Discover the Atlanta Experience

 

Grab your sunscreen and walking shoes because we’re heading down to Hotlanta for our next educational destination spotlight!

 

Often known as the Gateway to the South and just as equally the entertainment capital of the South, the metropolis of Atlanta is one happening place. From world class museums and art galleries to fabulous restaurants and one of a kind attractions, the city of Atlanta offers numerous fun and exciting activities for every student tour. With a thriving cultural landscape and diverse history, Atlanta allows visitors the chance to explore the state capitol’s history through places such as the Atlanta History Center, Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Places like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and CNN Studio Tour, showcase just a few of the city’s most popular attractions. With so much to see and do, you’ll never have a dull moment on an educational student tour to Atlanta. To kick things off, why not grab a can of everyone’s favorite soda!

Atlanta is where it all began for the world’s most famous fizzy beverage. Home to the birthplace of Coca-Cola, students and their teachers will discover the history and just what makes this wildly popular drink so enticing. When you tour the World of Coca-Cola, you’ll experience a museum like no other. Not only will visitors learn the origins and fascinating history of how Coca-Cola came to be, but they’ll also get to sample some of the numerous variations of Coke from around the world! Are your taste buds up to the task? Other fun parts of the experience include getting a behind the scenes look at the bottling process, visit the vault where the legendary secret formula is housed, learn about the partnership with that adorable polar bear, and treating yourself to a souvenir from the excellent museum store. I have no doubt that a visit here on an Atlanta student tour will have everyone running on a sugar high. Better put that energy to use and visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Relatively new, having only opened in 2014, this popular downtown attraction is a must on any Atlanta educational tour. Serving as a place that not only educates but celebrates the American Civil Rights Movement and in turn the global Human Right Movement, this incredibly important museum was constructed to bring about a way for students, educators, and the general public to remember our shared history of the past while to continually strive for a better world for all human beings. Here, visitors will walk through exhibits on the beginnings of American Civil Rights in the 1950s, the impact of the Jim Crow laws, and racism in America. It provides a unique space for student tours to realize that the fight for equal justice is not over, not only here in America but the world as well. Visitors will walk away with an understanding that while the world may not always be fair, it’s in everyone’s best interest to strive for equality. Another top attraction that should be included on your next educational tour is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium!

Always a hit with our travelers, the Georgia Aquarium is a living and breathing museum. It is the largest indoor aquarium in the Western Hemisphere with more than 10 million gallons of salt and fresh water flowing through the massive tanks. Home to more than 100,000 swimming creatures and 100 uniquely tailored wildlife habitats, the Georgia Aquarium offers visitors a wonderful chance to learn and see first-hand the species that call our planet home. From whale sharks to sea lions to manta rays and everything in between, students and their teachers are sure to have a good time exploring the underwater world. There’s also a wonderful teaching hospital for aspiring marine biologists and vets. Do you know someone who wants to learn more about these wonderful creatures? If so, invite them to experience it with you on an EA student tour. When you’re ready for a little more history, the Atlanta History Center is waiting to welcome you.

Founded originally in 1926, the Atlanta History Center was established to preserve this great city’s history for future generations. Consistently voted as one of the best museums, the Atlanta History Center has a plethora of exhibits for students to experience that tell all about the city’s cultural and political history. Take in the unsurprisingly impressive Civil War collection of art and artifacts, the enlightening history of the Native Americans who lived in Georgia, and the enchanting Swan House which was home to one of the wealthiest families in all of Georgia. What will you search out first?

While I’ve only provided a small sampling of the educational offers that Atlanta provides, I hope I’ve peaked your interest in booking a student tour right away. There are still so many other fantastic museums and natural escapes to see. From Centennial Olympic Park to trying out the chili dog at the Varsity, Atlanta is a city where the options are truly endless! It’s an urban oasis that is constantly evolving. With the world’s busiest international airport, Atlanta will continue to be a rich cultural hub in an ever changing landscape. It’s a charming city that is ready to welcome you for a visit. Stay a while why don’t ya?

