For the Love of Travel
An OLLI at FSU travelogue of places visited, sights seen and memories made.
OLLI travel combines two things our members love: discovery and connection. Over the years, OLLI travelers have explored historic cities, extraordinary landscapes, different cultures and some of the world's great destinations—all while sharing the experience with fellow lifelong learners.
But ask an OLLI traveler what they remember most and you'll often hear about more than the destination. They'll tell you about what they learned, the unexpected moments, the laughter and the friendships that continued long after everyone came home.
From an OLLI Traveler
“I have had the pleasure to travel with OLLI four times, to the Italian Amalfi Coast, Greece, Scotland and the Canadian Maritimes. These trips have been extremely well planned and executed; they have exceeded my expectations for travel to foreign lands.
It's been fun, educational, great for my photography interests, and the friendships I've made endure. If asked about retirement, I always put OLLI in general and OLLI trips in particular at the top of my list of ‘The Good Things.’
My travels have confirmed what Seneca wrote: ‘Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.’”
Kent Putnam
Why Travel with OLLI?
The destination is only part of the experience.
Travel gives us opportunities to see, learn and experience things that simply cannot be duplicated from home. OLLI travel adds another dimension by bringing together people who are curious about the world and eager to experience it together.
Whether you're walking through an ancient city, visiting a museum, exploring a national park, trying a new cuisine or sharing stories at the end of the day, the memories are richer when they are shared.
Our Travels Through the Years
From our first Study Abroad experience in 2013 to adventures across Europe, Africa, North America and beyond.
Take a look back at some of the places OLLI members have explored together.
2013
London & Cambridge
OLLI's first Study Abroad experience took members to London and Cambridge. An art historian guided travelers through London's museums before the group continued to Cambridge for classes with professors and excursions throughout the region.
Members visited Westminster Abbey and Parliament, explored Cambridge, lunched at the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester, punted on the River Cam and experienced a taste of student life at one of the world's great universities.
“I really didn't start traveling until after I retired. But since then, travel has given me memorable experiences that have enriched my life.”
— Harriet Waas, OLLI Traveler
2014
Florence, Italy
OLLI travelers visited Florence and experienced the city's extraordinary art, architecture and history. Members admired the Duomo, crossed the Ponte Vecchio and visited the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia, where they saw Michelangelo's David.
Oregon
Another OLLI group began in Portland and traveled through Oregon, visiting wineries, the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Crater Lake National Park. The journey concluded in Ashland during the annual Shakespeare Festival.
2015
Barcelona & America's National Parks
OLLI travelers returned to Barcelona to explore the contrasts between the historic city and modern Barcelona and experience the art, architecture and culture of Spain.
That August, OLLI also toured some of America's great national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, along with destinations such as Sedona, the Painted Desert and Mount Rushmore.
2016
Eastern Canada
OLLI travelers explored Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto and experienced Niagara Falls up close.
London & Cambridge
A return to England brought visits to Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Stonehenge and Oxford, along with another opportunity to study and experience university life in Cambridge.
2017
Cuba
OLLI members traveled through Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Havana, exploring art, history, architecture and daily life in Cuba.
Rome, Florence & Venice
Travelers walked through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, visited the Vatican, explored Florence's great art and architecture, and experienced Venice from its bridges, canals and gondolas.
New England
Another group explored Boston, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Providence while learning about the history and culture of the region.
“There is no better way to see the world than to see the world. These precious sites can't come to you; you must go to them.”
— George Waas, OLLI Traveler
2018
Iceland
OLLI travelers experienced Iceland in winter, visiting Diamond Beach, geyser fields, spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches and the landscape between two tectonic plates.
Spain & Portugal
Members explored historic cities, markets, ancient sites and cultural landmarks throughout Spain and Portugal, including visits to caves with prehistoric art and the Guggenheim Museum.
2019
Ireland
OLLI travelers explored Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford, visited ancient castles, kissed the Blarney Stone and walked the remarkable Giant's Causeway.
2022
The Netherlands & Belgium
OLLI members cruised from the Netherlands to Belgium, exploring Amsterdam, windmills, fields of tulips, Kinderdijk, Antwerp and Ghent.
Greece & Istanbul
Travelers climbed to the Acropolis, visited ancient temples and historic Olympic sites, explored Delphi and Santorini, and continued to Istanbul for visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
2023
Croatia
A cruise through Croatia and its islands introduced travelers to the region's dramatic coastlines, historic towns and the walled city of Dubrovnik.
Scotland
OLLI members explored the Isle of Skye, sailed Loch Ness, visited castles, walked Edinburgh's Royal Mile, attended the Military Tattoo and visited the ancient settlement of Skara Brae.
2024
Paris & Southern France
OLLI travelers cruised the Seine, dined in the Eiffel Tower, explored Montmartre and the Champs-Élysées and visited the Paris catacombs before continuing south to Toulouse, Carcassonne and Nîmes.
Along the way, travelers encountered preserved Roman ruins, historic architecture and the distinctive culture of southern France.
2025
Morocco
In 2025, OLLI took its first journey to Africa with a two-week adventure through Morocco.
Travelers experienced Moroccan food and culture, stayed in a traditional riad and spent two nights in the Sahara Desert. A camel ride across the dunes became one of the trip's most memorable experiences.
“Watching the sun rise and then the sun set on the dunes was memorable. Last but not least was the camel ride. Loved the moment.”
— Bob Callan, OLLI Traveler
The Journey Continues
These are only some of the places OLLI members have explored together.
There is always another destination to discover, another experience to share and another story waiting to be added to the OLLI travelogue.
Add Your Story to the Travelogue
Have you traveled with OLLI?
Share a favorite memory, photograph or story from your trip. Our travelers are the best people to tell the story of what makes seeing the world with OLLI so special.