2021 Henderson UK and France Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2021 Henderson UK and France Cultural Journey! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting program so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. The first page, Pre-Enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page, is meant to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and we can't wait to start our enriching adventure!
Travel Dates: June 10, 2021 - June 21, 2021
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Estimated Airfare: $900

What to Expect

Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.

Itinerary

We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationActivityLodging
June 10USA-London Travel across the pond Airplane
June 11London Upon arrival, we will have our first meal: fish and chips for lunch, then we will start our day with a walking guided tour of London, including inside the House of Parliament (when Parliament is not in session). We'll continue to Buckingham Palace, home of the Queen, where we will witness the Changing of the Guard. In the late afternoon, we will head to the Thames for a boat tour, where we will visit the city from a very different perspective. After a long and exciting day we will sleep well! Palmers Lodge
June 12London This morning we will visit the Tate Modern, which is Britain's national gallery of international modern art and holds many famous artists like Dali and Warhol. Then we will hop on the Tube and head to London's bigger inner city farm, Mudchute. There we will have a farm Lunch followed by a farm tour and activities with animals on the farm. We will head back to the Hotel and have some free time before dinner and have a night time stroll around London. Palmers Lodge
June 13London Today, we'll continue our tour of London at the Tower of London. Home to many prisoners over two millennia, this massive fortification is still home to the stunning Crown Jewels. Next, we'll cross the Tower Bridge and walk along the Thames past City Hall, the HMS Belfast,we will have a quick lunch and head to the Globe Theater where we will have a guided tour of one of London's most famous theaters. After that we'll also cross the Millennium Bridge to marvel at St. Paul's Cathedral have some free time to go shopping and have an English Roast dinner! Palmers Lodge
June 14London This morning we will start our day at the British Museum, one of the most important museums in the world. Among 8 million artifacts, the original Rosetta Stone calls this museum home. In the afternoon, we will explore the Churchill War Rooms, a magnificent series of bunkers beneath central London, where the British government continued operations during the Battle of Britain during World War II.Palmers Lodge
June 15Stone henge Once again we will have an action packed day with an early start to beat the crowds to the iconic Stonehenge, which stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to mention public debate ever since. Then we will head to Windsor Castle, vacation home of the Royal Family. Next we head to Bath, famous for its Roman Baths, that were built nearly 2,000 years ago. Built on Britain's only natural hot water spring lies the magnificent Roman public bath complex and Roman temple. At the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site you can walk around the steaming pool on the Roman stone paving and admire the ancient Roman statues and architecture. We will head back to London with our bus just time time for dinner and a night time stroll of London to say our farewell to the UK.FIAP
June 16London-ParisToday we arrive in one of the most enchanting cities on earth! After our last English breakfast we will catch a train and be in Paris in just over 2 hours! You'll meet your leader before heading to our local hotel to settle in, grab some food and have a short orientation meeting. We'll spend the remainder of the day in the Montmartre District including a visit to the incredible Sacre Coeur. Dinner will be near our hotel.FIAP
June 17ParisIn the morning we'll visit the Louvre and you will have your chance to see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and many other amazing works of art. We will have a guided tour and also plenty of free time to explore the works of particular interest. Next, we'll walk on to see La Madeleine, the famous neoclassical Roman Catholic church. From there we will walk up to the Palais Garnier Opera House and take a tour of the inside to fully admire its grandeur. We'll then make our way over to see the historic building that houses the Galeries Lafayette department store and finally make our way over to the Champs Elysées for Ladurée macarons, a classic French treat, and to see the Arc de Triomphe ! We will take the metro back to our accommodations and then have dinner in the area. FIAP
June 18ParisWe will begin our day by departing early for the Chartres, which is highlighted by it's famous cathedral. Then, we will see the palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent palaces in the world, with gardens equally as beautiful. We'll enjoy a nice picnic in the gardens and you'll also get the chance to visit the historic Hall of Mirrors - the treaty of Versailles was signed here, ending World War I. We'll return to Paris and get out at the Champs de Mars to see the Eiffel Tower up close. We'll have dinner near Trocadero, an excellent vantage point on the Tower. As a last activity for the day, we'll walk along the Seine to get to our night cruise embarkment from where we'll sail up the Seine, giving us a spectacular view of the city's most important monuments by night. Following that we'll head back towards our accommodations for a good night's sleep.FIAP
June 19ParisToday we'll head to the Pompidou Center, France's largest and possibly funkiest, modern art museum for a visit of their impressive collection and for a view of the city from the top! From there we'll discover the lively Les Halles neighborhood surrounding the museum via a scavenger hunt. We'll then head over to the Marais neighborhood to have our lunch in the beautiful, quaint park in the Place des Vosges. We'll have the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood a bit before we go to see Père Lachaise cemetery to see the iconic tombs and mausoleums that span over 100 acres. From there we'll head back down to the Rue Mouffetard where we'll take in the sights of one of the oldest streets in Paris and have a last dinner amongst the lively comings and goings of both tourists and Parisians. Home
June 20Paris-USAToday we will head to the airport for the flight home. Bon Voyage!