 

Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love

 

The city of Philadelphia has been many things over the course of its history, but none has been more important than being the birthplace of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. It was within the walls of Independence Hall on July 4, 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Eleven years later in September 1787, the Constitution was drafted during the Philadelphia Convention. More than a century earlier, however, we have prominent Quaker William Penn to thank. He brought about the incentive of transforming the 13 original colonies into a strong, unified, and independent nation; thus serving as the namesake for the future state of Pennsylvania. With such historical importance, there’s no doubt that Philadelphia should be experienced through an educational student tour. From its historically significant buildings situated on charming cobblestone streets to modern buildings housing fabulous museums and vast greenways, Philadelphia is a city that everyone can love!

Independence Historic National Park is a great starting point for students and their teachers to immerse themselves in the history and beginning of our nation’s foundation. Here, you’ll view such sites as Liberty Bell, Franklin Court, and Independence Hall. Long standing as a symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell and Pavilion welcome countless visitors each year to learn its invaluable history and explore various exhibits. In the 19th century, the Liberty Bell traveled on a nationwide tour in hopes of sparking a renewed sense of freedom and heal divisions that ran deep following the Civil War. It completed its journey in 1915, where it has remained ever since as an everlasting symbol of independence. In the same vicinity, Philadelphia student tours will also be able to visit Independence Hall. Originally serving as the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania, Independence Hall as we all know was where the Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress just 245 years ago this year! A highlight on any educational student tour though is Assembly Hall. Here, behind closed doors, the Continental Congress gathered together and discussed how to go about from being under British rule. I encourage all Philadelphia educational tour participants to take in the beauty of Independence Historic National Park while on their student tour. There’s also Congress Hall and Old City Hall, both equally important in their significance. Not only is the area beautiful in its architecture and delightful streets, but the thought of being in a place with so much history is immensely powerful.

Philadelphia is also home to some incredible museums just waiting to be explored. Take the Philadelphia Museum of Art for example. Home to one of the country’s largest art collections, there’s no way you can see everything but you can make a good try of it on a student tour. Housed in an imposing Neoclassical building, with a famous set of stairs (any guesses?), students will have the chance to see the medieval galleries, Renaissance and Baroque art pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, European art, American art, Asian art, Oriental carpets, and the list goes on! From Van Gogh, Manet, and Degas to Picasso, Matisse, and Philadelphia artist Charles Wilson Peale, the museum’s collection is extraordinary in its scope and priceless in its worth. A must for any Philadelphia educational student tour!

If you feel like exploring the underbelly of Philadelphia’s history, maybe a visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary should be on your student tour itinerary. Built in 1829 under the ideal of serving as a rehabilitation center for criminals through solitary confinement, it was billed as the most expensive and high tech prison for its day. Here famous criminals such as Willie Sutton and Al Capone were just a couple of the prison’s “notable” guests. You can even see Capone’s lavish cell as it was set up during his stay when you book a tour. The prison shut its doors in 1971, but today serves as a museum for all who like a little darkness with their history. A fascinating, and somewhat eerie, place that allows visitors to see many sections of the prison left entirely how they were when it was in operation.

When you’re looking for a wide open space to enjoy a beautiful day, head on over to Fairmount Park. Situated along the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek, you’ll find a pleasant park that’s home to more of Philadelphia’s wonderful tourist attractions. From the Rodin Museum to the Japanese House and Garden, Fairmount Park serves as a wonderful green space and is actually a National Historic Landmark as it was one of the nation’s first parks. So grab some delicious food, choose a good resting spot to kick up your feet, and take a minute to relax and reflect on all that you’ve seen so far on you Philadelphia educational student tour.

While Philadelphia may be the birthplace of our nation’s independence, it provides student tours and all who visit an endless list of things to do, see, and experience. With so many unique possibilities, Philadelphia is a dream for student tours! From soaking in its rich historical importance that spans centuries, to wandering the galleries of world class museums, to sampling a Philly cheesesteak, Philadelphia is a city that will stick with you for years to come. It has beautiful architecture, quaint neighborhoods, and a vibrancy that comes to life when night falls. What’s not to love about this city?

 

Discover Texas: The Lone Star State

 

Howdy fellow travelers!

