Dear Fellow Traveler:

From the look on the little girl's face, you would have thought we'd just handed her a brand-new iPod. Instead, it was a simple spiral notebook…but it was hers, and we knew immediately that every page would soon be filled.

For the guests on our Peru and Machu Picchu Cultural Walking Adventure, it was a real eye-opener to find that many children of the remote Andean mountains trek over two hours each way just to get to school. They may be barefoot, but these bright-eyed kids dash into their classroom each day eager to learn. And at the sight of the pens, pencils and Crayons our guests had brought along, they simply beamed.

On our Costa Rica Cultural Walking Adventure, we visited a one-room village school for the children of farm workers. While a few older students spoke a bit of English, our guide did most of the translating. As for the rest, we winged it; but then, how much translation does kicking a soccer ball around with the kids, singing nonsense songs, and sharing snacks at their lunch table really need? They were thrilled with our gifts of school supplies and textbooks—and we were amply rewarded with laughter and hugs—both of which break down barriers in any language.

You Can’t Really Know A Country ‘Til You’ve Embraced Its People

School visits on our Latin America trips have become such a highlight for Classic Journeys guests that we’re expanding them into other regions, too, starting with our Thailand Cultural Walking Adventure. But then, cultural interactions have always been what set Classic Journeys apart. On any given trip, we may watch master craftsmen at work, savor a private cooking instruction in a country kitchen, or sample the latest vintage at the vineyard of a friend.

Balancing our walks with “slices of life” and getting a peek at how the locals really live is what Classic Journeys is all about. For more on how we bond with the communities we visit—and school visits in particular—give one of our tour coordinators a call at (800) 200-3887, or visit www.classicjourneys.com.

Best regards,

Edward Piegza
President and Founder
Classic Journeys