This educational trip takes students on a memorable journey from Paris and the battlefields of France and Belgium to Berlin in a fascinating opportunity to delve into the rich history of Europe.
The trip will cover significant events such as the French Revolution, World War One, the rise of Hitler's Nazi regime leading to World War Two and the epicentre of the Cold War.
In Paris, students can visit iconic landmarks, such as the Palace of Versailles, which played a pivotal role in the French Revolution. Students will have the chance to explore the World War One Battlefields and pay respects to the brave ANZAC soldiers, who fought and lost their lives.
Finally, in Berlin, students can witness firsthand the scars left by Hitler's Nazi regime and the remnants of the Berlin Wall. This educational school trip promises to be a life-changing experience, enriching students' knowledge and understanding of European history.
Commitment to Student Safety
Educating Adventures is dedicated to providing exciting, educational, and safe trips to schools and students around the world. The safety of every traveller is of great importance to us. We have systems and procedures in place, to ensure the safety of our teachers, students, and tour guides while on-tour, and before departure. It is essential that every individual has the resources, tools, and guidance they need to deal with any situation. Travel can be unpredictable, and there are often unforeseen circumstances. We want every parent, principal, teacher, and student to have confidence that every step is taken to prioritise their safety while away on their school trip. Over years of operation, we have developed a thorough risk assessment and incident management procedure. We offer 24-hour assistance while on tour and you can rest assured - your safety is our top priority.
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Students fly to Paris, where exciting experiences await at one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, known for its beautiful architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant culture.
When you arrive you will be met by your private transfer, which will first take you on a panoramic tour of the City of Light before bringing you to your accommodation.
Overnight Paris.
A trip to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the iconic landmarks such as Sacre Coeur and Montmartre, known for their charming ambiance and stunning architecture. The Eiffel Tower is a must-visit destination that provides panoramic views of the city. Climbing the Arc de Triomphe in the evening is a memorable experience, as it offers a breathtaking view of the Champs-Élysées and the city's illuminated skyline.
Students will love exploring the cultural and historical richness of Paris.
Overnight Paris.
Visiting the sites of the Ancien Régime in Paris is a captivating experience that allows students to explore the rich history of France leading to the French Revolution.
The former royal palace of the Louvre is a must-visit destination, demonstrating the extreme wealth and power of the royal family, now a famous museum with its extensive collection of art and artifacts spanning from ancient times to the present day.
The Jardin des Tuileries, located adjacent to the Louvre, is a stunning formal garden with fountains, sculptures, and a peaceful ambiance. Another elaborate palace once stood here and was where the Revolutionaries imprisoned king Louis XVI and his family after forcing them to leave the palace of Versailles. Eventually in 1792, an armed mob stormed the palace, killed the Royal Swiss Guard, and the royals fled through the gardens to find refuge in the Legislative Assembly.
The Place de la Concorde, formerly known as the Place de Louis XV, is another significant site of the Ancien Régime, where the French Revolution's infamous guillotine once stood. The Bastille, a former prison that became a symbol of the revolution, is now a public park with monuments commemorating the revolution. A stroll on the Promenade Plantée, located on the former Vincennes railway line, is an excellent way to discover the lesser-known sites of Paris while enjoying the beautiful greenery and views of the city.
Students visiting these sites get the invaluable opportunity to delve into France's rich history and explore its cultural heritage.
Overnight Paris.
Students will begin by visiting the The Archives Nationales in Paris, which house an extensive collection of historical documents and records, dating back to the Middle Ages. These records include official government documents, such as treaties, laws, and decrees, as well as private papers, letters, and diaries from notable figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette. The archives also contain records related to the French Revolution, including trial transcripts and administrative documents from the Revolutionary Tribunal. The Archives Nationales provide a unique opportunity for students to explore primary source materials and gain a deeper understanding of France's rich and complex history.
Students will then visit the Île de la Cité, the historical and geographical heart of Paris, where they will explore significant landmarks such as La Conciergerie, St. Chapelle, and Notre-Dame, which are renowned for their Gothic architecture, historical significance, and cultural heritage. La Conciergerie is a former royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution, while St Chapelle and Notre Dame are fantastic examples of medieval religious architecture.
(Note: Please note: The Notre Dame re-opening is planned for December 8th, 2024. Therefore, the cathedral can only be partly visited. Pont du Double and the archaeological crypt (admission not included) will be open).
Overnight Paris.
Today students take the train to visit The Palace of Versailles, which was originally a hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII in 1624. Later, King Louis XIV transformed it into a lavish palace, which became the seat of the French monarchy and a symbol of the excesses of absolute power.
