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t r o p s s a P r u o Y n i a p S & e c n a r F to
SILC W
ith over 44 years of experience, SILC has established an international renowned, professional reputation. Quality and security are major issues when it comes to groups and travel, and SILC offers all the guarantees to ensure a reliable partnership in the organisation of your trip. A certified quality commitment SILC is a certified member of several professional federations, sharing the same high quality standards with all its partners, in every aspect of the programmes: language, travel, accommodation, visits and services. In France, SILC is a founding member of L´OFFICE (the National Office for the Guarantee of Language programmes and Placements), a nonprofit French association that regulates French language programme organisers, committed to respect a number of strict criteria and sign a quality charter called the « Quality Contact ». It is also a member of Maison de la France, the country’s official tourist promotion bureau, and part of SNAV (National Syndicate of Travel Agents), in association with major French airlines, railways, coach companies and travel agents to promote and insure high quality and security in the travel industry. SILC is also a member of international organisations such as ALTO (Association of Language Travel Organisations) and WYSE (The World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation) which mission is to promote travel and educational opportunities for students and youth, provide and ensure a range of valuable services and products for all travellers around the globe including student identity cards, language travel experiences, work exchange, flights, youth accommodation and travel insurance.
Security & Quality service Our professional team is there to advise you at each step of your project. Each member of the SILC Groups department is experienced in both education and tourism as well as in the organisation of group trips. They are recognized for being reactive: Your technical advisor is available to guide you and establish a quotation Our network of experienced local organisers ensures the good progress of your stay. They have benefited from our trust for many years, they select and control the host families and homestay center and, in co-ordination with SILC headquarters, they take care of every aspect of the organisation of your stay z SILC travel department selects coach companies only guarantying serious standards, in terms of comfort and security, which are essential to group travel. All our partners are commited to strictly respect European travel regulations z z
Permanent assistance From the beginning of your journey and throughout your stay: 24 hours a day, 7days a week, you’ll be able to contact a member of staff in case of an emergency.
All-inclusive prices with no surprises Travel: both ways, from your arrival to your departure Stay: full-board accommodation and tuition (if requested) z Visits: pre-paid entrance fees z Insurance: accident, assistance and repatriation z Documents: complete file detailing all the aspects of your stay z Voice-mail: available upon request z z
PASSPORT TO: France F
rom museums filled with major works of art to emblematic monuments related to the history of France, the country boasts a variety of activities to keep your travel itinerary exciting. Whether you prefer history, food tasting or nature, we’ll help you diversify your experiences and enjoy the great wealth of its heritage through the contrasting landscapes, traditions and festivals. Come and experience the cultural wealth of Paris, share a part of history in Normandy or visit the heart of the country, in Angoulême, for your sight, taste buds and all senses delight! KE Y FA C T S z
France is the world’s sixth largest country in terms of economy and the first visited country of the world with over 79 million foreign tourists per year. It is also one of the founding members of the European Union, and the United Nations, and a member of the Francophonie, the G8, and the Latin Union.
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Today French is spoken around the world by 76 million people as a native language, and by about 280 million people as a second or third language, with significant speakers in 54 countries. It is an official language in 31 countries ; it is also an official language for all the United Nations agencies and for a large number of international organisations.
Spain W
idely known for Flamenco music and dance, bull-fights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine, Spain invites to a fabulous journey full of character and rich in diversity. It is one of the cultural centers of Europe featuring beautiful cities mixing old monuments and futuristic architecture. The variety of regions contrasts from one to another with geography, climate and even with personality and language. From Barcelona, the modernist and dynamic capital shaped by Gaudí’s mythic works, and the natural paradise of the Ebro Delta, to the numerous facets of the warm Andalousian region, you will get the most of Spanish treasures! KE Y FA C T S z
Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe behind France. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic and Canary Islands coast, as well as two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla. Spain is known for its diverse cultural heritage, having been influenced by many nations and peoples throughout its history: Iberian, Celtiberian, Latin, Visigothic, Roman Catholic and Islamic cultures. Thanks to this heritage, Spain is, after Italy, the country with the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, with a total of 40. According to the World Bank, Spain’s economy is the 9th largest worldwide and the 5th largest in Europe.
