Travel with the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) from June 10 - 25, 2025, on a special sixteen-day small -group journey to Peru and Ecuador. Explore two of South America’s treasures: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu and the fascinating Galapagos Islands.

Isles of the North | June 11 - 19, 2025
Isles of the North | June 11 - 19, 2025
Isles of the North | June 11 - 19, 2025

Travel with alumni and friends from June 11 to 19, 2025 to remote Scottish and Danish Islands in the Northern Atlantic on this specially curated 9-day program. The fascinating history and cultures of these rugged destinations — along with their wild, windswept beauty—makes them the perfect destinations to explore during the white nights of summer.

Cruising the Sicily Malta & the Amalfi Coast | June 27 - July 5, 2025
Cruising the Sicily Malta & the Amalfi Coast | June 27 - July 5, 2025
Cruising the Sicily Malta & the Amalfi Coast | June 27 - July 5, 2025

Sicily, Malta, and the Amalfi Coast have possessed an almost mythical appeal since Homer and Virgil first extolled their virtues. From the awe-inspiring ancient ruins of Pompeii, a city frozen in time, to the ancient cliff-side village of Taormina, this specially-curated itinerary explores the region’s most storied villages, resplendent shores, and prized remnants of bygone civilizations.

National Parks & Lodges of the Old West | July 18 - 26, 2025
National Parks & Lodges of the Old West | July 18 - 26, 2025
National Parks & Lodges of the Old West | July 18 - 26, 2025

Take an adventure with alumni and friends on a journey from July 18 - 26, 2025 and explore the American West’s magnificent National Parks, tracing legends and storied monuments along the way.

Scandinavian Capitals and the Baltic Sea | July 20 - 30, 2025
Scandinavian Capitals and the Baltic Sea | July 20 - 30, 2025
Scandinavian Capitals and the Baltic Sea | July 20 - 30, 2025

Join alumni and friends from July 20 - 30, 2025, for an extraordinary opportunity to explore the countries of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea. Experience six countries over eleven days and nine nights, as you cruise aboard the five‑star World Navigator.

Africa's Wildlife
Africa's Wildlife
Africa's Wildlife | August 13 - 26, 2025

Travel with the Columbia Alumni Association from August 13 to 26, 2025, on a special fourteen-day small-group journey to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. Encounter some of the planet’s last unspoiled natural refuges in Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries

Greenland’s Arctic Grandeur | August 30 – September 9, 2025
Greenland’s Arctic Grandeur | August 30 – September 9, 2025
Greenland’s Arctic Grandeur | August 30 – September 9, 2025

Explore one of Earth’s last frontiers on a once-in-a-lifetime educational voyage from August 30 - September 9, 2025. Join alumni and friends for an expert-guided Arctic expedition along Greenland’s western coast, where glaciers calve icebergs into pristine fjords and Indigenous communities preserve ancient ways of life.

Provence| September 6 - 14, 2025
Provence | September 6 - 14, 2025
Provence | September 6 - 14, 2025

Experience a nine-day French sojourn during fall harvest season. Have an adventure with alumni and friends from September 6 to 14, 2025 as you travel through Provence and the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais.

African Expedition by Private Train | September 10 - 24, 2025
African Expedition by Private Train | September 10 - 24, 2025
African Expedition by Private Train | September 10 - 24, 2025

Journey with alumni and friends into the wilds of Africa and explore the diverse sights of four countries during a private train expedition from September 10 - 24, 2025.   Explore a tapestry of cultural wonders and enjoy thrilling wildlife encounters in legendary national parks.

Ireland and Northern Ireland | September 11 - 20, 2025
Ireland and Northern Ireland | September 11 - 20, 2025
Emerald Isle Cruise: Ireland and Northern Ireland | September 11 - 20, 2025

Travel with alumni and friends from September 11 - 20, 2025 on an enriching, eight-night cruise that circumnavigates the Emerald Isle. Enjoy ports of call in Ireland and Northern Ireland. From windswept coastal beauty to authentic culture and irresistible cuisine, you’ll be captivated by the magic of Ireland!

