Luther Alumni and Friends Travel

Vienna invites you to wander its grand boulevards, admire breathtaking architecture, and immerse yourself in a city rich with history and culture.

This unique travel opportunity is offered as a companion tour alongside the Luther College Symphony Orchestra residency. While you’ll travel in connection with the ensemble, you’ll enjoy your own accommodations and a thoughtfully balanced itinerary. Guided tours will introduce you to Vienna’s iconic landmarks and centuries-old traditions, while ample free time allows you to explore the city at your own pace.

On select evenings, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the orchestra’s performances in distinguished venues across the region—sharing in the excitement as Luther musicians take the stage before international audiences.

Whether you’re strolling through historic streets, savoring Viennese cuisine, or enjoying world-class music, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of elegance, culture, and discovery.

*If interested, a Salzburg pre-tour add-on is available January 19-21, 2006.

Mark Potvin ’01 is an associate professor of music and the conductor of Norskkor and the Cathedral Choir at Luther College. He helped to reimagine and restart the companion trips that parallel the international performance tours of the college’s four touring ensembles. His leadership has included guiding groups to follow the Nordic Choir through Norway in 2024, shadowing the Concert Band across Japan in 2025, and planning upcoming excursions alongside the Nordic Choir in 2027 and the Jazz Orchestra in 2028. He is now leading this first organized companion tour matched to the famed January residency for the Luther College Symphony Orchestra (LCSO).

During LCSO’s 2023 residency, Potvin dropped in to visit and observe the signature program firsthand. He is thrilled by the opportunity to introduce travelers to the orchestra, their new conductor Charles Baldwin, the Vienna residency program, and the musical capital of the world.

Of companion tours, Potvin notes, “There’s no better window into the student experience than following a music ensemble on tour. One gets to see the unparalleled excellence, insatiable curiosity, and genuine community of Luther College students on full display—all while exploring the world and making a few new friends!”

The tour company will provide a tour manager on the ground, and an additional leader from Luther College will also join Mark Potvin.

*Special Note: President Brad and Julie Chamberlain are planning on joining the companion tour.

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra’s 2027 Vienna Companion Tour offers an immersive cultural and musical experience in one of Europe’s most historic capitals. Over the course of nine days, participants will explore Vienna’s rich artistic heritage while supporting the orchestra through a series of performances in prestigious venues. Here is the itinerary.

The tour begins with independent travel to Vienna and an eight-night stay at the centrally located Grand Hotel Vienna. After a welcome dinner and orientation, travelers will enjoy a balance of guided sightseeing and free time to explore the city. Highlights include a walking tour featuring landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Mozart Monument, as well as a guided visit to the renowned Musikverein and Schönbrunn Palace.

The itinerary is anchored by multiple Luther College Symphony Orchestra performances, including concerts in Stockerau, Grafenegg, and Vienna’s famed Musikverein. A traditional Viennese Heuriger evening—with local wine, food, and music—adds an authentic cultural touch, while several leisure days allow participants to experience Vienna’s cafés, museums, and neighborhoods at their own pace.

The program concludes with a farewell dinner and final concert, followed by departures for home.

Overall, the tour combines world-class music, cultural exploration, and independent discovery, providing a memorable and well-rounded experience in Austria.

*Note: An optional Salzburg extension at the begninning of the trip offers an expanded journey, including a guided tour of Mozart’s birthplace and additional time to explore another of Austria’s iconic cities before joining the main group in Vienna. Please see details in the itinerary.

Details and Expectations

The travel difficulty scale for this tour is Beginner to Intermediate. You should expect the following:

• You should be prepared for some walking, use of public transportation, and stairs.
• Our travel will be by private bus to the orchestra concerts in and around Vienna.
• You should be prepared to carry and move your own luggage. 

The tour price is $4,500 per person, based on double occupancy. A supplement of $1,045 applies for single occupancy.

The Salzburg add-on at the beginning of the tour is $1,300 per person based on double occupancy, with a single occupancy supplement of $300.

Note: Air transportation is not included in the cost. Everyone will arrive independently and make transfer arrangements to the hotel in Salzburg or Vienna.

