Montana State University

Montana State University Alumni Association Cat Treks Travel

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The Montana State University Alumni Association Cat Treks Travel Program strengthens the relationship between Montana State University, the MSU Alumni Association, and alumni, future alumni, and friends. The program contributes to the personal and intellectual growth and satisfaction of alumni by offering a unique combination of discovery, adventure, and educationally oriented travel opportunities. The tours are designed for those who have Montana State University in common and are eager to expand their cultural and intellectual horizons in the company of fellow alumni, family, and friends.

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2013–2014 Tours

Antebellum South: American Queen cruise from New Orleans to Memphis
May 10–19, 2013, from $1995/person
Download the Antebellum South PDF or Download the Registration Form

A voyage aboard the grand American Queen is a priceless experience in Americana, and this Mississippi River cruise through Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee brings an especially rich part of it to vivid life. Spend two nights among the cultural mosaic of New Orleans, then board an authentic steamboat bound for Memphis and discover the beauty of the river as you delve into the history, culture and epic grandeur of the pre–Civil War South. Tour the superb plantation known as Oak Alley and walk beneath its amazing canopy of oak trees three centuries old. Take in the many antebellum homes among the scenic countryside in St. Francisville, and revel in antebellum splendor in Natchez, a glorious city rich with restored mansions. In Vicksburg, the “Red Carpet City of the South,” view battle relics from the famous siege where Civil War generals Pemberton and Grant matched wits and wills. Stop in Helena, renowned as the home of King Biscuit Time—America’s longest-running blues radio program. Its wonderfully preserved architecture offers traces of Helena’s pre–civil war past. Arrive in Memphis and spend a day exploring its famed sights, from Elvis’ Graceland to Beale Street, where blues music was born. Offered by GoNext.


Paris and the Villages of Provence
September 16–24, 2013 from $3495/person
Download the Paris/Provence brochure and registration form

This quintessential French sojourn features a stay in the great city of Paris, travel by way of the famous Train á Grande Vitesse—TGV high-speed train—from Paris to Lyon, and a delightful five-night cruise almost the entire length of the bucolic Rhone River through the splendid countryside of Provence. Spend a full day in Lyon, France’s gastronomique gateway, before embarking the exclusively chartered M.S. Amadeus Symphony. Experience the world–famous Cotes du Rhone wine region, the landscape of which inspired the great Impressionists Cezanne and Van Gogh, and visit the Roman city of Orange, the historic Papal Palace of Avignon, and the wonderfully preserved Roman Amphitheater in Arles. The carefully designed London Pre–Program Option travels aboard the Eurostar train through the marvelously engineered Chunnel to Paris; an Aix–en–Provence Post–Program Option is offered also. Departing at the best time of year, this great itinerary is an excellent value, and you have the opportunity to travel all the way from London into the very heart of Provence. Offered by Gohagan & Company.


Symphony On The Blue Danube: A Classical Music Cruise
September 29–October 11, 2013, from $3895/person

Visit six countries and up to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites on this exclusive and comprehensive, carefully crafted, 13–day journey showcasing the musical heritage of the European Masters. Explore the medieval gems of Prague and Krakow and embark a five–night river cruise on the legendary Blue Danube from Budapest, Hungary, to Passau, Germany, through the stunning Wachau Valley aboard the deluxe M.S. Amadeus Elegant. Enjoy panoramic views of the countryside along the river from the spacious public areas or the privacy of your stateroom or suite, most featuring floor–to–ceiling windows with a French balcony. Experience the exciting centers of music in some of Europe’s greatest cities and explore the cultural centers of the former Habsburg Empire that inspired the musical genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Enjoy a program of classical music–themed performances and tours. Guided excursions include Bratislava’s medieval Old Town, imperial Vienna, the storybook village of Dürnstein and magnificent Melk Abbey. A Budapest Pre–Program Option and Warsaw Post–Program Option are offered. Gohagan & Company


Italian Inspiration: Oceania Cruises From Rome to Venice
October 17–25, 2013, from $2199/person, double occupancy
Download the Oceania Cruises PDF or Download the Registration Form

Let Italian–influenced towns and islands inspire you from aboard the gorgeous Oceania Cruises Riviera as you cruise to Italy, Greece, and Croatia. Set out from Rome’s port, Civitavecchia, and sail down the Mediterranean coast to Sorrento. From this lovely village, explore the nearby ruins of Pompeii, an ancient town famously frozen in time since 79 A.D.; or travel to Capri, an island so beautiful that it served as a vacation getaway for ancient Romans. Continue to vibrant Amalfi or Positano, where medieval cathedrals and Moorish–style houses cling breathtakingly to seaside cliffs. Cruise to Taormina and take in the island of Sicily, where Greek and Roman ruins contrast with colorful modern shops. In Zakynthos, visit the Venetian–style St. Mark’s Square or comb the beaches for native loggerhead turtles, then experience a dash of greenery on Corfu. Renowned for its lush forests, the Greek island offers towns filled with elegant Italianate buildings, leftover from four centuries of Venetian rule. Discover Croatia among medieval walls and Venetian monuments in Dubrovnik or in the nearby village of Cavtat, once a Roman colony, before concluding your inspirational journey in Venice. Offered by GoNext.


