This spring, ATA created a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse tour for a leading cultural institution, sending nearly 400 travelers to the Texas Hill Country. Along the path of totality, travelers had the chance to witness the celestial spectacle. This was a record-breaking trip for ATA and our esteemed partners, and it encapsulated the spirit of adventure, learning, and community that defines us.
Smithsonian Journeys
A Tribute to Lynn Cutter
It is not often one encounters a leader who propels iconic brands to their historic zeniths. Yet that is what Lynn Cutter has done—twice! On the eve of her retirement from a stellar career, we mark this moment to celebrate a woman whose unparalleled strategic mastery, marketing acumen, analytical brain and keen sense of human potential have had a profound impact on two organizations and countless careers.
Smithsonian’s Oxford Seminar
Smithsonian’s Oxford Seminar In the 1970s, David Parry, ATA’s then President, traveled to Oxford with the idea of creating a “college” experience at one of the great British universities. A few years later, the Oxford Seminar was born, an academically rigorous program for life-long learners. Travelers choose course topics such as archeology, medieval history, garden design, or Churchill. They live at an historic Oxford college, eat at High Table with their tutors, and enjoy learning in an international university setting. This program has operated almost every year since 1979 with at least one partner. To ensure its continued success, past Oxford travelers are involved in course selection and tutors are selected for their ability to engage adult audiences. 0 years since our first Oxford program
D-Day Crossing: London and Normandy via the English Channel
D-Day Crossing:London and Normandy via the English Channel Crossing the English Channel as the Allied Forces did on June 6, 1944 is on the bucket list of many family members of the Greatest Generation. For this reason, we have operated D-Day programs for over 30 years. Each 5th commemorative year, the experience takes on added poignancy, and is now the jewel in the crown of ATA’s military history-themed programs. Participants visit key Churchill sights in London, like the War Room itself, and learn about the Enigma Machine at Bletchley Park that deciphered the German’s encoded messages. During anniversary years, they also attend official D-Day ceremonies alongside of British, French and American dignitaries. In many cases, family members of D-Day veterans return home from this trip understanding for the first time the true nature of their loved one’s wartime experience. Previous Next This program highlights how ATA can take a well-told story and skillfully weave it throughout an itinerary. The places we visit are carefully curated and showcase the destination through the lens of history. It also demonstrates the seasoned organizational skills required to manage a myriad of details, including securing official invitations for travelers to attend the official D-Day ceremonies. Our planning for the 75th anniversary began two years in advance, allowing us to secure prime hotel space and add departures as space filled up. After travelers were booked, we also communicated extensively with them to set expectation vis-à-vis traffic logistics, security concerns, and Brexit! In the end, all nine groups had very memorable experiences.