What is included in this cost:

• Accommodation 
  • 8 nights in Vienna, double occupancy 4-star hotel or equivalent
  • 3 additional nights in Salzburg, double occupancy 4-star hotel or equivalent, if opting for this beginning add-on
• Meals 
  • As indicated on the itinerary – B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner
• Transportation
  • Air conditioned, private, motor coach to scheduled destinations 
• Sightseeing & Activities 
  • Guided tours and entrance fees to sites and attractions as indicated on the schedule
  • Tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and group meals
• On-Site Support 
  • Ongoing planning, group facilitation, and support from the tour leaders
• Insurance
  • Enrollment in a travel accident and sickness insurance policy, which covers the following:
  • General accident and sickness medical coverage while outside the U.S.
  • Emergency evacuation benefit
  • Accidental death, dismemberment, repatriation of remains
  • Trip cancellation, delay, interruption benefit (when personal sickness/injury or death of a family member make travel impossible–see policy for details)
  • 24/7 global travel assistance for enrolled individuals

Examples of what is not included in this cost:

• Flights
  • Round-trip international airfare to Vienna Airport (or Salzburg for the add-on) 
• Meals
  • Meals not indicated on the detailed, daily itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages not included as part of group meals
  • Room service
• Excursions/Tips/Gratuities
  • Individual excursions and activities planned during free time
  • Tips and gratuities during free time 
• Personal Expenses
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Local transportation (London public transportation, taxi fare, etc.)
  • Recommended immunizations and vaccinations (if any)
  • Cancel for any Reason insurance (see Dates, Deadlines, Payments, & Refunds for additional details)
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Phone charges, eSIMS, international mobile phone plans

Dates, Deadlines, Payments, and Refunds

We look forward to having you travel along with us. The following dates, deadlines, payments, and refunds apply to this specific tour and are based on payments Luther College must make to the company tour vendors to guarantee group rates.

*Please secure your spot as soon as possible so we can ensure tour company minimums are met. 

Registration Deposit: A $500 deposit is due upon registration.

Deposit Refund Policy: The deposit is 50% refundable ($250) for cancellations made on or before September 10, 2026. Deposits made after September 10, 2026, are non-refundable.

Balance Due Payment: The remaining balance of $4,000 is due by October 1, 2026.

Late Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after October 1, 2026, except in extenuating circumstances covered by our insurance (for details, see insurance information above).

Important Note: The Luther accident and sickness insurance policy in which you will be enrolled is NOT a “cancel for any reason—CFAR” or “interrupt for any reason— IFAR” policy. If you are interested in purchasing a CFAR/IFAR policy, that allows for greater flexibility in cancellations and interruptions for any reason, we suggest you contact your insurance provider who can help you explore various options.

Registration Instructions:

• Access: Please read all of the how-to instructions below BEFORE completing registration. When you’re ready, click here to navigate to the registration site. 
• Account Creation: On the login screen, do NOT select “Go to Portal.” Instead, look at the bottom under the section labeled “If you do not have a Luther College login” and select Sign up. Enter your email address and create a password.
• Clear the Pop-ups: Close the next two pop-up windows asking about “getting started” by clicking the X in the upper right-hand corner. Alternatively, select “skip and don’t show again” at the bottom of each pop-up.
• Program Selection: In the Program Search area at the top of the main page, type ALUMNI to view the current Alumni and Friends tours. Select the Vienna tour and click the Apply button.
• Finalize: Ensure all required fields are populated and click Submit to complete your registration.

What to Expect Next: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Once your registration is approved, a second email will follow with additional forms and payment instructions for the $500 deposit.

People, Parks, and Partnerships in East Africa

This Luther Alumni & Friends Travel journey to Tanzania is designed to introduce participants to the country’s amazing wildlife and national parks, its fascinating cultures, especially the Indigenous communities of the Maasai people, and some of the inspiring work that is happening to address the social and environmental challenges in the region. We will visit three of the world’s premier wildlife viewing sites: Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and the vast Serengeti plains. Of special interest will be the annual wildebeest calving season and great migration that correspond with the timing of our visit to East Africa. In addition to these once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, this journey will focus on the Tanzanian people who are equally unique and fascinating. Utilizing Luther’s deep connections to the Maasai people and numerous NGOs working in the region, participants will have the opportunity to visit schools, medical clinics, and conservation projects led by and serving the people there. One highlight will be a visit to the Maasai community of Eluwai, where Luther groups regularly stay during January Term experiences that immerse students in the culture of this unique Indigenous community. Our itinerary will shed light on our central question: How do people and wildlife coexist on the plains of northern Tanzania, and what partnerships exist to serve community needs?

