Spring Break in England
This program is an opportunity for eighth grade and high school honors students as well as interested adults to spend eight days learning about the history, culture, and people of England. This program, sponsored by The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, is designed to provide participants with a carefully structured experience. Twenty-five qualified participants will be accompanied by the program director.
Application
A passport-size photograph and a nonrefundable deposit of $500 are due with the application. Eligible participants will be admitted to the program in the order in which applications are received. The deposit will be returned if the study tour has reached its capacity.
All travelers must be able to participate in normal physical activities. In addition, student applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment in the eighth grade, freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school
- Involvement in high school honors or gifted services
- Two signatures from teachers, counselors, principals, and/or G/T coordinators recommending participation
Trip Itinerary
Friday, March 30
Depart the USA for London.
Saturday, March 31
Arrive at London Heathrow and travel by private motor coach to visit Stonehenge and Avebury, England's most famous prehistoric standing stones. Travel to London in the late afternoon and check into the hotel.
Sunday, April 1
Attend Easter service at St. Paul's Cathedral, designed by Christopher Wren. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of London which presents the story of the city and its people from prehistoric times to the present. End the afternoon with a visit to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
Monday, April 2
Depart for a full-day excursion. In the morning, visit the great medieval castle at Warwick built by the first Earls of Warwick. Spend the afternoon in Stratford-Upon-Avon, visiting Anne Hathaway's cottage, Shakespeare's birthplace, and Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried. Return to London in the early evening.
Tuesday, April 3
In the morning, visit Kensington Palace and Gardens. After the palace visit, travel by motor coach to the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden to experience The Making of Harry Potter tour at the studio where the Harry Potter films were made. Return to London. Have dinner and see the shops and sights at Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square before attending a theater performance in the evening.
Wednesday, April 4
Depart by motor coach for a morning visit to Hampton Court, one of Henry VIII's favorite residences. This palace was given to Henry as a gift by Cardinal Wolsey. In the afternoon, tour Windsor Castle, one of England's largest walled castles. Windsor is the royal family's second residence in the London area. Return to London in the late afternoon.
Thursday, April 5
Visit the British Museum to see such famous objects as the Rosetta Stone, the "Bog Man," and the Elgin Marbles (statuary from the Parthenon). Then go into the old city of London to tour the Tower of London. This fortress prison was the site of imprisonment for such famous people as Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh and now houses the Crown Jewels.
Friday, April 6
Take a guided tour of magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. Then cross the Millennium Bridge to visit the replica of the Globe Theater on the south bank of the Thames. End the afternoon with a stroll down Whitehall and Pall Mall to see the Horse Guard Barracks, Number 10 Downing Street, the Banqueting Hall, and Buckingham Palace. In the evening, enjoy a theater performance.
Saturday, April 7
Take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. Then tour Westminster Abbey. In the afternoon, visit the Churchill Museum and the War Rooms used by Churchill during WWII. Close out the day with a ride on the London Eye, the world's tallest observation wheel at 433 ft. high. The panoramic view of London from the Eye will provide a wonderful end to our week in London.
Sunday, April 8
Depart London for the USA.
Program Cost
The program cost is $3,900. Included in this cost are:
- Roundtrip airfare from Nashville, TN
- Hotel accommodations in double rooms. An adult may request a single room for an additional charge.
- Breakfast each day at the hotel
- Admission to historic sites, museums, and other points of interest listed on the itinerary
- Travel by motor coach for excursions
This cost is subject to increase should there be changes in airfares, monetary exchange rates, or service costs that are not now anticipated. The itinerary is subject to minor changes insofar as the daily activities are concerned.
Upcoming Trips
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Recent Trips
2023 Spring Break: Italy2019 Fall Break: Venice to Vienna
2019 Spring Break: Paris and Normandy
2018 Spring Break in England
2017 Fall Break in Greece
2017 Spring Break in Italy
2016 Fall Break in Ireland
2016 Spring Break in France
2015 Fall Break in the Netherlands and Belgium
2015 Summer in England
2014 Fall Break in Spain
2014 Spring Break in Italy
2013 Fall Break in Germany
2013 Summer in France
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