In search of Ernest Hemingway in Pamplona

Many places in the world can claim a special attachment to Ernest Hemingway: he spent years in Paris, Cuba and Kenya, treading the streets and writing novels. But it is Pamplona that was his first obsession and greatest love. The small Navarrese capital was virtually unknown when Hemingway first visited it in 1923 to attend the bull running festival of San Fermín: it was Hemingway’s first and most celebrated novel, The Sun Also Rises, that put the sanfermines, and consequently Pamplona, on the map.  A day trip to Pamplona is a highly recommended addition to our school trips to the Basque country.


The memory of Hemingway can be felt throughout the city, on the many plaques and statues dedicated to him and the many bars, hotels and hostels named after him. However, he can best be found in the modern Pamplona in the same place where he could most often be found in life: leaning against the bar in the Café Iruña. Hemingway felt that the city of Pamplona had something of a timeless quality, and the Café Iruña is one of the places that most clearly demonstrates this: an eye-catchingly ornate 19th century building, it remains virtually unchanged since the 1920s.

Café Iruña

Our Pamplona itineraries follow Hemingway’s footsteps through the city. You begin your visit with a guided walking tour of the route of the Encierro – the traditional bull running which inspired The Sun Also Rises. After a bull running photo opportunity at the Monumento al Encierro, you continue on to some of Hemingway’s favourite haunts: first of all, the Pamplona bull ring, where the author discovered a fascination with bullfighting that inspired him to write Death In The Afternoon, a non-fictional celebration of the ceremony and traditions of el toreo. The tour carries on to the Hotel La Perla, where Hemingway often stayed during his many visits to Pamplona, and then to the Plaza Consistorial, where the famous opening ceremony for the sanfermines (the chupinazo) is held. The day finishes with a meal at the Café Iruña, stepping right into a scene from one of the author’s books:

"We had coffee at the Iruña," Barnes continues, "sitting in the comfortable wicker chairs, looking out from the cool of the arcade at the big square." – The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway

You can add a Pamplona daytrip to our Basque Country Art and Design tour from just £30 per person. Get in touch with us on 0121 271 0121.

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

By Laura Whitaker

WW1 Battlefields familiarisation trip. Ypres Salient and the Somme.

Last week three of us enjoyed a week out of the office.  We went on a familiarisation trip to Belgium and France, the main focus of the trip being to visit the locations of our WW1 Battlefields school trips, both the Ypres Salient and the Somme.

Battlefield school trips are very popular at the moment, and although always sobering, they are very fulfilling to organise.

Our first day was spent discovering some new and exciting trips in the Ypres Salient, organised by the Peace Village Messines, one of the best school hotels we know. The day’s itinerary was jam-packed and included visits to little hidden gems that were described as “off the beaten track”.  Our highlights were: the Passchendaele 1917 Museum, where we explored some replica trenches; and the Hooge Crater Museum, a privately owned museum that recently opened a new wing.

The Peace Village also treated us to a tour based on extracts from the book “Age 14: An Irish Boy Soldier”, a novel based on the story of John Condon who was allegedly the youngest Allied soldier to lose his life. The novel’s depictions of real places on the Western Front, described in detail from the point of view of the boy soldier, really brought the events of First World War to life for me.

A visit to Talbot House proved to be a welcome way to end a busy and sombre day: a guided tour of the one and only “Every Man’s Club” followed by a cup of real English tea!  The club is also now launching a new tour: Tubby’s Story Tablets, which allows students to tour the House using a tablet for a really interactive and interesting experience.

Day two of the trip took us to the Somme.  There are three fantastic museums here, including Bullecourt 1917, Jean and Denise Letaille museum; the Historial de la Grande Guerre in Péronne; and Musée Somme 1916 in Albert. On the guided tours of these museums we were able to get a close-up view of an array of authentic artefacts from the many Battles of the Somme – an experience you just can’t get from textbooks or websites.

The museum visits were followed by a brilliant tour of the Somme Battlefields with Myriam Thompson, an Australian Battlefields Guide, who really helped to bring the tour to life!  The main stops on this tour included the Lochnagar Crater, Thiepval Memorial, Ulster  Tower and Newfoundland Memorial. The two most memorable moments of the tour for me were seeing the Newfoundland Memorial’s “Danger Tree” and being lucky enough to witness a stunning rainbow at the Thiepval Memorial after being caught in a shower – not something we can promise to all our groups!