Lori (Van Gerpen) Stanley ’80, professor emerita of anthropology, joined the Luther faculty in 1984 and retired in 2021. Over the arc of her career she taught courses in Spanish language, cultural and linguistic anthropology, and first-year and upper-level Paideia. Lori’s interest in international education began with her own undergraduate study abroad experiences in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. As a faculty member, she has since 1992 led numerous Luther College January Term programs abroad, traveling with students five times to Nepal, once to Guatemala, and 18 times to Tanzania, most recently in 2026. Lori is co-founder and president of Natopiwo Partners, a US nonprofit organization that collaborates with and supports Natopiwo, a registered Tanzanian nongovernmental organization (NGO) founded by longtime January Term collaborator Musa Kamaika Meng’arana. Together these two organizations promote education, environmental conservation and restoration, health and wellbeing, and the empowerment of women and girls in Maasai communities in northern Tanzania.

Jon Jensen ’89 is Professor of Philosophy and Environmental Studies and director of Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities. His teaching and research focus on environmental ethics, campus sustainability, and initiatives to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Jon has directed semester-long study away experiences in Tanzania and Malta, and January Terms in various locations for more than 15 years. He has traveled to Tanzania on multiple occasions and hosted Maasai cultural guides from Tanzania at Luther College and in Decorah on three separate occasions. Jon is also a co-founder of Natopiwo Partners and serves as board member and treasurer of the nonprofit organization. 

Learn about our Tanzanian Partners

Here is the itinerary.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our hosts will provide transport to the city of Arusha, the regional capital and home of the East African Community, a regional intergovernmental organization comprising eight member states, and numerous other international organizations. We will spend a few days in and around Arusha to adjust to the time change and visit a local school and coffee farm, as well as connect with individuals who are key partners to Luther initiatives. Our wildlife safari begins at Tarangire National Park, home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, where we will do morning and evening game drives. Our next stop is the highland town of Karatu where we will tour FAME medical center and visit the Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcano, or caldera, that is one of the top wildlife-viewing destinations in the world. Finally, we will travel to the plains of the Serengeti to see the spectacle of wildebeest calving and all the wildlife for which Serengeti is famous. After our safari we will return to Arusha. A final highlight will be a trip to the Maasai community of Eluwai to talk with Maasai elders and learn about the work of Natopiwo and the partnerships that exist with Luther and the US. There will be time for you to explore on your own in Arusha before departing for home. 

Details and Expectations

The travel difficulty scale for this tour is Intermediate. You should expect the following:

• Tanzania is a diverse country with many different climates and habitats. This trip will focus on northern Tanzania and what is often called the “northern circuit” of national parks located within a day’s drive of the city of Arusha.
• Our travel within the country will be by private bus or “coaster” in and around Arusha, and by safari vehicles (Land Cruisers or Jeeps) while visiting national parks and conservation areas. Although these vehicles are comfortable, please note that much of our travel will be on rough dirt roads or cross-country two-tracks while on wildlife safari. The safari vehicles have roofs that pop up to allow riders to stand for prime wildlife viewing and photography.
• While game viewing in the national parks, regulations require that for safety’s sake we stay in our vehicles. At other times you should expect to walk a lot, sometimes on uneven ground. Bring good walking shoes and brimmed hats, and expect to be outside in the heat. 
• You should be prepared to carry and move your own luggage, though assistance will be available in some locations. Prior to travel we’ll provide a packing list and a pre-arrival Advice Guide that will emphasize the importance of packing light.
• Our accommodations will vary but most will be 4-5-star or equivalent. Breakfast will be included at each property and most meals throughout the tour will be provided. 
• Toilet facilities in Tanzania range from modern flush toilets at hotels, lodges, and most park entrance gates, to basic pit latrines, to “bush toilets” (using the outdoors) in remote areas. While on safari we will take advantage of opportunities to use flush toilets, but in some locations our only option might be a pit toilet or even a “loo with a view.”
• Although this tour is designed for adults, youth aged 16 and older who seek adventure and are ready to engage more deeply in the world are also welcome. Please consult with the tour leaders in advance about the participation of children. 

Costs, Inclusions, and Exclusions

The cost of the tour is $8,250 per person based on double occupancy. We invite solo travelers to join us for a single supplement of $1,500. (Please note: we’re happy to connect solo travelers with one another, so that they can explore sharing accommodations.)

