New Departures: Techer Alumni Tours Reboot

As Anthony Bourdain once said, “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable… The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
Cape Good Hope, South Africa
Cape Good Hope, South Africa

The Caltech Alumni Association is proud to announce the return of Techer Alumni Tours, group travel opportunities designed with world-class travel partners to spark the curiosity and imagination of Techers. Departures scheduled over the next few years will take Techers to see the engineering marvels that created Europe’s longest waterway, and a full solar eclipse with internationally recognized astronomer Douglas Duncan, PhD (BS ’73). Future tours include an exploration of how African Americans inspired the Parisian jazz scene, and a wildlife safari in southern Africa.

“After the last two years, it feels like the ideal time to relaunch Techer Alumni Tours,” said Ralph E. Amos, President and CEO of the Caltech Alumni Association. Creating trips that feed our desire to learn and explore, while keeping safety and well-being in mind, were our biggest priorities.”

CAA has partnered with Duncan, Alumni Holidays International (AHI) and Royal Adventures to provide unique, intimate, group travel experiences that cater to Caltech alumni, curious to understand and explore. Travel partners take care of all the details so guests can spend more time learning about the world.

Cruise the Heart of Europe

Cruise the Heart of Europe (October 13-26, 2022):

Connecting waterways across Europe’s Great Divide was a dream of engineers for centuries. Engineers accomplished the feat when an uninterrupted waterway spanning the continent opened in the 1990s. Experience the heart of Europe along the great rivers that shaped its borders and traditions. Unpack just once and enjoy an intimate look at four countries, three storied rivers, and 12 cities on one exclusively chartered, first-class ship. Tour medieval Germany; explore Bratislava and Budapest; and marvel at the incredible beauty of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley.

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Exploring Patagonia & The Skies of The Southern Hemisphere (November 1-15, 2022):

Explore one of the most spectacular corners of the world, Patagonia, and behold the Southern Hemisphere’s dazzling evening skies on an exclusive expedition to Chile and Argentina with Caltech Professor Fiona Harrison, PhD.

Travel through the extraordinary landscape of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, pampas, and more, while visiting some of the world’s most prolific observatories. Gain access to the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, home to the world’s largest digital camera fabricated for optical astronomy, the Las Campanas Observatory, where the Giant Magellan Telescope is being built, as well as enjoy an evening at El Pangue Observatory.

The journey continues to the Andean foothills of Chile’s Lake District for a full day’s excursion to the Villarrica Volcano and San Martin de Los Andes. Gaze upon stunning views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes during a scenic road trip along the “Route of the Seven Lakes,” and gather for an evening stargazing party with Professor Ghez before heading to the lively Buenos Aires for an unforgettable conclusion to this magical adventure.

Vera C. Rubin ObservatoryPhoto courtesy Rubin Obs-NSF-AURA
Totality Over Texas

Totality Over Texas (April 6-9, 2024):

Head to Austin, Texas, to experience a total solar eclipse, led by University of Colorado astronomer Douglas Duncan, PhD (BS ’73). Duncan, a well-known popularizer of astronomy, has spent decades modernizing planetariums. During Duncan’s tenure as director of Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado Boulder from 2002 to 2018, the facility became the most technically advanced planetarium in the US. Duncan has worked with Cain Travel to create a highly rated experience that includes a fun and accessible itinerary and exclusive guest speakers. Don’t miss this opportunity—the next US total eclipse isn’t until 2045.

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The African-American Experience in Paris (TBD 2023):

Enjoy a first-class stay at the Les Jardins du Marais as you tour Paris with AHI, discovering how the African-American expatriate community influenced Paris. Explore where jazz musicians created their own Harlem in the 1920s, followed by an evening at a jazz club. Taste the local delicacies on a gastronomic walking tour. Enjoy the most beautiful Parisian landmarks from a cruise on the Seine.

The African-American Experience in Paris

Journey to Southern Africa (TBD):

Experience the thrill of the African safari and marvel at incredible wildlife in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, all while enjoying luxury and tailor-made accommodations. From the cascades of Victoria Falls, to the wonder of Rovos Rail, this journey will show you it all. Immerse yourself in nature and the beauty of southern Africa’s majestic landscape.

Incredible sights await Techer travelers, such as ancient Nuremberg (Cruise the Heart of Europe) and the full solar eclipse (Totality Over Texas).

For more information and to reserve your spot on a Techer Alumni Tour, visit alumni.caltech.edu/travel.

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