June 24 2009 - July 12 2009
Wednesday June 24 2009
Depart for London, England
· Meet your delegation and board your flight for England.
Thursday June 25 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND
· Welcome to England! Introductions to your People to People delegation manager and motor coach driver mark the commencement of your program.
· Ride on the London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in the world. This astonishing 443 ft high ride provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Friday June 26 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND
· Journey to the historic city of Winchester and its Great Hall, the legendary home of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
· The mysterious, prehistoric site of Stonehenge dates back to 3000 BC. Scientists and archaeologists alike are curious to know how people of the time excavated the huge slabs of stone with only the most basic tools and transported them many miles to construct this incredible monument.
· Visit the beautiful city of Bath – home to Britain’s only natural hot spring. With waters flowing at a constant temperature of 115 degrees F. The Celtic King Bladud discovered the Royal Baths in 860 BC. He realized the spring’s curative powers by imitating his pigs and rolling around in the hot mud!
Saturday June 27 2009
TAMWORTH, ENGLAND
· Try the art of punting – propelling a flat bottom boat with a pole along the River Cherwell. Drift quietly through the unspoilt Christ Church meadows, where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice Through The Looking Glass.
· Become acquainted with the beautiful university city of Oxford, whose name describes a good spot for crossing the river (a ford for oxen.) England’s oldest university was founded here in 1167. The architectural beauty of Oxford’s many colleges creates a splendid skyline of “dreaming spires.”
· On arrival at Warwick, you will have time to explore this magnificent, medieval castle. In 1068, William the Conqueror fortified its site, which overlooks the river Avon. Imagine yourself in the Middle Ages as you explore the dark and gloomy dungeon, gruesome torture chamber and splendid armory.
· This evening you will have a unique experience in the grounds of Warwick Castle. You will learn about medieval battle preparations, dances and rituals from re-enactors culminating in the firing of the world's most powerful Trebuchet (catapult).
Sunday June 28 2009
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
· Visit the legendary village of Gretna Green. An orientation of Blacksmith’s Forge will reveal the romantic tales of young runaways from England who were married in ceremonies performed by the blacksmiths themselves.
· Today you arrive in Scotland; a land of amazing beauty with its soaring mountains and sparkling lochs. Scotland has an intricate past, which is expressed in a rich and diverse cultural heritage which you will enjoy during your stay in the country.
Monday June 29 2009
KINGUSSIE, SCOTLAND
· Today we are off to the “bonnie”, banks of Loch Lomond where there is a morning of fresh air and fun with team building and canoeing on the Loch.
· See traditional sheepdogs performing under full control of their handler in the beautiful highland surroundings. As part of the sheepdog demonstrations, you will also get to see firsthand sheep shearing, try bottle-feeding of orphan lambs and watch the collie pups herd ducks instead of sheep as part of their training.
Tuesday June 30 2009
KINGUSSIE, SCOTLAND
· Take the Jacobite Steam Railway from Fort William to Port Mallaig, reliving Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as you cross Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the greatest steam railway journeys of the world. This 84 mile round-trip takes you past the highest mountain in Great Britain (Ben Nevis) and stops at the most westerly mainland station (Arisaig), before passing the deepest loch (Loch Morar) and the shortest river (Morar), finally arriving at Port Mallaig.
· Glenfinnan Viaduct was used in scenes featuring the famous Hogwarts Express steam-train. In the movie, the train is seen crossing the stunning viaduct behind the flying blue Ford Anglia, 'borrowed' by Harry and his pal, Ron Weasley.
Wednesday July 1 2009
PITLOCHRY, SCOTLAND
· Today we go hunting for Nessie! The worldwide fame of Loch Ness owes more to the legend of its famous occupant, the Loch Ness Monster - or 'Nessie' - than the breathtaking location of the loch itself. You will learn about the research undertaken in the past by explorers seeking the monster.
· While in the tiny village of Spean Bridge, discover the small Commando Museum which offers a unique insight into army life of the elite British Commandos in the Second World War.
· Stop at Glencoe and learn of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald’s by the Campbell’s in 1692.
· The game of cricket has a known history spanning back to Tudor times in early 16th century England. A formal
g game of cricket can last anything from one afternoon to five days for an International Test match. Today you will learn all about the sport of cricket and hopefully score some 'runs' or take some 'wickets'.
Thursday July 2 2009
PITLOCHRY, SCOTLAND
· Separate fact from fiction during a living history demonstration from an ancient highlander! Weapons, kilts and clans – discover them all tonight!
· Prepare to get wet on a riverside adventure, gorge walking under waterfalls and over burns alongside the River Tay. Get ready for a really exhilarating day!
· Lads and lassies, get all set to ceilidh. Find out about a Gay Gordon and a Dashing White Sergeant as you take your partners this evening for the best of Scottish Country dancing.
