As a member of the World Affairs Councils of America network, the Alaska World Affairs Council is pleased to share opportunities to experience the world with guided expertise!
Coordinated by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, many trips include lecturers drawn from across the World Affairs Councils of America leadership; from the fields of diplomacy, journalism, or academia and offer “meet the people” opportunities for citizen diplomats. WAC Philadelphia offer tours on all continents, both land tours and small-ship cruises.
- Japan
- Italy
- Egypt
WAC Philadelphia can match your travel needs to specific tours. Visit their website for information about upcoming tour or call them at 800-942-5004, ext. 209 or 217
Trip features:
- Expert tour leadership
- Like-minded fellow travelers
- Roommate matching when available
- Advance reading materials
- Substantive in-country briefings
- Quality tour content
- Travel the World is a Flagship Program of the World Affairs Councils of America
Upcoming Travel Opportunities
Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords with Lise Kristiansen | June 3 – June 10, 2022
Join Lise Kristiansen, President and CEO of the Alaska World Affairs Council and Royal Norwegian Honorary Consul for Alaska for a singular, custom-designed journey across the mist-enshrouded peaks of Scotland to the pristine natural beauty of Norway’s mighty fjords. The legacies of Viking and Celtic clans are entwined in each civilizations’ rich cultural traditions and compelling archaeological heritage. Cruise into ports accessible only by small ship on this exceptional seven-night itinerary from Glasgow, Scotland, to Bergen, Norway, aboard the exclusively chartered, Five-Star Le Dumont-d’Urville, with a private balcony in all Suites and Staterooms.
Enjoy a full-day scenic excursion into the beautiful glens of the Scottish Highlands, with visits to Glenfinnan, Glencoe and the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle. Experience a specially arranged ride on Norway’s Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, as you visit prehistoric Jarlshof in the Shetland Islands, the ethereal Isle of Skye and Bergen’s picturesque Bryggen. Discover the Orkney Islands’ fascinating Neolithic history at the UNESCO-inscribed Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, including a special presentation by the Ness of Brodgar head archaeologist, Nick Card. Edinburgh and Glasgow Pre-Program and Wonders of Norway and Copenhagen Post‑Program Options. May 26 – June 3 departure also available.
Wild Alaska Family Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan | August 17 – August 22, 2022
Navigate narrow straits and glacial bays aboard the nimble National Geographic Sea Lion on this exploration of Southeast Alaska. In Ketchikan, visit the Totem Heritage Center to view a unique collection of 19th-century Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles from abandoned villages around Ketchikan. Wake up to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Set out by kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Spend the afternoon exploring the town of Wrangell, including a visit to a tribal house and a beach famous for native petroglyphs. Cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water. Disembark in Juneau and visit the Alaska State Museum to learn about the history and culture of this incredible region of the world. Throughout the cruise, learn under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, five veteran naturalists, including an undersea specialist and photo instructor––the largest and most knowledgeable expedition team in Alaska. Their knowledge and passion are the key to this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Why Travel the World
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia organizes all the Travel the World trips for the national association of Councils and has been doing so for 35 years. If you enjoy traveling on unique tours to fascinating destinations, and having access to political experts and local guides who give behind the scenes views and briefings, then you’ll quickly discover why traveling with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is so special.
The Council began its extraordinary offering of educational tours with our landmark trip to the People’s Republic of China in 1977, when they were among the first Westerners to visit China after the country was re-opened by Deng Xiaoping. Since then, the Council has offered an annual program of tours on every continent including such diverse locations as Ethiopia; the Arctic Circle and Cuba.
Because of their reputation as one of the nation’s leading forums, the Council has established connections around the globe that allow them to offer members access that they can’t get when traveling alone or on other tours. Council leaders, who can draw on their expertise in the fields of diplomacy, journalism, or academia, accompany some tours as lecturers thereby providing added value to the experience.
Philadelphia’s Travel the World Program is a National Flagship Program of the World Affairs Councils system – an award for excellence.