The Loire Valley and Paris Cultural Arts 9 Days the Perfect Balance of Learning, Fun and Culture

The Loire Valley and Paris Cultural Arts 9 Days The Perfect Balance of Learning, Fun and Culture

Starting in 2012, Experience set out on a journey to bring learning to life through travel and immersion. In collaboration with top universities and industry innovators, we provide unparalleled experiences that inspire students to excel in their educational and career goals. Engaging students in education through travel increases cultural awareness and broadens students’ horizons, inspiring a lifetime of discovery.

Benefits of Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is the leading way to engage in education, putting curriculum into context to increase student success in the real world. Our integrated lesson plans are designed to continue the experience in the classroom.

How to Propose a Program Choose from our selection of immersion study tours, camp programs and Get Started educational tours to match a specific subject of study or cultural experience.

Promote the Experience Share with the school, parents and students about the selected program and offer fundraising options, so everyone can have the opportunity to participate.

Travel Planning We provide packing lists, travel logistics, lesson plans and more to make planning easy. Building Strong Foundations The Five Pillars of Experience

Curriculum-Based Experiential Learning More than simply an educational tour, we lead our travelers on interactive learning experiences that apply to their areas of interest. We collaborate with educators on their desired programs to create lesson plans that empower travelers to put learning into practice. By connecting our groups with industry experts through workshops, tours and lectures, as well as hands-on learning at museums of science, art and history, we integrate curriculum into all aspects of our trips. With our programs, the world becomes a classroom, demonstrating new ways of thinking, enhancing personal development and expanding global awareness.

Curated Experiences Our travel experts are well-versed in destinations around the world, researching and developing custom itineraries that are most impactful to the educational goals of our travelers. By identifying key activities and addressing the values of educators, we design authentic programs that promote learning and group engagement. We go beyond the known, basic sightseeing trips, and discover experiences that truly capture the imagination. On our educational tours, travelers get to dig into the science, uncover the history and engage in the culture wherever they travel with us.

Exclusive Safety and Travel Technology Our proprietary software is our innovative solution to safeguard our travelers. Advanced preparation is managed through our travel technology to ensure a safe and productive trip for all participants on our educational tours. Essential trip information is accessible to authorized individuals on our travel app, including flights, itineraries, medical details and contacts. With the real-time geofencing feature, no one gets lost in the crowd, and the leaders of the group have an awareness of where travelers are at all times. Communication within the tour group through our travel technology allows everyone to stay connected during the trip.

Unparalleled Customer Service From day one, our Travel Specialists step into the shoes of our travelers to build a relationship from a true foundation and continue with them throughout the whole process. Our programs are collaborative, listening to what our travelers are looking for and asking questions, so we can set up the perfect educational tour together. For all our trips, we provide 24/7 on-call support over the phone and a licensed Tour Director who knows the program and the destination inside and out. We take pride in our programs, ensuring enriching and safe experiences, so our travelers have stories worth sharing for a lifetime.

All-Inclusive Pricing Activities, transportation, meals and services throughout our educational tours are covered, as stated on the program itineraries. We have no hidden fees and any out-of-pocket spending is designed to give our travelers the freedom to explore. Guides and drivers are well-compensated as part of our services included, so the trip can move along smoothly without worrying over the details. Once the program begins, there’s nothing else left to do but experience! Daily Itinerary (9 Days)

