If Barcelona is the soul of Spain, then Madrid is the heart. Its main thoroughfares pulse with traffic, vehicular and pedestrian alike. The city radiates a persistent, enveloping energy that knows not the chime of the clock. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and stylish, the seat of power in Spain can easily satiate the more voracious seekers of both modern and ancient culture.

Although the history of Madrid can be traced back over two millennia, the city’s rise to prominence did not begin until it was declared the capital of Spain in 1561 C.E. Since that time, Madrid has grown into an economic and political powerhouse, securing its place among the  great capital cities of Europe.

Two Good Days in Madrid

Day 1: Museums

Madrid houses the artistic legacy of one of the largest empires ever seen on the planet in some of the most renowned museums in the world. Even for those not interested in art, walking the halls of these hallowed structures will impress upon you a feeling of respect and awe.

For the art marathoner looking to test their endurance, I suggest the following full day:

Picasso’s Guernica, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid. Photo by Lance Harrell

Hop on the L1 Metro and exit at the Atocha station. This will put you at the beginning of the Paseo del Prado and about 300 meters from your first stop, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. This museum of modern art was once a hospital, and its austere yet elegant salons display an impressive and varied collection. The prize piece is, of course, Picasso’s Guernica, which depicts the horror inflicted by the Nazi bombing of Gernika in 1937, during the Spanish civil war.

Heading up the Paseo del Prado about 250 meters you will come upon your next destination, the CaixaForum. This relatively new arrival has solidified its place among Madrid’s great art institutions by exhibiting an extensive collection of contemporary and ancient art.

Just across the street from the CaixaForum you will run into one of the greatest museums in the world, El Prado. Proudly presenting the largest collections of Goya and Velazquez, it also is home to The Three Graces by Rubens, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch and Fra Angelico’s The Annunciation, to name but a few. Its brethren include the likes of the Louvre in Paris and the Uffizi in Florence, and to visit Madrid and not enter this venerated institution of art would be a regrettable and avoidable tragedy.

By now you are likely to be hungry, so while you are in the area, I would suggest grabbing some tapas at one of the many establishments lining the Paseo; or if you’re looking for a bit of an escape from the crowds, head into the botanical gardens abutting the museum.

Rested and reenergized, you can head on to your ultimate stop, the Museo de Thyssen-Bornemisza. Oft described as having “minor works from major artists and major works from minor artists,” the Thyssen-Bornemisza more than adequately covers nearly every important movement during the evolution of Western art from the 13th to 20th century.

Naval Museum, Madrid. Photo by Lance Harrell

If you are a little burned out on art and still have some time and energy left, just up the street resides the Museo Naval (Naval Museum). This moderate- sized museum contains a multitude of detailed ship models following the evolution of the Spanish navy from its inception to present day. Also on display is an amazing collection of beautiful naval swords and other personal armaments carried by officers throughout the centuries, as well as a lovely full-scale recreation of the wardroom of a 17th century Spanish frigate.

Group Tip: Many of the museums offer discounts for groups if booked in advance. There is also the Paseo del Arte (The art walk) which provides you entrance into the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza for under 20 euros.

Continuing on a little bit further will put you in Plaza de la Cibeles, where you can snap a few pictures of the gorgeous Palacio de Comunicaciones then grab the nearby Banco de Espana Metro stop back to your home base for some deserved rest.

Day 2: Stretching your Legs

If you spent the previous day going from museum to museum, then I recommend getting outside and seeing some of the city. I found that the following was a great way to get some fresh air and see some of the historic sites Madrid has to offer.

Palacio Real, Madrid. Photo by Lance Harrell

A good jumping off point is the Plaza de Espana, from which you can follow the signage to the Templo de Debod, a 4^th century Egyptian temple donated to Spain for its assistance building the Aswan Dam. While the temple itself is worth the visit, the immaculate grounds which surround it add greatly to the experience. You can usually find people reading under the trees or cooling their feet in the large reflecting pool.

Exiting the temple grounds on the side toward Plaza de Espana you can make your way to the northern side of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and approach it through the Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens).  These formal gardens play host to a few of the dozens of stone statues decorating the grounds and depicting notable individuals of the period. Their proud poses and stoic faces gaze out over a now empty reflecting pool, seemingly pining bygone days of elaborate royal balls and 18^th century opulence.

Before leaving them to their nostalgic repose, escape the heat of the day and tour the Palacio Real itself. A two- hour, mile-long tour with take you through this 2,800-room showcase of Renaissance wealth and regal power.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid. Photo by Lance Harrell

After the tour, you’ll pass the Theatro Real on your way to your lunch destination, the Plaza Mayor. This historic square is one of the largest in Europe and dates back to 1620 C.E. Since then it has been the venue for the burning of heretics, royal weddings, canonization of saints, criminal executions, masked balls and all manner of other events.

The plaza is lined with wonderful cafes, tapas bars and shops; so sit down, order a specialty pizza, drink some refreshing sangria and watch the painters practice their art while being serenaded by the street musicians.

Last, you will end your walk where it all begins, the Puerta del Sol. The center of Madrid traffic and metro, a brass plaque on the southern side marks “Kilometer Zero,” the point from which all other distances in Spain are measured. The surrounding streets are also lined with shops of all sorts, so this would be a good time to do some shopping to round out the day before heading home.

