Past Programs & Photos
Journey Through Vietnam
October 2009
In a land of breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition and profoundly hospitable people, rewards abound for the thoughtful traveler. This journey with U.Va. alumni, parents and friends allowed us to experience the beauty, history and culture that flourish in the fascinating country of Vietnam.
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France: Paris, Normandy and D-Day
October 2009
This year commemorated the 65th anniversary of D-Day. U.Va. alumni, parents and friends explored sites in Paris and Normandy where on the morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of young men embarked upon a perilous journey taking them from the cold waters of England, across the English Channel, to the fog-covered beaches of Normandy. They retraced their valiant steps along Normandy’s shore and further inland as they strove to liberate France. They also experienced first hand the dramatic backdrop of the events that changed the course of history: the imposing cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, the peaceful beaches of Utah and Omaha, the small chapel at St. Mère Église, the somber and stunning white crosses of the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer and the cobble-stoned streets of Paris belying the French Résistance.
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America's Historic Atlantic Shores: A Luxury Cruise
September 2009
Travelers joined U.Va. Professor of History Peter Onuf and to rediscover, up close and personal, the people, places and events that shaped the American Character—from Maine to Florida. They unpacked once and relaxed on the journey of discovery aboard the luxury mega yacht Clelia II. The voyage along America's Atlantic shore was a journey through time, to places that shaped the course of the country's history and to centers of culture that laid the foundation for the American society.
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Turkey and the Turquoise Coast
September 2009
We began our tour of "the cradle of civilization" in Istanbul, Turkey's cultural and spiritual heart. We enjoyed the city's astonishing and legendary Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, one of the world's richest museums. We traveled south to the sacred World War I battlefield of Gallipoli, ferried across the Dardanelles to Troy and explored the wealth of Greco-Roman ruins at ancient Pergamum. We spent a full day at Turkey's best-preserved classical city, Ephesus. Among its treasures are the grand Library of Celsus and a 25,000-seat amphitheater with excellent acoustics and splendid views. Then we spent five splendid days aboard our privately chartered gulet yacht, cruising the exquisite Turquoise Coast, relaxing and discovering hidden sights, quaint fishing villages and remote ruins. We ended our journey in the beautiful seaside resort of Antalya, with excursions to ancient Perge and Aspendos.
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England: Cotswolds
August 2009
On this exclusive journey, we immersed ourselves in the heart of the English countryside and discovered the region’s enchanting natural beauty and priceless historic treasures. We strolled across the fabled quads of Oxford, marveled at the grandeur of Gloucester Cathedral and experienced the traditions of villages like Broadway and Chipping Campden where life has remained little changed for centuries. We took a private "behind-the-scenes" tour of Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace at Blenheim Palace hosted by Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed charming accommodations at the Queen’s Hotel, a splendid 150-year-old example of Regency-style architecture situated amidst immaculately groomed gardens in Cheltenham. To further enhance our enjoyment and understanding of the Cotswolds region, this carefully planned itinerary featured a full program of lectures and presentations about regional art, history and culture and a specially arranged village forum with local residents.
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Golfing in Ireland with Barry Parkhill
August 2009
Incredible scenery, challenging courses that test any golfer's skill and mettle, and legendary hospitality make Ireland one of the best places in the world for a top-quality golfing holiday. From lush green parkland to wind-lashed, rugged coastal dunes, Ireland is a destination of awe-inspiring scenery at every turn. This trip featured five of the best golf courses Ireland has to offer: Lahinch and Doonbeg in County Clare, Tralee on the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry and the Kilkenny and Mount Juliet courses in County Kilkenny. A rich cultural program was offered for non-golfers.
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Eastern Europe: Poland to the Czech Republic
August 2009
U.Va. alumni and friends went on a discovery tour through the diversity and beauty of Eastern Europe, through five distinctly different nations – Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We discovered the historic past as well as recent momentous events. We toured Warsaw's Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and visited the haunting concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. We explored Budapest and viewed the scenic Danube Bend. In Vienna, we attended a classical music performance and toured the majestic Schonbrunn Palace. We dined with local families in Bratislava and explored Prague's acclaimed museums and architectural treasures.
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Total Solar Eclipse and Highlights of China
July 2009
On this 11-day tour, we witnessed the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century at Anji in southern China, one of the best places on Earth for viewing this rare celestial event. We also had the opportunity to experience some of China's most beautiful regions and delve into China's past and present through immersion in its unique life and culture. Visitors were immersed in a sea of visual and cultural experiences unlike any other in the world. Having developed for the most part independent of foreign cultural domination, each geographic area teems with its own unique identity. We were amazed at how regions differ, even though they express similar values and ideals. We also found that China has a deep tradition of scientific study, especially in the field of astronomy. Our aim on this tour was to explore and enjoy China's scientific and natural wonders and her fascinating civilization.