Thiepval Memorial and the rainbow

After a busy second day of visits we were able to unwind at the Auberge des Remparts in Péronne and also took the chance to sample some of the delicious local, er…liquid refreshments, and of course some chocolate.

These were an unforgettable couple of days and it is certainly an outstanding visit for school groups.  We travelled on to Normandy and Opal Coast next - watch out for our next blog installment!

Visit our website for more information about WW1 centenary battlefield tours

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

By Daniel Isaacs

A whistle-stop tour of Edinburgh

One of our schools has recently returned from Edinburgh, which has prompted me to write a bit about one of my favourite school trip destinations!

With its unique landscape, historical wealth and constant festivals, Edinburgh has something to please everyone. In just a few days your school can enjoy some incredible sights and learn a lot about the people and history of Scotland.  It's an incredible destination for Enrichment trips and is particularly popular with primary schools.

There is so much to see and do here... One of my personal favourites is The Real Mary King’s Close: this attraction gives you the unique opportunity to step back in time to the Edinburgh of the 17th century. Deep beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile, these streets were used as foundations to support a new government building, and have remained untouched since they were buried deep underground. Guides in period costumes walk you through the houses, and provide incredible details about their former inhabitants - a fascinating experience for students.

After the underground streets, we recommend some wide-open spaces!  Few things are better than going on a hike up Holyrood Park: a mere ten minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile lies this large stretch of bare wilderness. A succession of hills and rugged cliffs, this Park is the explanation to Edinburgh’s amazing skyline. The highest hill is Arthur’s Seat, at the top of which you will be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the city.

Edinburgh is also a fantastic destination to gain insight into the Royal lifestyle.  Back to civilisation and the stunning Holyrood Palace, where the Queen stays every year during Holyrood Week. And just a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre, the Royal Yacht Britannia, now docked in Leith Port, hosted the Royal Family for over 40 years. An informative audio tour takes you through five decks, and at the end you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea with a delicious home-made scone in the Royal Deck Tea Room. A real treat!

Of course, when I'm in Edinburgh, I can never avoid walking along Princes Street. It is a fun experience for schools, and you’ll be able to see the clear separation between the New town and the Old town. Walking along you can drift through the modern shops all the while enjoying a clear view of the stunning Edinburgh Castle, perched on its volcanic rock.

I'd really encourage you to consider a trip to Edinburgh, where your students are guaranteed an unforgettable few days.  When you are leaving I'm sure you’ll already be thinking of coming back for another taste of this magnificent city!

St Michael's school came back recently from an Edinburgh weekend trip organised by Diverse School Travel.  Here's what they had to say:

"I have all positive feedback, hotel was superb and in a perfect location...and the students enjoyed all the attractions... It was faultless. A well organised, stress free, enjoyable trip."

To visit Edinburgh, get in touch with us and we would be more than happy to create a perfect itinerary for you. 

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

by Jennifer Leonard

School trips that are not to be sneezed at: discover the History of Medicine in London.

Science Museum's History of Medicine

The Schools History Project (SHP) was set up in 1972 as a radical renovation of the place and purpose of history in schools. The Project was based on the notion that students should be taught history as a way of making sense of past human experience, in order  to understand better the present-day world. The “study in development” was a core aspect of this philosophy. Studying a single aspect of history across many eras allows students to understand the connection between past and present, and the changes and continuities across time. 

Nowadays, over 40 years on, the SHP remains highly popular among GCSE History teachers and students. The “study in development” remains essential to the SHP curriculum, and more and more schools are choosing to teach the “Medicine Through Time” course. This fascinating course explores the chronological development of the theory and practice of medicine, across a diverse range of eras and cultures. Topics range from prehistoric and classical era medicine, to health and sickness in the Middle Ages, to the rapid development of medicine in the 19th and 20th centuries...