Accommodations

If you’re looking for a place to stay that is affordable, yet close to the action, there is a wonderful neighborhood just north of the Gran Via between Calle de San Bernardo and Calle Fuencarral. This area is quaint yet lively. Lined with uncountable hostels, bars, small restaurants and pulperias you could easily sleep a group from 5 to 500 here, all within shouting distance. I have a personal fondness for StadHostel located at Calle de Barco 10. The staff was amazing, the rooms clean, the services fantastic and the price easy on the wallet.

Traveling Tip: If you’re in the middle of your trip and running out of “unmentionables” or if you’ve just worn that pair of jeans one too many times, up the road from the StadHostel at Calle de Barco 27 you’ll find a small Laundromat that will wash a load of clothes for 5 euros.  Not the cheapest price, but it is a sizeable load, so several people can combine their travel-worn clothes.

It does not take long to be infused with Madrid’s energy and be swept up in its fast-paced metropolitan atmosphere. The recommended two days above will go by fast and there is plenty more to see if you have time. My last piece of advice regarding Madrid is to set aside some time to explore the city away from its main streets and attractions. Wander through one of the intimate neighborhoods and talk to people. Only this way can you leave Madrid with a complete sense of why it became the amazing city that it is today.

Safe Travels,

Lance Harrell
Director of Online Operations
Premier Tourism Marketing

I think I fell in love with Barcelona at first sight. The city reminds me of a favorite pair of dress shoes; stylish yet timeless, polished in some areas and worn in others, but above all, comfortable to step into. One of the first things to know if you are planning a trip to Barcelona is that while the city is in Spain, the locals consider themselves the capital of the Catalonian province first and a part of Spain second.

Architecture

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spain. Photo by Lance Harrell

Barcelona is well known for the phantasmagoric creations of Anton Gaudi and his influence can be both felt in the culture and seen throughout the city. Usually the first stop on everyone’s list is Sagrada Familia and I also highly recommend it. This massive cathedral seems to rise mythically from the earth beneath it, each angle offering yet another rare visual gem. The hypnotic spell it casts on your sense of time and place is only broken by the modern day construction cranes that are aiding in its completion.

Casa Batllo at Night, Barcelona Spain. Photo by Lance Harrell

Next head over to Casa Batllo, an apartment house renovated by Gaudi in the early 1900s. Located on the Passeig de Gracia, you can’t miss it, just look for the small crowd staring up at the tiled mosaics and skull-like balconies. For a real treat, visit it at night when the lighting adds to the surreal nature of the structure.

To complete the Gaudi trifecta, grab some tapas and spend a relaxing lunch at Güell Park.  Most visitors head straight up the central stairs to the main plaza, and although taking in the perfect view of the city while relaxing on the undulating, colorful, ceramic mosaic tiled benches shouldn’t be missed, be sure to take some time and explore the rest of the park where many of the more subtle treasures await.

But don’t let Gaudi steal the whole show. Barcelona has been in existence for millennia and is home to a plethora of beautiful structures spanning many architectural time periods. While I mention a few below, rather than point you in any one direction, I invite you to just take some time and walk the streets. You won’t be disappointed.

Museums

Ruins of Roman Settlement Barcino, upon which Barcelona was built. Museu d’Historica de la Ciutat . Photo by Lance Harrell

As with any historically important city, Barcelona does not go wanting for museums, but regardless of your timetable or the nature of your group, there are two that I put on my “must experience” list.

In order to truly understand the city you are visiting, you need to experience the foundations upon which it was built, both literal and cultural. For a fascinating glimpse of the literal, visit the Museu d’Historica de la Ciutat (City History Museum) where you descend into the sub-basement and walk through the excavated ruins of the original Roman city of Barcia, from which modern day Barcelona grew.

On the cultural side, given the reciprocal influence between the city and the artist, to visit Barcelona without stepping foot in the Picasso Museum would be an insult to them both. The number and variety of the works on display is impressive, and you are likely to discover a few facts about the man and the context of his work that may surprise you.

Destinations/Attractions

Typical Street in the Barcelona Gothic Quarter. Photo by Lance Harrell

After visiting these museums in the Gothic quarter, I highly encourage you to take my next piece of advice, strange though it may seem; get lost. Most of what is to be found in the Gothic quarter is not on any map nor can it be researched online. This winding medieval maze of tight streets, tapas bars, shops and picturesque buildings is easy to get into and seemingly impossible to get out of, but it is this nature that lends itself to wonderful moments of discovery.  When you do finally emerge, after wandering through 50 interconnecting doglegged streets, you will find yourself carrying the desire to turn right around and do it again.

One of the most bustling streets in the old city is La Ramba, and although you are more likely to run into a fellow foreigner than a local here, there are a few sights along this “carrer” that make my list.

Taking the L3 Metro and exiting at the Liceu station will put you in the center of the action and right next to your first stop, La Boqueria. As Barcelona’s primary produce market, it is both a visual and gastronomic feast, and I recommend visiting during mid-morning or late afternoon when you can indulge your stomach and sample all the delectable fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, chocolates, juices, coffees and other offering in this cornucopia of favor.

