We’re excited to offer you exclusive early access to the 2026 Cavalier Travels Offerings before we send them out to the rest of the UVA Family!
Vietnam
February 21 to March 7, 2026
A land of breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people, rewards abound for the thoughtful traveler. And in our flexible and congenial small group, we encounter rewards aplenty on this comprehensive journey featuring all the highlights, plus the beautiful, remote Mekong Delta.
India
February 22 to March 10, 2026
Mystical and spiritual, chaotic and confounding, India overflows with riches. Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime—India awaits with all its color, chaos, and wonder. From the shimmering marble of the Taj Mahal to the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur and the tranquil ghats of Varanasi, this is a land where ancient traditions and modern life swirl together in a dazzling dance.
Morocco
March 29 to April 11, 2026
Imperial cities to the Sahara. A land of contrasts, rich in spirit and story. Join Former Professor of French Wynne Stuart and a journey from ancient ruins and sacred mosques to sweeping deserts and rugged mountains, Morocco captivates at every turn. Journeying through the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the majestic High Atlas and the vast Sahara, we discover a culture shaped by centuries and defined by its warmth, resilience, and legendary hospitality.
Botswana
April 23 to May 5, 2026
Begin and end each day with thrilling game drives through the African bush, tracking black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and the rare African painted wolf. From your private verandah, watch Africa’s second-largest land migration unfold. Evenings are spent fireside, sharing stories and toasting the day’s adventures with new friends.
Japan
April 24-May 6, 2026 - SOLD OUT New departure added May 13- 25, 2026
Join Vice Provost for the Arts Jody Kielbasa and fellow UVA family members on a captivating blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. Japan enchants with its delicate artistry, dynamic cities, time-honored customs, and sensory delights that are at once unfamiliar and unforgettable. This thoughtfully designed journey highlights the best of Tokyo and Kyoto, immerses us in daily life, and ventures off the beaten path to the charming historic towns of Takayama and Kanazawa.
Japan
May 13- 25, 2026
Join fellow UVA family members on a captivating blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. Japan enchants with its delicate artistry, dynamic cities, time-honored customs, and sensory delights that are at once unfamiliar and unforgettable. This thoughtfully designed journey highlights the best of Tokyo and Kyoto, immerses us in daily life, and ventures off the beaten path to the charming historic towns of Takayama and Kanazawa.
Destination Italy
June 1 to 16, 2026
Experience the best of Italy on our most comprehensive journey. From the dazzling Amalfi Coast to timeless Venice, this wide-ranging tour captures the essence of Italy—ancient wonders, vibrant cities, rolling countryside, and world-class art. Along the way, explore eternal Rome, the tranquil beauty of Umbria and Tuscany, and the rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and landscapes that make Italy unforgettable.
Iceland
July 9 - 19, 2026
Be part of our enriching program exploring the rich cultural heritage, vibrant history and natural beauty of Iceland on this 11-day small group tour that traverses an astonishing land.
Total Solar Eclipse: Spain
August 7-14, 2026
Witness the total solar eclipse from a cruise off the coast of Mallorca on the Balearic Sea. Discover Gaudí's masterpieces. Dine under the stars at the Fabra Observatory in Barcelona. Explore the charming village of Valldemossa, nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains of Mallorca.
Great Britain
September 14 - 27, 2026
Explore regional gems and cosmopolitan cities alike in this essential – and alluring – discovery of Great Britain. From storied cities to serene countryside, this wide-ranging journey captures the essence of Britain. Travel from elegant Edinburgh to the legendary landscapes of England’s Lake District, then on to the dramatic beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia), the pastoral charm of the Cotswolds, and the ancient allure of Roman Bath—before concluding in vibrant, ever-evolving London. Along the way, history and legend unfold before us, all wrapped in the region’s signature warmth and hospitality.
Turkey Inspired
September 11-25, 2026
UVA Faculty: Archeology Professor Tyler Jo Smith Where Europe meets Asia, a world of wonder unfolds. From vibrant Istanbul—the storied “Empress of the World”—to ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and the legendary Turquoise Coast, Türkiye captivates at every turn. This immersive small group journey invites you to experience the rich tapestry of sights, scents, and sounds that make this crossroads of civilizations truly unforgettable.
Southwest National Parks
September 27-October 7, 2026
UVA Faculty: Edward Murphy, Astronomy Professor
The American Southwest is a land of breathtaking grandeur—from the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon and the twisting Colorado River to the towering sandstone spires of Bryce and the dramatic red-rock cliffs of Zion. Our small group explores the region’s iconic national parks and protected lands, celebrating what author Wallace Stegner once called America’s “best idea.”
