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Grinnellian Adventures

Lifelong Learning and Global Connection for All Grinnellians 

Grinnellian Adventures offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the world alongside Grinnell College faculty and fellow Grinnellians. Guided by faculty leads, skilled tour directors, and insightful local guides, each journey is crafted to reflect the hallmarks of a Grinnell College education - curiosity, global awareness, civic engagement, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

These immersive adventures create space for genuine dialogue and discovery within an inclusive community of Grinnellians who value diverse perspectives. Participants experience destinations in extraordinary ways, including special access and behind-the-scenes opportunities not typically available to independent travelers.

By joining a trip, you help strengthen ties among Grinnellians across generations and geographies.

Relax and enjoy the journey, knowing every detail has been carefully arranged to help you immerse yourself fully in the experience - one defined by exploration, camaraderie, and the joy of learning in community.

Questions may be directed to Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or 641-269-4633.

Upcoming Adventures

The European Union Flag flies along with the individual country flags of the member nations.

Sustainability in Germany

With faculty lead Wayne Moyer, now accepting reservations

July 7-17, 2026

learn more / Sign Up


Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

With faculty lead Logan Lee, now accepting reservations

January 5-16, 2027

Learn More / Sign Up


Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan: Along the Silk Road

With faculty lead Danielle Lussier, reservations will open April 2026 

April 16-26, 2027

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Traditional village of the Mijikenda people in the coastal region of Kenya

Kenya

In collaboration with African Diaspora Studies, with faculty lead Makeba Lavan, reservations will open June 2026

June 2027

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First Nations person participating in a ceremony and leaving offerings in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba.

Manitoba, Canada: First Nation

With faculty lead Jen Shook

TBA, 2028

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Driftwood Beach located on the northern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia.

The Saltwater Railroad: A Lesser-Known Chapter of the Black Freedom Movement

In collaboration with African Diaspora Studies

TBA, 2028

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A group of Grinnellians in Marrakech

Grinnellian Adventures to Come

If you have questions or thoughts about future trips in future years, we would love to hear from you!

email us

he Medieval Bridge Puente San Xoan across the River Furelos, outside the Town of Melide in Galicia, on the Way of St James Camino de Santiago.

Camino de Santiago: Pilgrimage

With faculty leads Will Freeman and Kesho Scott, waitlist only

September 24-October 5, 2026

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Marquee sign for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Tennessee Music Tour

With faculty lead Mark Laver, reservations will open March 2026

March 2027

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Historic village of Civita di Bagnoregio, located in the province of Viterbo in central Italy.

Italy: Umbria & Tuscia

With faculty lead Andreas Jozwiak, reservations will open May 2026

May, 2027

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Iford Manor, a historic English country house located near Bradford-on-Avon

Jane Austen's World: Town, Country, and Sea

With faculty leads Erik Simpson and Carolyn Jacobson, reservations will open June 2026

June 2027

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A white and golden sand beach on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.

Te Ika-a-Māui: Guided by Maori Voices

Faculty Lead TBA

TBA, 2028

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The Taj Mahal.

India

Faculty Lead TBA

TBA, 2028

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Grinnellian Adventures Archives

2025: North Africa: Morocco

2024: Social Justice and the Olympic Movement

Planning your Grinnellian Adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is invited to join these trips?

All Grinnellians are warmly invited! A Grinnellian can be an alum, a family member of an alum, or anyone who supports the College. We also welcome your guests - they do not need to be alums.

Do I need travel insurance for the trips?

Travel insurance is highly encouraged. The tour operator for your trip can help you with a recommendation, or you may purchase coverage through a provider of your choice.

What if I need assistance during the trip?

A Grinnell College staff member will be on the trip to assist guests and faculty leaders. You will always have someone to turn to if you need support during the journey.

Grinnellian Adventures Mission

Grinnell College's faculty-led alumni travel program extends the liberal arts experience beyond campus by reconnecting alumni with faculty, both familiar and new, and engaging them with the College of today. These programs being Grinnell's core values to life in contemporary contexts, cultivating intellectual curiosity, global citizenship, and civic innovation while strengthening alumni ties and inspiring meaningful involvement that advances a culture of philanthropy for the benefit of all Grinnellians. Through these transformative journeys, the College affirms its commitment to lifelong learning and fosters experiences that deepen alumni connection to support Grinnell College's mission of excellence for generations to come.