01 / United Kingdom
Southampton
Begin the Knight Adventure on England’s southern coast before embarking aboard EXPLORA IV.
Southern Virginia University Presents
The Third Annual Knight Adventure
An Extraordinary Journey Through Northern Europe Aboard EXPLORA IV
THE THIRD ANNUAL KNIGHT ADVENTURE
A Journey With Purpose
Southern Virginia University is proud to announce the Third Annual Knight Adventure, a signature gathering for friends of SVU!
Personally hosted by President Aaron Hale, this special event brings together our community of leaders, alumni, and supporters for a time of Norwegian experiences, connection, and discussions surrounding our bold vision for the future of SVU.
The Journey
A Journey of Lace Streets, Glacial Fjords & Wild Coastline
Your journey begins in Southampton before continuing toward the historic streets of Bruges and the landscapes of Bergen.
From there, EXPLORA IV journeys through Flåm, Nordfjordeid, and Rosendal before concluding in Copenhagen.
Third Annual Knight Adventure
Your Knight Adventure Journey
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Southampton
United Kingdom
June 23, 2027
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Bruges
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Bergen
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Flåm
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Nordfjordeid
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Rosendal
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Copenhagen
Denmark
July 1, 2027
Explore the Journey
Seven Destinations.
One Extraordinary Journey.
Discover the destinations along the Third Annual Knight Adventure, from Southampton to Copenhagen aboard EXPLORA IV.
02 / Belgium
Bruges
Explore historic canals, distinctive architecture, and beautifully preserved European streets.
03 / Norway
Bergen
Discover Norway’s celebrated waterfront city, framed by hills and maritime heritage.
04 / Norway
Flåm
Journey into dramatic fjord country surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and remarkable scenery.
05 / Norway
Nordfjordeid
Experience a quieter Norwegian landscape shaped by fjords, mountains, and coastal communities.
06 / Norway
Rosendal
Enjoy a picturesque community surrounded by water, mountains, and the beauty of western Norway.
07 / Denmark
Copenhagen
Conclude the journey among Copenhagen’s historic waterfronts and Scandinavian city character.
The Norwegian Journey
Norway, Experienced Together
Your Home at Sea
Discover EXPLORA IV
THE KNIGHT ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
More Than a Journey. A Community.
The Knight Adventure is about more than the destinations we visit. It brings the Southern Virginia University community together through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, friendships, and unforgettable moments along the way.
From time spent together onboard to discovering new destinations, each journey creates opportunities to connect with fellow members of the SVU community in a truly memorable setting.
Join the Knight Adventure
EXPLORA IV
Your Home at Sea
Where thoughtful design and an abundance of space create an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
Aboard EXPLORA IV
Exclusive to EXPLORA IV
Shore Club on 11 at The Conservatory
A new relaxed beach-club-style restaurant inspired by carefree summer days by the sea.
The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys
An exclusive private dining experience crafted in collaboration with Explora Journeys' chefs.
The Cellar by Explora Journeys
A relaxed sanctuary for wine lovers, designed around curiosity, conversation, and genuine enjoyment.
THE JOURNEY AWAITS
Experience EXPLORA IV
EXPLORA IV
Your Home at Sea
Where thoughtful design and an abundance of space create an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
Ocean Residence
Owner's Residence by Patricia Urquiola
A distinctive interpretation of the Owner’s Residence shaped through refined materials, proportion, light and expansive oceanfront living.
Ocean Residence
Owner’s Residences
Expansive indoor and outdoor spaces designed for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Ocean Residence
Cocoon Residences
Among the most spacious Ocean Residences, with panoramic aft terraces designed for private outdoor living.
Ocean Residence
Serenity Residences
Light-filled residences with sweeping deck spaces and corner positioning designed for panoramic ocean views.
Ocean Residence
Retreat Residences
Oversized living areas, spacious terraces and private outdoor whirlpools create an elevated home-at-sea experience.
Ocean Residence
Cove Residences with Whirlpool
Contemporary Cove Residence living enhanced by a private outdoor whirlpool overlooking the ocean.