Now it’s time to start walking off some of that food by heading up the street my next suggested stop, the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu. This 15th-century medieval hospital was one of the first medical complexes in Europe, is one of the finest Gothic spaces in Barcelona and houses the Biblioteca de Catalunya (library of Catalunya).

Just a few streets away you’ll encounter the Sant Pau del Camp which is Barcelona’s oldest church and is the city’s earliest Romanesque structure. The current incarnation was built in 1127, although archeological evidence suggests it was used as a Roman graveyard as far back as the 2nd century C.E. The church’s unique design is reflective of it being a not only a place of worship but also of refuge for early Christians during a time of Moorish incursions.

Columbus Monument, Barcelona Spain. Photo by Lance Harrell

Before you lose too much light, make your way toward the sea and the Monument a Colom (Columbus Monument) which marks the first spot in Spain Christopher Columbus stepped on after discovering the New World. I recommend paying the small fee to take the elevator to the top where you can get a panoramic view of the entire city.  If you are traveling with a large group though, be advised that only four or five people can be at the top at one time, so make sure to plan your time accordingly.

My parting piece of advice is to cross the street, grab a gelato or a coffee and enjoy the sunset on the Mediterranean while reflecting on everything you have experienced. When you’re ready to head back to base, you will find yourself about 200 meters from the Drassanes stop of the L3 Metro line.

Safe Travels,

Lance Harrell

Director of Online Operations

Premier Tourism Marketing

France is a magnificent country to visit, but it has a special draw for our Student Discoveries passengers. French is a very common language that is taught to students in high school. After you have been studying a language for many years there is no better experience than going to a country where they speak that language to polish off your technique. French accents change depending on which region you are visiting. This is an educational experience for anyone who has studied the language. You could be speaking beautifully in Paris, only to find out you have trouble understanding the locals in a more centrally located city like Amboise. Mixing with the French people and learning about their historic culture is a delight for students. Student Discoveries can help this experience really come to life for students and faculty alike.

View the world-famous Mona Lisa and other magnificent artwork that is housed in the Louvre in Paris.

Almost all of our tours will start and end in Paris, the French capital city. This is possibly the most cosmopolitan city in the world and it is impossible not to be amazed by the sights, sounds, and culture. In Paris, Student Discoveries can provide your group with inside visits led by Local Guides to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. We can help you design an itinerary that will take you inside the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. Our travelers visit all of the most famous Parisian sites: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and the Champs Elysées. We can customize your experience with an inside visit to the Louvre museum with all of its glorious artwork from around the world, including the Mona Lisa. Your group can also visit the stunning Palace of Versailles, which is located just south of Paris. The grounds a Versailles are breathtaking and shrouded in French history.

See the world through the eyes of Claude Monet on a visit to his home in Giverny, France

No trip to France would be complete without a visit to Giverny, which was home to Claude Monet. Monet was the founder of French impressionist painting and an avid lover of nature. Stepping onto the grounds of Giverny is like taking a stroll through Monet’s art. The house is modest and filled with art from painters Monet respected. The gardens at Giverny are gorgeous, and it is obvious why Monet did have to travel much farther than his own yard to find such incredible sources of inspiration for his paintings. One of Monet’s greatest paintings, Water Lilies, was inspired by the pond on the grounds of Giverny. It is such a unique experience to see in person the natural inspiration for such a masterful painting. There is a lot more to see in the French countryside after you visit Giverny. You can visit Rouen and marvel at its great cathedral. You must make a stop in the lovely harbor town of Honfleur. The cafés and homes that surround this harbor town are old and very well kept. The streets are clean and it feels like a place anybody would be proud to call home. To add to the ambiance, there are sail boats docked in the harbor. Honfleur is one of the most picturesque places to take photographs and stroll through town. After Honfleur, many of our groups overnight in the seaside resort of Deauville, where the seafood is excellent.

Students are moved as history comes to life on the beaches of Normandy

One of the most impactful sites in history is in France, and no student group should miss a stop at the landing beaches of Normandy, where Allied forces landed over 60 years ago to fight against the Nazi regime. There are many great movies about WWII and the landing at the Normandy beaches, but nothing compares to standing there, looking down upon the very beaches where countless brave warriors lost their lives. The Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha is sacred ground where words simply don’t do justice to the experience. Instead, the landscape and monuments tell the tale of a great generation that courageously fought to save the world from evil.

Mont St. Michel is another fantastic site in France. This enormous working monastery is built on a tidal island that is rich in history and connected to the mainland by a bridge. The lower areas can only be accessed during low tide, and once the tide comes in, they are submerged in water. Strolling around the grounds of Mont St. Michel is like taking a step back in time. There are shops and vendors in the lower areas, and many visitors will see the monks that live at Mont St. Michel. The walk to the top is amazing—from the stained-glass windows to the incredible views. A single visit to Mont St. Michel can take your breath away. After your visit you can take a drive down the coast to the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo, where visitors can admire its cathedral and ancient walls.

Chateaux Country is another must-see area when you visit France. Student Discoveries can provide your group with a marvelous visit to Châteaux de Chenonceaux, now privately owned and the most visited castle in the Loire Valley. There are many vineyards in this area and you can almost always count on an art show inside the Châteaux. Almost all of the rooms are open to the public, which soon discovers that this is one of the most peaceful and serene places in France. Next stop is Amboise, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. This area of France is where the countryside really shines and you can tell why so many amazing properties were built in this area of the country. From here you can drive to Orléans for a short stop to take photos of the statue of Joan of Arc. Another highlight of this area is Chartres, which is home to an incredible gothic-style cathedral.