Due to the popularity of the Medicine Through Time course, Diverse School Travel has developed a "Medicine Through Time" London school tour itinerary specifically tailored to the SHP syllabus. Our tours trace the development of the practice of medicine across time and across cultures: local museums such as The Old Operating Museum and Herb Garrett provide historical snapshots of 19th and 20th century healthcare in London itself, while the various permanent exhibitions at the London Science Museum explore the medical practices of cultures across the world.

Florence Nightingale Museum

Depending on your location, we offer a number of one-day Medicine Through Time itineraries, but why not stay in London for two days and enjoy the wealth of history just waiting to be discovered? Your students are sure to love our outstanding “Jack the Ripper” night-time walking tour; or for the more faint-hearted, we could organise a theatre trip as an alternative evening activity.

Tours start from £90 for two days.  Get in touch on 0121 271 0121 and we will be happy to suggest itineraries for your next school tour. 

By Laura Whitaker

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

PARIS - the most enduring school trip destination. Our tips and favourites - Part 1

Paris, nous t'aimons

Paris remains a perennially popular choice for teachers taking a school trip abroad – and it is clear why. Not only does it offer a dazzling array of scientific, artistic and cultural attractions, as well as the opportunity for language students to put their French into practice, but it is also only a few hours' drive away. There is an excellent choice of budget accommodation, wonderful cuisine … and Disneyland of course! 

The city deserves more than one blog post so here is the first installment of our love letter to Paris.

Unforgettable landmarks

No matter the season, Paris has a timeless familiarity, with more recognisable landmarks than any other city in the world. Not surprisingly, the most popular attractions for our schools groups include Eiffel Tower, Musée du Louvre, Montmartre, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, Disneyland® Paris and its wonderfully Gallic cousin, Parc Astérix.  Also highly recommended are Tour Montparnasse with 360° view of Paris, Cité des Sciences, Europe's largest science museum, and Centre Georges Pompidou, a must-see inside and out for art and design students.

Musée Rodin

The favourite of our Managing Director, Jamie Gardiner, Musée Rodin is dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin, sculptor, painter, sketcher, engraver and collector.  Auguste Rodin donated his entire collection to the French state in 1908 on the proviso that they dedicate his former workshop and showroom, the beautiful 1730 Hôtel Biron, to displaying his works. They’re now installed not only in the mansion itself, but in its rose-clambered garden – one of the most peaceful places in central Paris and a wonderful spot to contemplate his famous work The Thinker. Other sculptural highlights are The Gates of Hell, the 180 figures of which comprise an intricate scene from Dante’s Inferno; Rodin’s marble monument to love, The Kiss; and some 15 works by sculptor Camille Claudel, Rodin’s muse. This is a fascinating visit for Art and Design students on a school trip to Paris.  

Off the beaten track

Our resident French expert Jennifer Leonard recommends something off the beaten track - a meander through the Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris; believed to date back to the 1st century, when the city was known as Lutetia.  It is also one of the few areas of Paris not to have been affected by Haussman’s redevelopment of the city, which means the delightful medieval atmosphere that helped inspire Victor Hugo to write Les Misérables still remains intact. 

Located in the 5th arrondissement, it is a long pedestrian street filled with busy bars and restaurants, perfect for people-watching and general “flânerie” and a great way for students to see a slice of real Paris.  It is one of those places that still feels like a village despite being located in the heart of the city: lined with quirky shops, you will find all kinds of amazing cheeses and meat produce, as well as delicious pâtisseries. It is also home to a very lively market, made all the more entertaining by the abundance of street performers - excellent way to spend an afternoon of a school visit with plenty of opportunities to practise your French.

The Rue Mouffetard attracts a varied crowd of students, tourists, and Parisians: whatever time of year you go you are guaranteed a pleasant walk around this street, at only a stone’s throw away from the Panthéon and the Jardin du Luxembourg.

To book your school trip to Paris, call us on 0121 271 0121.

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

Basque to basics: school trips to Bilbao

Being somewhat obsessed with Bilbao and the Basque Country after living there for a year, one of the things I was most excited about when I started at Diverse School Travel was the chance to design Basque-themed itinerary.  I couldn't wait to share my enthusiasm for this under-appreciated area of Spain, because I knew that it would be a fantastic destination for school trips.  Here are my top 10 reasons why I love Bilbao, and why I am sure that teachers and students alike will love it too.  

