Teachers travel FREE See inside for details
Canada’s history travel leader.
Join us for
VIMY 100 The 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Exclusive commemorative tours for less Back cover Learn from our experienced History Specialists p.4 Inside an Explorica commemorative tour p.12 5 tips for a great soldier project p.18 Advice from an experienced group leader p.28
Celebrating 15 years SINCE 2000, WE’VE INTRODUCED TRAVELLERS TO OVER 75 COUNTRIES ON THOUSANDS OF TOURS. TODAY WE’RE CELEBRATING OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY, AND WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU.
Not long ago, organizing an educational tour was an arduous task. The burden fell on teachers to manage forms and payments, an entirely manual process involving mounds of paperwork and the physical exchange of cash and checks. We saw the opportunity to build something better. Led by our founder Olle Olsson and a team of esteemed travel veterans, we drew from our collective 150 years of industry experience to reimagine the entire educational travel process. We went back to the drawing board—and handed teachers the pen. Explorica was born.
Built on innovation
The first order of business was to simplify and digitize the tour process. But the software literally didn’t exist. So, we built it from the ground up, launching the industry’s first online enrolment, account management, and credit card payment systems. For the past 15 years, we have continued to lead the industry with constant innovations, including: • The first digital Tour Diary • The first flexible teacher rewards & free-place ratio • The first Guaranteed Travel Dates • The first teacher-to-teacher peer-mentorship program • The first online tour customization tools • The first pre-paid tipping option Every single one of these innovations was inspired by feedback from our teachers—the voices that guide everything we do.
Always improving
For each tour, we collect a detailed evaluation from each group leader, followed by a multi-step review by our staff. If any aspect of a tour doesn’t meet our high standards, we devise an immediate course of correction. This agile, hands-on, and intensive quality control process is something you simply won’t find at a larger corporation.
Committed to your experience
Any travel company can sell you a tour of Paris, but not any company would organize a game of pétanque with local children, arrange a pastry cooking class, or give your students the opportunity to sample fine French cuisine. Explorica is dedicated to the idea that educational tours should go beyond sightseeing; they should connect you with new cultures, languages and people. Our motto is “the experience is everything,” and it’s a commitment to excellence that you see on every Explorica tour.
Best prices, better quality
Our mission is to enrich students through educational travel, and that means doing everything we can to make our tours affordable for all families. Not only do we offer the guaranteed lowest prices in the industry and low monthly payment plans, but we also provide better value—hotels closer to attractions, better food and more immersive activities. We don’t think you should have to choose between quality or a price your students can afford.
Focused on you
Our expert program consultants guide you through every aspect of tour planning, and our knowledgeable tour directors manage all the on-tour logistics while giving your students the learning experience of a lifetime. From start to finish, our focus is you.
Leading the way in Canadian history travel Explorica introduced the industry’s first commemorative history tours in 2005, pioneering a new opportunity to connect students with their studies in an engaging, life-changing way. Over the past ten years, we have brought more than 10,000 travellers to commemorative events in Hong Kong, Ortona, Vimy and the Netherlands on deeply immersive and educational tours. Today, we are busy planning landmark experiences for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, while preparing for Canada’s 150th anniversary events here at home in 2017. From Confederation Square to the beaches of Normandy, Explorica is inspiring a new generation of students to honour their country and pay tribute to the past. Thank you for being a part of our first 15 years. We look forward to many more years of incredible, immersive and lifechanging educational travel.
Dan Kellerd President Explorica Canada
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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The world of Explorica
FRANCE
SPAIN & PORTUGAL
80 tours to France. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/france
38 tours to Spain & Portugal. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/spainandportugal
ITALY, GREECE & TURKEY
CENTRAL EUROPE
56 tours to Italy, Greece & Turkey. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/italyandgreece
27 tours to Central Europe. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/centraleurope
BRITAIN & IRELAND
EUROPEAN COMBINATIONS
49 tours to Britain & Ireland. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/ukandireland
52 combination tours. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/eurocombos
LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN 32 tours to Latin America. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/latinamerica
GO FARTHER 23 tours to Asia, Africa, the South Pacific and beyond. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/gofarther
NORTH AMERICA 57 tours to North America. Call to learn more: 1.888.310.7119 explorica.ca/northamerica
Prices in this catalogue are per person and vary by product, departure date, mode of transportation, and selected tour options. Taxes are not included. Prices at time of printing are subject to change.
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CANADIAN
HISTORY explorica.ca/history
Paris, Vimy & Normandy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Netherlands & France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 France & England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Return to Vimy 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Venice, Florence, Ortona & Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Italian Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
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The Canadian history experts Explorica pioneered Canadian history travel, and our History Tours staff and history tour directors are true experts in the field. Here are three of the people who work to ensure an incredible experience for you and your students. Stephanie, History Tours Specialist Meet Stephanie, our resident History Tours Specialist. A die-hard history buff who’s travelled on numerous commemorative tours, Stephanie works with history teachers to plan enriching educational tours across the battlefields and monuments of Canada’s past. Years at Explorica: 5 Favourite Canadian history site: Juno Beach Centre
1.888.310.7119 ext.256
The best part about working for Explorica: I love being able to work with teachers who love history as much as I do. Whether it’s a new book about World War II or a little shop I need to visit in Ypres, I’m always learning new things from the teachers I work with!
Joe, History Program Consultant Meet Joe, our media-savvy History Program Consultant. Joe goes above and beyond to help history teachers learn more about Explorica Canadian History Tours and the best options for their students’ educational needs. Years at Explorica: 2 Favourite Canadian history site: The Menin Gate, although it’s not exclusively a Canadian memorial, because I was able to find my great uncle’s name on it during a school trip.
1.888.310.7119 ext.263
The best part about working for Explorica: Working for Explorica combines my two major passions: history and travel. It’s very rewarding to help bring students to battlefields and other historical sites, so they can understand the sacrifices their ancestors made.