Island Life Greek Isles and Ephesus | September 26 - October 4, 2025
Island Life Greek Isles and Ephesus | September 26 - October 4, 2025
Island Life Greek Isles and Ephesus | September 26 - October 4, 2025

Take a journey to the cradle of civilization from September 26 - October 4, 2025, and explore the treasures of ancient Greece and Turkey. Cruise round-trip from Athens for seven nights to the fabled islands and ports aboard the Wind Spirit.

The Galapagos Islands Cruise | October 11 - 18, 2025
The Galapagos Islands Cruise | June 18 - 25, 2024
The Galapagos Islands Cruise | October 11 - 18, 2025

Explore the Galapagos Islands with alumni and friends from October 11 - 18, 2025. This exciting journey features an intimate cruise through the archipelago with up-close access to endemic species, plus a day of guided tours in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Expert naturalists guide you through the wonders of this national park, whale sanctuary, and marine reserve.

Lisbon to Casablanca and Andalusia | October 14 - 23, 2025
Lisbon to Casablanca and Andalusia | October 14 - 23, 2025
Lisbon to Casablanca and Andalusia | October 14 - 23, 2025

Join alumni and friends from October 14 - 23, 2025 for a 10-day, transcontinental voyage featuring breathtaking Portugal, Spain’s captivating Andalusia region, the fabled British territory of Gibraltar, and legendary Morocco. Retrace ancient trade routes at the crossroads of Africa and Europe on an itinerary that includes a 7-night cruise on the deluxe World Navigator and one night in UNESCO‑designated Rabat, Morocco.

Iceland and the Northern Lights
Iceland and the Northern Lights
Iceland and the Northern Lights

Experience the soul-stirring natural beauty of Iceland, learn about its storied history and see its countless wonders — including the magical shape‑shifting aura of the elusive Northern Lights. Travel with alumni and friends from November 1 – 9, 2025 on a nine-day, eight‑night adventure.

Douro River Voyage | November 6 – 15, 2025
Douro River Voyage | November 6 – 15, 2025
Douro River Voyage | November 6 – 15, 2025

Travel from the historic plazas of Madrid to the riverside splendor of medieval Porto with alumni and friends from November 6 – 15, 2025. Spend 7 nights aboard the deluxe AmaVida, cruising the Douro River, as it carves through northern Portugal, creating beautiful landscapes of sloping vineyards, farms and villages.

Christkindlmärkte along the Danube River | December 1 - 9, 2025
Christkindlmärkte along the Danube River | December 1 - 9, 2025
Christkindlmärkte along the Danube River | December 1 - 9, 2025

Please join alumni and friends from December 1 – 9, 2025, for a joyous winter sojourn along the Danube River. Cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg for an unforgettable seven-night  adventure aboard the Viva Enjoy. Throughout your journey, delight in the timeless, cherished traditions of the Advent season at centuries-old markets in Vienna, Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg. In the port of Linz, choose between two fascinating excursions, the Salzburg Tour or the “Silent Night” Tour, that wonderfully combine history, culture and music!

Egypt & the Eternal Nile | December 5 – 19, 2025
Egypt & the Eternal Nile | December 5 – 19, 2025
Egypt & the Eternal Nile | December 5 – 19, 2025

Travel with alumni and friends from December 5 – 19, 2025, on a special 15-day small group tour of Egypt. Led by an expert Egyptian guide, witness thousands of years of history on a unique, exciting itinerary.

Expedition to Antarctica | January 11 - 24, 2026
Expedition to Antarctica | January 11 - 24, 2026
Expedition to Antarctica | January 11 - 24, 2026

With its vast, mystical beauty and cerulean icebergs, Antarctica has long captured imaginations and lured adventurers. Join alumni and friends on a 14-day odyssey from January 11 to 24, 2026. Begin in Buenos Aires and continue into the unique landscapes and surreal, fantastical wilds of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, destinations that will fill you with wonder.

India's Ganges River | January 28 - February 7, 2026
India's Ganges River | January 28 - February 7, 2026
India's Ganges River | January 28 - February 7, 2026

Travel with alumni and friends from January 28 to February 7, 2026, and immerse yourself in the age-old history of Eastern India.  Visit grand temples and humble weavers’ cottages; learn about iconic faiths and watch local artisans; stroll through tiny villages, and take in the vast expanse of the fabled Ganges River.