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Cultural Connections Trip: Global Perspectives

London

Limited Capacity

This trip is an optional summertime excursion for PDS boys, providing the opportunity to travel internationally.

As a capstone experience to a PDS education, we think giving boys the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of another culture is a unique educational experience.

International travel enhances students’ global awareness and appreciation for cultural differences and diversity. Seminal experiences like these broaden a boy’s future perspective. Travel to England presents our boys with the ease of speaking their mother tongue but the noticeable differences of its culture, history, and institutions. Experiencing the United Kingdom before a PDS boy embarks on a new educational journey is the perfect starter for international travel in a global world and the perfect destination for enhancing his historical knowledge of his country’s roots.

The London trip is open to 5th and 6th grade families including parents and siblings (Grades 5–12) both boys and girls such as other PDS summer options. The trip is an optional summertime excursion for PDS boys, providing the opportunity to travel internationally with parents and siblings. Parent or legal guardian required for 5th grade boys. 6th graders do have the option of going on this trip without a Parent or legal guardian under the supervision of PDS Chaperones.

We will visit famous historical landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Houses of Parliament, British Museum, and the London Eye.

 

5th & 6th Grade:
May 28-June 3, 2025
$3,400 per person

Parent Meeting
December 4 • 7:45am • Hussey Commons

Registration Deadline
January 10

Parent(s) or legal guardian required for 5th graders.

6th Graders have the option of going without a Parent or legal guardian under the supervision of Mr. Rudzena and Mr. Sewell.

Siblings welcome with Parents/Guardians.

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Registration Deadline: January 10

PRICING
Through January 10th, 2025 $3,400.00
Register

The cost covers:

  • Flights (Memphis to London Heathrow)
  • Hotels
  • Charter buses to / from London Heathrow Airports
  • London Underground Oyster Card
  • Admission to attractions:
  • Houses of Parliament (if open)
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
  • London Eye
  • Historical Walking Tours (London Blue Badge Guide)
  • Cabinet War Room and Churchill Museum
  • Award winning London Blue Badge guide

The cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be each individual's responsibility.

Non-Refundable Deposit

A $1500 deposit will be added to your account on January 20, 2025. The balance of your registration fee is due March 20, 2025.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Memphis to London Flight

Day 2

Arrive at London Heathrow

London Historical Walking Tour:

Big Ben / Houses of Parliament / Buckingham Palace / Parliament Square / 10 Downing Street

Visit Covent Garden

Day 3

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Tower of London

London Eye

Dinner St. Pancras International – Optional Visit Platform 9 3/4

Day 4

Changing of the Guard near Buckingham Palace

Horse Guards Parade

Tour St. Paul’s Cathedral

Attend a West End Theatre Production (optional: Wicked, Le Misérables, Hamilton)

Day 5

Tour Westminster Abbey

Lunch near Trafalgar Square and Optional National or Portrait Gallery Visits

Tour Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum

Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral (Optional)

London Historical Walking Tour

Day 6

British Museum

Tour Houses of Parliament (The Palace at Westminster)

Evening Free

Day 7

Depart London Heathrow for Memphis

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the London Trip?

The London & Oxford Trip is held after Memorial Day from May 28 through June 3, 2025. This allows five full days of exploring London.

Families desiring to stay longer in Europe after the trip should contact Mr. Rudzena about alternative arrangements for a later return date.

What hotel do we typically stay in?

We plan to stay at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, centrally located to tourist attractions.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

The cost of the trip is $3,400 per person.

The cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be each individual's responsibility.

The cost includes:

  • Flights (Memphis to London Heathrow)
  • Hotels
  • Charter buses to / from London Heathrow Airports
  • London Underground Oyster Card
  • Admission to attractions:
  • Houses of Parliament (if open)
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
  • London Eye
  • Historical Walking Tours (London Blue Badge Guide)
  • Cabinet War Room and Churchill Museum
  • Award winning London Blue Badge guide
What do we visit on the trip?

Each year we typically visit the same places, although this may vary to some degree due to the availability of certain attractions. Take a glance at the sample itinerary and you will have a good idea of the sites we typically visit. We try to make each day of the trip thematic. For example, WWII day will usually include visits to the Imperial War Museum, War Cabinet Rooms, Churchill Museum, and the London Blitz walk guided by a Blue Badge Guide. Other themes include Royal Britain, Palaces and Cathedrals, and Modern Britain. We also find time to enjoy a musical in the evening such as “Lion King,” “Les Misérables,” or “Wicked.”

Where should I purchase British Pounds?

You can exchange money at several locations. Check first with your bank about exchanging money for the best exchange rate or simply use your credit card. Enter your zip code at the following websites and you can find your nearest currency exchange.

Travelex

What type of ID should I bring?

No ID is required other than your passport. We provide a Student ID. We give everyone a lanyard to hold their Student IDs and tube ticket throughout the trip. Student IDs will be handed out once we are on the bus and traveling to the hotel in London.

Are parents, siblings, and friends allowed to join the trip?

PDS boys (grades 5th & 6th), parents, and siblings (grades 5th-12th) are allowed to join the London & Oxford excursion each year.

Are there chaperones on the London trip?

Mr. Rudzena will lead the London Trip and will be the point of reference for all communication.

What documents should I bring? (Passports)

If you do not have a passport you need to apply for one immediately as the process can take as long as six to eight weeks. You will not be able to travel if you do not have a valid passport.

For instructions on obtaining a passport, please read this website.

If you have a passport, please check the expiration date as you are required to have a minimum 6 months of validity upon entry to the United Kingdom. Your passport should expire no earlier than November 2024.

Airline Tickets

Airlines tickets will be purchased in January, and flight times will be sent to registrants no later than late January 2025. If you have alternative plans to stay longer in Europe beyond the set return date, please get in touch with Mr. Rudzena for those changes.

Can 6th graders travel without Parent or legal guardian?

Yes, 6th graders have the option of traveling without Parents and will be under the supervision of the PDS Chaperones on the trip (Mr. Sewell and Mr. Rudzena).

FAQ

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