Dutch Waterways

Embark on a carefree, seven-night cruise along the intimate waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium brimming with centuries of history and Old-World splendor!

European Coastal Civilizations

Feat. guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II

Explore the storied legacies and dynamic cultures of coastal Portugal, Spain, France, and England and commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on this 8-night cruise itinerary.

Southwest National Parks

Feat. Julia Morgan, Professor and Chair, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences

Join fellow travelers on a journey to the exceptional national parks and monuments of the Southwest. Travel to Grand Canyon National Park for awe-inspiring views from the park's rim. Admire the beauty of light striking Antelope Canyon's narrow sandstone walls.

Ottomans & Oracles

Explore the history, charm, and majestic waters of the Aegean Sea on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Vista. Spend a day in Istanbul and meander the grand spice markets.

Paradores & Pousadas Historic Lodgings of Spain & Portugal

Set out on a distinctive small group journey, limited to 24 travelers, through the Iberian Peninsula to the intimate lodgings of Spain's paradores and Portugal's pousadas: medieval monasteries, historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region.

A Musical Interlude in Paris

Waitlist Only

Feat. Matthew Loden, Dean of the Shepherd School of Music

The Traveling Owls and the Shepherd School of Music are delighted to invite Rice alumni and friends on an enchanting journey through the City of Lights' rich musical heritage.

Flavors of Provence by Luxury River Ship

Feat. Jacqueline Couti, Laurence H. Favrot Professor; Department Chair; Program Advisor, European Studies

Awaken your senses as you explore the French countryside, sailing the picturesque Rhône and Saône Rivers.

Flavors of Northern Italy

Join our small group in one of our trips during May or September for a nine-day journey to the culinary and cultural heart of Northern Italy, a region brimming with exquisite local wines, specialty ingredients, soul-satisfying signature dishes and the wonderful Italians who conjure them with time-honored techniques.

Scotland: Highlands and Islands

Waitlist Only

Feat. Reception hosted by President Reginald DesRoches

"My heart's in the Highlands," said Robert Burns as will you, while traveling from city to country, mainland to island, on this sweet 12-day journey. From loch to glen, encounter stunning natural beauty and welcoming clans in a small group limited to 24 travelers.

Danube Delights with Prague

Old World charm and captivating architecture await on this 7-night Danube River cruise aboard Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Destiny.

Toronto to Vancouver by Rail

Waitlist only

Join this once-in-a-lifetime train trip across Canada, a small-group journey (26 guests maximum) from Toronto across the expanse of five provinces, through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Northwest.

African Expedition by Private Train

Waitlist Only

Feat. Dr. Elias Bongmba, Professor of Religion; Faculty Associate, Wiess College during the  August departure. 

Explore the diverse sights of four African countries during this private train expedition. This specially curated journey takes you through the inspiring landscapes of South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, all without the hassle of inland flights or having to re-pack suitcases each day.

Discover Southeast Alaska

Join us for a summertime expedition through some of nature's more secluded landscapes as we discover the remote inner reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage aboard the 76-guest Chichagof Dream.

A Jeffersonian View of Northern Italy

Feat. John B. Boles ’65,  William P. Hobby Professor Emeritus

Join beloved Traveling Owls study leader John Boles as he returns to Italy for an autumn adventure tracing the real-life travels and Italian influences on our third president, Thomas Jefferson.

Pearls of Dalmatia with Dubrovnik & the Island of Hvar

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

Independent, democratic Croatia welcomes visitors eager to absorb its remarkable history, culture, and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline. As your small group, limited to 24 travelers, journeys from Zagreb to beloved Dubrovnik on a captivating 15-day exploration, see why this cherished region lays such a claim on the hearts of all visitors.

Landscapes and Lighthouses of Coastal Maine

From the iconic lighthouses perched along sparkling bays to Portland's cobblestone streets boasting award-winning restaurants, Maine offers unique landscapes and experiences for everyone.

Portrait of Italy from the Amalfi Coast to Venice

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.

Discover Egypt and the Nile Valley

Wander the fabled land of pharaohs and kings, where colossal pyramids, legendary tombs, and towering temples cascade across the terrain. The mighty Nile River welcomes you for an unhurried journey that reveals seemingly limitless vistas of infinite deserts contrasted by metropolitan cities.

Polar Bears of Churchill

We are thrilled to present you with a special opportunity to witness one of the largest confluences of polar bears in the world. Much like the bears themselves, visitors make their way to Churchill each fall when temperatures drop, brimming with anticipation.

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Feat. Dr. Scott Solomon, Associate Teaching Professor of BioSciences.

Inspiring. Exhilarating. Remote and spectacular. Antarctica! Join us for an amazing adventure and up-close encounters. Discover the Antarctic Peninsula, where endless white mountains roll to the horizon and massive glaciers churn icebergs into the sea.

Holiday Markets Cruise ~ The Festive Rhine River

Feel the magic of the holidays in Germany and France on a seven-night Rhine River cruise! Celebrate centuries-old traditions in festive markets aglow with twinkling lights and good cheer and overflowing with handmade decorations and other treasures.

