Upcoming Programs

Winter in historical Japanese villageJoin 精东影业 Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning for an educational experience unlike any other! Our tours are tailored for a mature traveler, and the inclusions are special experiences that only we can offer! 

To learn more about what to expect during our trips, please visit our FAQ page.

Please note:

  • We require a minimum number of travelers to run a tour.  After registering for a tour, do not purchase trip insurance or plane tickets until you hear back from us that the minimum has been met and your travel plans can proceed, full steam ahead.
  • Payment deadlines for all travel programs are pending until we receive final approval for the trip from 精东影业.  
2026 Tours are coming soon!
If you would like to be notified when our other travel programs become available .

2025 Tours

 September 15 - 25, 2025 (waitlist only)

A world away yet tantalizingly close, Iceland is a magical island of pure and unspoiled natural beauty. Iceland is a verdant paradise of electric green valleys punctuated by craggy mountains, steaming hot springs, boiling mud pools, and lava fields said to be inhabited by elves. Here, we will meet hardy locals who have historically carved a living from both the land and sea in farming communities and fishing villages, as well as discover the history of this isolated nation preserved in a series of medieval tales known as the Sagas. Their customs and traditions are inspired from centuries of folk tales passed down from generation to generation, and are full of magic, ghosts, elves, and huldufolk (hidden people).

Although shaped by its past, Iceland continues to push the progressive envelope and continuously ranks at the top of better life indexes for its strong quality of life. You鈥檒l get further insight into the lives of these resilient people during A Day in the Life of an Icelandic horse farm where we'll stay overnight. In Akureyri, sit down with a local family for a home-hosted dinner. Later, in the capital city of Reykjavik, witness the creativity of a city that has harnessed the power of nature to provide sustainable energy to its inhabitants when you learn firsthand about geothermal power at the Hellisheidarvirkjun Power Plant. Icelandic culture and traditions combine for an unforgettable adventure in an unspoiled land.

Program Tuition:  
(per person) Double Occupancy    $6,795
Single Supplement +$500

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due by May 24, 2025.
Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

December 2 - December 20, 2025

We invite you to discover the depth of Vietnam's beauty while traversing the country from north to south on this comprehensive adventure. Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route to cruise along Halong Bay, explore ancient Hu茅, witness the idyllic seaside retreat of Nha Trang, experience French-flavored Dalat, and much more. Thanks to our small group size and regional Trip Experience Leader, you'll enjoy many personal interactions with the people of Vietnam, from meeting the women and children of a local shelter to spending A Day in the Life of Tho Ha village. Plus, throughout your adventure, you'll meet with locals to discuss controversial topics, such as land reform, the country's high abortion rate, post-war re-education camps, life for Vietnam War veterans, as well as the oppression of various ethnic groups. You鈥檒l even enjoy an overnight cruise on a traditional Vietnamese sailboat in Halong Bay鈥攁n intimate experience that鈥檚 only possible in a small group like ours. From the bustling cities to the serene seaside to the lush highlands, let Vietnam鈥檚 warmth and beauty amaze you - in all its diversity.

Program Tuition:  
(per person) Double Occupancy    $5,900
Single Supplement +$750

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due August 15, 2025.

Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

February 2 - February 16, 2026

Imagine yourself on an authentic and immersive journey to Colombia, where you will enjoy meaningful interaction with the local people, sample exquisite local foods and world-class coffees, relax on white sand beaches, and so much more. Expand your horizons by meeting with a local university and learn about the higher education system in Colombia. Other cultural experiences include visiting the fishing village of La Boquilla to fish alongside the locals. Each city provides a deeper insight into this amazing culture, as you attend a graffiti tour and workshop in Bogota, visit local markets, and take a tour in Medellin to learn about unique challenges and solutions in Colombian urban development. Ready for new culinary experiences? Take part in a traditional rum and chocolate tasting with local experts. We will sample rums that are catalogued as some of the best in the world! We will go to a local coffee plantation and learn what makes Colombia鈥檚 coffees famous worldwide. Get cooking at a group cooking class in Salento, a hands-on experience to learn the art of Colombian cuisine. As a lovely restful moment during your grand adventure, we will take a boat ride to the Rosario Islands, relax on the white sand beaches of Majagua Island, and enjoy a local lunch.

Program Tuition:  
(per person) Double Occupancy    $6,650
Single Supplement +$999

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due October 17, 2025.

Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

PAST TOUR EXPERIENCES

Our Time in Toolik (2024)

Traveling with Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning is not just a vacation, but an educational experience in culture, art, and history. Our tours are personalized for our groups, and we strive to make meaningful connections with local guides to create memorable experiences. 

Here are just a few of the places we've visited over the years:

South Africa
Cuba
Netherlands
Greece
Panama
Tanzania
Peru
Costa Rica

Bali
Chile
Scotland
Portugal
Ecuador
Turkey
India 
Japan

Morocco
Vietnam
Spain
Ireland
China
Slovenia, Croatia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Grand Canyon, AZ