Alumni World Travel
Alumni World Travel
Expanding Horizons Since 1977
18+ Days From $5578
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Seattle University

Essential Europe Grad Trip

England - France - Belgium - Holland - Germany - Austria - Italy - Vatican City - Greece

18+ Days From $5578
Check Availability
June 20 - July 7, 2026

Graduate – Then Celebrate

US departure date: June 20, 2026 | London land tour start date: June 21, 2026 | Rome return date: July 7, 2026| Athens return date: July 12, 2026

Reward yourself with the ultimate 18-day European adventure! The Essential Europe grad trip blends culture, history, and adventure across stunning destinations. From London’s iconic landmarks to parasailing in Greece, experience the best of Europe. Stroll along the Seine in Paris, explore ancient Rome, hike the Austrian Alps, admire Renaissance art in Florence, bike through the Dutch countryside, and soak in Munich’s famous beer gardens. Embrace new experiences, connect with great people, and return home with unforgettable memories.

This trip is designed for traditional age graduates.

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Trip Highlights

  • England

    London (2 nights)
    Welcome orientation * Guided tour of London's Pomp & Pageantry * Eurostar train
  • France

    Paris (2 nights)
    French bistro dinner * Paris metro card providing access to public transportation system * Seine River cruise * Guided tour of Paris
  • Belgium

    Brussels
    Stop en-route to see Brussels' Grand Place
  • Holland

    Amsterdam (2 nights) - Dutch Countryside
    Amsterdam travel card with unlimited access to local transportation * Amsterdam canal cruise * Bicycling in windmill country * Edam cheese farm visit
  • Germany

    Cologne - Heidelberg (1 night) - Rothenburg - Munich (2 nights)
    Cologne Gothic Cathedral * Rhine River cruise * Heidelberg Castle * Germany's Romantic Road * Munich Glockenspiel * Salt mine visit
  • Austria

    Salzburg - Lake District (2 nights)
    Salzburg Mozart sights * Alpine stay
  • Italy & Vatican City

    Venice (1 night) - Florence (2 nights) - Rome (2 nights) - Vatican City - Pompeii
    Murano Island & glass-blowing workshop * Tour of Florence, guided by a local historian * Admission to the Colosseum and Caesar's Roman Forum * Rome travel card * Guided visit of Rome and Vatican City * Pizza party * Rome's Trevi Fountain & ancient illuminated ruins
  • Greece

    Overnight Ferry (1 night) - Isle of Poros (3 nights) - Athens (1 night)
    Tour of Pompeii Archeological site * Overnight ship to Greece * Greek Island activities, including swimming, sunbathing and special Greek dinners * Bike ride * Toga party * Athens Acropolis and Plaka district * Farewell Greek taverna dinner ...and much more!

What's Included

18-Day Land Package

  • Transportation and Lodging
  • Meals
  • Activities & Admissions
  • Sights

5-Day Optional Extension

  • Transportation and Lodging
  • Meals
  • Activities & Admissions
  • Sights

Plus:

  • A private tour director for the entire duration of the land tour
  • All service charges and local taxes

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - FLIGHT TO ENGLAND
  • Day 2 - LAND TOUR START DAY: LONDON
  • Day 3 - LONDON
  • Day 4 - LONDON - PARIS
  • Day 5 - PARIS
  • Day 6 - PARIS - BRUSSELS - AMSTERDAM
  • Day 7 - AMSTERDAM
  • Day 8 - AMSTERDAM - COLOGNE - HEIDELBERG
  • Day 9 - HEIDELBERG - ROTHENBURG - MUNICH
  • Day 10 - MUNICH
  • Day 11 - MUNICH - SALZBURG - AUSTRIAN ALPS
  • Day 12 - AUSTRIAN ALPS
  • Day 13 - AUSTRIAN ALPS - VENICE
  • Day 14 - VENICE - FLORENCE
  • Day 15 - FLORENCE
  • Day 16 - FLORENCE - ROME - VATICAN CITY
  • Day 17 - ROME - VATICAN CITY
  • Day 18 - TRAVEL HOME - or continue to Pompeii & overnight ship to Greece
  • Day 19 - ISLE OF POROS
  • Day 20 - ISLE OF POROS
  • Day 21 - ISLE OF POROS
  • Day 22 - ISLE OF POROS - ATHENS
  • Day 23 - TRAVEL HOME

Hotel Options

We stay in 3 to 4 star hotels, all with private bath/shower in 2-share rooms. Our hotels have been specially selected for their European atmosphere, friendly hospitality, and cleanliness. Our hotels are centrally located or within a short walk of public transportation to take you to the landmark of your choice in the city you are visiting. (Why stay in remote cabins, hostels, or share your room with up to 6 people, when you can stay in a centrally located hotel?)

You’ll be given a complete hotel address list with your final documents. Properties are subject to change and any substitutions would be the equivalent of those listed. * If traveling solo and not wanting to pay the single supplement, AESU will attempt to arrange a share with a same-gender traveler. If a share cannot be arranged a single supplement will apply.