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Peru: Machu Picchu
June 2009
Together we discovered Lima's colonial and pre-Columbian treasures, including a visit to the home of art collector Enrico Poli to see his private collection of magnificent gold pieces from Sipán, the richest burial chamber ever found in the Americas. Our journey continued to Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, where – after acclimatizing to Andean altitudes – we embarked on an exploration of the superb archaeological sites and colonial treasures of the area, including a dramatic train ride to the enchanting site of Machu Picchu. Here, comfortably lodged just below the site, we had two days to contemplate the serene sanctity of the "Lost City of the Incas." Throughout our journey, we experienced the marvelous flavors of Peru in its regional cuisine and witnessed the influence of the Spanish colonizers. With our expert leadership, we truly enjoyed and appreciated the incredible cultural and geographic diversity of Peru.
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Mediterranean Cruise: Cultural Centers and Glorious Gardens
May 2009
On a journey cruising along the brilliant coastal arc between Italy and Portugal, we experienced a veritable open-air museum of botanical, architectural and historic treasures. Every piazza preserves a memory, from the conquering Romans or Moors to the arts of the Renaissance. Our voyage aboard Clelia II explored some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular sites, including the riches of Florence and the masterful art collections along the French Riviera. In the vibrant city of Barcelona, we traced the flowering of the Gothic style and the birth of modernism in Spain, while in Granada's fabled Alhambra Palace, as in Seville, we reflected upon the flourishing of Moorish culture in Andalusia. We were privileged to have with us renowned garden designer Lynden B. Miller, who focused our experience of enchanting gardens, including La Mortella on the island of Ischia; the French Provençal gardens of Sainte-Claire le Chateau, once owned by Edith Wharton; and the regal landscaping of the Alhambra's Generalife Gardens.
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Voyage to the Aegean Sea
October 2008
We traveled with U.Va. Assistant Professor Tyler Jo Smith and Stanford Professor Herant Katchadourian on an exploration of the Aegean world. Each morning we woke to bays bathed in the bright sun, the silvery green of olive groves, whitewashed cubes of Cycladic villages, and most breathtaking, the proud ruins of classical cities. Our itinerary embraced both the Aegean's circumference and the riches of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations.
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Luxury India
October 2008
We explored the exotic land of India with U.Va. professor Stephen Arata. We thrilled to the sight of the legendary Taj Mahal and the "Pink City" of Jaipur and explored the markets and mosques of Old Delhi. We enjoyed staying in the elegant guestrooms of the palaces and hunting lodges of the maharajas. This program was a lively mix of activities which inspired us with the spectacles and marvels that are India.
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An Egyptian Journey
September 2008
What traveler hasn't dreamed of standing at the foot of the mighty pyramids of Giza, exploring a tomb in the Valley of the Kings, or sailing down the mysterious Nile? Egypt's captivating heritage begins with the legacy of the pharaohs and includes its rich Greco-Roman, Coptic Christian and Islamic periods. Recall the adventure of "discovering" Egypt in the fashion of the intrepid 19th-century traveler while enjoying all of today's modern comforts. Our itinerary enriched our understanding of Egyptian cultures, both past and present.
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Village Life Along the Dalmatian Coast
September 2008
Professor of Environmental Sciences Emeritus Ernie Ern led us on a voyage of discovery as we sailed from the legendary city of Venice across the dark blue Adriatic Sea and along Dalmatia's ruggedly beautiful, island-dotted shoreline. We explored the Roman legacy of Split, walked in the footsteps of Marco Polo in his medieval birthplace of Korcula, and stepped back into the Renaissance era in Dubrovnik. We toured Diocletian's Palace, one of the best preserved Roman buildings in Europe, and expert local guides opened our eyes to the hidden treasures of this lovely and historic region.
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China: Olympics
August 2008
The focus of our tour was the 2008 Olympic games and the participation by U.Va. alumni, but we also visited some of China's iconic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. There also was the option to extend your stay and visit the cities and sights of Xian/Guilin/Shanghai, or take a cruise on the Yangzi River and see the spectacular Three Gorges.
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The Galápagos Islands and Ecuador
July 2008
We joined Professor Fred Diehl for a sea adventure in the extraordinary natural environment of the Galápagos Islands. These Islands are indeed a land of legend, a magical place where we walked alongside giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, explored underground lava tubes, and swam among sharks and sea lions—adventures that provided memories for a lifetime. We began in Quito, Ecuador, which brought the past to life in its museums, convents, colonial mansions, carved stone facades, and golden altars of its churches. Aboard the 100-passenger M/V Galapágos Explorer II, we cruised the Galápagos Islands. We concluded our expedition in the thriving port city of Guayaquil, replete with museums, shops, monuments, and cafés.
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The Dordogne: French Village Life
June 2008
We spent a week in one of Europe's loveliest intact medieval villages, Sarlat-la-Canéda. Designated by the French government as one of the most beautiful villages in the country, its 14th-century cobblestone streets, delightful cafés, and traditional market allowed us to revel in France's provincial charms, rich culture, and fascinating history. The Dordogne, also known as Périgord Noir, is a lovely rural area in southwestern France known for its rustic beauty and its culinary heritage. We enhanced our understanding and enjoyment of the Dordogne's gastronomic bounty during daily meals and at Sarlat's marvelous outdoor market, a village tradition that dates to the Middle Ages.
