Harvard Alumni Travels

We are looking forward to safely traveling once again with alumni and faculty. Our hopeful planning is informed by University precautions and protocols. Due to the pandemic, Harvard has prohibited all University-related travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Since group travel is planned far in advance, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to confirm your study leader’s participation before cancellation fees begin for your program.

Harvard Alumni Travels is your guide to discovering the world. From the turquoise glaciers of Antarctica to the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, travel with us to learn about and explore destinations across every continent. Here are a few highlights of our educational travel programs:

Expert Harvard faculty members on every trip
More than 80 destinations across all seven continents
Options for all experience and activity levels, from programs off the beaten path to more traditional trips
Meet and travel with fellow Harvard alumni from all over the world

During the travel pause, if you would like to travel from home and immerse yourself in a world of different destinations from your computer, below you will find a multitude of virtual travel guides and Travel Talks. Our free virtual guides provide a curated collection of videos, podcasts, and recommended readings, as well as lectures and articles from Harvard professors, to help you explore and connect with a destination from the comfort of home. Each month, Travel Talks lecture series delivers stimulating discussions, evoking the spirit of educational engagement with Harvard study leaders! Find the virtual guides and Travel Talk recordings listed below.

Virtual Travel Guides

Feb 14, 2021
Antarctica Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, explore Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Take in its natural beauty, from turquoise glaciers to bustling penguin rookeries, and learn about the history of its exploration and how climate change is affecting the ice sheets today. Read More
Feb 11, 2021
Travel Talks Lecture Recording: Joseph A. Greene

View the recording of "Carthage: The Near Eastern Origins of Urbanism in the Maghreb" by Joseph A. Greene. Read More
Jan 24, 2021
South Africa Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, experience the wonder and awe of this captivating country. Tour Robben Island, home to the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, look out for the “Big Five” on a game drive through Kruger National Park, or or learn about the special wines of South Africa. Read More
Jan 14, 2021
Travel Talks Lecture Recording: David Aguilar

View the recording of "A Tale of Two Poles" presented by David Aguilar. Read More
Dec 27, 2020
From Across Harvard Virtual Guide

Harvard Alumni Travels has sought out interesting and engaging content for you watch, listen, and read at your leisure. Delve into topics such as science and cooking, education, art, and much more! Read More
Dec 10, 2020
Travel Talks Lecture Recording: Prof. Zarin Machanda

View the recording of "What Old Chimps Can Tell Us About Healthy Aging" presented by Professor Zarin Machanda. Read More
Nov 19, 2020
Travel Talks Lecture Recording: Prof. Hopi Hoekstra

View the recording of “Nature's Palette: The Evolution of Animal Coloration" presented by Professor Hopi Hoekstra. Read More
Nov 9, 2020
World War I Virtual Guide

Inspired by our trip “The Legacy of World War I in Belgium & France,” this virtual guide focuses on stories, history, and culture of the Western Front during World War I. Read More
Oct 15, 2020
Lecture Recording: Prof. Joyce Chaplin

View the recording of “Our Man in Paris: Benjamin Franklin" presented by Professor Joyce E. Chaplin. Read More
Oct 12, 2020
Indigenous Peoples Virtual Guide

Based on the itinerary of our “Native American Voices” program, this virtual guide contains a variety of thought-provoking resources to help reflect and learn about the past, present, and future of Indigenous Peoples. Read More
Sep 20, 2020
Andalucía, Spain Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, hear about the region’s Moorish rule from the 8th-15th centuries, tour Córdoba’s Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral, learn about the tradition of flamenco dancing, and imagine the taste of Iberian ham and Sherry wine. Read More
Sep 8, 2020
Lecture Recording: Prof. James Salzman

View the recording "Our Place in the World: The Stories of Maps" presented by Professor James Salzman. Read More
Sep 6, 2020
Japan Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, explore the nation’s rich history and culture. Expand your knowledge of Japanese cuisine, try your hand at folding intricate origami, and learn about the history of Japanese books from Harvard professor Melissa McCormick. Read More
Aug 30, 2020
Tanzania Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, take to the extraordinary plains of Tanzania and explore its array of wildlife. Enjoy a virtual safari, learn about the native Swahili language, and explore human evolution with a Harvard expert. Read More
Aug 9, 2020
Danube River Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, explore the five cities visited in our “Passage along the Danube” program – Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest. Immerse yourself in these cities and their exquisite music, food, and culture. Read More
Jul 26, 2020
Morocco Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, explore the magnificent sights, sounds, and cuisine of Morocco. Tour the imperial cities, try your hand at preparing a Tagine, and engage with Harvard’s experts to learn more about Morocco’s history. Read More
Jul 12, 2020
Galápagos Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, learn about the wildlife who inhabit the unique Galápagos Islands – including the giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and fur seals – and gain insight from expert Harvard faculty about evolution and the legacy of Charles Darwin. Read More
Jun 21, 2020
Civil Rights Movement Guide

Based on the itinerary of our “On the Road to Civil Rights” program, this virtual guide contains a variety of thought-provoking resources to help reflect on the U.S. Civil Rights movement and continue moving forward with anti-racism work. Read More
May 24, 2020
Vietnam Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey through Vietnam, explore its natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people. Learn about classic Vietnamese food, experience the bustling city streets, and explore Harvard’s connection. Read More
May 10, 2020
Egypt Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, transport yourself to ancient Egypt. Tour the Giza Pyramids with a Harvard professor, make your very own falafel, and learn about Egyptian Art from study leader Jen Thum. Read More
Apr 26, 2020
Greece Virtual Travel Guide

On this virtual journey, explore Greece from its ancient ruins to its rich culture. Discover the Parthenon, embrace the Greek culinary tradition, and learn about the Greek Hero from legendary Harvard professor Gregory Nagy. Read More

Contact Us

Our friendly team can offer insights and answer any questions you may have. Simply call 800-422-1636 or email haatravels@harvard.edu and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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