Alumni

Alumni Travel Programs

TravelWhether you are planning a trip of a lifetime, a return to a favorite destination, or simply looking for your next adventure, the WIU Alumni Travel Abroad Program is a great place to start your journey. WIU Alumni & Friends are invited to join your Alumni Association and other Western alumni in traveling and learning opportunities worldwide on an Alumni Travel Abroad Program.

We will happily send you information including features, itineraries, and pricing. Questions or desire a reservation? We're just a phone call away!  Call (309) 298-1914, or email a-association@wiu.edu.

See the world with your WIU Alumni Association!

If you have traveled with us recently, please fill out our online evaluation form HERE.

We OFFER Travel Protection for all types of travel

Whether you decide to travel with WIU or even for trips you take on your own, the WIU Alumni Association offers protection for all types of trips.

For more than a decade, WIU has chosen USI Travel Insurance Services to provide travel protection plans for alumni and friends. Every year, the Travel Insurance Select plan provides coverage to thousands of alumni travelers just like you. Be sure you are insured for your next trip – whether participating in a WIU Travel Abroad Program or traveling on your own.

Plan benefits may include coverage of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs in case of Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, or Travel Delay; coverage for Accident & Sickness Medical Expense; Emergency Medical Evacuation; and much more. If you buy your plan early, you also have the option to add the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)* upgrade, which affords you more flexibility if you decide to cancel your trip. Click here for more information or to quote and enroll before you hit the road, sea or ocean. Or call 800-937-1387 for more information or to enroll by phone. (When calling, be sure to mention that you are with the WIU Alumni Association.)

*CFAR is offered at an additional premium. In order to be eliglible for CFAR, you must buy your plan within 21 days of the date in which your inititial trip deposit is received. Additional conditions apply. Not available to residents of NY. Read plan documents for terms, conditions and exclusions .

NOTE: The itinerary(ies) outlined below is preliminary and is subject to change due to operational conditions.

insurance

Upcoming Trips

2024

       **Please note that all trip dates are subject to change.


2024 WIU Alumni Travel Program

Southern Charms
March 16 – 24, 2024

from $2,299

charmsExperience the simplicity of Southern charm as you travel along the historic Blues Trail from Memphis to New Orleans on this 7-night voyage aboard American Queen Voyages’ American Countess™. Your journey begins with a 1-night hotel stay in Memphis.

Set sail and travel down the famous Mississippi Delta, North America’s largest wetland area. Then, roam the tree-lined streets of Vicksburg to view beautiful historic homes. Visit the Museum of African American History and Culture in Natchez or grab a drink in a 19th-century saloon built for outlaws and boatmen. Learn about the unique history and culture of Baton Rouge. Eat jambalaya, a signature Louisiana dish, and before departing New Orleans, enjoy the ultimate Southern hospitality experience at Nottoway.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Go Next trip, call 800-842-9023 or CLICK HERE.)

Dutch Waterways
April 22 – 30, 2024
from $3,395 if booked by 6/27/23 + port + air

dutchEmbark on a carefree, seven-night cruise along the intimate waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium brimming with centuries of history and Old-World splendor! Delight in Amsterdam’s charming canals and stroll amid the glorious tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. Revel in Bruges’ wonderfully preserved Gothic gems and Antwerp’s impressive medieval old town. Other ports of call introduce you to Kampen, a historic Hanseatic city, and Veere, a laid-back harbor town. Enjoy enriching lectures and a choice of included excursions. In Kampen, admire its beautiful architecture and visit a Hanseatic ship or brewery afterward. Another option takes you to tiny, picture-perfect Giethoorn for a canal cruise. See The Hague and the Mauritshuis’ celebrated masterpieces, watch artisans at the Royal Delft porcelain factory or sample farm-fresh cheeses in Gouda. In Bruges, visit a chocolaterie, discover the beer culture or take in fine Belgian art. Unpack once aboard your exclusively chartered, first-class ship and savor generous meals with wine and beer at lunch and dinner. No single supplement!