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Today between 322 and 400 million people natively speak Spanish making it the world’s second most-spoken language by native speakers (after Mandarin Chinese). It is estimated that the combined total of native and non-native Spanish speakers is approximately 500 million, likely making it the third most spoken language by total number of speakers (after English and Chinese). It is the primary language to 21 nations and an official language of the United Nations. More generally Spanish has been described as the third most influential language in the world (after English and French)
Your Tailor-Made Trip Partner: together, we’ll design the stay that suits your needs
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n this brochure, you will find a selection of SILC most popular destinations and stays. Because the educational aspect is very important for the success and interactivity of your trip, we have developed several topics. However this list of samples is not restrictive and our team shall design, with you, a tailor-made programme suited to your group’s needs: juniors, adults, seniors, families, combinations of destinations, specific educational topics… DISCOVER To discover a country throughout a region and its highlights. Discover programmes feature the main cultural and tourist interests. Examples: Discover trips to the wonders of Paris, the French Riviera, Barcelona, Andalusia… (possibility to combine countries and cities)
ECO-ATTITUDE To focus on nature and rare preserved ecological habitats and explore specific eco-responsible regions. Eco-attitude programmes feature visits of agricultural, botanical and ecological interests through the exploration of nature and environmental technologies. Examples: Eco-attitude trips to the great nature landmarks of Spanish Ebro Delta, French Baie de Somme...
HISTORY AND CULTURE To discover the specific cultural interest of a region through events that marked its history and traditions. Examples: Historical and cultural trips into World War 2 History with Normandy Airborne Landings ; Spanish literature with Don Quijote and the Castile landmarks…
THEMATIC To give your trip a particular theme. We can explore the diversity of our resources and experiences to build a didactical, original and interesting programme. Examples: Thematic trip dedicated to the 5 senses in Poitou-Charente (sight: comics – hearing: popular music - touch, taste and smell - cooking and tasting); Sail and Paella in Valencia …
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICES
With SILC: a quotation = a price with no surprises. The prices mentioned in this brochure are indicative and are based on a group of 30 students under 18 + 2 leaders.
Prices include: z Costs and visits specified on the programme z Free driver for coach trips z Venue bookings if you have an all-inclusive programme z Homestay accommodation (2, 3 or 4 students per family, depending on the hosting area and time of year), full-board (packed lunch), shared bedroom for the teachers and single room for the coach driver. z Residence, youth hostel or hotel accommodation with en-suite or shared bathroom, in multiple rooms or dorms, full-board. z Coach transportation according to European regulations z Medical insurance and repatriation z On-site assistance by local organiser for homestay accommodation programmes
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24h/7days emergency number Complete file for the preparation of your trip z Voice-mail (upon request) z
Prices do not include: z Coach transportation when not specified z En route meals z Extra hosting costs at certain dates (depending on destination and dates) z Transportation to hosting area (when coach transportation is not included) z Air travel z Visa fares z Cancellation insurance
Preparing your stay: step by step F
rom the preparation to the completion of your stay you will benefit from the professional advice, assistance and availability of our friendly team. Before the stay 1 - Identify your needs You should think about the trips main components: Dates - Destination(s) - Number of participants and leaders - Educational purposes of the trip - Total budget. 2 - Contact us Our team will help you make your project concrete and will send you a detailed programme and quotation, within 8 days after your request. 3 - Present your educational project to your client This project is important to your clients and to you. To ensure its success, it is essential to inform and motivate the participants with the educational interests of the project. SILC helps you all the way of the project and can help you with the preparation of the sales materials for your clients. 4 - Your client has accepted your project As soon as your client has approved the project, you should take contact with your SILC representative in order to confirm and secure your booking. You shall send by fax a signed copy of the SILC quotation along with a copy of the payment of a nonrefundable deposit of 30% of the total price. You will receive the confirmation in return. 5 - Completing file No later than 2 months prior to the arrival date, we should receive the full list of your group (participants and leaders). We will therefore send you the full educational details of the programme and help you send back the “invitation letter” for visa obtaining (when visa is needed). 6 - 4 weeks prior to departure You should send payment of the remaining balance of 70% and we will send you in return the programme details (travel details, daily programme with times of visits and meetings, vouchers, host family details…)
During the stay 1 - Travel Travelling hours are established in order to optimize your stay and it is therefore very important to respect them and inform the SILC local organiser of any unexpected delay. 2 - Arrival Your group will be met by the SILC local organiser or representative and the host families at the meeting point indicated on the programme. 3 - Excursions and visits The programme timing is established with the local organiser to optimize your trip. A copy is also given to the host families. It is therefore important to respect this timing and inform them of any delay during the stay. Meeting point is the same every day for departure to and return from excursions if not specified otherwise. 4 - Help and assistance The SILC local organiser remains your main contact, he/she is available on site in case of any need. Added to this service, our team is also available on a SILC emergency number 24/7.
