It’s a land of scenes epic in scope, from the immense Grand Canyon and the sinuous Colorado to the sandstone spires of Bryce and the red-rock cliffs and chasms of Zion. It’s the Southwest, which your small group – limited to 24 travelers – celebrates at favorite national parks and preserves. Set out from Phoenix on this captivating 11-day journey, visiting the spectacular Desert Botanical Garden, followed by exploration in Scottsdale’s Old Town. Moving north to Sedona, we enjoy Pink Jeep tour before continuing on to Williams for one night. A tour highlight follows: a memorable day at the world-renowned Grand Canyon, with a guided tour and time at leisure to appreciate this awe-inspiring UNESCO site. Staying next at a hotel on Lake Powell’s shores in Page, Arizona, discover the spectacular Upper Antelope Canyon with its “flowing” rock walls – one of the world’s most photographed slot canyons. Embark on a rousing half-day Colorado River motorized rafting excursion starting at the massive Glen Canyon Dam. Journeying on to southern Utah for a two-night stay near stunning Bryce Canyon National Park, marvel at the park’s otherworldly hoodoo rock formations. Experience the wondrous natural world of one of America’s most ecologically diverse parks during a two-night stay in Zion National Park, enjoying a hike and ample free time. After this immersion in outdoor grandeur, stop in scenic St. George, Utah, en route to Las Vegas, where the group toasts the Southwestern adventure at a farewell dinner.

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

Encounter Vietnam’s breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people on this comprehensive 15-day journey. Joining a small group limited to 24 travelers, see the country’s many highlights and spend two days in the beautiful, remote Mekong Delta. Get acquainted first with the French-accented capital, Hanoi, during a three-night stay, touring the Ancient Quarter and other historic sites and sampling local cuisine. On a full-day Ha Long Bay excursion, explore this stunning waterscape by boat. Traveling on to Da Nang, tour the acclaimed Cham Museum. Staying in a beachfront hotel here, enjoy a relaxing three-night interlude in this splendid setting. Visit Hoi An and its charming Old Town and take a cooking class. A walking tour of a farming settlement reveals its daily life up close. Journey next to Hue for exploration of the vast Imperial Citadel – a UNESCO site – and a cyclo ride, followed by dinner with traditional music. Cruise the Perfume River to peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, an important Buddhist monastery; and to the palatial Tomb of Minh Mang. Spending the following two nights in a riverside hotel in Can Tho, experience river life in the storied Mekong Delta, visiting a lively floating market by boat then exploring the Mekong’s tributaries by sampan. With three final nights in vibrant Saigon, see the city’s sights, including the notorious Cu Chi Tunnels, attend a traditional water puppet performance, and enjoy independent exploration. Discover Angkor Wat’s amazing temples and Phnom Penh with an optional 5-day/3-night post-tour extension.

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

Experience Patagonia, the unspoiled wilderness at lands’ end, at two breathtaking national parks, along with the zest of a stay in Buenos Aires, on this exhilarating 14-day journey. Your small group limited to 24 travelers sets out from Punta Arenas on a day cruise through the storied Strait of Magellan to see Magdalena Island’s immense colony of Magellanic penguins. Next, get a close-up view of Patagonian Chile at an estancia (ranch), meeting cowboys and watching the amazing sheepdogs at work, then enjoying a traditional asado (barbecue) lunch. Heading north to Torres del Paine National Park for a three-night stay, explore this UNESCO reserve’s unparalleled landscape – jagged peaks, ice-blue glaciers, rushing rivers, and thunderous waterfalls – on two full-day excursions. Travel on to Argentine Patagonia and El Calafate, gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, for three nights. More jaw-dropping scenery awaits during a daylong park excursion with a boat cruise to spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier – one of Argentina’s top attractions – and guided walks through the pristine landscape. In El Calafate’s Glaciarium, learn more about the Patagonian Icefield. Exchanging natural for urban surroundings, spend two final nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s lively capital. A full-day city tour includes Palermo’s elegant mansions and lovely parks and the colorful bohemian La Boca district, followed by dinner and a show at a tango house. After touring the beloved Teatro Colón opera house, celebrate the Patagonian adventure over a farewell lunch. Discover revered and remote Easter Island and its enigmatic moai statues with a 4-day/4-night pre-tour option.

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

Featuring President Reginald DesRoches

Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular journey through antiquity reveals a storied land’s many treasures. Your small group of no more than 24 travelers begins its 15-day immersion in Egypt’s unsurpassed historic atmosphere in Cairo and its environs. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum, the astounding Pyramids of Giza guarded by their enigmatic Great Sphinx, and historic Old Cairo. Traveling to Aswan, tour the massive Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel, and visit the renowned Nubia Museum. Embark next on a fascinating four-night Lake Nasser cruise through ancient Nubia that includes exploration of the Temples of Philae and the outstanding temples at New Kalabsha, Wadi el-Seboua, Amada, and Abu Simbel – host to a dramatic sound-and-light show amid the statuary. Then depart from Aswan on a classic three-night Nile voyage, enjoying a leisurely sail aboard a traditional felucca along the way, and visiting Kom Ombo’s unusual temple and Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple. Sail on to Luxor, the world’s “greatest open-air museum.” Here, explore the East and West banks’ wonders: the awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor temple complexes, the haunting Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut, and the massive Colossi of Memnon. Returning to Cairo for three nights, tour the exotic Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the open-air museum at Memphis, Egypt’s first capital. Continue on to splendid Sakkara, royalty’s burial site for 3,000 years. Discover fabled “rose-red” Petra, ancient Jerash, and Amman with an optional 5-day/4-night post-tour Jordan extension.

