Trips Spring 2009

Every semester the Student Affairs Office plans a variety of trips around the UK and Europe. Costs are kept as low as possible and the program changes every semester. Below you will find descriptions of the exciting places we are going in Spring 2009.

These trips are very popular and limited, so if you are interested in going on any one of them, avoid disappointment and book your spaces now!

Terms and conditions for all trips


	DAY TRIP TO STONEHENGE AND BATH Saturday 14th February Price: £19.00 Stonehenge dates back to 3000 BC and no one knows it’s real use. Was it a place of sun worship or sacrifice, an astronomical calculator or a royal palace? The mystical site was the home of Britain’s druids who gather there every year to worship pagan gods.. Bath, England, is a unique city; its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries. Set in rolling Somerset countryside, just over 100 miles west of London, it is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit. Trip includes all travel, entry into Stonehenge and entry into the Roman Baths.

	DOVER AND CANTERBURY DAY TRIP Saturday 21st February Cost: £20.00 We will start our trip by making our way to Dover. Dover is a town that was built by the Romans on the coast in the county of Kent. It is also a large port with ferries linking Dover to Calais in France and Ostende in Belgium. This day trip will include a tour of Dover Castle as well as the secret wartime tunnels built into the white cliffs of Dover and used during WWII. After our time in Dover, we will then head to the city of Canterbury where we will be sure to visit Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest and most famous Christian buildings in England. It is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The archbishop is the most important religious person in the Church of England. *The cost of this day trip includes transportation and entrance fees to Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral.

	LIVERPOOL CITY TOUR Saturday 7th – Monday 9th March Total Cost: £85.00 Liverpool has been named the European Capital of Culture this year. Join us in finding out why! Often known as the home of the Beatles, Liverpool has a lot to offer history buffs, shop-a-holics...and more! If you're interested, take some time to travel to the nearby city of Manchester...Sign up on the University website or in your nearest Student Affairs office. *The cost of this trip includes: Transport Train Accommodation Liverpool Youth Hostel, includes breakfast.

	SPRING BREAK TO EGYPT Monday 9th – Monday 16th March This trip can be booked via Discover Egypt on 020 7407 2111 or if calling from the US 01144 20 7407 2111 Or email Jenny on jenny@discoveregypt.co.uk Richmond’s Cruise of The Upper Nile–Mythical and Ancient History! Why not do something that little bit special? While everyone else is away doing the everyday Rome, Amsterdam or Barcelona routes, why not discover the ancient wonders of the world while catching some rays on an 8 day four star cruise! Are you interested, of course you are… Egypt Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from the UK, fly direct to Luxor. Spend the remainder of the evening on the boat for a welcome talk and drinks. Day 2: An early morning start crossing over to the West Bank of the Nile to visit The Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, the Valley of the Queens and Colossi of Memnon. (This whole morning tour takes approximately 5 hours.) On arrival back at the boat, a buffet lunch will be served and the boat will sail for Esna. The afternoon can spent relaxing on the sundeck while watching the varied local life on the river and its banks. At some stage during the evening the boat will pass through the lock at Esna then dock overnight in Edfu 3-4 hours later. Day 3: Temple of Edfu then the boat sails to Aswan for a stay of two nights. Day 4: Morning visit to the High Dam, the Old Granite Quarries, the Unfinished Obelisk and then by boat to the Temple of Philae. In the afternoon sail by felucca around Kitchener's Island and its Botanical Gardens. Day 5: Today can be spent either at leisure or on optional excursions. The most popular excursion is to the Temple of Abu Simbel which is available by coach or by air. In the afternoon an optional excursion to a Nubian Village via camel or boat can be arranged. In the late afternoon the boat will sail to Kom Ombo and a visit to the Ptolemic Temple usually takes place that evening. Dinner, evening entertainment and overnight on board. Day 6: The day is spent at leisure as the boat heads to Luxor. Day 7: The day begins with a morning visit to the Temple of Karnak & the papyrus museum. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Luxor, afterwards there is ample opportunity to explore the markets of Luxor for souvenirs and gifts. That evening there is an optional excursion to the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. Day 8: The morning can be spent at leisure. In the afternoon, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight. The above is the itinerary for the Upper Nile cruise; however, it will differ slightly for anyone opting to see Cairo as part of our Richmond-Egypt train adventure . This is as follows: Day 5 Disembark in Aswan – overnight train to Cairo Day 6 Full Day sightseeing in Cairo, including a guided tour of the Pyramids at Giza and a visit to the world famous the Cairo Museum. Overnight return train to Luxor Day 7 Re-join Cruise boat for last day/night and complete the Luxor East Bank excursions This eight day trip includes 4* accommodation in premier dorm rooms on the top deck with beautiful views. The boat also has a top deck plunge pool, sun lounges, bar and a gift shop. The cruise is all inclusive. ALL MEALS (all you can eat) and ALCOHOLIC and NON ALCHOHOLIC DRINKS ARE FREE!! How To Book If you would like to book this trip then all you have to do is call the lovely people at Discover Egypt. Jenny is your contact and you can call her to book on the following number: From the US call 0044 (0)20 7407 2111 and from the UK call 020 7407 2111 and quote this reference number: 59592. The total price is £729.00 and has been subsidized by Richmond to make it better value for money. The Cairo pyramid option costs an additional £150. Please speak to Jenny regarding this. If you would like a single room then there is a charge of £199.00. This is usually not applicable as you will share a room with a fellow student.