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Tuscany: Cortona
May 2008
The charming village of Cortona was our base as we traveled through the surrounding Tuscan hill country, admiring the beauty of the land, led by Professor Larry Goedde. In Siena, we navigated narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, visited the city's magnificent Duomo, and strolled the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest squares in Italy. Then, we journeyed to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti Country. In Umbria, we explored two walled cities: medieval Assisi, home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis, and Perugia, an ancient Etruscan city-state. Finally, we experienced the brilliant artistic and architectural heritage of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
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Sicily: Taormina and Mondello
May 2008
U.Va. Professor Lisa Reilly led us on the island where she has done much research to explore the cultural crossroads of the ancient world. We began our discovery of this fascinating island in Taormina, and saw its many Greek, Roman, and medieval monuments. We marveled at the island's scenic splendor during a drive to the volcanic crater of Mt. Etna, and explored archaeological ruins in Syracuse. En route to Mondello, we viewed the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina and the remains of the Greek colony at Agrigento. In Palermo, Sicily's largest city, we admired stunning architecture and enjoy the mosaics of the cathedral in Monreale.
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Belize and Guatemala for Active Alumni
April 2008
Environmental Sciences Professor Fred Diehl took us on an exploration of this wild country where he leads U.Va. undergraduates during January Term every year. We explored Mayan ruins, caves, rivers, and jungles, all from the comfort of a modern lodge. This trip was designed to get us out and back in just a week—spent in the jungles of Central America—a wonderful excuse to be out of touch for a few days!
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China: Beijing, Shanghai, and the Yangzi River
October 2007
This was a tour of China's most dynamic cities, beautiful countryside, and the Yangzi River. This trip included 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 was Shanghai, China's most European-influenced city, with its wide boulevards, world-class museums and the European Bund along the Huangpu River.
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Danube River Cruise
August 2007
We waltzed 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 sailed 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 offered the best perspective possible, from scenic countryside views to intimate encounters with medieval towns and venerable city centers.
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The Italian Lake District
August and October 2007
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.
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Provence and the French Riviera
November 2007
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 began our journey with five nights in Provence, a land known for its verdant countryside, Roman ruins and breathtaking sunsets. Next, we traveled down to the French Riviera, the playground for the world's rich and famous, with its sparkling seaside vistas and fashionable promenades.
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Golf Outing in Scotland
August 2007
Legendary U.Va. Men's Basketball player Barry Parkhill led us on a pilgrimage to Scotland, the "cradle of golf." We started at the Turnberry Westin Golf & Leisure Resort in Ayrshire and played both the Kintyre and Alisa courses. The journey continued with a tee time at Carnoustie, once home of Bobby Jones' Coach, Stewart Maiden. We then went on to St. Andrews Bay, beginning with a round on the New Course, perhaps the oldest "new" course in Scotland. And finally, the pinnacle of this weeklong golf homage, wass the Old Course at St. Andrews, the world's most famous and historic course.
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The Greek Islands
May 2007
We joined Professor Ernie Ern on an exploration of Athens and the Greek Islands of Santorini and Crete in the Hellenic Republic, one of the most fascinating and historic countries in southern Europe. We were dazzled by turquoise seas, azure skies, and brilliant white villages clinging to the coast, as centuries of spectacular beauty basked under the Aegean sun.
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Hemingway's Africa: Sights and Safaris
March 2007
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 was a luxury safari with wildlife viewing by Land Rover with professional naturalist Augustine Minja.
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Peru: Volunteer and Visit
March 2007
We made a difference in some Peruvian children's lives with the University of Virginia's inaugural "volunteerism" program in conjunction with Cavaliers Care, U.Va.'s alumni service organization. This trip combined 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.
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Costa Rica, Panama, and the Canal
February 2007
This excursion to Panama and Costa Rica was 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.
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Ireland: Kilkenny, Inishmore & Ennis
September 2006
Led by Professor Steve Cushman, we explored some of the most colorful parts of Ireland, including medieval Kilkenny, the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the plains of Tipperary and the mysterious Ancient Burren.
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The Mediterranean World (Cruise)
September 2006
We voyaged across the Mediterranean aboard the five-star, all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II from Naples to Athens. It was the most perfect season of the year to experience the ancient monuments and landscapes of Southern Italy, Sicily, Greece, and the Aegean Isles.
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Mozart's 250th: Prague, Vienna, & Salzburg
June 2006
We celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart. Accompanied by U.Va. Professor Emeritus Donald Loach, our music journey traced the career of the Great Master including Salzburg, Prague, and Vienna.
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Treasures of Holland & Belgium
May 2006
We experienced the sensory treasures of Holland and Belgium. This northern corner of Europe is ideal for those who seek variety. For history buffs and art fanciers, we visited Ghent, Bruges and the quaint charm of Delft.
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