New York City, Washington, D.C. & the Civil War Battlefields

Transcription

1 New York City, Washington, D.C. & the Civil War Battlefields The Travel Club at The Centre for is organizing an April 2017 school trip to New York, Washington DC, and Gettysburg. The basic premise of the Travel Club is that the World is our Classroom. There is no better way to learn about globalization, culture, nationalism, art, architecture, history, geography, and sociology, than to experience the world firsthand. Yes, we will be visiting the Statute of Liberty pictured above. The Travel Club is organized and led by me: Allan Brennan- Vice Principal at the Centre for I have led seven international school trips prior to this tour. The number of teacher chaperones will be determined by the number of students traveling. We will be employing the services of Education First Tours (EF Tours). We will be traveling over Easter break (April 12, 2017 to April 21, 2017). These dates are approximate. Students are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis. The purpose of this brochure is to find out if you are interested. The cost of this tour for students is $ This amount is paid directly to EF Tours. EF Tours has a wealth of travel experience with international travel for students. Students between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age at the time of the tour, April, 2017, are eligible to participate. Hotels, travel, and tours are very safe and are fully insured. See right for a photo of New York City at night. Page 1 of 18

2 This price includes: Round-trip Airfare Full-time EF Tour Director Tour Director will lead sightseeing and walking tours Transportation: Round-trip flight Deluxe motor coach (bus) Accommodations: 9 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily Tips and hotel security Visits to special attractions with tour guide: Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, World Trade Center site, home to the 9/11 Memorial, a NYC Broadway Play, Chinatown, Macy s, NBC Studious Tour, Central Park, Statute of Liberty, Ellis Island, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour, United Nations, Broadway Show, Visit to the Smithsonian Museums, Washington Monument, White House, Arlington National Cemetery, The Library of Congress, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, JFK s gravesite, US Capitol Building, Supreme Court, The United States Marine Corps Memorial, Mount Vernon, Manassas National Battlefield Park - Ranger Walking Tour, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park -Self Guided with Scavenger Hunt, Antietam National Battlefield Park, Gettysburg Visitor Center, Museum & Cyclorama Experience, Guided Sightseeing of Gettysburg, Ford s Theatre and Petersen House, Legends of Alexandria Tour, US National Archives, Cold Harbor Battle Site in Richmond, Museum and White House of the Confederacy Combo. (10 Days) April 12- April 21 (2017). This date is approximate. Day-by-Day Itinerary Explore the United States capital of Washington, D.C., Visit New York, the city of lights including stops at the Statute of Liberty and the site of 9/11. Attend a Broadway play! See the monuments in Washington which remind us of the massive costs of the war and the many famous monuments of historical people. Set foot on the Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg. Page 2 of 18

3 Day 1: April 12 Overnight flight to New York Arrive in the AM A licensed guide leads your sightseeing tour of New York City. You ll explore the mosaic of Manhattan neighborhoods that make the city so unique. Drive through Greenwich Village, New York s eclectic province of bohemians, immigrants and students, and pass the cast-iron architecture of impossibly trendy SoHo (from SOuth of HOuston Street ). And it just might feel as if you ve left the States and crossed an ocean as you take in the vibrant life of Chinatown and the personality of Little Italy. Finish your tour at the World Trade Center site, home to the 9/11 Memorial. (Route and inclusions may change depending on your requests and the structure of your itinerary). In the evening we will visit the Empire State Building and Observatory. Day 2: April 13 Behind the Scenes Macy's Tour. Take a guided tour of one of the four historic flagship stores to learn about the magic of Macy's. The tour will explore Macy's incredible retailing history and the architecture unique to the store you're in. Get insider information on marketing and merchandising industry secrets. NBC Studios Tour: Go behind the scenes and learn the history behind one of television s most prestigious networks. Page 3 of 18

