Events Calendar

Embark on a captivating journey to the Galapagos Islands, beginning with your arrival in Quito, Ecuador, where you will enjoy a warm welcome reception and dinner. The next day, fly to San Cristobal Island to embark on the Coral I and visit the Interpretive Center and Frigatebird Hill. Your adventure includes “wet” and “dry” landings, giving you the chance to explore diverse landscapes and encounter unique wildlife. From the striking lava formations and migratory birds at Cerro Brujo to the stunning views and nesting colonies of boobies at Pitt Point, each day promises unforgettable experiences.

Delve into the geological and biological richness of Española Island, where you will witness vibrant seabird colonies, dramatic volcanic formations, and the famous blowhole, "Soplador." Continue to Floreana Island, home to flamingos, sea turtles, and historical Post Office Bay. Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Discover the seabird colonies of Genovesa Island, snorkel in the marine-rich waters of Rabida Island, and ascend to the summit of Bartolome Island for panoramic views. Conclude your voyage with a serene dinghy ride through Black Turtle Cove before returning to Quito for a farewell dinner, bringing your extraordinary family adventure to a close.

Join Ed Kamens `74, Sumitomo Professor Emeritus of East Asian Languages and Literatures, on a custom autumn journey inside Japan. For 14 days, encounter a fascinating balance between natural and man-made, urban and rural, and ancient and contemporary.

Begin in Nara and venture to Kyoto, Naoshima, Takamatsu, Teshima, Inujima, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and finally, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. Along the way, explore breathtaking temples and shrines surrounded by picturesque gardens and natural scenery. Study captivating architectural wonders and visit some of the most renowned art museums in Japan, including the Benesse House Museum and the Tokyo National Museum.

Throughout this educational journey, your expert study leader will offer a series of illustrated lectures and informal discussions. This program is exclusive to Yale Alumni Academy and is limited to 32 participants. For those interested, there will also be an optional post-trip extension to Hakone and Kamakura.

Aboard the sumptuous Sea Cloud II, discover Mediterranean islands rich with history and spectacular beauty. From Malta’s capital of Valletta, sail to Sicily’s ancient port of Trapani. Discover the magnificent remnants of an ancient Greek colony that thrived in Sicily, enjoying an inside look at the marvelously well-preserved temple of Segesta, which was built in the fifth century B.C. Continue to the Italian island of Sardinia and its ancient capital of Cagliari, which traces its history back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Float along Sardinia’s west coast to Alghero, colonized by the Catalans in the 14th century. Discover Sardinia’s domed stone fortresses called nuraghi, striking evidence of an advanced Bronze Age civilization on the island.
Be on deck when Sea Cloud II approaches French Corsica and Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbor, with its breathtaking setting atop limestone cliffs. Sail north to the enchanting island of Elba, Napoleon’s place of exile, and explore Napoleon’s residence, Villa San Martino, now a museum. Arrive in Tuscany on the Italian mainland, where you will have a choice between excursions departing from the port of Livorno: Wander through the medieval fortified town of Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, or venture to Pietrasanta, a tiny contemporary art community that Michelangelo once called home.

Uncover Portugal’s enthralling art, architecture, and UNESCO-listed wine heritage on this exclusive Douro River cruise. Aboard the stylish, 51-cabin AmaDouro, one of Europe’s most luxurious riverboats, sail through a monumental landscape of winegrowing terraces, sculpted over centuries. From the enduring Roman legacy to the Moorish-influenced azulejo tilework, medieval castles to contemporary art and architecture, expert guides will unveil the region’s hidden gems and fascinating history.

Experience the best of New Zealand and its three main islands, the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, on this unforgettable 14-day cruise aboard the Kiwi-owned and operated Heritage Adventurer. This spacious and comfortable vessel contains a full fleet of 14 Zodiacs, allowing all passengers ample opportunity for exploration.

Begin with one night in Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital, then embark on a 10-night cruise from Fiordland National Park to Auckland, calling at Milford Sound, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Akaroa, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington, and Tauranga. A diverse menu of excursion options offers generous access to the island nation’s dramatic glacial fiords, geothermal wonders, cultural richness, and untamed wilderness. On naturalist-led Zodiac expeditions, observe active geothermal pools, crashing waterfalls, and some of world’s rarest wildlife species in their natural habitats. Visit the rarely accessed Stewart Island and take a guided walk in Rakiura National Park, with its stunning coastal rainforest. In the breath-taking Marlborough Sounds, walk ashore on the Queen Charlotte Track, ranked one of the top ten walks in New Zealand.