Travel Tours

Take advantage of our great rates and see the world with fellow friends of Appalachian!

All Appalachian State University alumni, friends and family are invited to participate in our Alumni Travel Tours program. Once you travel with us, we're almost certain you will keep coming back! We will work with you on custom payment arrangements: once the initial deposit and insurances paid, we will divide the payments with the remaining time left before full payment is due.

Why travel with App?

  • Great travel destinations for singles, couples, friends and families
  • Custom payment plans to fit your budget
  • Partnership with experienced travel companies, Collette and Mayflower Cruises & Tours
  • Optional excursions on trips for more adventurous travelers
  • Low-priced travel insurance (includes free refund up until the day of the trip departure plus coverage on tour)
  • Travel guides available throughout trip


JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!
Whether you're a seasoned traveler in our program or interested in taking your first trip, it's a great place to connect with other Mountaineers. Join now!


Questions about a trip? We're here to help! Give us a call at 828-262-2203 or 866-756-ALUM (toll free), or email travel@appstate.edu.


Your safety when traveling is important to us. View travel updates and information related to COVID-19 from Collette and Mayflower. In the case that trips must be delayed or canceled due to travel restrictions, you will be notified as early as possible.


Travel Tours in 2024

Spain’s Costa del Sol & Madrid
February 24–March 3, 2024
Last day to book: August 18, 2023

Let yourself be charmed by the sunny Andalusian lifestyle and discover the culture, cuisine, and history of southern Spain. Explore Costa del Sol’s beaches, boutiques, and cafés during a 5-night stay in the seaside town of Torremolinos. Immerse yourself in Andalusian culture during visits to the picturesque, whitewashed villages of Setenil del las Bodegas and Ronda. Tour a medieval castle and see an iconic Roman aqueduct in the historic city of Segovia, and experience the vibrant energy of the capital city during a 2-night stay in Madrid. Revel in the magic of this unique region, from the sparkling waters of the Costa del Sol to the cosmopolitan elegance of Spain’s historic city centers.

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Treasures of Turkey: Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia
April 6–21, 2024
Last day to book: August 31, 2023

Explore ancient ruins and legendary architecture, otherworldly landscapes and underground cities in the country that bridges the gap between east and west. Spend three nights in Istanbul, a melting pot of cultures, historical sites, and religious communities, home to Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. Visit the cascading thermal pools of Pammukale and bathe among the ruins of a Greco-Roman period. Discover the sparkling Aegean coast, then follow the path of the Silk Road on your way to the ethereal valleys and geological wonders of Cappadocia. From the earthly delights of Istanbul’s famous Spice Market to the transcendent power of a Whirling Dervishes ceremony, delight your senses and ignite your imagination in beautiful Turkey.

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Memorials of World War II featuring the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing
May 24–June 2, 2024
Last day to book: September 18, 2023

An unforgettable journey of discovery and remembrance awaits you as you travel between London, Normandy and Paris on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Explore London’s connections to World War II during a city tour focused on The Blitz. Cross the English Channel, retracing the parallel journey nearly 160,000 courageous Allied troops took on June 6th, 1944, as they set out to liberate Europe from the Nazis. Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches and visit the Normandy American Cemetery. Visit Saint-Mère-Église, the first French town liberated from the Nazis and learn about the brave paratroopers who parachuted into Normandy on the night of June 5–6, 1944. Conclude your journey in Paris, the City of Light with a festive dinner cruise along the Seine River.

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Spotlight on South Dakota
June 14–20, 2024
Last day to book: December 7, 2023

Discover the spirit of the American West and come to know the legends of the past. Discover the stories of the Lakota and Sioux through a Native American chronicler. See Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. Visit iconic Mt. Rushmore. Journey through the natural beauty of Badlands National Park and stop to browse at Wall Drug. Explore historic Deadwood, the former home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Choose how you delve into the local history, with a tour of the Adams Museum in Deadwood or at the exhibit Tatanka: Story of the Bison. Travel the backcountry of Custer State Park on a Jeep safari. Marvel at Devils Tower, the country’s first National Monument. Rapid City is your gateway into wild landscapes and historical landmarks.

