2027 Friendship Germany Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: |
March 21, 2027 -
March 28, 2027
Dates are tentative until airfare confirmed
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline forthcoming |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | USA - Berlin | We will depart from the United States on our overnight flight to Berlin, Germany. | Airplane |
| Day 2 | Berlin | This morning, we will arrive in Berlin and be welcomed by our Walking Tree Program Leader for a guided introduction to the city. After dropping our bags at our hotel, we'll make time for a quick orientation meeting to discuss our objectives of the trip. From there, we will explore highlights such as Alexanderplatz, the historic Brandenburg Gate, Mitte, remnants of the Berlin Wall, and the famous Checkpoint Charlie. In the evening, we will gather for a festive welcome dinner and spend the night in Berlin. | Berlin Hotel |
| Day 3 | Berlin | Our day will begin at the Deutsches Technikmuseum and its interactive Science Center Spectrum, known as the “World of Experiments.” We will explore fascinating exhibits covering physics, energy, and natural phenomena. After lunch, we will continue our discovery through the museum’s vast collections of technology and innovation, from trains and airplanes to photography and computing. The afternoon will leave time to see more of Berlin before dinner and an overnight stay. | Berlin Hotel |
| Day 4 | Berlin - Potsdam - Wolfsburg | We will travel westward, stopping first in Potsdam to visit the Einstein Tower, a unique solar observatory dedicated to testing Einstein’s theory of relativity. A guided tour of the Potsdam Science Park will further showcase the city’s research legacy. Our journey will then continue to Wolfsburg, home of Volkswagen, where we will dive into the interactive Phaeno Science Center. With over 300 hands-on stations exploring themes such as life, energy, dynamics, and mathematics, this will be an exciting afternoon of discovery. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and rest. | Hannover or Wolfsburg Hotel |
| Day 5 | Heidelburg | After breakfast, we will travel south to visit the Mathematikum Museum near Frankfurt, where we will engage with dozens of interactive experiments that bring mathematics to life in fun and surprising ways. After a lunch break, we will continue to the beautiful university town of Heidelberg, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring its charming streets. Dinner will be served in the evening. Overnight in Heidelberg. | Heidelburg Hotel |
| Day 6 | Heidelburg | We will start the day with a guided visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, we will see the world-famous Giant Wine Barrel and explore the fascinating Pharmacy Museum, which highlights the history of medicine in Europe. The afternoon will be free to enjoy Heidelberg at our own pace, before regrouping for dinner. | Heidelburg Hotel |
| Day 7 | Heidelburg - Stuttgard - Minuch | Today we will head to Heilbronn for a visit to the Experimenta Science Center, Germany’s largest science center, where hands-on learning and interactive labs will inspire us. Afterwards, we will continue to Stuttgart for a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which traces over 130 years of automotive innovation. In the evening, we will arrive in Munich, where dinner will be waiting. | Munich Hotel |
| Day 8 | Munich | We will begin the day with a guided tour of Munich, exploring its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. Our visit will include BMW Welt and Museum, where we will see cutting-edge automotive design and engineering. Afterwards, our local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the old town, including Marienplatz, with its famous Glockenspiel. Dinner and overnight in Munich. | Munich Hotel |
| Day 9 | Munich | We will dedicate our final full day to the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest science and technology museum. With more than 125,000 exhibits across 50 disciplines, the museum offers everything from early scientific instruments to cutting-edge robotics and immersive technology. This unparalleled experience will serve as a fitting finale to our journey. In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our time together. | Munich Hotel |
| Day 10 | Munich - USA | After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to the United States, bringing home unforgettable memories of Germany’s rich scientific, cultural, and technological heritage. | 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.
Group Flight
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
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.
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.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
University of Kansas – B.A. Latin American Studies; Global and International Studies, Minor in Brazilian Studies
Jordan hails from Kansas City where he spent his entire childhood. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, his first international experience would set the course for the rest of his life. After high school, he traveled to Guatemala where he began learning Spanish and cultivated a deep interest in everything Latin America. In college, Jordan spent almost half of his university career studying abroad in both Costa Rica and Brazil. In 2010, Jordan moved to Costa Rica for six years where he began his professional career teaching Portuguese to Costa Ricans and working with Walking Tree Travel. From Costa Rica he moved to Denver, Colorado and spent seven years traveling the USA and experiencing life as an adult in America for the first time. Jordan is trilingual and has traveled to more than 30 countries around the world. He currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal and enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, biking, spending time at the beach and cooking Middle Eastern food.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
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 Germany website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination 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.