Lewis and Clark: Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
October 30–November 5, 2010
Beginning as a trickle in the high alpine meadows of western Canada, the Columbia River flows through great, forested mountains and down desert canyons. Joined by the Snake River, it rolls with increasing force through fertile farmlands, past snow-covered volcanoes, and finally knifes through a mountain range to complete a 1,200-mile journey to the wide sea.
This is the grand gateway to the West, pioneered by Lewis and Clark, roamed by fur traders, and traversed by courageous settlers as they forged their way over the Oregon Trail. Our comfortable, small ships, designed for exploring these historic waterways. Their size and maneuverability enable you to travel from the mouth of the Columbia all the way inland to Idaho, more than 450 miles upstream — a voyage impossible for a big ship.
Your expedition is led by Historians and Naturalists rather than conventional tour guides, specialists who share their enthusiasm through informal talks, presentations and anecdotes over drinks at the end of the day. You join them for frequent trips ashore and on Zodiac explorations to remote side canyons. Our ship is equipped with kayaks, which add another perspective to your expedition. It’s a fascinating voyage of discovery to a magnificent region indelibly linked to epic events in America’s past.
Prices begin at $3,064
Note: the October 30 trip date features a 20% savings off rates shown, but all dates are available to travelers.
"We had a wonderful time and met many wonderful new people. This was our first alumni tour but it definitely will not be our last!" — Jim and Lynnette Schluter, WAA travelers, 2008
"One of the best trips we’ve taken. Flawless execution, great itinerary, wonderful staff. It had it all!” — Warren Haug, WAA traveler, 2007
Experience the best of both worlds — the journey and the destination
It’s been said the journey is what’s important, not the destination. In life, that may be true. In travel, however, both are important.
A smooth journey is, of course, vitally important. That’s why, at WAA Travel, we handle it all … so you’re free to sit back and enjoy the ride. From booking your hotels and planning excursions to dealing with hassles, our personal service takes care of you.
Then there’s the important decision of choosing your destination. We make that easy for you, too. With more than 40 worldwide trips to pick from, you’re sure to find your ultimate vacation destination. Interested in seeing Japan? Or strolling through Moscow’s Red Square? How about exploring America’s “last frontier” — Alaska?
Wherever you visit, you’ll be with fellow Badgers who may start out as strangers but end up being close friends. You can also invite friends and family on your next WAA adventure (you don’t need to be a UW grad to travel with us).
So make WAA Travel your destination to improve your journeys in both vacations and life.
Warm regards,
Sheri Hicks Travel Director Wisconsin Alumni Association
A portion of all travel proceeds go toward needed scholarships and valuable programs and services that keep UW alumni and friends connected to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Find yourself on our trips
Pictures from many of our exciting trips.
The reviews are in — traveling with WAA is a hit
"This trip was more than we imagined - we usually don't go on tours. Bravo to WAA." — Nancy and Kenneth Paul, WAA traveler 200?
"I've never travelled with such a compatible group, which made the trip even better than advertised.” — David Levine, WAA traveler 2008
Enjoy smooth travels with WAA
Call toll free at (888) WAA-TRAVEL (922-8728), or e-mail travel@uwalumni.com to book your next trip.
Let us know if you want specific tour brochures, because we don’t automatically mail them out to everyone. Also, since some trips fill up quickly, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to ensure you receive your first choice of accommodations.
Call WAA Travel toll free at (888) 922-8728 or email Sheri Hicks at travel@uwalumni.com.