4 Walking Tour of Central Park Join your tour director for a tour through New York s backyard playground. An 843 acre rectangular oasis in the heart of the Manhattan jungle, Central Park has something for everyone. Admire the 58 hand-carved horses parading around the Friedsam Memorial Carousel, brought to the park from Coney Island. Later, head over to the boathouse and Tavern on the Green. Continue through Bethesda Terrace, one of Central Park's best places for people watching, and find the statue of Alice in Wonderland at the northern end of the Conservatory. Metropolitan Museum of Art Explore one of the most extensive art collections in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in New York City, is the largest art museum in the United States and one of the ten largest in the world. This museum in New York, New York has large collections of ancient art, including Greek, Roman and Near Eastern. Page 4 of 18

5 Day 3: April 14 Board your motor coach to begin your day. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take a ferry to Liberty Island to marvel at the Statue of Liberty. Continue on to Ellis Island, now the site of a museum chronicling the history of European immigration. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour: Once the longest steel suspension bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge was begun by John A. Roebling and finished by his son Washington. It takes about 40 minutes to traverse this massive architectural achievement using the boardwalk shared by pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists. The astounding views make the trek worthwhile; you can see Midtown to the north, the port to the south and Governor s Island and Lady Liberty out in the harbor. Tour of the United Nations. Get an insider s look at the United Nations and see the Security Council Chamber and General Assembly Hall. (Subject to private tour availability) Group Dinner in Midtown Area followed by a Broadway Show. Enjoy your Broadway show, sure to be an unforgettable theater experience! See Broadway pictured above. Day 4: April 15 Smithsonian Museums Bus transfer from New York to Washington DC. Visit to the Smithsonian Museums. Explore all that the Smithsonian s museums have to offer. On display at the National Air and Space Museum is the 1903 Wright Flyer. You can also see the Apollo 11 command module, Columbia, which orbited the moon while Neil Armstrong and Page 5 of 18

6 Edwin Buzz Aldrin first walked on the surface in A stroll through the National Museum of Natural History will reveal objects as varied as the carat Hope Diamond and dinosaur skeletons. To satisfy your artistic side, duck into the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, where masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning and Pablo Picasso decorate the halls. Please Note: The museum(s) you visit may vary. Dinner in Washington, Union Station Day 5: April 16 Manassas National Battlefield Park - Ranger Walking Tour. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park - Self Guided with Scavenger Hunt. Antietam National Battlefield Park Antietam National Battlefield, situated in the rolling farmland of Maryland. At Antietam Creek s juncture with the Potomac, the deadliest single day of the war took place in 1862, as Union troops resisted General Lee s army. Although the war was far from over following the indecisive struggle, the strength and resolve of the Union troops prompted Lincoln to write the Emancipation Proclamation. Groups will explore the museum exhibits in the Page 6 of 18

7 visitor center, view the introductory film, walk the Bloody Lane and drive the battlefield loop to see the many memorials. Dinner in Gettysburg Day 6 April 17 Gettysburg Visitor Center, Museum & Cyclorama Experience Immerse yourself in the Battle of Gettysburg at the Cyclorama Experience. Start by seeing A New Birth of Freedom, a film that looks at the life and work of President Abraham Lincoln, particularly as he struggled to abolish slavery during the Civil War. Calling for a new birth of freedom during his famous Gettysburg Address, Lincoln redefined the course of the United States. Move on to the three-dimensional circular painting depicting the dramatic charge of the Confederate infantry led by General George Pickett. Originally created from 1883 to 1884, the giant canvas had become damaged by decades of neglect before a major $15-million restoration project returned the masterpiece to the way it was intended to be viewed. The conservation project was the largest of its kind ever undertaken in North America. Guided Sightseeing of Gettysburg A licensed guide leads today s tour of Gettysburg National Military Park, where 170,000 fought and 51,000 died during the Civil War s bloodiest battle in July Four months later, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln exhorted Americans to remember the principles of the equality supported by the Declaration of Independence in the name of the slain soldiers. And while the speech remains one of the most famous in American history, Lincoln remarked after giving the address that it was a flat failure. Learn more about the battle through the extensive collection of Civil War artifacts and archives at the Museum and Visitor Center. Page 7 of 18