Pierre, History Tour Director Meet Pierre, one of our expert history tour directors. Pierre has undergone extensive Canadian history training, so that he can infuse your itinerary with lessons that align with your curriculum. Pierre attended Vimy 2007, Ortona 2008, VE Day 2010, and Vimy 2012. Years at Explorica: 8 Favourite Canadian history site: Vimy Ridge The best part about leading history tours: Taking students on Canadian history tours is particularly rewarding because of the students’ high level of dedication. They’re amazing. They teach you almost as much as you teach them.
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Complete customization All Explorica tours are fully customizable, and our Instant Tour Customizer puts you in control. With countless options to choose from, you can change specific details and get an instant price quote, or even design a full custom tour—all at the click of a button.
To customize a tour, choose a tour on our website, click the “Price this tour” tab, select a private group of 15 or more, and click “Customize itinerary.”
Hotel:
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Standard
Upgrade hotels
Standard Central
All Explorica hotels offer clean, safe and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, and you can easily upgrade your hotel for more amenities or accommodations closer to popular attractions.
Upgrade
Add extra days
Add stay ahead day
Want more time in your favourite city? Voila! Just add a day. Choose how long you’d like to stay and what you’d like to do—the price will update instantly.
Day 4 - May 07, 2015 - Royal London Dinner:
Standard
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Remove
Drag and drop activites from the list to modify your schedule COST | TIME
SCHEDULED ACTIVITY Visit Tower of London
$$
| 30%
Upgrade or remove meals
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
London Eye Millennium Wheel Your free time = 55%
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Opt for a special dining experience, or remove a meal altogether for more freedom of choice—on a particular day, or for your entire tour.
| 10%
Your activity time = 45%
Add or remove activities
Add Paris extension Buckingham Palace Visit Thames River Cruise Globe Theatre Performance
$ $$
| 20%
$$ | 20% | 5%
The Instant Tour Customizer lets you decide where to go and what to see. Add or remove individual activities, or create a custom tour around a particular theme.
Enjoy a local snack
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Victoria and Albert Museum
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Add an extension
National Gallery Visit
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Wimbledon Guided Tour
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See even more by adding an extension at the end of your tour. You can use our pre-planned itineraries, or make your own.
Learn more about customization:
explorica.ca/customize “Explorica offers the opportunity to create and tailor tours to meet the specific needs of travellers. They provided the framework and flexibility needed to design an out-of-this-world adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime!” –Heather D., Best of the British Isles 2015
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Step-by-step support Our job is to ensure that every aspect of your tour planning and travel experience is simple, hassle-free and fun. Here are just a few ways our expert program consultants, teacher mentors and tour directors help you prepare for and lead an incredible tour.
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Choose your tour
Paris or Panama? Budget or boutique? We make it easy to select and customize your perfect tour.
Talk to a travel expert
Get an instant price quote
Our expert program consultants provide one-on-one assistance every step of the way.
Plug in your date, add-ons and group size, and voila! Get an automatically generated price.
Customize your tour Add or remove activities, upgrade meals or hotels, add optional tour extensions and more, all at the click of a button.
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See everything in one place We organize all your tour information in one, easily accessible digital space: your Tour Centre on explorica.ca.
Recruit travellers
We offer a number of resources to help you promote your tour to students and parents.
Tour promotion materials
Monthly payment plans
From posters and PowerPoints to flyers and fact sheets, we provide all the tools you need to host parent meetings and info sessions.
Our easy monthly payment plans as low as $149/month for international tours, enable more of your students to afford to travel.
Recruitment webinars Get insider tips and tricks from experienced group leaders in an interactive, online setting.
Free spots for chaperones Want some help on tour? We give you one free place for every 6 students you enrol on standard tours, and you can adjust the ratio according to your needs.
“I have travelled with other companies in the past and will never go back. My Explorica consultant is so helpful, and our tour directors have all been superb. Explorica’s overall support and guidance is truly amazing!” –Tania U., Italy & Greece 2012
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“The training trip was invaluable. It was great navigating the city and seeing how packed each day would be and how much free time we would have. And all the advice from the Explorica staff and experienced teacher was really helpful!” –Trish, Paris Training Trip 2015
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Prepare for your tour
We have been helping teachers lead incredible tours for over 15 years, so we know exactly what you need to plan and prepare.
Connect with mentors Our exclusive teacher-to-teacher program connects you with experienced group leaders who can provide field-tested tips and advice.
Join a webinar Our pre-departure webinars teach you everything you need to know before you go!
Call us any time Your program consultant is your go-to guru to answer all your questions and accommodate any special requests that you may have.
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New to Explorica?
Take a free training trip. We’ll help you prepare for your first tour in style with a free New Group Leader Training Trip to Costa Rica, France, Italy, or another popular international destination!
Bon voyage!
From the moment you start your tour we’re right by your side, making sure your travels are fun, engaging and totally worry-free.
Expert tour directors
Global presence
Our professional tour directors are passionate educators, dedicated to your group. All our tour directors are trained in safety procedures and fluent in your destinations’ languages.
With offices around the world and representatives in every country we travel to, we are ready to support you whenever you need us.
24/7 emergency service
With over 15 years in student travel, Explorica’s rigorous quality control, flawless safety record and industry-leading support ensure a great experience, every time.
Our dedicated emergency contact line is available 24/7 to assist with any problem, anywhere, at any time.
Peace of mind
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Fully inclusive programs Not all tours are created equal. While standard inclusions like hotels and meals appear to be comparable across leading tour operators, Explorica gives you more for your dollar. When it comes to travel, the details matter.
All Explorica tours provide:
›› Roundtrip airfare We only work with the most reliable major airlines to ensure that all of our tours arrive safely and on time.
›› Accommodations We guarantee top-quality hotels within 45 minutes of activities, so you have more time in your day to see the things you came to see. You can also upgrade for more amenities or a location even closer to the main attractions.
›› Full-time services of a professional tour director Our top-rated professional tour directors are by your side every step of the way from arrival to departure, managing every aspect of your tour.
›› All transportation We provide all transportation between cities and itinerary activities. Our clean, comfortable coaches follow the strictest safety standards, and we opt for high-speed trains whenever possible, so you spend less time in transit.
›› Breakfast and dinner daily You and your students will fuel up for your adventures with hearty breakfasts and sample regional cuisine with filling, authentic dinners. Your tour director will show you the best places for lunches and snacks along the way.
