Moroccan Discovery
https://alumni.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs3301/files/2026-03/Rice%20University_Moroccan%20Discovery_100327_flyer.pdf
Moroccan Discovery - 2027
October 3-16, 2027

On this 14-day small group journey, this land of dramatic contrasts invites visitors to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. Begin the journey in the Moroccan capital, seaside Rabat, where highlights include the Roman site of Chellah, the contemporary art museum, and lunch in a private home. Visits to two of the itinerary’s five featured UNESCO sites follow – the imperial city of Meknes and the impressive Roman ruins at Volubilis. During a three-night stay in Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, exploration reveals the fascinating medina’s many treasures, along with dinner in a family-run riad. After crossing the Middle Atlas mountains, reach Erfoud and enjoy a tour highlight: a sunset camel ride along the breathtaking sand dunes on the Sahara’s edge. Experience spectacular scenery en route to Ouarzazate in the snow-topped High Atlas, including dramatic Todra Gorge; and journey along the ancient “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” En route to Marrakech, visit Ait ben-Haddou village, a UNESCO site made famous through films. Touring in fabled Marrakech includes the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque, the cobalt blue-accented Majorelle Gardens, the Yves St. Laurent Museum, and a walking tour of the medina ending at Djemaa el Fna Square, Marrakech’s heart. Spend a final day in storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most sophisticated city, and visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Additionally, discover two of Morocco’s most alluring destinations on an optional 4-day/4-night post tour extension to Tangier, the “Gateway to Africa”; and the blue city of Chefchaouen.

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Land Program
Africa
Rice Exclusive
Airfare Included
October
Trip Summary

On this 14-day small group journey, this land of dramatic contrasts invites visitors to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks.

acropolis
Greece: Athens and Kalamata
October 29-November 7, 2027

Greece’s cultural riches, from the glorious remnants of ancient civilizations to a palate-pleasing bounty of wine, olives and seafood, await you on this eight-night journey to Athens and Kalamata! Ascend the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon and sweeping views of Athens. Visit the celebrated birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games at Olympia and explore the fortified Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae. Set off to an under-the-radar gem, the beautifully preserved classical city Messene, and explore mountainside Mystras, an important center of Byzantine culture. During your stay in seaside Kalamata, savor the bustling coastal life, its namesake olives and freshly caught seafood. A wine tasting and a fun-filled dinner with music and dancing complement this exceptional, small-group experience! Along the way, knowledgeable guides and lecturers provide background and context about Greek history. Includes deluxe and first-class hotels and a generous meal plan with wine at dinner. Solo travelers enjoy no single supplement!

Please contact AHI Travel at 800-323-7373 to reserve today!

Land Program
October
November
Europe
Trip Summary

Greece’s cultural riches, from the glorious remnants of ancient civilizations to a palate-pleasing bounty of wine, olives and seafood, await you on this eight-night journey to Athens and Kalamata!

Cruise Ship
Flavors of Provence by Luxury River Ship
October 22-30, 2027

Set sail along the tranquil waters of the Rhône for seven captivating nights aboard the luxurious Amadeus Provence, navigating through the heart of southern France. Along the way discover the region’s rich history and cultural heritage as you explore vibrant cities, charming villages and celebrated wine regions. From notable landmarks that echo with stories of the past to intimate wine tastings that showcase the flavors of the countryside, each day offers a rewarding blend of relaxation, connection and discovery.

Please contact Orbridge at 866-639-0079 or guestservices@orbridge.com to reserve today!

Cruise Program
No Single Supplement
Europe
October
Trip Summary

Set sail along the tranquil waters of the Rhône for seven captivating nights aboard the luxurious Amadeus Provence, navigating through the heart of southern France.

Flavors of Sicily
Flavors of Sicily
September 25-October 3, 2026

Join us on a captivating nine-day journey through the heart of Sicily to discover the vibrant island’s historical and cultural treasures. Explore renowned archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in delicious cuisine and wine, and partake in hands-on cooking classes with celebrated chefs who share recipes and culinary techniques passed down through generations. This immersive experience promises to engage all of your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

  • With your small group (maximum 23 guests), enjoy seven nights in the elegant luxury of your private villa, Don Arcangelo all'Olmo.
  • Join hands-on culinary experiences with skilled chefs to learn time-tested techniques and modern twists with ingredients grown in the mineral-rich, volcanic soil of Mount Etna’s fertile lowlands.
  • Explore the charming coastal towns of Taormina and Siracusa—including a stop at a local outdoor market.
  • Visit Benanti, a family-owned boutique winery and recipient of more than 80 awards since 1994.
  • Tour the Donnafugata winery followed by a tasting and lunch.
  • Admire extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Villa Romana del Casale and Mount Etna.

Call 866-639-0079 to learn more and book directly!

Europe
Land Program
September
October
Trip Summary

Join us on a captivating nine-day journey through the heart of Sicily to discover the vibrant island’s historical and cultural treasures. Explore renowned archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in delicious cuisine and wine, and partake in hands-on cooking classes with celebrated chefs who share recipes and culinary techniques passed down through generations.