Kiwi & Kangaroo Coasts of Australia & New Zealand

Let your senses come alive as you uncover the secrets and treasures of the fabulous Down Under on this 14-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta. Embark in Auckland and watch for dolphins, whales, and blue penguins as they dance through the sparkling waves as you venture towards Rotorua.

Tulips and the Rhine

Embark on a mesmerizing 7-night river cruise through the Netherlands and Germany, culminating in the enchanting beauty of Switzerland. Immerse yourself in a captivating journey filled with alluring history, awe-inspiring architecture, and nature.

Aegean Sea Odyssey

Embark upon a captivating journey cruising the Aegean Sea, weaving through a tapestry of enchanting destinations and cultural coastal gems of Greece and Turkey.

Unveil the Mysteries of Peru

Discover the ancient wonders of Cusco, dubbed the “Archaeological Capital of South America.” You will board the Vistadome train to reach Machu Picchu’s untouched stone citadel. Take flight over the Nazca Lines—a thrilling opportunity to view the mysterious soil carvings from above.

Legendary Türkiye from Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast

Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. With its ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and dramatic Turquoise Coast, Türkiye engages and beguiles, offering your small group an unparalleled experience.

Southern Italy & Sicily with Apulia & the Amalfi Coast

Delight in a special exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to Apulia, the alluring “boot heel” where a vivid history, unique architecture, and distinctive traditions join the sun and sea in creating a prized (and crowd-free) region.

South Korea and Japan: featuring the Osaka World Expo 2025

Experience the allure of South Korea and Japan on a first-class, 14-night adventure that features the highlights of Seoul, Busan, Kyoto and Tokyo! In Seoul, visit the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, a traditional hanok village and the Hwaseong Fortress.

Africa's Wildlife On Safari in Botswana, Zambia & Victoria Falls

Feat. Dr. Cin-Ty Lee, Harry Carothers Wiess Professor of Geology, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences

Glimpse a world primeval on this singular 14-day safari through some of Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. On this small group tour limited to 24 travelers, encounter one of the planet’s last unspoiled natural refuges – the African savannah.

Wild Galapagos Escape

Feat. Reginald DesRoches, President, Rice University

Amazing, enchanting, and wonderfully wild, no other corner of the world delivers the kind of exhilarating encounters Galapagos can. And now you can experience all the magic of the archipelago in one action-packed week aboard the sleek and elegant, 48-guest National Geographic Islander II.

National Parks & Lodges of the Old West

Join us on an immersive adventure through the heart of America's most captivating landscapes, traversing the wildlife-rich terrain of Custer State Park, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park.

Easy Company: England to the Eagle's Nest

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.

Wild Iceland Escape

Discover the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen in the land of fire and ice aboard the 148- guest National Geographic Explorer. Venture over the remote fjords, volcanic isles and snow-capped plateaus.

Canadian Rockies Explorer with Glacier National Park

One of North America’s great unspoiled wildernesses, the Canadian Rockies offer bountiful rewards for outdoor lovers. Amid stunning alpine scenery, this 11-day adventure shared by no more than 24 fellow travelers offers a feast for the eyes – and the spirit.

Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell & Misty Fjords

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.

Kenya Safari: The Big 5

Feat. Dr. Elias Bongmba, Professor of Religion; Faculty Associate, Wiess College during the  August departure. 

Venture with us into the heart of Kenya's wilderness during this 11-day epic journey. Alongside expert guides, gain unparalleled access to Kenya's national parks, reserves, and conservancies with opportunities to witness The Big 5 and a plethora of other wildlife in their natural environment.

Around the World by Private Jet

Step aboard a private Boeing 767 jet plane for a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure to discover some of the world’s greatest icons, destinations, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Stonehenge, the Great Pyramids, Petra, the Taj Mahal, the Jantar Mantar Observatory, Angkor Wat, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, to name a few.

Mediterranean Inspiration

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Mediterranean on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Nautica. Embark in Venice and set sail for Zadar.

Provincial French Countryside

Experience the beauty, allure, and hospitality of provincial France at an easy pace and in a unique style in a small group limited to 24 travelers. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, this 15-day journey features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy.

Northern Lights & Wildlife of Northern Manitoba

Journey to the great Canadian North for a once-in-a-lifetime eco-adventure highlighted by four nights at an outstanding wilderness lodge run by a family of outfitters with a proven record of providing guests with the area's finest outdoor activities. In the evenings, bundle up and venture out under the stars to observe the northern lights.

Flavors of Tuscany

Join our small group for an unforgettable journey to Italy's enchanting Tuscany region—the bucolic, rolling countryside that provides endless inspiration for artisans, chefs, and vintners alike.

Romance of the Douro River

Discover the treasures of Portugal on this handcrafted 10-night program, featuring three nights in Lisbon and a seven-night cruise through the Douro River Valley.

Treasures of Egypt

From the riches of Cairo and the Pyramids to the fertile Nile valley, and from the rescued temples of Abu Simbel to ancient Alexandria on the Mediterranean, Egypt overflows with treasures that our small group encounters on this unique and well-paced journey through antiquity.