2022 Henderson France and Italy Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | April 7, 2022 - April 17, 2022 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,190 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,075 |
Important Reminders
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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 abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 7 | USA - Paris | Today we'll depart the USA for Paris, France, arriving the next day. | Airplane |
| April 8 | Paris | We will arrive to Paris today and meet our program leaders at the airport. We will check into our accommodations and get settled. You'll spend the remainder of the day in the Montmartre District, including the incredible Sacré-Cœur. Before jetlag catches up to us, we will hold an orientation meeting to discuss the upcoming adventures ahead and rest after a long travel day. | Hotel FIAP |
| April 9 | Paris | With so much to see in Paris, we will start the day with a wonderful walking tour. We'll start on the Left Bank or Rive Gauche where we will see the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and the famous Latin Quarter, followed by the Notre Dame Cathedral- where we'll be sure to pay a visit inside the Holy Chapel of Sainte-Chappele next door. We'll stop for a picnic lunch in the nearby park and explore the Ile de St. Louis, too. Then we will continue up to the Pompidou Center, where we will see an exhibition. After the museum we will walk over to the Les Halles area and explore Rue Montorgueil, the oldest market street in Paris, and the Church of St. Eustache. We will eat dinner at a restaurant in the neighborhood and then head back to our accommodations on the metro or bus for some rest. | Hotel FIAP |
| April 10 | Paris | This morning we will walk up to the Opera and admire the beautiful Palais Garnier. If possible, we'll tour the inside of the opera house. Next, we will we will have a picnic lunch before taking the RER just outside of Paris to see the palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent palaces in the world, with gardens equally as beautiful. We'll get the chance to visit the historic Hall of Mirrors - the treaty of Versailles was signed here, ending World War I. We'll take the RER back into Paris and get out at the Champs de Mars to see the Eiffel Tower up close. If the group has the energy, we will continue walking along the Seine until to see Les Invalides before heading back to our accommodations to rest after a fulfilling day. | Hotel FIAP |
| April 11 | Paris | In 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. After our visit, we will have a picnic lunch before walking on to see the Madeleine, the famous neoclassical Roman Catholic church. We'll stop for ladurée macarons, classic French treats. From there we will take the metro over Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and take in the surrounding Le Marais neighborhood. We will have dinner in the area and then take the metro back to our accommodations to rest ahead of our international journey tomorrow. | Hotel FIAP |
| April 12 | Paris - Rome | The adventures continue as we bid adieu to France and say buongiorno in Italy! We will take a morning flight to Rome and spend the better part of the morning ahead of our afternoon tour acquainted with our new surroundings, checking out special sites in the city and getting our first taste of Italian street food and of course, gelato. In the afternoon, we'll get to experience the Colosseum! We'll stick with our guide to go into the much shorter VIP entrance instead of waiting in the general queue; saving us precious hours! | Hotel Rome Garden Hotel |
| April 13 | Rome | Today is a visit to another country! We will spend our morning at the Vatican visiting the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. We will also visit the Castle of the Holy Angel and Palatine Hill. Later on, we'll take a walking tour of more must-see sites in Rome, including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. | Hotel Rome Garden Hotel |
| April 14 | Rome - Venice | Today we're off to Venice Venice via the Freccia Rossa, high speed trains which can travel up to 220 miles per hour. With so much to see in Venice, we'll begin our time here with a guided walking tour of the city and, if we haven't already, reward ourselves with more gelato. | Anda Venice Hostel |
| April 15 | Venice - Florence | Upon waking up in Venice, we'll have breakfast before our visit to the Doge's palace. Then we will enjoy a traditional gondola ride down the city's water canals (and a special serenade if we're lucky!). We of course will visit the Ponte dei Sospiri and Piazza San Marco. Later this afternoon we'll catch a private bus to Florence for our evening. | Park Hotel |
| April 16 | Florence | We will have a relaxing morning before a walking tour of Florence and, for the art lovers, pay a visit to the Uffizi museum. This evening we will have our going away dinner, final reflections and get ready for our travels tomorrow. | Park Hotel |
| April 17 | Florence- Rome - USA | Say arrivederci to Italy as we board our flight home to the US! | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
FIAP Jean Monnet
More than just a hotel, this international youth accommodation also functions as a conference center, a cultural venue, and a space to meet up with friends from all over the world. A truly unique experience for students in Paris. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Rome Garden Hotel
The Rome Garden Hotel is the perfect accommodation that marries peace and relaxation, characteristic of a reserved and suggestive location, with the commodity of a central position, in the heart of the bustling metropolis of Rome. The hotel is located in the vicinity of Porta Pia on Via Nomentana, in the elegant area of the consular and diplomatic premises. It’s a Patrician villa of the XIX century, entirely modernized and surrounded by a private garden and only a few steps from the splendid frame of Villa Torlonia. It is also the perfect location for art lovers, with the nearby park of Villa Borghese and its prestigious gallery, which houses the famous sculptures of Bernini, being easily reachable on foot from the hotel.
