Katie Johnson and Pat Gegen are organizing an educational tour to London and Scotland available to the  Island School community during October break 2026. Katie Johnson is an alum parent at Island School,  and Pat Gegen is an alum parent and Social Studies teacher and  Eighth Grade Dean at Island School. They have been running educational tours together since 2019.  Through a renowned educational travel program, Passports Educational Group Travel, Katie and Pat will  lead this private tour group experience to explore the historical sites, culture, and beauty of London and Scotland. Tour highlights in London include visits to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the changing of the  guard, Windsor Castle, the London Eye, Borough Market, seeing the Rosetta Stone at the British  Museum and attending a renowned musical at the famous West End theater. In Edinburgh, travelers will  visit the ancient royal mile, the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, experience the delicious  royal tradition of High Tea and embark on an evening Ghost Walking Tour. The tour then continues to explore the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland, with a cruise on Lock Lomand, a visit to Doune Castle  (featured in episodes of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python) and a visit to the small town of  Roslin, where we will see the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel (featured in the movie The Da Vinci Code) which  is regarded as outstanding example of stone carving and been linked to the Holy Grail, the Medieval Knights Templar, and more! This educational tour will appeal to students and parents alike who want to  experience the best of Britain—London’s history and theater, Edinburgh’s royal heritage and ghostly  tales, and the Highlands’ breathtaking scenery featured in Harry Potter, Outlander, and Game of  Thrones. 

While open only to members of the IS community (students, parents/family members, staff,  alumni/family members), this is a distinctive invitation to participate in this independent travel program.  Potential travelers should plan to attend the informational meeting on Wednesday, November 12th, at  6pm at Island School in the Ulu classroom (directly behind the basketball court) to learn more about  the tour. 

If you will be attending the meeting, please email Katie Johnson at katierjohnson@proton.me so that  she can plan accordingly. If you have questions beforehand, or are unable to attend the meeting, you  may also email Katie for more information. The tour registration deadline is Wednesday, November 19,  2025.  

To learn more about this Community Tour* facilitated by Passports Educational Group Travel, you are  invited to explore the online photo album here for the Greece 2023 tour. 

*This educational, community tour program is created and run by community members, for community members,  and facilitated by Passports Educational Group Travel and is not an Island School program.