Begin in Valletta, the vibrant capital city of the island nation of Malta and one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Then embark Sea Cloud II for a splendid seven-night cruise circumnavigating Sicily. Explore the island’s treasures with stops in Trapani (for Segesta, and Erice or Marsala), Palermo, Giardini Naxos (for Taormina and Mt. Etna), and Syracuse. Spend a day in the Aeolian Islands, one of seven UNESCO sites visited during this cruise, as well as a specially-timed sailing to enjoy up-close views of the still-active Stromboli volcano. Pre-trip extension on Malta and Gozo, with visits to remarkable Neolithic and medieval sites.

Journey to America’s “Last Frontier,” the heart of Alaska’s beautiful and wild country, as well as to its engaging cities. Travel by deluxe railcar to Denali National Park for a three-night stay. Revel in mountain views, hike through the tundra, and visit an Iditarod sled dog kennel. A breathtaking flight brings us deep into remote Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, America’s largest national park. Explore Anchorage’s historic downtown. In picturesque Seward, take a boat ride through rugged and stunning Kenai Fjords National Park.

Experience six countries on an 8-night Baltic Sea cruise aboard the 5-star Le  Champlain from Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden. Enjoy a specially arranged presentation by the former president of Poland Lech Wałęsa and the interpreter and advisor to Mikhail Gorbachev, Pavel Palazhchenko. Visit Gdańsk, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Visby. Norway Pre-Program and Stockholm Post-Program Options.

Science and art enthusiasts will delight in this unique journey to Switzerland, which showcases Albert Einstein, exceptional Swiss museums, and a visit to the Supercollider campus at CERN which houses the world’s most advanced scientific equipment. Experience a behind-the-scenes meeting with scientists who work on a detector on the Large Hadron Collider. Take guided tours of Kunsthaus Art Museum's modern art collection, and in Bern, visit Einsteinhaus, where Einstein lived. Savor delicious Swiss wines and food, including a traditional raclette fondue lunch in the medieval town of Gruyères.

Explore legendary sites in Greece and Turkey aboard the 34-guest yacht, Callisto, with lecturer and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas E. Ricks who will trace the line from ancient Greece and Rome to America, exploring how the democratic ideals of classical philosophers shaped the American Constitution.

Experience an overview of four distinct and fascinating nations – Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Explore Warsaw’s Old Town and view Budapest’s scenic Danube Bend. Attend a classical music performance in Vienna and tour majestic Schönbrunn Palace. Experience Prague’s acclaimed museums and architectural treasures. Visit Germany’s capital on an optional 4-day/3-night Berlin extension. 

Based in Taormina, experience Sicily’s intriguing cultural heritage, including Agrigento’s remarkable “Valley of the Temples.”  After a Mt. Etna excursion, enjoy lunch at a family-run farm.  Tour Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and Alberobello’s medieval white-washed houses.  Discover Lecce, the “Florence of the South.”  Highlights of a four-night Sorrento stay include evocative Pompeii, a Neapolitan cooking lesson, an Isle of Capri excursion, and a breathtaking Amalfi Coast drive.  Explore Rome independently with an optional 4-day/3-night extension. 

Walk some of the most attractive segments of the pilgrimage route of Spain's Camino de Santiago. Explore Burgos and Leon. Visit a wine cellar in Rioja and stop at the Shrine of San Juan de Ortega. Hike to stunning views of Galician landscapes. Conclude at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the finest example of both Romanesque and Baroque art in Spain.

Journey to the Dakotas and Colorado to learn about the Sioux, Hidatsa, Mandan, Lakota, Dakota, Ute, Navajo and Apache Nations. Admire majestic landscapes including Badlands National Park. Meet with community and tribal leaders, artists and activists. Experience Standing Rock and Pine Ridge Reservations and the site of the Massacre of Wounded Knee.

Cruise the five Great Lakes from Milwaukee to Toronto, visiting islands and towns rich in history and natural splendor. Delight in the Victorian character of Mackinac Island; visit Sault Ste. Marie, known to Native Americans as the “Gathering Place”; and witness the thunderous power of Niagara Falls. Optional extensions to Chicago and Toronto.