Dalmatia
October 1- 16, 2026
UVA Faculty: TBD
From timeless cities to the sparkling Adriatic, Croatia invites with open arms. Independent and democratic, this vibrant nation welcomes travelers drawn to its rich history, lively culture, and the stunning, unspoiled Dalmatian coast. Journeying in a small group from historic Zagreb and enchanting Lake Bled to the elegant Habsburg-era resort of Opatija, the sun-kissed island of Hvar, and the beloved walled city of Dubrovnik, we discover why this captivating region leaves such a lasting impression on all who visit.
El Camino de Santiago
October 9-21, 2026
A Walking Tour In Northern Spain
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on northern Spain’s legendary Camino de Santiago, the historic route that has welcomed pilgrims for more than a thousand years. This active program follows the Way of St. James through wooded bluffs, flowered fields, and scenic landscapes, concluding at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
Thailand
October 11- 25, 2026
Discover Thailand’s rich culture and natural beauty on this immersive journey. Begin in Bangkok with temple visits, canal tours, and a riverside dinner. Explore ancient Ayutthaya, then head to Khao Yai for vineyard tours and wildlife viewing. In the north, visit the Golden Triangle, hilltribe villages, and spiritual sites in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Highlights include an ethical elephant encounter, a sunrise alms ceremony, and a Thai cooking class before heading home enriched by the experience.
Egypt
October 16-30, 2026
Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.
Sicily & Malta
September 20 - October 2, 2026
Accompanied by popular UVA Professor Emeritus David Gies, this small group trip journeys from the Maltese islands to Sicily, which have been stepping stones of culture since deep antiquity. Their commanding position in the center of the Mediterranean attracted every major power that arose or was active in this inland sea, stretching from antiquity to recent times.
85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
November 30 - December 9, 2026
Accompanied by popular UVA Professor William Hitchcock, author of The Age of Eisenhower: America and the World in the 1950s, on this immersive WWII-themed tour. Begin in New Orleans with private access to The National WWII Museum, expert lectures, and special events, including dinners at the US Freedom Pavilion and iconic Antoine’s restauraunt. Then travel to Honolulu to stay at the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel and attend the 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
COMING IN 2027!
Egypt: Total Solar Eclipse
The Longest Solar Eclipse for the Rest of Our Lives! Imagine spending 6 minutes and 22 seconds in totality at Luxor Temple on the Nile River— the longest visible totality for the next 87 years!
JULY 25 TO AUGUST 7, 2027
Join UVA Astronomer Ed Murphy and expert Egyptian guides on this literally once-in-a-lifetime trip to the ancient land of Pharaohs on the exceptional Le Fayan, one of the nicest ships on the Nile. Explore the sacred sites of Cairo, the gateway to Egypt’s soul with 4 nights at the illustrious Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo before embarking the river cruise. Marvel at the grandeur of Karnak and Luxor Temples, walk the path of the Sphinxes, and stand before the silent guardians of the Valley of the Kings.
Australia & New Zealand- 2027
866-765-2646
Touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s sophisticated Sydney, sacred Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the wondrous Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s towering Mount Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound, plus Rotorua, Queenstown, and Auckland.
Give us a call to talk about any of these trips!
866-765-2646
Egypt
October 20 to November 3, 2025
Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.
Around The World By Private Jet
November 4-25, 2025
Join UVA Art History Professor and former Associate Dean for the Arts and Humanities Francesca Fiorani on this unforgettable journey around the world. This 22-day expedition offers a life's list of iconic destinations in a single itinerary.
Fly to Antartica
December 3 - 10, 2025
You have come to the Correct Place to Experience the Bottom of the Earth on a Luxury Expedition!
Join us for an exhilarating adventure to Antarctica! Experience the remote and spectacular White Continent in a more efficient way with our fly to Antarctica itinerary.
Holiday Markets Along the Danube
December 8 - 16, 2025
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season on a magical Danube River cruise from Vienna, Austria to Nuremberg, Germany.
CONNECT WITH US
The Cavalier Travels Team is ready to answer questions about our program and destinations that interest you!
Email cavaliertravels@virginia.edu
or call us at 434-243-4984 or 866-765-2646.
Cavalier Travels is the official Alumni and Parent Travel Program of the University of Virginia.
Mary Lynn Musser, Senior Associate Director
Marieke Cappa, Assistant Director
Raina St. Louis, Advancement Associate
Michael Goetz, Executive Director, Global Networks and Programs
Meet our faculty leaders
Featuring experts from a wide variety of disciplines, our faculty leaders bring trips to life.