Ancient Greece
https://alumni.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs3301/files/2026-03/Rice%20University_Ancient_Greece_092926_brochure.pdf
Ancient Greece
September 29-October 12, 2026

Unearth the ancient world’s grandeur on this singular 14-day journey combining premier archaeological sites with the beauty and lore of the Aegean and her isles. As the ancient world comes alive in Athens and the Peloponnese, Crete and Santorini, your small group, limited to 24 travelers, celebrates the glory that was Greece – and still is today. In Athens, visit the capital’s key sights, including the Acropolis with its magnificent Parthenon, then explore this monumental city independently. An excursion to the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion follows. Tour Athens’ acclaimed National Archeological Museum. En route to the Peloponnesian coast for three nights at a resort, see Ancient Corinth’s ruins. At the vast archaeological site of ancient Epidaurus, marvel at the exceptional theater, then explore Mycenae’s imposing ruins, a UNESCO site. Discover beautiful Venetian/Byzantine Nafplion. Boarding a private boat, cruise to the idyllic, car-free island of Hydra. Spend the next three nights in the fascinating Cretan capital, Heraklion, touring the legendary Minoan Palace of Knossos and the acclaimed Archaeological Museum and exploring independently. Learn about a olive oil at a Cretan olive oil farm and enjoy a tasting. Take a private cruise to Spinalonga, then ferry to picturesque Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed homes overlooking the Aegean. A two-night stay here includes a winery tour and tasting, a walk through postcard-worthy Oia, and touring of the Bronze Age Akrotiri archaeological site. Returning to Athens, enjoy a final afternoon at leisure and a farewell dinner.

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Europe
September
October
Land Program
Airfare Included
Rice Exclusive
Trip Summary

Unearth the ancient world’s grandeur on this singular 14-day journey combining premier archaeological sites with the beauty and lore of the Aegean and her isles.

Torii gate
https://alumni.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs3301/files/2026-03/Rice%20University_Insider%27s%20Japan_092927_flyer.pdf
Insider Japan
September 29-October 11, 2027

Featuring Arthur Gottschalk, Professor of Composition and Theory, The Shepherd School of Music

It’s a fascinating land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity – all revealed on this well-crafted 13-day small group tour, limited to 24 travelers. See Tokyo and Kyoto’s highlights, engage in local life, and head off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa. The journey begins with three nights in amazing Tokyo, where, along with time to explore independently, touring includes tranquil Meiji Shrine, famed Ginza district, the imposing Imperial Palace, and the impressive Tokyo National Museum. Japan’s pastoral side is on tap next in stunning Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park with majestic Mt. Fuji and a scenic cruise on Ashi Lake. After overnighting at a traditional ryokan inn, board an express train to Takayama in the Japanese Alps to explore this ancient town during a two-night sojourn. A traditional tea ceremony and a cooking class offer opportunities to experience Japanese culture firsthand. Visit historic Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Reaching culturally rich Kanazawa for a two-night stay, visit Omicho Market and tour Kenrokuen Garden. The journey ends with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural center. Among many highlights here: the extravagant 17th-century Nijo-jo Castle, Ryoan-ji temple with its acclaimed Zen garden, and the beloved Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Discover cosmopolitan Hiroshima, reborn from its atomic destruction, with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Land Program
Asia
Rice Exclusive
Airfare Included
September
October
Trip Summary

Featuring Arthur Gottschalk, Professor of Composition and Theory, The Shepherd School of Music

It’s a fascinating land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity – all revealed on this well-crafted 13-day small group tour, limited to 24 travelers.

Ancient Empires: Amalfi Coast with Sicily and Malta
https://alumni.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs3301/files/2026-03/Rice%20University_Portrait%20Italy_101227_flyer.pdf
Portrait of Italy
October 12-27, 2027

From the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to eternal Rome, through the gentle Umbrian and Tuscan countryside to timeless Venice, this wide-ranging 16-day tour showcases ancient sites, contemporary life, priceless art, and beautiful natural scenery. Staying in unique accommodations in the Tuscan countryside and in a medieval village, you’ll especially appreciate traveling in a small group limited to 24 people. Begin on the storied Amalfi Coast with a three-night stay featuring a cruise along this matchless coastline, a visit to Pompeii’s exquisite ruins, and a thrilling Amalfi Coast drive. Spending the next three nights in a well-located hotel in Rome, tour the heart of ancient Rome – the Colosseum and the Forum; the Vatican’s monumental St. Peter’s Square and Basilica; and the sublime Sistine Chapel; and enjoy independent exploration. A three-night stay in Orvieto, dramatically set in Italy’s “green heart” of Umbria, follows. Attend an Italian cooking demonstration and explore Parco delle Grotte’s labyrinth of underground caves. On an excursion to beloved Assisi, stroll through the fountain-splashed piazzas and visit the renowned Basilica di San Francesco. Journeying next to alluring Tuscany for a three-night stay, tour Siena, which boasts one of Europe’s greatest public squares. Discover splendid Florence, living monument to the Renaissance, and its famed Galleria dell’Accademia; and the classic Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano. Sample a local winery’s offerings. In wondrous Venice, the final destination, tour vast St. Mark’s Square and surroundings and explore the city independently. Savor more time discovering this treasured city with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Land Program
Europe
October
Airfare Included
Rice Exclusive
Trip Summary

From the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to eternal Rome, through the gentle Umbrian and Tuscan countryside to timeless Venice, this wide-ranging 16-day tour showcases ancient sites, contemporary life, priceless art, and beautiful natural scenery.

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