 

If you’re anything like me, then you most likely like to seek out a destination that has a nice variety of activities. Whether that may be taking in the latest exhibit at a museum, immersing oneself in a historic site, tucking into a local delicacy, or experiencing the great outdoors, travel has a way of making everyone see the world through a different lens. As your associate for educational student tours, we are right there alongside you every step of the way helping YOU create the most exciting student tour itinerary you can dream of! For that reason, we like to showcase destinations that we believe would make a great student tour, and in today’s post I’d like to tell you why I believe the great state of Texas should be your next choice!

With it being the second largest state in both size and population, Texas is both geographically and culturally diverse. From its Gulf shore beaches and wide open range, to the big city life in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas has something for everyone. The possibilities for a good time and adventure on a Texas educational student tour are endless, just like the Texas sky. Why not get a sampling of what this great state has to offer by joining one of our Texas student tours? To kick things off, we’re headed to San Antonio!

Home to the Alamo Mission, more commonly referred to as the Alamo, this is a place where students and their teachers can stand and admire a true historic Spanish mission and compound. A must on any Texas student tour, the Alamo breathes history as it was the site of the historic 1836 Battle of the Alamo where the famous cry “Remember the Alamo” was uttered. Today, visitors can view the restored buildings and cenotaph that serves as a reminder and memorial for the fallen Texans. When night falls, a visit to the San Antonio River Walk will provide a nice evening. Here, stretching for several miles and right through the heart of the city, you can dine in restaurants serving the best Mexican food or pop in and out of the shops. You can even enjoy the ambience of this popular area from a river cruise as it weaves around the bend of the river. A highlight for sure! Continuing onto Houston, there’s even more exciting activities awaiting your arrival.

Did you know that Houston is home to a space center? One of the state’s most popular attractions, Space Center Houston guides visitors through the exploration of the outer world through various NASA programs and missions. Maybe you’d like to hear about upcoming missions, meet an astronaut, walk inside a replica space shuttle, view the rockets on display, or even touch a rock from the moon. Whatever you choose, this place is perfect for educators so be sure to plan at least a half day as there’s so much to see and do! The Space Center is also home to the Johnson Space Center and Mission Control. Let’s just hope you don’t hear “Houston, we have a problem!” Houston is also home to an amazing array of museums. The Museum District houses 19 museums, many of which are within walking distance of each other. Perfect for student tours! The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are perhaps the most visited, but they are all worth your time. Choose one that fits your Texas student tour group the best and you can’t lose. Lastly, no educational tour to Texas is complete without a visit to its capital city.

Well known for its slogan of “Keep Austin Weird,” the capital of Texas sure does know how to make a mark. One can’t miss a visit to the stunning Texas State Capitol. Built in 1888, it is one of the country’s finest state legislatures and has earned the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark. Standing proud, the Texas State Capital is home to a gorgeous park where one can find memorials to the defenders of the Alamo and veterans of the Vietnam War. When dusk falls, you don’t want to miss heading to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Here you’ll have a chance to witness a truly spectacular occurrence. Millions of Mexican free-tailed bats leave their home under the bridge to begin their nightly search of food. Definitely one for the bucket list if you ask me. There’s nothing quite like it!

It’s true when people say “Everything is bigger in Texas!” From the portion sizes to cowboy hats to the attractions that call it home; each are as big and varied as the state itself. With a land so culturally rich and a diverse history to go along with it, the state of Texas will always be an inviting place for student tours. So why not grab a pair of cowboy boots and get ready for some of the best BBQ, because the Lone Star State is ready to show its gems!

 

A Visit to Charleston, SC: The Holy City

 

With its Spanish moss-covered trees, cobblestone streets, charming historic district, scrumptious array of dining establishments, and a friendly atmosphere to boot, the city of Charleston has continually been voted one of the best cities to visit. Founded in 1670, this South Carolina port city has been witness to history from the antebellum and Civil War periods up until the modern era. From stately homes in the Battery district to plantations and picture perfect beaches to buzzing markets, the city of Charleston serves up history and a good time for all on a Charleston educational student tour. Although during the summer the heat and humidity may be high, Charleston offers visitors a cool mix of art and entertainment, beautiful architecture, and hidden treasures that can rival even the largest of travel destinations. No matter if you’re visiting for the first time on a Charleston student tour or revisiting a familiar haunt, the Holy City will always welcome you home. Join me for discovering a new favorite!