Ocean Residence
Cove Residences
Sophisticated indoor living opens onto a private sun terrace designed for dining, lounging and enjoying the ocean.
Ocean Penthouse
Grand Penthouses
The most generous Ocean Penthouses, offering spacious interiors and larger private outdoor terraces.
Ocean Penthouse
Premier Penthouses
Light-filled accommodations with spacious living areas, separate bedrooms and private sun terraces.
Ocean Penthouse
Deluxe Penthouses
Elegant spaces with distinct areas for sleeping, dressing, dining and relaxing beside expansive ocean views.
Ocean Penthouse
Penthouses
Airy homes at sea offering additional space for dining, lounging and relaxing on a private sun terrace.
Ocean Suite
Ocean Grand Terrace Suites
Light-filled suites with larger private terraces designed for a closer connection to the ocean.
Ocean Suite
Ocean Terrace Suites
Light-filled ocean retreats with floor-to-ceiling views and private waterfront terraces.
Travel With Purpose
An Adventure That Makes a Difference
$25,000
Donation Per Couple
A charitable donation to Southern Virginia University to help fund student scholarships.
We would like to invite you to join us on this adventure by donating $25,000 per couple to help fund student scholarships at Southern Virginia University.
This level of support places you in our President’s Circle, our community of leading donors who are shaping the legacy of SVU.
More importantly, you are impacting the lives of students!
We hope you will consider joining us at this level of leadership.
Your generosity ensures that Southern Virginia University continues to transform lives for years to come.
Reserve Your Place
Join the Third Annual Knight Adventure
Step 01
Make Your Donation
Please complete your $25,000 donation to Southern Virginia University using the secure donation link.
Your gift is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charitable contribution.
Because this trip is offered in lieu of traditional donor benefits, all registrations are non-refundable.
Step 02
Complete Your Registration
After making your donation, please fill out the Cruise Registration Form.
Provide traveler details, guest information, and any special requests.
Step 03
Receive Your Confirmation
Once both steps are complete, you will receive a confirmation email with event details, itinerary highlights, and next steps.
Registration
Complete Your Registration
Please complete the form below with accurate information for you and your travel party. Your responses will help the Trips & Ships Luxury Travel team coordinate your accommodations, travel arrangements, and participation in the Third Annual Knight Adventure.
Please have your traveler information and passport details available before you begin.
Cruise Questions & Assistance
Your SVU Knight Travel Team
For questions about the Third Annual Knight Adventure, EXPLORA IV, your accommodations, registration, or other cruise-related details, Angela Hughes and the Trips & Ships Luxury Travel team are here to assist you throughout the planning process.
2026
TravelPulse Most Influential Women in Travel
2024
Travel Leaders Network Influencer of the Year
Recognition
Magellan Award Recipient
Meet Your Travel Advisor
Angela Hughes
CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Founder, Luxury Travel University
Angela Hughes is the owner and CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, with 40 years of experience and firsthand travel to 121+ countries. She holds a master’s degree and is an adjunct professor of Geography and Travel and Tourism. An award-winning travel advisor, industry leader and media contributor, Angela specializes in luxury cruises, expeditions, safaris and custom journeys.
About Our Agency
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is a luxury travel agency focused on personalized travel planning and carefully curated vacation experiences.
Angela and her team work behind the scenes to coordinate travel details and provide support throughout the planning process.
For the Third Annual Knight Adventure, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is available to assist with questions related to your EXPLORA IV cruise, accommodations, registration, and travel arrangements.
Need Assistance?
Have Questions About Your Journey?
Our team is here to help as you prepare for the Third Annual Knight Adventure. If you need assistance with your cruise arrangements, registration, accommodations, or other travel-related details, please email us at [email protected] .
Adventure Together.
Make an Impact Together.
Join the Southern Virginia University community for the Third Annual Knight Adventure, an extraordinary journey through Northern Europe aboard EXPLORA IV.
June 23 – July 1, 2027
Join the Knight AdventureThank you and Go KNIGHTS!