Day 1: June 28, 2002: Depart United States
Assemble in your departure city for your overnight flight to Rome, Italy.
Day 2: June 29, 2002: Rome, Italy
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival in Rome, known as the "Eternal City," your People to People delegation manager and coach driver will greet you. For a first impression of Rome, and to get oriented in this large city, you'll start with a short city walk. Tonight enjoy dinner at one of the most well known Pizzerias of Rome, "La Monte Carlo."
Day 3: June 30, 2002: Rome, Italy
Discover the sights and sounds of Rome! Pay a visit to the Roman Forum, The Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Palatine Hill. The afternoon's activities include an exploration of the city center: Piazza Novona, the Pantheon, the Campo de' Fiori, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. Don't forget to bring your coins; tossing a coin in the fountain will grant your wish to return to Roma!
Day 4: July 1, 2002: Rome, Italy
Today you will visit the capital of Catholicism and the world's smallest state, the Vatican. Marvel at St. Peter's Cathedral, which contains hundreds of works of art, including Michelangelo's glorious Pieta. Just off the cathedral you'll find the Sistine Chapel, containing what are perhaps the most amazing frescoes in the world. This afternoon, there will be an educational meeting either with a priest who will speak generally about Catholicism in Italy, and the organization of the Vatican, or a nun who will explain what life as a nun in Rome is like. Dinner tonight will be amid the lively atmosphere of the Planet Hollywood!
Day 5: July 2, 2002: Tuscan Countryside, Italy
This morning you will travel to Volterra, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding Tuscan hills. Then attend an educational meeting at an Alabaster factory, followed by some time to investigate this charming town. In the afternoon you will see one of the most famous buildings in Europe when you travel to Pisa, whose powerful navy once dominated the Mediterranean. An orientation of the city will be followed by a visit to the Square of Miracles, where you'll see some of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, including the Leaning Tower. Begun in 1173, the Tower started to tilt even before the third level was finished in 1274, and was finally completed in 1350. Afterwards, continue your drive through the Tuscan countryside, where you'll spend the night.
Day 6: July 3, 2002: Venice, Italy
This morning you'll travel to one of the most culturally rich cities in the world: Florence. Meet your Italian guide for an initial look at the city of Florence. You'll get an overview of the colorful history of Florence and take a walk through the city center. The Duomo, the famous symbol of Florence, is the tallest building in the city and the fourth largest cathedral in Europe. Look for the bronze doors to the Baptistry, known as the "Gate of Paradise." Then pay a visit to the Accademia gallery, which houses Michelangelo's colossal statue, "David." This afternoon, head north to your next stop. If any city in the world can truly be described as unique, it's Venice, the one-time gateway to the Orient. Winding through the heart of the city is the Grand Canal, which remains, in the words of a French Ambassador of 1495, "The most beautiful street in the world." Upon arrival in Venice, take a private boat to your accomidations. This evening take an enchanting walk through this magical city, which is made up of 118 islands, 180 canals, and 450 bridges.
Day 7: July 4, 2002: Venice, Italy
Spend the morning exploring the bustling alleys, quain bridges, and narrow canals of Venice. Why not enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and take a ride in a Gondola? If there's one thing Venice is famous for- besides gondolas- it's glass. Watch a demonstration of Venetian glass blowing in the glass factory, Veccia Murano. Here you'll have an opportunity to buy some wonderful souvenirs for your family. In the afternoon, enjoy some time to investigate the city in small groups. In the evening take part in an interesting educational meeting about the many aspects of Venetian culture and history.
Day 8: July 5, 2002: St. Veit, Austria
Bid goodbye to Italy this morning. Just across the border of Austria lies Sirnitz, where you will stop to visit a mill and farm. Have fun working with the local residents to gather all the necessary ingredients to make your own lunch. Continue your journey to the small castle town of Friesach, once important for its key location in the Venice-Vienna trade route. Here you will receieve a formal welcoming by residents and town officials, followed by an exciting exhibitition which will take you back to the world of the Middle Ages. Afterwards, enjoy a rousing and unforgettable medieval dinner.
Day 9: July 6, 2002: Vienna, Austria
After breakfast depart for the well known university city of Graz and enjoy a city walk with your delegation manager. In the afternoon you will arrive in Vienna, the capital and cultural center of Austria. This evening, enjoy the Parter Amusement Park, where James Bond had an adventurous ride on the giant Riesengrad (The second largest ferris wheel in the world) in 1987's "The Living Daylights."
