Exploring the Drexel Legacy

Dornbirn, Austria
A Historic Travel Experience for Drexel Alumni & Friends
September 8 - 15, 2012

Join the Drexel University Alumni Association for a historic journey to Drexel University's homeland.

Dornbirn, Austria, is the birthplace of Francis Martin Drexel and the origin of a family legacy that would be more far reaching than could have been predicted some 200 years ago.

Dornbirn is a charming city of 50,000 nestled in the foothills of the Alps in the region of Vorarlberg, located about one hour east of Zurich, Switzerland. It is a modern yet quaint place, full of life and steeped rich in history and tradition. As the center for commerce for the region, it has an interesting history of business and at one time was the world's capital for the textile and garment industries.

It was from Dornbirn that Francis Martin Drexel evaded conscription by Napoleon's army to set sail to Philadelphia and establish himself as a portrait painter and banker. His granddaughter, Katherine, and his son, Anthony, would change history – the former by becoming a Saint and the latter by reinventing higher education.

This exclusive journey will be a unique opportunity to experience the culture, the people and the culinary delights of the region while gaining a new understanding of Drexel University through the exploration of its founder's family and town of origin.

Highlights of this special tour will include:

• An examination of the Dornbirn family book
• A visit to the birthplace of Francis Martin Drexel
• A visit to the Katherine Drexel Chapel built to honor her Sainthood and charitable works for humanity
• Tours, talks and tastings led by the owners of local family businesses that have produced traditional foods, beverages and specialties for anywhere from 65 to 350 years
• An insider's look at cultural, historic and modern architectural sites led by local archivists, historians and experts
• Dining experiences at some of the region's finest restaurants that serve traditional and modern Austrian cuisine
• Excursions to Austrian mountain villages in Bregenzerwald, the quaint town of Appenzell, Switzerland, the lakeside town of Lindau, Germany and the storybook Valduz, Liechtenstein

Included features:

• Accommodations for six nights at the 4-star Martinspark Dornbirn Hotel along with a breakfast served each day are included. Travelers are responsible for all additional incidental charges at the hotel.
• All lunches and dinners listed in the trip brochure (see below), and beverages served with these meals, are included.
• All excursions, tours, talks, tastings, and exclusive and private activities are included.
• Airport transfers between Zurich Airport and Dornbirn are included for those arriving at Zurich Airport on the designated day and at the designated time. All other transportation is included.
• All taxes, fees and gratuities associated with the Included Features stated above are included.

This tour will be limited to 20 travelers to maximize your immersion in the local culture and enhance your traveling experience.

Land Program: $2,600 per person
All prices quoted are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise stated). Single accommodations are an additional $375 (limited availability). Airfare is not included.

$500 per person deposit required at time of reservation
Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are to be paid in full by June 25, 2012 (75 days prior to departure). Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full.  Final payment may be made by personal check or credit card.

Click here to download the trip brochure, which details the day-by-day program and additional information.

Click here to register online.