1) The atmosphere

Bilbao is already almost unrecognisable from what it was 30 years ago, and its transformation from a powerhouse of heavy industry into a thriving centre of art and design is still going strong. This gives Bilbao a tangibly exciting, dynamic atmosphere which can be felt in the enthusiasm expressed by its people when discussing their city. Find out more about Bilbao's transformation with a walking tour of the Abandoibarra district, described as an unofficial "outdoor museum" of Bilbao's architectural development. Read more about the Bilbao effect here. 

2) The food 

Oh, the food. The Basque Country is widely celebrated for its rich gastronomic tradition; with more than 40 Michelin stars, it is fast becoming one of Europe’s most important fine dining destinations. Central to this heritage are the Basque pintxos, miniature gourmet bites unique to the region. While living in Bilbao, I spent many a happy evening enjoying the local tradition of poteo: touring the bars and cafes of the Old Quarter, sampling a pintxo in each one. Add a pintxos tour to your school trip to Bilbao for just €15 per person: it’s a lovely treat for both students and teachers!

3) The Guggenheim

"El Guggen", as it is called by locals, is Bilbao’s most famous landmark, and rightly so: since its inauguration in 1997, it has been the motor behind much of the city’s development as a cultural powerhouse. With over a hundred exhibitions to its name, the Guggenheim has acquired key works by some of the most important artists of the twentieth century. Its permanent and temporary collections provide fascinating insights into the diversity of contemporary European art. All of our museum school visits include a private tour with an expert museum guide; if you would rather explore the museums on your own, just let us know. 

4) Basque history and culture

Spain has long been a favourite destination for UK tourists, but how much do we actually know about it? Many tourists might be surprised to find out that Spain is a multilingual, multicultural and (some argue) multinational country. While living in Bilbao as a Spanish student, I found it fascinating to learn about the Basque language and culture, and gain a whole new perspective on the country that I had studied. A school trip to Bilbao will undoubtedly leave students amazed by the richness and diversity of Spanish heritage, and will enable them to talk about cultural topics in much more depth. For those who are especially interested in Basque culture, the Museum of the Basque People provides detailed information on the Basque language and culture, and even contains a relief map of the area big enough to fill a whole room. 

5)    The shopping! 

Perhaps this interest of mine might be a little less intellectual than the previous one, but it is an interest all the same. The labyrinthine streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) are packed with tiny boutiques to discover, while the city’s main street (Gran Vía) boasts some of the biggest labels, both Spanish and international. The city’s shopping mall is also a great place to bargain hunt. 

6) Guernica 

The modern day Guernica is a small, charming coastal town: a casual visitor would struggle to find the marks of the horrific aerial attack which destroyed the town almost completely in 1937, and which inspired Picasso’s iconic mural, “Guernica”. However, the town does commemorate its dark past, and in a remarkable way: the Guernica Peace Museum is not a strictly historical museum, but an exploration of the concept of peace and the possibility of reconciliation in global conflicts. The Peace Museum is my very favourite cultural landmark in the Basque Country, and I have enjoyed a number of their temporary exhibitions over the course of many visits. Don’t miss the upcoming special exhibition about the flight of Basque refugee children to the UK during the Civil War.

7) The scenery 

Bilbao is affectionately nicknamed “el botxo”, meaning “the hole”, in reference to its position in a valley between several mountains. This means that not only is the city itself stunningly beautiful, it is also surrounded by stunningly beautiful scenery. Bilbaínos traditionally walk up Mt Pagasarri on a Sunday morning, although the less adventurous can take a cable car up Mt Artxanda and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city from its summit, perfect opportunities for sketching for our school groups.   

8) The Alhóndiga 

This striking building was once a wine warehouse, but now fulfils all manner of functions under its loose definition as a cultural centre. Alhóndiga's glass-bottomed swimming pool is a favourite hangout of local teenagers, while its tiny underground cinema is a great place to see the latest releases.

