We are thrilled to return to Western Africa on a new and improved itinerary that highlights the very best of this dynamic region. Visit an amazing nine countries and discover the intriguing cultural heritage, storied history, and numerous natural wonders of these lesser-visited African nations.
Ron Wixman
Cultural Geographer
Ron is a former professor who taught courses on the culture, ethnicity, folklore, religion and geo-politics of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East at the University of Oregon for 30 years. For the past 50 years he has traveled extensively throughout these regions conducting research on these factors and how they influence human activity, relations, and development. As such, he has become a consultant for the US and a number of foreign governments on cultural, ethnic, national, and religious conflict, and has provided expert witness testimony regarding international issues. He is also an ardent folklorist of the Balkans and has taught ethnic dance from all of the Balkan countries. He also owns one of the world’s largest and most extensive collections of traditional Balkan costumes. He is an engaging lecturer and has earned a number of teaching and faculty awards throughout his career. He is also a linguist, speaking Russian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Serbo-Croatian, as well as being conversant in Macedonian and German. To date, Ron has been a lecturer and leader on over 150 international tours and trips.
Ron's Blog Posts
Even Our Staff Agrees - You Don't Want to Miss the Baltic!
The Importance of Cultural Geography: A Q&A with Zegrahm Expert Ron Wixman
Ron's Upcoming Expeditions
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Tracing the West Coast of Africa
February 8 — February 24, 2021 -
Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
July 18 — July 31, 2021Centuries of history and splendid architecture come to life as you discover the countries surrounding the Black Sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. Join our experts to explore busy bazaars, archeological treasures, and stunning landscapes.
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Crossroads of Empires: Cyprus, Israel, Egypt & Jordan
October 22 — November 4, 2021The art, architecture, and archaeological wonders of the eastern Mediterranean are legacies of the world’s most celebrated empires. Over the millennia, a succession of cultures traded, conquered, and settled in these fabled lands, and we follow in their wake, piecing together the pages of the defining chapters of ancient civilization.