Northern Italy: Culture & Cuisine
October 18–26, 2013, from $3,199/person, double occupancy

From the urban Old World beauty of Milan and the grand charm of Padua and Verona to the serenity of Lake Garda, northern Italy is a rurally–tinged adventure in fine art, flourishing traditions and food. Enjoy a leisurely lake cruise past medieval castles and charming villages like Bordelino, Garda, and Sirmione. Visit Italian towns that formed the original settings for Shakespearean dramas and have produced classic culinary delights such as prosciutto ham, Parmigiano cheese and balsamic vinegar. See and taste these delicacies among the same farms and fields where they were first produced in the Middle Ages. Sample the roots of classical music in Cremona, where Stradivari produced his first violins. Among the spectacular fashion and culture of Milan, take in La Scala Opera House and the possessions of the famed composer Verdi. And at the Santa Maria delle Grazie, view The Last Supper—da Vinci’s immortal Renaissance masterpiece and an unforgettable symbol of northern Italy and world–class art. Offered by GoNext.


Ancient Mysteries of the Americas: Oceania Cruises From Miami to Lima
January 16–February 3, 2014, from $3,999/person, double occupancy

Experience the vibrant cultures and ancient civilizations of Central and South America as you weave your way from Miami to Lima aboard the Oceania Cruises Regatta, an intimate ship offering outstanding amenities. Depart from Miami and cruise the Caribbean to the island of Grand Cayman, home to fascinating wildlife and lovely white sand beaches, then on to the Mexican island of Cozumel, renowned for its fabulous reefs. Explore ancient temples in Belize, witness intriguing Mayan ruins in Guatemala and enjoy breathtaking landscapes in the Honduras. Discover enchanting creatures in Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests, cruise the famous Panama Canal and visit cosmopolitan Panama City. Sail the Pacific to Ecuador and explore Manta–or Quito, its Old Town a UNESCO cultural heritage site—and take in Guayaquil, home to a colorful colonial neighborhood. Continue to Peru and stop in Salaverry, gateway to archaeological treasures from the pre-Inca era, and Peru’s capital, Lima, where you can meander its old colonial city or travel to mysterious Machu Picchu, the most spectacular archaeological Incan site in South America. From pristine beaches and tropical jungles to fascinating Mayan ruins and extraordinary Incan temples, delve into the natural wonders and ancient mysteries of the Americas. Offered by GoNext.


Samba Rhythms: Oceania Cruises From Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
March 16–29, 2014, from $3,999/person, double occupancy

Travel where pulsating rhythms, natural beauty and colorful traditions thrive along South America’s east coast while cruising on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, a superb haven of elegance. Spend a day in Buenos Aires, an unforgettable city known as the “Paris of South America,” before departing for cosmopolitan Montevideo and the chic resort town of Punta del Este. Continue to some of Brazil’s most captivating ports of call—charming Rio Grande, quaint Porto Belo, cosmopolitan São Paulo, historic Parati, the unspoiled island of Ilha Grande and the resort town of Buzios—and discover sparkling beaches, exotic wildlife, botanical gardens and colonial Portuguese architecture. Conclude your sea-swept adventure in Rio de Janeiro, whose stunning harbor is marked by the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. From the glamorous boutiques of Buenos Aires to the exotic nature reserves of Brazil, experience the rhythms of South America on this tantalizing voyage. Offered by GoNext.


River Life Along the Waterways of Holland and Belgium
April 6–14, 2014, from $3,195/person

Join us in Holland and Belgium for nine days, cruising for seven nights aboard a state–of–the–art AMA Waterways vessel during the best time of year! Meet local residents during the exclusive Village Forum for a personal perspective of the Low Countries’ modern life and cultural heritage. Expert–led excursions include private canal cruises in Amsterdam and Bruges, the windmills of Kinderdijk, expert-led excursions to the prestigious Rijksmuseum, world-class Kröller–Müller Museum, famous Keukenhof Gardens, medieval Antwerp and the impressive Delta Works. A Pre–Cruise Option in Amsterdam is offered. This comprehensive, all–inclusive itinerary—an exceptional value—is continually praised as the ideal Holland and Belgium experience. Offered by Gohagan & Company.

