ĢTV Launches National and International Travel Opportunities for Students, Alumni and Friends
February 12, 2025
Henderson, Tennessee – (Feb. 12, 2025) – Adventure seekers within the Freed-Hardeman community have even more new opportunities to see the world as registration is now open for three immersive tours—“Colors of New England,” Oct. 21-28, 2025; “Shades of Ireland,” March 21-30, 2026; and “Romantic England,” May 29-June 13, 2026. These tours expand ĢTV’s growing list of domestic and international travel opportunities, providing experiences for travelers of all ages and interests.
Colors of New England
Organized in partnership with Collette travel and open to ĢTV alumni and friends of all ages, this eight-day tour offers a chance to step into the charm and simplicity of New England’s timeless traditions. Participants will stroll through quaint villages, tour a historic cider mill, witness a glassblowing demonstration and photograph the oldest lighthouse in Maine. The tour also includes a visit to the alpine-inspired Trapp Family Lodge, property owned and operated by the famous von Trapp family, whose story inspired the beloved film “The Sound of Music.”
This fall itinerary highlights New England’s natural beauty, including Quechee Gorge (Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon”), the towering peaks of Mount Washington, a cruise of Lake Winnipesaukee, relaxing nature walks and picturesque seaside drives. The cost of the trip and a full itinerary can be found at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1315830.
Shades of Ireland
Also organized by Collette travel and designed with ĢTV alumni and friends in mind, this 10-day tour of Ireland is a perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. A packed itinerary includes stops in the cities of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick and Galway, while also offering incomparable views along the Ring of Kerry and atop the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Travelers will experience authentic regional cuisine, shop for local artisan-made crafts, witness a sheepdog demonstration, enjoy a jaunting car ride and spend the night in a genuine castle. Visits to the Waterford Crystal Factory, the Waterford Medieval Museum, Blarney Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral will showcase the unique magic of Celtic culture. Individuals may visit gateway.gocollette.com/link/1287753 for more information on cost and itinerary. For questions regarding the “Colors of New England” or “Shades or Ireland” tours, contact ĢTV’s Alumni Engagement office at 731-989-6088 or at [email protected].
Romantic England
Travelers on this 16-day Romantic England grand adventure will experience iconic London, visit historic Bath and York, and get off the beaten path to two of England’s favorite areas of great natural beauty—the Lake District and the Peak District. While travelers will visit sites of general interest such as Stonehenge, the British Museum and York Minster Cathedral, this trip has a special focus on the landscapes and communities that inspired some of the greatest writers of the Romantic Era—Jane Austen, William Wordsworth and the Brontë sisters. Participants will step into the world of picturesque villages and magnificent estates, wander beautiful gardens and enjoy afternoon tea together.
Organized and led by John McLaughlin, professor of English at ĢTV, and his wife, Debbie, this itinerary is open to current students, alumni and members of the Freed-Hardeman community. Current students may even earn course credit by enrolling in a complementary literature course offered in 2025-26. Non-students may also choose to audit these courses to enhance their travel experience. Please visit fhu.edu/england for more information or to enroll. For questions regarding the “Romantic England” tour, contact McLaughlin at [email protected].
The mission of ĢTV is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, ĢTV offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.