Pioneer Journeys is University of Denver’s travel program that is open to all alumni, parents and friends of the University. These programs have specially selected faculty lecturers, chosen to enhance your experience and enrichment. One of the great pleasures of these trips is the opportunity for alumni to immerse themselves in the experiences as companions in travel. These programs offer opportunities to learn about geological, ecological, and cultural issues of the countries visited while traveling with like-minded individuals having a shared background.
Our Adventures
Total Solar Eclipse, Mexico City & Mazatlan, Mexico
April 4 – 10, 2024
Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s most incredible wonders: a total solar eclipse. Join fellow celestial enthusiasts and fellow alumni on a 7-day trip to Mexico, where in addition to seeing the eclipse at our exclusive and private location, you’ll discover ruins, explore the country’s rich culture, and enjoy the relaxed shores of Mexico’s west coast.
The Celtic Lands: 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion
May 28 – June 7, 2024
Join us on an eleven-day, 8-night, 5-star cruise from London to Glasgow to discover the Celtic legacy of France, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland—featuring a special celebration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Meet special guest speakers Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower; Allen Packwood OBE, Director of the Churchill Archives Center; and Andrew Roberts, esteemed Churchill historian and author.
Land of the Ice Bears: An in-depth exploration of Arctic Svalbard
May 30 – June 8, 2024
Stretching across the top of the globe and touching eight countries, the Arctic is rife with opportunity for every type of explorer, whether you seek iconic wildlife, epic icescapes, or enriching encounters with cultures of the far North. A high Arctic-archipelago situated beyond Norway’s fjord-fretted coast, a mere 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive sheets of ice––glowing under the midnight sun during our season there.
The Wine & Food of Italy
June 16 – 28, 2024
Join Professor David Corsun on a custom designed journey through the Tuscany and Piemont areas of Italy to share the amazing regional wine and food of Italy. Our program has exclusive visits to wineries, not normally open to the public with VIP access, tours, tastings and sumptuous lunches and dinners. Visits include VIP tour of the Castello Banfi’s Italian Flagship winery in Camigliano with a and educational session on Italian wines, a tour of the facility and lunch in the castle’s dining room.
The Galapagos Islands: 8-days of Wonder and Amazement
July 2 – 9, 2024
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.
Peru Explorer
July 18 – 26, 2024
A land of treasures archaeological, cultural, and natural, Peru draws those eager to learn about the distant past – and encounter a fascinating present. As our group takes in some of the country’s highlights – Cuzco, Machu Picchu, – we marvel at the riches of an intriguing land somewhat off the beaten path.
Cruising the Danube: Vienna to the Black Sea
September 26 – October 8, 2024
Join us on this thirteen-day, 11-night tour featuring a 9-night luxury cruise along the Danube River where we visit seven prominent countries (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania) and five capital cities—all excursions included. Experience one of the greatest river journeys in the world, navigating the fabled blue Danube River from Vienna to the Black Sea; Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates dividing the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains and two nights in Bucharest, Romania.
Flavors of Provence Sailing the Rhone & Saone Rivers
October 1 – 10, 2024
Awaken your senses as you explore the French countryside, sailing the picturesque Rhone and Saone Rivers. From the comfort of your 140-guest luxury vessel, Amadeus Provence, discover a bounty of flavors, stand in awe before towering castles, feel the texture of vines that produce the wines of Burgundy and the Provence, and taste your way through France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon. History, art, architecture, and natural beauty stimulate the mind and satisfy the soul on this journey.
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.
Upcoming Adventures
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