Travel

Explore the world

Pioneer Journeys offers alumni, parents, and friends of the University of Denver the opportunity to explore the world through thoughtfully curated travel experiences. Traveling alongside fellow DU community members and expert guides, these journeys combine cultural discovery, meaningful learning, and shared experiences that extend the DU connection far beyond campus.

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Upcoming Trips

Photo of Spanish city on the waterfront

Spanish Experience: 9-day Adventure to Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona

 

April 16 – 24, 2026

Discover Spain’s rich history, culture, and landscapes on this 9-day journey from Madrid to Barcelona. Begin with guided sightseeing in Madrid, then visit Toledo before continuing to Seville for flamenco, grand architecture, and lively plazas. In Granada, explore the Alhambra and Moorish heritage, then travel through Valencia along the Mediterranean coast. Conclude in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s architecture and the energy of La Rambla bring the experience full circle. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine and local insights that bring each destination to life.

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Blue ocean and city on the hill on the Amalfi Coast

Sicily, Malta & the Amalfi Coast: From Naples to Valletta

 

May 25 – June 2, 2026

Faculty Host: Roberta Waldbaum (PHD '96), Emerita Professor of Italian

Cruise for 7 nights from Naples, Italy, to Valletta, Malta, aboard the 92-cabin World Traveller, an exclusively chartered, deluxe small ship. Experience a specially arranged visit to the Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943. This itinerary visits six UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Archaeological Area of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Syracuse, Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Church of Monreale, the Aeolian Islands, and the City of Valletta, Malta.

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Colorful houses along the coast of Scandinavia

Cruise the Norwegian Fjords: In the Path of the Vikings

 

May 24 – June 3, 2026

Faculty Host: Dr. Daniel Melleno, Associate Professor of Pre-Modern History

Set sail through Norway’s breathtaking fjords on this 11-day cruise aboard the five-star SH Diana. Begin in Amsterdam with a visit to the Rijksmuseum before crossing the North Sea to Germany’s remote Heligoland. Continue along Norway’s dramatic coastline to explore charming towns, Viking heritage sites, and UNESCO-listed fjords. Highlights include the Flåm Railway, Geiranger’s Eagle Road, and immersive experiences in Stavanger and Bergen. Along the way, enjoy expert-led excursions and refined onboard service.

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Whale tail out of water in Alaskan waters

Discovering Southeast Alaska

 

July 31 – August 7, 2026

Explore Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard a small expedition ship designed for access to remote waterways and secluded landscapes. Accompanied by expert naturalists, navigate narrow channels inaccessible to larger vessels while encountering abundant wildlife, from whales and sea otters to soaring seabirds. Visit Glacier Bay National Park, witness towering glaciers, and explore coastal communities that reflect Alaska’s rich cultural and maritime heritage. Guided hikes and skiff excursions offer an up-close look at this remarkable wilderness.

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Machu Picchu on a sunny day

Peru Explorer

 

July 13 – 19, 2026

Staff Host: Mackenzie Hunter, Alumni Engagement

Explore Peru’s rich history, culture, and landscapes on this 7-day journey from Lima to Cusco. Begin in Lima with guided sightseeing of colonial landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods before traveling to the Sacred Valley. Visit local markets and artisan workshops, then journey by rail to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Conclude in Cusco, where ancient Incan sites and lively cultural traditions offer a deeper understanding of this remarkable destination.

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Group of Lemurs sitting together in a tree

Treasures of Madagascar

 

August 2 – 17, 2026

Faculty Host: Dr. Dhaval Vyas, Teaching Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Explore Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and landscapes on this immersive journey. Visit national parks to encounter endemic wildlife, including lemurs and chameleons, while experiencing environments from rainforests to coastal regions. Guided walks and excursions provide insight into the island’s ecosystems, traditions, and ongoing conservation efforts across the island.

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Aerial view of Seine River on a sunny day

Spectacular Seine River

 

September 19 – 27, 2026. SOLD OUT, waitlist only.

Faculty Host: Virginie Cassidy, Center for World Languages & Cultures

Cruise for 7 nights round-trip from Paris to Normandy aboard an exclusively chartered river ship. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Rouen, the Palace of Versailles, and the Seine riverbanks of Paris. Along the way, explore Honfleur’s harbor, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and the historic Normandy D-Day beaches, with expert-guided excursions.

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Airplane on the runway on a sunny day

Around the World by Private Jet

 

September 13 – October 3, 2026

Step aboard a private Boeing 767 for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to some of the world’s most iconic destinations and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Stonehenge, the Great Pyramids, Petra, the Taj Mahal, and Angkor Wat. This curated program features expert-led excursions and immersive cultural experiences across multiple continents, offering unique insight into the history and achievements of civilizations around the globe.

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Photo of a sacred statue on the coast of Bali

Singapore to Bali

 

September 25 – October 10, 2026

Cruise Indonesia’s remote archipelago aboard the exclusively chartered expedition ship Heritage Adventurer. Explore rainforests and waterways rich with wildlife, including orangutans and Komodo dragons, while visiting UNESCO sites such as Borobudur and Komodo National Park. Cultural encounters in local villages and historic temples provide deeper insight into the region’s diverse traditions and landscapes.

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Photo from inside of an open air Spanish courtyard

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

 

October 16 – 25, 2026

Cruise for 8 nights from Barcelona to Lisbon aboard an exclusively chartered small ship. Travel through the Strait of Gibraltar to explore Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, and Portugal, with highlights including Valencia, Tangier, Seville, and Lagos. Along the way, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, experience a specially arranged cruise on the Guadalquivir River, and discover the region’s rich history, architecture, and coastal landscapes.

