Increasing Travel By means of Partnership with Collette Travel

August 04, 2025

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Gonzaga University News Service

Gonzaga University is proud to announce a brand new partnership with Collette Travel, one of many world’s most revered guided journey firms, to develop its instructional and culturally enriching journey alternatives. This initiative, led by the Gonzaga Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) in collaboration with Gonzaga’s Alumni Relations workplace, displays the University’s dedication to lifelong studying and group engagement past the classroom.

In 2026, Gonzaga will supply three distinctive journey packages:

Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul (May 2026) – A spiritually and traditionally wealthy journey by means of key biblical and cultural websites.

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary (June 2026) – A tour by means of iconic East Coast landmarks to mark the nation’s origins.

Tuscany and Gonzaga in Florence (October 2026) – A return of the favored program combining Italian tradition, delicacies, and a connection to Gonzaga’s beloved Florence campus.

“Our goal is to provide meaningful travel opportunities that allow participants to learn, reflect, and connect — whether that’s with history, culture, faith, or each other,” mentioned Dr. Rachelle Strawther, founding director of the Center for Lifelong Learning. “These experiences are open to everyone, and are designed for curious, community-minded travelers.”

“This new partnership builds on existing Gonzaga programs that invite public participation, such as our Experience Tuscany: Farm, Market and Table program, now entering its third year,” Strawther added.

Offered in collaboration with Gonzaga-in-Florence, the Experience Tuscany program offers individuals with an in-depth exploration of Tuscan tradition, delicacies and historical past, guided by Gonzaga college and workers who know the area intimately. The Collette Travel partnership will develop the journey alternatives offered by Gonzaga, and mirror the college’s broader dedication to lifelong studying and international engagement. Collette Travel has greater than 100 years of expertise in guided journey, and the partnership will make sure that vacationers profit from knowledgeable guides, distinctive lodging and thoughtfully curated itineraries.

“We’re honored to partner with Gonzaga University to help bring the world to its community of learners,” mentioned Jim Edwards, VP Global Affinity Development of Collette. “Our shared values of education, exploration, and connection make this collaboration a natural fit.”

These journey alternatives are open to the general public and designed for people who’ve a connection to or curiosity in Gonzaga University, together with alumni, dad and mom, buddies, and members of the broader group. Each journey affords individuals a possibility to have interaction with Gonzaga by means of instructional and cultural experiences that mirror the college’s dedication to international studying, group engagement, and lifelong schooling.

“Travel is a memorable way for our alumni and friends to reconnect – not only with the university and fellow Zags, but also with others who share a connection to Gonzaga’s mission,” mentioned Kara Hertz, assistant vp of Gonzaga’s Alumni and External Relations workplace. “We’re thrilled to expand these opportunities alongside the Center for Lifelong Learning and welcome a broader community into these experiences.”