Copenhagen

Let’s Explore Together 

The Ball State Alumni Travel program offers diverse tours and destinations for you to discover! Our trips are educational by nature with access to unique destination spots around the world. The best part? You get to take this journey with fellow Ball State alumni! 

For more information, contact Kate Webber.

Explore your options:

Let the harmony of Japanese culture surround you as you immerse yourself in this majestic island’s deeply-rooted customs and traditions on a 12-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera.

From the simplest pleasures of a tea ceremony to the excitement of sumo spectating, this voyage offers a unique insight into the Japanese way of life. Begin your journey in metropolitan Tokyo and set sail for Nagoya. Explore the industrial side of Japan as you take in the newly reconstructed palace and visit the many museums of Nagoya before heading to the surfer’s paradise—quaint Kochi. Here, visit traditional markets, peruse Kochi castle, and take in the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy Nagasaki’s volcanoes and offshore islands, see the flourishing art scene, renowned Buddha statues, and beautiful beaches of Busan. Sail down the Kanmon Strait to Hiroshima and stroll through the beautifully landscaped Hiroshima Gardens or visit Hiroshima Castle. End your trip with the views of the majestic Mount Fuji from the seaport in Shimizu.

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Discover Italy’s dreamy lake district, where glacial waters are cradled by jade knolls and the craggy slopes of Alpine foothills. Based in Stresa on Lake Maggiore, spend sun-soaked days exploring the islands and idyllic lakeside towns where poets and writers found inspiration. Enjoy special cruises on lakes Maggiore, Como and Orta. Visit the Borromean Islands, feast your eyes on Leonardo’s “The Last Supper,” and learn culinary secrets during a cooking lesson. From romantic Isola San Giulio to charming Bellagio and chic Milan to elaborate villas, this is a tour of northern Italy’s stunning beauty.

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 Discover the bounty of Croatia on this incredible 10-night journey, including a seven-night Adriatic cruise! Witness the historic sights and buildings of cosmopolitan Zagreb; then visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, an astonishing marvel of nature. Board your ship and sail the Dalmatian Coast to enchanting islands and timeless ports of call. Walk along cobblestones brimming with maritime legends and see landscapes that stir your soul. Your adventure concludes in one of the world’s best-preserved medieval towns, legendary Dubrovnik!

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Get set for an amazing adventure in Norway, one of the world’s most beautiful countries, with first-class stays in cosmopolitan Oslo, enchanting Bergen and far northern Tromsø above the Arctic Circle! Like a little bit of heaven on earth, Norway’s sublime landscapes of lush fjords and snowcapped mountains will take your breath away. Thrill to spectacular scenery on the famed Flåm and Bergen Railways, and cruise through the pristine, glacier-carved Aurlandsfjord. You’ll also experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, northern Norway’s endlessly golden summer sky! Delve into fascinating facets of Norwegian history and culture, plus snuggle with adorable husky puppies at a dogsledding kennel.

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Explore the “Last Frontier” on this riveting 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. Revel in the scenery of steep forested mountain slopes and pristine waters while cruising the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

Begin your journey in Seattle and set sail for the Inside Passage. Catch a crab feast or enjoy fresh salmon in the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan, where they pull each day’s dinner fresh from the water. Witness nature’s masterpiece, the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, and let the sight of towering ice formations and sparkling blue hues leave you speechless. Feel the excitement of the gold rush in Skagway, a scenic valley town rooted in history and nestled amidst rugged, snow-capped mountains. Catch your breath in Icy Strait Point as majestic whales breach and spout in the distance. Get the local experience in Sitka by testing your luck on a thrilling salmon sportfishing excursion. Before your journey comes to an end in Seattle, make a memorable stop in Victoria, British Columbia, to seek out craft breweries, vibrant gardens, and bountiful local seafood specialties.

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Aix-en-Provence beckons for this small-group, seven-night journey to southeastern France! Unpack once and enjoy first-class accommodations as you venture out from Aix on enriching excursions. From an inside look at Paul Cézanne’s atelier to a tour of the iconic Papal Palace in Avignon and visits to picturesque Provençal villages, each day unveils authentic French experiences. Plus, participate in unique cultural rituals such as truffle hunting and wine tastings! Includes first-class hotels and a generous meal plan.

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Take in art, architecture, history, and romance on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Nautica. Begin in timeless Rome and set sail along the sunny Mediterranean.