›› All excursions & guided sightseeing tours You’ll see more—and learn more—than you ever thought possible thanks to our professional, local guides who know the destinations inside and out. They amaze and educate with fun stories and little-known facts, and share hidden local gems you could never experience any other way.
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1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
Total peace of mind We’re with you every step of the way, ensuring that every aspect of your tour runs safely and smoothly. Our dedicated staff work around the clock, so you can focus on doing what you do best: changing lives one student at a time.
With Explorica, you can always count on: ›› Personalized, one-on-one assistance before and during your tour ›› The most flexibility in educational travel ›› Optional Cancel For Any Reason travel protection ›› All tour information available online ›› First-aid certified tour directors ›› Updates from your tour posted to your group’s online Tour Diary ›› 24/7 emergency service
“When problems have arisen—as they always will when it comes to travel—Explorica’s prompt, courteous and effective service has always made it right.” – Brian B., Washington, D.C. 2015
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE Our dedicated emergency contact line is available 24/7 to assist with any problem, anywhere, at any time. And with offices and partners around the world and representatives in every country we travel to, we are ready to provide additional support if ever you should need it.
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Simply the best Explorica offers the best personal service, the most flexibility, and the lowest prices in educational travel, period. And with Explorica, you’re not a number—we listen to your feedback and work with you one-on-one so that you never feel like you’re on your own.
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$3,530
$3,715
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Fully inclusive program
History Orientations Only Explorica offers History Orientations, so you can meet other teachers passionate about history and learn how to lead an Explorica Canadian History Tour.
Guaranteed hotel accessibility We guarantee hotels within 45 minutes of activities, but you can also customize your accommodations to stay even closer to main attractions.
Guaranteed tour & date Receive the date and tour of your choice guaranteed up to two years in advance, or receive a full refund for your students.
Total customization Add activities, upgrade meals and hotels and more at the click of a button. From your itinerary to your rewards program, we’re always flexible.
Include tips Only with Explorica can you include tips in your total price, so you can avoid the hassle of dealing with it on tour altogether.
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Rest at ease with 24-hour emergency assistance, liability coverage, worldwide offices and travel protection.
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Receive roundtrip airfare, hotels, select meals, a full-time Tour Director, guides, activities and more with one all-inclusive tour fee.
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France & Italy* explorica.ca/fai
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* Prices based on March 10, 2016–March 19, 2016 departures from Toronto and include air-related taxes, fees and surcharges. Explorica prices based on Guaranteed Travel Dates or Consolidated Tours with Explorica Extra Rewards and one chaperone per six paying participants. Price comparison based on actual quotes. Prices valid at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Discounts and promotions are excluded from prices.
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1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
“Explorica is full of hard-working, dedicated people who put the needs of their clients first. Explorica’s tour packages are continually evolving, and they are never satisfied with the status quo. They’ve even initiated a Canadian history certification program for their tour directors, a huge plus for history teachers like me.” –Gene M., London, France & Amsterdam 2014
“This is the best experience I have ever had with students in my 22 years of teaching. They were blown away by the things we did and the places we visited. The only regret I have is that I did not do this sooner!” –Jeffrey G., London & France 2015 “I love Explorica! I have now led 3 tours with this company, and I have been comforted that when things have gone wrong, they were taken care of—that WE were taken care of.” –William V., Madrid, Barcelona & Rome 2014 “Love your referral program! The extra money has been put toward my Master’s! Thank you, Explorica, for rewarding your teachers!” –Cameron C., Washington, D.C. & New York City 2015
“Explorica understands the importance of appropriate hotel selection for students. The quality of the hotels is top notch, and they’re located in safe areas that are close to main attractions.” – Joy D., Spain & Portugal 2015
“I loved the ability to lock in our dates and itinerary! I think Explorica offers excellent, high quality trips at a great value.” –Maureen A., Spain, Italy & Greece 2014
“An amazing experience from beginning to end. Our custom tour allowed us to see what we wanted while also allowing the tour director to suggest other areas that added to the experience.”–Aneil P., Custom battlefields tour 2015 “I’ve travelled with other tour companies, but Explorica has them all beat. The collection of the tips beforehand is great. The prices are locked in and there aren’t any surprises. I’m sticking with Explorica!” –Andrea C., London, the Countryside & Edinburgh 2015
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Following in their footsteps A sneak peek of an Explorica commemorative tour
Anne Frank House with Laureen Harper
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Commemorative tours are an integral part of Explorica’s educational tour package. Not only do we provide visits to museums and historical landmarks, but we also create itineraries that are culturally immersive, so students can participate in local and national commemorative events related to the First and Second World Wars.
Rijksmuseum Museum
John Frost Bridge
Anne Frank House
Liberation Day
Pannenkoeken
National Liberation Museum
Liberation Day
Veterans Affairs Canada events 12
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Ever want to know what our Canadian history tours are really like? We followed a group of 35 history students for 6 days as they travelled to Europe to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Before the trip, the students had researched the lives of Canadian soldiers who fought in the Netherlands during World War II, and each student followed in the footsteps of their chosen soldier across the battlefields where they once fought for the nation. Explorica exclusive: The Anne Frank House with Laureen Harper The first history lesson on tour: a visit to the Anne Frank House museum. Ten lucky students were given a private tour of the Anne Frank House with Prime Minister Harper’s wife, Laureen Harper. Featured meal: traditional Dutch pannenkoeken Yep, in Amsterdam, you can eat pancakes for dinner. Called pannenkoeken, they are almost as thin as crêpes and can be served as a salty or sweet dish. John Frost Bridge On the way to the Liberation of the Netherlands events, the students wanted to stop by the John Frost Bridge, the famous bridge from the Battle of Arnhem featured in A Bridge Too Far, a movie the class had seen weeks before. Explorica’s exclusive Tour Diaries allow parents to follow their children on tour without having to resort to unreliable cell phones or internet connections. Our experienced Tour Directors post pictures and provide a summary of every day of the tour. Find your group’s itinerary online by logging in at explorica.ca/tour-diaries.