What is included in this cost:

• Accommodation 
  • 11 nights in double occupancy 4-star or 5-star equivalent hotels or lodges
• Meals 
  • The majority of the meals during the 2 weeks are covered with the following specifics:
    • All breakfasts included as part of overnight lodging
    • Lunches and dinners included on wildlife safari
    • When in Arusha, some lunches included – dinner on your own
• Transportation
  •  All in-country transportation is provided, including the following:
    • Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport upon arrival and departure
    • Comfortable private motor coach for travel in and around Arusha
    • Land Cruiser 4WD safari vehicles when on wildlife safari
• Sightseeing & Activities 
  • English-speaking guides and drivers who will be with us throughout the 2 weeks in country
  • Tours and entrance fees to sites and attractions as indicated on the schedule
• On-Site Support 
  • Ongoing planning, group facilitation, and support from the Luther College tour leaders
  • A dedicated, English-speaking Tanzanian tour director
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking guides and lecturers throughout the tour 
  • Professional bus drivers/transportation providers

• Insurance
  • Enrollment in a travel accident and sickness insurance policy, which covers the following:
  • General accident and sickness medical coverage while outside the U.S.
  • Emergency evacuation benefit
  • Accidental death, dismemberment, repatriation of remains
  • Trip cancellation, delay, interruption benefit (when personal sickness/injury or death of a family member make travel impossible–see policy for details)
  • 24/7 global travel assistance for enrolled individuals

Examples of what is not included in this cost:

• Flights
  •  International airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Meals
  • Meals not indicated on the detailed, daily itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages not included as part of group meals
  • Room service
• Excursions/Tips/Gratuities
  • Tips and gratuities for tour director, tour guides, drivers, and group meals
  • Individual excursions and activities planned during free time
• Personal Expenses
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Recommended immunizations and vaccinations
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Phone charges, eSIMS, international mobile phone plans

Dates, Deadlines, Payments, and Refunds

We look forward to having you travel along with us. The following dates, deadlines, payments, and refunds apply to this specific tour and are based on payments Luther College must make to the company tour vendors to guarantee group rates.

*Please secure your spot as soon as possible so we can ensure tour company minimums are met.

Registration Deposit: A $500 deposit is due upon registration.

Deposit Refund Policy: The deposit is 50% refundable ($250) for cancellations made on or before August 1, 2026. Deposits made after August 1, 2026, are non-refundable.

Balance Due Payment: The remaining balance of $7,750 is due by October 1, 2026.

Late Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after October 1, 2026, except in extenuating circumstances covered by our insurance (for details, see insurance information above).

Important Note: The Luther accident and sickness insurance policy in which you will be enrolled is NOT a “cancel for any reason—CFAR” or “interrupt for any reason— IFAR” policy. If you are interested in purchasing a CFAR/IFAR policy, that allows for greater flexibility in cancellations and interruptions for any reason, we suggest you contact your insurance provider who can help you explore various options.

Registration Instructions:

• Access: Please read all of the how-to instructions below BEFORE completing registration. When you’re ready, click here to navigate to the registration site. 
• Account Creation: On the login screen, do NOT select “Go to Portal.” Instead, look at the bottom under the section labeled “If you do not have a Luther College login” and select Sign up. Enter your email address and create a password.
• Clear the Pop-ups: Close the next two pop-up windows asking about “getting started” by clicking the X in the upper right-hand corner. Alternatively, select “skip and don’t show again” at the bottom of each pop-up.
• Program Selection: In the Program Search area at the top of the main page, type ALUMNI to view the current Alumni and Friends tours. Select the Tanzania tour and click the Apply button.
• Finalize: Ensure all required fields are populated and click Submit to complete your registration.

What to Expect Next: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Once your registration is approved, a second email will follow with additional forms and payment instructions for the $500 deposit.

Beyond the War: A Resilient People, A Rising Nation

It has been more than 50 years since the Paris Peace Accords officially ended America’s involvement in the Vietnam war. And yet, that war and the social discord that accompanied it still looms large for Americans of a certain age. Although many remnants of what the Vietnamese called “the American war” remain visible in Vietnam, the Vietnamese seem to have followed the advice a mechanic gave an expat who wanted the rear-view mirror on her motorbike fixed: there’s no need to look back, just keep looking forward.  

