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 Lamar University Cardinal Adventures Travel Program is a great place to start your journey.
The Lamar University 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.
Flavors of Provence by Luxury River Ship (7 night cruise)
May 29-June 6, 2024
- This extraordinary river cruise/tour will explore the enchanting and significant history of this important region of France as well as provide the foodie in you experiences that will remain in your memory forever.
- Explore the French countryside, sailing on the picturesque Rhone and Saone Rivers from the luxury vessel the Amadeus Provence.
- Elevate your wine knowledge and appreciation through exclusive experiences with winemakers and sommeliers in the Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions.
- Learn to bake traditional baguettes in an intimate, hands-on cooking class with a professional French baker in a boulangerie.
- Enjoy walking tours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Lyon, where Romans first founded the city around 43 B.C., as well as Le Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, of international fame in the culinary world.
- This adventure is offered by LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
Greece-Athens and Kalamata (9 day land tour)
May 31-June 9, 2024
- Walk in the footsteps of the first Olympians at the archaeological site of Olympia, and marvel at the beautiful sculptures and other treasures from the various temples in the Archaeological Museum.
- Experience a city tour of Athens, the birthplace of democracy, with free time to explore on your own as well. Take in the sweeping city views from the Parthenon and wonder at the Acropolis built during the 5th Century, B.C. and also its unique museum.
- Stroll Kalamata’s charming old town and discover the traditional food of Greece with its olive oil, wine and other specialties known the world over.
- Walk among the ruins of ancient Sparta, and see the stunning ruins of Mystras, set on a picturesque mountainside, and view the monasteries unique to this region.
- Experience four Unesco World Heritage sites during this trip - too much history to list here.
- There is no single supplement charge for solo travelers on this itinerary.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, AHI.
Discover the Canadian Rockies by Rail (7 day land tour)
July 3-9, 2024
- On board Rocky Mountaineer's all-dome fleet, travel through otherwise inaccessible terrain to unlock the unparalleled beauty of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Canadian Rockies.
- Delight in luxurious GoldLeaf Service on board which includes a bi-level coach with full-length panoramic windows, reclining upper-level heated seats, unlimited beverages including beer, wine and premium spirits, a la carte meal service and gourmet meals featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Admire the brilliant turquoise waters of iconic Lake Louise, and experience the magic of Banff National Park from your modern gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and as you stroll charming Main Street on foot during leisure time.
- This itinerary includes a guided tour of the charms of Vancouver, as well as time on your own to explore the art lover’s Granville Island.
- An optional pre-tour is available of delightful Victoria, the lush capital of British Columbia.
- This adventure is offered by LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
Normandy-Deauville - Honoring the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
July 5-13, 2024
- Discover Normandy’s proud traditions, dramatic history, and culinary delicacies as you pay tribute to the sacrifice and valor of the Allied Forces on this seven-night small group tour.
- Visit Omaha and Utah Beaches, the Normandy American Cemetery, Sainte-Mère-Église and other sites associated with this pivotal World War II operation.
- Admire some of France’s greatest treasures, including magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel and the finely stitched Bayeux Tapestry.
- Savor flavorful wines and a tasty lunch at a stately, 10th-century castle, plus sample Normandy’s acclaimed Calvados apple brandy on an historic estate.
- Explore the picture-perfect port town of Honfleur, which has captivated artists for centuries, with a city tour and time on your own to enjoy its treasures.
- There is no single supplement charged on this itinerary for solo travelers.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, AHI.
Ultimate Alaska-Inside Passage Plus Denali (12 day/11 night cruise/land tour)
July 11-22, 2024
Featuring a 7-night cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel, plus the stunning beauty of Denali State Park through the eyes of your special Alaska Geographic guide, and on day two, through your domed rail car with a spectacular 360-degree view.- Get up close and personal with the gargantuan Hubbard Glacier, one of the most active glaciers of its kind in Alaska.
- Cruise through the Inside Passage featuring 274 miles of dramatic scenery viewing stunning blue ice, dramatic waterfalls, and wildlife such as bald eagles, sea lions and more.
- Ports of Call include Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with optional excursions for whale watching, a bear search adventure and visits to local villages and totem poles, among others.
- Lots of complimentary extras are included in this cruise such as cabin upgrades, specialty dining, unlimited beverage package and associate gratuities.
- This adventure includes airfare from Houston, TX, and is offered through LU's travel partner, TRIPS, Inc. Other airports are also available.
Canada and New England Cruise/Tour Featuring Quebec City (9 day/8 night cruise/tour)
September 24-October 2, 2024
Sail on the Norwegian Joy for this Autumn fall color tour from wonderfully French Quebec City to New York City along the Saint Lawrence Seaway.- Transport yourself back in time as you stroll through Old Quebec City, evoking European charm, cobblestone streets, museums, cafes, and a captivating history just begging to be explored.
- Get lost in the charm of Charlottetown, and Prince Edward Island’s romantic streetscapes - perfect for exploring its history and artistry on foot at your leisure.
- Enjoy Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising on your days at sea with a vast variety of included activities and some of the best cuisine offered at almost any time of day. Your cruise includes a complimentary unlimited beverage package of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (refer to details on brochure) and associated gratuities as well as a 1- or 2- night specialty dining package, depending on state room selection. Room upgrades are also available for early bookings.