Free time Later, the students had free time to explore the city in small groups with their chaperones. Some of their favourites were the Van Gogh Museum, a diamond factory, and the interactive Amsterdam Dungeon.
“The experience is so surreal. I feel like it could have been me who might have had to go to war. I think it’s important to learn about those who died for our country.” –Georgia, high school student National Liberation Museum The National Liberation Museum gave the students a chance to see World War II from a European perspective. The stories of each individual soldier were brought to life through the vast display of World War II artifacts and photographs. Commemorating the Liberation of the Netherlands events with Veterans Affairs Canada During the official commemorative events at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery & Memorial, the students had the opportunity to engage with veterans and lay wreaths on the graves of their researched soldiers. It was a meaningful and emotional experience for all.
Remembrance Day events In the evening, the students participated in a countrywide Remembrance Day Ceremony in Amsterdam’s Dam Square, joining thousands of Dutch citizens and the King and Queen of the Netherlands. Veterans were honoured, King Willem-Alexander lamented on the loss of Dutch lives during historical times of conflict and war, and the entire crowd joined together in two minutes of silence for those who died during World War II. Liberation Day events The next day, the students visited the small town of Wageningen for Liberation Day, a Dutch holiday that commemorates the end of the war with music, parades, reenactments and other events. Veterans also arrived in the city for this special day, riding military vehicles through Wageningen’s Market Square as they had done 70 years ago. Overall, our trip was a success—we learned a lot about Canada’s contributions to World War II, and met many interesting veterans and Dutch citizens with unforgettable stories. Join us on our next commemorative event to see it all for yourself!
Amsterdam Canal Cruise On a two-hour cruise down Amsterdam’s famous canals, the students basked in the sun while listening to information about significant historical landmarks in Amsterdam.
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Discover the cornerstones of Canadian history With Explorica, you can create your own perfect tour at the click of a button. Just add one of these exclusive new activities to your tour to experience Canadian history firsthand abroad.
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Stay in a château Trade in your hotel for a more authentic experience, and stay in an authentic French-style château during your tour. Spend your evenings in one of these legendary French country palaces, interacting with local villages and experiencing French history between visits to Ypres, Somme and Normandy. Then take a break on the château’s sprawling grounds, with volleyball, football and other game facilities at your disposal.
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Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 Housed in the historic Zonnebeke Château, this museum dedicated to the Battle of Passchendaele gives a comprehensive overview of World War I with a collection of historic artifacts, realistic dioramas, photos and video footage. Follow the timeline of the muddy battle that took so many Canadian lives throughout the museum’s emotionally provocative exhibits. Then, see the underground world of Commonwealth soldiers with recreations of the dugouts and trenches of World War I.
Essex Farm Cemetery Visit the site where John McCrae penned “In Flanders’ Fields” to preserve the memory of that poppy-lined battlefield, and the pastoral peace shattered by bloodshed. Learn about the intensity of the Second Battle of Ypres, passing through the 1,199 war graves of the Commonwealth, 100 of unidentified soldiers. Then examine the countless bunkers remaining there, and imagine what it would have been like if you too had been in Flanders’ fields.
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Paris, Vimy & Normandy Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Bonjour Paris
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ›› Paris city walk: Notre Dame Cathedral visit, Latin Quarter ››Louvre visit
Day 3 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, École Militaire, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries, Place Vendôme ›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
Day 4 Paris to Flanders via Vimy Ridge
››Vimy Ridge guided sightseeing tour ››Beaumont Hamel visit
Day 5 Flanders
››Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park ››Talbot House Museum ››St. Julien Memorial ››In Flanders Fields Museum visit ››Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate
Day 6 Flanders to Normandy
››Wellington Quarry visit ››Canadian Cemetery visit ››Canadian landing beach visit in Dieppe
Day 7 Normandy
››Arromanches Museum visit ››Juno Beach Centre visit ››Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery visit
Day 8 Normandy to Paris via Rouen
›› Rouen sightseeing: Rouen Cathedral visit, Old Clock ››Seine River cruise
Days 9–12 Berlin extension
Fly home, or travel to Berlin. Highlights: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Jewish Museum visit, Checkpoint Charlie Museum visit.
explorica.ca/cab 1.888.310.7119
$2,982 Starting price for 9 days Spring 2016
Toronto/Montréal
$2,982
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,334
Vancouver
$3,334
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
Berlin(2)
Ypres(2)
BELGIUM
Dieppe Normandy(2) Rouen (1)
Train(1)
GERMANY Paris(3) Versailles
FRANCE
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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The Netherlands & France Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Hallo Amsterdam
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ››Rijksmuseum visit
Day 3 Amsterdam landmarks
›› Amsterdam tour director-led sightseeing: Canal guided cruise, diamond factory visit, Anne Frank House visit
››Jewish Historical Museum visit ››Featured meal: traditional Dutch pannenkoeken dinner Day 4 Amsterdam to Bruges
››Kamp Vught guided visit ››Tour director-led sightseeing of Bruges
Day 5 Bruges to Ypres
››St. Julien Memorial ››Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) ››Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park ››Talbot House Museum
Day 6 Ypres to Vimy
››Tyne Cot National Cemetery ››Memorial Museum visit ››Beaumont Hamel visit
Day 7 Vimy to Normandy via Dieppe
››Canadian landing beach visit in Dieppe
Day 8 Normandy to Paris
››Arromanches Mulberry viewing ››Juno Beach Centre visit ››Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery visit ››Featured meal: dinner in Latin Quarter
Day 9 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries
›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
Days 10–12 London extension
explorica.ca/avp 1.888.310.7119
$3,079 Starting price for 10 days Spring 2016
Toronto/Montréal
$3,079
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,437
Vancouver
$3,437
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
NETHERLANDS
(1)
ENGLAND London(2)
Amsterdam(2) Bruges(1) Ypres(1)
Eurostar
BELGIUM Vimy(1)
Normandy(1) Versailles
Paris(2)
FRANCE
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1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
Photo submitted by an Explorica traveler. Submit your own photos at explorica.ca/photo.
Fly home, or travel to London. Highlights: Imperial War Museum visit, Churchill War Rooms museum visit.
