Red and Black Text on a white background. Text: Grinnellian Adventures: Connect with faculty and other Grinnellian for unique and educational experiences - Grinnell College Alumni Trip. A stylized compass in gray sits next to the text.

Grinnellian Adventures

Lifelong Learning and Global Connection Spring from Grinnell College 

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 designed to foster the same dynamic intellectual curiosity, dedication to civic innovation and global citizenship, and passion for lifelong learning that define the Grinnell experience. 

These immersive adventures foster meaningful dialogue and exploration within an inclusive community that respects diverse perspectives and experiences. Participants engage deeply with remarkable destinations through a mix of experiences - including behind-the-scenes visits that individual travelers cannot arrange.

Grinnellian Adventures reflects Grinnell College’s mission by offering journeys rooted in liberal arts values, encouraging free inquiry, open dialogue, and critical thinking. By participating, you help strengthen connections across generations and places, supporting Grinnell’s aim to inspire thoughtful contributions to the common good.

Relax and enjoy the journey, knowing every detail is thoughtfully arranged to help you fully immerse yourself in a Grinnellian Adventure - an experience rooted in discovery, connection, and growth, shared with a community devoted to exploring the world together.

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

Faculty Lead TBA, now accepting reservations

January 5-16, 2027

Learn More / Sign Up


Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan: Along the Silk Road

Faculty Lead TBA, reservations open April 2026 

April 16-26, 2027

Learn more


The Ta Prohm temple within Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park.

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam

Faculty Lead TBA, reservations open November 2026

November 9-19, 2027

Learn more


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

Manitoba, Canada: First Nation

Faculty Lead TBA

TBA, 2027 or 2028

Learn more


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

Learn more


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

Te Ika-a-Māui: Guided by Maori Voices

Faculty Lead TBA

TBA, 2028

Learn more

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

learn more


Marquee sign for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Tennessee Music Tour

With faculty lead Mark Laver, registration opens March 2026

March 2027

learn more


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 open June 2026

June 2027

Learn more


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

England: Jane Austen

Faculty Lead TBA 

TBA, 2027

Learn more


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

Italy, Umbria & Tuscia: Spirituality and Forgotten Villages

Faculty Lead TBA 

TBA, 2027 or 2028

Learn more


The Taj Mahal.

India

Faculty Lead TBA

TBA, 2028

Learn more