Anda Venice Hostel
With it’s industrial decor, a multitude of colors and a touch of vintage in the interactive areas, Anda Venice Hostel makes for a charming stay while visiting Venice. Its mantra of hosting travelers, not tourists, and facilitating experiences, not itineraries, make the hostel staff feel more like an extended family than a typical service offers. These accommodations are perfect for larger groups and make a great place to relax in between adventures in the floating city of Venice.
Park Hotel
The Park Hotel is just on the outskirts of Florence yet still feels like the Tuscan Countryside. A large hotel with plenty of common areas, pool and beautiful grounds, the hotel is perfect for groups.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
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Outbound
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Air France
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AF
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17
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JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States
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April 7, 2022 at 11:00pm
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CDG – Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
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April 8, 2022 at 11:55am
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Inbound
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Delta Air Lines
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DL
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183
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FCO – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome, Italy
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April 17, 2022 at 9:30am
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JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States
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April 17, 2022 at 1:25pm
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Once your flight schedule 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
- Underwear
- Shorts
- 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
- French/English Dictionary
- Italian/English Dictionary
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 staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Sarah Hofmann
France Country Director
Carnegie Mellon University – B.A. Francophone Studies and Anthropology
Columbia University – M.A. Cultural Studies
Born in Tokyo, Sarah was raised in an Ecuadorian-American family in Singapore, Paris and the D.C. suburbs. Basically, she had no choice: she was going to be an implicated world citizen whether she liked it or not. After finishing a self-defined undergraduate major in Francophone literature, Anthropology and Painting – with a semester-long stint in Bamako, Mali squeezed in – she continued to study, travel and work in the francophone world. Since completing her undergraduate studies she has lived in the French antilles, worked in Haiti, completed a Masters in Paris, braved the mean streets of NYC, and taught French in Dakar, Senegal. She has now landed in Bordeaux in the south of France where she has learned that biking along the Garonne River can, in fact, give a person a whole other take on life.
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.
Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics
Born and raised in Guatemala in a big family, JP spent seven years living and studying in the U.S., where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. He worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions across the American Southwest and later attended Earlham College in Indiana after completing the International Baccalaureate in New Mexico. His passion for international affairs led him to study abroad in China and travel extensively throughout Asia and beyond. To date, JP has visited 33 countries, often combining travel with service projects and cultural immersion experiences. Today, he is based in Costa Rica and works full time with the Walking Tree team. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, art and design, hosting friends and travelers, and planning road trips across Costa Rica and Latin America.
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.
Alexandre Rehbinder
Program Leader
California State University, Northridge – B.S. Management; Bard College – MBA in Sustainability
Born and raised in Los Angeles to a hard-working French-American family, Alex developed a diverse set of skills to contend with the world. During his bachelor’s degree, he mentored high school robotics teams in Southern California as a F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Ambassador. After college, Alex co-founded a secondhand fashion business and moved to Paris, France, where he began working at a law firm to support his entrepreneurial venture. Staying in touch with his roots, he took on a leadership role within a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering his fellow American expats. Living abroad and traveling have been critical to his development, and you will likely hear him say that “a fish does not know it is in water until you take it out.” He has since returned to school to complete an MBA in Sustainability in NYC and maintains a sustainable finance consultancy. He also maintains that the greatest obstacle to achieving something great is believing it can be done!
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Alexander Cervino
- 2 Ava Lo Schiavo
- 3 Benjamin Layer
- 4 Camille Murphy
- 5 Caralina Bellwoar
- 6 Caroline Conrad
- 7 Donna Zingani
- 8 Elizabeth Clark
- 9 Elizabeth McGonagle
- 10 Ella Knappenberger
- 11 Ella Slossburg
- 12 Emerson McGee
- 13 Emma Armstrong
- 14 Emma Pfeiffer
- 15 Gerardo Garcia Rodriguez
- 16 Gillian Graham
- 17 Grace Breen
- 18 Gwyneth Goodfellow
- 19 Isabella DeNadai
- 20 Isabella Noce
- 21 Jessica Ritins
- 22 Kelsey Kuegler
- 23 Kennedy Stark
- 24 Kylie Quigley
- 25 Lorenz LaGioia
- 26 Lydia Young
- 27 Margaret Layman
- 28 Margo Williams
- 29 Niamh Sinnott
- 30 Nicole Snider
- 31 Nishita Jakkam
- 32 Patrick Brady
- 33 Preston Lubeski
- 34 Radek Semon
- 35 Samantha Scebelo
- 36 Sarah Bonsall
- 37 Sarah McGlynn
- 38 Savannah Skinner
- 39 Shannon Gamble
- 40 SHRUTI BEDEKAR
- 41 Sofie Gill
- 42 Sopheap Sok
- 43 Sophia Ming
- 44 Sylvie Minier
- 45 Zoe Nolan
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. 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.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. 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
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- 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 Italy website and the CDC France website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in each country. In addition, we encourage you to consult 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 traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about 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 comprehensive leadership training. 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 collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns 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 can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and 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 that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.