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
Wild Wyoming: An Exploration in Nature
June 21 - 30, 2019
CTY and the Teton Science Schools invites families to participate in an exciting schedule of activities to connect with the wonders of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Throughout the program, families have the opportunity to meet and learn from expert scientists and wildlife guides. The Teton Science Schools’ inquiry-based learning approach helps families discover the what, where, how, and why of this beautiful landscape, and be amazed by Grand Teton National Park’s majestic mountain range, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife which comprise one of our country's most breathtaking natural treasures. Equally unforgettable are the wonders of Yellowstone, established in 1872 as America's first national park. Participants discover the ecology of plants and animals living in this mountain environment as we wind our way through these parks. They investigate the geological forces that shaped the region while hiking among geysers and hot springs; ride the aerial tram at Jackson Hole to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, and explore String Lake on a canoe.
Families experience the magic of Yellowstone by day and night during a two-night camping excursion where they see a dazzling display of constellations, planets, and nebulae normally invisible to urban and suburban dwellers because of light pollution. We hope you join us for this exceptional experience organized exclusively for CTY families.
Program includes accommodations, all meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Teton Science Schools at the start or end of the program.
Price per person:
Early Bird—Before February 26, 2019
- $3,499 for adults
- $3.299 for students 16 and under
Before April 30, 2019
- $3,699 for adults
- $3,499 for students 16 and under
Register now
An Ecological Adventure in Costa Rica
June 30 - July 5, 2019
Detailed itinerary: Costa Rica trip (PDF)
CTY invites families to join an unforgettable immersive journey to Costa Rica combining adventure and nature. A quarter of the country is a protected paradise for everything from anteaters to orchids. Get an up-close and personal view from the cloud forest canopy by gliding through on a zipline or strolling on suspended bridges. Experience the Arenal Volcano by walking along its slopes or soaking in its heated natural springs. Spot crocodiles on a jungle river boat or slalom down a tropical jungle river by raft. All of these adventures are led by expert naturalists who are skilled at showing travelers where to spot the best fauna and flora. Participants meet native ticos, too, and learn about their life in Costa Rica. The trip features stays at the foot of Arenal Volcano and in Manuel Antonio Park.
Program includes accommodations, most meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Costa Rica at the start or end of the program.
Price per person:
Early Bird—Before February 26, 2019
- $4,195 for adults
- $3,995 for students 16 and under
Before April 30, 2019
- $4,395 for adults
- $4,195 for students 16 and under
Register now
Ireland: An Archeological Adventure
June 30 - July 6, 2019
Join CTY for an opportunity to explore Ireland’s hidden cultural sites. Ireland is a treasure trove for archaeology and history enthusiasts. Ancient villages, stone circles, and Neolithic tombs make Ireland an exciting and interesting place to learn. During this unique tour, we uncover some of Ireland’s best kept secrets and reveal sites unknown to most tourists. A team of highly respected experts deliver an absorbing, hands-on tour, exploring Ireland’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of archaeology. Families experience the thrill of visiting ancient castle sites, and then learn how to build a siege engine and catapult to understand how they were attacked. Participants test their agility on a high ropes course with a zipline, imagining they’re scaling castle walls. They have a pre-historic picnic lunch at the Irish National Heritage Park and explore waters in the Blackstairs Mountains by kayak or canoe. They immerse themselves in Irish culture by enjoying a riverside BBQ with live Irish music, baking traditional Irish brown bread, visiting an Irish farm to learn about tending animals, enjoying a traditional Irish Céili, and beating out the rhythm of the jigs and reels on a Bodhrán (Irish goatskin drum).
Program includes accommodations, most meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Dublin at the start and end of the program. Note: An extended 4 days/3 nights tour option is available.
