2024 Ranney School Greece Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | June 2, 2024 - June 13, 2024 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$4,790 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,489 |
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 teachers that we must 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 | Activity | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2 | USA - Athens | Overnight flight from USA to Athens, Greece. | Airplane |
| June 3 | Athens | Today the group will arrive in Athens, Greece, and transfer to our hotel and get checked-in before taking to the streets on walking tour of the hip Plaka neighborhood. Sit down altogether for a delicious welcome dinner in the evening. | Mitsis N'U Piraeus Port Athens |
| June 4 | Athens | The group will spend the morning on a guided sightseeing tour of Athens led by an expert local guide. The group will visit and learn about the Acropolis, experience Olympic Stadium and much more. We will finish our day having dinner before heading back to our hotel. | Mitsis N'U Piraeus Port Athens |
| June 5 | Athens - Delphi | Today we will have a full day excursion to Delphi Archeological park with a local expert guide at the site. The group will also visit the Delphi Museum. On your return to Athens in the afternoon we make an additional stop at Hosios Loukas Holy Monastery, a byzantine style monastery dating back to 11th century. We will arrive in Athens by dinner time. | Mitsis N'U Piraeus Port Athens |
| June 6 | Athens | We will start our day with a visit to the Acropolis Archeological Museum. In the afternoon the group will have time to explore old town, have a snack or why not visit other museums. | Mitsis N'U Piraeus Port Athens |
| June 7 | Athens - Mykonos | Let’s go island hopping! Today we will board a cruise and sail off to Mykonos Island arriving in the early evening. The group will have 5 hours to explore the dreamy iconic Greek island which is known as the “island of the winds” with its distinctive windmills. We will explore the island together with our guide or in small group on a walk through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches and delightful restaurants. Evening departure to Turkey. | Celestyal Cruise - Discovery Ship |
| June 8 | Kusadasi and Patmos | Today we will explore Kusadasi and Patmos. We will begin our visit with a bus tour in Kusadasi which will take us on a journey to discover the ancient Ephesus, built 3,000 years ago. The group will also have the chance to discover the Bazar of Kusadasi before cruising over to the hourglass-shaped island of Patmos, known among locals as the “Holy Island” named after St John the Apostle. We will spend the afternoon and evening here and take up an optional excursion or continue exploring in small groups. In the early evening, we will sail towards Heraklion, Crete. | Celestyal Cruise - Discovery Ship |
| June 9 | Heraklion and Santorini | Today we will sail into Heraklion in the morning, marvel at the Koules Fortress that guards the ancient capital of Crete. We will enjoy some free time in Heraklion or join on an optional excursion to Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization which has been called Europe's oldest city. We will be back onboard of our cruise around lunch time for your next island hop to Santorini. Here you’ll be greeted by striking cliffs which are vertically dotted with traditional white Greek houses and blue domed churches. Participants will have the opportunity to go on an excursion to Oia for an epic sunset. | Celestyal Cruise - Discovery Ship |
| June 10 | Athens - Nafplio | Today we will disembark our cruise in the early morning. Once in the mainland, we will begin our day exploring the iconic Poseidon Temple on Sounion Cape before continuing towards Nafplio. On your way, we will make a second stop after lunch in the Peloponnese region in Mykines to visit the its famous archaeological site. Upon arrival in Nafplio we will check into our hotel and have dinner in town. | Amalia Hotel Nafplio |
| June 11 | Nafplio | After breakfast, we will catch a boat to visit to Bourtzi and explore the Venetian water castle. After, we will head back to Nafplio by boat and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the beautiful town and Acronafplia, Nafplio's oldest castle which rises at the top of the Old Town. We will have dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel to prepare for our return to Athens tomorrow. | Amalia Hotel Nafplio |
| June 12 | Nafplio - Epidaurus - Athens | After breakfast, we will head on an excursion to Epidaurus where we will be able to visit the amphitheater. On your way we will pass by the Corinth Canal and many other interesting sites on the along our walk. In the evening, gather together for a delicious Farewell Dinner in the Old Town and reminisce and reflect over everything you’ve seen and done. | President Hotel Athens |
| June 13 | Athens - USA | Today the group will head to the airport to catch out international flight. | Your own bed, eventually! |
Fundraising
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
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Learn more here.
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.
President Hotel Athens
Set amidst the eternally intriguing urban landscape of Athens, the landmark building of President Hotel offers an elegant and comfortable stay. Strategically situated near two Metro stations and other means of public transport close to the heart of Athens, the hotel offers great access to renowned cultural landmarks, commercial streets, historic sites and entertainment attractions. Wifi is available throughout the property and each room as air conditioning.
Celestyal Cruise – Discovery Ship
Accommodation on the Discovery is a haven of luxury and comfort. Cabins can accommodate up to 4 people, have their own private bathrooms, air conditioning and Wifi. All meals will be included on the cruise, and students will be very comfortable while at sea.
Amalia Hotel Nafplio
Amalia Hotel is a beautiful property with extensive gardens, wide corridors, an atrium, multiple relaxation areas and a summer veranda create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing getaway. The hotel is built in a neoclassical style and is a reflection of local culture and hospitality. There is Wifi throughout the property and air conditioning in each room.
Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port | Athens
Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port is a 4* hotel located right at the Port of Piraeus, the largest passenger port in Europe. The hotel is conveniently situated only 5 minutes away from Cruise Terminals A, B, and C. With quick access to the metro station, Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port serves as an ideal hub. There is Wifi throughout the property and air conditioning in each room.
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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UA
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124
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June 2, 2024 at 3:55PM
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June 3, 2024 at 8:10AM
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Inbound
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UA
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125
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June 13, 2024 at 10:25AM
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June 13, 2024 at 2:05PM
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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
- Swimsuit
- 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
- 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
- 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 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.
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
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.
George Kokkos
Program Leader
BA Ancient History and Archaeology – University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Born and raised in Greece, George is a passionate historian an teacher. For the past fifteen years, George has experience in both academic and tourism settings, specializing in making profound and complex subject matters accessible for diverse audiences. He is passionate about the study of democracy as well as ancient Greek mythology. George is a seasoned world traveler and has lead groups of students all over the world. He is a firm believer in providing and promoting education for all.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Adrianna Fernicola
- 2 Andrew Cerussi
- 3 Annabelle Long
- 4 Anthony Abboud
- 5 Ashka Patel
- 6 Ava Deady
- 7 Caitlyn Chu
- 8 Carissa Hoe
- 9 Claire Doherty
- 10 Claire O’Leary
- 11 Daren Chen
- 12 Elle Brandt
- 13 Ethan Bodner
- 14 Haley Poser
- 15 Jessica Solovey
- 16 Jon Leidersdorff
- 17 Julian Ostrow
- 18 Justin Xu
- 19 Katherine Renaud
- 20 Kieran Collins
- 21 Lauren Alizio
- 22 Lewis Forrest
- 23 Liam Kilcullen
- 24 Lucas Yanney
- 25 Madeleine Renaud
- 26 Marcella Lin
- 27 Margaret Holden
- 28 Maria Garcia
- 29 Marley Lubin
- 30 Michael Cole Serrapica
- 31 Olivia Stieglitz
- 32 Philomena Hiller
- 33 Robert Holden
- 34 Sawyer Yen
- 35 Serena Schwadron
- 36 Uliyana Boyko
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 bak 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 Greece 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 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 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.