Return Upon your return, you should send us back the evaluation questionnaire as your satisfaction as well as your client’s is an important matter to us and your comments shall help us improve our programmes and services.
French
Discover Paris 7 days / 6 nights
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xperience the unforgettable charms of Paris and its historic monuments combined with French tuition and local homestay, for a complete and instructive stay. DAY 1 Arrival to Paris Meet and Greet by a SILC representative and meeting with host families
DAY 2 French tuition and excursion to Paris AM - 3 hours of French tuition per group of maximum 15 students PM - Paris guided tour: visit to the main sites and monuments by private coach.
DAY 3 French tuition and excursion to Paris AM - 3 hours of French tuition per group of maximum 15 students PM - Cruise on the river Seine: take a seat on a fly boat to enjoy a leisure cruise through the heart of the “City of Light”. The Eiffel Tower and Trocadero: visit of the steel monument built by engineer Gustav Eiffel in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition. From the 3 floors and the 317 meters height, you will discover the elevator’s machine, the impressing restaurants and will experience an amazing view of Paris.
DAY 4 Full-day to Eurodisney or Versailles (extra cost for Eurodisney) DAY 5 French tuition and excursion to Paris AM - 3 hours of French tuition per group of maximum 15 students PM - The Louvre Museum: visit of the world’s most visited art museum. The collection contains nearly 35,000 pieces including Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa.
DAY 6 French tuition and excursion to Paris AM - 3 hours of French tuition per group of maximum 15 students PM - The Champs Elysées & Arc de Triomphe: walk and shop on one of the world´s most famous avenue. Visit of the triumphal arch erected in 1806 by Emperor Napoleon to the glory of the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. The terrace offers a unique panoramic view of Paris’s main historic avenue.
DAY 7 Departure
MORE... Spanish + Discover in Spain: Madrid
PRICE €479 from
per student
based on 30 students + 2 leaders
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quotation
Normandy & D-day Beaches 5 days / 4 nights
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f you are impassioned for history, get hold of this stay! You will discover Normandy, its villages and beaches and bring back the historic moments that gave the region its strong landmark. DAY 1 Arrival to Bayeux One of the first French towns to be liberated with the Battle of Normandy, during World War 2 and where on June 16th 1944, General Charles de Gaulle made his first important speech on liberated French soil. The town hosts the largest British war cemetery in Normandy. Dinner and night at a Youth Hostel.
DAY 2 Full-day excursion to Sainte Mère l’Eglise Historic tour into the village relating its liberation. It is the ideal starting point to discover the Normandy airborne landings and particularly Utah and Omaha Beaches. The village inspired a scene from the movie The Longest Day with paratrooper John Steele hanging from the church spire in the harness of his parachute.
DAY 3 Full-day excursion to Arromanches Visit of the Unloading Museum with slide shows, models and films relating to D-Day landings in Normandy. Guided tour of the American cemetery in Omaha Beach and of the German battery in Longues sur Mer.
