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Summer School Itinerary and Program of Study

Day 1 Flight

Overnight flight to Great Britain
Relax as you fly overnight across the Atlantic.

Day 2 London

Arrival in London
Touch down in London, Europe's largest city. After clearing customs, you are greeted by your EF Tour Director, who will remain with you throughout your stay.

Walking tour of London
Stroll through the heart of London on today's walking tour, which begins along the banks of the River Thames. These shadowy waters gave the city its name, which derives from Llyn-Dyn, Celtic for "city of the lake." Walk along the Strand and see the spot considered to be London's geographic center; all measurements of distances to London end here. Enter Trafalgar Square and pause at Nelson's Column, built to commemorate his 1805 victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. Continue on to Leicester Square, where duelists once fought to the death. Then saunter through London's tiny Chinatown. Your walk ends at chic Covent Garden, where you'll enjoy watching street performers (or "buskers") amuse the lively crowds. (The exact walking route may vary, depending on your hotel location and the day's other activities.)

Day 3 London

Guided sightseeing of London
A local guide leads you on a tour of London. Begin in Grosvenor Square, which is sometimes called "Little America" because it's the site of the U.S. embassy and the house where Eisenhower once lived. Continue to Hyde Park Corner, located at the southeast corner of Hyde Park, one of London's largest parks. At bustling Piccadilly Circus, the intersection of five busy streets, check out the bright lights and big-city displays, before heading to Trafalgar Square. Pass Speaker's Corner, where anyone with something to say is invited to speak his or her mind. Snap a photo of the Houses of Parliament and continue along London's South Bank for views of the famous Tower of London and London Bridge. Stroll across the Millennium Bridge for an orientation of St. Paul's Cathedral, the magnificent 17th-century Baroque church designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Finally, witness a London tradition—the Changing of the Guard (subject to scheduling). Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 4 London

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 5 London: Paris

Transfer via the Eurostar from London to Paris
In London, board the high-speed Eurostar, an 18-car train that runs through the tunnel connecting Britain with continental Europe. Enjoy state-ofthe- art technology as you glide under the English Channel to France.

Arrival in Paris
Arrive in Paris, cosmopolitan City of Light.

Day 6 Paris

Guided sightseeing of Paris
Discover the city on the Seine, beginning with the imposing Arc de Triomphe, commemorating Napoleon's Grande Armée. Take a drive down the elegant Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. Pass the Conciergerie, where prisoners of the Revolution spent their final days, and see Les Invalides, Louis XIV's grand retirement home for wounded soldiers. You'll also see the École Militaire, where Napoleon graduated to lieutenant and was told he'd go far if circumstances allowed. Next, make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower to marvel at the 6,000-ton centerpiece for the 1889 World's Fair. You'll hear the story of how this impressive—but once highly controversial—symbol of Paris was spared the wrecking ball in 1909. Pass the Opéra Garnier, where the famous Phantom of the Opera haunted his dear Christine, and marvel at Église de la Madeleine, designed as a temple of glory for Napoleon's army. Continue past the geometric gardens of the Tuileries as you make your way to the Place Vendôme, a vast square surrounded by elegant 17th-century façades.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 7 Paris

Visit to the Louvre
Built to defend the city in the 13th century, the Louvre today safeguards one of the world's greatest art collections. Enter the museum through world-renowned architect I.M. Pei's glass pyramid, constructed in 1989. Inside, discover priceless antiquities from Asia, Greece and Rome. You'll also see precious objects from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as iconic European paintings such as the Mona Lisa.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral
Built between 1163 and 1361 over the remains of an ancient Roman temple, it was here that Napoleon crowned himself emperor in 1804. Victor Hugo once described the sculptured façade of Notre Dame as "a vast symphony in stone." However, had it not been for the creation of his famous hunchback, Quasimodo, the cathedral might never have returned to its former glory. Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame helped inspire a 23-year restoration of the cathedral that began in 1841. Step inside to admire the stained-glass rose windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings.

Day 8 Paris: Amsterdam

Transfer to Amsterdam via tour director-led sightseeing of Brussels
Crossing into Belgium, travel to Brussels. The city is an exciting mix of the traditional (houses and cobblestone streets hundreds of years old) and the modern (elegant glass and steel skyscrapers housing international banks and businesses).

Orientation tour of Amsterdam
Your tour director introduces you to Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is also an important commercial, historic, cultural and artistic center. Amsterdam was once home to Rembrandt, whose residence remains open to visitors today, and boasts friendly cafés and world-class museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Jewish History Museum. Step into a fairy tale as you marvel at this city of 1,200 bridges and 160 canals.