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Grand Cities of Central Europe
May 28– June 6, 2024

from $4,495 if booked by 8/29/23 + VAT + air

grandExplore an exceptional trio of illustrious cities on this eight-night journey steeped in compelling history, vibrant culture and moving music! Witness Berlin’s acclaimed landmarks, tour the Berlin Wall Memorial and enjoy an intimate piano concert. In Dresden, admire splendidly restored architecture, sample tasty Saxon delicacies and attend a musical performance inside the elegant Dresden Zwinger. Take in Prague’s magnificent old town and castle, plus relish a wonderful concert in a baroque hall within Lobkowicz Palace. Other highlights include a cruise along the Elbe River through the striking Saxon Alps and the impressive art collection of Dresden’s Old Masters Picture Gallery. You’ll also stroll through Frederick the Great’s terraced gardens and visit Cecilienhof Palace, site of the historic 1945 Potsdam Conference. This carefully crafted, small-group experience features deluxe, centrally located hotels, enrichment from expert guides and lecturers, a professional Travel Director and a generous meal plan with wine at dinner.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Coastal Gems of the Emerald Isle
May 26 – June 7, 2024
from $4,995 if booked by 8/29/23 + VAT + air

irelandIreland’s dazzling coastal beauty takes center stage on this magical, 11-night journey! Explore the Wild Atlantic Way, beginning with the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the fossil-laden limestone terrain of the Burren. Ferry to the starkly beautiful Aran Island of Inishmore and take in Achill Island’s moors and mountains. Amid Connemara’s glacier-carved landscape, watch lively dogs herding sheep on a family farm. Next, venture north on a less explored route to the hidden gem, County Donegal. Be awed by spectacular Slieve League, Ireland’s highest sea cliffs, and taste authentic dishes crafted by up-and-coming Donegal chefs on a culinary tour. From there, travel into Northern Ireland to discover the vibrant walled city of Derry-Londonderry and Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder of interlocking columns. This well-rounded, small-group experience features visits to two 19th-century castles and tales from a traditional Irish storyteller. Enjoy stays at first-class hotels, including a family-owned castle estate, and a generous meal plan with wine at dinner.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Icelandic Revelation
July 6 – 17, 2024

from $4,499

icelandBask in the beauty of this 10-night cruise through Iceland and Denmark aboard an extraordinary ship, Oceania Cruises’ Sirena! This tour is filled with gorgeous green coasts and iconic museums you don’t want to miss.

Embark in Reykjavik and set sail for Grundarfjordur. Enjoy the ambience of serene waterfalls and unique views. Take a boat trip around Isafjordur where you can fish along the bay. Surround yourself with Icelandic folk culture in Akureyri. Picturesque Seydisfjordur holds some of Iceland's most iconic scenery to experience and wildlife to spot. Stroll through the streets of Djupivogur where the culture is rich and the nature is breathtaking. Take a trip to the mysterious Faroe Islands dotted midway between Iceland and Norway to experience a unique blend of quirky local culture and modern day cafes. Before journey’s end, spend time in Heimaey and cruise around the island where you will find lava formations and can spot puffins in their natural habitat.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Go Next trip, call 800-842-9023 or CLICK HERE.)

Alaskan Heritage & Wildlife
July 28 – August 4, 2024

from $5,195 if booked by 9/27/23 + VAT + air

alaskaBehold the beauty, unique culture and passionate spirit of Alaska, unyielding with adventure and wonder. During this seven-night journey, enjoy stays in colorful Anchorage and the celebrated Denali National Park. Begin in Anchorage, the state’s cultural heart, where we’ll encounter world-class museums and the city’s vibrant downtown district. Discover the welcoming community of Talkeetna, search for caribou, moose and bear during a narrated tour of Denali National Park, and soak up ubiquitous Alaskan landscapes via train and boat journeys. Meet friendly locals at a working kennel, plus visit a reindeer farm and tuck into delicious regional cuisine at a family farm. Along the way, local experts share their knowledge of Alaska’s history, geography and natural wonders. Our small-group Alaskan experience immerses you in the natural splendors and timeless heritage of this sought-after destination. Throughout your stay, enjoy first-class accommodations and a generous meal plan including wine with dinner.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Northern Delights
July 30 – August 10, 2024
from $4,899

