Panther Travel

The UWM Alumni Association is pleased to offer an exciting schedule of travel opportunities. Participation in these trips provides financial support for UWMAA programs and services. Trips are available to alumni as well as their families and friends. To receive fliers on these trips, contact Erin Harrass at 414-906-4662, eph@uwm.edu.

Travel Schedule:

Mayflower Tours
Easy to Moderate Activity Level

Join us on this nine-day journey of Ireland through “40 shades of green” with warm Celtic hospitality and beautiful countryside. Tour Dublin, one of Europe’s trendiest cities and enjoy free time on your own in this fine city. One evening, experience traditional Irish cuisine with music and dance! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory on the way to Kinsale, a quaint little coastal village. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, for a true gift of the gab. Explore Killarney with its majestic mountains and magical lakes. Wander through the archeological history of the Dingle Peninsula to witness green landscapes, rocky hills and staggering cliffs. Gaze at the magnitude of the Cliffs of Moher. Join us for an optional excursion of Ireland’s Connemara Region and step back in time to experience authentic Gaelic speech and living history of old world traditions. Special St. Patrick's Day celebration in Killarney. 

Mexico’s Copper Canyon: April 19 – 26, 2009Mayflower Tours
Moderate Activity Level

Join us on an exciting 8-day adventure through one of Mexico’s most remarkable natural landmarks, Copper Canyon. Enjoy two scenic rail journeys through magnificent landscapes as we tour the beautiful Copper Canyon and the surrounding state of Chihuahua. View the intricate maze of gorges, home to a dizzying array of plant life, from pine-oak woodlands to giant cactus and tropical trees. We start our journey in the city of Creel and descend into the canyon from the top of the Sierra Madres, taking in gorgeous views of cascading waterfalls and rugged cliff walls along the way. We make a brief stop in Divisadero, a beautiful town on the rim of the canyon that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vistas as we travel west to the picturesque colonial town of El Fuerte. After a day exploring in El Fuerte, we board our next train to continue our tour of the canyon. From sea level, we climb 8,000 feet as we pass through 86 tunnels and cross 38 bridges! At day’s end, we arrive in our next stop, Barrancas, and continue our exploration of the people and places of Chihuahua. Witness wonderful views, learn the history and political past as well as experience the present culture of this fine region: Mexico’s Copper Canyon!The Great Journey Through Europe: May 26-June 5, 2009 

Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Explore the cultural and scenic treasures of the heart of Europe on this unique cruise and rail itinerary tracing the Rhine River from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea. Begin your “grand tour” in Switzerland, with two nights in a deluxe hotel in the beautiful lakeside town of Lucerne and two nights in the classic alpine resort of Zermatt, nestled beneath the craggy profile of the Matterhorn. During your stay in Switzerland, you will experience the soaring majesty of the Alps on three of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys—the Mt. Pilatus Railway, the Glacier Express and the Gornergrat Bahn. Travel overland to Basel and board the deluxe m.s. Amadeus Symphony for a five-night voyage down the Rhine River through France, Germany and Holland to Amsterdam, passing Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, terraced vineyards, rustic villages of half-timbered houses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. A special Amsterdam Post-Program Option is also offered.

New England and Cape Cod
Fall Foliage featuring Martha’s Vineyard: October 5 – 12, 2009

Mayflower Tours
Moderate Activity Level

Explore fabulous autumn foliage amidst five New England states as you join us when Mother Nature puts on her most colorful show of the season! Our 8-day journey begins with a city tour of Boston, one of America’s oldest cities. Follow the Freedom Trail, explore Faneuil Hall and visit Minuteman National Historic Park. Enjoy dinner on Maine’s waterfront and witness Maine’s gorgeous mountain country where you’ll spot spectacular foliage, crystal clear lakes, covered bridges and wildlife sightings along this coastal drive. Visit Kenebuckport, Maine and tour Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Climb about Mount Washington Cog Railway and see exquisite scenery in Franconia Notch and Kancamagus Highway. Enjoy brilliant autumn foliage of Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. Then, travel to Newport, Rhode Island to view the Breakers Mansion and Cape Cod! Ride the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and the charming village of Edgartown. Our last stop takes you to Hyannis, summer home of the Kennedy family and the JFK Memorial, and finally, Plymouth Rock. Trace the roots of American history through a traditional New England autumn and return home with colorful memories to last you a lifetime.

South American Adventure: October 27-November 6, 2009Mayflower Tours
Moderate Activity Level

Sun-soaked beaches and scenic beauty await you south of the equator on this 11-day adventure! Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Santiago, featuring the Cathedral of Santiago, the Hippodrome, O’Higgins Park and San Cristobal Hill, site of the Statue of the Immaculate Conception. On to “the barrios” and artisan shops of Santiago. Explore beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina – The “Paris” of South America, with highlights of your city tour to include the National Congress, The Metropolitan Cathedral and Colon Theater, one of the best opera houses in Latin America. Witness the Natural Wonder of Iguassu Falls –the greatest spectacle of water and forest on Earth, with its thundering waters and multi-colored birds circling the falls and tree-lined jungle. Walk along paths that take you to the breathtaking landscape of Devil’s Throat. Finish in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for its lush green mountains, shimmering blue waters, and glorious beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Travel to the top of the Corcovado Mountain aboard the cogwheel railway and see the city’s famous icon – the 125-foot high statue of Christ the Redeemer while you admire panoramic vistas of this sensational city. Say “Hello” to sensational South America!