Day 9 Amsterdam

Visit to the Anne Frank House
Visit the Anne Frank House, where the young girl hid with her family from 1942 to 1944 and where she penned the poignant diary that has been translated into dozens of languages worldwide.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 10 Amsterdam: Heidelberg

Transfer to Heidelberg
Travel to Heidelberg, the heart of Romantic Germany. Tour director-led sightseeing of Heidelberg: Become acquainted with Germany's oldest university city—the university dates back to 1386. See Heidelberg's 700-year-old Schloss (palace) and its famous Fass (wine barrel), the world's largest. From the castle's historic battlements, you'll enjoy a stunning view of the Neckar Valley, where Homo heidelbergensis roamed 500,000 years ago. You'll also see the town's medieval streets and Marktplatz, where witches were once burned at the stake. Writers as diverse as Mark Twain (who once floated down the Neckar on a raft) and Goethe (who was inspired by the view from the Schloss) have long praised Heidelberg's enduring beauty.

Day 11 Heidelberg: Lucerne Region

Transfer via the Black Forest and Rhine Falls
Travel by way of the legendary Black Forest (Schwarzwald), which was once the province of wolves, hermits and monks. It was in these dark woods that the Brothers Grimm set some of their most classic tales, including Hansel and Gretel. Then see the thundering Rhine Falls, which Goethe referred to as "the source of the ocean."

Transfer to Switzerland
You'll have your first views of the snow-capped Alps as you journey to Switzerland. You'll spend the night in the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) region, perhaps the most picturesque part of Switzerland.

Day 12 Lucerne Region

Tour director-led sightseeing of Lucerne
The majestic Alps provide a stunning backdrop to your tour of Lucerne, where composer Richard Wagner wrote several of his major works. You'll view the captivating Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), a sandstone statue commemorating the Swiss Guards slain in the 1792 Paris storming of the Tuileries. According to Mark Twain, it is "the saddest and most compassionate piece of rock on earth." Stroll down narrow, winding streets and across the Kapellbru¨cke, a covered bridge whose history dates back to medieval days—the murals lining its walls are nearly identical to those painted in the 14th century. Be on the lookout for the colorful hand-painted facades along the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 13 Lucerne Region: Munich

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
Visit "Mad" King Ludwig's fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, the real-life model for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Learn about the life and mysterious death of the young king, one of Europe's most eccentric rulers. King Ludwig so preferred dreams over reality that his servants could address him only from behind a screen. In fact, the original plans for the castle were drawn up by a theater set designer, not an architect.

Transfer via Oberammergau: Head for the Bavarian Alps as you make your way to scenic Oberammergau. The village is known throughout the world for its open-air staging of the Passion Play, Germany's oldest festival. In the 17th century, the townspeople vowed to perform the famous play every ten years as a sign of thanks for being spared the ravages of the Plague. Arrival in Munich: Experience the Gemu¨tlichkeit of Munich, capital of Bavarian Germany.

Day 14 Munich

Guided sightseeing of Munich
Your guided tour takes you past the Olympic Stadium, BMW's headquarters and the fashionable Schwabing district. You'll also pass the Residenz (once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria), the Deutsches Museum, the university and the Alte Pinakothek. Your tour concludes at Marienplatz, Munich's medieval heart, home of the city's famed Glockenspiel. "Munich" derives from the city's German name, Mu¨nchen (little monk), so named because the original settlement bordered a monastery. Excursion to Dachau: Visit Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp liberated by the Allies in April 1945. It now serves as a memorial museum.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 15 Munich

Guided excursion to Salzburg and the salt mines
Journey to the picturesque village of Berchtesgaden. Here you'll take a fascinating underground ride via train, boat and wooden slides through the 450-year-old salt mines. Then tour musical Salzburg, city of Mozart and backdrop for The Sound of Music. (When the salt mines are closed, enjoy instead an extended tour of Salzburg—including a rack railway ride to the Hohensalzburg, the largest completely preserved fortress in central Europe.)

Day 16 Munich: Venice

Transfer via Innsbruck
Located at the intersection of several Alpine passes, Innsbruck is the capital of the beautiful Austrian province of Tyrol and the site of two Winter Olympics (1964 and 1976). Have a taste of the local cuisine during your midday stop here, with free time for lunch.