Student Discoveries can put all of these sites together in an 8- to 10-day trip to France. We are always willing to customize the itinerary to meet the needs of any student group. Your students will return from France with a memorable, life-changing experience that will open their eyes to the amazing world outside of the United States. It can provide inspiration for their future, while adding to their global knowledge. France is quite simply an unforgettable experience.

Michael Lundquist
National Group Sales Manager
Globus family of brands

Imagine taking your student group on a trip back in time. Not only to stroll past historic buildings, but to become immerged in history by engaging and interacting with real-live people portraying people of the past, and teaching history through the demonstrations and reenactments and stories of our struggles to become Americans. Colonial Williamsburg offers visitors unique opportunities to discover 18th-century life in colonial Virginia. By visiting this beautifully restored 18th-century town, you have the opportunity to learn firsthand, about the roots of American independence.

Williamsburg was the political, social and cultural capital of Great Britain’s largest, wealthiest and most populous colony. The Hall of the House of Burgesses at the Capitol echoes with the voices of Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other Virginia leaders who debated the issues of freedom and liberty for Virginians.

Stores, shops and taverns along Duke of Gloucester Street, the main thoroughfare, bustle with activity. Stop in at the Pasteur and Galt Apothecary Shop and learn about the latest 18th-century health care techniques. At the Golden Ball Silversmith Shop, watch skilled craftspeople turn bars of silver into goblets, pitchers, and other exquisite objects. The silversmith is one of nearly two dozen trades that demonstrate the daily work of many 18th-century working Americans. At the Courthouse, you might be invited to be a witness, defendant or judge in a re-creation of a court case from the 1700s. And while you are there, don’t forget to have your picture taken in the stocks or pillory!

Across the street is the Magazine, scene of the Gunpowder Incident of April 1775, in which British marines removed the colony’s powder under orders from Lord Dunmore. This incident galvanized the colonists and threatened to launch Virginia into war. Learn about the life of an 18th-century soldier. At the Magazine you may be enlisted to join Williamsburg’s independent company, given a “weapon” and drilled in the finer points of marching.

Find yourself fully in the colonial past as you learn an 18th-century dance, take part in a witch trial or march with the Fifes and Drums. And, go behind the scenes with curators and gardeners. Young visitors will especially enjoy the James Geddy House and Foundry, where they learn about 18th-century family life and household activities from costumed interpreters their own age. They may even be invited to try their hand at writing with a quill pen or playing a colonial game.

Before your school group visits, please be sure to visit our web site for tips to make your visit a special, engaging and safe visit. We look forward to seeing you. Group pricing is available. To plan a trip or make reservations, call 1-800-361-7241 or visit colonialwilliamsburg.com/grouptours

Colonial Williamsburg is located around 10 miles away from Historic Jamestown and together they make the ultimate destination for anybody interested in American history. One visit to these two destinations will stimulate the mind of almost anybody, especially young history students because they are learning about these sites and this history in their classrooms. They watch these historical sites come to life in person when they visit the area on a tour with Student Discoveries.

The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg is comprised of more than 301 acres and 88 structures. All of these buildings retain their Colonial look and feel from the 18th century as they stand on their original foundations. They represent a wide range of uses: private residences, private offices, and many are open to the public, which creates a more in-depth experience for visitors.

In Colonial Williamsburg you can tour the buildings where so much early Colonial history took place. The Governor’s Palace is luxurious and it stands as a symbol of early British rule in America. The Raleigh Tavern housed many of the first free political debates while our nation was only in its infancy. The Magazine was home for all of the guns, weapons, ammunition and other defense materials that were used for the Colony. The Capitol building was where America voted to move towards independence from Great Britain. One new building site is R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse, where visitors can enjoy their experience inside this authentic Colonial coffee house—it’s far different than Starbucks and is located near the Capitol building. Great Hopes Plantation is an opportunity for visitors to find out what plantation life was like in the 18th century. They have programs that interpret what African-American slaves had to endure in their everyday lives on a plantation. The programs are impactful, educational and inspiring.
The gardens are one of the most exquisite sites in Colonial Williamsburg. The plants and flowers that are in the historic gardens are natural and have been in Virginia since the Colonial period. Walking tours are available with a guide so you can learn about the designs and ideas that created the gardens. There are blooms at these gardens year round, so they are always something you should consider during a visit to the area.
Authentic costumes are a common site in Colonial Williamsburg. The guides and interpreters are world class. They make you feel as if you are walking alongside our nation’s founding fathers. They perform exciting street theater scenes, and you can also experience interactive programs with them. The common people of Colonial Williamsburg are the best treat. They work in shops, stores and stables just as they would have done in Colonial times. You will have the chance to meet religious leaders, blacksmiths, servants, farmers, wood workers and other craftsmen while you walk the streets. Even the animals are authentic to the 18th century. You will find many rare breeds of horses, chickens, cows, sheep and more. These animals are a delight to see and they give the polishing touch onto the Colonial Williamsburg experience.