Escape to Naples to see Pompeii, the ruins of a preserved ancient Roman city once buried under the ashes of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. As you reach Palermo, indulge in a gastronomic adventure, savoring the flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Visit the Basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia or enjoy shopping in high-end boutiques in Porto Cervo. Explore the ancestral home of Napoleon Bonaparte in Ajaccio and try your hand at the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monte Carlo. 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. Take in Mahon’s natural harbor and explore Spain’s quaint and charming villages. If you enjoy hiking, consider climbing Mount Benacantil in Alicante to reach Santa Barbara Castle. Before journeys end in beautiful Barcelona, stop in Valencia and sample paella or visit the astonishing City of Arts and Sciences.

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Embrace the romantic spirit of southern Spain on a seven-night adventure based in a modern parador in the scenic heartland. Take in the beautiful courtyards and fountains of the Alhambra, La Mezquita’s iconic arches in Córdoba and the imposing Alcázar in Sevilla, Spain’s cultural heart. In the hilltop town of Ronda, savor breathtaking views high over El Tajo Gorge. From a countryside wine tasting to a soulful flamenco performance, this engaging journey offers a wonderful line-up of unforgettable moments!

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Discover the dynamic city of Tauranga, where urban sophistication seamlessly blends with the untamed beauty of the outdoors. Sample the exquisite wines from Napier’s renowned vineyards, watch a sheep-shearing display in Christchurch, or see movie-making history in Wellington, where The Lord of the Rings was filmed. Stroll through Cathedral Square in Christchurch, and in Dunedin, lose yourself in a fascinating blend of Scottish and Maori traditions. Relax on the ship as you take in the sensational sights and sounds along the Fjords of Milford Sound. Encounter a Tasmanian devil, one of Australia’s most unique and beloved creatures, up close in Hobart. Before bidding farewell in Sydney, spend a few days in Melbourne, where you can glimpse the mischievous kookaburra or witness the adorable wallabies as they huddle and hop.

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Are you ready for an exceptional adventure? Join us in Africa and experience the raw beauty, outstanding wildlife and unparalleled wonders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Begin in vibrant Cape Town and trace a route to Robben Island, thundering Victoria Falls and fascinating towns with powerful history lessons. Traverse untamed landscapes on a bespoke train journey aboard Rovos Rail. Best of all? With expert guides leading the way, you will witness incredible exotic animals roaming the lands of Africa’s most incredible safari destinations. From majestic elephants to powerful lions, frolicking zebras to stocky rhinos, don't miss this unique opportunity to travel into the heart of Mother Nature and experience her splendors!

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Thrill to the eternal allure of Egypt! Guided by an expert, licensed Egyptologist who accompanies you on all excursions, revel in the magnificence of ancient Egypt from Giza’s pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx to Abu Simbel’s colossal statues. Delve into Cairo, where incomparable treasures gleam in the antiquities-filled Egyptian Museum. Explore royal tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens and glorious temples in Luxor and Karnak. Cruise along the mighty Nile past fertile valleys and the desert beyond. It’s an unforgettable adventure brimming with extraordinary moments!

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Begin your adventure in Amsterdam and cruise the canals fronted by stately Dutch Golden Age mansions. In Cologne, admire the twin-spired Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the city’s medieval history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhine Promenade in Koblenz and take some time to relax in a cafe or beer garden. Explore the Palace Gardens at Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany’s most famous landmarks overlooking the city, or visit the Wilhelm-Hack-Museum in Ludwigshafen to see an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art featuring works by famous artists from around the world. Visit Strasbourg’s wine cellars and half-timbered homes in “La Petite France,” and hike beneath the Black Forest evergreen canopy of Grimm’s fairy tales. Before ending your journey in Basel, visit Breisach, a lovely German town resting among rolling vineyards.

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Soak up the sun at a pristine beach in Mykonos and unwind in Santorini at a renowned winery, where velvety vintages are savored against a backdrop of houses perched on volcanic cliffs. Venture to the capital of Crete, Heraklion, and step into the mythical world of the Minoans as you explore the Palace of Knossos. In Katakolon, visit the home of the first Olympic games at Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit a fish market in Gallipoli and get a glimpse into the daily life of local fishermen. Take an entertaining tuk-tuk ride around the Bay of Kotor. In Dubrovnik, indulge your historic side as you traverse the lanes of the Old Town, filled with fortresses and fortifications. Cruise the Ionian Sea and visit Valletta to see the celebrated St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Before disembarking in Rome, indulge in authentic Italian pizza from the town of Sorrento.

