Events Calendar

Discover the many facets of Costa Rica on an immersive journey through rainforest canals, volcanic highlands, misty cloud forests, artisan communities, and the sun-drenched Pacific coast. Begin in San José before venturing into the Central Valley highlands, where Costa Rica’s famous coffee culture comes to life at Doka Estate. Learn how coffee is cultivated, harvested, roasted, and prepared before continuing to the dramatic landscapes of Poás Volcano National Park and the lush trails and waterfalls of La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

The journey then continues to Tortuguero, one of Costa Rica’s most distinctive and wildlife-rich regions. Accessible only by boat or air, Tortuguero offers a memorable introduction to the country’s Caribbean lowlands, with winding canals, rainforest-lined waterways, tropical birds, monkeys, caimans, river turtles, iguanas, and a village shaped by conservation, tourism, and coastal life. From there, travel to the iconic Arenal region, where the near-perfect cone of Arenal Volcano rises above rainforest trails, gardens, and volcanic scenery. A guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park reveals the powerful natural forces that have shaped this landscape, along with opportunities to spot tropical wildlife along the way.

In Monteverde, discover one of Costa Rica’s most treasured ecosystems: the cloud forest. Experience the forest at night on a guided walk, then see it from above aboard the Sky Tram and along suspension bridges during the Sky Walk. A visit to CASEM, a local women’s artisan collective, adds a meaningful cultural dimension through handmade crafts and community-based artistry. The program concludes on the Pacific coast in Guanacaste, where travelers can relax at a luxury beachfront resort, enjoy the beach and spa, or choose an optional excursion before gathering for a farewell dinner. From coffee estates and volcanoes to rainforest canals, cloud forest canopies, wildlife encounters, and coastal relaxation, this journey captures the warmth, biodiversity, and spirit of pura vida.

Experience one of the most fascinating environments on Earth on this guided luxury cruise. You`ll begin in Quito, with its layered history rooted in Inca foundations and influenced by the Spanish colonial era. You`ll continue to the Galápagos Islands, where you`ll observe an astonishing array of wildlife while learning about the forces that shaped Charles Darwin’s thinking. Traveling aboard the small expedition yacht La Pinta, you’ll be accompanied by Yale faculty along with naturalists who interpret the islands’ ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts in real time, illuminating every walk and shoreline visit with exciting insights. An included post-cruise stay at Finch Bay Eco Hotel extends your enjoyment beyond the ship. You`ll have a chance to relish beach vistas, delicious local cuisine, and custom excursions that highlight the islands’ ecological diversity from a different vantage point.

Journey through the charming Cotswolds, the Heart of England and home to some of the country’s most scenic landscapes, filled with picturesque villages, rolling green hills and winding country lanes. From your home base in the first-class Queens Hotel in Cheltenham, embark on daily excursions, exploring grand properties and lovely countryside. At prestigious Oxford University, indulge in an exclusive after-hours tour of the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. At a local farm, learn about sustainability and foraging, harvest fresh vegetables from the garden and engage in a cooking lesson. Tour majestic Blenheim Palace and Sudeley Castle, stroll through lush gardens, and tread in Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover the unique heritage of the local folk music scene at a village pub dinner where musicians will talk about music history and perform. Treat yourself to this unforgettable 7-night escape to England’s castles and countryside!

Join us aboard the intimate 18-cabin Queen Eleganza in the Adriatic Sea for a cruise along the spectacular Dalmatian Coast. Throughout history, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Austrians have vied for control of this strategic coastline that is dotted with over 1,000 islands. In a region well worth exploring for its natural beauty alone, visit spellbinding archaeological sites, impressive castles, dramatic palaces, and ancient city centers.

Begin in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, a captivating city with history dating back to Roman times. Visit magical Lake Bled and its breath-taking scenery before continuing to Zadar, Croatia, to begin your seven-night Adriatic cruise calling at Trogir, Split, Hvar, Korčula, Mljet,and finally, at the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik.
 

For centuries, Türkiye has stood at the crossroads of civilizations, shaped by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans who left behind some of the world’s most extraordinary artistic, religious, and architectural legacies. This immersive Yale Alumni Academy program explores that rich cultural tapestry through visits to legendary ancient cities, sacred sites, and vibrant modern communities. In Istanbul, trace the city’s evolution from Constantinople to the heart of the Ottoman Empire as you explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. Along the Aegean coast, examine the intellectual and political influence of the classical world at Pergamum, Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma — places that once shaped philosophy, medicine, urban planning, and early Christianity.

Complementing these historic explorations is time spent along Türkiye’s stunning Turquoise Coast aboard a privately chartered gulet, offering access to quieter harbors, ancient coastal settlements, and the striking natural beauty of the eastern Mediterranean. Days are balanced between archaeological discovery and opportunities to experience contemporary Turkish culture through local markets, regional cuisine, conversations with expert guides, and visits to seaside towns largely untouched by mass tourism. Throughout the program, travelers will engage deeply with Türkiye’s layered history and enduring cultural traditions while enjoying the camaraderie and intellectual exchange that define Yale Alumni Academy travel.

Discover the Scottish Highlands — with their mist-shrouded peaks, verdant glens and velvet moors — from the perspective of the Caledonian Canal aboard the classic, cozy Lord of the Glens. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery as your expedition ship cruises the canal — built in the early 1800s to connect the Great Glen’s four lochs — and navigates passages inaccessible to larger boats. On this unforgettable voyage, step inside ancient sacred abbeys and legendary castles; experience warm, welcoming cities, and glide alongside an untamable coastline. Stride across the battlefield at Culloden — where Bonnie Prince Charlie was dramatically defeated in 1746 — and discover Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery. Take a train over the renowned viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan. Search for marine animals and birdlife — including seals, whales, dolphins and seabirds — at Eigg, one of the Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides. Delight to Scottish dancers and whisky tastings, marvel at impressive nautical engineering and savor gorgeous views. This exclusive travel program takes you to destinations of wild beauty you’ll never forget.

In Rwanda, trek into the volcanic highlands of Volcanoes National Park for a privately guided encounter with endangered mountain gorillas — one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world. Track golden monkeys through bamboo forests and explore the work of leading conservation scientists who are redefining what species protection looks like in the 21st century. Kigali adds modern context: a dynamic capital that reflects both resilience and forward-thinking leadership.

Then shift to Tanzania, where the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater deliver safari at its most iconic. Vast plains, exceptional predator sightings, and one of the planet’s last great migratory systems create wildlife viewing of remarkable scale and consistency. A visit to Oldupai Gorge places you at one of the most important paleoanthropological sites on Earth — a powerful reminder that these landscapes are not only biologically significant, but foundational to our understanding of human origins.

Set out on an extraordinary voyage from Lisbon to the Azores aboard Le Boréal, a stylish small ship known for its intimate atmosphere, French elegance, and all-inclusive experience. Your journey begins in Lisbon, where you’ll settle into the storied Bairro Alto Hotel, ideally located between the charm of Chiado and the lively spirit of Bairro Alto, before gathering with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

After time to enjoy Portugal’s capital, including a guided walking tour of historic Lisbon, a group lunch, and a visit to iconic Belém Tower, you’ll embark Le Boréal. As you cruise westward, enjoy the serene sands and golden landscapes of Porto Santo Island, explore Funchal’s old town, markets, mosaics, and the cathedral on Madeira, and take in leisurely days at sea with time to relax and enjoy the ship’s many amenities. In the Azores, discover Vila do Porto’s historic streets, churches, and architectural heritage, then continue to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, where Baroque arches, historic fortifications, and Atlantic views create a memorable finale.