Educational Travel Programs
CTY’s Educational Travel Programs fully engage CTY families in authentic learning experiences at destinations all over the world. Although each adventure is unique, they all aim to introduce students and parents to the rich natural, cultural, and historical aspects of spectacular destinations spanning the globe. Participants will build lasting memories and wonderful friendships as they expand their worldview.
Please note: Our Educational Travel Programs are recommended for students in grades 5 –12. However, younger siblings and Talent Search participants in grades 2–4 may be permitted to attend after a parent or guardian speaks with Family Academic Programs staff about the pace and content of the programs. Please read Educational Travel Policies, Terms, and Conditions for more information. Deposits are required to reserve your space.
To speak with someone about these trips or to register, call 410-735-6115, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, or email ctyfam@jhu.edu.
2019 Programs
Wyoming Winter Adventure - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
December 28, 2019 – January 3, 2020
Join CTY at the Teton Science Schools and experience the magic of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the quiet of winter. Snowshoe and cross-country ski across Grand Teton National Park. Travel to Yellowstone and witness Old Faithful and other geothermal wonders. See thousands of wintering elk during a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the National Elk Refuge. Explore the animal habitats of Jackson Hole with an expert naturalist who will teach you tracking and snow science skills. View many species of wildlife, which might include moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and perhaps a wolf or mountain lion. Your nights will be spent on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. Located less than two miles from the town of Jackson, Wyoming, the nearly 900-acre campus is in an open, somewhat secluded valley surrounded by creeks, ponds, aspen, and conifer habitats. While not on expeditions to the parks, you are welcome to explore the beautiful surroundings. We hope you will join us for this exceptional experience, organized exclusively for CTY families.
Program includes accommodations and all meals during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools at the start or end of the program.
Price per person
- Early Bird—Before October 1, 2019: $2,675 for adults, $2,325 students 16 and under
- After October 1, 2019: $2,799 for adults, $2,449 students 16 and under
CLOSED - Add me to the waitlist
Darwin's Galapagos Islands and the Andes Mountains
December 30, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Ever since Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos in 1835, these islands have fascinated the world. Join CTY on an extraordinary journey and experience first-hand why Darwin was so inspired by these mythical islands. This Galapagos land-based tour is an excellent alternative to a traditional Galapagos cruise. During our program, you’ll get a real feel for what it’s like to have giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies outside your back door while connecting with the locals to get a feel for their daily life. Our journey begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After arriving, we head up to the Andes Mountains take a scenic tour of the mountains and rainforest. A short flight westward will take us from the mainland to the first of three volcanic islands—San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe—where we will stay in small, boutique hotels. Each day we embark on a different adventure to explore, snorkel, hike, and kayak to view the remarkable wildlife and landscape. Only in this truly magical setting can you snorkel among playful sea lions and colorful tropical fish; paddle a kayak past penguins and sea turtles; and hike across volcanic landscapes dotted iguanas and frigate birds. Naturalist guides will accompany us on our adventures so that our experience is a fulfilling and educational one. The program concludes with a return flight to Quito.
Program includes accommodations and most meals during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Quito at the start or end of the program.
Price per person*
- Early Bird—Before October 1, 2019: $6,599 for adults, $6,499 students 16 and under*
- After October 1, 2019: $6,699 for adults, $6,599 students 16 and under*
*Price does not include $995 internal airfare charge per person.
CLOSED - Add me to the waitlist
2020 Programs
The Culture of Cuba
June 21 – June 27, 2020
A captivating journey along the Caribbean coast. The doors to Cuba’s beauty and history have been opened in time for your family to glimpse one of the most alluring destinations in the world. Your extraordinary seven-day journey starts in Havana, where you’ll cruise around in ’50s-era classic cars while learning about the lively arts scene and the local cigar trade. From there, you’ll venture toward the Bay of Pigs and the iconic home of Ernest Hemingway to go even deeper into this island nation’s momentous history.
What makes this experience so special is our exclusive access to guides, journalists, and generous locals who provide their complete support to ensure that CTY families experience the same firsthand, authentic Cuban culture they do.
Package includes: 6 nights' first-class accommodations; all breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners; all land transportation; all site and event entrance fees; all gratuities for hotels, meals, and luggage; full-time professional tour guides.
Price per person
- Early Bird—Before March 10, 2020: $5,695 adults, $5,495 16 and under
- After March 10, 2020 (regular deadline April 21, 2020): $5,895 adults, $5,695 16 and under
Register Now
Connect with Nature in the Scottish Highlands
July 4 – July 11, 2020
Study the flora and fauna at the heart of dramatic landscapes. Take a walk on the wild side while studying one of the world’s most breathtaking environments. Renowned author and naturalist Sir John Lister-Kaye welcomes you to his Aigas Field Centre, where you and your CTYer will be treated to a variety of habitats and exploration.
In the evenings, enjoy a 3-course meal in the Victorian dining hall before retiring to your spacious timber lodge, complete with an ensuite bathroom and communal lounge, all set among the stunning House of Aigas grounds and gardens. Begin your adventure in bonnie Scotland.
Package includes: 7 nights' accommodation at Aigas Field Centre; all meals for duration of program; all land transportation; all activities and entrance fees; accompaniment by the center's team of professional naturalists; guidance from Scottish forest rangers.
Price per person
- Early Bird—Before April 7, 2020: $2,995 for adults, $1,995 students 16 and under
- After April 7, 2020 (regular deadline May 5, 2020): $3,195 for adults, $2,195 students 16 and under
Register Now
Italy: La Dolce Vita for the Whole Family
August 2 – August 8, 2020
Venice, Florence, and Rome are your gateway to Italy. Three of Italy’s most dazzling cities await your family of fine diners and art admirers. In a perfectly timed itinerary of Venice, Florence, and Rome, your journey will begin with climbing aboard a gondola and end with a wish at the Trevi Fountain, capturing all of the regions’ highlights in between.
From your historic hotels to activities such as cycling through Chianti’s olive groves and making pizza (plus wine tasting for the adults), your family will be immersed in the Italian way of life and all it encompasses: a deep appreciation for culture, cuisine, and togetherness. Che bella.
Package includes: 6 nights' first-class accommodation; all breakfasts, 5 dinners, and 1 lunch; all land transportation; all site entrance fees; all gratuities for hotels, meals, and luggage; full-time professional tour guides; brochures and literature for each site.
Price per person
- Early Bird—Before May 5, 2020: $5,695 for adults, $5,495 students 16 and under
- After May 5, 2020 (regular deadline June 9, 2020): $5,895 for adults, $5,695 students 16 and under
Register Now
Previous CTY Family Travel Educational Programs include:
Italy
China
Iceland
Brazil
Thailand
Scotland
#400 McAuley Hall
Baltimore, Maryland 21209
410-735-6277
ctyinfo@jhu.edu
