As we made our way to Venice, we were all surprised by the beautiful and warm weather, as it was quite a change from the top of the glacier in breathtaking Zermatt. We were very excited to finally be in Italy and enjoy its infamous pizza and pasta. Brooke and Katie were amazed by how beautiful the city was, they were thrilled to be in Venice. Our first night in concluded with all trip members enjoying a swim in the pool on the roof-top of the hotel looking over the city.

Our second day in Venice brought many exciting things. We started off our morning in the Jewish Ghetto where we took a guided tour in the synagogue. The trip members were interested to find out that the ghetto in Venice is the oldest of all the ghettos in the world. Gil and Hayley really enjoyed the amazing pizza from one of the delicious kosher restaurants there. After spending the morning in the Jewish ghetto, Evan was extremely excited to have time to explore the town with his group and negotiate a deal for a fedora hat. In the afternoon, Gilly, Colton and Valerie were looking forward to watching the glass blowing demonstrations at the famous Murano glass factory. Damion, a thirty-five year glass blowing expert created a beautiful vase and a glass horse right before our eyes! The trip members were fascinated by Damion’s talent and were excited to browse around the factory to see what other treasures they could find, now knowing how much work goes into creating these masterpieces.

Later in the day, the trip divided up into five teams to participate in a little friendly competition with a game of People Hunt. The object of this challenge is to find people that match the clues you are given by the trip leaders. Dani M, Mayra, Hayley, Eliza and Lindsay came in first place, finding the most people to answer their questions. Our night was concluded by enjoying a relaxing gondola ride and gelato in St. Marco square at sunset. What better way to end our time in this amazingly interesting place!

As we left Venice and continued our journey to Rimini, Danielle S, Megan and Ben were psyched for beach time. We created new memories while spending the afternoon lounging by the beach and playing in the water. Valerie impressed us with her volleyball skills when she played volleyball against Tour Director, Bryan. Hayley and Mayra couldn’t wait to hit the dance floor that night when we headed to the disco! Watching all the trip members dancing together was such a sight to see! Their smiling faces truly made our day!

After a fun-filled night at the disco, our last day in Rimini was concluded with mini-putt golf, gelato and frozen yogurt as well as an early celebratory dinner in honor of Jessie’s “Sweet 16” birthday!

We are very excited to tour Rome and to finally see the Coliseum and Vatican- two places that we have heard so much about! Fedoras off as we make our way through our last week of the best European tour ever!

 The Westcoast Blogger

If Napoleon were alive today, he would be proud of how much we have conquered thus far. Our trip is off to an incredible start, and it is certain that the foundations for great friendships are beginning to form. If our karaoke performances are any indication, this trip will truly be one to remember. Highlights included Gil stepping up to the mic with a solo performance, a beautiful serenade for staff member Becky. Peter’s rendition of ‘Ice Ice Baby’ also makes it into the top five, while Ben’s version of Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ was a testament to his talent as a DJ (DJBK!). The evening closed with everyone on stage singing ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis at the top of their lungs! A special shout out goes to Danielle S. whose enthusiasm for singing was matched by her dancing moves!

As we got ready to depart Paris for our journey to Annecy, we were already looking back on our time here fondly. The Eiffel Tower at night is a sight to behold, both from land and from the River Seine. While we posed for pictures with the beautiful tower as our backdrop, it seemed as though David was overcome with emotion. Meanwhile, Jessie, Katie, Megan, Mimi, Lindsay, Gilly and Eliza met some Korean friends on board Les Bateau Mouches and embarked on our most recent challenge, ‘Trade Up’, trading a paper clip for a package of Korean Tea.

Our trip to Versailles was a gorgeous day, and just prior to getting a lesson on Louis XIV, we ate some of the most amazing crepes on a beautiful cobblestone street. While it seemed a little bit different, Colton’s beef filled crepe was actually quite tasty.

In addition to the artistry in Le Louvre, or the beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral, we have also appreciated the smaller things on this trip. Brooke’s tutorial on Justin Bieber was most impressive, while the intellectual debates between Megan and Mimi have kept the bus rides rather entertaining and informative. We are all looking forward to seeing the countryside in France en route to Annecy.

Until the next installment, this is the European Escape signing off. Au revoir et a la prochaine!

The Westcoast Blogger

Looking to travel to Europe this summer, check out these itineraries …

• ON TOUR European Escapade – 21 Days
• ON TOUR European Experience – 28 Days
• European Escape – 21 Days
• European Discovery – 30 Days
• Spain Language: Madrid, Barcelona & the Costa Del Sol – 21 or 28 Days
• Pre-College Enrichment Barcelona – 21 or 28 Days
• Backpack Europe – 21 or 28 Days (ON TOUR 14, 15, or 28 Days)

Join us in Europe this summer and be part of our 100th trip to Europe, quite the milestone!

The Westcoast Blogger

Switzerland

Sweitz, La Suisse. This amazing little country has four official languages and though it occupies an area smaller than most U.S. states and has a population that is less than Manhattan, they manage to produce some incredible soccer talent.  Training at higher altitude gives this team the ability to show up physically fit and make up for some of the imbalance they have compared to the more talented European teams like Portugal, Spain and England.  The Swiss are considered minnows but for the past four World Cups that they have participated in, they have been a tough competitor. In 2006, they became the first team in the history of the cup to be knocked out without having conceded a goal (they were eliminated in the 2nd round in a penalty shootout with the Ukraine).

You can visit Switzerland while skiing or snowboarding in miraculous Zermatt or Tignes or gazing at breathtaking Interlaken on many of our programs in Europe including our European Discovery, European Escape, European Experience, European Escapade, Backpack France and Switzerland and Backpack Europe programs.

Spain

Can La Rojo be stopped?  When you think of soccer skills, everyone seems to think of Argentina and Brazil and thoughts of Pele and Maradona come to mind but since 2007 the best team in the world has truly been Spain. The winner of the 2008 European Cup, Spain oozes with talent. Up front they have two of the best in Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Barcelona’s brand new signing David Villa (both of whom would be the starting forward on any team in the world). But it is in midfield where Spain just cannot be compared. Names like Xaxi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, David Silva and Pedro are enough to make any team unable to sleep at night. These guys play for teams like Barcelona, Valencia, Real Madrid and Arsenal and can move the ball like it is a part of their body. If there is one weakness with the Spaniards, it could be their defense. But when you are this good going forward, who needs defense!

With 360° Student Travel you can travel throughout Spain on our Language Immersion program called the Spanish Spectacular or spend your summer in Barcelona on our Pre-College Enrichment: Barcelona program.

The Westcoast Blogger

Now that everything is normal, the Italian fans expect nothing but the best. Their team however has overachieved and, though still a powerhouse, is not nearly the team they once were. Leaders like former captain Francesco Totti and 2006 match winner Fabio Grosso have been left out of the team and those remaining are not all Internationally tested. A group consisting of Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia should gain the Italian team much needed confidence but don’t expect them to go much further than the round of 16.  Having said that, the same thing was said 2006 and they managed to lift the cup. With arguably the best “keeper in the world and the stingiest defense,” you just never know.

You can enjoy sumptuous pasta and the energy of Italy on all of our European touring programs including our European Discovery, European Escape, European Experience, European Escapade, Backpack Italy and Backpack Europe programs.

The Westcoast Blogger