BLACK CULTURE TREK 2024
Revisit...
PARIS, BRUSSELS, LONDON
September 21-27 2024
BLACK CULTURE TREK 2024
An immersive journey, crafted to ignite your passion and celebrate heritage.
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS
Embark on a journey of cultural immersion with the Black Culture Trek, presented in collaboration with leading experts in Black cultural exploration in Europe. From the bustling streets of London to the vibrant heart of Paris, this experience is designed to celebrate and illuminate the richness of black culture. Travel through iconic neighborhoods, tracing the footsteps of influential figures in black history and creativity. Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of local communities, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories along the way. Indulge in authentic cuisine, connect with local artisans, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of life in each destination. With ample time for reflection and connection, this is more than a trip—it's a transformative experience. Let’s Go!
TRIP OVERVIEW
Explore three vibrant European cities with the Black Culture Trek, where you'll delve into history, heritage, and discovery.
DATES: September 21, 2024 - September 27, 2024
TRIP DURATION: 7 days, 6 nights
GROUP SIZE: up to 15 travelers
TRAVEL GUIDE: Dr. Raquel
ITINERARY:
Paris - September 21-22
Delve into the African American and Black influence shaping the City of Light. Explore iconic landmarks such as the majestic Eiffel Tower and the renowned Louvre Museum. Take in the beauty of the Champs Elysées while indulging in unique shopping experiences.
Brussels - September 23-24
Experience the rich African presence shaping Belgian history and culture. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultural tapestry of Brussels, exploring its hidden gems and indulging in its culinary delights.
London - September 25-27
Discover the vibrant black community thriving in the heart of London. Explore iconic landmarks including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the historic Big Ben, while immersing yourself in the dynamic energy of the city's cultural scene.
Guiding this adventure is Dr. Raquel, an accomplished international education professional, podcast host, world traveler, and certified strengths and career coach. With a wealth of knowledge and experiences gained from living, working, and studying abroad in various countries, Dr. Raquel is dedicated to helping individuals embark on transformative global journeys and incorporate more global exploration into their everyday lives. And she is excited to guide you through these dynamic cities, where every step reveals a new chapter in the story of black heritage and resilience.
GUIDED EXPERIENCES
Throughout our journey, immerse yourself in curated group experiences led by a designated Best Life Abroad guide, enriching your understanding and appreciation of each destination:
Explore Black culture through private walking and bus tours led by local experts, unveiling the historic neighborhoods that shaped these vibrant cities.
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Step into the vibrant tapestry of Black Paris with a customized tour, featuring a city orientation and a stroll through the rich legacy of African, Caribbean, and African American history. Explore Little Africa and indulge in a shopping spree at Paris' trendiest Africa Diaspora concept store.
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Embark on a captivating tour of London, unveiling the city's top tourist attractions from an African/Caribbean perspective, unraveling 2000 years of London Black history.
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Delve into the Black Heritage of Brussels with a fascinating tour, tracing African history intertwined with Belgium's renowned chocolate, the stories of African soldiers who served in Brussels, and much more.
RETREAT to high-end accommodations each evening, offering a sanctuary to relax and recharge after a day of exploration.
CRUISE along the Thames River on a sightseeing tour, capturing breathtaking views of Big Ben and other historic landmarks.
INDULGE in gastronomic delights in each location with a welcome dinner in Paris, a scenic dinner in Antwerp, and a memorable farewell dinner in London.
Personalized Exploration
DIVE DEEPER INTO YOUR JOURNEY!
Enjoy your very own tailored guidebook crafted by our seasoned Best Life Abroad travel experts.
Unleash your curiosity with ample time for personal exploration:
whether it's indulging in retail therapy along the iconic Champs Elysee, soaring to new heights on the London Eye, or marveling at the brilliance of the historic gilded architecture in Brussels.
Enjoy transportation passes, empowering you to navigate each city's treasures at your leisure.
Have some questions about the
Black Culture Trek?
Schedule a 15-minute Trek Talk.
FULL TRIP ITINERARY
ARRIVAL DAY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21
Morning & Afternoon:
Welcome to Paris! Best Life Abroad will arrange a private coach for a group pick-up from Charles de Gaulle Airport around 10:00 AM. Once you've checked in or dropped off your luggage at the hotel, take some time to explore this beautiful city. Each traveler will receive a personalized guidebook containing valuable information about Paris, Brussels/Antwerp, and London. Additionally, you'll receive a Hop-on/Hop-Off Bus Day Pass to enhance your exploration of the city.
Early Evening:
Join your fellow travelers and Best Life Abroad guides for a Welcome Dinner.
*Meals included: Dinner
DAY TWO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22
Morning & Afternoon: After enjoying a "Euro-Style" breakfast of coffee and a croissant or pastry, local experts will guide us to iconic sites such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées. Additionally, we'll visit sites like Josephine Baker's 1926 home, the residence of Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings, and Parc Monceau, a favorite spot of Frederick Douglass.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening at your leisure to explore the city!
*Meals included: Breakfast
DAY THREE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Morning:
Departure from Paris to Brussels via private coach is scheduled for 7:00 AM. Enjoy a breakfast of coffee and pastry before we depart. The travel time is estimated to be 3-4 hours.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Brussels. Upon arrival, take some time to enjoy lunch on your own before our Brussels Black Culture tour begins.
Late Afternoon:
Begin our Black culture tour of Brussels with insights from local historical and cultural experts. Delve into the impact of Black and African American culture on Belgium, including discussions on the 761st Tank Battalion, the Pan-African Congress and W.E.B. DuBois, and Belgium's connections to the Congo. Enjoy some free time to explore Brussels before we depart for Antwerp, Belgium.
Evening: Check into our hotel in Antwerp and reconnect for a group dinner in the city!
*Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY FOUR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24
Morning & Afternoon:
Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. Take the opportunity to rest, shop, savor authentic Belgian cuisine, and recharge.
Optional Afternoon Diamond Tour and Belgian Bites: We cannot leave Belgium without visiting one of the worlds most international cities- Antwerp! Not only is it international, but did you know that 80% of the world’s diamonds come through Antwerp. Get an up-close and personal look at some of these diamonds with a private diamond tour. Following the tour, our Best Life Abroad team will take you to their favorite frituur (Belgian fries) and Belgian waffle shops in the city. No additional cost!
Evening:
Enjoy your free time to explore the city!
*Meals included: None
DAY FIVE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25
Morning & Afternoon:
Departure from Antwerp by train is scheduled for 8:00 AM, heading to Brussels to catch the Eurostar train across the English Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel", to arrive in London! A Euro-style breakfast will be provided. The travel time to London will be approximately 3 hours.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in London, check in to our hotel. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore this vibrant and bustling city at your own pace. You will receive a Hop-on/Hop-Off Bus Day Pass and a pre-loaded Oyster card to facilitate your travels around the city.
Evening:
Enjoy your free time to explore at your leisure!
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY SIX THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Morning:
Enjoy a breakfast of coffee and pastry before our 10:00 AM Black Culture Tour. During the tour, we'll delve into the influence of the British Black Panthers, Nelson Mandela, and Frederick Douglass. We'll visit Brixton and other historical sites such as the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament.
Late Afternoon:
Take some time to enjoy lunch on your own and explore this vibrant and diverse city.
Evening:
Join us for a farewell dinner and a scenic boat ride along the River Thames.
*Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY SEVEN FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27
Morning:
Enjoy a breakfast of coffee and pastry before departing for Heathrow Airport at 7:00 AM. Please note that travel time to the airport can range from 50 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. Arrival time at the airport may vary. Safe travels!
*Meals included: Breakfast
