Travel
Explore the world
At the University of Denver, giving students the chance to explore our global community is a time-honored tradition that allows them to strengthen cultural ties and gain new perspectives. Those opportunities continue after graduation. Pioneer Journeys offers alumni, parents and friends of the University a chance to stay connected to DU while immersing themselves in new travel experiences. Alongside specially selected faculty lecturers, you and your fellow Pioneers can continue to explore the world long after graduation.
Upcoming Trips
Christkindlmärkt Along the Danube River
November 29 – December 7, 2024
Celebrate the Season with Old-World Traditions. Join DU and experience Yuletide magic on an enchanting Danube River cruise to visit some of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas Markets. Our seven-night river cruise from Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria pairs historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and imperial monuments from the Hapsburg dynasty with visits to Old World Christmas Markets that have existed for centuries.
Learn MoreTahiti & French Polynesia
February 21 - March 3, 2025
Explore the idyllic islands, atolls and motus of French Polynesia on this uniquely designed nine‑night voyage. Sail for seven nights aboard the Five‑Star, 74‑stateroom Wind Spirit and enjoy unmatched small‑ship sailing. Enjoy unmatched small-ship sailing amid the emerald-green peaks, chalk-white atolls, and blue lagoons of the Society Islands with a list of optional excursions.
Learn MoreEssential Thailand
February 13 - 25, 2025
Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles," is a captivating destination that beckons travelers with its rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the bustling markets of Bangkok to mountains of the north, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of adventurer. Immerse yourself in the country's ancient temples, such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, marveling at their intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
Learn MoreWild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay
March 7-12, 2025
Magdalena Bay is well known as one of three lagoons on Baja California’s Pacific coast that becomes home to over 20,000 California gray whales each winter. This extraordinary inland water system is absolutely the best place to be to view this remarkable gathering. Mid-January until early April is the season for the whales, and our voyage there aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird occurs at peak time for possible encounters with active, curious calves and mothers.
Learn MoreThe Best of Morocco
March 15 - 24, 2025
Discover the spectacular sites of Morocco on this 10-day guided tour. View Morocco's largest mosque in Casablanca and indulge in a feast of aromatic tagines and exotic fruits inside the ancient palace in Fes. Then take time to watch the enticing art of belly dancing. Be awed by the rugged red mountains of Dades Valley, then sip wild-herb tea alongside local nomads.
Learn MoreEuropean Coastal Cruise
May 3 - 12, 2025
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. Discover Portugal’s renowned wine country, walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, visit Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum, and see UNESCO-inscribed Mont-Saint-Michel’s impressive abbey. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the astonishing island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel; the Christian world’s third holiest city of Santiago de Compostela; and spirited Oporto, the center of world-famous port wine and Moorish-influenced architecture.
Learn MoreIsland Life: Greek Isles & Ephesus
May 9 - 17, 2025
Journey to the cradle of Western civilization and the classical world on this Aegean voyage exploring the preserved treasures and mythical landscapes of Greece and Turkey. all on the islands of Volos, Delos, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini on this epic, eight-night voyage. Enjoy excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora; Delos’ classical ruins, including the Sanctuary of Apollo and the theater quarter; the archaeological site and ancient ruins of Ephesus; and Santorini, believed to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis.
Learn MoreGorillas in the Rift: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
May 11 – 21, 2025 (Sold Out)
May 22 – June 1, 2025 Second Departure
Join fellow alumni on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the last remaining apes in Uganda. Only 740 mountain gorillas still make their home in the primeval forests of central Africa. This trip enables you to intimately experience these animals in their natural habitat, while learning firsthand about the history and cultural heritage of this fascinating country. Explore Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a life changing gorilla tracking experience as well as tranquil nature walks through the forest.
Learn MoreThe Galapagos Islands: 8-days of Wonder and Amazement
June 21 – 28, 2025
Join fellow alumni and friends as we explore the Galapagos Islands. Designated the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands have been described as a “unique living museum and showcase of evolution.” They are home to a fascinating array of wildlife inhabiting an unspoiled ecosystem, living in harmony with their human visitors.
Learn MoreDiscover Denali National Park
July 13 - 18, 2025
Journey into the scenic wilds of America's most northern state, through Alaska's rugged forests and wildlife. Your destination: the magnificent, six-million acre Denali National Park and Reserve. Familiarize yourself with the park, walking its trails with a guide, and choose from optional excursions to personalize your adventure. Keep binoculars close at hand: this dazzling and vast wilderness is home to Dall sheep, eagles, wolves, migrating caribou, and grizzly bears—and catching sight of them is a thrill not soon forgotten.
Learn MoreScandinavia and the Baltic Sea
July 20 - 30, 2025
Discover the lands and legacies forged by centuries of Baltic history on a 9-night cruise to visit 7 countries, featuring special guest speaker Lech Wałesa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former President of Poland. This Polish national hero will be speaking by exclusive arrangement about the establishment of the Polish Solidarity labor movement and the struggles he overcame when confronting a Soviet-backed regime—a message that will be more poignant than ever.
Learn MoreIrish Wonder: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Northern Ireland
August 5 - 13, 2025
Centuries of Irish culture and heritage are revealed on this adventure across the windswept valleys of Ireland, from Dublin to the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Connemara. Kiss the Blarney Stone, witness Mother Nature’s magic touch at the Cliffs of Moher and circle the Ring of Kerry. There’s much to celebrate on this grand 9-day journey across the 'Emerald Isle'.
Learn MoreThe Wonders of Turkey
September 19 – 30, 2025
East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza which reveals the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and some of the world’s most revered ancient cities. Get lost in the colorful lanes of the Grand Bazaar, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes, and descend into an underground fortress. Mother Nature and man have crafted an extraordinary land, over which empires have fought for centuries, and you’ll get to see all its wonders on this 11-day journey.
Learn MoreFlavors of Sicily
September 26 – October 2, 2025
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.
Learn MoreCambodia & Vietnam: From Ancient Temples to Bustling Cities
October 2 – 16, 2025
Experience the magic of Cambodia and Vietnam on a 2-week guided tour. Explore the ancient temples of Angkor Archaeological Park, including the infamous Angkor Wat. See the spectacular ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus,’ an acrobatic performance by local youth. In Ho Chi Minh, you’ll sail on a speedboat toward the Cu Chi tunnels, where guerrilla fighters once hid from combatant forces during the Vietnam War; here, a Viet Cong veteran will share his harrowing experiences with you.
Learn MorePatagonia and Chilean Fjords
October 22 - November 2, 2025
Experience the wonder of discovery as you travel through mesmerizing landscapes almost untouched since Magellan found them nearly 500 years ago. Our unique 12-day voyage to Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords begins in Santiago, Chile, on a land and sea itinerary that takes you in the path of legendary explorers Captain Robert FitzRoy and Charles Darwin—through the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley, and Wulaia Bay. See distinctive subantarctic and Patagonian wildlife, including guanacos, rheas, condors, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins.
Learn MoreClassical India
January 9 – 20, 2026
Join us on an enchanting discovery of India, one of the oldest and most diverse civilizations in the world. Visit awe-inspiring monuments, explore bustling cities, and get lost in local towns and markets.
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