	SPRING BREAK IN NEW YORK CITY Saturday 7th – Friday 13th March Total Cost: £475 The Big Apple has something for everyone, whether you're into art, music, history, sports, theatre, shopping or sightseeing. From our base by Columbia University, you will be able to explore all five boroughs and experience America's most exciting city. The cost of this trip includes: Transport Direct flights from London to New York on British Airways Accommodation 6 nights’ shared accommodation on the Upper West Side Local Travel 1 week unlimited MetroCard (good for subways and busses throughout New York)

	CAMBRIDGE DAY TRIP Saturday March 21st Cost: £25.00 Cambridge is the home of the famous University, carols in King's College Chapel and punting on the river Cam. Cambridge is a compact cosmopolitan city with outstanding architecture old and new. The beauty of its ancient centre is preserved with its walkable medieval streets, college courts, gardens and bridges. Join us on this day trip! Trip includes a 2 hour tour of the city. *The cost of this trip includes transportation by train and a 2 hour guided tour of the city.

	BRUSSELS TRIP Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th March Cost: £110.00 This trip will be led by Dr. Parviz Dabir-Alai, Deputy Chair and Professor of the Department of Business and Economics and Mark Kopenski, Vice President and Dean of Enrolment. Students will make their way from London to Brussels on the Eurostar train on Thursday evening. On Friday students will visit both the European Parliament and European Commission. That evening the group will meet up with some students and faculty members from Vesalius College for a reception. Saturday’s schedule will include an optional half-day trip to nearby city of Brouge before heading back to London. *The cost of the trip includes: Accomodation Sleep Well, 23 Rue Daumier, 1000 Brussels Transport Eurostar There are no entrance fees for the EU visits.