Day 10: July 7, 2002: Vienna, Austria
This morning explore Vienna, taking in many famous sights as you get to know the city with the tram. In the afternoon take part in a discussion with a survivor of the concentration camp at Mauthenhausen. This is a unique opportunity, and a true honor for the Student Ambassadors! This evening, attend a concert at one of the famous concert houses in Vienna.
Day 11: July 8, 2002: Steyr Homestay, Austria
In the morning you will enjoy a city tour of Vienna. This afternoon experience a darker aspect of European history when you visit the infamous Mauthenhausen concentration camp. Later, travel to Steyr, where you will meet your homestay family and be welcomed into your new "home!"
Day 12: July 9, 2002: Steyr Homestay, Austria
Today will be spent with your homestay family, learning about Austria home life.
Day 13: July 10, 2002: Steyr Homestay, Austria
Today will be spent with your homestay family, learning about Austria home life.
Day 14: July 11, 2002: Steyr Homestay, Austria
Today will be the last full day you spend with your homestay family.
Day 15: July 12, 2002: Salzburg, Austria
Rejoin your delegation and take pleasure in the scenic drive to the beautiful small town of St. Wolfgang-- famous for the "White Horse Inn" and the sights of the movie "The Sound of Music." You will have some time to enjoy this typical Austrian village in small groups. Later continue your drive on to the Salzburg region. In the evening, you will get a first impression of the city of Salzburg ("salt town"), where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, on a city walk with your delegation manager.
Day 16: July 13, 2002: Salzburg, Austria
This morning it's off to Hallein to visit the famous salt mines. Go deep into a mysterious enderground world, as you ride in a mine-trolley or swish on wooden slides into the heart of the mountain. After exploring the mines, return to Salzburg for lunch. Your delegation will be divided into small groups and will receive money to buy lunch for the entire group. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to investigate Salzburg and uncover its many treasures. Then stop at the strange and ingenious Hellbrunn water castle, where trick fountains and water-powered figures have been pleasing visitors for four hundred years. Expect to get wet!
Day 17: July 14, 2002: Zurich, Switzerland
Today you will travel to Innsbruck ("Bridge over the Inn River"), the capital of the region of Tyrol, and the home of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, explore the city with your delegation manager. Watch for the Golden Datchl, made up of 2,657 gilded copper tiles. Emporer Maximilian used to watch the street performers from the balcony. Enjoy lunch at the "Villa Blanka" in Innsbruck, where you will have an educational meeting. Afterwards, continue your drive through scenic Austria to Zurich, Switzerland.
Day 18: July 15, 2002: Overnight Train Zurich-Paris
This morning you will visit the midieval city of Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland. Stroll along the picturesque Kapellbrucke, the wooden bridge spanning Lake Lucerne, and have a look at the Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss soldiers who died in the French Revolution. You might also want to take the opportunity to buy some Swiss chocolate for your friends and family back at home. In the afternoon, explore downtown Zurich, Switzerland's most populous city. Along the way, see how many of Zurich's 1,030 fountains you can spot. In the evening, climb aboard your overnight train to Paris, France!
Day 19: July 16, 2002: Paris, France
This morning your train will pull into Paris, the "City of Light." For a dazzling view of Paris, there's only one place to go: up. Take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower (899 feet), which was built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the French Revolution. Afterwards climb aboard a river boat for a cruise along the Siene. A French guide will join you in the afternoon for an orientation of Paris. Later, visit the historic Mentmartre area, a haven for artists and writers before WWI. Marvel at the white Basilique du Sacre Coeur. Did you know that the dome is the second highest point in Paris?
Day 20: July 17, 2002: Paris, France
In the morning you will explore the magnificent Chateau de Versailles. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it was the seat of the royal court from 1682 to 1789, when the French Revolution put an end to the monarchy. Then have lunch in the Opera Quarter, where cafes and shops line the grand boulevards. You will have some time to explore this vibrant area in small groups. This afternoon enjoy a guided exploration of one of the most important art collections in the world, the famous Musee du Louvre. You will visit only the principal parts of the museum, including a look at Leonardo's masterpiece, Mona Lisa. Dinner tonight will be amid the lively atmosphere of the Hard Rock Cafe!
Day 21: July 18, 2002: Depart for United States
Pack up your suitcase for the last time and board the coach for the airport. Goodbye, Europe!