| Paris, Florence, Venice, and the |
| German/ Austrian Alps - 10 Days |
Day 1
Depart for Europe!
Day 2
After dropping off our luggage at our hotel, we will visit Les Invalides, where Napoleon is buried and explore the French Army Museum. Then, after checking into our hotel and having lunch, we will later visit the famous Notre Dame cathedral. Next, we will visit the famous Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and many other astounding works of art. Later we will visit the Sacre Couer cathedral and view Paris from above.
Day 3
Today we will visit Place de la Concorde and have lunch on the Avenue des Champs Elysees. Later we will visit the famed Arch de Triumph! In the afternoon we will head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a magnificent view of the city! You may also opt to view the Moulin Rouge lit up by night! Also, last chance for shopping and sight-seeing.
Day 4
Today we fly to Milan, Italy! (We may take an overnight train straight to Florence on the night of Day 3.) Arrive in Florence in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy. Stroll through Ponte Vecchio and other famous shopping areas of Florence.
Day 5
Spend the day in the city that gave birth to the Renaissance – Florence! Visit the massive church called the Duomo and view Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise and Giotto's Bell Tower. Opt to climb the tower leading up to the top of the Duomo for a spectacular view of Florence. Tour the Galleria dell Accademia, where you will see the towering statue of the David. Eat dinner that evening enjoying an atmosphere only Florence can provide.
Day 6
Depart for the magical city of Venice, where we will experience St. Mark’s Square, many unique and famous stores, and other important historical and cultural sites. You may even want to take an evening gondola ride through the canals on your own!
Day 7
We will continue to have more opportunity for exploring and shopping on the island of Venice. We will visit the Basilica of St. Marks and students have the option of visiting other notable sights such as the Doges Palace or a famous glass blowing shop.
Day 8
Early morning departure for our destination on the German/Austrian border - the quaint Bavarian villages of Garmisch – Partenkirchen. After our arrival in the late afternoon, we will take a short hike up a spectacular gorge called Partnachlam, and on the way see Olympic Stadium which was the site of the 1936 Winter Games. Then, we will enjoy Bavarian dinner with music and dancing.
Day 9
In the morning, we will then leave for Eibsee for the cogwheel train ride up to the Zugspitze Peak. www.zugspitze.de From this top-of-the-world vantage point, view the German, Austrian, Swiss, and Italian Alps! Then take the cable ride down (the steepest in Europe) to a very scenic lake called Eibsee. In the afternoon, we will depart for Mad King Ludwig’s castle at Neuschwanstein, the beautiful castle that Walt Disney used as a pattern for his castle.
Day 10
After nine unforgettable days, depart for home!