 

It’s no wonder history buffs flock to this great city as it’s where Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are located. Both having served a prominent role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, they now stand as a reminder of our nation’s complicated history. Looking out over Charleston Harbor, one will be able to see Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War rang out as well as Fort Moultrie where the patriots dealt a devastating blow to the Royal Navy in 1776. These protectors of the harbor are incredibly significant, and students and educators will have the opportunity to visit both on their Charleston student tour itinerary if they are so inclined.

 

From Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to Middleton Place and Boone Hall, these historic homes play an important role in preserving the past but also serving as a reminder of the atrocities that many African Americans experienced while being enslaved on their grounds. No Charleston educational tour is complete without a visit to one of these stately homes. With many situated along the scenic live oak Ashley River Road, they all have a story to tell. An essential experience for all students and educators, Middleton Place is one that continually strives to preserve the past by shining a light on the Middleton family and their contributions. Their stories are OUR stories. From the Colonial period right through the Revolution, the antebellum and Civil War time and the many years following, the course of our nation was forever changed. Choose one or two, or spend a whole day, plantation hopping as you admire the grandeur of these buildings and the furnishings inside. But remember, even though these places can stir up mixed emotions, they each serve as a testament for what individuals can accomplish as well as overcome. What will you feel?

 

Heading back into downtown, is where you’ll find The College of Charleston, The Citadel, Waterfront Park, the South Carolina Aquarium, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and The Charleston Museum among other attractions. Known as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 by the Charleston Library Society and is where Charleston’s story begins. With a vast collection, Charleston student tours will discover exhibits on a wide range of topics. Curated to inspire conversation and spark curiosity, The Charleston Museum does a fantastic job preserving, interpreting, and telling the stories of the past while catering also to modern times. Beginning with exhibits on Native Americans and early settlers, students will discover their history through the Low Country History Hall. From rare slave badges and tools for rice growing, the collections evolve to showcase weaponry, life during the early Revolution, and the role Charleston played in the Civil War. But that’s not all! The Charleston Museum also has a wonderful collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, an Egyptian mummy, silver (be on the lookout for George Washington’s christening cup), and an outstanding textiles collection. With so many fantastic offerings, you never know what you’ll find inside the museum!

 

When the heat of the day starts to subside and dusk begins to fall, a nice evening stroll along The Battery and White Point Garden will be just what your Charleston student tour needs. Admire where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet the Charleston Harbor as you promenade along the seawall. Established in 1837 as a public garden, it soon became a Battery Ramsey at the start of the Civil War. Take notice of the historic mortars and canons as well a Confederate Monument and remember that just across the harbor is where the course of our nation was forever changed. This area is also where some of Charleston’s most stately homes and mansions are located. A view that can’t be beat!

 

As the crown jewel of the South, Charleston shines from any way you view it. Visit one of its many historic attractions, soak up the beauty of its beaches, enjoy a day outside experiencing history under the Spanish moss-draped live oaks, or shop for a sweetgrass basket at the popular Charleston City Market. The city of Charleston always makes for a good bet on an educational student tour. As you explore the historic district, you’ll feel as if you’ve journeyed back in time. The cuisine is out of this world making you realize why it’s such a foodie haven. The charming downtown with its cobblestone streets and colorful homes are just waiting for you to experience them on a walking tour! For whatever reason your Charleston student tour brings you to this city full of Southern charm, there’s no doubt you’ll leave the low country only wanting to turn right back around and experience its beauty and significance all over again.

 

Are you ready? EA Tours can’t wait to help you plan the Charleston educational tour of a lifetime!

