Past Programs & Photos

China: Beijing, Shanghai, and the Yangzi River

Join us on a tour of China's most dynamic cities, beautiful countryside, and Yangzi River. This trip includes the wonders all first-time travelers to China wish to see: the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing. We also visit Xian, home of the terracotta warriors, as well as Guilin, the south China region of picturesque karst mountains rising from the rice paddies. Our last stop is Shanghai, China's most European-influenced city, with its wide boulevards, world-class museums, and the European Bund along the Huangpu River. On the Yangzi River, our cruise aboard the Victoria allows us to enjoy the river's culture to its fullest through daily ports of call. Read more >   View photos from the trip!

Danube River Cruise

Join us for a waltz along the fabled "Blue Danube," through the heart of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. This 12-day river cruise aboard the Deluxe ms River Odyssey sails through some of the most picturesque and culturally rich regions in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. The great cities of Europe grew up along the historic waterways that served as the continent's first highways, so exploring by river offers the best perspective possible, from scenic countryside views to intimate encounters with medieval towns and venerable city centers. Sightseeing and cultural experiences range from the baroque architecture of Drnstein to the musical landmarks of Salzburg to the royal palaces of Vienna. Plus, you can enhance your trip with extensions in Prague or Budapest. This is a joint program with Washington & Lee University and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Read more >   View photos from the trip!

The Italian Lake District: 2nd departure (October)

Buon Giorno! Explore Italy's magnificent Lake District on this spectacular journey through the breathtaking beauty of Northern Italy. Glide over glacial lakes and past romantic Renaissance villas. Stroll blissfully through elegantly formal or wildly exotic gardens that delight your senses with sweet perfume dancing on cool, shady breezes. Where Italy kisses Switzerland, each unique lake sparkles in the sun as you stroll through colorful towns, impressive cathedrals, and gorgeous palaces. Soak up breathtakingly lush vistas and admire the art and architecture of sophisticated cities. Seeking the serene and spectacular? Embrace it all in Italy's Lake District. Read more >   View photos from the trip!

Provence and the French Riviera

Dangling its feet in the Mediterranean, the French Riviera is a region of mountains, hills and beaches, plus handsome cities, quaint villages and a treasure trove of history. We'll begin our journey with five nights in Provence, a land known for its verdant countryside, Roman ruins and breathtaking sunsets. Next, we'll travel down to the French Riviera, the playground for the world's rich and famous, with its sparkling seaside vistas and fashionable promenades. Read more >

Golf Outing in Scotland

Join U.Va. Golf Coach Bowen Sargent on a pilgrimage to Scotland, the "cradle of golf." Experience golf at its most traditional and enjoy VIP access to some of the world's most renowned courses. We'll start at the Turnberry Westin Golf & Leisure Resort in Ayrshire, playing both the Kintyre and Alisa courses. While not as well know as the Alisa, which has hosted three British Open Championships, the Kintyre is considered by many to be an even greater test of skill. The journey continues with a tee time at Carnoustie, once home of Bobby Jones' Coach, Stewart Maiden. Then on to St. Andrews Bay, beginning with a round on the New Course. Perhaps the oldest "new" course in Scotland, this classic links course was built to satiate increasing demand for tee times at St. Andrews in 1895. And finally, the pinnacle of this weeklong golf homage is the Old Course at St. Andrews, the world's most famous and historic course. This final afternoon's round is sure to provide memories for a lifetime. Read more >   View photos from the trip!

History of Flight in France

Please join us on an exciting journey in France to learn about the fascinating history of flight! We begin in Paris with a unique, behind-the-scenes guided tour at Roissy-Charles De Gaulle Airport. Then, in the company of U.Va. experts and experts from around the world, and with privileged access, enjoy a day at the world renowned Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, located on the outskirts of Paris. We will also have the chance to visit France's Musee de l'Air and watch air show demonstrations from the museum's terrace as we enjoy refreshments. Read more >

Europe 101: For New Graduates and Young Alumni

Graduates, their families, and young alumni are all invited to see the best of London, Paris, and Amsterdam on this carefree journey through the old continent. Get a special taste of sophisticated Europe while having lots of chances for fun with other graduates, friends, and family on this exclusive post-graduation getaway! This is an exclusive U. Va. Trip. Read more >

Colorado Family Dinosaur Discovery

What could be more exciting for your children or grandchildren than the chance to dig for dinosaur fossils deep in Colorado's red-rock country? Share a unique adventure with your family on this exciting week in one of the country's richest dinosaur domains. Excavate alongside scientists in a quarry where bones from eight species of dinosaurs have been found. The enthusiastic field staff is expert at tailoring instruction for all age levels, with emphasis on learning and fun. Read more >

The Greek Islands

We invite you to join us as we explore Athens and the Greek Islands of Santorini and Crete in the Hellenic Republic, one of the most fascinating and historic countries in southern Europe. Prepare to be dazzled by turquoise seas, azure skies, and brilliant white villages clinging to the coast as centuries of spectacular beauty bask under the Aegean sun. Read more >   View photos from the trip!

Hemingway's Africa: Sights and Safaris

Tanzania is the perfect East African destination for any traveler with an open mind and heart to experiencing wildlife and culture, past and present. This is a luxury safari with wildlife viewing by landrover with professional naturalist Augustine Minja. Read more > View photos from the trip!

Peru: Volunteer and Visit

Make a difference in children's lives with the University of Virginia's inaugural "volunteerism" program in Peru in conjunction with Cavaliers Care, U.Va.'s alumni service organization. This trip is specially designed to combine two-days of volunteer work with a spectacular vacation in Peru, a land of beautiful Andean landscapes, archaeological treasures, a rich colonial heritage, and colorful indigenous cultures. Read more >  View photos from the trip!

Costa Rica, Panama, and the Canal

Join us in Panama and Costa Rica for an intriguing blend of nature and culture, plus a transit of the legendary Panama Canal. As a "Land Bridge" between the two Continents of the Western Hemisphere, Panama and Costa Rica feature a vast diversity of flora, mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles which coexist in one of the world's most complete ecosystems. Read more >  View photos from the trip!

Ireland: Kilkenny, Inishmore & Ennis

Join Professor Cushman as we explore some of the most colourful parts of Ireland, including medieval Kilkenny, the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the plains of Tipperary and the mysterious Ancient Burren. Read more >

The Mediterranean World (Cruise)

We voyage across the Mediterranean aboard the five-star, all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II from Naples to Athens. It is the most perfect season of the year to experience the ancient monuments and landscapes of Southern Italy, Sicily, Greece, and the Aegean Isles. Read more >  

Mozart's 250th: Prague, Vienna, & Salzburg

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart. With U.Va. Professor Emeritus Donald Loach, our music journey will trace the career of the Great Master including Salzburg, Prague, and Vienna. Read more >

Treasures of Holland & Belgium

Experience the treasures of Holland and Belgium. This northern corner of Europe is ideal for those who seek ariety. For history buffs and art fanciers, there's Ghent and Bruges, and the quaint charm of Delft. Read more >  View photos from the trip!