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Accommodations

In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Sneem Hotel

This 4-star hotel is located in the middle of Sneem Village. This hotel is situated along the Sneem River and gives its guests a taste of the Irish country side, as it is a short drive from local farms and hiking trails. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

 

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is just a train ride from the busy streets of Dublin. This 3-star hotel is full of warm colors and modern amenities. Each room comfortably fits up to 4 guests and has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel to keep everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

Best Western Grosvenor Hotel

Best Western Grosvenor Hotel is perfectly located for any traveler’s needs. Easy access to motor ways, shopping centers, public parks, tourist attractions and restaurants. This Hotel offers a variety of room configurations and free Wi-Fi access. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Ridgemount Hotel

The Russell family has owned and operated the Ridgemount Hotel since 1786. It is located in central London near the underground and popular attractions. This hotel may be small but the staff is very hospitable and welcoming. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

 

Ibis Belfast City Centre Hotel

Ibis Belfast City Centre Hotel is located next to public transportation allowing for easy access to  local attractions, shops and restaurants. This 3-star hotel can accommodate up to 4 students in a room. There is air conditioning and free Wi-Fi access. Students will be grouped in their accommodations according to gender and availability.

 

Hub by Premier Inn – Royal Mile Hotel

Hub by Premier Inn – Royal Mile Hotel is a clean and modern hotel around the corner from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. All rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.  Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Fort William Backpackers

Fort William Backpackers is a hostel in the Scottish Highlands. The hostel is made up of 5 dorm style rooms that can hold a maximum of 8 beds per room. There is a communal kitchen and outdoor patio. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Group Flight

Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

Packing List

What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with.  We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.

Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination. 

Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!

CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :

  • Underwear
  • Socks (a mixture of good active socks and casual socks)
  • T-shirts (some quick dry)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Sweaters or sweatshirts
  • Warmer jacket
  • Warm hat
  • Scarf and Warm gloves (optional)
  • Rain jacket
  • Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
  • Comfortable, everyday pants
  • Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
  • Durable athletic/walking shoes
  • Sandals (optional)
  • Hat

TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:

  • Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Band Aids and Neosporin
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Medication in properly marked original container

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Sunglasses
  • Journal and pen
  • Book
  • Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
  • Power Converter
  • Alarm Clock and watch
  • Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
  • Durable water bottle
  • 1 quick-dry towel
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Batteries
  • Deck of cards or other portable games
  • STUDENT ID

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.

Gabriel Duncan
Gabriel Duncan
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO


Colby College – B.A. International Relations and Government

While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road. He fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica, and traveled to over 50 countries and all 50 states in the USA. Regardless of where Gabriel is located, he is constantly haunted by his naive faith and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.

Devin Toletti
Devin Toletti
Italy Country Director; Germany Country Director


Bologna University – B.A. Political Science and International Relations

Born to an Italian father and a Canadian-Austrian mother, Devin grew up in Varese which is in Northern Italy between Milan and Switzerland. He grew up with a love for winter sports, dividing his winters between hockey and skiing. In summer he would enjoy mountain biking around the Alps and try to water ski as much as possible. After finishing school, in the English section of the European School, he went to Bologna University and achieved a B.A in Political Science and International Relations. In Bologna he also discovered his passion for food and teaching. Devin is now living in the exciting capital of Germany, Berlin, where he is a bike tour guide, part time cook, and English teacher.

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

Blog and Communication

During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.

Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

 

GLC Curriculum

Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.

For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.

Learn More About the GLC

To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.

Pre-Program Activity Portal

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.

ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL

  1.  Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
  4. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

  1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
  2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
  3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
  4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
  5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
  6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
  7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC United Kingdom website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.

Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.

We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with  two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.

To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.

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