 

Savannah, Georgia: Hostess City of the South

 

Tucked away in the Deep South surrounded by moss laden trees and the relaxing sounds of the river, is where you’ll find the oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah. With that quintessential Southern hospitality, Savannah has always been one of the most visited Southern locales. Eager to show off her beauty and unique background, Savannah was even designated in 1966 as one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country! With a long and colorful history, it’s no surprise that Savannah has a story or two to tell. From the fascinating individuals who called this place home to the stunning and well-preserved architecture and manicured parks, Savannah is a city perfect for exploring on an educational student tour. It’s a charming escape where one can slow down and appreciate the art scene, admire the historic buildings, savor something delicious, and get to know the spooky side through a ghost tour. Come and discover what makes Savannah live up to its nickname, Hostess City of the South.

 

There’s so much to see and do in Savannah, that you’ll have no problem creating a Savannah student tour itinerary that has a little bit of everything. Whether you want to enjoy nature strolling around Forsyth Park, explore the city’s rich history through Old Fort Jackson and Bonaventure Cemetery, or view art pieces on display at the renowned Telfair Academy, it’s easy to fill your days in Savannah.  No matter where you begin your Savannah student tour, no visit to Savannah is complete without visiting the Historic District.  Sure to thrill those who love all American history, the Historic District is where you’ll find museums, churches, mansions, and so much more! Street after street is filled with stunning homes and unique architecture that are different than the one beside it. Lush with vegetation and intricate details, the homes in this area are amazingly picturesque. You’ll see such styles as Federal, Victorian Regency, Greek and Gothic Revival and Italianate.  See if you can find them all on your Savannah educational tour.  A must for any Girl Scout, such as myself, is a visit to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Lovingly referred to as the “Girl Scout Mecca,” Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of the Girl Scouts and lived her childhood in this home which is now a Historic Landmark. Built in the early 1800s, visitors will be able to tour the mansion and learn about the Girl Scouts, their founder, and what life was like during that era. As you continue your Savannah student tour, it’s hard to not feel a sense of eeriness in the city… after all Savannah is one of the most haunted places in America.

 

When you feel brave enough, be sure to visit Bonaventure Cemetery. One of the hallmarks of the city, Bonaventure Cemetery is hauntingly beautiful. The cemetery was developed on Bonaventure Plantation, which is significant in its own rite.  Originally purchased for use as a private cemetery in 1846, it later became a public cemetery in 1907. For more than 150 years, this charming site has lured tourists to its tree-lined avenues to admire the beautiful obelisks, abundance of flowers, ivy-covered crypts, unique sculptures, and the notable people who are at their final resting place.  Students and educators will also learn about the vibrant folklore that’s associated with this hallowed site and its people. If you’re familiar with the book and movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Bonaventure Cemetery plays a huge role. It was here where the famous “Bird Girl” statue was kept until being moved to Telfair Academy.

 

You can’t go on a Savannah educational student tour without visiting a museum, right? With so many catering to different tastes, Savannah is no stranger to sharing its history with all who visit. A great one is Telfair Academy! Designed in the neoclassical Regency style by British architectural prodigy William Jay, Telfair Academy is a former mansion built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair. Alexander was the son of Revolutionary War patriot and Georgia governor Edward Telfair. In 1875, Alexander’s sister Mary, heir to the family fortune, bequeathed the house and all its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society in exchange for it to be opened as a museum. As mentioned, “Bird Girl”, made famous by the Jack Leigh photo on the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, can be found here alongside the museum’s permanent collection of American Impressionism. Telfair Academy makes for a great afternoon of learning and reflection on any Savannah student tour.

 

With Savannah being one of the country’s first planned cities, there’s no doubting it’s full of history as well. With numerous museums, stunning churches such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and stately historic homes, Savannah is a city with a never ending list of attractions. Students and educators will have the time of their lives exploring all that this fabulous city has to offer. Maybe you want to sit on the bench made famous in the movie “Forrest Gump” or stroll along the riverfront in the evening, whatever you fill your days with will be both fun and educational! Savannah is a town that radiates Southern charm and will leave you wanting more. Will you let this city play host on your next student tour?

 

Jamestown Settlement: A Journey Back Through Time

 

Have you ever wondered what life was like during the early colonies before America was as we know it today? If so, a visit to the Jamestown Settlement may just be the educational destination you’re looking for.