During the French Revolution, the Royal Tennis Court at Versailles played a significant role in the events leading up to the storming of the Bastille. In 1789, the National Assembly, made up of representatives of the French people, was locked out of their usual meeting place and were forced to convene in the Royal Tennis Court. There, they took an oath, known as the Tennis Court Oath, to not disband until a new constitution was written for France. This act demonstrated the determination of the National Assembly to create a more democratic government and limit the powers of the monarchy. The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal moment in the French Revolution and is considered one of the key events that led to the overthrow of the French monarchy.
Overnight Paris.
Today student will visit the Pantheon, le Musee D'Orsay, take part in an interactive walking tour solving a murder during the French Revolution, and enjoy a scenic cruise of the Paris sights on the Seine river.
The Panthéon in Paris holds great historic significance as a neoclassical masterpiece and a symbolic monument that has served as a final resting place for prominent figures, honoring their contributions to French history, while also witnessing key events, such as the French Revolution and subsequent shifts in political ideologies.
The Musée d'Orsay, originally a grand railway station constructed for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, now stands as a cultural landmark, showcasing a diverse range of artworks from the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering valuable insights into the artistic and societal transformations of that era.
Students will return to 18th-century Paris and solve the mystery of a dramatic, real-life political assassination. This original, interactive program was created by historians, but students will be too busy having fun with this “who dunnit” intrigue to realize how much they're learning about the French Revolution.
As students immerse yourself in one of France’s most dramatic episodes, they'll meet a cast of suspects, including an insubordinate literature hawker, a passionate actress, a prominent society lady, and a devout priest. Hearing their stories and motivations for the crime will give them a deeper understanding of how individuals experienced the French Revolution in a vivid, personal way.
Solving clues at each of these sites will eventually lead them to the real murderer. Along the way, they'll see how Paris was forever changed by the social and political upheaval of the Revolutionary years.
Embarking on a scenic cruise along the Seine River in Paris offers a captivating experience, as students glide past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum, immersing yourself in the timeless beauty and rich history of the city.
Overnight Paris.
Today students will learn about the ANZAC experience in World War 1 at the French Battlefields.
Check out of your accommodation and travel by private coach to Amiens, first stopping at the Musée de la Grande Guerre, located in Meaux, just outside of Paris. This museum is dedicated entirely to World War I and features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that provide insight into the war and its impacts on society. Learn what life was like for the soldiers in the trenches.
Travel to Amiens for a walk through the historic city and lunch.
Next, meet your guide and visit the Somme battlefields and memorials, beginning with a stop at the The Somme Trench Museum, which offers a powerful and immersive experience that takes visitors back in time to the brutal realities of trench warfare during World War I.
Next briefly stop at the Lochnager Crater. The Lochnagar Crater was created by a large mine placed beneath the German front lines on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Next students will pay their respects at the Pozieres War Memorials. Australian soldiers attacked and captured Pozières, but under heavy bombardment casualties grew over the next few weeks, eventually totalling 23,000.
Next it is a visit to Peronne and the site of the harrowing capture of Mont St Quentin by Australian troops under the command of General John Monash forcing a German retreat, which was, according to British Commander General Lord Rawlinson, the greatest feat of the war. Entering through the fortified entrance to the Museum of the Great War reveals an extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that give students a comprehensive insight into the First World War.
Return to Amiens.
Overnight Amiens.
After breakfast, your private coach will take you to visit Villers-Bretonneux, where the ANZACs played a significant role helping to recapture the town from German forces in a critical battle that prevented the German advance towards Amiens.
Visit the Sir John Monash Centre, which tells Australia's story of the Western Front in the worlds of those who served. Set on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery adjacent to the Australian National Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre uses cutting-edge multimedia to tell the Australian Western Front experience through a series of interactive media installations and immersive experiences.
The Franco-Australian Museum is housed in a historic building known as the Victoria School. During World War I, the school was used as a military hospital and later as a headquarters for German forces. After the war, the school was rebuilt with the help of donations from schoolchildren in Victoria, Australia, and it was renamed the Victoria School in memory of the Australian soldiers who fought and died in the area. In 1999, the school was transformed into the Franco-Australian Museum, which serves as a permanent tribute to the shared history between France and Australia.
Your coach will move on to Fromelles and the VC Corner Cemetery and Memorial, dedicated exclusively to the Australian combatants in the war. A visit to the Australian Memorial Park, situated on the German defensive line attacked in 1916 by Australian forces, features the famous statue of "Cobber". It is based on the Australian soldier Sergeant, later Second Lieutenant, Simon Fraser who was known as being one of the many Australian soldiers who bravely went out over three days and nights to bring in their wounded comrades from the field of battle after the Battle of Fromelles.