France & England Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Bonjour Paris
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ›› Paris city walk: Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral visit, Île St. Louis, Latin Quarter visit
››Visit Louvre ››Featured meal: dinner in Latin Quarter Day 3 Paris Landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, École Militaire, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries, Place Vendôme, Opera House ›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
Day 4 Paris to Normandy
››Arromanches Museum visit ››Juno Beach Centre visit ››Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery visit
Day 5 Normandy to Vimy via Dieppe
››Canadian landing beach visit in Dieppe
Day 6 Vimy Ridge
››Memorial Museum visit ››Beaumont Hamel visit ››Tyne Cot National Cemetery
Day 7 Vimy to London
››Ferry to Dover ››Travel to London via Canterbury ››Canterbury Cathedral guided visit
Day 8 London landmarks
›› London guided sightseeing tour: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral ››Churchill War Rooms museum visit ››Hard Rock Cafe dinner
Day 9 End tour
explorica.ca/fre 1.888.310.7119
$3,024 Starting price for 9 days Spring 2016
Toronto/Montréal
$3,024
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,351
Vancouver
$3,351
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
ENGLAND London(2) Canterbury Normandy(1)
(1)
Dover Calais Vimy(2) Dieppe Paris(2)
FRANCE
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17
5
REMEMBERING THE BRAVE:
tips for creating a soldier project
18
1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
“Lest We Forget” is an expression most often heard in November, reminding us to never forget the impact of wars both past and present. But for some Canadian history teachers, the expression presents a challenge to teach new generations of high school students the importance of events that never made it to a Facebook news feed.
Canadian history teachers Erin Stokes and Vanessa Kritz took a particularly creative approach to this challenge. Since 2007, they’ve worked on an ambitious project in which students research the lives of Canadian soldiers who died while serving in the First and Second World War. Calling it a “Soldier Project,” the teachers either assign soldiers at random or allow students to choose a family member, and their students conduct research using archives, newspapers, and online databases to contextualize their soldier’s contribution to the war efforts. Stokes and Kritz are no strangers to the educational benefits of soldier projects. They’ve even taken it a step further by leading international Canadian history tours to the very World War battlefields where their soldiers once fought. Students arrive back from these trips with a better understanding of Canadian history, a greater awareness of cultures beyond their own, and a continued desire to learn beyond the textbook. Stokes and Kritz have shared just a few tips with us, so that your students can start their own soldier projects, too.
5 tips for creating a soldier project Tip #1: Find soldiers near your school community Giving students a list of soldiers from near your hometown makes it easier for them to find information, and provides added relevance for each student. As they explore local libraries and museums for information, your students will understand more about how their community was involved during the time of the war. Visit the Commonwealth War Graves
Student discovers a veteran’s home in Ottawa while completing his soldier project
Commission website (CWGC.org) for a full listing of cemeteries with soldiers from your local community. Tip #2: Use newspapers, legions and attestation papers You’d be surprised to learn just how much information can be found in your local community newspaper and legion. Attestation papers from Library and Archives Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada also provide material for students to begin their investigation. Have your students visit Ancestry.ca as well, to see if their soldier has any living family members. Tip #3: Encourage students to investigate Although it can take anywhere between 4-6 months to complete a soldier project, some students may not be able to get enough information on their soldier. In these times, students simply need to dig deeper into a variety of offline and online resources. Teach students how to call their local community members for more information. This is a great lesson in critical thinking skills, communication and researching.
Tip #4: Invite local WWII veterans Make sure to invite veterans to your school for class presentations. Doing this near the end of the projects allows students to be more empathetic and open to asking questions. Tip #5: Visit corresponding battlefields Plan a trip abroad with Explorica to visit the battlefields and cities where Canadian soldiers fought, and to memorialize them at the cemeteries where they are buried. These trips can be customized to fit your educational needs, with historical locations that reflect your classroom lessons. Tour Directors are knowledgeable about both the city and historical aspects of the trip, allowing your students to fully immerse themselves into the environment.
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Return to Vimy 2017
Paris, Vimy & Normandy Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Bonjour Paris
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ›› Paris city walk: Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral visit, Île St. Louis, Latin Quarter visit, Eiffel Tower ascent
››Featured meal: dinner in Latin Quarter Day 3 Paris to Vimy
››St. Julien Memorial ››Ypres Salient Memorials visit ››Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park ››Ceremony & Explorica exclusive events
Day 4 Vimy Ridge
›› Vimy Ridge Memorial visit: Vimy trenches & tunnels visit, Memorial Museum visit
››Vimy 100th anniversary events Day 5 Vimy to Normandy via Dieppe
››Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) ››Canadian Cemetery visit ››Canadian landing beach visit in Dieppe
Day 6 D-Day beaches
››Arromanches Museum visit ››Juno Beach Centre visit ››Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery visit
Day 7 Normandy to Paris via Rouen
›› Rouen sightseeing: Rouen Cathedral visit, Old Clock ››Seine River cruise
Day 8 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries
›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
››Louvre visit
Days 9–11 London extension
explorica.ca/VM1 1.888.310.7119
$3,153 Starting price for 9 days Spring 2017
Toronto/Montréal
$3,153
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,504
Vancouver
$3,504
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
ENGLAND London(2)
Flanders(2)
Eurostar
BELGIUM Dieppe
Vimy
Normandy(2) Rouen
Paris(3) Versailles
(1)
20
FRANCE
1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
Photo submitted by an Explorica traveler. Submit your own photos at explorica.ca/photo.
Fly home, or travel to London. Highlights: National Gallery visit, Churchill War Rooms museum visit.
