The Lamar University Cardinal Adventures Travel Program is excited to announce its 2019 collection of travel destinations, plus one option already scheduled for 2020. Cardinal Adventures offers a lineup of destinations every year that are designed to be diverse, educational and fun! These trips are offered through the Office of Alumni Affairs and are an excellent way to see the world and experience the joy of travel. Participation is open to all travel enthusiasts including alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Lamar University.

The travel partners selected to work with Cardinal Adventures are dedicated to providing the best possible experiences for every traveler. All destinations include first-class accommodations, researched and vetted thoroughly by their well-traveled staff. Every attention to detail is assured.  Local experts are utilized on every itinerary to be sure that participants are able to ask questions and experience the real life and culture of each destination.

Travelers know that Cardinal Adventures and their travel partners have done all the advance homework for them and will take care of any last-minute changes or challenges that arise during travel. Many past travelers say that the added value of meeting and traveling with other Cardinal fans and alumni is one of the best parts of any trip.

In addition to the 5 trips scheduled for 2019, Cardinal Adventures is excited to offer an opportunity in 2020 to visit Switzerland, Germany and Austria and to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau.  This play is only performed every 10 years and has been staged for almost 400 years. Reservations are being offered early as this destination is expected to sell out quickly.

Additional dates are available for most destinations, although they may not have other Lamar travelers on alternate dates.

For more information, visit lamar.edu/cardinaladventures or contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at alumni@lamar.edu.

ULTIMATE HAWAII CRUISE TOUR 

January 17 – 27, 2019

There is no better, more relaxing way to experience the paradise of the Hawaiian Islands than on a cruise! Enjoy two nights on Waikiki Beach on Oahu and experience Pearl Harbor before boarding Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America. This itinerary also features time to explore Maui, both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island and the island of Kauai.

HISTORIC SOUTH AND GOLDEN ISLES CRUISE

March 7 – 16, 2019

This coastal cruise begins with two nights in historic Charleston before traversing the Intracoastal Waterway exploring Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, St. Simons Island/Jekyll Island and Amelia Island.  Wildlife viewing and glorious sunsets await travelers on this journey.

NORMANDY, HONORING THE 75^TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

May 25 – June 2, 2019

There will never be a better time to experience this historical destination which includes the Calvados coastline touring Utah Beach (first landing of American troops), the village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise (where our paratroopers landed), Omaha Beach, and Pointe du Hoc (100-foot cliffs scaled by U.S. Rangers).   The abbey on the island of Mont St. Michel is an added bonus and a three-day extension in Paris is also available!

GREECE

May 30 – June 7, 2019

Experience two nights in Athens and five nights in Poros.  Visit the Acropolis and admire the classical architecture of the Parthenon in Athens, see the fourth-century B.C. theater in Epidaurus, cruise to the car-free island of Hydra and see the amazing ruins of Mycenae. Don’t miss this well-priced journey!

EDINBURGH, ART CULTURE & PEOPLE

July 15 – 23, 2019

Explore both the medieval Old and neoclassical New Town of Edinburgh.  Enchanting sites on this adventure include the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the official royal residence in Scotland), Edinburgh Castle and the scenic rolling hills of the Scottish Borders.  Rosslyn Chapel from the novel “The Da Vinci Code”, St. Andrews’ medieval castle ruins and the hallowed turf of the Old Course are also on the touring agenda.

SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA AND THE PASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU

August 17-27, 2020

This is a rare opportunity to experience the Passion Play in Bavarian Germany, a dramatic and magnificent performance that is staged once each decade for nearly 400 years, with a 120-member choir, 70-piece orchestra and cast of hundreds. Travelers will also experience the stunning views of the Alpine peaks of Switzerland, walk in the footsteps of Mozart in Salzburg, and explore Innsbruck, Austria among other delights.