Dining in a Williamsburg tavern is a must. You will learn how the town’s historic taverns provided lodging for travelers. They were the places where locals could enjoy meals, entertainment and conversation. Tavern owners took great pride in their businesses. They were the great chefs of their day, serving excellent locally produced meals and drinks. When you sit down for a meal in a Williamsburg tavern today, you will feel very much like you are taking a step back into the 18th century. The taverns still provide a place to enjoy atmosphere, local entertainment and local cuisine. It is always a lovely experience dining in this charming town.

Historic Jamestown is the site of the first permanent British settlement in America. It is also a place that is shrouded in mystery and legends. The site dates back to the early 1600s, although the idea behind Jamestown actually started in the mid 1500s. All visitors to Jamestown are experiencing some of the oldest history in Colonial America.

People have inhabited Virginia for countless years. Jamestown Island has been a place where archeologists have found stone artifacts that were created long before any European settlers arrived. They are still digging in this area to find more about early settlers and possibly more about the “Lost Colony.” When the British settlers arrived, much of the land was under the control of Native Americans who used the Virginia tidewaters for boat transportation and fishing. They were expert fishermen.

James Fort was created by a small group of around 100 British men and boys as the first officially permanent British settlement in America. The location was strategically selected by Captain Christopher Newport nearly 60 miles up the James River from Chesapeake Bay. It was a good location to hide from Spanish explorers, to search for gold and other minerals, and for fishing. Unfortunately, these settlers later learned that the land settled for Jamestown was overrun by insects and full of horrid diseases. However, the area was very good for early tobacco trading. Many of the old maps that were created by early settlers are surprisingly accurate to this day.

Visitors to Jamestown today can enjoy touring the official Historic Jamestown site. They can view amazing historic artifacts and learn about the early settlers at the Nathalie P. and Alan M. Voorhees Museum. The Jamestown Memorial Church, established in 1907, is a beautiful place for a special event or tour. The Dale House Café is a fantastic place to enjoy lunch with outstanding views on the magnificent banks of the James River. Historic Jamestown is more than worth a visit when your group visits Williamsburg.

For more information, contact Michael Lundquist
National Group Sales Manager
Student Discoveries

Looking for activities to entertain a group of younger kids or teenagers, well look no further. Wisconsin Dells is home to a variety of attractions and activities that are sure to entertain kids of all ages.

Let’s get right to the must-do and that’s ride and slide your way through a favorite waterpark or two.  Outdoors, it would be impossible to choose between Noah’s Ark Waterpark and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks, so make time for both.  At Noah’s Ark, their new looping waterslide called Scorpion’s Tail is the largest in the world.  At Mt.O (that’s what the locals call it), crash through the nine-foot waves of their Poseidon’s Rage surf pool.

There are a handful of indoor waterparks too, all housed at resorts that are nearly destinations unto themselves: Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center, Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, Chula Vista Resort and Great Wolf Lodge.  Water roller coasters, wild funnel rides, racing slides, even a surf machine at the Kalahari rank high on the adrenaline-inducing chart.

Timber Falls Adventure Park

Amusement parks come in the outdoor and indoor varieties too.  Let’s start with outdoors. Timber Falls Adventure Park has two attractions that are noteworthy – their 70-degree banked and crazy-fast Hellcat roller coaster and their end-over-end Skyscraper ride that pulls four Gs at 60 mph 160 feet off the ground.  At Mt. Olympus, all their roller coasters are a scream, but top prize goes to Hades, a wooden coaster made diabolically fun with a 65-degree drop, the world’s longest underground tunnel and speeds up to 70 mph.

Moving to indoor amusement parks, the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park is a featured spot.  Check out their elevated go-kart track, rock climbing wall, ropes course and laser tag.  If adventure is the ticket for your little ones, there’s Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor Amusement Park.

Speaking of those of you traveling with little ones, Wisconsin Deer Park is worth a stop.  At the deer park, which opened more than 50 years ago, kids can feed the freely roaming deer, some still with their doe spots, others with huge antlers. Staying with animal-themed attractions, Lost Canyon Tours offers its own version of the “magnificent mile” – a ride through the narrow gorges of the canyon in a quaint horse-drawn wagon.

Or, be sure and check out the circus at Circus World in nearby Baraboo. The grounds here were the original winter home of the Ringling Bros. Today, visitors can still take in 10 different shows performed daily during the warm weather months and gaze upon the world’s largest collection of restored parade wagons.

Tommy Bartlett Show

Other activities that are sure to keep your group entertained include mini-golfing, go-karting, bowling and horseback riding. The area also has two full-size quest-style games that blend elements of the most popular video games with wizard movies – they’re called MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge and Wizard Quest.  If anyone in the group likes magic, they should take a seat at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater or Jeremy Allen’s Grand Illusions show.  For hands-on exploration, it’s none other than the Wisconsin Dells staple, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory –Interactive Science Center.

One evening has to be set aside to see the Tommy Bartlett Show.  Even this popular ski show, going strong after nearly 60 years, is harkening back to its classic high-energy roots with the costumes and choreography for its new “Livin’ the Dream” show.  After the show, visit downtown for some homemade fudge or a candy-loaded caramel apple or giant sucker at one of the many confection shops.

On another evening, pile in the car for a double feature of first-run movies at Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater.  This is one of the last of its kind in Wisconsin and kids of all ages are sure to enjoy the experience.