Return to Vimy 2017
Amsterdam & France Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Hallo Amsterdam
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ››Rijksmuseum visit
Day 3 Amsterdam landmarks
›› Amsterdam tour director-led sightseeing: canal guided cruise, diamond factory visit, Anne Frank House visit
››Jewish Historical Museum visit ››Traditional Dutch pannenkoeken dinner Day 4 Amsterdam to Vimy
››Wellington Quarry visit ››Ceremony & Explorica exclusive events
Day 5 Vimy Ridge
›› Vimy Ridge Memorial visit: Vimy trenches & tunnels visit, Memorial Museum visit
››Vimy Ridge 100th anniversary events Day 6 Vimy region
››Beaumont-Hamel visit ››Tyne Cot National Cemetery ››Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park ››In Flanders Fields Museum visit ››Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate
Day 7 Vimy to Paris via Dieppe
››Dieppe tour director-led sightseeing ››Canadian landing beach visit in Dieppe ››Seine River cruise
Day 8 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries
›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
Day 9 Paris
›› Paris city walk: Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral visit, Île St. Louis, Latin Quarter visit
››Louvre visit Day 10 End tour
explorica.ca/RV2 1.888.310.7119
$3,286 Starting price for 10 days Spring 2017
Toronto/Montréal
$3,286
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,644
Vancouver
$3,644
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
(1)
NETHERLANDS Amsterdam(2)
Ypres BELGIUM Dieppe Vimy(3) Paris(3)
FRANCE
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21
Return to Vimy 2017
London & France Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Hello London
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ›› London city walk: Thames River, Trafalgar Square,
National Gallery visit, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Soho ››Classic fish & chips dinner
Day 3 London landmarks
›› London guided sightseeing tour: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral ››Churchill War Rooms museum visit ››Imperial War Museum visit
Day 4 London to Belgium
››Wellington Quarry visit ››Ceremony & Explorica exclusive events
Day 5 Vimy Ridge
›› Vimy Ridge Memorial visit: Vimy trenches & tunnels visit, Memorial Museum visit
››Vimy Ridge 100th anniversary events Day 6 Vimy region
››Beaumont Hamel visit ››Tyne Cot National Cemetery ››Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park ››In Flanders Fields Museum visit ››Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate
Day 7 Vimy to Paris
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries
›› Paris city walk: Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral visit, Île St. Louis, Latin Quarter visit
››Seine River cruise
Day 8 Paris landmarks
››Louvre visit ›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
explorica.ca/RV3 1.888.310.7119
$3,209 Starting price for 9 days Spring 2017
Toronto/Montréal
$3,209
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,536
Vancouver
$3,536
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
(1)
ENGLAND London(2)
Eurostar Lille Vimy(3) Paris(2)
FRANCE
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Day 9 End tour
Return to Vimy 2017
Return to Vimy 2017
Rome & France
Paris & Vimy
Day 1 Start tour
Day 1 Start tour
Day 2 Ciao Rome
Day 2 Bonjour Paris
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ›› Rome city walk: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
››Travel to Vimy Region ››Meet your tour director and check into hotel
Day 3 Vimy region
Day 3 Rome landmarks
›› Rome sightseeing tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine
Chapel visit, St. Peter’s Basilica visit, Colosseum & Forum Romanum visit ››Featured meal: authentic trattoria dinner
Day 4 Rome to Paris
›› Cassino excursion: Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Monte Cassino Monument visit, Piana delle Orme visit
Day 5 Paris
›› Paris city walk: Notre Dame visit, Latin Quarter visit ››Seine River cruise
Day 6 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries ›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
Day 7 Paris to Vimy
››Wellington Quarry visit ››Ceremony & Explorica exclusive events
››Tyne Cot National Cemetery ››Beaumont Hamel visit ››Ceremony & Explorica exclusive events
Day 4 Vimy Ridge
›› Vimy Ridge Memorial visit: Vimy trenches & tunnels visit, Memorial Museum visit
››Vimy Ridge 100th anniversary events Day 5 Vimy to Paris
›› Paris city walk: Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral visit, Île St. Louis, Latin Quarter visit
››Louvre visit ››Seine River cruise
Day 6 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, École Militaire, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries, Place Vendôme, Opera House ›› Optional Versailles guided excursion: State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gardens of Versailles
Day 7 End tour
Day 8 Vimy Ridge
›› Vimy Ridge Memorial visit: Vimy trenches & tunnels visit, Memorial Museum visit
explorica.ca/RV5 1.888.310.7119
››Vimy Ridge 100th anniversary events
$3,043 Starting price for 7 days
Day 9 Vimy region
››Beaumont Hamel visit ››Tyne Cot National Cemetery ››Passchendaele Canadian Memorial Park ››In Flanders Fields Museum visit ››Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate
Spring 2017
Day 10 Fly home from Paris
Toronto/Montréal
$3,043
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,395
Vancouver
$3,395
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
Days 10–12 London extension
Fly home, or travel to London. Highlights: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, National Gallery visit, Churchill War Rooms museum visit.
explorica.ca/RV4 1.888.310.7119
$3,647 Starting price for 10 days Spring 2017
Toronto/Montréal
$3,647
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,995
Vancouver
$3,995
Vimy(3)
(1)
Paris(2) FRANCE
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
ENGLAND London(2) Eurostar
Ypres
BELGIUM
Vimy(3) Paris(2)
Train(1)
FRANCE
ITALY
(1)
Rome(2)
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
23
Return to Vimy 2017
Berlin, Amsterdam & France Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Guten tag Berlin
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ››Featured meal: Bavarian bratwurst dinner
Day 3 Berlin landmarks
›› Berlin sightseeing tour: Potsdamer Platz, Berlin Wall,
Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie Museum
››Optional Potsdam guided excursion Day 4 Berlin to Amsterdam Day 5 Amsterdam landmarks
Commemorate Vimy at home
›› Amsterdam tour director-led sightseeing: canal guided cruise, diamond factory visit, Anne Frank House visit ››Optional Volendam & Zaanse Schans excursion
Day 6 Amsterdam to Vimy
››Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery visit ››Wellington Quarry visit ››Ceremony & Explorica exclusive events
Bring your students to Ottawa to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge at home. From an extensive look through the famous Canadian War Museum to the official city ceremonies, your students can explore Canadian history right at home with Keating by Explorica.
Day 7 Vimy Ridge
›› Vimy Ridge Memorial visit: Vimy trenches & tunnels visit, Memorial Museum visit
››Vimy Ridge 100th anniversary events Day 8 Vimy region
››Beaumont Hamel visit ››Tyne Cot National Cemetery visit ››St. Julien Memorial ››In Flanders Fields Museum visit ››Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate
Call 1.888.310.7119 to learn more.