The story of Australia's disastrous first engagement in battle on the Western Front is told at the site of the Battle of Fromelles, its museum and the recently discovered Australian mass grave at Pheasant Wood.
Arrive at Messines, Belgium, and check into Peace Village. Messines, near Ypres, is a significant location in the history of World War I, as it was the site of the Battle of Messines in 1917, where Australian, British, and New Zealand forces were involved in a successful offensive against German troops. The Peace Village in was established to honor the memory of those who fought and died in the area, and to promote peace and reconciliation between nations.
Overnight Messines.
After breakfast students will meet their guide and coach and stop at Hill 60, the inspiration for the Australian film, Beneath Hill 60. Students can still see the remains of the wartime fortifications and trenches that were built by both the German and Allied forces during World War I. Additionally, there is a memorial on the hill that commemorates the soldiers who fought and died in the area. Students can climb to the top of the hill for views of the surrounding countryside, and there are also walking trails that lead through the nearby woods and fields, allowing visitors to explore the area and learn about its history.
Next, arrive in Ypres and visit the Flanders Fields Museum, where you will have a guided tour and participate in a workshop, called The Great War. During this workshop, some themes from the museum are explored in depth. Posters, photographs, objects and witnesses raise questions and point to answers. What is and how does propaganda work? How did the use of weapons evolve, and what role did scientists play in it? And do we stand up for peace today?
Finally, spend the some of the day exploring Ypres at the teachers' discretion.
Finish the day by spending the evening at the Menin Gate, witnessing the Last Post ceremony, a moving tribute to the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fell in defence of the town.
Overnight Messines.
Students board their coach this morning and stop off at Polygon Wood Cemetery, which contains the remains of soldiers who died in the area during World War I, and also the site of the new "Brothers in Arms" statue, a poignant tribute to the fallen Australian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Polygon Wood.
* Take part in an interactive activity called Mission Polygon Wood, where the group is expected to reach the other side of Polygon Wood independently via four locations. However, they do not have a ready-made maps. In small groups they need to use codes, carry out hands-on tasks and use British, Australian or New Zealand identity cards of fallen soldiers to find their way. * Must be 14 years or older, large groups may be divided, availability tbc from Passchendaele Museum.
Stop for a lunch break at Bruges, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and cobblestone streets, exudes an enchanting charm that captures the character of Belgium, showcasing a harmonious blend of historical significance, artistic heritage, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Next, on the way to Brussels stop at Ghent Castle, also known as Gravensteen, which stands as a magnificent medieval fortress in Belgium, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history while commanding attention with its imposing presence, captivating architecture, and the stories it holds within its walls.
Arrive Brussels.
Overnight Brussels.
Today take the train to Berlin.
On arrival your private coach will take you for a panoramic tour of the city, including stops at the Brandenberg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie.
Check into your hotel.
Overnight Berlin.
Today meet your coach for a trip to Sachenhausen Concentration Camp, the Hitler- How Could It Happen museum and a World War 2 and Cold War walking tour of Berlin, including the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Visiting Sachsenhausen concentration camp is a profoundly sobering experience, as the haunting remnants of this dark chapter in history serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed and the immense suffering endured by countless individuals during the Nazi period.
The Hitler - How Could It Happen Museum in Berlin offers a thought-provoking exploration of the factors and events that contributed to Hitler's rise to power, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding this pivotal historical period.
Students will embark on a captivating walking tour of Berlin, immersing themselves in the history of World War II and the Cold War while visiting significant sites, including the Berlin Wall Memorial. As you traverse the city streets, a knowledgeable guide unravels the narratives, recounting the events that shaped Berlin's tumultuous past. The tour takes you on a transformative journey, allowing you to witness firsthand the physical and emotional scars left by these significant historical periods and gain a deeper understanding of Berlin's remarkable resilience and rebirth.
Overnight Berlin.
Today students will continue to learn about 20th Century conflict and change with a visit to the Holocaust Museum, the Tranenpalast and the Topography of Terror.
First students visit the Holocaust Museum, which stands as a solemn tribute, meticulously curated to honor the memory of the millions who suffered and perished during the Holocaust, inviting visitors to reflect upon the harrowing realities of this dark chapter in human history.
Next students will visit the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears), offering a poignant glimpse into the emotional farewells and divided lives experienced by families and friends at the former Cold War border crossing, encapsulating the profound impact of the Berlin Wall on individuals during the Cold War era.
Finally, visiting the Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin is an emotionally charged experience that delves into the dark legacy of Nazi terror, providing a hauntingly detailed account of the atrocities committed, while fostering a deep reflection on the fragility of democracy and the importance of safeguarding human rights.
Overnight Berlin.
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Paris, France 