Original Wisconsin Duck

A tour of the Wisconsin River is also a must.  You can head out on a Duck, an amphibious WWII vehicle that gives you a little land travel with your water tour.  Choose from the Original Wisconsin Ducks® or Dells Army DuckTours.  Or you can relax aboard a double-decker tour boat.  Some offer you shore landings to explore the gorges and see a trained dog make the famous Stand Rock jump from one bluff outcropping to another.  Other aqua tour options include jet boats and paddle wheeler tours.

After experiencing all Wisconsin Dells has to offer, we’re sure your group will have worked up an appetite. A handful of locations accommodate larger groups and are also kid-friendly.   For breakfast, stop by Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty. Pizza Pub is known for its buffet, Monk’s Bar & Grill for its famous burgers, Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille for its great southwestern flair and Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. for its delicious pizza.

Planning is a breeze when you use the community’s official website, wisdells.com. First browse “The Experience” section for suggestions.  Then click on the tab at the top conveniently labeled “Plan Your Vacation.”  Don’t forget to check out the “Deals & Offers” section or call (800) 223-3557 for more information and planning help.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau

www.wisdells.com

(800) 223-3557

Group Sales

groups@wisdells.com

Mall of America® (MOA) is the place for school trips! You are probably thinking yeah, right, Mall of America is the place for shopping, not learning.  Not so.  From marketing presentations to music performances, we have something for all ages and class curriculums.  With easy access from MSP International Airport and Interstate 494, you can fly or bus your groups to MOA smoothly and efficiently.  Located in Bloomington, MN, we are just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.  School buses use the dedicated drop-off/pick-up area at the north entrance where our representatives will greet your group and begin your activity.

We strive to create valuable experiences for field trips and realize that variety is the key to fun and education.  We offer student group programs, shopping (520 stores), attractions (amusement park, aquarium, mini golf and more), restaurants (large selection of fast food options), and entertainment (over 400 free events each year; view upcoming events at www.mallofamerica.com/events).

We know budgets are tight and will work with you to include as many activities as we can to maximize your time and budget.  We offer group discounts on group services, tickets, meals, free bus parking and convenient shuttle/light rail transportation to make your experience rewarding and memorable.  If your trip involves overnight lodging, we can assure you a quality (and affordable) stay at one of the 37 hotels located within 10 minutes of the mall, in Bloomington.  All hotels offer free shuttle service to/from MOA and MSP International Airport.

Ok, enough about how to get here and budgets.   Let’s get to the good stuff!  Here is what we offer for school groups:

• The MOA Music Series® offers schools and community groups an opportunity to perform before 100,000+ guests visiting the mall on any given day.  The music series runs from January to mid-November and is available on select days.

• Looking for a fun and adventurous way to teach the laws of physics?  The Physics Program at MOA is your answer.  Learn things like how the seats on the Avatar Airbender rotate and how much water is displaced on the Log Chute as your class explores Nickelodeon Universe® to experience a hands-on physics assignment in the nation’s largest indoor theme park!

• Learn the business and marketing aspects that go into maintaining MOA’s success during a 45 minute Student Presentation.  Students are invited to participate in discussion and submit blogs as well as hear about many job opportunities within the Mall.   Presentations can be customized to meet the interests of class curriculums including fashion, retail, security/law enforcement, engineering and others.  The informative presentation touches on all three aspects of the Mall—shopping, dining, and entertainment.  The presentation also includes a brief history, target markets and consumer demographics, new stores and retail turnover, and the past, present, and future enhancements to MOA.

                “MOA’s Student Presentation brought classroom marketing concepts to life and provided my students an opportunity to see marketing in-action! The informative presentation allowed my students to feel the excitement of the Mall from a different perspective and  ask questions at any time. The experience has inspired many classroom conversations and will be a field trip my students will talk about for a long time!”Karen Bates, Business Teacher

• The Mallquest Scavenger Hunt is a great add-on to MOA’s Student Presentation or a fun activity on its own.  Students experience a fun and informative scavenger hunt to find as many correct stores, attractions and products as possible with their team in 60 minutes.  It’s an effective team-building and leadership activity.

• SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium offers an interactive, hands-on experience for schools.  Students can see first-hand over 10,000 sea creatures at the Aquarium and go behind the scenes to discover how we care for hundreds of sea creatures. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is a creative way to excite and inform students as they explore an amazing underwater world.

For more information on MOA student services, contact Tourism Account Representative Romy Ecker at 952-883-8499 or romy.ecker@moa.net .  We hope to see your group at Mall of America soon for a memorable day of fun and education.

There’s something about this place – a sparkle, an indigenous vibe. It unearths itself each spring with every plump and juicy Pungo strawberry. It hides within the mystery of your dreams. It soars high above the clouds and plummets beneath the depths of the sea. It is the beach life. A life that beckons with great force, unfolding the thrill of discovery and the promise of unforgettable adventures along the way.

From textbooks to tanlines, year-round schooling in Virginia Beach is a way of life. With its mild year-round climate and location along the coast, students traveling to Virginia Beach can experience beach fun any season of the year. The city boasts nearly 12,000 hotel rooms that are student-friendly. Whether the focus is music, marine biology, history, arts or culture, there are a number of student itineraries to choose from that bring classroom learning to life.  And it’s right here in Virginia Beach with the resort city’s newest travel program, “Live the Life Adventures.”