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

Embark upon an unforgettable journey cruising the captivating northern Adriatic, weaving through a tapestry of enchanting destinations that span Croatia, Montenegro and the cultural gems of Northern Italy. On board your five-star vessel, enter a world where the delicate balance between modern luxury and responsible travel is seamlessly achieved.

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

Feat. Scott Solomon, Teaching Professor of BioSciences.

Perched in a gentle climate on the edge of the South Pacific, New Zealand is in many ways a world of its own. From an evolutionary standpoint, its topographical diversity and relative isolation kept it quite unique from other land masses. Still today, it has a remarkable environment that enchants visitors, complemented by its warm and welcoming people. Rice Traveling Owls has worked with study leader Scott Solomon to create this Rice exclusive adventure to New Zealand, covering a fascinating variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna on both the North and South Islands. From viewing rare bird life on Tirtiri Island to a memorable private whale watching cruise off Kaikoura to a trip inside the one-of-a-kind Waitomo glow worm caves, we will experience wildlife in memorable ways. Along the way, we’ll learn about Maori culture, be invited inside stunning private gardens, sample great New Zealand wines, and take in the otherworldly scenery of Queenstown and Milford Sound.

Please contact ISDI at 202-244-1448 for any questions!

Featuring Lisa Balabanlilar, Joseph and Joanna Nazro Mullen Professor in the Humanities Chair, Department of Transnational Asian Studies Director, Chao Center for Asian Studies

Join us for this one-of-a-kind journey through Uzbekistan and Istanbul, covering 3000+ years of history, focusing on the region's Silk Road heritage as well as its contemporary political and cultural importance. Experience timeless cities, showcasing not only their stunning monuments but also their “living spaces” like markets, schools, and artisan workshops. This colorful journey will open your eyes and mind, with countless stunning places, people, and stories to encounter!

Please contact ISDI at 202-244-1448 to reserve this trip today!

In addition to this trip, join Rice's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies for the short, non-credit course, “Travelers on the Silk Roads” with Dr. Lisa Balabanlilar this spring! This course is open to the public and delivered in person. Learn more here.

In the tradition of great French explorers, discover the essence of Norway during naturalist-led hikes and Zodiac excursions, with opportunities to kayak. See Sognefjord, one of the biggest fjords in Norway, covering 127 miles. It’s the longest fjord in Europe and the second longest in the world. Trace the paths of Vikings at centuries-old sites, including Stavanger and Ulandhaug. Accommodating 184 guests, the 430-foot Le Lapérouse sets a new standard in environmentally conscious luxury. More than a cruise ship, she’s a floating haven where elegance meets sustainability. The latest technology ensures smooth sailing, while state-of-the-art amenities cater to guests’ every need. Retire to luxurious staterooms designed for relaxation, each providing a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the voyage’s excitement. On board, indulge in delectable gourmet French cuisine crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

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

The HBO miniseries Band of Brothers brought the story of the 101st Airborne Division’s 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment “Easy Company” to millions of viewers. In the decades since its 2001 premiere, the men of Easy Company have become world famous, with their actions recounted and steps retraced from England to the Eagle’s Nest. Join us on this personal journey to the beaches, bridges, cities, and villages where the legendary Easy Company fought the crucial battles across Europe and changed the course of history. Every tour features an original cast member from the miniseries, making this tour a truly unique experience.

Please contact WWII Museum at 1-877-813-3329 x 257 travel@nationalww2museum.org to reserve today!

Discover wild Alaska through an unrivaled experience. The 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird is nimble enough to navigate narrow channels and effortlessly trace the jagged coasts so you can experience massive glaciers up close. Glide past the soaring cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, and Zodiacs will take you to even more remote destinations like Hole in the Wall State Marine Park on Prince of Wales Island. Kayak or paddle board through salmon-studded waters to observe rich Alaskan wildlife such as humpbacks, killer whales, otters, and sea lions. The adventure continues on land with guided hikes through the moss-draped cedar forests of the Tongass National Forest and a visit to the quaint town of Wrangell, where you can choose to take a jet boat ride up the Stikine River. Round out your trip with a visit to a Saxman Native Village and crane your neck to take in the largest collection of standing Native American totem poles in the world. Your wild Alaska escape is calling.

Please contact Lindblad Expeditions at 888-773-9007 or groups@expeditions.com to reserve today!