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Blue-footed Booby lands on North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Photo credit: Michael S. Nolan

Exploring Galápagos 2027

SPECIAL GROUP SAVINGS: Save 5% on cabin fare when traveling with the California Alumni Association/Cal Discoveries Travel on this departure (conditions apply).Experience the Galápagos aboard an elegant and nimble ship, well-equipped for up-close exploration. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more—all famously unafraid of human presence.

Wide polar seascape with a snow-covered mountain and glacier edge mirrored in still water, beneath dramatic pink and purple sunset clouds.

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

SPECIAL GROUP SAVINGS: Save 5% on cabin fare when traveling with the California Alumni Association/Cal Discoveries Travel on this departure (conditions apply).Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent on this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard our intimately scaled National Geographic Explorer, purpose-built for polar exploration. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski or snow-shoe in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie.

A dramatic solar eclipse shows the dark moon covering the sun, with a bright burst of light and a glowing ring around its edge.

Total Solar Eclipse: Observed in the Ancient Land of Algeria

Witness one of the longest total solar eclipses of the 21st century from from a prime location in Timgad, Algeria, a remarkably preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Pompeii of North Africa." On August 2, 2027, the moon’s shadow will sweep across the sky here for nearly six minutes of totality, offering an extraordinary celestial spectacle under Algeria’s typically clear late-summer skies. Before and after this rare event, trace millennia of history at superbly preserved Roman and early Christian sites, wander atmospheric cities shaped by Arab, Berber, Ottoman, and French influences, and savor the flavors of North Africa in a country few travelers have truly explored.NOTE: This itinerary is designed first and foremost as a journey of cultural immersion and destination-focused learning, with eclipse viewing included as a special highlight.

A wide panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro shows the bay, city buildings, boats, and Sugarloaf Mountain rising from the water.

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires: Coastal Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina

Sail the Atlantic coast of South America on a 9-night voyage from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe World Navigator, bookended by overnight stays in elegant hotels in both cities. Trace shorelines lined with famous beaches and historic districts, spend a day on lush Ilhabela de São Sebastião Island, and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites that illuminate Brazil’s layered past. Along the way, sample coastal culture, music, and cuisine in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina as you travel between two of the continent’s most iconic capitals.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris at sunset, rising above the Seine River with boats, a bridge, and leafy trees in the foreground.

Spectacular Seine River

Sail from romantic Paris to Normandy’s dramatic, cliff-lined coast on an enriching 7-night cruise that blends riveting history, culinary pleasures, and timeless scenery. Journey round-trip along the storied Seine aboard the sumptuous MS Viva Beyond, enjoying refined comforts on board and memorable excursions ashore to harbor towns, royal palaces, and inspirational artistic sites.

Colorful seaside village of Assos in Kefalonia with boats in a turquoise bay and mountains in the distance, Greece.

Island Life ~ Greek Isles and Ephesus

Sail the sapphire waters of the Aegean aboard the exclusively chartered Le Lapérouse, an intimate yacht designed for exploration. Trace the routes of ancient civilizations between Greece and coastal Turkey as you wander atmospheric old towns, roam sacred archaeological sites, and enjoy time at leisure in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic islands and ports. Begin and end in historic Athens, with options throughout to tailor your days to your interests.

A dramatic solar eclipse shows the dark moon covering the sun, with a bright ring of light and glowing solar flares around the edge.

Solar Eclipse Cruise: Italy, Sicily & Malta

Experience a total solar eclipse at sea, conditions permitting, on this unforgettable Mediterranean voyage. Begin with one night in Rome, then sail aboard the exclusively chartered Wind Spirit to Sicily and Malta, exploring storied destinations including Palermo, Trapani, Valletta, Gozo, and Taormina through enriching excursions and expert insights. The journey’s extraordinary highlight: witnessing one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles from the open sea, where wide horizons offer an ideal eclipse-viewing setting.NOTE: This itinerary is designed first and foremost as a journey of cultural immersion and destination-focused learning, with eclipse viewing included as a special highlight.

Sailboats floating on a lake in Switzerland, with a small white church on a rocky, tree-covered peninsula and steep mountains in the background.

Great European Journey: Swiss Splendor and Beautiful Riverscapes

Experience an exhilarating European journey that combines storied history, grand architecture, and breathtaking scenery on this sweeping adventure. Begin in Amsterdam with a luxurious 7-night cruise along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, gliding past storybook landscapes crowned with castles, before continuing on to Switzerland with lakeside Montreux, graceful Alpine vistas, and charming medieval towns.

Aerial panorama of Stockholm, Sweden, showing historic waterfront buildings, church spires, bridges, and boats surrounding the city center.

Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea

Cover five extraordinary countries around the Baltic Sea on a culturally rich voyage aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe World Navigator. Sail between Scandinavia and the Baltic states as you wander nearly unchanged medieval districts, admire bold Art Nouveau façades, explore evocative WWII and Cold War sites, and enjoy romantic harbors and parks that inspired composers and reformers alike. Throughout, take in centuries of layered history and architecture while enjoying the comfort and ease of small-ship cruising.

Quiraing landscape at sunrise with rolling green hills, rocky cliffs, and small lochs under warm light, Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Sail from the mist-shrouded shores of Scotland to Norway’s mighty fjords on a memorable voyage aboard the luxurious World Traveller. Trace the ancient paths of Viking and Celtic clans as you step into legendary castles, sacred abbeys, and striking stone circles. Glide through deep fjords framed by cascading waterfalls and mountain slopes, wander historic harbors, and encounter rugged islands where prehistoric dwellings, brochs, and standing stones still keep watch over the sea. Along the way, savor authentic regional culture through music, stories, food, and encounters with welcoming locals, with options to deepen your journey on pre- or post-tour extensions.

Colorful buildings climb the hillside above Portofino’s harbor, where small boats float on calm water.

Treasures of Northwestern Italy ~ Piedmont & Italian Riviera

Experience the elegance of northern Italy, from refined Turin and vineyard-draped Piedmont to the colorful villages and coves of the Italian Riviera. Stroll baroque boulevards, sample world-famous wines in the Langhe hills, and soak in sweeping coastal panoramas as you visit a collection of remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Man playing saxophone in dimly lit, smoky room

Paris featuring the African American Experience

Walk the streets of Paris through a different lens on a journey that traces the lives, legacies, and lasting influence of African American expatriates in the City of Light. Through thoughtfully curated excursions, gain a deeper perspective on the freedoms and opportunities they found here after World War I, while also enjoying Paris’ storied arrondissements, celebrated cuisine, vibrant jazz scene, and a magical evening cruise along the Seine, with ample free time to explore on your own.

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Our Tour Lecturers

Meet the enrichment lecturers who accompany many of our tours and offer fascinating educational details to take your vacation to the next level.

Meet the Lecturers