northernJoin us on a spectacular 10-night cruise through Norway and Denmark aboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena. From Hamburg to Oslo, this voyage is filled with iconic landscapes that inspired Viking legends and fairytales alike. Discover majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, stunning glaciers, imposing mountains, and idyllic islands and lighthouses.

Embark in Hamburg and set sail for Haugesund where you can tour a reconstructed Viking farm and learn how these fascinating people lived. Visit the graceful Art Nouveau district in Alesund, explore a Viking ship, or experience a rugged adventure in Nordfjordeid. In Stavanger, bask in an awe-inspiring landscape and cozy atmosphere. Sail in a Viking ship replica along the coastline of Kristiansund or dip a toe in where the swirling North and Baltic Seas converge in Skagen. Be inspired by the art and design of Copenhagen and taste some of its delectable cuisine. Before ending in Oslo, take in the rich history and vibrant culture of Gothenburg as you visit the wooden homes and cobblestone streets of its Haga neighborhood.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Go Next trip, call 800-842-9023 or CLICK HERE.)

Charm of the Amalfi Coast
September 18 – 26, 2024

from $3,995 if booked by 12/27/23 + VAT + air

amalfiDiscover the beloved Amalfi Coast and all its splendors on a memorable seven-night journey! From ancient ruins to sun-swept vistas and enchanting towns, you’ll be seduced by this alluring slice of Southern Italy. Stay in Sorrento, a beautiful city with a prime location along the Bay of Naples and a medieval center filled with boutiques, cafes and history. Visit Ravello, Amalfi and Positano, postcard-perfect towns perched dramatically along the sea, and gaze at the Amalfi Coast during a special cruise. Encounter the buried Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii and walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks at Paestum’s well-preserved temples. Plus, a visit to Old Naples and its National Archaeological Museum will bring your Italian daydreams to life! Of course, you’ll tuck into sensational dishes and tasty local ingredients along the way, including homemade olive oil and cheese at a family-owned farm. This handcrafted, small-group journey features a first-class hotel and an extensive meal plan. We’ll see you in Sorrento!

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Basque Country ~ Spain & France
October 19 – 27, 2024

from $3,595 if booked by 11/29/23 + VAT + air

basqueImmerse yourself in the captivating beauty and intriguing heritage of Basque Spain and France on this seven-night adventure based in sensational San Sebastián, known for its top-notch dining scene and gorgeous beaches. See the historic highlights of Bayonne, France, including its Gothic cathedral, and stroll in Biarritz, a seaside resort favored by socialites and surfers alike. Take in the picturesque towns of St-Jean-de-Luz and Espelette, where strings of red peppers adorn whitewashed homes. Marvel at the visionary Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and admire Ernest Hemingway’s beloved Pamplona. Along the way, chat with local Basques over dinner, visit a cider house and learn about traditions at a 16th-century farmhouse. Experienced guides and lecturers provide expert insight into the vibrant Basque culture. This small-group program includes a first-class hotel and an ample meal plan with wine at dinner.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Renaissance Triumphs
November 3 – 14, 2024
from $2,799

romeTake in art, architecture, history, and romance inspired by the Renaissance and the Enlightenment periods on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. Begin in timeless Rome and set sail along the sunny Mediterranean.