8 Ford s Theatre and Petersen House Visit the museum at Ford s Theatre, where, on April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth shocked the nation by assassinating President Lincoln during a performance of Our American Cousin. The stricken president was carried across the street to the home of tailor William Petersen. At the historically preserved Petersen House, you ll see the room where a 23-year-old doctor worked unsuccessfully through the night to save the mortally wounded president. Dinner Enjoy your evening meal, provided by Smithsonian Student Travel. Dinner in Washington, D.C. Day 7: April 18 Guided Sightseeing of Washington, DC Your Tour Director, a DC licensed guide, introduces you to the sites where national policies and political reputations are formed and reformed daily. On the grassy National Mall, which extends from the Capitol to the Potomac River, view the Washington Monument. Visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and finish your sightseeing with a photo stop at the White House, home of every U.S. president except George Washington. Page 8 of 18

9 The Jefferson Memorial Photo stop at the Jefferson Memorial Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Trace the history of FDR s four terms in office as you move through this monument, which spans more than seven acres. From the Great Depression to WWII you ll see a changing America and a remarkable president. And it is the only presidential memorial to also portray a First Lady. Photo Stop at Lincoln Memorial Photo stop at the Lincoln Memorial Page 9 of 18

10 Arlington National Cemetery Observe the quiet dignity of Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 200,000 veterans and their families. At JFK s gravesite, you ll see the eternal flame that was originally lit by Jacqueline Kennedy at her husband s funeral. You ll also witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The United States Marine Corps Memorial The cast bronze depiction of Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima honors all those who have served in the Marine Corps since its inception in Photo Stop at the Washington Monument Excursion to Mount Vernon Page 10 of 18

11 Travel through the Virginia countryside to Mount Vernon, the lovely retreat overlooking the Potomac where George and Martha Washington lived from 1754 to As you tour the restored Georgian mansion, you ll see many symbols of the owner s eminence, including Washington s presidential chair. You ll also see the reconstructed slave quarters and Washington s tomb, as well as the elegant estate s 500 acres of grounds and gardens. Be sure to explore the comprehensive Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. The interactive displays, short films and high-tech immersive experiences featured in the center depict Washington at three significant stages in his life. Dinner in Alexandria followed by the Legends of Alexandria Tour Join us for a special activity tonight. You may take a one-hour Legends of Alexandria tour in Old Town, where an 18th-century costumed guide shows you the way through the streets by lantern and shares ghost stories, legends and folklore about the area! Day 8: April 19 The US Capitol Building Tour & Visitor's Center Enjoy a docent-led tour of the U.S. Capitol, the city s epicenter and the heart of the American legislature. George Washington laid the first cornerstone for the building in 1793, but the edifice was set on fire in 1814 when British troops marched through the city. Much of the structure was salvaged, thanks to heavy rains that quelled the flames, and the Capitol remains the symbol of American government today. You ll also explore the Visitor Center. This underground facility features an exhibition gallery, orientation theaters, a 550-seat cafeteria and gift shops. Page 11 of 18

12 The Library of Congress Marvel at the green-domed Library of Congress, whose collection of 113 million items includes a Gutenberg Bible. Note: This is not a guided tour. United States Supreme Court Be awed by the imposing white-marble Supreme Court building, where the nine justices of the nation s highest court convene to hear oral arguments and rule on cases that affect the course of law in the United States. Page 12 of 18

13 United States National Archives This important landmark holds priceless documents that have shaped the history and politics of the United States. Interactive components will give you an appreciation for the role records and archivists play in linking the past to the future. View all four pages of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence simultaneously in the Charters of Freedom Rotunda. Day 9: April 20 Cold Harbor Battle Site Museum and White House of the Confederacy Combo Tour the restored Confederate White House that served as the home of Jefferson Davis, his wife Varina and their children during the war. Visit the battlefield site of the long siege at Cold Harbor in May and June of 1864 which culminated in a Confederate victory and 15,500 casualties. We move on to the Richmond National Battlefield Park/Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works Day 10: April 21 Depart for Home Richmond Evening Activity - Ghost Tour Overnight in Richmond Page 13 of 18

