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.

2008 Travel Schedule:
Tuscany & Italian Riviera: Sept. 27-October 5, 2008

The best known of all Italian spas, delightful Montecatini is located in the heart of Tuscany. Experience the exquisite beauty of the surrounding Tuscan landscapes with visits to charming Siena and beautiful Florence, a living museum of Renaissance art and architecture. The seaside resort town of San Remo basks in the wonderful climate of the sun-drenched Italian Riviera and is ideally situated for visiting the glamorous cities of Monte Carlo and Nice. Click here for more information and pricing.

Christmas Markets: December 1-9, 2008

Let the magic of European Christmas markets enchant you with hand-crafted gifts from toys, wood carvings, candles to lambskin shoes and luscious delicacies. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, delicious gingerbread houses and baked apples. Shop to your heart's delight and bring back one-of-a-kind gifts to share with your loved ones, recalling beloved memories of your own childhood celebrations. This trip travels to markets in France, Germany and Austria.

To receive fliers on these trips, contact Erin Harrass at 414-906-4662,eph@uwm.edu and provide your mailing address.

2009 Travel Schedule:
Ireland: March 12-20, 2009
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, 2009
Mayflower 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!

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, 2009
Mayflower 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!