Travel Offerings 2026/2027:

Trip #1: ICELAND - Glaciers & geysers - May Long Weekend

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the dramatic landscapes and ancient legends of Iceland! This once-in-a-lifetime adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you’ll explore vibrant boutiques, stand atop the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church, and dive into the gripping history of the Viking sagas. From the city, we head to the legendary South Shore to witness nature’s raw power, walking behind the misty veil of Seljalandsfoss and wander the hauntingly beautiful black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. The journey continues into the frozen wonders of Skaftafell to view the vast Vatnajökull Ice Cap before reaching the luminous icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. You will also experience the wonders of the Golden Circle, standing between tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, witnessing the explosive Strokkur geyser, and marveling at the golden spray of Gullfoss waterfall. After a tasty stop for farm-to-table gelato, you will cap off the adventure with a rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich, geothermal waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon. From thundering waterfalls to shimmering glaciers and volcanic wonders, every moment of this trip is packed with discovery and awe. Join us and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Trip Lead - Ms. Webber

TRIP # 2: South Africa Music Tour- Cape of Good Hope to West End Lights

A Multi-Continental Music Odyssey - Spring Break

This Spring Break, the SMUS Music Program invites our musicians to embark on a bold, multi-continental journey bridging the soulful traditions of South Africa with the iconic stages of London. This is more than a series of concerts; it is a masterclass in global citizenship, artistic resilience, and the universal power of performance.

Part I: The Soul of the Rainbow Nation

Our journey begins in the breathtaking, cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town. Our Band, Strings, and Choir will move beyond the traditional concert hall to engage in "side-by-side" residencies with local independent schools and participate in transformative workshops with the Delft Big Band—a project using music to rewrite the future for youth in the Cape Flats.

From the world-class choral heights of Stellenbosch to the rugged, coastal beauty of the Garden Route in Knysna, students will witness firsthand how music serves as a tool for social change and a celebration of the human spirit.

Part II: The Precision of the West End

The adventure culminates in London, where the energy shifts from rhythms unique to South Africa to the polished precision of the West End. In this celebratory final leg, students will immerse themselves in the rich orchestral history of the United Kingdom and experience the magic of world-class professional theatre.

SMUS last toured South Africa in 2018, but this is the first SMUS Music trip to the African Continent. Planned by Merito Travel, and joined by Yamaha Master Educator Jonathan Bell and local South African community guides, this tour offers our student musicians a rare opportunity to let their voices be heard on an international stage. By connecting intimately with the people, history, and culture of two distinct worlds, students will return not just as better performers, but as more empathetic global citizens.

Trip leads - Mr. Farish

Trip #3: Europe - From Vimy To Juno: History of Canada in world wars - Spring Break

Prepare to walk the hallowed grounds where history transitioned from the pages of a textbook into the soil beneath your boots, as you set foot on the iconic European battlefields where Canadian soldiers forged a heroic reputation that forever changed our nation's identity. This journey is a visceral trek through the echoes of the Great War and the liberation of Europe, taking you from the soaring, somber limestone pylons of the Vimy Memorial—a site that captures both the triumph of the "creeping barrage" and the staggering cost of victory—to the windswept shores of Normandy. At the Juno Beach Centre, the experience shifts from observation to immersion; through exclusive activities designed specifically for our group, you will stand where the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division stormed the Atlantic Wall, engaging in unique programming that brings the grit, courage, and personal stories of the 1944 landings to life. By exploring the preserved trenches and the silent rows of headstones across these historic regions, you won’t just study the World Wars—you will feel the gravity of the sacrifice and the immense pride of a young country stepping onto the world stage.

Trip Lead - Mr. Lynch

TRIP # 4: SPAIN & MOROCCO - A CROSSROADS OF CULTURE -Spring Break

Embark on an unforgettable March 2027 adventure through the vibrant cultures of southern Spain and Morocco—a journey where history, adventure, and unforgettable experiences come together. Students will immerse themselves in the passion of Spain with a live soccer match, a hands-on cooking class, and an authentic flamenco show in Seville before exploring the dramatic cliffs of Caminito del Rey, relaxing on the beaches of Málaga, and taking in the spectacular views of Ronda. In Granada’s historic Sacromonte district, we will stargaze under the Andalusian sky and spend the night in a traditional cave dwelling. Crossing into Morocco, students will discover the rich connections between these neighbouring cultures as they explore the bustling souks and medinas of Marrakesh, learn local culinary traditions through cooking classes, hike in the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, and experience the magic of the Sahara with a camel trek and overnight stay in the desert. This trip promises an extraordinary blend of cultural discovery, outdoor adventure, and lifelong memories.

Trip Leads - Mr. Bates, Ms. Butler, Mr. Hlannon