TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama National Alumni Association’s tour program will travel the world with more than 20 scheduled tour packages offered to sites including the Crossroads of Europe, Italy’s Magnificent Lake District, the Treasures of South America, and Mandarin China.

A Travel Preview Dinner will be held Friday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. in Sellers Auditorium at the Bryant Conference Center highlighting the upcoming 2005 tour destinations. Prior to the dinner, a reception will be held in Alumni Hall at 5 p.m. The cost is $12 per person and includes the reception, dinner and slide presentation of tour destinations. Dress is casual.

Pam Lyons, UA Alumni Association tour coordinator, said all of the tours are open to the general public as well as UA alumni. “All of our tours, even the ones called ‘Alumni College’ are open to our friends of the University,” Lyons noted.

UA Tour Program trips and travel dates include:

Jan. 15-26, 2005/Panama Canal Cruise -- Set sail from colorful Caldera, Costa Rica and traverse the storied Panama Canal. Cruise the sapphire waters of the Caribbean Sea and visit the tropical islands Aruba, St. Barts, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Cruise the Old Bahamas Channel before concluding this outstanding odyssey in cosmopolitan Fort Lauderdale.

Jan. 25-Feb. 6, 2005/Treasures of South America -- Discover an enchanting and exotic world of thundering falls, spellbinding coastal scenery, Andean peaks, Parisian-style boulevards and magnificent lakes in this adventure below the equator. Experience the breadth of beauty and wonder from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile.

Feb. 19-28, 2005/Sicily: The Cultural Season -- Cradled in a wide bay, Sicily’s bustling capital, Palermo, is an extraordinary crossroads and a living reflection of its rich history. Explore the island’s cultural riches from the ancient archaeological site of the Valley of the Temples, to the Allied landing beaches, from medieval Cefalu to charming Corleone.

April 15-28, 2005/The Crossroads of Europe -- Discover the serene crossroads of Europe while sailing aboard the luxurious M/V Frederic Chopin. From the Baltic port of Gdansk, The Amber City, embark on an unforgettable journey into a country abundant in architectural wonders. Escape the tourist’s path and encounter hidden cultural delights in Kaliningrad, Russia. The capital city of Warsaw offers a fascinating glimpse into Polish history, from its medieval castles and vibrant market squares, to its haunting monuments and the historic upheaval of WWII. Beautiful Krakow, which survived major damage through the wars, provides a fitting finale.

May 13-22, 2005/Greece -- Poros, the island campus site, rises from the sparkling waters of the Saronic Gulf with its bright white buildings, topped by red terra cotta roofs that complement the surrounding radiant blue sea. In ancient Mycenae, a city of living history, see the stately fortress ruins of a once great civilization. Visit Hydra, an island known for its distinctive architecture and rugged terrain. Marvel at the stunning edifices that have survived through the ages in Athens, one of the oldest capitals of the Western World.

May 30-June 8, 2005/Spain-Ronda -- From your base in scenic Ronda, embark on a seven-day exploration of this extraordinary territory, a land of orange trees, flower-filled patios and flamenco dance. Travel to the ancient town of Jerez, walk the winding streets of Arcos de la Frontera and revel in romantic Seville. Visit the majestic Alhambra set atop a rocky hill that overlooks the River Darro with its imposing Alcazaba fortress and the opulent Royal Palace.

June 13-21, 2005/Italy-Orvieto -- Built by Etruscans atop a rocky plateau, the charming town of Orvieto overlooks a breathtaking panorama of rolling fields and valley vineyards. Excursions beyond the city’s ancient walls feature the Eternal City of Rome, and the Vatican, a country within a city. Marvel at the walled city of Assisi, home to the exquisite St. Francis Basilica.

June 25-July 11, 2005/Cruise the Face of Europe -- Cruise the continent’s most romantic waterways aboard the M/S Swiss Pearl, one of Europe’s finest vessels offering the personalized touches of a private yacht. Begin at the seven graceful bridges of Budapest, Hungary, to the Slovak Republic featuring Bratislava’s 1,000-year-old castle. In Austria, visit classic Vienna and Durnstein. Sail through Germany and experience beautiful Passau. Old World Germany is on display in Regensburg, Nuremburg, and Bamberg. Sail on to Cologne with its magnificent cathedral and conclude your inland voyage by exploring the fabulous ambience of Amsterdam.

June 30-July 11, 2005/Cruise the British Isles -- Cruise the British Isles aboard the luxurious Minerva II and gain a new appreciation of the beauty and majesty of these enchanted islands. The journey begins in stately Edinburgh, with its imposing castle, before heading on to one of Scotland’s most cultured and dynamic cities, Glasgow. Travel into Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, and then head south to charming and spirited Dublin. Sail around the tip of Cornwall to the historic port of Falmouth and one of England’s most colorful maritime towns, Dartmouth. Continue on to the historic white chalk cliffs of Dover, before finally transferring to London, one of the world’s most elegant and glamorous capitals.

July 26-Aug. 3, 2005/Ireland-Ennis -- The beauty and mystery of the Emerald Isle is yours to discover in historic County Clare and Ennis, its charming capital. This town of meandering lanes and bustling markets, located ideally close to many of Ireland’s famous attractions, will be your Irish home for the duration. See the well-preserved ruins of Quin Abbey and Bunratty Castle. Relive the past in Bunratty Folk Park, a recreated 19th Century Village. Explore Galway and the timeless Aran Islands, where ancient language and traditions of Ireland have been preserved for centuries.

July 20-July 28, 2005/Scotland -- Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, the cobblestone town of Stirling is the ideal base from which to explore many of the intrigues of Scotland. Venture into the mystic lands of Scottish lore while walking the banks of Loch Lomond. See Scone Palace in Perth where Scottish kings were crowned, and visit the capital city of Edinburgh where a medieval fortress presides over beautiful Georgian architecture.

Aug. 16-24, 2005/Provence -- An enchanting and sun-drenched land of delight, Provence is a magnificent region of southern France where breathtaking views have captured the fascinations of creative visionaries throughout time. See the picturesque fishing port of Cassis. Delight in a boat cruise along towering white seaside cliffs. Journey through the hills of the Luberon region, and visit Avignon with its famous Palace of the Popes and the nearby Pont du Gard.

Sept. 26-Oct. 4, 2005/Italy’s Magnificent Lake District -- Lake Maggiore, second largest of the Italian lakes, is sheltered by an Alpine ring. Its breathtaking shores are lined with romantic towns of international renown. Visit Lake Orta and cruise on enchanting Lake Como, Europe’s deepest lake embellished with dreamy mountain vistas, palatial architecture and flowering landscapes. See beautiful Bellagio with its tropical ambience and the impressive 17th Century villas of Tremezzo. Delight in a full-day excursion to Milan.

If you would like to receive more information about these and other trips or would like to reserve tickets for the preview dinner, please contact Pam Lyons at 205/348-5963 or at pylons@alumni.ua.edu.