This Luther Alumni and Friends Travel journey to Vietnam is designed to introduce Americans to the country’s natural beauty, its fascinating culture and amazing food, and its gentle people, most of whom feel affection for the United States. We will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and museums that address Vietnam’s history and traditions; we will encounter Vietnamese food culture through a cooking class and group meals; and we’ll connect you to Luther alums through an alumni gathering, so you can gain better perspectives about modern-day Vietnam. At the same time, we will explore two sets of ideas through scholars/practitioners and group reflection. First, we will compare and contrast the American and Vietnamese responses to the war, both then and now. Second, we will think about the impact globalization is having on Vietnam. Will the economic gains, which already are taking place, come at a cost to the traditional values of the people? Can economic growth go hand in hand with continued rule by the Communist Party? Will economic growth have a negative impact on the natural environment? How will the United States and Vietnam interact in the future?

John Moeller, retired professor of political science, began his teaching at Luther in 1981 and retired in 2017 after a 36-year career. He has visited Vietnam four times; twice co-teaching a January Term course. In addition to his travels in Vietnam, John has led January Term courses in Tanzania, Western Europe, New Zealand, and England and directed Luther’s Malta Semester Program, Scandinavian Semester Program and Washington D.C. Semester Program.

Jon Lund recently retired from Luther after nearly 30 years of service in a variety of administrative positions. For 20 years, Jon traveled extensively as he directed Luther’s international admissions efforts and managed the college’s study away programs. Of the 106 countries he’s visited in the past, Vietnam is near the top of his “most loved countries” list. He has traveled to Vietnam nearly 25 times, co-led two J-Term courses in Nepal, and accompanied the Luther Concert Band on two international tours to Japan. 

*Special Note: President Brad and Julie Chamberlain are planning on joining this tour.

Itinerary

The trip will begin in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, with its century-old architecture, vibrant Old Quarter, and legendary markets. After our orientation in Hanoi, we will depart for the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh (Tam Coc), both known for their breathtaking karst mountains and incredible landscapes. We then head south to two central cities: Hue, a former Imperial City with palaces, shrines, temples, and tombs; and Hoi An, a charming and exceptionally preserved 15th-19th century trading port consisting of a walkable ancient city, colonial buildings, colorful lanterns, and a lively food scene. Our journey continues south to the Mekong Delta (An Binh Island) where we experience Vietnam’s agricultural heart, a region of rivers, canals, mysterious islands, floating markets, and stilted houses. We conclude our tour of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the country’s largest and most dynamic city, which has become a major commercial, financial, and cultural center. At each stop we will provide a mixture of cultural activities and lectures by locals, leaving plenty of time for exploring on one’s own.

The detailed planning itinerary is online. The tour is still a work in progress, though the broad details of the itinerary have already been set. Feel free, though, to begin traveling along with us as you watch the planning for the trip unfold.

Background Reading

Two novels, which run from French colonialism to the American War, are Nguyen Phan Que Mai’s The Mountain Sings and Andrew X Pham’s The Eves of Heaven. Both novels move back and forth between the 1940s and recent times and both describe the plight of a family of landowners. In the course of the stories the reader learns about key periods in recent Vietnamese history.

Camilla Gibbs’ The Beauty of Humanity Movement tells the story of a Vietnamese-American who returns to find her past. The novel offers a good picture of modern day Hanoi and Vietnamese culture.

Robert Olen Butler’s A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain, which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1993, is a collection of short stories. Although the stories focus on Vietnamese immigrants in the United States, they reveal much about the ways Vietnamese look at the world.

Doung Thu Huong is a popular and highly respected novelist who came of age during the American War. Her books were banned, she was imprisoned and kicked out of the Communist Party, and currently she lives in Paris. Paradise of the Blind addresses the Communist Party’s confiscation of land in the early 1980s.

There obviously are many books by American historians and novelists that deal with the Vietnam War.  Tim O’Briens’s The Things They Carried is a classic, which looks at the American soldier. In the Lake of the Woods is a mystery thriller about an American politician who committed war crimes while fighting in the war.

Quan Barry’s She Weeps Each Time You’re Born is set during the war and has a main character who speaks to the dead. Barry, who teaches at University of Wisconsin-Madison, was born in Saigon.