Day 9 Vimy to Paris
›› Paris city walk: Notre Dame visit, Latin Quarter visit ››Seine River cruise
Day 10 Paris landmarks
›› Paris guided sightseeing tour: Arc de Triomphe, ChampsÉlysées, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries Mirrors, Gardens
Day 11 End tour Days 11–13 Extension to London
Fly home, or travel to London for a 2-day extension.
explorica.ca/RV6 1.888.310.7119
$3,903 Starting price for 11 days Spring 2017
Toronto/Montréal
$3,903
Calgary/Edmonton
$4,255
Vancouver
$4,255
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
(1)
ENGLAND
NETHERLANDS Train Amsterdam(2)
London(2) Vimy(3) Paris(2)
FRANCE 24
1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
Berlin(2)
GERMANY
Photo submitted by an Explorica traveler. Submit your own photos at explorica.ca/photo.
›› Optional Versailles excursion: State Apartments, Hall of
2017
2017
Remembrance Day in Ottawa
Vimy 100 in Ottawa
Day 1 Hello Ottawa
Day 1 Hello Ottawa
››Diefenbunker Museum visit ››Check into hotel ››Byward Market visit
››Diefenbunker Museum visit ››Byward Market visit
Day 2 Commemorating Vimy Ridge
››Remembrance Day services ››Beechwood Cemetery ››Mackenzie King Estate grounds visit ››Merivale Bowling
Day 3 Ottawa landmarks
››Canadian War Museum: Forged in Fire exhibit ›› Parliament Building: Centre Block tour, Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber visit ››Confederation Park visit ››Canadian Museum of History guided tour ››Ghosts and the Gallows (Haunted Walk & Jail Tour)
Day 4 Goodbye Ottawa
››Museum of Science and Technology guided tour ››Rideau Hall guided tour ›› Embassy Row walking tour: Ambassadorial Residences
of Egypt, Japan, Argentina, Spain, Iran, Thailand & South Korea, Stornoway ››Sussex Drive
explorica.ca/RD3 1.888.310.7119
$531
Starting price for 4 days
Day 2 Ottawa Landmarks
››Canadian War Museum: Vimy 1917 exhibit ›› Parliament Building: Centre Block tour, Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber visit
››Confederation Park visit ››Canadian Museum of History guided tour ››Evening dinner dance Day 3 Commemorating Vimy Ridge
››Vimy Ridge 100th Anniversary events ››Beechwood Cemetery ››Museum of Science and Technology guided tour ››Ghosts and the Gallows haunted walk & jail tour
Day 4 Goodbye Ottawa
››Canada Aviation and Space Museum visit ››Rideau Hall guided tour ›› Embassy Row walking tour: ambassadorial residences
of Egypt, Japan, Argentina, Spain, Iran, Thailand & South Korea, Stornoway ››Sussex Drive
explorica.ca/VR3 1.888.310.7119
$539
Starting price for 4 days
Call us for customization and pricing.
Call us for customization and pricing.
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum
Canadian Museum of History Parliament Hill Peace Tower Remembrance Day Museum of Science and Technology
OTTAWA Canadian War Museum
Canadian Museum of History Peace Tower Parliament Hill Byward Market Vimy 100
OTTAWA Canadian War Museum
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
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Venice, Florence, Ortona & Rome Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Ciao Venice
›› Meet your tour director, travel to Venice & check into hotel
Day 3 Venice landmarks
›› Venice sightseeing tour: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s
Basilica, Doge’s Palace visit, glass-blowing demonstration
Day 4 Venice to Florence via Bologna
››Featured meal: Italian pizza dinner
Day 5 Florence landmarks
›› Florence guided sightseeing tour: Piazza della Signoria,
Up next: Italy 2018
Chiesa di Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo visit, leather workshop, Gates of Paradise ›› Optional Pisa excursion: Baptistery visit, Leaning Tower
Explore the most pivotal Canadian battles of World War II from Cassino to Ortona on our Italian Campaign history tours. Journey across the Mediterranean to show your students the past and present of Italy and honour the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Italian Campaign.
Day 6 Florence to Ortona via Assisi
››St. Francis of Assisi Basilica visit
Day 7 Ortona
››Ortona tour director-led sightseeing tour ››Private remembrance ceremony at Moro Cemetery ››Ortona War Museum
Day 8 Ortona to Rome via Monte Cassino
››Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery ››Monte Cassino Monument visit ››Piana delle Orme Museum visit
Day 9 Rome landmarks
›› Rome guided sightseeing tour: Vatican Museums &
Sistine Chapel visit, St. Peter’s Basilica visit, Colosseum & Forum Romanum visit ››Featured meal: authentic trattoria dinner
Day 10 End tour Days 10–14 Sicily extension
Fly home, or travel to Sicily. Highlights: Pompeii guided excursion, Monreale visit, Agira Canadian War Cemetery visit.
1.888.310.7119
$2,854 Starting price for 10 days Spring 2016
Toronto/Montréal
$2,854
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,199
Vancouver
$3,199
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
(1) Milan
ITALY
Venice(2) Florence(2) Ortona(2) Rome(2) Naples Ferry(1) Palermo
Agrigento(1)
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1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
Taormina(2) Catania
Photo submitted by an Explorica traveler. Submit your own photos at explorica.ca/photo.
explorica.ca/ita
The Italian Campaign Day 1 Start tour Day 2 Ciao Catania
››Meet your tour director and check into hotel ›› Catania guided sightseeing tour ››Museo Dello Sbarco visit
Day 3 Catania
››Enna and Assoro guided sightseeing ››Agira Canadian War Cemetery visit
Day 4 Catania to Naples via Palermo
›› Palermo guided sightseeing tour: Quattro Canti, Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, La Martorana, Monreale visit, Monreale Cathedral ››Overnight ferry to Naples
Day 5 Naples to Rome via Monte Cassino
›› Cassino excursion: Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Monte Cassino Monument visit, Piana delle Orme visit
›› Rome city walk: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
Day 6 Rome landmarks
›› Rome sightseeing tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine
Chapel visit, St. Peter’s Basilica visit, Colosseum & Forum Romanum visit ››Featured meal: authentic trattoria dinner
Day 7 Rome to Ortona
››Ortona Canadian Cemetery Visit
Day 8 Ortona to Florence via Assisi
››Assisi guided sightseeing: St. Francis of Assisi Basilica visit ››Featured meal: Make your own pizza dinner
Day 9 Florence to Rome
›› Florence guided sightseeing tour: Piazza della Signoria,
Chiesa di Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo visit, leather workshop, Gates of Paradise
Day 10 End tour
explorica.ca/itc 1.888.310.7119
$3,385 Starting price for 10 days Spring 2016
Toronto/Montréal
$3,385
Calgary/Edmonton
$3,729
Vancouver
$3,729
Prices available from all Canadian airports. Call for details.
