Learn and Travel


As Ambrosians, we are committed to a lifetime of learning. 

Our learning opportunities run the gamut of subjects and costs, including our upcoming trip to Greece in 2025!  We also offer a 10-day excursion to Italy to study the life of our patron namesake and free academic discussions on the university campus. Some alumni even choose to audit courses! We also provide a variety of virtual presentations throughout the year. 

Review the opportunities listed below. If you have questions, please contact our office. 


Professional Development

Providing Customized Training Solutions

St. Ambrose University Professional Development provides public and customized training and consulting solutions to individuals and businesses. Academically-based with real world applicability, training topics include grant writing, project management, and leadership and supervision.

To talk about our current classes or explore a customized program, call us at 563-333-5720.

Learn more on the Professional Development website


Greece 2025 - Alumni & Friends Trip

The Grandeur of Greece: March 14-24, 2025

Join Ambrosians on an unforgettable journey to Greece. Discover the rich tapestry of Greek history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Immerse yourself in the archeological wonders of Greek civilization, led by St. Ambrose Professor of Theology, Dr. Micah Kiel. Explore the hallowed grounds of the Ancient Athens Agora and ascend to the majestic Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands as a timeless testament to human ingenuity. Delve deeper into Greece's historical legacy with visits to Meteora's mystical monasteries and the sacred site of Delphi, before winding your way through picturesque towns continuing with the ancient wonders of Epidaurus and Corinth. Along the way delight in the tastes of the delicious Mediterranean cuisine and sights of the blue Aegean. Come embrace our Ambrosian value of life-long learning in the enchanting land of Greece. We look forward to having you along.

Pricing Information

Cost
$5,895-$5,995 estimated per person from Chicago O'Hare (based on a minimum group size of 27)
Land-only Registration (program cost without airfare) - available on request at time of official registration
Single Room Supplement - $995 (availability is limited)

Price includes:

• Round-trip group economy class airfare from Chicago O'Hare to Athens (flight schedule is not confirmed
and airfare is estimated).
• Round-trip motorcoach transfer from St. Ambrose University to Chicago O'Hare Airport.
• 9 nights of accommodations in 4-star hotels as described in itinerary and in shared room occupancy.
Single room accommodations limited with availability on request at a supplemental cost.
• Daily buffet breakfast, three lunches and four dinners.
• Professional tour manager/guide upon arrival and throughout itinerary.
• Special visits include Pefkis Icon Studio and Skouras Winery.
• Private touring motorcoach throughout itinerary.
• Inside visits described in itinerary include fees as required for entry.
• Gratuities for tour manager/guides, motorcoach drivers and hotel/wait staff.
• Porterage included for one bag in/out of hotels.
• Basic travel insurance for trip delay, baggage delay, medical evacuation and accident and sickness
medical expense (does not include trip cancellation or pre-existing medical conditions coverage).
Carrousel Travel can assist with additional travel insurance at the time of registration.
• Coordination and operation of customized program itinerary.

FAQ

Who's leading the tour?
Dr. Micah Kiel from the St. Ambrose University Theology department and Anne Gannaway, vice president for Advancement, along with a professional travel guide from Carrousel Travel. This trio brings an exciting mix of expertise that will meld faith, rich culture, and deep questions.

Greek professional tour manager Eleni Premeti will travel with the group continuously throughout the journey. She'll share her knowledge of Greece history and culture and assist travelers throughout. Educational content will be led by Micah Kiel, Ph.D., a professor of theology at St. Ambrose University since 2007. Micah studied in Greece in 1996 and has returned to the country 7 times for study and leading student tours and courses. Before departing, Micah will lead on line sessions to introduce travelers to Greek history and modern culture. While in Greece, he will prompt deep questions regarding spirituality and discuss how the past connects with our world, resulting in an immersive trip that is exciting, educational, and thought-provoking.