14 * Participants are not permitted to consume, purchase, or possess, alcohol and/or tobacco of any kind* There are no tour extensions for students. We must depart from Calgary and return to Calgary together as one group. We will attend Mass over Easter weekend. Once again, the purpose of this brochure is to find out if you are interested. The cost of this tour for students between the ages of 15 and 18 years at the time of the tour, April, 2017, is $ Monies are paid directly to EF Tours. Information regarding EF Tour s Booking Conditions, EF s All Inclusive Protection Plan (which each participant receives as part of their tour fees), and Release and Agreement can be found at the following EF Tours web link. Please read the financial, registration, and insurance details at this link prior to signing up for this trip. As well, EF s Booking Conditions, this EF Tours web link includes information regarding cancelations, refunds, insurance, and payment schedule etc. Please visit link at: Page 14 of 18

15 Need More Information I am happy to talk with you if you have any questions. If you would like to discuss our trip, please contact me, Mr. Allan Brennan, at one of the following contacts: To me in First Class just type Mr. Brennan into the To box From a Telus, Hotmail, Shaw, or other non-first Class account you can send s to: albrennan@redeemer.ab.ca Phone me at: (403) ext (ext. 291) Fax: (403) Mr. Allan Brennan Vice Principal St. Paul's Academy/ Centre for Learning@Home Sign up instructions on next page Page 15 of 18

16 If you are interested in signing up for this CFL student trip adventure, you can enroll two different ways: 1) You can complete the registration process online by doing the following: Go to: Click on Enroll Now and complete the online registration form. The tour number is: FS 2) Or, you can phone in your registration to EF (Quote tour # FS). Please be advised that you will need a deposit of at least $ to officially register and thus secure a seat on this trip. If you like, you can organize a monthly payment plan with EF Tours. Please ask them for details when you phone. Applicants are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tour fees program price: $ Two EF Tours videos related to our trip. Washington: Mq4 New York: &src_vid=bb0xny8omq4&annotation_id=annotation_ Page 16 of 18

17 Student and Parent Testimonials from previous trips. The entire process of making the trip a reality was very rewarding for my son: Saving the money, the planning and the researching. In planning the Italy and France trip in 2013 Al Brennan was extremely comforting for the parents and participants. He walked us through every step of the way and left no stone unturned when it came to answering our questions or concerns. I was a little worried about my son being in a new element with unfamiliar faces, but this trip proved to be more than we bargained for. Our son blossomed and met many like-minded children with similar interests. He came home knowing that outside of school, there's this whole world of possibilities. We are looking forward to the next trip, and won't hesitate to send our other child traveling in this safe and caring environment. Thanks do much for offering this service! I loved the tour. I have always wanted to travel to Italy and Greece and I m really glad I did this with you, Mr. Brennan. Greece was amazing but Rome was my favourite. The food was excellent and the sights were perfect. None of this could have been possible without out and your amazing teachers that introduced all of this to me. I made some great friends on this trip and our guide was great too. I would definitely recommend it. Our son participated in the 2015 Canada and the World Wars (Germany, The Netherlands, and France) trip to Europe and he absolutely had an amazing time. He had never been away from home before and we were a bit concerned, but there was no need to be. The safety and security of my son was well looked after by all the staff and EF Tours. Mr. Brennan did an incredible job of planning and preparing before the trip and in keeping parents advised of everything that was going on. Then, during the trip, Mr. Brennan sent an each day. Our son had fun and met many new friends that we know he will keep in contact with. Further, although he did not really know anyone prior to going, he had fun. What more could we want? We highly recommend these EF Tours and of course the ones planned and executed by Mr. Brennan and the staff at CFL. I wanted to let you know how much my daughter enjoyed her trip to Costa Rica. I would like to thank you for giving me the confidence in you to trust you, Mr. Brennan, with one of the two people I love the most. I knew that my daughter was in very capable hands. I knew that you would ensure her safety and that is exactly what happened. My daughter learned a lot EF Tours is a fabulous organization and makes certain the students are taken care, and you, my friend, have proved that the students are actually cared for I would like to thank you in assisting my daughter in making life long memories in a very positive experience. Page 17 of 18

18 A typical Deluxe Motor Coach used by EF Tours below. Page 18 of 18