Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Date:  September 16-24, 2024
Faculty Leader: Daniel Breen
Tour Operator: Epix Travels

Step aboard the American Heritage and be transported from the jazz-infused streets of New Orleans to the iconic blues rhythms of Memphis This riverboat voyage offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and cuisine of the American South. Begin your journey in New Orleans, where you’ll experience the city’s elegance and charm on a tour of the French Quarter, explore the local Jewish history and heritage, and visit the renowned National World War II Museum. Discover why the Mississippi River and the port of Vicksburg were vital during the Civil War. Enjoy the distinctive architecture and beautiful gardens of grand estates along the river, including Houmas House, and Rosedown. Savor a tasty mint julep while strolling under a canopy of 300-year-old trees, or peruse the local shops and museums of quaint and cozy towns like St. Francisville and Natchez.

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Date:  October 19-27, 2024
Faculty Leader: Joseph Wardwell
Tour Operator: AHI

Experience northern Italy’s magnificent lakes district, where sparkling lakes mirror emerald hills and craggy slopes. Unpack once and enjoy a seven-night stay in Stresa by Lake Maggiore. Discover the area’s beautiful islands, charming villages, and elegant shores. Cruise aboard a private boat to the Borromean Islands, home to a lavish estate and a quaint fishermen’s islet. Visit Lake Como, Bellagio, Lake Orta, and Milan. Learn the secrets of northern Italian cuisine with a farm-to-table cooking lesson. In Milan, view Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and enjoy an optional visit to the legendary La Scala, Italy’s opulent opera house, or nearby Duomo. Explore Milan’s profound Jewish history and heritage.

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Date:  December 6-20, 2024
Faculty Leader: Jonathan Decter
Tour Operator: Odysseys Unlimited

Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt on a spectacular 15-day journey with Brandeis Travelers.  In Cairo, visit the open-air museum of Memphis, the oldest capital of ancient Egypt, splendid Sakkara, and the Pyramids of Giza guarded by the Great Sphinx. Tour Aswan’s massive dam, and embark on a fascinating four-night Lake Nasser cruise through ancient Nubia. Enjoy a three-night Nile cruise aboard the MS Premium. Experience sailing aboard a small felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat during an afternoon excursion. Discover Kom Ombo’s unusual temple and Edfu’s remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. In Luxor, experience awe-inspiring temple complexes. Conclude your journey in Cairo with a tour of the exotic Khan el-Khalili bazaar, historic Old Cairo, and the acclaimed Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest repository of Pharaonic relics.

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Date:  January 16 - 20, 2025
Faculty Leader: Colleen Hitchcock

Embark on a long winter weekend escape to the land of fire and ice. Experience the magic of the northern lights, stunning landscapes, the vibrant culture of Reykjavik, and the majestic Golden Circle. Enjoy deluxe accommodations at the Iceland Parliament Hotel, located in the heart of Reykjavik’s city center. Package pricing from $2,599 per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is additional. View the brochure for complete details and information. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator Epix Travels at 203-604-1365 or email info@epixtravels.com.

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Date:  February 22 - 28, 2025
Faculty Leader: Peter Kalb

Explore the contemporary arts and culture of this vibrant island nation in support of the Cuban people. Enjoy special access to the Havana Art Biennial, an international event that transforms the city into an open-air gallery. Experience Havana’s colorful streets, filled with vintage cars and centuries-old buildings. Meet with local artists, dancers, and entrepreneurs. Savor Cuban cuisine at family-run paladares (restaurants) and support the Cuban people in the growing private sector. Package pricing from $5,699 per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is additional. View the brochure for complete details and information. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator Arrangements Abroad at 800-221-1944.


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Date:  March 22 - April 6, 2025
Faculty Leader: Harleen Singh

Discover the intersection of religion, art, and culture on a custom-curated journey to the northern Indian Himalayas and Bhutan. The Himalayas, derived from Sanskrit for "snow abode," stretches from northern India's foothills to the Tibetan Plateau. Explore Dharamshala, a serene hill town, home to the Dalai Lama and the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. In Rishikesh, visit sacred sites near the headwaters of one of the planet’s most important rivers, the Ganges. In Bhutan, explore Paro and Thimphu, and hike to the revered Taktsang Monastery, a place so holy that all Bhutanese try to visit it in their lifetime. Join us for a 16-day luxury tour to the Himalayas featuring special Brandeis excursions and private encounters, where you’ll discover insights into the intricate tapestry of religion, art, and culture in northern India and Bhutan. Package pricing from $10,690 per person based on double occupancy. International airfare from your departure city is additional. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator Criterion Travel at 888-328-2089 or email res@criteriontravel.com.