Price per person:
Early Bird—Before February 26, 2019
- $4,195 for adults
- $3,995 for students 16 and under
Before April 30, 2019
- $4,395 for adults
- $4,195 for students 16 and under
Register now
Traditional Japan
July 22 - 28, 2019
CTY invites families to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the far-east island country of Japan. Hear tales of Samurai, Geisha, and Shoguns. Ride gleaming bullet trains and visit tranquil country ryokans. Japan is a land where ancient tradition and modernity blend into an unforgettable and utterly unique cultural experience. Our trip begins in sophisticated, historic Kyoto, slips into the serene forest of Hakone in the shadow of Mount Fuji, and culminates in the clamor of Tokyo. Exceptional local guides provide insight into the culture and rituals that have defined life in Japan for a thousand years or more. Along the way, families meet practitioners of the tea ceremony, a sushi master who teaches you his craft, geisha, and others. We also arrange dining experiences that treat CTY families to Japan’s spectrum of culinary styles. Our hotels, from 5-star city properties to a mountainside inn overlooking a volcanic lake, are among the finest Japan has to offer. To broaden their experience, families may choose to add a pre-trip extension in Tokyo and a post-trip visit to Hiroshima.
Program includes accommodations, most meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Japan at the start and end of the program. Note: An extended 2 days/2 nights tour option is available.
Price per person:
Early Bird—Before March 19, 2019
- $7,695 for adults
- $7,495 for students 16 and under
Before May 21, 2019
- $7,895 for adults
- $7,695 for students 16 and under
Register now
Iceland: A Land of Fire and Ice
July 27 - August 3, 2019
Join CTY as we showcase the land and the people of one of Europe’s most gorgeous countries. Iceland is often thought to be covered by ice, but in fact its landscape is remarkably varied—from lush meadows and snowcapped mountains to stunning glaciers and bubbling hot springs. Iceland’s cultural story goes back more than 11,000 years, and its heritage is told through riveting sagas of real-life heroes and all manner of supernatural beings. Discover the extraordinary landscape and culture that has been shaped by the country’s impressive natural wonders, as well as the myths and folklore of Iceland’s legendary history. Our journey begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, where we embark on a guided walking tour with none other than Leif Erikson. For the next five days, we leave the capital city behind to explore the surrounding geological wonderland and its rich Norse history. By horseback, foot, mask and fins, this trip includes visits to vast lava fields, imposing volcanoes, spewing geysers, cascading waterfalls, and a breathtaking volcanic crater lake. Our visit to Iceland includes many hands-on activities including white water rafting, knitting, and cooking using natural steam from the earth. We take a boat ride through Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon's thermal springs, and even take a whale watching excursion in Reykjavik's Old Harbor.
Program includes accommodations and most meals during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Reykjavik at the start or end of the program.
Price per person:
Early Bird—Before March 26, 2019
- $6,499 for adults
- $6,399 for students 16 and under
Price per person: Before May 28, 2019
- $6,699 for adults
- $6,599 for students 16 and under
Register now
Wild Wyoming: An Exploration in Nature
August 2 - 11, 2019
CTY and the Teton Science Schools invites families to participate in an exciting schedule of activities to connect with the wonders of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Throughout the program, families have the opportunity to meet and learn from expert scientists and wildlife guides. The Teton Science Schools’ inquiry-based learning approach helps families discover the what, where, how, and why of this beautiful landscape, and be amazed by Grand Teton National Park’s majestic mountain range, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife which comprise one of our country's most breathtaking natural treasures. Equally unforgettable are the wonders of Yellowstone, established in 1872 as America's first national park. Participants discover the ecology of plants and animals living in this mountain environment as we wind our way through these parks. They investigate the geological forces that shaped the region while hiking among geysers and hot springs; ride the aerial tram at Jackson Hole to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, and explore String Lake on a canoe.
Families experience the magic of Yellowstone by day and night during a two-night camping excursion where they see a dazzling display of constellations, planets, and nebulae normally invisible to urban and suburban dwellers because of light pollution. We hope you join us for this exceptional experience organized exclusively for CTY families.
Program includes accommodations, all meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Teton Science Schools at the start or end of the program.
Price per person:
Early Bird—Before April 9, 2019
- $3,499 for adults
- $3,299 for students 16 and under
Before June 4, 2019
- $3,699 for adults
- $3,499 for students 16 and under
Register now
Previous CTY Family Travel Educational Programs include:
Italy
China
Galapagos
Brazil
Thailand
Scotland
#400 McAuley Hall
Baltimore, Maryland 21209
410-735-6277
ctyinfo@jhu.edu