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Egypt

Egypt and the Nile

 

January 17 – 29, 2027

Discover Egypt’s ancient treasures on this immersive journey featuring a private dahabiya cruise along the Nile. Explore iconic sites including the Great Pyramids, Karnak Temple, and ancient riverside ruins, with opportunities to visit lesser-traveled locations. Combined with stays in five-star hotels, this experience offers a deeper look into Egypt’s rich history, culture, and enduring legacy.

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Caribbean

The Luxurious Caribbean Sea

 

February 1 – 9, 2027

Sail for 8 nights aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit, a three-masted yacht blending classic sailing with modern comfort. Journey from St. Maarten to Curaçao, visiting six Caribbean islands with opportunities to snorkel, explore rainforests, and experience local culture. Highlights include St. Lucia’s Pitons and time at sea under billowing sails, offering a relaxed and immersive island-hopping experience.

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Costa Rica

An Adventure in Costa Rica: From the Cloud Forests to the Coast

 

March 19 – 28, 2027

Experience Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” spirit on this immersive journey through lush rainforests, cloud forests, and coastal waterways. Explore Tortuguero National Park, walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges with views of Arenal Volcano, and discover the biodiversity of Monteverde. Along the way, enjoy eco-lodges, cultural encounters, and unforgettable wildlife experiences across the country.

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Holland

Holland and Belgium: Along the Dutch Waterways

 

April 23 – May 1, 2027

Sail for 7 nights through the Netherlands and Belgium aboard a deluxe river ship. Explore Amsterdam’s canals, Antwerp’s historic streets, and the fairytale city of Bruges, with highlights including Keukenhof Gardens and the Kröller-Müller Museum. Guided tours and UNESCO World Heritage sites bring the region’s art, culture, and history to life along scenic waterways.

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Greece

Greece: Athens & Kalamata

 

April 16 – 25, 2027

Explore ancient Greece on this immersive journey through Athens and the Peloponnese. Visit iconic sites including the Acropolis, Mycenae, and Olympia, while discovering the Byzantine city of Mystras and the remarkably preserved ruins of Messene. Cultural experiences, local cuisine, and regional traditions bring Greece’s history and daily life into focus throughout the journey.

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Botswana

The Best of Southern Africa: Desert & Deltas

 

May 9 – 19, 2027

Experience Southern Africa’s remarkable landscapes on a journey from Johannesburg to the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls. Explore Botswana’s waterways and plains by game drive and mokoro canoe, with opportunities to see elephants, lions, hippos, and abundant birdlife. The journey concludes at Victoria Falls, where dramatic scenery highlights the region’s natural beauty.

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Great European Journey

Great European Journey

 

June 11 – 22, 2027

Cruise from Amsterdam to Switzerland aboard the Amadeus Queen on a journey through Europe’s historic waterways and scenic river valleys. Explore charming towns, castle-lined hillsides, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, with highlights including Cologne, Cochem, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg. The experience concludes in Switzerland with Alpine scenery, a cruise on Lake Geneva, and visits celebrating the region’s cheese and chocolate traditions.

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Polar Bears

Cruise of the Arctic Circle: Sailing to the Far North

 

August 14 – 25, 2027

Sail from Reykjavík to the remote Arctic landscapes of Greenland, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard aboard the deluxe World Voyager. Guided by an expert expedition team, explore dramatic fjords, glaciers, and icy coastlines by ship and Zodiac while searching for polar bears, walruses, reindeer, whales, and seabirds. Under the midnight sun, this extraordinary journey combines wildlife, expedition cruising, and unforgettable polar scenery.

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Alps

Village Life: French Alps

 

Sept 29 – Oct 7, 2027

Experience the charm of the French Alps with a stay in lakeside Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps.” Explore medieval towns, alpine scenery, and local traditions while cruising Lake Annecy, visiting Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, and enjoying time in the mountain village of Chamonix. With regional cuisine, artisan visits, and beautiful landscapes, this journey offers a relaxed and authentic Alpine experience.

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Rio De Janeiro

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

 

October 13 – 26, 2027

Experience South America’s vibrant coast from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Begin with Rio’s iconic sights before cruising along Brazil’s shoreline to Búzios and Ilhabela, with time to explore historic coastal towns. Continue to Uruguay’s seaside resorts, then conclude in Buenos Aires, known for its architecture, culture, and lively atmosphere.

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Dubrovnick

Coastal Italy and Dubrovnik: Venice to Rome

 

November 2 – 10, 2027

Discover the Mediterranean on a small-ship journey from Venice to Rome during the quieter fall season. Explore historic coastal cities and four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Pompeii, and the Trulli of Alberobello. From Adriatic ports to southern Italy’s cultural landmarks, this voyage blends scenic cruising, history, and regional cuisine.

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Antarctica

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

 

December 1 – 10, 2027

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Sail from Ushuaia across the legendary Drake Passage to a landscape of glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and thriving penguin colonies. Explore by Zodiac, kayak alongside seals and whales, and hike snow-covered terrain with expert naturalists and photographers. Return by a two-hour flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales, avoiding the Drake Passage on your journey home.

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travel classes

Travel Insurance

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the last thing you want to see is thousands of dollars of non-refundable purchases disappear because of an unforeseen event. The travel medical and trip protection insurance offered by our partners ensures you'll never miss out on your trip—and you'll be safe in the event of an unexpected medical issue.

Coverage is available for individuals or groups, and for personal or business travel. No matter where you're going, chances are we can help you protect your trip against the unexpected.

Learn More About DU Travel Insurance

Upcoming Adventures

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