Transfer via the Dolomites: Discover the strong Austrian influence of northern Italy as you pass through the Dolomites. This mountainous region, long popular with European skiers and climbers, was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's domain until the end of World War I.

Arrival in Venice: Arrive in magical Venice, home of Marco Polo.

Day 17 Venice

Guided sightseeing of Venice
Begin your tour of La Serenissima (the city's nickname, meaning "the most serene") at St. Mark's Square, "the finest drawing room in Europe," according to Napoleon. Allegedly buried under the altar of the basilica are St. Mark's remains, which, in the 11th century, were smuggled out of Alexandria in a barrel of salt pork to prevent a thorough search by the city's Muslim guards. Also see the Grand Canal and the 324-foot campanile (bell tower), whose steps were originally built so that a noble could ascend on horseback. Look for the clock where two bronze figures have been striking the hour for more than 500 years. Venice is also famous for its glassware—you'll see why during a glass-blowing demonstration.

Visit to Doges' Palace
Visit the grand 14thcentury, pink-and-white Doges' Palace, from which mighty Venetian dukes once ruled. Here, you'll stroll over the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace and its prison. As they crossed the bridge, prisoners supposedly sighed with perfect sadness as they regarded their beautiful city for the last time. Casanova made a daring escape from this prison in 1756.

Day 18 Venice: Florence

Transfer to Florence
Arrive in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera.

Day 19 Florence

Guided sightseeing of Florence
Fall under the spell of the powerful Medici family on your guided tour. Pass the classical statues of the Piazza della Signoria, where Michelangelo's David originally stood and now the site of an impressive replica. From behind the Uffizi Palace, you will see the Ponte Vecchio, one of the city's only bridges to survive WWII and now one of its most photographed sites. The bridge provided the Medici easy access from the Pitti Palace to the Uffizi. Continue past the Chiesa di Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. Next, you will visit the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, better known as the Duomo, or dome, that dominates Florence's skyline. The dome was sculptor and architect Brunelleschi's finest work and the nearby campanile were designed by the painter Giotto. Look for the famous bronzed doors—Ghiberti's legendary Gates of Paradise—at the Baptistery opposite the Duomo. Later, watch artisans at work at a local leather-making demonstration.

Day 20 Florence: Rome

Transfer via Assisi
Stop in Assisi, birthplace of both St. Francis and St. Clare. On your visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, follow the life of one of Italy's most beloved saints through Giotto's artful frescoes.

Arrival in Rome
Arrive in bella Roma, the Eternal City. Here, Charlemagne was crowned emperor by the pope in A.D. 800.

Day 21 Rome

Visit to Vatican City
Today, you will explore Vatican City, the world's smallest country. Begin at the Vatican Museum, where elaborate galleries filled with one artistic masterpiece after another lead you directly to the Sistine Chapel. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo painted some of the world's finest pictorial images on the chapel's ceiling. This was his first attempt at working in fresco, which he did by standing up and craning backward from a scaffold. Next, tour St. Peter's Basilica, erected on the site where the saint was martyred. Enter the basilica under the watchful eyes of the brightly dressed Swiss Guard. Inside, admire Michelangelo's Pietà, the only sculpture he ever signed.

Guided sightseeing of Rome
Get to know Imperial Rome on a panoramic tour. Then spend time exploring the mighty Colosseum, Rome's largest amphitheater. Its elaborate construction spanned two emperors—building began between A.D. 70 and 72 under Vespasian and was completed in A.D. 80 under Titus. Originally built to accommodate nearly 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum played host to some of the most incredible spectacles of the day, including gladiatorial combat, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions and even dramatic performances based on classical mythology. Later, pass by the Forum Romanum, once the heart of the Roman Empire.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 22 Rome: Sorrento

Transfer to Sorrento
Experience the beauty of Italy's favorite resort, overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Day 23 Sorrento: Night Ferry

Guided sightseeing of Pompeii
Learn how wealthy Romans lived 2,000 years ago on an excursion to Pompeii, one of the richest archaeological sites in the world. When neighboring Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, volcanic ash completely buried the Roman resort. Now it is fully excavated, and you can see the ruins of villas, ancient temples and Stabian Baths. Nearby is the beautiful Bay of Naples, known for its magnificent views of the surrounding islands, capes and mountains.

Night ferry to Greece: Board a night ferry in Brindisi. Enjoy cabin accommodations as you sail across the Ionian Sea to Greece.