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Delve into the wonderful allure of Apulia, Italy’s sun-kissed southern region. Settle in a gorgeous hotel in Polignano a Mare, and set off to travel over timeless terra, visiting historical towns filled with indelible wonders. Witness the preserved heritage of Alberobello, Locorotondo and Matera. Stroll along Bari's pretty seaside promenade and get lost in the labyrinthine passages of Ostuni. Plus, enjoy fresh Mediterranean meals amidst olive groves and family vineyards. Each day invites new opportunities to drink in vistas of brilliant blue seas, savor the region’s famous cuisine and celebrate Puglia’s authentic culture and warm hospitality.

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Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Copenhagen and set sail for Lysekil, where rugged coastlines meet serene waters. Enjoy fresh seafood in Oslo and take in the innovative architecture. In Mandal, explore wooden houses, then venture towards Edinburgh and take a leisurely stroll along the Water of Leith. Retrace the steps of ill-fated Scottish heroes at Culloden Battlefield near Invergordon. Learn about Scrabster Harbor’s Viking past and take a trip to the mysterious Faroe Islands to experience a unique blend of quirky local culture and modern-day cafes. Visit Eskifjordur and peruse artifacts from World War II in the Icelandic Wartime Museum. Surround yourself with Icelandic folk culture in Akureyri or take a boat trip around Isafjordur where you can fish along the bay. Experience the breathtaking total solar eclipse in Grundarfjordur, a true once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Against the backdrop of the Kirkjufell mountain, this celestial event will leave you in awe. Conclude your journey in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital.

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Savor the appealing charms of celebrated Bordeaux and Basque Country, each hailed for their exceptional gastronomic traditions, on this nine-night journey featuring four nights in Bordeaux, France, and five nights in San Sebastián, Spain. Take in Bordeaux’s elegant, 18th-century architecture, and broaden your wine knowledge at La Cité du Vin, a fascinating, interactive museum. Spend a pleasant day in the vineyard-lined Bordeaux countryside during a visit to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion and an exclusive winery tour. Relish a boat ride in picturesque Arcachon Bay and fresh oysters by the shore. Other French highlights include fashionable Biarritz, Bayonne’s splendid cathedral and lunch at a cider house. In Spain, explore beautiful San Sebastián, renowned for world-class cuisine, and delve into Basque culture at a dinner with residents. In the lovely Rioja Alavesa wine region, stroll through medieval Laguardia, enjoy an alfresco barbecue, and sample fine wines at a winery. You’ll also admire the art collection of the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao!

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Take it easy as you navigate majestic fall scenery and authentic charm on this 10-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Vista, embarking in New York City. Get a taste of Nova Scotia in Halifax and Sydney as you try a sampling of local brews in downtown pubs or experience the cities’ culinary traditions by trying Atlantic lobster in a roll or poutine. In Charlottetown, discover the farmstead that inspired the timeless novel “Anne of Green Gables.” Explore the stunning gardens surrounding the Sainte-Amelie Church in Baie-Comeau and in Saguenay, indulge your flair for the French—enjoy a dazzling performance at the Théâtre Palais Municipal depicting the area’s founding. Experience high tea at the iconic Château Frontenac in Quebec City. Finally, before completing your tour in Montreal, indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene and try local specialties like smoked meat sandwiches and delicious pastries.

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The romantic splendor of the Douro River is yours to enjoy on this spectacular journey. Stay in lively Lisbon, packed with maritime legacies and historic charms; visit colorful Porto; and cruise along the revered Douro River. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Alto Douro’s winemaking history, witness the elegance of Salamanca, Spain, and explore charming villages with stories to share. These experiences and more await on this sun-kissed sojourn!

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Embrace the joyous Old-World holiday spirit in Germany and France on a seven-night, first-class Rhine River cruise! Explore enchanting, festive markets decked out for the holidays with twinkling lights and shop for handmade treasures. Stroll through charming medieval towns, enjoy a special musical performance in Heidelberg’s romantic old town and taste delicious seasonal treats. Plus, customize your journey with a choice of excursions, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences, in the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf.

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