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Date:  May 2 - 12, 2025
Faculty Leader: Antony Polonsky

Join us for a fascinating eleven-day journey to explore Jewish history and heritage from Berlin to Prague. Cruise aboard the all-inclusive and well-appointed M/S Elbe Princesse. In Berlin, tour the city with visits to the Alte Nationalgalerie and the Jewish Museum. Explore the whimsical Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. In Dresden see the Opera House, visit the Old and New Synagogues, the Church of Our Lady, and the Green Vault. At Saxon Switzerland National Park, walk along the German side of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and experience magnificent views over the Elbe River. Spend a morning in the royal town of Litomerice, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude with a tour of Jewish Prague, including the fabled Altneu Synagogue and the Klausen Synagogues. Enjoy a private lunch with musical entertainment at Lobkowicz Palace. Package pricing from $6,990 per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is additional. This will be a shared departure with Jewish Heritage Travel. To add your name to the early interest list, or for more information, call our tour operator Criterion Travel at 888-328-2089 or email: res@criteriontravel.com.

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Date:  June 25 - July 5, 2025
Faculty Leader: Dan L. Perlman

Venture with Brandeis Travelers into the heart of Kenya's wilderness during this 11-day epic safari. Enjoy unparalleled access to Kenya's national parks, reserves, and conservancies with opportunities to witness The Big 5 and a plethora of other wildlife in their natural environment. This adventure promises an exploration of Kenya's iconic landscapes, captivating cultural interactions, and exhilarating animal encounters. Retreat to luxurious lodges and tented camps, each uniquely beautiful and authentic in décor. Package pricing from $7,995 per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is additional. View the brochure for complete details and information. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator Orbridge at 866-639-0079.


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Date:  August 10 - 15, 2025
Faculty Leader: Sally Warner

Journey into the scenic wilds of America's northernmost state, through Alaska's rugged forests and wildlife to experience the magnificent Denali National Park and Preserve. Discover the many wonders of the park during guided trail hikes and walks. Revel in dramatic views of Denali’s summit and surrounding peaks in the park. Travel the historic Alaska Railroad route with superior viewing from your train's upgraded glass dome seat. This tour will be shared with the University of Denver and is a multi-generational journey open to ages 10 and older. To reserve your space or for more information call our tour operator Orbridge at 866-639-0079. Package pricing from $4,545 per person based on double occupancy. Triple room rate from $4,045 per person. Limited singles are available from $5,845 per person. Book by February 17, 2025 and save a $250 per person discount.

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Date:  Sept. 4 - 14, 2025
Faculty Leader: Eoin O’Donoghue

Discover the captivating islands of Malta and Sicily, spending four nights in Sliema, Malta, and five nights in Taormina, Sicily. In Malta, take in Hagar Qim and Ggantija, fascinating Neolithic temples older than the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge. In Sicily, visit the Greek ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse, and see some of the world’s most spectacular Roman mosaics. Delight in baroque gems tucked within Valletta, Malta’s intimate capital, and savor the breathtaking scenery of Taormina, Sicily’s chic resort town. Package pricing from $5,545 per person, plus $395 VAT and airfare. Book by Jan.15, 2025, and receive a discount of $250 per person and an additional full payment discount of $500 per person. View the flyer for details. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator, AHI at 800-323-7373.


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Date:  October 18 - 30, 2025
Faculty Leader: Aida Wong

Begin in the nation’s capital Tokyo, with visits to the Imperial Palace, tranquil Meiji Shrine, the famed Ginza district, and the Tokyo National Museum. Experience the world’s most revered volcano, Mount Fuji in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. Tour Kyoto and the historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa. Discover centuries of rich history, art, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery. Package pricing: Land-only $7,395 per person based on double occupancy. Air and land inclusive starting at $8,684 from Los Angeles, CA. View the brochure for complete details and package pricing for other destinations. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765.


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Date:  November 8 - 17, 2025
Faculty Leader: Jonathan Decter

Join us on an eight-night journey to the magnificent cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Discover the Jewish history and heritage, world-renowned art, culture, and cuisine in these cultural capitals. Visit the Prado Museum, and see works by Spanish masters. Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, marvel at Toledo’s UNESCO landmarks, and see the Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s surreal works at Park Güell. Savor tantalizing Spanish cuisine and learn to cook Catalan specialties. Package pricing from $5,245 per person plus $395 VAT and airfare. Early booking discount of $250 per person, and a full payment discount of $500 per person. To reserve your space, or for more information call our tour operator AHI at 800-323-7373.

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Date:  December 2 - 9, 2025
Faculty Leader: Elizabeth Ferry

Discover Costa Rica’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage on a breathtaking eight-day adventure. Begin in San Jose, where you’ll explore the majestic Irazú Volcano and the vibrant city highlights. Experience the beauty of Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Indulge in coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tours, immersing yourself in local traditions. Delight in local cuisine and scenic beauty at every turn. Package pricing from $4,249 per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is additional. Book by March 14 and receive a discount of $250 per person. View the flyer for details. To reserve your space, or for more information, call our tour operator Epix Travels at 203-604-1365, or email, info@epixtravels.com.


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Many tours are led by world-class Brandeis faculty like Associate Professor Harleen Singh, who, in concert with local guides and experts, enrich the journey with lectures and interactive discussions. Traveling with Brandeis faculty offers a dynamic experience, one with endless possibilities for exploration, learning and connection.