Traveling Knights

The UCF Traveling Knights program offers tours to destinations around the world. Our trips are adventurous, engaging, and most importantly, provide a wonderful way to engage with your fellow UCF alumni, family and friends.

Join the University of Central Florida for unforgettable travel experiences. Explore the globe with like-minded alumni while we handle the details. Each trip is carefully curated to connect you with your alma mater and create lasting memories. Bring your family and friends along for the adventure!

Questions on upcoming travel programs can be directed to Sarah Doody at sarah.doody@ucf.edu or 904.432.3141.

2025 Destinations

Island Life: Greek Isles & Ephesus

Journey to the cradle of Western civilization and the classical world on this Aegean voyage exploring the preserved treasures and mythical landscapes of Greece and Turkey. all on the islands of Volos, Delos, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini on this epic, eight-night voyage. Enjoy excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora; Delos’ classical ruins, including the Sanctuary of Apollo and the theater quarter; the archaeological site and ancient ruins of Ephesus; and Santorini, believed to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Discuss life on the islands with residents during the Island Life® forum.

Highlights of Kenya

Join us as we explore the wonders of Kenya. Our adventure in Kenya will start with a flight from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park. Located in southern Kenya and renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife, it boasts a majestic view of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest free-standing mountain in the world and highest peak in Africa.

We will see the animals begin to get ready for the Great Migration from Kenya to Tanzania, the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world.

Christkindlmärkt Along the Danube River
The Holidays in Austria and Germany

Celebrate the Season with Old-World Traditions. Join UCF alumni, family & friends and experience Yuletide magic on an enchanting Danube River cruise to visit some of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas Markets. Our seven-night river cruise from Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria pairs historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and imperial monuments from the Hapsburg dynasty with visits to Old World Christmas Markets that have existed for centuries.

2026 Destinations

Discover Egypt & the Eternal Nile

January 26 – Feb 7, 2026

The incomparable Nile. Magnificent ancient monuments. Endless golden sands. This and more is Egypt—a cradle of civilization essential to our human story and the developments in government, religion, and agriculture. With its long past and welcoming people, Egypt beckons travelers to explore ruins of the past and wonders of today.

Wander the fabled land of pharaohs and kings—where colossal pyramids, legendary tombs, and towering temples cascade across the terrain. The mighty Nile River welcomes you for an unhurried journey that reveals seemingly limitless vistas of infinite deserts contrasted by metropolitan cities. From biblical times through to modern day, Egypt has been the site of monumental historical events, staggering technological achievements, and compelling human stories.

Long Weekend Getaway to Iceland

March 2026

Iceland . . . the Land of Fire and Ice is a country full of contrasts. From steamy hot springs to top-notch spas, spectacular scenery to art museums, this unique land is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and explore. Legends say that the ancient gods themselves guided Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, to make his home in Reykjavík (“Smoky Bay”), named after the geothermal steam he saw. Today this geothermal energy heats homes and outdoor swimming pools throughout the city—a pollution-free energy source that leaves the air outstandingly fresh, clean and clear.

On this exciting long weekend getaway you will have the opportunity to travel with fellow alumni and explore this rugged and breathtaking country. But perhaps the greatest draw is the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights. This is the best time of year to see them because it has to be totally dark to get the best effect – and this is a country where the sun never fully sets in the summer! In the evening of our arrival day, we’ll head out to try and see the real thing (weather permitting). If the weather doesn’t cooperate with us, we’ll try again the next night……. and the next.

European Coastal Cruise

May 23 – June 1, 2026

Explore the storied legacies and dynamic cultures of coastal Portugal, Spain, France, and England and commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on this 8-night cruise itinerary. Discover Portugal’s renowned wine country, walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, visit Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum, and see UNESCO-inscribed Mont-Saint-Michel’s impressive abbey. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the astonishing island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel; the Christian world’s third holiest city of Santiago de Compostela; and spirited Oporto, the center of world-famous port wine and Moorish-influenced architecture.

Best of the Balkans

June 14 – 22, 2026

Journey from medieval ruins to ancient Roman sights on this 9-day exploration of the Best of the Balkans, featuring the historic town centers of Dubrovnik and Split. You’ll wander through multicultural cities, hear moving stories of war and discover the stunning architecture. Centuries of history will be revealed through the eyes of Local Specialists who share their secrets of the Balkans. Customize your experience: optional excursions available in Dubrovnik, Budva, Sarajevo, Mostar and Split.

Cruise the Italian Riviera: Tuscany, Cinque Terre & Amalfi Coast

May 18 – 26, 2026

Experience the best of the Italian Riviera on this remarkable seven-night cruise, round-trip Rome, aboard a deluxe small ship. Customize your Tuscany experience with included Traveler’s Choice options to visit either Florence or Lucca. Enjoy excursions to the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre, Corsica’s fortified town of Bonifacio and the UNESCO-inscribed ruins of Pompeii. Savor the splendor of the Amalfi Coast and the

Isle of Capri on an incomparable journey that concludes with a visit to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial — led by Guest Speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II.

The Galapagos Islands: 8-days of Wonder and Amazement

June 30 – July 7, 2026

Join fellow UCF alumni and friends as we explore the Galapagos Islands. Designated the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands have been described as a “unique living museum and showcase of evolution.” They are home to a fascinating array of wildlife inhabiting an unspoiled ecosystem, living in harmony with their human visitors.

This exciting journey features a day of guided touring in Quito plus an intimate cruise through the archipelago with up-close access to endemic species. Expert naturalists guide you through the wonders of this national park, whale sanctuary, and marine reserve. Accommodations for this adventure are aboard the Isabela II, a 40-guest expedition vessel with spacious cabins, local cuisine, and a staff dedicated to ensuring both your comfort and maximum enjoyment of this truly extraordinary destination and its diverse inhabitants.

The Wonders of Turkey

September 2026

East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza which reveals the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and some of the world’s most revered ancient cities. Get lost in the colorful lanes of the Grand Bazaar, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes, and descend into an underground fortress. Mother Nature and man have crafted an extraordinary land, over which empires have fought for centuries, and you’ll get to see all its wonders on this 11-day journey.