Travel

AAMC 2009 Tours

The Travel Committee of the Alumnae Association of Mills College plans several exciting trips each year, featuring a wide range of opportunities, interests, and learning in a variety of formats. Proceeds from these travel programs benefit the AAMC. 

These trips have been chosen for their quality and value realized through group travel. The camaraderie of alumnae travel enhances scenic visits and educational opportunities. Space is generally limited per our allotments. We urge a timely registration in order not to be disappointed.

Israel
Explore three important regions: the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, the sea and contested Golan Heights of Galilee, and Israel's capital, Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, Temple Mount, and Yad Vashem memorial museum. Also see Masada and the Dead Sea, the lowest dry-land point on earth.
Israel Trip Brochure (4,776k, pdf)
November 21–30, 2009, 10 days, $2,420 plus air

AAMC 2010 Tours

Amazon River Expedition
Cruise the Amazon River to Pacaya-Samiria Wetlands Preserve in search of exotic wildlife, such as colorful macaws, river dolphins, and howler monkeys. Learn about the unique ecosystems, history, and challenges facing the environment. Choose a one-night camp experience in the Peruvian rainforest with traditional storytelling and regional meals, or opt to stay on board the boat. Go fishing for red-bellied piranhas. Enjoy time in Peru's historic capital, Lima, a cosmopolitan city known for its colorful street life and fine colonial architecture.
Amazon Trip Brochure (1,039k, pdf)
February 26–March 7, 2010, 10 days, $4,695 (plus air)

Mysteries of the Mekong: Saigon to Angkor Wat
Begin in Ho Chi Minh City to visit historic venues and then board the river cruise from My Tho, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Enjoy excursions to Thoi Son Islands to explore pagodas and colorful markets; tour Vinh Long to visit a family-owned food-making business; and visit a catfish farm near Chau Doc. A highlight will be the Khmer architecture of Angkor Wat. While in Saigon, we will be hosted by an alumna in her home.
Mekong Trip Brochure (962k, pdf)
March 7–18, 2010, 12 days, $4,195 (plus air)

The Civil Rights Movement: Celebrating and Remembering
Visit the Alabama birthplace of this important social movement while key players are still alive to tell their tales. Highlights include visits to the women of Gee's Bend to learn about their quilting, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and some of the beautiful gardens of the area. Bruce Williams, professor of sociology at Mills, will accompany the group as the study leader.
Civil Rights Trip Brochure (1,886k, pdf)
April 6–11, 2010, 6 days, $2,195 (plus air)

Greek Isles: Athens, Crete, and Santorini
Discover the history, beauty and culture of three distinct locales in Greece and experience the incredible diversity and undeniable magic of the Greek Isles. The past will come to life as you explore the incredible art and architecture of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Rethymnon, the Minoan Palace of Knossos (where mythical King Minos ruled his kingdom), and history-rich Chania, then end with a cruise on the Sea of Crete.
May 3–13, 2010, 11 days, $3,495 (plus air)
If booked by January 5, 2010 ($250 savings)

The Flavors of Burgundy and Provence
After a two-day stay in Paris, board a riverboat in Chalon-sur-Saone to cruise to Arles. Spend time sightseeing in Tournun/Tain L'Hermitage, Viviers, and Avignon. The journey will end with an exciting evening excursion to Monte Carlo.
June 12–23, 2010, 12 days, $3,640 (plus air)

The Canadian Maritimes
Stroll down the history-lined streets of charming fishing villages, bustling ports, and cosmopolitan cities. Learn of the unique cultures that thrive in the Canadian Maritimes: the First Nations people, French Acadians, the Scots, and the Irish. Take a lesson on catching, cooking, and cracking lobster; visit the "Anne of Green Gables" house; and  learn about good clean fun at the Olivier Soapery.
July 26-August 4, 2010, 10 days, $2,998 (plus air)

Scotland (Oban and Stirling)
Visit enchanting villages and fortresses on Scotland's west coast. Then, on the east coast, steep yourself in the history of William Wallace and Braveheart, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf.
Scotland Trip Brochure (852k, pdf)
August 22–30, 2010, 9 days, $2,495 (plus air)
If booked by April 6, 2010 ($250 savings)

Bavaria and Oberammergau's Passion Play
Repeated every 10 years since 1700, the entire town reenacts the Passion of Christ play to fulfill a pledge after the town was spared from plague. In 2010, the village will perform the play for the 41st time. Take the fabled romantic road from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Lake Constance ending in cosmopolitan Munich. You will be surrounded by a fairy-tale land of half-timbered houses, magnificent cathedrals, and Gothic town halls.
Bavaria Trip Brochure (1,220k, pdf)
September 2–13, 2010, 12 days, $3,995 (plus air) specially priced if booked by October 20, 2009

Copper Canyon, hiking in the Urique Canyon
"Copper Canyon" is really a series of canyons which drain the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara. The entire Copper Canyon region comprises almost a third of the state of Chihuahua, which is Mexico's largest state. The trip will start with a three-day ride on the historic Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad to the Canyon Center, we will descend to the village of the Tarahumara Indians who have retained their century old culture. Supported by experienced burro crew, the experience enables the traveler to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Interaction with the Tarahumara will enrich the agenda.
Copper Canyon Trip Brochure (443k, pdf)
October 21–28, 2010, 10 days, $2,100 (plus air)

South Africa
This trip is an introduction to the spectacular bological diversity and fascinating culture of South Africa. Begin in Cape Town, see its backdrop of the Table Mountains, and travel to Robben Island along the Cape Peninsula. Enjoy a three-day ride on the famous Rovos Rail to Johannesburg to experience the sense of community which unites Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Included is a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve.
November 2–23, 2010, 14 days, $5,315 (plus air)


NOTE: Trip brochures list the actual itinerary. Full details for each trip will be posted in the form of brochure PDFs as they become available for the 2010 tours.

For more information about AAMC tours, please call 510.430.2110 or email bwhite@mills.edu.