 

Allowing visitors young and old alike a chance to experience daily life as it was back in the 17th century, the settlement of Jamestown provides a fascinating look at a bygone era. The Jamestown Settlement is perfect for educational tours, as it allows students and their teachers to travel through time and step into a world completely different from today’s modern living.

 

Serving as a living history museum in the great state of Virginia, Jamestown Settlement offers visitors an understanding of America’s first permanent English colony. Ideal for history and social studies classes, student tour participants will explore daily life through films, fascinating exhibits, and the living history part through the outdoor recreations of a Powhatan Indian village, three English ships, and even a colonial fort. Count me in!

 

Your educational journey begins with a tour of the gallery exhibits and a short introductory film that traces the origins of Jamestown and its citizens who arrived from England. Exploring their lives and interactions with the Powhatan Indians over the course of a century, the film also offers a glimpse into the convergence of cultures between the English and west central Africans. Once outside, teachers and their students will have an opportunity to take in all of the recreated colonial scenes.

 

Dating back to 1607, Jamestown was the first successful and permanent colony in North America. It was a place where the settlers had to come to terms with their new world and find a way to thrive. It has therefore become a major archeological site allowing all who visit to experience her beauty and history. Inside the galleries, visitors will see hundreds of objects that date to our nation’s beginnings. There are over 500 displayed at any given time! Through these objects, the story and origins of Jamestown is told in vivid detail.

 

Continuing your journey, visitors will then have a chance to experience the living history museum. Here, students will gain a greater understanding of the Jamestown Settlement through the interactive side of their educational tour. With guides dressed in clothes appropriate to the time period, students and their teachers will feel as if they’ve journeyed hundreds of years back in time. These historical interpreters will share and demonstrate what life was like back in the early infancy of our nation.

 

One of the highlights are the recreations of the three ships the English sailed on when leaving England for Virginia in the year 1607. Called the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, the original ships set sail from London on December 20, 1606. Carrying 105 passengers and 39 crew members, the voyage took four months. This ambitious expedition was funded by the Virginia Company of London who, were tasked with forming a colony in Virginia. Arriving in late April, and having spent several weeks searching for a suitable site, the Company finally agreed upon the area we know today on May 13, 1607. Today, recreations of these famous ships can be found along the shores of the James River. Climb abroad and learn about the harrowing journey, take in the tight quarters, witness knot-tying, and learn about plotting and navigation. Historical interpreters are always there to answer any you questions you might have. Once you’re ready, an authentic Indian village awaits!

 

Called Paspahegh Town, visitors are encouraged to explore the Powhatan way of life through archaeological findings. Once inhabited by the Paspahegh Indians, they were the closest to Jamestown and played a vital and sometimes troublesome role in the success of the colony. Perhaps the most famous Powhatan Indian was that of Pocahontas. Daughter of the powerful Powhatan leader, Pocahontas has become a well-known historical figure. A visit to this village will allow you to experience what life might have been like for her from reed covered houses, to carved wooden posts, student tour participants will have the chance to learn all about the Powhatan culture. Guides will share with you the way they prepared food, processed animal hides, made tools, pottery, and so much more! I can’t give it all away now…

 

Your final stop on your educational student tour to Jamestown will be to the James Fort. Constructed to depict exactly what the Virginia Company’s military outpost would’ve looked like from 1610-1614, James Fort provides students and their teachers another fascinating living history aspect to the colony. Once inside the triangular wooden structure, be sure to take in its unique wattle and daub foundation. What’s that you might wonder? Well wattle and daub is a material formerly or traditionally used in building walls, consisting of a network of interwoven sticks and twigs covered with mud or clay. There you’ll also find the great craft of thatched roofs! The fort is home to numerous dwellings including an Anglican church, a court of guard, storehouse, a cape merchant’s office, and the governor’s house. As you wander around, be sure to check out the blacksmith’s forge where an assortment of metal objects are constructed and repaired. You may even see wood and leather products being produced with 17th century style tools!