Geared toward group travelers, “Live the Life Adventures” features a series of experiential themed programs that uniquely showcase the people and places shaping Virginia Beach and its cuisine, outdoor activities, military, history and performing arts. “Live the Life Adventures” features the best of what makes this place unlike any other, and reveals it all through hands-on, interactive involvement. With itineraries leading the way through a range of interest-specific activities, each Adventure satisfies the curious and allows groups to be really involved – and rewarded.

Presented in six themes – Body/Mind/Spirit, Arts & Culture, Outdoor, Military, History and Culinary/Agriculture – these experiences focus on the everyday treasures Virginia Beach offers, from the beauty and intrigue of state parks and the succulent flavors of coastal cuisine to military aviation and the performing arts. From a behind-the-scenes look into the performing arts to an edible roots tour with a nature conservationist, the “Live the Life Adventures” itineraries lead the way through a range of interest-specific activities, opening the door to a world of adventure beyond your wildest imagination. Each experience ranges from a 30 minute to a 2 ½ hour tour and is designed for five to 100 participants.

Upon completion of each themed itinerary, participants receive an adventure badge commemorating their experience. Much more than a tour, this is an invitation to experience what makes life here so irresistible. The carefree, independent spirit that fuels life in Virginia Beach awaits discovery in every Live the Life Adventure.

Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the Adventures that are waiting for you on your next student tour:

Military Aviation Museum - Swingtime in the Skies Adventure

The past comes alive in Virginia Beach’s historic museums and attractions found throughout the city. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of naval aviation at the Military Aviation Museum, boasting one of the largest collections of vintage military airplanes in the world. Swingtime in the Skies presents one of largest displays of WWII military aircraft in the world, as well as WWI and Korean War-era planes. Housed in a 1903 former life saving station, the Old Coast Guard Station offer insight and stories of the men who served in the US Lifesaving Service and US Coast Guard. During Surfman Chronicles, revel in the stories of shipwrecks and the tales of those who answered the call. Watch ships entering the port of Hampton Roads with the interactive tower camera, located at the museum.

Conservation Quest at The Virginia Aquarium

Featuring four habitats from around the world that existed in Virginia millions of years ago, the new $25 million Restless Planet at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center features 12,000 square feet of spectacular new habitats, exhibits and aquariums. Home to 6,000 new animals and 367 new species – including Komodo dragons, exotic cobras, hedgehogs, and so much more – Restless Planet more than doubles the Aquarium’s animal collection. Explore immersive live-animal exhibits and engage in 36 new hands-on activities designed to demonstrate the processes that shaped Virginia’s current landscape. A Malaysian Peat Swamp, a Coastal Sahara Desert, the Red Sea, and Indonesia’s Flores Island habitats recreate the look, feel and smell of Virginia’s tumultuous ecological history.  Sign up for the Conservation Quest Adventure and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look during feeding hour with the sea turtles and sharks, and eye-to-eye with six-foot Eagle Rays.

Eco Wildlife Safari - Students at Oceanfront

Virginia Beach boasts more than 18,000 acres of state parks and wildlife refuges and 121 navigable miles of waterways. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a 9,108-acre refuge made up of barrier islands, dunes, beach woodland, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches.  Sharing a border is the 4,321-acre False Cape State Park, featuring six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat, as well as dunes, woodland, farm fields, salt marsh, maritime forest and wooded swamps. Groups can participate in specialized Adventures – Eco-Wildlife Safari, Beach Combing, Seasonal Harvest Tours – all of which can incorporate guided hikes and kayak tours, educational seminars and other learning activities.

Even if you have been to Virginia Beach before, these new themed experiences allow your group to experience Virginia Beach in new ways. Each experience has been designed to engage and immerse each visitor in a variety of new and different ways and you can select your adventure by theme and interest – tailoring the perfect adventure experience for your student group. Regardless of the time of year or size of the group, Virginia Beach has a full itinerary for any group adventure. Visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/grouptour or www.LivetheLifeAdventures.com for more information.

“I am currently sitting on the lovely balcony at Rosy Guesthouse overlooking Royal Palace gardens and watching the Siem Reap ‘rush hour’.”

Not a bad way to describe a business trip by anyone’s standards. Despite the serene image, however, Steve Lowy, the founder of umihotels, was in Cambodia to get some serious work done.

The World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation (WYSETC) and two of its associations recently set up a skills exchange program which helps a hostel in a developing country improve its business offering with the guidance of an established operator.

The ISTC Skills Exchange and its first participants in the program – umihotels of England and Rosy Guesthouse in Cambodia – recently wrapped up nearly two weeks of on-site and off-site work to get Rosy’s operations into great shape and ready for travelers and backpackers from around the world.

When travel groups head to lesser-developed countries, the excitement can be offset with some real challenges – booking issues, communication problems, unclear websites. Even just getting there can bring headaches to everyone involved. Getting a region or a specific operator more modernized and ready to handle individuals and tours better without sacrificing the charms that draw people there in the first place can only be beneficial.