	PRESELI VENTURE WALES ADVENTURE WEEKEND Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th April Price: £210.00 We know that spending a semester abroad is an exciting time - and we're sure that you'll want to make the most of your unique opportunity to explore the UK and take weekend breaks in Europe. Preseli Venture are all about giving you a wild weekend of awesome adventures and new experiences! After nearly four months spent studying in London, you'll be out of the city, not on the tourist trail, but enjoying Britain's only Coastal National Park on the beautiful, unspoilt Atlantic coastline of West Wales. You want Adventure? Jump from towering rocks into an ocean swell, traverse rugged sea cliffs above foaming water and kayak through sun-dappled caves! Escape from the hassles of the city at your own private party venue in one of the UK's most unspoilt wilderness areas. We here at Richmond have been using Preseli Venture for 5 years, 4 times a year now and they have been entertaining American and overseas students for 15 years and they’ve been told they’re very good at it! Each year over 700 study abroad students visit them for what they routinely tell them and us it was their best weekend out of all the trips. Here are some of Richmond’s student’s comments after their trips to Wales: "Truly inspiring, cleansing and invigorating. I had no idea how much I needed a weekend away from the city. Defy expectations, take the LEAP!" Daniel Isles, Fall 08’ "This weekend has set my soul at ease. The land is gorgeous, the activities were thrilling and the meals were absolutely delicious. Thank you a thousand times over" Caitlin Smith, Fall 08’ "Undoubtedly the BEST weekend I've had in the UK! The food and the staff were amazing, I had such a good time and I have many great stories to tell!" Julie Ubigau, Spring 08’ "COASTEERING rocks! The scenery is awesome and Wales is so beautiful. The perfect weekend away from London" David Mura, Fall 07’ The price includes return travel from London Paddington, all meals from Friday dinner – Sunday lunch, 3 half day adventure sessions, all equipment and the service’s of Preseli’s very Welsh and very friendly qualified guides! This weekend always comes top of our student trips feedback. Amazing!

	LISBON, PORTUGAL Friday 10th – Monday 13th April Price: £230 Come and discover the capital city of Portugal. Situated on the West coast it is about as far West as you can go in Europe. Its contemporary culture, castles, museums and with the accommodation located right in the centre of the city it is a perfect short break location! To make the most of the Easter break, the trip will leave Friday lunchtime and arrive back Monday evening. Trip includes Flights, hostel accommodation inc breakfast, Saturday half day tour & some other exciting opportunites to explore what Portugal has to offer!

	SCOTLAND SKYE HIGH 3 DAY TOUR Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th April Price: £219.00 HAGGiS Adventures 3-day Skye High Tour – want to have an awesome time in Wild & Sexy Scotland!? We've put together an awesome package for you at an extra special price. Traveling by train you will arrive in Edinburgh late Thursday afternoon and enjoy the night, in the Scottish Capital. There is plenty to see and do in the short time we are there, including visits to Edinburgh Castle’s Palace of Holyroodhouse - one of the Queen’s official residences, the Scottish Whisky Heritage centre and the Royal Mile and Princes Street - the city’s chic shopping area. Day 1: Edinburgh To Loch Ness We leave Scotland's capital and head to Stirling, home to legends such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and scene of many of Scotland’s most famous and bloody battles. Our route north takes us through the dramatic & inspiring Glencoe, and if weather permits we may well take one of our legendary ‘wee walks’, before heading for Fort William - in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain). Travelling through the Great Glen we head for Fort Augustus. Staying on the banks of Loch Ness, in Fort Augustus tonight we discover a bit more of Highland history and culture, before trying to entice Nessie out for a wee dram! Day 2: Loch Ness to Isle of Skye Today we explore the magical Isle of Skye. Ruined castles, awesome scenery, Viking fortresses and home to the legendary MacLeod and MacDonald Clans. Immersed in Celtic myths and legends, hear all about the Faeries and the Selkies, and local characters who have contributed to the rich history of this magical island. Quite simply unmissable! Our overnight destination is at a legendary 4 star hostel Morag's Lodge on the banks of Loch Ness with the best showers in the Highlands! Day 3: Loch Ness to Edinburgh Before heading south en route for Edinburgh, we follow the entire length of Loch Ness, searching for a priceless glimpse of the legendary beast. We visit Inverness, capital of the Highlands, and head for brooding Culloden Moor, sight of the defeat of Bonne Prince Charlie’s Jacobite uprising. After a bite to eat and perhaps another ‘wee walk’, we head south for Pitlochry, Dunkeld and Perth (amongst other things) before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 5.30pm. – An action packed fun filled and unforgettable 3 days! So - wanna come? Of course you do! We've packaged up your fantastic HAGGiS tour with 3 nights accommodation and your 3 breakfasts (1 in Edinburgh, 2 on tour as well as your train fair from London to Edinburgh) all for a bargainous £229.00!