 

The settlement of Jamestown offers such a wide assortment of things to see and do for student tours that you might want to budget in some extra time. Not only does it provide a glimpse into the past but it allows us to not loose hold of how our great nation started. Through interactive sites and archaeological digs, we are able to preserve something that is truly special for generations to come.

 

So come and discover the world of 17th century Virginia, a time that’s so completely different than what you’re used to, but full of historical significance!

 

Discover Puerto Rico!

 

Sun…Sand…Warmth… Throw in a diverse history, friendly people, outstanding cuisine, and breathtaking natural sites and what do you have?

 

The great island nation of Puerto Rico!

Home to so many things that make it wonderful and unique, this “Island of Enchantment” will surely have you falling under its spell from the first moment you set foot on its soil. While international travel may be on pause right now, Puerto Rico has the feel and allure of being an international destination, but in reality it’s our close neighbor. Because of its international flair and vibrant Latin culture, Puerto Rico is perfect for an educational student tour and, you don’t even need a passport. From the streets of old world San Juan to the rainforests of El Yunque, Puerto Rico serves up many educational opportunities for both students and their teachers.

Flying into the capital city of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s largest city, is most likely where your student tour will begin. Here you’ll discover old world charm rubbing shoulders with a modern and vibrant Caribbean culture. Some 500 years ago though, the city looked very different. It was a mighty and fortified city fending off attackers, but flash forward to today and San Juan welcomes people of all ages to come and experience their rich history and culture. An EA student tour will allow you to tuck into the local cuisine, patrol a centuries old fort, enjoy some free time on one of the world’s most beautiful shorelines, and so much more! The cobblestone streets lead the way to some of the best architecture, museums, and colorful buildings. All throughout the city you’ll find lively restaurants, unique shops, and Instagram worthy photo spots. Don’t forget to leave time to see El Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, Cartel de Ballaja, and La Fortaleza, among other sites.  After you feel you have a good grasp on San Juan, it’s time to venture into the rainforest!

El Yunque has the distinct honor of being the ONLY U.S. tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. So there’s no doubt it’s the country’s most beloved natural treasure. Spanning 28,000 acres of protected land, El Yunque is sure to be a highlight for any student tour. Here, you’ll see firsthand the amazing flora and fauna that call this place home. With over 300 species of plants and just as many animals, students and teachers are provided with an extraordinary learning opportunity. Be on the lookout for the native coqui frog!  From hiking to zip lining to viewing towering waterfalls, El Yunque is truly one of the most dazzling places to visit. There is something for everyone!  If you still feel the pull of nature, then you’ll definitely want to experience Puerto Mosquito!

I know the name may make you a little hesitant, but you have to trust me as this is definitely a place you don’t want to exclude. Offering a great learning excursion, Puerto Mosquito is a bay that’s home to the world’s brightest recorded bioluminescence. But wait…there’s more. There are only 5 in the world and Puerto Rico is home to 3 of them! How amazing is that?! Now you may be wondering what exactly is a bioluminescent bay? Well, in the water there are microscopic, single celled small organisms called dinoflagellates.  When activated by movement, these little guys are the reason the water produces a blue light and in turn an incredible natural phenomenon.

Student tours to Puerto Rico also have the chance to visit the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighborhood of Pinones where you’ll find both delicious and authentic street food. The neighborhood of Santurce is home to a big art scene. With the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo surrounded by other art galleries and local shops, Santurce is popular with local artists and has a fun funky vibe. There are also the islands of Vieques and Culebra waiting to be explored. With some of the most stunning beaches and cute towns, it’s definitely the part of your student tour to Puerto Rico where you can relax and reminisce on the memories you’ve made so far.

Puerto Rico is often referred to as the heart and soul of the Caribbean, and with no shortage of one-of-a-kind experiences, it’s easy to see why. Regardless of whether your educational student tour’s focus is historical or environmental, there’s no doubt you’ll have the trip of a lifetime! I can assure you that while this island may be small in size, it sure does know how to pack on the rich history, culture, immaculate beaches, outstanding food, and warm nature all under one sun-kissed paradise. I invite you to come and experience it all with us, EA Tours, where we’ll make it a journey you’ll not soon forget.

Are you ready? Then vamos!