Details and Expectations

The travel difficulty scale for this tour is Intermediate. You should expect the following:

• Vietnam is an incredibly vibrant, beautiful, and diverse country. For those not accustomed to travel, it can also be a bit of an assault on the senses due to its fast-paced, intense, and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. You will be swept away by the sights, sounds, and smells of this incredible country and culture.
• Most travel between cities will be in air-conditioned private motor coaches.
• We will take two in-country flights from Hanoi to Danang and from Danang to Can Tho.
• While in Vietnam, we will also travel via a wooden cruise ship, bikes, motorboat, small bamboo boats, river junk, and Grab taxis (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber). 
• We will navigate most cities on foot, simply because this is the best way to encounter a new culture. You should expect to walk and stand a lot. We anticipate we may walk five miles or more some days. You should plan on uneven surfaces, lots of stairs, railings in some places (and not in others), and limited access to elevators in many locations.
• Traffic in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic at best. We’ll help you learn how to navigate busy roads and intersections. You will need to come to Vietnam with the willingness to be a bit adventurous as you navigate busy walkways and roads.
• You should be prepared to carry and move your own luggage, though assistance will be available in some hotels. We’ll provide a packing list and a pre-arrival Advice Guide prior to travel, that will emphasize the importance of packing light.
• Our hotels are all 5- and 4-star properties in great locations with character and charm. They will all have air conditioning and private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast will be included at each property. 
• Although this tour is designed for adults, older children who seek adventure and are ready to engage more deeply in the world are also welcome. Please consult with the tour leaders in advance about the participation of children. 

Costs, Inclusions, and Exclusions

The cost of the tour is $4,000 per person based on double occupancy. We invite solo travelers to join us for a single supplement of $500.  We are also happy to match solo travelers 

What is included in this cost:

• Accommodation 
  • 13 nights in 5- and 4-star (or equivalent) hotels
  • This includes 1 night in a cruise cabin while on Halong Bay
  • This includes 1 night specialized lodging in a farmhouse on An Binh Island in the Mekong Delta
  • Each hotel is listed on the detailed itinerary, including its address
• Meals 
  • 13 daily buffet breakfasts are included
  • 9 lunches are included
  • 3 dinners are included
  • 1 Luther Alumni, Parents, and Friends Gathering with Hors d’oeuvres is included    
  • All included meals are highlighted on the detailed daily itinerary as: B (breakfast), L (lunch), D (dinner) 
• Transportation
  • Comfortable air conditioned, private, motor coach travel
  • Cruise ship on Halong Bay
  • Transfers to/from airports upon international arrival and departure 
  • 2 in-country flights from Hanoi to Danang and from Danang to Can Tho (Please note that each participant may check one 50-lb bag, which is included in the ticket price)
  • We will also travel via bikes, motorboat, small bamboo boats, river junk, and Grab taxis (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber)
• Sightseeing & Activities 
  • Guided tours and entrance fees to sites and attractions as indicated on the schedule
  • Tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and group meals
• On-Site Support 
  • Ongoing planning, group facilitation, and support from the tour leaders
  • A dedicated, Vietnamese-speaking tour director
  • Knowledgeable guides and lecturers throughout the tour 
  • Professional bus drivers/transportation providers
• Insurance
  • Enrollment in a travel accident and sickness insurance policy, which covers the following:
    • General accident and sickness medical coverage while outside the U.S.
    • Emergency evacuation benefit
    • Accidental death, dismemberment, repatriation of remains
    • Trip cancellation, delay, interruption benefit (when personal sickness/injury or death of a family member make travel impossible–see policy for details)
    • 24/7 global travel assistance for enrolled individuals

Examples of what is not included in this cost:

• Flights
  •  International airfare to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City
• Meals
  • Meals not indicated on the detailed, daily itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages not included as part of group meals
  • Room service
• Excursions/Tips/Gratuities
  • Individual excursions and activities planned during free time
  • Tips and gratuities during free time 
• Personal Expenses
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Recommended immunizations and vaccinations
  • Baggage insurance and trip insurance (see Dates, Deadlines, Payments, & Refunds for additional details)
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Phone charges, eSIMS, international mobile phone plans

Dates, Deadlines, Payments, and Refunds

We look forward to having you travel along with us. The following dates, deadlines, payments, and refunds apply to this specific tour and are based on payments Luther College must make to the company tour vendors to guarantee group rates.

*Please secure your spot as soon as possible so we can ensure tour company minimums are met.

Registration Deposit: A $500 deposit is due upon registration.

Deposit Refund Policy: The deposit is 50% refundable ($250) for cancellations made on or before October 1, 2026. Deposits made after October 1, 2026, are non-refundable.