Day 24 Meteora Region

Arrival in Igoumenitsa
Disembark in Igoumenitsa, a hub for ferries and ships traveling among the Greek islands and the ports of Italy. Guided sightseeing of Meteora region: A local guide introduces you to Meteora region, home to many examples of Byzantine art and architecture. Renowned for its many cavelike monasteries built directly into the hillsides, Meteora draws visitors and missionaries yearning for a glimpse of the ancient life of the pious recluse. Spend the night in the Meteora region.

Day 25 Meteora Region: Athens

Transfer to Delphi
Journey to Delphi, home of the mystical Oracle. Guided sightseeing of Delphi: As you tour Delphi, ponder the mysteries of what lies in your future, as did Greece's ancient military leaders—who left gifts for the Oracle in hopes of good fortune in battle. Then visit the Temple of Apollo where, according to legend, the god communicated with mortals. Your visit concludes with a stop at the Delphi Museum, whose collection boasts many artifacts dating back to 550 B.C., reminiscent of the mythical past of ancient Greece.

Arrival in Athens
Continue to Athens, Cradle of Democracy and birthplace of Western Civilization.

Day 26 Athens

Guided sightseeing of Athens
An expert local guide introduces you to the antiquities of Athens. Climb the Acropolis to view the majestic Parthenon, perhaps the world's greatest architectural feat. See the Temple of Athena Nike, which once housed a gold statue of the goddess (her wings were clipped to keep her from ever deserting the city). Athens is named after Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom. After seeing the Presidential Guard in their traditional costumes, pass the stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, as well as Omonia and Syntagma squares. During free time you may have later, use your ticket from this morning's sightseeing to explore other sights in Athens. Visit the Agora, ancient Athens' political, economic and commercial center, which holds the remains of the Temple of Hephaistos, begun in 449 B.C. You might also visit the Athenian Cemetery, a who's who of ancient Athens. It contains impressive family tombs, where statesmen, warriors and authors were laid to rest.

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Day 27 Athens

Visit either a local business or university to learn more about business customs and cross-cultural communications.

Greek Evening
Tonight, opt to experience Greece's unique and colorful culture during an evening of traditional entertainment and cuisine. Enjoy an authentic meal composed of typical dishes at a specially selected taverna. Watch an enthralling belly-dance performance and witness the fancy footwork and twirling bravado of traditional Greek dancing, while musicians perform on bouzoukis, stringed instruments unique to Greece. Musical instruments, which date from the Bronze Age in Greece, have long played a central role in Greek tradition, as have regional dances. Experience firsthand this thrilling element of Greek culture!

EXTENSION Days 28–31 Island Cruise

Cruise extension (seasonal)
Your group can plan to stay for a three-day cruise of the beautiful whitewashed isles of Greece. Your ports of call include picturesque Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi and Crete (or Rhodes). The cruise line offers special optional excursions at these ports, such as a visit to Ephesus in Kusadasi, where you will explore the ruins of Ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is said she lived her last years. In between, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy life on board the ship. Free-time options while you're at sea include shopping, games, fitness activities, swimming and sunning. (Please note that the cruise is seasonal and the itinerary is subject to change.) Fly home from Athens on Day 31.

Cabins on the ship are smaller than normal hotel rooms. Each cabin has air conditioning and a private bathroom. Groups should expect to stay in lower level cabins and are not guaranteed a porthole. Students will be accommodated in in triples or quads. Amenities on the ship may include restaurants, pool, casino, medical facilities, library/internet access, exercise room, live entertainment and a discotheque.

Your cruise includes all meals. The cruise ship serves an abundant variety of food including full American breakfasts, lunch buffets, tea on the deck, buffet style and seated dinners. Drinks are not included. However, participants can choose a drink package which can be purchased at the beginning of the cruise.

While the dress code on board is mostly casual, some evening activities may require semi-formal attire. Additionally, for Greek Night, travelers are encouraged to dress in blue and white. When going ashore, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For visits to religious sites, bare shoulders and shorts are not permitted.

The currency on board is the Euro. A shipboard account is opened for each traveler at the beginning of the cruise. A credit card or cash deposit is required in order to open an account – no debit cards are accepted. All on-board expenses including shore excursions, gratuities, gift shop purchases etc. are charged to your shipboard account. Upon disembarkation, travelers may settle their accounts using major credit cards or cash. Personal checks are not accepted.

Gratuities for cruise ship staff are not included in your program fee. Travelers should expect that $10 per day will be charged to their shipboard account to cover cruise staff gratuities.

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