ITALY Florence(1) Ortona(1) Rome(3)
Monte Cassino Naples
Ferry(1) Palermo Catania(2) (1)
explorica.ca • 1.888.310.7119
27
Group leader spotlight
Bringing Canadian history lessons to life Meet Ron Labrie, a history teacher in Ponoka, Alberta. With years of experience leading commemorative tours with Explorica, Ron has gained some fascinating insight and stories to share about Canadian history, Vimy Ridge, and the impact of bringing students around the world to witness history firsthand.
What are your school’s connections to WWI?
Why is it important to visit Vimy Ridge in 2017?
What is the most memorable experience from your past tours?
Ponoka Composite High School was the Alberta representative at the 90th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge Ceremony in Ottawa in 2007, where we were happy to lead the Pledge of Remembrance on behalf of the youth of Canada. Our community has four soldiers memorialized on the Vimy Ridge monument and one soldier buried at Canadian Cemetery No. 2. Since 2009, we have had 175 students visit the Vimy Memorial, Menin Gate, St. Julien, Passchendaele, Hill 62 and 21 other Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries.
As most historians suggest, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought side-by-side in the Great War. We began to recognize ourselves less as British subjects, and more as self-determined Canadians. To honour the Canadian soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge, the French government ceded 100 hectares of land to Canada in perpetuity, where the monument now stands. In the centenary year, it is important to visit this iconic WWI memorial and remember the horror and sacrifice of war. As an educator, I value the opportunity to show my students Vimy Ridge: my favourite part of Canada.
We were fortunate to meet a former member of the French Resistance, Adrien Jobin (93), who at the age of 19 hid the surviving crew members of the Lancaster bomber that was shot down. His village has created a beautiful Canadian monument in honour of the two RCAF crew members that perished, one of whom was from Ponoka. We were deeply connected to the emotional presentation given by Monsieur Jobin, his brother, and his wife. They were overwhelmed with gratitude for our visit and our passionate biography of our Ponoka soldier. We have since had regular correspondence with Jobin and his community to enhance the legacy of Pilot Officer George Cameron.
Which WWI site is most important for Canadian students to see? There are many, but without question the Vimy National Memorial has a spirit about it that can only be realized by a visit. The monument itself is an incredible piece of art, and exemplifies the “Canadian way”—with no mention of victory, domination, or revenge, it is a monument about sacrifice and remembrance.
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1.888.310.7119 • explorica.ca
Why should teachers lead educational tours? Despite the efforts of the best textbooks, it is impossible to replicate the experience a student gains from visiting places that helped shape our world. Educational tours invite stronger relationship-building opportunities with students, and give them political, social and cultural experiences that cannot be measured by pencil, pen, nor electronic device.
After going on an educational tour, how do students react? My students have a newfound appreciation for sacrifice and remembrance from the soldier profiles they research and the hours of preparation before departure. Many of my alumni frequently talk to the impactful journey that the tour had given them and more specifically, how Remembrance Day has had a profound significance in their life.
Teacher appreciation
Explorica exclusive History Orientations We know you work hard for your students, and we appreciate your passion and commitment to educating students through travel. That’s why we designed our History Orientations with teachers in mind, using your feedback to design detailed training tours to help prepare you for your trip abroad.
Upcoming History Orientations Join a History Orientation to meet other teachers passionate about history and learn more about Explorica Canadian History Tours. Call 1.888.310.7119 for details. Destination
Date
Deadline
One free place
Two free places
Berlin & Dresden
July 2016
October 31, 2015
20 enrolments
30 enrolments
Remembrance Day in Ottawa
November 2016
December 18, 2015
10 enrolments
15 enrolments
“The attention to detail and the personal touch that Explorica brings to travel has really impressed me. I’m already looking forward to our next journey and to more trips in the future. It was fantastic to meet the other Group Leaders, and I returned with new ideas and new friends. Thanks again for making that happen!” –Gary, Group Leader Training 2013
Free travel We always offer one free place for every 6 students, but if you want to save money, you can choose fewer chaperones and reduce your students’ tour fees.
Stipend If you don’t need many chaperones, you can choose a stipend towards your tour instead. Use it to pay for other expenses, like supply costs, a bus to the airport, or even an extra activity for your students!
Referral bonus Earn a $1,000 referral bonus when you refer another teacher to Explorica. You’ll receive your bonus as soon as they enrol just FIVE students for a trip, the lowest requirement in the industry.
3080 Yonge Street, Box 32 Toronto, ON M4N 3N1
explorica.ca/history
TICO: 50012536 OPC: 702916 Printed in the U.S.A.
Commemorate Vimy for less Transparent pricing Unlike EF, we make it easy for you to view our tour prices right on our website. You can even make edits to the itinerary and see how the price changes— instantly. Our pricing is fair, consistent, and always transparent.
RETURN TO VIMY: Amsterdam & France explorica.ca/RV2
Explorica
EF
$3,443
?
Pricing based on departures from Toronto on April 5, 2017.
Guaranteed best prices We’re dedicated to making our tours affordable for all families, so we’re proud to offer the guaranteed best prices in educational travel. If you find a better price elsewhere, we’ll beat it. Call us to see if you’re getting a fair deal.
ALSO:
Join us in Berlin & Dresden in 2016 Experience legendary historic sites with fellow teachers on our exclusive History Orientation in Germany. See the inside back cover and give us a call to learn more.
1.888.310.7119