A Tour to Remember
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October 29, 2009 • Gregory Edison
Filed under Community, News, Student Life
“Why do you want to go?”
This question started the informational meeting for Rick Gill’s, a teacher at North Augusta High School, second Europe trip.
“To meet new people.” “To learn about different cultures.” “To see socialized healthcare in action.”
The answers were varied; unfortunately none were what Sukari Neblett, a face to face rep for EF, was looking for. “Fun, nobody ever says fun,” but that’s one experience that a EF tour assures.
The tour being planned for the summer of 2010, (the tentative dates are July 19-29) covers four major cities in Eastern Europe: Budapest, Krakow, Prague, and Berlin over the course of ten days. Leaving from Atlanta, the potential group of travelers will backpack across
the continent. They will move from each hub city via a bus shared with twenty-five to forty from other EF groups from across the United States, and Canada.
“You’re going to be doing a lot of walking.” As soon as you arrive at each city you begin a walking tour, visiting the historical landmarks of each. From Prague’s Old Town to the Berlin Wall, from the 13th century to the twenty-first, you’ll explore Europe’s history, and in Neblett’s words find out “how young our country truly is (in comparison).” After these guided tours the tour groups are given free time to “
Sukari Neblett giving the EF presentation.
explore the city,” take in the culture, and carry out any side trips not covered in the initial tour.
Even the transit between the hub cities contains an adventure. From Budapest to Krakow you are treated to the scenic vistas of the snow-capped Tatra Mountains. From Krakow to Prague, a stop at Olomouc, a charming city famous for its religious structures. And finally between Prague and Berlin these quick cultural tours culminate in a stop in Dresden, which is considered to be one of “the most beautiful cities in the world.”
As for lodging, and what you need to bring “If you can’t carry it two flights of stairs by yourself it’s too much.” Students will be sleeping in triplet and quad rooms, with three or four beds, while adults will be in doubles. It’s suggested you pack light, and share accessories, blow-driers, etc., among several people.
“We’ll keep your kids safe.” EF, Educational Tour, boasts forty years of experience of successful European tours. Every group comes equipped with a bilingual tour guide, and the ability to change tour stops based on any potential danger the group may feel. In addition to these included services EF also offers insurance plans for those attending the tour. Only an additional $125, the insurance, covers tour cancellation, medical and baggage coverage, as well as including a twenty-four hour emergency service which allows any family member staying at home to get in contact with their traveling relative. Insurance can also be bought in separate packages of each offer.
The tour prices vary depending on when you purchase based on the transient nature of airplane tickets, so “the earlier you sign up the better!” However the tentative price for the trip is $2,980 for children (twenty-two years old or younger), and $3,300 for adults, this fee comprises the cost of air-travel, lodging, food, with the exception of lunch, the tour director, and attractions. Additional money to pay for lunch meals and any souvenirs you may want are not included, and Sukari Neblett, the EF representative, suggests procuring a Visa Gift Card which can have money added to them from home if you run out.
As of the 21st of October, five people have signed up, and as many who are willing are urged to sign up. If you want further information about doing so contact Rick Gill at JRGMAN13@yahoo.com, or at (803)648-3502, for more information about the tours themselves you can go to EF’s website at http://www.eftours.com/, or call the phone number 1-800-665-5364, or go to their Facebook page.
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