Escape to Naples to see Pompeii, a preserved ancient Roman city once buried under the ashes of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. Sip hand-crafted wine in Messina. Cruise the terracotta cliff-lined waters of the Amalfi Coast and visit Valletta to see the celebrated St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Take in Italian Renaissance masterpieces in Florence and Pisa. Experience the culture and history of Genoa as you meander the twisting caruggi (narrow streets) before relaxing amidst the stunning views and sophisticated architecture of Nice. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of Provence as the aroma of lavender fields and breathtaking views of the coastlines and mountainous areas sweep you away. Before journey’s end in beautiful Barcelona, pop into Palma de Mallorca's plentiful art galleries and admire the fascinating exhibits on display.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Go Next trip, call 800-842-9023 or CLICK HERE.)

Holiday Markets Cruise ~ The Festive Rhine River
December 3 – 11, 2024
from $2,995 if booked by 4/9/24 + port + air

marketFeel the magic of the holidays in Germany and France on a seven-night Rhine River cruise! Celebrate centuries-old traditions in festive markets aglow with twinkling lights and good cheer and overflowing with handmade decorations and other treasures. Savor the sounds of carolers and bells and the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon and fresh pine in the air. Visit Heidelberg’s castle and enjoy an exclusive musical performance in the romantic old town. You’ll also stroll through Freiburg, a vibrant university city, and admire the details of Cologne’s spectacular cathedral. In the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf, choose excursions that fit your interests, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences. Aboard your exclusively chartered, first-class ship, revel in the beauty of the Rhine Gorge and sip warm, spicy Glühwein. This heartwarming journey includes an ample meal plan, plus wine and beer with lunch and dinner. There is no supplement for solo travelers.

(For more information or to make a reservation for this Alumni Holidays trip, call 800-323-7373 or CLICK HERE.)

Alumni Holidays

AHI Travel is a creative, family-owned travel company that has been providing the best in deluxe educational travel experiences since 1962. Recognized around the world the for their expertly planned and operated programs, they are the premier operator of travel for university alumni associations. They are proud that many of our travelers have chosen to travel with us on 15, 20 and even 30 trips because of their attention to detail, excellent service and innovative travel programs.

In addition to the featured Western Illinois University travel programs sponsored for alumni and friends, the Alumni Association also provides you the opportunity to travel independently on all AHI programs and dates .

AHI Health and Safety Protocols

AHI health and safety protocols

Go Next

For nearly 40 years, Go Next has made the world more accessible to the sophisticated traveler. Offering unique and fascinating itineraries on land, at sea and by river, Go Next programs are designed to provide the maximum experience at an affordable price. With the ideal balance of exploration, education and relaxation, our trips provide the savings and conveniences of a group program, while presenting opportunities for independent exploration. Go Next is committed to providing quality travel programs and excellent customer service for professional associations and college alumni groups. Accompanied by an experienced and dedicated staff, Go Next travelers have journeyed the globe.

Insurance benefits in the plans are subject to exclusions and limitations, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

The plan contains insurance benefits underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company as well as non-insurance Travel Assistance Services that are provided by On Call International. Coverages may vary and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Individuals looking to obtain additional information regarding the features and pricing of each travel plan component, please contact USI Insurance Services, LLC d/b/a USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services with its principal place of business at 3805 West Chester Pike, Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA, 19073; 1-800-937-1387; info@travelinsure.com. CA license #OG11911. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-4357.  MD Insurance Administration: 800-492-6116.

* The insurance benefits that are part of the plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.  As a travel retailer, Western Illinois University Alumni Association and its employees may transact Travel Insurance on TIS’s behalf and under TIS’s direction, including offering/disseminating information on their behalf, including brochures, buyer guides, descriptions of coverage, and price, referring specific coverage/feature/benefit questions to TIS, disseminating/processing applications for coverage, coverage selection forms, or other similar forms, collecting premiums on TIS’s behalf, and receiving/recording information to share with TIS. Purchasing a travel plan is not required in order to purchase any other products or services offered by Western Illinois University Alumni Association.