Laura Daly, the association manager of WYSETC’s STAY WYSE organization (which co-launched the program with the International Student Travel Confederation), said the experience was a great one all around: “It was one of those rare win-win-win situations – umi really enjoyed being in Cambodia and making a real impact on the hostel and the community as a whole; Rosy’s benefitted greatly from Steve’s experience and advice, and travelers always benefit when a country and its businesses can offer better service.”

The project also supports the ongoing trend of globalization and collaboration in the travel industry. Technology makes it easier to connect company A to company B, no matter where they are in the world. Companies are increasingly LinkedIn, Liked and re-Tweeted, so it fits that the best practices of an operator who has long been established in big markets can be largely duplicated with a small player in a place like Cambodia.

“We have learned a lot from Steve and hope that his assistance and guidance will help us to develop our business and connect more with the wider community of others working in the same field as well as develop our links with the charities which we have chosen to support; we had previously been running the guesthouse as a single unit without much outside interaction,” said Rachel Band, general manager at Rosy Guesthouse.

To read more about the recent ISTC Skills Exchange, head to the blog at www.istc.wordpress.com.

Offering more than 100 liveshows, Branson is the entertainment capital of Mid-America and a favorite of young travelers from around the country. Student performance groups—bands, choirs, dance troupes—find Branson especially engaging. They revel in the chance to strut their stuff on the stages of state of-the-art theaters that showcase Branson’s biggest and brightest stars. Branson, the fastest-growing student performance destination in America, provides groups with plenty of diversions away from the theaters. It abounds with theme parks, go-kart tracks, arcades and other amusements.Ozarks history and the area’s natural beauty also captivate student groups. Famous for hospitality, Branson takes pride in its family-friendly ambiance and safe environment. Centrally located in the heart of America, this small vacation town in Southern Missouri is the perfect place fora student trip!

Music directors from around the country are always on the lookout for the ultimate student-performance travel destinations for their choir, orchestra and instrumental groups. They need to look no farther than Branson, Missouri to strike the perfect chord.

Branson is a bursting hub of live entertainment nestled in the premier lake resort region of the Missouri Ozarks and offers up an exceptionally well-rounded ensemble of performance, educational and recreational travel experiences for musical youth. No need for music directors to spend hours browsing the web or do a lot of time-consuming site inspections to familiarize themselves with Branson.

Directors interested in the venue can simply request an application now to participate in Branson’s yearly Music Director FAM Tour – a complimentary annual event hosted by the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Sporting a 3-day packed itinerary (with ongoing visits to shows, dining spots, attractions and lodging plus personal intros to the business community) the FAM tour provides music directors, along with one selected travel companion of their choice, a steady on-site, upclose- and-personal stream of what Branson has to offer in the way of a superior student performance destination. “It was a great time,” says Steven Tyndall, music director at Rising Starr Middle School in Peach Tree City, Georgia – one of the 23 music directors from around the U.S. who were guests at the 4th Annual Branson Music Directors FAM tour, July 6-9, 2010.

Tyndall, who says that he is sold on Branson as a result of this year’s FAM tour and plans to lock in a student performance trip there for his musical troupe in the school year 2011-2012, credits FAM tour producer Lenni Neimeyer for the rewarding and successful experience.

“I was impressed with the way Lenni put it all together in one package.Every step of the way, we were able to meet people and learn about all the opportunities for our kids that Branson has to offer,”Tyndall says. Neimeyer, Director of Leisure Group Sales for the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, says, “I love to promote Branson because it is truly an amazing destination. And I enjoy the rewarding challenge of developing a FAM tour that meets the specific interest of my attendees. But it’s always so easy because Branson has something to offer people of all, any and every age group.

While Neimeyer admits she is delighted with the positive results of the Branson Music Director FAM tour concept she developed over four years ago, she shies away from taking overall credit for the event’s over-the-top success record. In fact, Neimeyer—a Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) and soon to be designated a Certified Student Travel Professional (CSTP)—hands over the major recognition to the Branson business community for the financial support and full involvement which makes the yearly expense free trip possible for music directors plus one traveling companion.

This year’s itinerary included a nonstop tour of many student-friendly sights and sounds of Branson. Plus, the final morning of the FAM, all attendees were treated to a presentation by a special guest speaker, Kirk Troen, president of the Student Youth Travel Association, and a Speed-Dating Marketplace business session during which music directors were seated for over two hours while having a slate every 4 minutes of one-on-one meetings with various Branson business leaders and group sales representatives sharing information on youth-oriented lodging, theaters, attractions, dining and more

“I had a fantastic time,” says Audrey Murphy, director of the Middle School band in Milton, Georgia and participant in July’s FAM event, who is targeting spring 2012 for her group’s performance visit to Branson. “We didn’t just go to shows, but also the parks and amusements, attractions and dining places. I think my kids will enjoy Branson and my chaperones will enjoy it, not just because of the student performance opportunities that Branson offers, but because there are so many educational opportunities from the Titanic museum to the music clinics offered to our students by the professional entertainers there.”

“This tour was very good for music directors in two regards,” guest speaker Troen reflects. “Number one, the directors got to experience Branson in a way that allowed them to see all of the aspects and opportunities their students would enjoy beforehand –without having to be chaperone to them.”

Secondly, Troen pointed out, Branson FAM tour guests were presented information relating to how the benefits of utilizing an organized, reputable student-tour liaison outweighed the option of directors trying to create their own trip.