International Travel

With the Art Institute as your guide, embark on a voyage to uncover the globe's diverse cultural traditions.

Goritsy Monastery, Goritsy, Russia.

Waterways of Russia: Aboard the Exclusively Chartered Deluxe M.S. Volga Dream September 12–22, 2012 Join Margaret F. Farr, Ph.D., Lecturer in the Department of Museum Education, for nine nights aboard the M.S. Volga Dream, the premier ship cruising Russia’s waterways. Enjoy time in Russia’s two great cultural capitals on this carefully crafted itinerary—spend two nights aboard ship in St. Petersburg, czar Peter the Great's "window on the West," with a special early-opening tour of the State Hermitage Museum, and spend one night aboard ship in the fabled city of Moscow, the political and commercial capital of the world's largest country and home to the world’s largest collection of Fabergé eggs. Cruise through the heartland of Russia along scenic rivers, lakes, and canals to the legendary open-air museum of Kizhi Island, the 14th-century monastery of Goritsy, medieval Yaroslavl, and 10th-century Uglic—rustic remnants of Old Russia. This unique and always-popular program will appeal not only to the first-time visitor to Russia, but also to the return visitor curious to see the astounding changes that have taken place in Russia's two largest and most important cities. An optional two-night post-cruise stay in Moscow is available. Learn more about this trip.

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Heaven and Earth: Around the World by Private Jet October 31–November 20, 2012 Join the Art Institute on this exploration of humankind’s powerful connections with heaven and earth on an extraordinary 21-day adventure to rich cultures and awe-inspiring natural wonders.Climb the terraced steps and touch the seamless walls of the ancient Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. Feel the protective gaze of the Easter Island moai statues. Immerse yourself in the underwater splendor of the Great Barrier Reef. Stand in awe before the monolithic Ayers Rock. Ascend the world’s largest Buddhist temple at Borobodur, and see one of South Asia’s most spectacular Hindu temples. Explore the legendary “Pink City” of Jaipur, marvel at the 18-century stone instruments of the Jantar Mantar observatory, and look for the Leonid Meteor Shower. Step through the Siq to one of the wonders on the ancient world at Petra, and explore the lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum. Learn more about this trip.