DAY 1 TRAVEL TO PARIS • Explore the storybook castle, Château de Blois Depart from home and fly overnight to Paris. • Experience the genius of Leonardo da Vinci at Château Chambord DAY 2 PARIS, CHARTRES TO THE LOIRE VALLEY • Ride bicycles around the extensive castle grounds On arrival in Paris, meet up with the Tour Director and continue on to the Loire Valley, taking in all the scenery DAY 4 THE LOIRE VALLEY along the drive. Stop in the charming town of Chartres to Today, see a castle that bridges a river, the Château de visit Chartres Cathedral, a testimony to the architectural Chenonceau. Tour places known for literary figures and innovations of the Middle Ages, which is filled with artists; including Château Royal d’Amboise, where Leonardo sculptures and stained glass windows portraying stories da Vinci’s tomb is preserved in a little Gothic chapel. from the Bible. After exploring Chartres, end the day at the Afterwards, visit Leonardo da Vinci’s home, Château du accommodations in the Loire Valley area. Clos Lucé, which is now a museum of his life’s work. • Arrive in Paris • See the Château de Chenonceau • En route to Loire Valley, stop in Chartres • Tour Château Royal d’Amboise • Visit Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site • Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s home, Château du Clos Lucé • Continue to the hotel in the Loire Valley area to stay overnight DAY 5 THE LOIRE VALLEY, VERSAILLES TO PARIS DAY 3 THE LOIRE VALLEY Begin the journey back to Paris with a stop in Versailles Explore storybook castles, starting in Blois to see the along the way. Explore the Palace of Versailles, viewing Château de Blois, home to generations of royalty and a the Hall of Mirrors, the stylized gardens and impressive work of art in its own right. In the afternoon, visit Château fountains. Continue on to the City of Light and take in the Chambord to begin our journey through the works of beauty of the iconic monuments there on a Seine River Leonardo da Vinci, a true genius of arts, science and cruise through the heart of the city. invention. At this archetypal castle, he designed the double • En route to Paris, explore the Palace of Versailles, helix staircase that spirals all the way up to the terrace. including the Hall of Mirrors Since these are the largest castle grounds in the Loire • Continue to the City of Light and go sightseeing on Valley, continue exploring all there is to see here by bicycle, a Seine River cruise before returning to accommodations. DAY 6 PARIS • Take a tour of the symbols of Paris, including ascending Go to the historical heart of the city today, Île de la Cité. to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and walking along While on this island, visit a masterpiece of architecture and Champs-Élysées stained glass that is Sainte-Chapelle. Relics of Christianity • Stroll through the Tuileries Gardens and Arc de Triomphe are treasured here, among them is the Crown of Thorns. End du Carrousel the morning viewing the storied Notre-Dame de Paris. Walk • Learn from a private educational guide on a tour of the around Marais Quarter in the afternoon, immersing in the world-famous Louvre Museum Parisian lifestyle, shops and cafés with a stop in the oldest • Dinner and walking tour of the Latin Quarter square in Paris, La Place des Vosges. Switch gears on a DAY 8 PARIS visit to the Pompidou Center, constructed with an industrial Enter the Musée d’Orsay to view the inclusive artworks design as a museum for visual arts and culture. Before at France’s national museum of fine and applied arts. the day is done, get a firsthand look at the latest trends in Afterwards, visit the vaults of history within the Hôtel des fashion at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Invalides, including the Dome church to see the tomb of • Cross the bridge to Île de la Cité, visiting Sainte-Chapelle Napoleon. Ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the best and viewing Notre-Dame de Paris pictures of time in Paris. On the last evening in France, stroll • Walking tour of Marais Quarter with a stop at La Place the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where all the scenery des Vosges looks like it came straight out of a movie. While here, stop • Enjoy the visual arts and culture of Pompidou Center at the charming artist hub, Place du Tertre. Visit the Sacré- • See the latest fashions at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette Cœur Basilica to see the striking sculptures, architecture DAY 7 PARIS and panoramic view of Paris. Take in the symbols of Paris, starting at a commemorative • Enter the Musée d’Orsay monument to the victory of the armies of France at the • Visit the Hôtel des Invalides and see the tomb of Napoleon Arc de Triomphe. Stroll along Champs-Élysées, taking in • Ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower the Parisian atmosphere of the avenue. Walk through the • Get inspired by Montmartre and Place du Tertre lovely Tuileries Gardens and under the Arc de Triomphe du • Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a panoramic view of the Carrousel. Discover endless works of art, from Leonardo da City of Light Vinci’s original “Mona Lisa” to ancient Egyptian artifacts, at DAY 9 PARIS TO HOME the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre. Have dinner in Depart from Paris and travel home. the Latin Quarter and tour the area on foot, learning more about its academic history while passing by the oldest university in Paris, the Sorbonne. Trip Information

Learning Outcomes

On this educational journey through the Loire Valley and Paris, students take in beautiful scenery, storybook castles, monumental landmarks and charming artistic communities that showcase the best of French culture. Experience the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through his inventive architecture and famous works of art on tours of castles in the ServicesLoire Valley and Includedmuseums in Paris. Learn the history of the royalty around the castles of the Loire Valley and famous architecture of Paris. Literary figures and well-known artists are highlighted to give students a unique understanding of the cultural arts in this picturesque region. With a curated curriculum for educators to apply with the program, students are empowered to put their learning into practice before, during and after the trip.

Services Included

Accommodations Transportation Round-Trip Flights Meals Quality, safe hotels with twin All transportation is provided Airfare covers round-trip Two meals are provided or triple occupancy that are throughout the program. flights from major airports. daily, breakfast and dinner, centrally located. featuring local cuisine.

Education Tours and Activities Curated Experiences Full-Time Tour Directors Interactive learning Scheduled activities, Customized experiences Full-time Tour Directors are experiences designed to experiences and guided developed by travel experts on site for the duration of expand educational and tours are all included. to promote learning and the trip, for an all-inclusive career goals. engagement. experience.

Gratuities Insurance Interactive Technology 24/7 Support Tips for bus drivers, guides, International travel insurance Advanced student security Dedicated 24/7 staff Tour Directors and meals. is provided for protection in software that integrates availability, supporting case of accidents, illness, flight geofencing, logistics, students every step of interruptions or baggage loss. communication and more the way. optimized safety features. Technology That Makes School Trips Safe and Simple

Our proprietary security software innovates student travel, keeping everyone connected in real time. We provide peace of mind for parents and educators wherever students go, with features that find students immediately and improve communication efficiency. Every educational tour with Experience is equipped with our travel technology, available for use by educators, students and parents.

Save Time • All forms are available to fill out online, including student registration and parent permission slips. • Share trip itineraries within the school district, so other educators can easily select a recommended program.

Improve Safety • Track students and assign chaperones in real time. • Instant support is sent to students with one click of the emergency alert.

Make it Easy • Access trip information all in one place, organizing itineraries and logistics. • Manage activities in real time, including transportation, chaperones, students and ongoing updates. • Included in every Experience program! Contact Us www.experienceamerica.com [email protected] 4556 University Way NE Ste 200 800.410.6088 Seattle, Washington 98105