Great news! The Saint Mary's Alumnae Association has been invited to partner with the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association Travel Program. Not only will we be able to expand our travel offerings, but we will also be able to continue to focus on our traditions and values with an emphasis on the educational and religious character common to both institutions. This new partnership, however, will not come at the expense of our current travel program. Saint Mary's will continue to host one or two trips each year that are exclusive to our alumnae, family and friends of the College. Over the years, Saint Mary's has hosted trips to places such as Tuscany, Hong Kong, Peru, Spain, and Ireland. In March 2009, we will be traveling to Costa Rica and here is some more information about that upcoming trip:

COSTA RICA

Central America's Eco-tourist Hot Spot -- March 7-14, 2009 - $2,999 per person, including airfare from Chicago

DEADLINE TO RESERVE A SPOT ON THIS TRIP HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 1, 2008.

On your Costa Rican excursion, you will join other alumnae and friends while enjoying the wonders of nature such as an active volcano and hot springs in the Arenal Area, white water rapids between La Virgen and Chilamate and verdant rain forests in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The trip begins and ends in San Jose where we will celebrate both a welcome and farewell dinner. Nature, history, and scintilating culture come together in the grandest adventure. Join other alumnae, family, and friends to experience this small slice of heaven on earth!

http://www3.saintmarys.edu/alumnae-travel-Costa_Rica

While Notre Dame offers over 45 trips each year, Saint Mary's has agreed to participate in only programs that are exclusive to Notre Dame alumni. A member of the Saint Mary's commnity will travel with the group and we will be heading to the following destinations:

IRELAND

Ennis - June 19-27, 2009 - $2,595 per person, plus airfare

Set on Europe's outskirts against the waves of the Atlantic Ocean is a rare land - the legendary Emerald Isle. Begin your exploration in Ennis, County Clare, and travel to the ancient Burren and windswept Cliffs of Moher. Visit Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland, then continue to Bunratty Folk Park, whose recreated 19th-century village provides insight into the life of bygone days. Cruise to the Aran Island in County Galway, with its beech tree bearing W.B. Yeats' initials and the 16th-century tower of Thoor Ballylee, where he resided. Don't miss this opportunity to explore Ireland, a captivating island of legend and history, lively villages, and peaceful countryside.

POLAND

The Legacy of Pope John Paul II - July 11-18, 2009 - $1,649 per person, plus airfare

Enjoy a week in Pope John Paul's Poland. Start in Warsaw with guided sightseeing featuring the Cathedral of St. John and the Warsaw Ghetto, followed by an excursion to Niepokalanow and its Franciscan Friary, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe. In Czestochowa, visit the Shrine and the famous Black Madonna, an image and devotion Pope John Paul II held very close to his heart throughout his life. Visit the remains of the former concentration camp in Auschwitz, as well as the Martyrdom Museum and St. Maximilian Kolbe's cell. Next is Krakow, the city where Pope John Paull II served as archbishop. Guided sightseeing includes Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Church, and the world-famous Shrine of Divine Mercy. Also enjoy an excursion to the Pope's hometown of Wadowice. Visit his birthplace and boyhood home, as well as Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, one of Poland's most famous shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more information about the Ireland trip visit: http://www.alumni.nd.edu/site/c.luIZLdMOJpE/b.4180287/

And, for the trip to Poland visit: http://www.alumni.nd.edu/site/c.luIZLdMOJpE/b.4180205/