Friday July 3 2009
STIRLING, SCOTLAND
· A A chance to explore and have fun in the Highland town of Pitlochry (Baile Chloichridh in Gaelic). On the town trail, students learn about life both past and present - not only in Pitlochry, but in Scotland. While enjoying the clear, Highland air you will also get the chance to meet the local residents.
· Climb the William Wallace Monument that dominates the skyline. Built in honor of Scotland’s greatest freedom fighter, you may know of him from the film by Mel Gibson, Braveheart.
Saturday July 4 2009
STIRLING, SCOTLAND
· Enjoy interactive exhibits and hands on experiences at Dynamic Earth. You will be whisked back in time and feel the phenomenal force of nature in The Restless Earth. This education center has been designed to facilitate a better public understanding of the processes that have shaped the Earth.
· See stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture and medieval streets, the Old Town of Edinburgh and capital of Scotland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
· Have fun taking part in “The Royal Mile Murder Mystery” - an interactive quiz along the famous Royal Mile. As its name suggests it is approximately one Scottish mile long and runs between Edinburgh Castle at the top of Castle Rock down to Holyrood Abbey.
· Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop the crags of an ancient volcano right in the centre of the city.
Sunday July 5 2009
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND
· Journey to Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England and the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. The earliest mention of Alnwick Castle in the history books appears soon after 1096 when Yves de Vescy became baron of Alnwick and built the earliest parts of the Castle. The castle is regularly featured in film and TV productions, more recently in Elizabeth and Robin Hood.
· The castle grounds are used as the location for some of Hogwart’s exteriors.
Monday July 6 2009
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND
· On the journey, stop at Housesteads Roman Fort and museum on Hadrian's Wall. Perched high on a ridge it offers breathtaking views of open moorland around the most complete Roman fort in Britain, a location used in the movie Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.
· The Discovery Museum is bursting with hands-on interactive displays and is the perfect place to learn all about life in the North-East of England. From maritime history to world-changing science, technology and fashion, the Discovery Museum has something for everyone including Turbinia, the world's first boat to be powered by a steam turbine engine.
Tuesday July 7 2009
LEEDS, ENGLAND
· Visit Beamish, home to wonderfully warm people and The North of England Open Air Museum where the past comes to life. Set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside, Beamish vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800 to 1900s.
Wednesday July 8 2009
LEEDS, ENGLAND
· Next stop is the National Railway Museum, the largest railway museum in the world with an unrivalled collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Learn the railway story from "The Rocket" to the Eurostar and see the sign for Platform 9 ¾ of Harry Potter fame.
· You will hear stories about Roman & Viking York on an orientation with your city guide. Do you know why the city is called York? In 866, an invasion force led by Ivar the Boneless captured the city and changed the name from the Saxon “Eoforwic”, to a more Danish "Jorvik", which evolved to today’s “York.”
Thursday July 9 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND
· Head off to Nottingham and the historic Royal Sherwood Forest, believed to have been the hunting ground of Robin Hood and his Merry Men in the 13th century. The main London to York road "The Great North Way" ran straight through Sherwood and travelers were often at the mercy of robbers living outside of the law, hence the name “outlaw”.
· Learn about Nottingham Castle, home of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. See the medieval gatehouse and the famous statue of Robin Hood beneath the castle walls before traveling into the forest to find the 1,000 year old oak tree.
Friday July 10 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND
· Discover London with an expert on this wonderful city!!
· This morning you will make your way to Buckingham Palace to view the precisely choreographed Changing of the Guard.
· Join Henry VIII for a Medieval Banquet lunch.!
· Explore the must-see Tower of London. As a prison, it confined such famous prisoners as Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh.
· Meet the Yeoman Warders “Beefeaters,” who guard the tower and are caretakers of the mysterious ravens. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the Kingdom will fall!
· Cruise the River Thames taking in many of the city’s famous sights.
· This evening, experience London’s well-known theater scene by attending a performance of one of London’s most popular shows.
Saturday July 11 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND
· Meeting with a current or former Member of Parliament. This unique opportunity explores the British Constitution and discusses the respective roles of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Monarch, a true honor for Student Ambassadors.
· The British Museum was founded in 1753 to promote universal understanding through the arts, natural history and science. View the Elgin Marbles, the beautiful stone friezes that once decorated the sides of the Parthenon building and uncover the secret of the Egyptian mummy.
· You may have time to stroll through Covent Garden, with its shops and cafes. Residents and street entertainers of every vocation throng through the Piazza.
Sunday July 12 2009
DEPART UK
· Pack up your suitcase for the last time and board the coach for the airport. Remember to complete your program evaluations and exchange friendship cards with your fellow Ambassadors!
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