Balance Due Payment: The remaining balance of $3,500 is due by December 1, 2026.

Late Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after December 1, 2026, except in extenuating circumstances covered by our insurance (for details, see insurance information above).

Important Note: The Luther accident and sickness insurance policy in which you will be enrolled is NOT a “cancel for any reason—CFAR” or “interrupt for any reason— IFAR” policy. If you are interested in purchasing a CFAR/IFAR policy, that allows for greater flexibility in cancellations and interruptions for any reason, we suggest you contact your insurance provider who can help you explore various options.

Registration Instructions:

• Access: Please read all of the how-to instructions below BEFORE completing registration. When you’re ready, click here to navigate to the registration site. 
• Account Creation: On the login screen, do NOT select “Go to Portal.” Instead, look at the bottom under the section labeled “If you do not have a Luther College login” and select Sign up. Enter your email address and create a password.
• Clear the Pop-ups: Close the next two pop-up windows asking about “getting started” by clicking the X in the upper right-hand corner. Alternatively, select “skip and don’t show again” at the bottom of each pop-up.
• Program Selection: In the Program Search area at the top of the main page, type ALUMNI to view the current Alumni and Friends tours. Select the Vietnam tour and click the Apply button.
• Finalize: Ensure all required fields are populated and click Submit to complete your registration.

What to Expect Next: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Once your registration is approved, a second email will follow with additional forms and payment instructions for the $500 deposit.

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More than a sightseeing tour, this journey invites you to explore the heart of Norway alongside the Nordic Choir. From the historic streets of Stavanger to the legndary Flåm Railway, discover a perfect blend of musical performances and breathtaking landscapes.

Note: This tour is being finalized with the tour company. Stay tuned for more details.

Tour leadership is being finalized; however, President Brad and Julie Chamberlain are planning on joining the companion tour.

Details are being finalized – check back soon!

Registration instructions are being finalized – stay tuned!

English Theatre: A Mirror of the Human Condition

“Theatre instructs by showing.  Drama helps us slip under the skin and into the hearts of characters we may not think are much like us, until we discover, in a bright light or a burst of laughter, that they are.” (Scot Simon)

This Alumni and Friends travel course uses the varied and vibrant stages of English theatre to explore the human condition. Based in London, a crossroads of world cultures, we’ll use the plays we see as a lens through which we examine ourselves and our societies. We’ll follow up each performance with a discussion the next day, in which we consider how theatre acts as both a mirror and a catalyst for changing perspectives.

The roster of plays will be announced closer to the time of travel. We can guarantee a range of classical, contemporary, and musical theatre performances, including a special behind-the-scenes day at the Globe Theatre.

Between morning discussions and evening performances, there will be optional visits to museums and other points of interest, with plenty of time for individual exploration in London. The trip begins with a two-day excursion to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company.

No expertise or special knowledge is required to be an engaged audience member. We invite any participants who are willing to be curious, open-minded, and thoughtful, as we deepen our understanding of the human condition through shared experiences in the theatre.

Nancy K. Barry, professor emerita of English, taught Paideia, creative writing, and American non-fiction from 1990-2021. She was also a popular instructor at the University of Iowa’s Summer Writing Festival for 25 years. In 2017, Nancy led a semester-long theatre course in London for the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, to students from various colleges in the consortium. Her study abroad courses include South Africa and six trips to London teaching English Theatre. She is the author of a one-woman play entitled Lessons from Cancer College, which premiered in Decorah in 2011, and was performed in Iowa City and Minneapolis. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Kristen Underwood’s Luther College connection was forged in 1992 when beloved theatre professor Bob Larson directed her as Lady Macbeth during the first of her ten seasons at the Commonweal Theatre. In addition to acting and directing, Kristen served as the Commonweal’s education director, which included summer conservatories and an active Elderhostel program. At Luther she taught acting, improv, Shakespeare, Ibsen, theatre history, and the J-term Paideia course in theatre (London, Stratford, York, and Edinburgh) with Nancy Barry. In Decorah, she founded Upstart Crow Theatreworks in 2002 and ArtHaus in 2008. Kristen holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Colorado in Boulder (Phi Beta Kappa), and her MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.

Itinerary

General information is posted online as it becomes available. The detailed schedule of performances will be posted as each play is booked. Follow along to see what we have in store!

