Academic Travel 2024

We are thrilled to be bringing back Academic Travel in Summer 2024 to offer a variety of learning experiences for Middle and Upper School students. Waterford’s Academic Travel offers an exciting array of opportunities to learn in the context of diverse cultures and historically significant places. Information about these trips is given below. Please note the following important items:

  • Grade levels are the grade in which your child is currently enrolled for the 2023-24 school year.
  • To enroll, fill out the relevant application form linked below. A separate application is required for each course.
  • Completing the application form represents a firm commitment to participate in that course. Before applying, please check your summer schedule for conflicts.
  • Tuition for Academic Travel trips will be billed in two parts: 1) A deposit (50% of total cost). 2) The balance due in a later billing period. Please see the payment schedule in the description of each trip. Note that tuition is given as a range of costs, and is dependent on the number of participants, airfare costs, exchange rates, etc. Once tuition is firmly established, the information will be promptly conveyed to participating families.

Ancient Rome and the Renaissance – Italy

  • Trip Leaders: Heidi Poole, Shira Fagan, Jeremy Furner
  • Cost: $6,000- $7,000
    50% non-refundable deposit due in December and the balance due in March.
  • Dates: June 14 – 26, 2024
  • Current Classes: VII – XII
  • Group size: 10-20 students
  • Description: Come and be amazed at the historical and cultural wonders of Italy, center of the Roman Empire and jewel of Renaissance Europe. Spend time in Rome exploring the Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican, the Borghese Gardens, the Catacombs, and many other sites. You will enjoy the balance between scheduled visits and chances to walk through this amazing city and see what we discover. Take a bike ride along the ancient Appian Way and make a day trip to see the artistic and architectural wonders of Florence. After Rome, Sorrento will be our home base for the latter part of the trip, as we visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, hike Mount Vesuvius, and take a day trip to the beautiful island of Capri. We will have a dance lesson, eat amazing food, and enjoy some down time together in spectacular southern Italy.

    During Spring Term, students will meet several times with trip leaders to learn useful Italian phrases and important aspects of Italian culture, allowing them to enjoy the trip on a deeper level.
Application Form

Chamber Orchestra trip to Central Europe

  • Trip Leaders: Kathy Morris, Craig Morris, Heidi Hicks, Marilyn Swan
  • Cost: $6,900 – $8,900
    50% non-refundable deposit due in October and the balance due in January.
  • Dates: June 14 – 26, 2024
  • Current Classes: VIII – XII
  • Group Size: 10-18 students
  • Description: This trip is a much-beloved Waterford tradition and a capstone to many years of hard work for each student. Beginning in Prague and moving through Brno, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, perform and tour with our renowned chamber orchestra at a variety of impressive venues. Between performances enjoy sightseeing and learning about the impressive cultures of the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. You will continue to grow as a musician as you work together through the winter and spring in special rehearsals to master all the pieces.

MS Outdoor Trip: Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

  • Trip Leaders: Ally Siegel
  • Cost: $1,650-2,000 depending on enrollment
    50% non-refundable deposit due in November and the balance due in January.
  • Dates: June 9th to June 13th
  • Current Classes: VII-VIII
  • Group size: 11-15 students
  • Description: Head out with the Outdoor Program to experience 44 miles of the finest white water rafting in Colorado! As we float through Dinosaur National Monument’s Lodore Canyon we’ll take on some of the western United States’ best rapids, including Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile. We will also be able to relax and enjoy the towering sandstone walls and vast array of wildlife that live on the banks of the Green River. At night we will camp on the sandy beaches, under the stars. Come join us for a river adventure you won’t forget!
Application Form

US Outdoor: Lake Tahoe & Pacific Crest Trail

  • Trip Leader: Chris Watkins
  • Cost: $2,000-2,500, depending on enrollment
  • Dates: July 8-17, 2024
  • Current Classes: IX-XII
  • Group size: 7-10
  • Come join your classmates on an amazing adventure exploring two of the crown jewels of the lower 48-states: Lake Tahoe and the Pacific Crest Trail! The trip begins with a flight to Reno, then a one-hour drive into the Lake Tahoe basin. Lake Tahoe, which is the largest alpine lake in North America, sculpted by an awe-inspiring combination of glacial and volcanic activity, with diverse terrain that allows for seemingly unlimited exploration. Along the Lake Tahoe section of the Pacific Crest Trail – a trail that reaches from Canada to Mexico – we will backpack through two wilderness zones, rock climb on world-class, granite rock climbing areas, and camp at unique alpine lakes. With the cobalt blue water reflecting the Sierras, the group will trace its way across airy ridgelines and dive into ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest. Via Ferrata, Packrafting and Paddleboarding are additional skills and activities that will be considered. Learn and practice teamwork, wilderness, and leadership skills. Find connections with your classmates based on support, respect and fun!
Application Form

Anticipated Travel 2025

  • Upper School Foreign Language Trips

Anticipated Travel 2026

  • Coming Soon

Questions About
Waterford Travel Programs

If you have questions about a specific trip, please contact the Trip Leader.

Travel 2023

  • Greece: Theater, Philosophy, and Culture
  • Japan: History, Culture, Core Values

Travel 2022

  • Upper School Shakespeare and Hiking in Southern Utah – 2022
  • France: Language Immersion and Culture in Provence
  • Singapore: Culture and History 2022
  • Italy: Ancient Rome and the Renaissance – 2022
  • US/MS Outdoor: Canoeing in the Boundary Waters

Travel 2020

  • Culture and Community Service in Guatemala

Travel 2018-19

Travel with Summer Term in 2019 gave students memorable, even life-changing experiences. We express thanks to Faculty who designed and led these trips and to the families whose support made these trips possible.

  • Spring Break Humanitarian Service in Kolkata, India
  • Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
  • Choir Tour to South Africa
  • A History of Scotland: Vikings, Wallace, and the Bonnie Prince
  • Art and Culture in England, Denmark and Sweden
  • Outdoor Program: Escalante Expedition
  • Outdoor Program: Alaska: Majestic McCarthy
  • Outdoor Program: Ouray Ice Climbing