DAY 4 Full-day excursion to Caen and Bayeux Visit of the Caen Memorial featuring a historical trip through World War 2. Visit of the “Tapisserie de Bayeux” honouring William the Conqueror who successfully conquered England in 1066.
DAY 5 Departure
MORE... Historical & Cultural stay in Spain : Don Quijote and Castile
PRICE € 399 from
per student
based on 30 students + 2 leaders
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quotation
5 senses exploration
in Poitou-Charentes 5 days / 4 nights
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waken your 5 senses to a genuine journey, less than 3 hours away from Paris. The world capitals of Comic Strips, Cognac and Grand Marnier open their doors for a programme rich in sights and tastes. DAY 1 Arrival to Angoulême Meet and Greet by a SILC representative and meeting with host families Angoulême, along with paper and printing, has long been associated with animation, illustration and graphic arts. It is home of the world renowned International Comics Festival, the International Forum for Animation Technologies amongst many other events such as historic city car races, gastronomical fairs, Classical, Ethnical and Pop music shows.
DAY 2 Full-day excursion in Angoulême Guided tour of Angoulême: the town’s City Hall located in a 14th century castle, where Queen Margot lived for several years; trompe l’oeil comic-walls drawn by different artists and cartoonists participating to the Comics festival, the National Centre for Comics and Video (CNBDI), situated in an ambitious paper-mill conversion and the Paper Museum. Visit to a chocolate Factory to discover the fascinating chocolate world through its traditional manufacturing techniques and, for the greatest pleasure of your papilla, time for tasting! Free time for shopping and wine tasting (adults only) in the narrow paved streets of the old town.
DAY 3 Full-day in Futuroscope animated parc in Poitiers Enjoy gut-tightening thrills on over 25 attractions that combine the latest imaging technologies: 3D cinema, simulators, surround screens and 180° screens, water screens and more. Also: interactive games, shows, events and exclusive exhibitions, the latest being a scientific feature of the animals of the future.
DAY 4 Full-day excursion to Cognac On the way, visit of the Bourg-Charente castle owned by the Marnier-Lapostolle family, makers of the famous Grand-Marnier liqueur. Guided city tour of Cognac, the town’s history and heritage, its legends and anecdotes, the Cognac Cultural centre and the Arts Museum offering interactive discovery of the cognac history and making. Visit of a Hennessy, Martell or Remy Martin cognac factory, to explore the spirit manufacturing process and the history of the most prestigious cognac brands.
DAY 5 Departure
MORE... Thematics... design your own !
PRICE € 328 from
per student
based on 30 students + 2 leaders
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quotation
Discover Barcelona 5 days / 4 nights
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f you are fascinated by cultural mix and treasures, you should get overwhelmed by Barcelona and its historic monuments! Through 5 days of wonder in the city of Gaudi your senses will blossom to the curiosities of this Mediterranean gem! DAY 1 Arrival to Barcelona Meet and Greet by a SILC representative and meeting with host families
DAY 2 Full-day in Barcelona with a walk into Gaudi’s world Visit of the outsides of Sagrada Familia cathedral, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most remarkable works, still unfinished, with three facades: the Nativity, the Passion and Death, and the Glory. Walk and shop on the Paseo de Gracia, a well-known posh area with typical Catalan buildings of Modernism style : visit of Gaudi´s Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the Plaza Cataluña. Visit of Parque Güell, an enchanted world of mosaics and sculptures.
DAY 3 Full-day in Barcelona Visit of Santa Maria del Mar church, built by fishermen in the 14th century and walk by the seafront: Las Ramblas, the Palau Güell (Museum Theatre), the Liceu (Theatre-Opera house), the delightful Boquería market, Barcelona’s port and Christopher Columbus statue. Cruise on the Golondrinas (typical fly boat) along the coast, from the old port to the Olympic port. The Maritime Museum: the exact replica of a galley and a reproduction of the Santa Maria, famous caravel used by Christopher Columbus to discover the new world.
