The traditional Trulli houses in Alberobello city, Apulia, Italy
Travel FAQs
Find answers to travelers’ most frequently asked questions. Looking for assistance? Contact us directly at (510) 900-8222 or [email protected].
Who is eligible to travel with Cal Discoveries?
Cal Discoveries Travel is a benefit of membership in the Cal Alumni Association. One traveler per room, whether an alum or friend, must be a current Cal Alumni Association member at the time of departure to participate in Cal Discoveries Travel offerings. Payment of $60 for seniors 65 years and over and $75 for others establishes a membership with all Association benefits. Memberships are for individuals only, and are non-refundable and non-transferable. A traveling pair and their children under 21 years of age may travel on one membership. Please enroll online on our CAA membership webpage.
Cal Discoveries Travel tours are designed for adults who are interested in the educational and cultural aspects of travel. Some tours may be appropriate for children ages 8 and older. Children, regardless of age, must pay the advertised price and any child under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Cal Discoveries Travel tours are designed for adults who are interested in the educational and cultural aspects of travel. Some tours may be appropriate for children ages 8 and older. Children, regardless of age, must pay the advertised price and any child under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Should I purchase trip insurance?
Although travel insurance is not required and you are not required to purchase our suggested insurance, we do highly recommend having some form of travel protection. Cal Discoveries Travel has been working with Travel Insurance Services for many years. They can be reached online or by calling 800-937-1387.
The initial deposit for all tours is not always refundable based on individual tour operator terms and conditions as stated in individual trip brochures. Please read the individual trip’s cancellation policy carefully. After this time, tour participants are subject to cancellation policies set by the tour operator governing the particular trip in which they are enrolled. Trip cancellation insurance is offered and is highly recommended.
Please be advised that the Cal Alumni Association is not a secondary insurer. Refunds, if any, come from the trip tour operator or travel insurance carrier, rather than from CAA.
The initial deposit for all tours is not always refundable based on individual tour operator terms and conditions as stated in individual trip brochures. Please read the individual trip’s cancellation policy carefully. After this time, tour participants are subject to cancellation policies set by the tour operator governing the particular trip in which they are enrolled. Trip cancellation insurance is offered and is highly recommended.
Please be advised that the Cal Alumni Association is not a secondary insurer. Refunds, if any, come from the trip tour operator or travel insurance carrier, rather than from CAA.
How much activity is required on your trips?
We endeavor to make our tours safe, comfortable, rewarding, and enjoyable for all our travelers by helping you choose the trip that is right for you and best fits your abilities. The information indicated with a bearpaw on each tour page explains what each activity level means. We also have a dedicated page that helps explain the various ratings.
Please keep in mind that all trips involve group activities, and your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants. Those requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our activity-level ratings. You should take into account your stamina when traveling long distances, and factor in multiple flight changes as well as handling personal hand luggage independently throughout the itinerary.
Please keep in mind that all trips involve group activities, and your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants. Those requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our activity-level ratings. You should take into account your stamina when traveling long distances, and factor in multiple flight changes as well as handling personal hand luggage independently throughout the itinerary.
How do I make a reservation?
Our tours offer online booking either on our tour operator's website or with an online reservation form using Dropbox Sign for you to complete digitally. You will find a link to reserve on each tour page. This is the quickest way to make a reservation.
If you must send a payment by check, please call our office at (510) 900-8222 for instructions, as the procedure varies by tour operator.
Reservations are processed on a first come basis. Your reservation will not be confirmed until our office acknowledges receipt of payment and reservation form.
If you must send a payment by check, please call our office at (510) 900-8222 for instructions, as the procedure varies by tour operator.
Reservations are processed on a first come basis. Your reservation will not be confirmed until our office acknowledges receipt of payment and reservation form.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
Cancellations need to be submitted in writing, email is fine, to [email protected]. We will forward your cancellation to the tour operator who will begin to process your cancellation on their end. Refunds will be aligned with the individual trip's cancellation terms so pay careful attention to any deadlines.
What tour operators do you use?
Cal Discoveries Travel is composed of tours submitted to the Cal Alumni Association by specialized wholesale tour operators who are registered as California Sellers of Travel. California licensed Sellers of Travel who participate in the Cal Discoveries program are as follows:
Tour Operator CST Registration Number
Tour Operator CST Registration Number
- AHI Travel [2028271-40]
- Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel (Cal Alumni Association) [2090031-50]
- Gohagan & Company [2031868-40]
- Lindblad Expeditions [2121120-50]
- Odysseys Unlimited [2077973-40]
- Orbridge [2098750-40]
- Thalassa Journeys [2138603-50]
I see that there is a lecturer assigned to the trip I am interested in, does that mean they are going on our trip?
While we always strive to have our Cal lecturer's join our trips, their participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent on a minimum number of paying travelers.
What is the purpose of an enrichment lecturer?
It is always our goal to assign an enrichment lecturer to our trips. An enrichment lecturer is not always an expert in the area that you might be traveling, but they bring their expertise to the region of travel providing an additional educational component that you would not otherwise get from the tour directors or local guides. In general, they will present 2-3 45-minute lectures to our Cal travelers while on the trip.
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Tour Lecturer Interview Series
Cal Discoveries Travel plans and operates educational travel opportunities around the world. We partner with UC Berkeley-affiliated lecturers to enhance the strong educational component of the trips. We invite you to dive deeper with these interviews to learn more about the lecturers, how they prepare for the trips, and the role they play while on tour.
Travel Resources
Our Tour Lecturers
Meet the enrichment lecturers who accompany our tours and offer fascinating educational details to take your vacation to the next level.