9) The Fine Arts Museum

An interesting contrast to the Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum is a celebration of art which stretches from the 13th century to the present.  With over eight thousand works in its permanent collection, complemented by diverse temporary exhibitions, the Fine Arts Museum always has something different to offer to our school groups. 

10) The beaches 

The rugged Basque coastline may be famous for its status as a surfing hotspot, but there are plenty of quieter beaches for sunbathing, paddling and relaxing. The coastal town of Lekeitio, famous for its Day of the Goose festival, is a great place to spend a half or even a full day, with its beautiful Old Quarter and sandy beach. 

Our school trips to Bilbao start from just £299 per person. Book now on 0121  271 0121.

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

Our picks: The London Design Festival, 14-22 September

One of our favourite events is just around the corner - The London Design Festival, an annual event held to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world, and as the gateway to the international creative community. With more than 300 exhibitions and events to choose from, the task of selecting what to visit during the Festival for a school trip can seem overwhelming.  So, here are our top picks for this year: 




London Design Museum

Design Museum is collaborating with the UK's innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, to deliver a major new exhibition about the sweeping changes in manufacturing 
that are transforming our world.  Do you want to know your additive manufacturing from your 3D printing?  Or find out how the 'new industrial revolution' will impact your life?  Or just want to understand more about how the things around you are actually made?  Then visit "The Future is here" exhibition at the Design Museum.  This is an excellent visit for the KS3/KS4 Design and Technology students. The Future is Here Factory is a particular must-see for a school trip: technicians will be operating a laser etcher or cutter and 3D printers and the school groups will be able to assemble various objects and projects.

Southbank Centre

It looks to us as though the Southbank Centre is embracing the London Design Festival this year like never before!  Building on the legacy of its founding, during the Festival of Britain in 1951, the Centre is laying on an array of free, eclectic design events across its sites.  There are showcases from international designers, a variety of talks and screenings, Designerblock's flagship show, the largest lava lamp in the world (!) and so much more. School groups can spend the day and evening exploring, eating, and enjoying all that this famous riverside location has to offer.  Suitable for students studying art and design at KS3 and above. 

Endless Stair

An interlocking series of 20 staircases, the Endless Stair installation is the Landmark Project for the London Design Festival. It is a playful, yet technically ambitious public project to be installed with the powerful backdrop of one of the city's best-loved school visits, the Tate Modern. Endless Stair can be viewed from the 13th of September.

Artist's impression - Endless Stair

Somerset House - elBulli exhibition

Finally, over at Somerset House, we really like the world's first exhibition dedicated to a chef and his restaurant: the global icon of gastronomy, Ferran Adria and the restaurant he built to become the world's best, elBulli.  Students can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the laboratory and kitchen of the restaurant which delighted diners for over 50 years. While not strictly a design showcase, this is an ode to creativity, imagination and innovation which we think will inspire and educate school groups.        

www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk

The Great War Centenary Tours

Educational Visits to the Battlefields of Ypres Salient and the Somme

2014 to 2018 marks 100 years since the World War 1.  This period provides a real once-in-a lifetime opportunity for students to visit the Battlefields of Ypres Salient and the Somme on a school trip and play their part in a long-lasting legacy. 

Prime Minister David Cameron said, "Our duty with these commemorations is clear. To honour those who served. To remember those who died and to ensure that the lessons learnt live with us forever."   

If you plan to take one school trip in 2014, we really believe it has to be a trip to the WW1 battlefields in Belgium and France. We've done all the work and enriched our already popular school trips with special commemorative visits, events and attractions. We've got some great centenary tours that give students a deeper emotional connection with the events that took place during the war and provide the opportunity for them to appreciate the scale of sacrifice and the impact that the war had on the development of Britain and the world as it is today.

Diverse School Travel offers itineraries suitable for all schools and all budgets starting from just £59 per person for a one-day trip to Ypres.  Of course we can also personalise your itineraries to suit your learning requirements. To make your school trip extra special, we can arrange for you to lay a commemorative wreath at one of the battlefield memorials or even follow in the footsteps of your local battalion!

Contact us on 0121 271 0121 and we will be happy to help your school to play its part in commemorating the WW1 Centenary.

Tyne Cot Memorial

 www.diverseschooltravel.co.uk