- Explore the picturesque city of Halifax, Nova Scotia with an optional excursion to see Peggy’s Cove - a quaint fishing village and photographer’s delight with its classic read and white lighthouse. Another optional excursion offered is to Fairview Cemetery, best known as the final resting place of 120 victims of the Titanic.
- This adventure includes airfare from Houston, TX, and is offered through LU's travel partner, TRIPS, Inc. Other airports are also available. Excursions onboard the cruise are optional and an additional fee.
Romance of the Douro River, Portugal (11 day land journey)
September 27-October 8, 2024
- Discover Lisbon, one of the world's oldest and most intriguing cities with one full day at leisure to explore on your own, or take an optional tour to Sintra, a fascinating village with exquisite 19th-century European Romantic architecture.
- Choose from multiple opportunities to experience Porto, including historic city tours and special wine tastings from the Alto Douro Wine Region.
- Enjoy the scenery as you cruise by small hamlets and villages dotting the terraced vineyards while indulging in local entertainment in traditional dress and regional delicacies.
- You will be a stone’s throw from Spain’s border, so why not dip into Salamanca on one of several offered opportunities to visit this region.
- There is no single supplement charge for solo travelers on this itinerary.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, AHI.
Antarctica Discovery (12 day/11 night cruise/land tour)
January 18-29, 2025
- Embark on an unforgettable odyssey, where discovery and adventure converge on the vast canvas of the White Continent.
- Cruise in elegance and comfort. Ocean Victoryboasts a delicate balance between modern refinement and responsible travel. From the vessel's energy-efficient systems to its minimized carbon footprint, every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure a minimal impact on the environments we explore.
- Get lost in luxury. Take advantage of the ship’s five-star amenities, including two hot tubs, spa, gym, spacious lounges, and outdoor bar.
- Dine in style. Savor exquisite cuisine in elegant dining spaces, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, in both the Panorama and Beagle Restaurants.
- Explore at leisure. Ocean Victory is well-equipped with Zodiac boats and a fleet of kayaks, allowing you to discover remote coastlines and wildlife-rich areas up close. Expert guides, scientists, and lecturers seamlessly enrich the learning experience throughout the tour.
- An optional Polar Camping excursion on land is offered with specialized performance gear and expert guidance, and participants will sleep unsheltered in a cozy bivy sack for the utmost connection to nature. Kayaking enthusiasts can join the optional Sea Kayaking outing, a one-time opportunity to explore the outstanding grandeur and magical beauty of the polar expanse by kayak.
- This itinerary includes one night luxury hotel accommodations in Ushuaia and 9 nights aboard Ocean Victory, including all onboard meals.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, Orbridge.
Springtime in Ireland (9 days land tour)
March 26-April 3, 2025
This weeklong tour of the Emerald Isle will delight you with breathtaking scenery combined with the warmth and charm of their people.- Tour the capital city of Dublin and Waterford, home of the famous crystal.
- Visit wonderful ancient castles and cruise the astoundingly gorgeous Ring of Kerry.
- No trip would be complete without a tour Blarney Castle and the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone!
- Be spellbound by the glorious beauty of this island country - deep green fields dotted with fluffy white sheep, rugged cliffs sloping down to the pounding surf, and the musical pub nights - Ireland has it all!
- 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.
Dutch Waterways (8 days/7 nights river journey)
April 16-24, 2025
- Embark on a seven-night cruise brimming with centuries of history and Old-World splendor along the intimate waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium!
- Delight in Amsterdam’s lively canals and stroll amid the glorious tulips at Keukenhof Gardens.
- Revel in the wonderfully preserved Gothic gems of Bruges and the impressive medieval old town in Antwerp.
- Other ports of call introduce you to Enkhuizen, a beautiful Dutch Golden Age city, and Veere, a laid-back harbor town.
- Plus, unpack once and enjoy a choice of included cultural and culinary experiences in several ports.
- Savor the ever-changing panoramas and relaxing comforts that make river cruising so appealing!
- There is no single supplement for solo travelers on this tour.
- This adventure is offered through LU's travel partner, AHI.
Enchanting Gems of Austria: Graz & Salzburg (9 days/8 nights land tour)
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 Grazand 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.
Italy's Magnificent Lake District (8 days land tour)
July 1-9, 2025
- Indulge in glorius 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 Wolrd Heritage site, inside the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
- This adventure is offered by LU’s travel partner, AHI.
Stunning Scotland, Including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (10 day land tour)
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.
More Information Coming Soon
Mysteries of Morocco and Captivating Canary Islands (12 days NCL cruise tour)
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!- 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.
Additional Trips Coming Soon:
European Christmas Markets Rivercruise - December 2025 (Dates TBD) - TRIPS, Inc.
Hawaii - The Ultimate Cruise Tour (NCL Cruise through the islands) - January 2026 (Dates TBD) - TRIPS, Inc.
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 Lamar University 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 Lamar University 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 Lamar University encourages life-long learning in a multicultural world. One of the ways in which Lamar University 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 Lamar University Travel Program, please visit this site regularly.