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South Africa and Safari Adventure
August 7–20, 2024
Last day to book: December 7, 2023

Your South African experience begins with an amazing safari adventure visiting the Pilanesberg Game Reserve! Your journey continues with you visiting such exciting places as Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Stellenbosch Wine Country and Cape Town. You will experience history in Cape Town and amazing safari adventures in Kruger and Chobe National Parks. You will stand in awe at nature’s supreme masterpiece – Victoria Falls, and relax on a spectacular sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Your adventure ends by visiting the famous Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent, discovering the rich biodiversity of life – both flora and fauna.

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Canadian Rockies Featuring Rocky Mountaineer
August 25–September 1, 2024
Call 828.262.2203 or email for availability.

From scenic mountains and valleys to the stunning Lake Louise, explore the best of Western Canada via the famous Rocky Mountaineer train. See beautiful Stanley Park and the famed Granville Island Public Market. Travel among the fields of Fraser Valley and the picturesque Fraser River. Admire the postcard-worthy landscapes as you journey alongside Kicking Horse River. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and stop at Athabasca Glacier. Admire stunning Bow Falls in Banff. Set off on a mesmerizing voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta.

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Mystical Peru
October 8–16, 2024
SPECIAL OFFER: 2 for 1 airfare offered through March 31, 2024
Call 828.262.2203 or email for availability.

Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu along with the history and beauty of Peru and its people. From the bustling cities of Lima and Cusco to small villages and island communities. Learn about traditional techniques and ways of life still in use today. Visit local artisan markets with colorful handicrafts. Stroll through amazing historic sites and charming cobblestone-street villages. Travel by rail from the Andean highlands to the entrance of the jungles. Explore the many wonders of the Inca Empire while the magic of mystical Peru is revealed during this unforgettable adventure.

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Best of Ireland
October 9–21, 2024
Call 828.262.2203 or email for availability.

From the bustling capital of Dublin to quaint seaside villages to historic Northern Ireland, you’ll see it all on this tour featuring Irish history, music, dance, cuisine, scenery and architecture. This ‘best of’ tour lets you experience 6,000 years of history spread across the dales, valleys, cliffs and castles of Dublin, Killarney, County Mayo, and Northern Ireland.

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Treasures of Egypt
November 14–25, 2024
Last day to book: May 15, 2024. Airfare included in price!

Follow the allure of the Nile, uncover complex legends, and retrace the steps of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Embark on a 4-night cruise on the Nile, the world’s longest river. See Luxor’s impressive Temple of Karnak. In Luxor, explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Partake in a special evening and dress up to join the fun at a traditional galabeya party. Sail to Kitchener Island aboard a felucca (wooden sail boat). Stand in awe before the iconic Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. 

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Travel Tours in 2025

Holland & Belgium Springtime River Cruise
April 8–16, 2025
Last day to book: August 9, 2024

Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a seven night cruise that features blooming tulip fields and iconic windmills. Enjoy a canal river cruise in the heart of Amsterdam. Stop in Arnhem, the favorite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family. Step into medieval times during a Bruges walking tour. Explore Kinderdijk and see Holland’s iconic windmills. Relax as you make your way along picturesque scenery and visit beloved cities such as Amsterdam, and Bruges. Visit Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than 7 million tulips.

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Christmas on the Danube
featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise
December 6–14, 2025
4 Days 2-Night Christmas Markets of Prague Pre-Tour Extension Available!

On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas markets and see Europe dressed in its holiday best. Join a local expert and explore historic Vienna. Float through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and hillside houses. Visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. Enjoy a Glühwein Party – a German holiday party with mulled wine. Explore Nuremburg, home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world. Discover Würzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Relax as you are transported to beloved riverside towns and delve into local holiday traditions.

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Travel Partners: 

For more information, give us a call at 828-262-2203 or 866-756-ALUM (toll free), or email travel@appstate.edu.