YPOExpedition GoldExpress Interest
YPO Pacific Expedition Gold×Stars and Stripes Gold

Learning Year Theme

In Hemingway'sFootsteps

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"There is no friend as loyal as a book. There is no hunting like the hunting of man."

— Ernest Hemingway

Three extraordinary expeditions. Three legendary destinations. A rare invitation to travel alongside fellow YPO Gold members through the world that shaped one of literature's greatest adventurers.

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A Unique Collaboration

Two Chapters. One Journey.

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YPO Pacific Expedition Gold

Renowned for curating extraordinary learning expeditions that combine world-class destinations with deep peer connection, the Expedition Chapter has built a reputation for experiences that transform perspective.

Stars and Stripes Gold

A distinguished YPO Gold chapter whose members bring diverse leadership experience and a shared commitment to lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and adventure.

The Invitation

Expedition Chapter is opening a select few spaces on each trip to Stars and Stripes Gold members — a chance to travel, learn, and build lasting friendships with fellow YPO Gold members in some of the world's most storied locations.

Three Destinations

Open Expeditions

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Each expedition follows the trail of Ernest Hemingway — the places he lived, wrote, fished, and found inspiration. Limited spaces are open to Stars and Stripes Gold members.

Key West, Florida expeditionOpen Spaces Available

Key West, Florida

Where the writing began

📅 April 14–18, 2027$6,500 / Person

Limited to 12 Couples

  • ◆4 nights at Sunset Key Cottages — private island sanctuary
  • ◆Private dinner on the lawn of Hemingway's historic home
  • ◆Explore Old Town by bicycle & Southernmost Point
  • ◆Mel Fisher Maritime Museum — $450M Atocha shipwreck

Choose One Excursion

  • Private Catamaran Cruise — snorkel a living coral reef
  • Seaplane to the Dry Tortugas — Fort Jefferson National Park
  • Tarpon Fishing Charter — the 'Silver King'

Hemingway's Connection

Hemingway lived in Key West from 1928–1940, writing A Farewell to Arms and To Have and Have Not from his home on Whitehead Street.

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Havana, Cuba expeditionOpen Spaces Available

Havana, Cuba

Old Havana Calling

📅 January 20–24, 2027$12,000 / Couple · $9,500 Single$2,000 deposit at registration
  • ◆Boutique hotels in the heart of Old Havana
  • ◆Exclusive insider tour of Hemingway's Finca Vigía
  • ◆Panel discussions with top Cuban thought leaders
  • ◆Private concert by Cuban legend Carlos Varela
  • ◆Rooftop jam session at sunset with local musicians

Choose One Excursion

  • Salsa Lessons with a private instructor
  • Behind-the-Scenes Art Tour of Cuban artists' studios
  • Museum of Cuban Art guided tour
  • Ruta Bikes Tour through Havana

Hemingway's Connection

Hemingway called Cuba home for 22 years, writing The Old Man and the Sea at his Finca Vigía estate. He frequented El Floridita, where the daiquiri was perfected in his honor.

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Sun Valley, Idaho expedition

Sun Valley, Idaho

The Sun Also Rises

📅 June 9–13, 2027

Registration Coming Soon

  • ◆Stay at the iconic Sun Valley Lodge — Hemingway's own retreat
  • ◆Fly fishing on the Big Wood River with expert guides
  • ◆Mountain adventures inspired by Hemingway's pursuits
  • ◆Intimate dinners in Sun Valley's finest settings
  • ◆Five days of fellowship in the Idaho wilderness

Hemingway's Connection

Hemingway first visited Sun Valley in 1939 and made it his final home. He completed For Whom the Bell Tolls at the Sun Valley Lodge.

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Why Join

Great Companionship in Great Locations

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Rare Access

A Few Coveted Spaces Per Trip

Expedition Chapter opens only a handful of spots on each journey to Stars and Stripes Gold members. This is not a public event — it is a personal invitation to travel with a tightly curated group.

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Peer Companionship

Bonds Forged in Extraordinary Places

Travel alongside accomplished YPO Gold members from both chapters. The friendships made on these expeditions tend to outlast the journey itself.

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Curated Depth

Immersion, Not Tourism

Every expedition is designed for genuine depth — behind-the-scenes access, intimate dinners, and experiences that no standard itinerary could replicate.

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Literary Learning

A Year-Long Theme Worth Exploring

Hemingway's philosophy — live boldly, write honestly, seek adventure — weaves through every destination. Each trip adds a new chapter to the learning year.

The Spirit of the Journey

"The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for and I hate very much to leave it."

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Ernest Hemingway

Limited Spaces Available

Express Your Interest

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Spaces on each expedition are strictly limited. If you are interested in joining one or more of these extraordinary journeys, reach out directly to our coordinators.

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Duane Zobrist

Expedition Coordinator

dz@duanezobrist.com

Send Email
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Mikki Delci

YPO Expedition Coordinator

mikki@ypoexpedition.org

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Spaces are limited on each expedition. Early expressions of interest are encouraged. Both coordinators are happy to answer questions about any of the three destinations.