 


Cruising the Rivieras and Islands of France, Italy and Spain
April 18–26, 2014, from $4,595/person

Cruise with us for seven nights from Barcelona to Rome aboard the exclusively chartered, Five–Star m.v. Tere Moana, relaunched in 2013 after a multimillion–dollar refurbishment and featuring only 45 deluxe Staterooms. Travel to the sun–drenched landscapes and lush mountainous backdrops of the French and Italian rivieras and islands, a glamorous playground for the elite and favorite retreat for artists and gourmands. This unique, comprehensive itinerary immerses you in the region’s dynamic history, inimitable art and culture and stunning scenery, and features up to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Carcassone’s medieval fortifications. Along the enchanting Côte d’Azur, enjoy specially arranged excursions in colorful Nice, to tour the renowned Musée Marc–Chagall; spectacular Cannes, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera; alluring Monaco, the epitome of Riviera chic, to visit Monte Carlo’s world-famous Casino Square; and the medieval village of Èze, a beautiful artists’ colony. Visit the postcard cliffside villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre and admire the Renaissance treasures of Florence. Explore Sardinia’s dazzling Costa Smeralda and Corsica’s fortified town of Bonifacio. Barcelona Pre–Cruise and Rome Post–Cruise Options also available. Offered by Gohagan & Company.


Canada and New England Fall Foliage: Oceania Cruises From New York to Montreal
September 16–28, 2014, from $4,999/person, double occupancy

Travel where pulsating rhythms, natural beauty and colorful traditions thrive along South America’s east coast while cruising on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, a superb haven of elegance. Spend a day in Buenos Aires, an unforgettable city known as the “Paris of South America,” before departing for cosmopolitan Montevideo and the chic resort town of Punta del Este. Continue to some of Brazil’s most captivating ports of call—charming Rio Grande, quaint Porto Belo, cosmopolitan São Paulo, historic Parati, the unspoiled island of Ilha Grande and the resort town of Buzios—and discover sparkling beaches, exotic wildlife, botanical gardens and colonial Portuguese architecture. Conclude your sea–swept adventure in Rio de Janeiro, whose stunning harbor is marked by the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. From the glamorous boutiques of Buenos Aires to the exotic nature reserves of Brazil, experience the rhythms of South America on this tantalizing voyage. Offered by GoNext.


Town and Country Life: Oxford and English Countryside
October 18–26, 2014, from $3,795/person, double occupancy

Immerse yourself for one full week in quintessential England, with four nights in the Five–Star landmark Macdonald Randolph Hotel, just steps away from the fabled quads of Oxford University, and three nights in the charming Cotswolds villages. Local experts accredited by the British Guild of Guides lead you on an exclusive exploration of the legendary university town of Oxford and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, where the charming limestone villages have changed little since the 16th century. By special arrangement, Lord Charles Spencer–Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill’s cousin and brother of the present Duke of Marlborough, hosts an exclusive guided tour and private lunch in Blenheim Palace, Britain’s grandest private residence. Carefully designed excursions and cultural enhancements capture the true essence of life in this storybook region. Visit quaint Burford and Bampton, the village featured in Downton Abbey. Discuss contemporary life in Oxford with residents during the exclusive Town & Country Forum. Three–night Cambridge Pre–Program and three–night Canterbury Post–Program Options. Offered by Gohagan & Company.


Pearls of the Mediterranean: Oceania Cruises From Monte Carlo to Barcelona
November 7–15, 2014, from $2,299/person, double occupancy

Discover some culturally–rich pearls of the Mediterranean, as you cruise from Monaco to Spain aboard Oceania Cruises Riviera, an elegant vessel replete with breathtaking amenities and outstanding cuisine. Depart Monte Carlo for Portofino and find a magnificent 16th–century castle overlooking a modern playground of villas and yachts. Journey to Rome and admire its stunning wealth of historical monuments and marvelous wonders, like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica. Head inland from the port of Livorno and experience the idyllic Tuscan countryside and the legendary cities of Florence and Pisa—two icons bursting with world-class art and Renaissance architecture. Savor the historic port city of Marseille, or explore its rich Provençal countryside dotted with medieval towns and quaint villages, before heading to Port Vendres. Bound by beauty, this classic Mediterranean harbor town along the Vermillion Coast is a true gem. Continue to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, a beautiful island offering stunning architecture from a massive Gothic cathedral to an ancient circular castle overlooking the harbor. Stroll the cobbled streets of Old Palma, or relax along the picturesque countryside sprinkled with windmills, before your exceptional voyage concludes in Barcelona. Offered by GoNext.
If you'd like to be added to our brochure mailing list, call the Alumni Foundation at 800-457-1696 or send an email to alumni@montana.edu.