Travel Program
Travel Program
Passport to Discovery
The Caltech Associates Travel Program is designed for the intellectually curious traveler who enjoys unique destinations and five-star amenities. Each experience is enhanced by a Caltech faculty guide whose expertise will illuminate the journey.
We work with premier tour operators to prepare itineraries incorporating the locale's scientific, cultural, and historical highlights. We frequently enjoy exclusive, private access to laboratories, museums, observatories, and other facilities not readily available to the general public. Every detail is arranged so that you may immerse yourself in the adventure.
President's Circle members receive priority registration for Associates travel, and some trips are exclusive to President's Circle members. You can upgrade your membership at any time to enjoy these unique opportunities.
2026
Science in the Sierra
October 8 to 12, 2026
Take an unforgettable trip by chartered coach through some of California’s most scenic and scientifically fascinating regions with Claire Bucholz, professor of geology. We’ll travel along iconic US Route 395, with overnight stays in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, exploring the area’s unique geology and culture along the way.
Among the geologically significant areas we will visit is Red Rock Canyon State Park. The red sandstone landscape here has formed over millions of years through sedimentation, volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, and erosion.
A highlight of the adventure will be a tour of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) with its director. Known as the "Big Ears" by locals, OVRO is operated by Caltech's astronomy department and is dedicated to radio astronomy and astrophysics research, training the next generation of radio astronomers, and developing cutting-edge radio instrumentation.
We will explore Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, an ancient body of water over a million years old, where tower-like rock formations called tufa formed as calcium-rich groundwater flowed into the alkaline, carbonate-rich lake. We will also visit several other areas of scientific interest near Mammoth Lakes.
SOLD OUT
2027
Solar Eclipse on the Costa del Sol
July 30 to August 3, 2027
Pre-trip extension July 26 to July 30
Experience a spectacular solar eclipse from the Rock of Gibraltar with Caltech President Ray Jayawardhana, the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and professor of astronomy. Our tour of Spain's southern coast will showcase the region's history and culture and include a day trip to Tangier, Morocco.
The adventure begins with a tour of Málaga, one of Europe's oldest cities, founded by the Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago. Highlights will include the Museo Picasso Málaga (Picasso was born in Málaga) and the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, located in a restored 16th-century palace in the city's historic center.
You'll spend a day in Tangier, Morocco, a vibrant port and trading center since the 10th century BCE and a gateway between Europe and Africa. Wander through the atmospheric Medina, explore the historic Kasbah and Grand Socco, and browse colorful markets and artisan shops.
On the day of the eclipse, we'll travel by chartered coach to Gibraltar, one of the best places to view the phenomenon, with totality lasting more than four minutes. Optionally, you may choose to extend your adventure in Spain with four additional days in Bilbao and San Sebastián, starting July 26.
President's Circle and Legacy Circle members enjoy priority registration.
Previous Trips
The Caltech Associates travel program has visited incredible locations around the world to explore the history and future of science and the humanities. Review a selection of our past trips to better understand the experiences we curate for our members.