For 20 days, my delegation and I will be traveling to France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy in that order.
Now you're probably thinking "Wow that sounds great Rose, but what will you be seeing? Give us details!"
Well of course I will, so here's our 2012 Heart of Europe Trip Itinerary.
Heart of Europe
DESTINATION(S): AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, FRANCE, AND ITALY
DURATION: 20 DAYS
AUDIENCE: Grades 9th - 12th
Paris, France
See in person the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and many more of the world’s most treasured pieces at the Louvre Museum.
Walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso as you explore the bohemian life of the vibrant Montmartre district.
Taste the gamut of French food, including famous local delicacies, and compare to the American cuisine served in the Hard Rock Café Paris.
See yourself in Versailles’ famous Hall of Mirrors and explore its expansive, lush gardens as you visit the former home of French royalty.
Stand under the soaring arches of the Arc de Triomphe, and wander the specialty shops of the luxurious Champs-Elysées.
Look down on the City of Light from more than 1,000 feet up—at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Switzerland
Try the famously rich Swiss food when you shop for lunch in an Alpine village—and perhaps even get some friendly locals’ recommendations!
Relax in the pristine Alpine atmosphere of the Swiss mountains, and understand why it has been a luxury vacation destination for Europeans for centuries.
But don’t just gaze up in wonder at the Swiss Alps—explore their beauty by cruising an idyllic mountain lake.
Salzburg, Austria
Feel like you’ve stepped into the movies by seeing the awe-inspiring scenery of The Sound of Music.
See the beginnings of Austria’s most famous classical musician by visiting the very house in which Mozart was born.
Get tips and tricks from professional chefs on baking an Austrian specialty (apfelstrudel).
Give back to the communities hosting you by taking part in a unique, international service project.
Mauthausen, Austria
Contemplate the realities of World War II by visiting one of the deadliest concentration camps of World War II.
Hear what living in a concentration camp was really like by speaking with one of the few remaining survivors.
Step back in time to the beginnings of People to People by visiting the camp—President Eisenhower’s inspiration to create the program.
Vienna, Austria
Experience what it’s like to live in one of the world’s most desirable locations as you wander Austria’s largest city on foot.
See where Austrian teens go for fun—and join them there—by visiting Prater amusement park and its concert hall.
Get the inside scoop on living like a local by staying with a friendly Austrian, Swiss, or German family for a few nights.
Go back in time to the Middle Ages by spending an evening in a full re-creation—perfect down to the last detail in food, clothing, and games.
Sirnitz, Austria
Kick up your heels and learn a popular Austrian dance from a local professional.
Tantalize your taste buds with a famous local delicacy.
Visit Austria’s roots—and modern-day life—by visiting a local Austrian farmer in this picturesque mountain town.
Venice, Italy
Be welcomed as an Ambassador by a local dignitary.
See Venice from its best viewpoint by floating in a gondola along one of its many canals.
See hand blown glass being made as you watch a local expert demonstrate this traditional Italian art form.
Ramble through picturesque Tuscany on your way to Florence.
Let the soaring structures and amazing art of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace take your breath away.
Florence, Italy
Visit the birthplace of the Renaissance, and see the art and architecture that inspired Western culture.
Get up close and personal with one of the world’s most famous sculptures by visiting Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery.
Learn about the realities of daily Italian life by speaking with a church or political official.
Explore the Square of Miracles, home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Rome, Italy
Visit the smallest country—with one of the most beautiful art collections—in the world by stopping by the home of the Pope, the Vatican and its Sistine Chapel.
Visit the ancient roots of Western civilization by stepping into the Roman Colosseum.
Follow in the footsteps of emperors as you meander through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum.
Toss a coin into the legendary Trevi Fountain, and, according to legend, ensure that you’ll return to Rome
Doesn't it sound AMAZING?! Of course this isn't just some sight-seeing trip for a bunch of high-schoolers, this is forty responsible young adults becoming more culturally aware and more enriched citizens of the United States. As Student Ambassadors, we will be representing our country and be meeting other ambassadors as well. Also, we will be doing some community service activities, such as helping to build a Cathedral! This is an amazing opportunity and I cant wait to go and share all my experiences with everyone :)
That's pretty much all for now, thanks everyone :)