What can I expect?
An immersive trip with something appealing for all interests. Spend time with your guides closely exploring and experiencing majestic monuments and unforgettable landscapes. With lodging, airfare and some meals included in the ticket cost, you'll be fully soused in Greek's rich culture through new and exciting experiences.

What's on the agenda?
In Athens, you'll traipse around the Agora Museum, ascend to the Acropolis, and make a seaside stop and savor Aegina's breathtaking views. Travel north to Kalambaka and visit the jutting cliffs of Meteora. Then move south to Delphi, the center of the universe. Close your trip with a refreshing voyage through the beautiful cities of Nafplion, Corinth, and Rafina.  Please see the Detailed Itinerary tab below for more information.

Who can travel?
We welcome Ambrosians (both alumni and friends) to join thisexperience majestic sights and compelling stories. This trip is great for first time travelers with lots of direction and guided group tours.  Please note that there are walking and mobility requirements.  Participants will need to be able to walk up to four miles per day.  If you'd like more information about these requirements, please contact Alumni@sau.edu.

Why is the Alumni Office offering this trip?
To embrace the Ambrosian value of life-long learning! This expedition will activate and nourish the mind, body and spirit.

What's next?
You can join the interest list by emailing alumni@sau.edu or you can reserve your spot on The Grandeur of Greece by submitting an initial participation fee here.  See the Next Steps tab for more details.

Detailed Intinerary

The detailed intinerary is found below.  If you'd prefer a PDF of this flyer, please contact the Alumni Office at Alumni@sau.edu or 563/333-6290.

Day 1: Friday, March 14 - Davenport/Chicago Departure. Motorcoach transfer provided from St. Ambrose University to Chicago O'Hare Airport for those in the Quad Cities area. Meet at the ticket counter at Chicago O'Hare Airport for group check-in, with the assistance of a Carrousel Travel representative. Depart on overnight flight (to be determined) for Athens, with a stop and change of aircraft en route. (inflight meals) Note: Group flights in economy class are currently estimated and will be booked in May 2024.

Day 2: Saturday, March 15 - Athens Arrival. Your Greek tour manager, Eleni Premeti, will welcome you at Athens International Airport as you transfer by private motorcoach into the city. Arrive at Amalia Hotel or (similar) for a four­ night stay, located in the heart of Athens. Gather in late afternoon/early evening at the hotel for a hosted Welcome Orientation Reception followed by a group dinner (6:30 p.m.) at a local restaurant within walking distance. (D)
Note: Participants who arrange their own flights can take the group transfer from the airport to the hotel if arrival times are similar or take a taxi on their own to the hotel.

Day 3: Sunday, March 16 - Athens. Your discovery of Athens begins today with a guided tour of the Ancient Agora of Athens archeological site, including the Agora Museum. In classical Greece, the Agora was the center of political and commercial life. After a group lunch, explore Athens with an afternoon walking tour to include Syntagma Square, Ermou Street, Central Market, Monastiraki Square and Flea Market, Plaka, and Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral. Evening free with dinner on your own. (B,L}

Day 4: Monday, March 17-Athens. Start the day with a guided walking tour of the famous Acropolis, including the Parthenon and the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, where Apostle Paul is thought to have spoken to the Athenians. After lunch on your own in the Plaka, continue with an afternoon guided visit to the Acropolis Museum. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening with dinner on your own. (B)

Day 5: Tuesday, March 18 - Athens (Aegina). Today explore the Greek Island of Aegina. Private motorcoach transfer to a ferry from Athens Piraeus Harbor. Aegina has many archaeological sites, picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and a quaint seafront town. Visit the Temple of Aphaia and the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. Afternoon free for lunch on your own and independent exploration. Late afternoon ferry ride back to Piraeus, then continue on to the hotel with evening and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 6: Wednesday, March 19 - Athens/Kalambaka. Depart Athens by private motorcoach driving north to Meteora (5.5 hours). Stop for lunch on your own in the scenic town of Trikanla. Enjoy time at the Pefkis Icon Studio located just outside Kalambaka before checking in to Divani Meteora Hotel with dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 7: Thursday, March 20 - Kalambaka/Delphi. Spend the morning in the incredible landscape of Meteora with its amazing rock-top monasteries. Beginning in the 17th century, solitary monks lived in the caverns of Meteora. By the 14th century, the monks built peaceful havens on top of the jutting pinnacles and cliffs for protection from the incursions as Byzantine power was waning. Visit two of the monasteries open to visitors today. Continuing to the town of Delphi (3.5-hour drive}, a very significant location for ancient Greek and Roman religion, especially traditions surrounding the god Apollo. Dinner at a local restaurant with overnight stay at Amalia Hotel Delphi. (B,D)