DAY 4 Full-day in Barcelona Discover the Gothic Quarter, named after the numerous gothic buildings from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries that make this area: the City Hall, the Royal Plaza and the “Generalidad” palace. Visit of the cathedral, hosting a sculpture of a black Christ; walk in the Ciutadella Park and visit of the Picasso Museum.
DAY 5 Departure
MORE... Discover France: The French Riviera
PRICE €292 from
per student
based on 30 students + 2 leaders
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quotation
Cross-cultural diversity in Andalousia 5 days / 4 nights
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elcome to Andalusia to experience privileged moments in an area known for its warmth and friendliness. Everyday, you will be given the opportunity to discover the specialties and customs of the Andalusian culture, at the crossings of European and Arabic cultures. DAY 1 Arrival to Cordoba Meet and Greet by a SILC representative and meeting with host families
DAY 2 Full-day excursion in Cordoba Guided city tour of the historical town by private coach and visit to the Jewish quarter, with its white alleys, patios and flower walls; the Mosque-Cathedral, an exceptional heterogeneous blend of Visigoth, Muslim and Christian cultures, with the famous orange trees square, intended to shelter the faithful; the Tower of Calahorra, an Arabic fortress of the 14th century. Visit to a Flamenco dance school: you’ll get to learn about the three forms of Flamenco (“el Cante”, singing, “el Baile”, dancing and “la Guitarra”, the guitar) and how the gypsies contributed to the Andalousian tradition and popular arts.
DAY 3 Full-day excursion to Seville Guided city tour by private coach: visit of the Plaza de España and Maria Luisa’s Park. Walk around the Santa Cruz district, a former Jewish area with its small squares and flower alleys; visit of the Giralda cathedral, the third biggest cathedral of Europe, with its former minaret and where you will get a beautiful view of the town; visit to the Reales Alcazares of Seville, the Alcazar Royal Palace with fascinating Mudejar decorated rooms.
DAY 4 Full-day excursion to Granada Guided visit of the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens: a remarkable Arabian style fortress with sumptuous rooms, courts and galleries. Visit of the Albaicin area, the oldest and most typical part of the town. Its streets and squares have kept an Arab atmosphere, mixed with the Carmenenes style (houses surrounded by closed gardens).
DAY 5 Departure
MORE... Historical & Cultural stay in France: The Loire Valley Castles
PRICE €412 from
per student
based on 30 students + 2 leaders
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quotation
Eco-Attitude at the Ebro Delta Spain, Nature & Environment 5 days / 4 nights
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ake the choice of an original stay and explore the beautiful Roman remains of Tarragona along with one of the most important European natural park, the Ebro Delta. You will get the opportunity to mix archaeology and biodiversity within two unique Mediterranean sites. DAY 1 Arrival to the Ebro Delta Meet and Greet by a SILC representative and meeting with host families
DAY 2 Full-day excursion in the Ebro Delta Guided «eco-bike» visit of the natural reserve of the Delta : located about 200 km south of Barcelona. This unique natural site offers a varied ecosystem with over 300 species of birds and rare plants, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. You will explore the nature reserve on rented bikes, with a local guide.
DAY 3 Full-day excursion in the Ebro Delta Visit of the Deltebre Ecomuseum to discover the history, wildlife and flora of the delta. Visit to a rice factory. Mini-cruise on the Ebro river, on a typical barge mainly used by the locals to travel within the area.
DAY 4 Full-day excursion to Tarragona Guided tour through the old town: brimming with major ancient remains from the Roman invasion and medieval times (the aqueduct, the circus, Santa Maria’s cathedral and the cloister). Visit to a honey factory: the honey Museum, a bee camp in its natural environment and, of course, honey tasting! Guided visit of a windmill park to discover the resources of wind energy production systems.
DAY 5 Departure
MORE... Eco-Attitude in France: Baie de Somme
PRICE €330 from
per student
based on 30 students + 2 leaders
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free quotation