The HCP Difference

High Country Passage (HCP) designs custom enrichment travel programs to destinations worldwide. HCP creates and leads tours for many leading academic, museum, and membership institutions. Our itineraries offer unique introductions to the world's most fascinating places, and in-depth, expert-led study programs on topics such as natural history, archaeology, art, and anthropology. By focusing on educational travel for limited-size groups, and specializing in small ships and exclusive access to special events and people, we've built a reputation for extraordinary service.

A primary goal of High Country Passage is to foster understanding between peoples and cultures through educational travel. It is our belief that grass-roots diplomacy is often the best and sometimes the only way to build bridges between the citizens of nations whose governments are at odds to greater or lesser degrees. Therefore, it is not the policy of HCP to engage in politics, nor do we consider it appropriate to either condemn or condone the actions taken by governments, be they foreign or domestic.

As concerned global citizens we can promote understanding and cultivate trust. We feel that our educational travel programs will not only provide our groups with a fantastic travel experience, they will encourage better communication and improved relations between our nations.

Since 1978, our family of travel veterans has been committed to creating exceptional travel experiences. Come travel the world with us and experience the HCP difference for yourself.

Enrichment Travel

HCP creates comprehensive educational travel programs that foster a deeper understanding, appreciation, and sense of stewardship for the natural and cultural riches of our planet. Our passengers are eager to explore the history, culture, art, architecture, and natural beauty of a region.

Expert Study Leaders, Tour Managers and Staff

Our study leaders build a comprehensive lecture and discussion series into each destination. Professional tour managers, cruise directors, or expedition leaders escort every tour to ensure the highest quality of service.

Small Ship Cruising

A voyage by private ship is an experience not to be missed, and we’ve gained special expertise in small-ship cruising. Enjoy all the amenities of a cruise without the crowds, and a level of personalized service that can’t be matched by larger vessels.

Customer Service

We specialize in small group tours on small ships so we can cater to the individual traveler. HCP easily accommodates special travel needs such as dietary restrictions or wheelchair access. Our professional tour managers supervise every detail of the itinerary, and they know every passenger by name. Personal attention every step of the way means you are completely free to relax and enjoy the journey.

Exclusive Access

We’re proud to distinguish our trips with exclusive events and opportunities to meet local people, from artisans and naturalists to academics and dignitaries. These are just a few examples of the type of access we are privileged to offer our passengers:

• Dinner and conversation with Mrs. Anwar Sadat in Egypt
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the Vatican with the National Geographic filmmaker who created Inside the Vatican, the award-winning television special
• A discussion of Cold War history with Mikhail Gorbachev, Lech Walesa, William Perry, and other international leaders of the era

Our Prestigious Clients

At High Country Passage, we have the pleasure of working with some of the finest organizations in the world. Here are just some of our prestigious clients:

• Archaeological Institute of America
• American Museum of Natural History
• Boston University Alumni
• California Alumni Association
• The American Geographical Society
• California Academy of Sciences
• University of Chicago Alumni Association
• Caltech Alumni Association
• Cornell's Adult University
• Duke Alumni Association
• The Explorers Club
• Harvard Alumni Association
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Lehigh University Alumni Association
• Maryland Alumni Association
• MIT Alumni Association
• National Geographic Expeditions
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Northwestern Alumni Association
• Princeton Alumni Association
• Association of Rice Alumni
• Smithsonian Institution
• Stanford Alumni Association
• Association of Smith Alumnae
• UNC General Alumni Association
• USC Alumni Association
• World Affairs Council
• World Wildlife Fund
• Association of Yale Alumni