What’s in store in ‘24???
2023 saw the multiplication of the World to the Wise cultural tours, and 2024 promises just as much excitement!
Once again, we will be teaming up with Belmont University’s extensive study abroad program to lead a group of curious design students on a “maymester” to some of Europe’s iconic landmarks under the theme of “sacred spaces”. Not only will we see some of the better known cathedrals, we’ll also revisit the definition of “sacred”, giving time for reflection as we contemplate natural as well as man-made beauty.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
June 23 - July 6: UNITED KINGDOM
In August-September of 2023, we partnered with Arts Collective Nashville and the Rabbit Room to lead a small group of creatives on a pilgrimage through Ireland, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, England and Wales.
In June 2024 we will revisit some of the same places for our annual summer student/family tour. Interested? Read on!
-
Fly into Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and dive into the fascinating history and culture of this corner of Great Britain. See where the Titanic was built, visit C.S. Lewis Square (Belfast is his birthplace), climb Slemish Hill, where St. Patrick tended sheep as a slave, and take in the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim Coast (pictured below). 3 nights
-
We’ll then take a quick flight across the Irish Sea to Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. This sophisticated city is rich in history, with the Royal Mile at its heart: Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood House, and if you’re up to it, climb Arthur’s Seat, the craggy hill overlooking the city. And this is your chance to try haggis, the famous Scottish dish! 3 nights in Edinburgh
-
One of the most beautiful spots in all of England, the fabled Lake District was home to author Beatrix Potter, poets such as William Wordsworth and John Ruskin, and a favorite vacation spot for Brits for centuries. 2 nights
-
What can we say about this world class city but that we could spend weeks there and still not see everything? Among the sights: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and perhaps take in a West End show. This leg will also include a day trip to Oxford, where we’ll visit the old haunts of the likes of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein. We might even see traces of Harry Potter! 5 nights in London
Budget
The following budget does not include airfare, which is shaping up to be in the $1800 range for the multi-city itinerary (US to Belfast, returning from London Heathrow.) We will work with our travelers to find the best fare possible. Travelers are of course welcome to book their own flights using points or if you plan on arriving early or staying late.
Ground budget includes:
accommodations
meals (excluding airports)
ground transportation
group sightseeing/attractions
Belfast-Edinburgh flight
Does NOT include:
transatlantic airfare
souvenirs
travel insurance
passport application fee (travel.state.org)
Optional attractions as time permits
Place saver fee (due with registration): $200 (refundable upon cancellation)
*Deposit: $550 (due Feb. 10, 2024)
Half of remaining balance: $1900 (due May 7, 2024)
Final installment: $1900 (due June 1, 2024)
TOTAL: $4550 per person
Families traveling together may manage food expenses on their own, bringing the per person cost down to $3855.)
*The first five (limit two per family) to pay place saver + deposit get $50 off final payment!
MINIMUM OF 10 TRAVELERS FOR TOUR TO MAKE
Preferred payment method: Venmo @World-to-the-Wise Don’t use Venmo? Check made to World to the Wise sent to 1304 Newman Ave., Nashville, TN 37216
ready to sign up? click here!
Not quite ready? Just leave your name and email address below and we’ll send you regular updates.
September in Bella Italia
dates: SEPTEMBER9-22, 2024
You’d be forgiven for thinking all our tours are geared toward high school students and their families. But from time to time we organize adults-only adventures, and this is one of them. Accommodations are generally a step up from our budget-friendly tours, with the majority being 4-star hotels.
This tour will highlight some of Italy’s most iconic sights. Starting in Rome, we’ll be taken back to the ancient days of the empire as well as the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Sights include the Coliseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, as well as picturesque nooks and crannies off the beaten path. And did we mention gelato and authentic Roman cuisine? And we might even be joined by our Roman friends for a meal if schedule allows.
We’ll then travel by train to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre, literally meaning “Five Lands” — 5 quaint towns perched above the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea on Italy’s northwest coast. Awaiting us next is the fabled region of Tuscany, including Pisa with its infamous leaning tower, Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the picturesque medieval hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano with amazing views of the Tuscan countryside. Our lodging will also be in the countryside, at a retreat center 30 minutes outside Florence, overlooking valleys of vineyards and olive groves. (Note: this is the one exception to 4-star accommodations — rustic but comfortable! Many of our travelers, however, have said it’s their favorite destination!)
We’ll finally make our way by train to the grande dame of Italy, Venice. There is no place like it anywhere, in Italy or otherwise, and what better place to say arrivederci Italia! than among its many canals, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine.
ITINERARY
September 9 Depart USA
Sept. 10-12 Rome (3 nights)
Sept. 13-15 La Spezia, Cinque Terre (3 nights)
Sept. 16-19 Tuscany (4 nights)
Sept. 20-21 Venice (2 nights)
Sept. 22 Return to US
BUDGET
TOTAL per traveler (double occupancy): $3800 + airfare
Single occupancy: $4995
MINIMUM OF 10 TRAVELERS FOR TOUR TO MAKE, MAXIMUM 14
Ground budget includes:
accommodations
breakfasts
ground transportation
scheduled group sightseeing/attractions
Does NOT include:
*airfare
lunches, dinners, coffee, etc.
souvenirs/gifts
travel insurance
passport application fee (travel.state.org)
Optional attractions as time permits
*The entire group does not have to fly together, as we will be coming from different US cities. Some may be using points for their airfare. We will work with you to coordinate flight itineraries in order to arrive in Rome and depart from Venice within the same window of time, if at all possible.
Place saver fee (due with registration): $200 per person (refundable until payment of deposit)
Deposit: $550 per person (due May 1, 2024)
First half of remaining balance (due July 1, 2024): $1525 per person; single occupancy: $2122.50
Second half of balance (due August 15, 2024): $1525; single occupancy: $2122.50
Preferred payment method: Venmo @WorldtotheWise Don’t use Venmo? Make check to World to the Wise and send to 1304 Newman Ave., Nashville, TN 37216
ready to sign up? click here!
Not quite ready? Just leave your name and email address below and we’ll send you regular updates.