Day 8: Friday, March 21 - Delphi/Nafplion. This morning, explore the archeological site of Delphi, the place believed to be the center of the universe and religious world in ancient Greece. Step back in time and consider the political and cultural significance of Greek religion while walking the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo and viewing the artifacts in the Delphi Museum. Proceed on the drive (3.5-hour drive) to Nafplion, crossing into the Peloponnese over the impressive bridge of Rio Antirio. Continue to Nafplion, a charming, picturesque, vibrant seaside town with imposing castles, impressive churches, and fascinating museums. Check in at Hotel Grande Bretagne Nafplion for a two-night stay with dinner on your own. (B,L}

Day 9: Saturday, March 22 - Nafplion (Mycenae & Epidaurus). Depart for a short drive (30-min) to tour the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. Lunch at Skouras Winery with wine tasting. Return to Nafplion with the remainder of the afternoon and evening for personal exploration and shopping. (B,L}

Day 10: Sunday, March 23 - Nafplion/Corinth/Rafina. Depart Nafplion (l-hour drive}, and stop at Acrocorinth for a view from its fortress overlooking the ancient city of Corinth. Continue to Corinth, the largest and richest city of Greece in the 3rd century BC and made famous by Apostle Paul's letters to the Corinthians. Visit excavations of the city including the Agora, the Doric-style temple of Apollo, the fountain of Pirene and the Berna of Apostle Paul where tradition states he was arraigned before the Roman governor Gallo. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth. Group lunch at a local restaurant in Corinth overlooking the archaeological site. Drive across the Corinth Canal and continue to Rafina (l.5 hours). Check in at Avra Hotel, near the Athens airport area. Freshen up for a special farewell group dinner at a local restaurant in Rafina. (B,D)

Day 11: Monday, March 24 - Athens/Chicago/Davenport. After early morning breakfast at the hotel, transfer
{20 minutes) to the Athens International Airport for departure to Chicago with stop and change of aircraft en route. Upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, clear customs and proceed to awaiting motorcoach for transfer to St. Ambrose University. {B, meals in flight)

The itinerary is subject to change due to confirmation, local scheduling and conditions. Sunrise in Greece in March is about 6:45 a.m. and sunset is approximately 6:30 p.m. Most days will start at 8:00/8:30 a.m. with return to hotel by 5:00/5:30 p.m.  Included meals: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Next Steps for those Interested

Official registration with Carrousel Travel will open in May (exact date to be announced later), after flights are confirmed.  Official registration preference will be granted in the following order:

  • Those who provide the $100 participation fee - to place your particiation fee, please click here.  Checks can also be sent to the address below.
    • This fee is nonrefundable and will apply to the cost of the tour.
  • Those on the interest list - to join the interest list at no cost, please email Alumni@sau.edu. 
  • General alumni (if space allows)

Please contact the SAU Advancement and Alumni Office at Alumni@sau.edu or 563/333-6290 to request a PDF of the travel brochure or if you have questions.  In addition, the office can provide more details about registration timeline, supplemental insurance, airfare upgrades, etc. 

Checks can be sent to:

St. Ambrose University
Attn: Wendy Pondell
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803

It's Time to Connect

Are you ready to reconnect with your alma mater? The St. Ambrose University Alumni Office has so many ways to stay involved, no matter where you are in life. Become an engaged alumnus today!