  • St. Giles Hotel

    London, UK
    St. Giles Hotel Central London is centrally located in Bloomsbury near the junction of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street, Rooms are well furnished with modern amenities such as TV, hairdryer, voicemail, telephone, safe and radio. WiFi is available at additional cost.
  • Ibis Paris Bastille Opera

    Paris, France
    The Ibis Hotel Bastille Opera is located in the city center, close to Place Bastille. It features a 24-hour reception, a French restaurant, a bar and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen, satellite TV. Rooms are of a modern décor with parquet flooring, a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi access is provided. The accommodation also provides luggage storage, newspapers and a safety deposit box is available at reception. The hotel is in a short walking distance to Bastille Metro Station which provides direct access to Paris sights.
  • Best Western Zaan Inn

    Zaandam, Netherlands
    The Zaan Inn Hotel is located just north of Amsterdam near the Zaan River. This well-appointed hotel offers smoke-free rooms with a safe deposit box, cable flat-screen TV, telephone, climate control and en suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer. WiFi is available for a fee.
  • Hotel Ibis Heidelberg

    Heidelberg, Germany
    The Ibis Heidelberg Hotel is centrally located near the main train station. Historic attractions and the unique old town are within easy reach. Rooms feature comfortable beds, adjustable air conditioning and 24-hour services. WIFI is available 24/7 in all rooms at an additional cost, it is free of charge in the hotel lobby and bar area.
  • Hotel Ibis Muenchen City

    Munich, Germany
    A 4-minute walk from München Hauptbahnhof train station, this centrally located hotel in the Maxvorstadt district is also close to Marienplatz square. The modern rooms all have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus custom-designed beds and work desks. There is a 24/7 lounge/bar offering snacks.
  • Hotel Das Alpenhaus

    Kaprun, Austria
    Located at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Mountain in the center of Kaprun, Das Alpenhaus Kaprun features a spa area with indoor and outdoor pools. The spa area is set on 2 levels and includes several saunas, a modern fitness room, a relax room with waterbeds, and a beauty center. The sun terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A wide range of Austrian and international dishes is available in the restaurant. The spacious lobby has an open fireplace and a bar. The modern, Alpine-style rooms at Das Alpenhaus Kaprun feature an LCD TV, a mini-bar, and a bathroom with hairdryer.
  • Hotel Residence Elite

    Venice, Italy
    The Residence is just a few minutes away by bus from Venice. This comfortable hotel in Mestre is set out over six floors and has three lifts, one of which is panoramic. All 85 units in the Hotel Residence Elite have been recently renovated to offer guests a vast range of options. The public rooms are extremely pleasant and welcoming: guests can have breakfast in a large, bright room, relax in the reading room or in the small garden and enjoy a cocktail at the hotel bar.
  • Hotel California

    Florence, Italy
    Hotel California in Florence, Italy blends classic Tuscan charm with modern comfort, set just steps from the Duomo in the heart of the historic city center. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, and easy access to Florence’s top cultural landmarks.
  • Domus Sessoriana

    Rome, Italy
    The Domus Sessoriana is a 3 star hotel in Rome derived from the ancient monastery adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Unique in its kind, this hotel combines the charm of history that runs through it with the functionality of a hotel.
  • Superfast Ferries

    Italy - Greece
    Superfast Ferries, the youngest and fastest ferry fleet, welcomes you on board for an unforgettable traveling experience. While most of our groups travel on Superfast Ferries from Bari to Patras on their way from Italy to Greece, it is possible that due to ferry schedules or availability, vessels such as Maritime Way will be used from Bari or Brindisi. 4-share accommodations on all vessels.
  • Poros image Hotel

    Poros, Greece
    Xenia Poros Image Hotel is located on the picturesque beach of Neorio, just minutes away from Poros town. All the air-conditioned rooms have a balcony, free WiFi, hairdryer, cable-TV, radio, telephone, a comfortable seating area and a safe. There is a full-service restaurant, elegant “Green” bar and a beach bar.
  • Hotel Arion

    Athens, Greece
    The Arion Hotel is located within walking distance of Monastiraki Metro station and the Plaka area. This is a smoke-free hotel and has a 24-hour front desk and a computer station. WiFi is free in the common areas.

Optional Activities

Have it your way and personalize your trip by adding fun, optional activities. These activities are not included in your land package price to allow free time for those who want to explore on their own. Rates have been specially negotiated with the suppliers and will include transportation to and from the event, where applicable. All options are based on a minimum number of travelers participating. Rates listed are approximate rates in US$ and are subject to change. Contact your tour director upon arrival overseas to book and pay for your options. Payment to tour director in cash in local currency.

  • French Perfumery & Museum

    $0
    Located near the Opéra Garnier, the Musée du Parfum Fragonard offers a free guided tour exploring the history and craft of French perfume. Founded in 1926, the museum is a must-visit for fragrance lovers—ask your tour director in Europe to join.
  • Moulin Rouge French Can-Can Show

    $210
    Since 1889 the cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge is recognized world-wide because of its famous French can-can, immortalized by artist Toulouse-Lautrec. The above cost includes transfers by taxi, metro and/or motor coach, entrance to the "Féerie" show at 11:00pm, and one glass of champagne. Weekend show surcharge, approx. $15.
  • Whitewater Rafting in Austria

    $86
    Experience some of Austria’s best whitewater rafting on the Enns River near Schladming, with rapids, narrows, and a small waterfall suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The tour includes round-trip transfer, full gear, and a two-hour guided ride in groups of 8–10 with a licensed guide on board.
  • Chianti Excursion

    $89
    Enjoy a scenic drive through Chianti’s famous vineyards, followed by a guided winery tour with tastings of local wines, olive oils, and Tuscan specialties. The excursion includes round-trip coach transfer, food and wine samples, and free time to explore the town of Greve.
  • Watersports in Poros

    $Variable
    Enjoy watersport activities just a few steps away from the hotel on the Greek Island of Poros. From banana boats to wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and parasailing - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Cost for watersport options will depend on the type of option you select. Book directly through your tour director on Poros Island.