Details and Expectations

The travel difficulty scale for this tour is Beginner to Intermediate, provided you are willing to navigate London’s public transportation and walk two miles per day. You can expect the following:

• We’ll see 8 plays in 12 days, with one full day off half-way through the trip.
• Group travel from Heathrow to Stratford and return trip to London will be on an air-conditioned private motor coach.
• You should be prepared to carry and move your own luggage. 
• Breakfast will be included in London and Stratford lodging.
• Although this tour is designed for adults, older children (16 and up) who seek adventure and are ready to engage more deeply in the world are also welcome. If you wish to travel with minors, please consult with the tour leaders in advance, once the roster of plays is determined.

Costs, Inclusions, and Exclusions

The cost of the tour is $4,500 per person based on double occupancy. We invite solo travelers to also join us. The single supplement cost is $1,000. (Please note: we’re happy to connect solo travelers with one another, so that they can explore sharing accommodations.)

What is included in this cost:

• Accommodation 
  • 2 nights in Stratford-Upon-Avon, double occupancy 4-star inn or bed and breakfast
  • 10 nights in London, double occupancy 4-star hotel or equivalent
• Meals 
  • Daily breakfasts are included
  • 4 group dinners are also included. 
• Transportation
  • Air conditioned, private, motor coach travel to Stratford and return trip to London
• Sightseeing & Activities 
  • Guided tours and entrance fees to sites and attractions as indicated on the schedule
  • Tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and group meals
• On-Site Support 
  • Ongoing planning, group facilitation, and support from the tour leaders
• Insurance
  • Enrollment in a travel accident and sickness insurance policy, which covers the following:
  • General accident and sickness medical coverage while outside the U.S.
  • Emergency evacuation benefit
  • Accidental death, dismemberment, repatriation of remains
  • Trip cancellation, delay, interruption benefit (when personal sickness/injury or death of a family member make travel impossible–see policy for details)
  • 24/7 global travel assistance for enrolled individuals

Examples of what is not included in this cost:

• Flights
  • Round-trip international airfare to London’s Heathrow Airport
• Meals
  • Meals not indicated on the detailed, daily itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages not included as part of group meals
  • Room service
• Excursions/Tips/Gratuities
  • Individual excursions and activities planned during free time
  • Tips and gratuities during free time 
• Personal Expenses
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Local transportation (London public transportation, taxi fare, etc.)
  • Recommended immunizations and vaccinations
  • Cancel for any Reason insurance (see Dates, Deadlines, Payments, & Refunds for additional details)
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Phone charges, eSIMS, international mobile phone plans

Dates, Deadlines, Payments, and Refunds

We look forward to having you travel along with us. The following dates, deadlines, payments, and refunds apply to this specific tour and are based on payments Luther College must make to the company tour vendors to guarantee group rates.

*Please secure your spot as soon as possible so we can ensure tour company minimums are met.

Registration Deposit: A $500 deposit is due upon registration.

Deposit Refund Policy: The deposit is 50% refundable ($250) for cancellations made on or before March 1, 2027. Deposits made after March 1, 2027, are non-refundable.

Balance Due Payment: The remaining balance of $4,000 is due by May 1, 2027.

Late Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after May 1, 2027, except in extenuating circumstances covered by our insurance (for details, see insurance information above).

Important Note: The Luther accident and sickness insurance policy in which you will be enrolled is NOT a “cancel for any reason—CFAR” or “interrupt for any reason— IFAR” policy. If you are interested in purchasing a CFAR/IFAR policy, that allows for greater flexibility in cancellations and interruptions for any reason, we suggest you contact your insurance provider who can help you explore various options. 

Registration Instructions:

• Access: Please read all of the how-to instructions below BEFORE completing registration. When you’re ready, click here to navigate to the registration site. 
• Account Creation: On the login screen, do NOT select “Go to Portal.” Instead, look at the bottom under the section labeled “If you do not have a Luther College login” and select Sign up. Enter your email address and create a password.
• Clear the Pop-ups: Close the next two pop-up windows asking about “getting started” by clicking the X in the upper right-hand corner. Alternatively, select “skip and don’t show again” at the bottom of each pop-up.
• Program Selection: In the Program Search area at the top of the main page, type ALUMNI to view the current Alumni and Friends tours. Select the London theater tour and click the Apply button.
• Finalize: Ensure all required fields are populated and click Submit to complete your registration.

What to Expect Next: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Once your registration is approved, a second email will follow with additional forms and payment instructions for the $500 deposit.