Poet Travels

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The world can still be your classroom. Participate in a travel experience with Whittier College.

Faculty-Led Travel Courses

On occasion, Whittier College faculty-led travel courses are open to alumni. Frequently held during May (MayTerm), these courses offer a learning component, on-site lectures and tours, as well as time for student interaction and individual social excursions. Recent alumni opportunities have included travel to China and Cuba. For more information on these opportunities, please contact the Office of International Programs at 562.907.4308 or the Office of Alumni Relations 562.907.4222. For a listing of upcoming travel courses and enrollment deadline and requirements, visit the Office of International Programs.

Poet Alumni Travel Program

The Poet Alumni Travel Program is open to all alumni and friends of Whittier College. If you want to enhance your lifetime Poet connections take advantage of unique opportunities to visit exciting destinations and learn about their culture, history and art.

Whittier has partnered with Collette, a family-owned leader in travel excursions, to provide our alumni the opportunity to travel to destinations around the world. Each trip is a packaged, guided tour that allows you to sit back and take in the culture and scenery of each destination. 

  • Day 1, Monday, August 16, Overnight Flight: Feel the vibrant energy of England, hear the unique sounds of Scotland, and see the rolling countryside of Wales on a trip that combines dramatic history and natural wonders.
  • Day 2, Tuesday, August 17, 20, Edinburgh, Scotland: Your tour opens in Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, where rocky hills tower in the distance and the shadows of history can be seen around every corner. Discover Scotland's capital and see how medieval crossroads blend seamlessly with a vibrant modern energy. This evening, get a taste of contemporary Scottish fare as you join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland. (D)
  • Day 3, Wednesday, August 18, Edinburgh: Today, it’s your choice! Get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided tour of the city via coach -OR- join a local expert and explore the city on foot. Both tours include visits to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse,* the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence and the former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Later this evening, take your seat at the spectacular, world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events. (B)
  • Day 4, Thursday, August 19, Edinburgh - Borders Region - York, England: Say farewell to the rolling hills of Scotland while travelling south through the Borders Region. Stop to visit the archeological site of Vindolanda, an Ancient Roman fortress built along Hadrian’s Wall in the 2nd century to protect Roman Britain from the tribes of Scotland. Upon arrival in the medieval city of York, enjoy a brief orientation tour to get the lay of the land. Tonight, stay within the historic walled section of the city. (B)
  • Day 5, Friday, August 20, York - Chester: Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore York at your own pace. Meander the labyrinth of quaint, narrow streets the locals call Snickelways or maybe visit the city’s famous Minster. End the day in Chester, your home for the next two nights, where ancient walls enclose charming Tudor and Victorian houses. (B, D)
  • Day 6, Saturday, August 21, Chester - Llangollen, Wales - Chester, England: Embark on a panoramic city tour and then walk through Chester’s Rows. Here you’ll peer into the city’s hidden secrets, hopping in and out of the iconic 2-tiered shopping galleries with a local guide. Cross over into Wales and discover Llangollen, one of the country’s most picturesque villages. See the area from a different perspective when you sail along the top of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Admire the view from the tall, bridge-like waterway, towering more than 120 feet above the landscape below. (B)
  • Day 7, Sunday, August 22, Chester - Stratford-upon-Avon: Step back in time on a journey through the English countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. This afternoon visit the Bard’s birthplace – the childhood home of William Shakespeare. After touring the home, enjoy time at leisure to explore on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a private dinner at Hall’s Croft, a 400-year-old Shakespeare family home, while actors in traditional costume perform some of Shakespeare’s most renowned scenes. (B, D)
  • Day 8, Monday, August 23, Stratford-upon-Avon - Oxford - London: Bid adieu to Stratford and travel to the charming university city of Oxford. Upon arrival, it’s your choice! Glide gently past Oxford’s spires on a traditional punting boat experience -OR- join an expert local guide for a walking tour, including one of the Colleges used as a filming location for Harry Potter. Continue on to London, England’s storied capital city. (B)
  • Day 9, Tuesday, August 24, London: Take in the sites of London on a panoramic tour of the city’s quintessential sights, making your way past famous icons including the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Buckingham Palace. Today is yours to explore this cosmopolitan and dynamic city at your leisure. Perhaps you will take an optional excursion to infamous Tower of London. This evening, toast the end of a wonderful journey during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
  • Day 10, Wednesday, August 25, London: Tour Ends Your journey through Britain comes to a close today. (B)

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  • Double $3,999*
  • Single $4,699
  • Triple $3,969

For bookings made after Feb 17, 2021 call for rates.

Included in Price

Round Trip Air from Los Angeles International Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers, 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Not included in price

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $329 per person

* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change, based on air inclusive package from LAX

Upgrades

Flight

Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare to $3,990 for Business Class†. Refer to the reservation form to choose your upgrade option

Paris Extension

Extend your vacation with an optional 4 Days 3-Night Paris Post Tour Extension for $1,199.00 USD per person, double, land only.

Important Conditions

Your price is subject to increase prior to the time you make full payment. Your price is not subject to increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees. Once deposited, you have 7 days to send us written consumer consent or withdraw consent and receive a full refund. (See registration form for consent.)

Learn more or sign up for this trip

Book Now rates valid until Feb 17, 2021, valid on air inclusive packages only.

Identification

Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity from date of return home. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit the U.S. State Department website for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Accommodations and Tour

  • Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
  • *The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions.
  • Days of features are interchangeable. To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
  • Travelers arriving in Edinburgh from August 6-28, 2021 will receive tickets to Edinburgh's famous Military Tattoo show. Please inquire at time of reservation.
  • The overall activity level of this tour is a level 2. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestone streets to easy straightaways to a couple hills or flights of stairs. You’re comfortable walking a few city blocks at a time, but need some time to unwind and relax.
  • Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions.
  • Air passengers will arrive into Edinburgh Airport and depart from London airports. Due to tour scheduling, arrival flights should arrive prior to 4:00 p.m.
  • Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.
  • A deposit of $500 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. Reservations made after the deposit due date of February 10, 2021 are based upon availability.
  • Final payment due by June 17, 2021. Deposits are refundable up until February 17, 2021.

CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 Nevada Sellers of Travel Registration No. 2003- 0279

Learn more or sign up for this trip