Classic Europe Grad Trip

Trip Itinerary

• Day 1 - Flight to England

  We board our overnight flight bound for London, heart racing with anticipation. On the plane, the energy is palpable—new friends and big dreams, ready to kick off a journey that marks the next chapter in our lives.

  Meals: In-flight
• Day 2 - Land Tour Start Day: London

  London greets us with timeless charm. We ease into the afternoon, catching our breath and meeting fellow travelers. By evening, we meet for a welcome orientation before heading out on a London pub crawl—trying local brews, sharing stories, and setting the tone for the nights ahead.

  Meals: In-flight

  Inclusions:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel is included with your purchased AESU group airfare
  • Welcome orientation
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Pub crawl
• Day 3 - London

  Our local guide brings us face-to-face with world-famous landmarks—Big Ben’s chimes, Buckingham Palace’s regality, and the centuries-old Westminster Abbey. The afternoon is ours; we explore bustling Camden Market, chase magical moments at Leadenhall Market (Harry Potter fans rejoice!), take selfies atop the London Eye, and soak in city views. Tonight, we have the option to see Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre or head to London’s West End for a world-class performance.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • 1-day group tube pass
  • Tour of London guided by a local expert
  • Personal audio headset
  • See Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and more
• Day 4 - London - Paris

  We speed through the Chunnel beneath the sea to Paris—the heartbeat of France. With our local expert, we marvel at the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Place de la Concorde’s storied past. In the evening, we enjoy classic French cuisine before gliding along the Seine on a romantic cruise beneath twinkling city lights.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  Inclusions:

  • English Channel Eurostar train
  • Tour of Paris guided by a local historian
  • See the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and more
  • See Paris-by-night illuminations
  • French bistro dinner
  • Seine River cruise
• Day 5 - Paris

  Today is about writing our own Paris chapter. Join our director for a guided visit to a perfumery and museum, or choose to venture to Versailles, see the Louvre’s Mona Lisa, explore the Impressionist gems at the Musée d’Orsay, or admire Picasso’s masterpieces. Our Paris metro cards grant movement across the city. Later, those craving cabaret might opt for an evening at the legendary Moulin Rouge. Whatever the choice, Paris is ours tonight.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • Paris Metro Card

  Optional activity:

  • Optional visit to French perfumery and museum
  • French cabaret show
• Day 6 - Paris - French Riviera

  We travel from Paris to the sun-drenched shores of Nice aboard the high-speed TGV train, arriving in the sparkling heart of the Côte d’Azur. Our afternoon is free to soak up Mediterranean vibes—whether strolling chic promenades dotted with boutiques, or unwinding at a lively sidewalk café. A delicious brasserie dinner sets the stage before we dive into the Riviera’s buzzing local art scene and vibrant nightlife.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  Inclusions:

  • High-speed train to Nice
  • See Promenade d’Anglais, Place Massena, and more
  • French brasserie dinner
• Day 7 - French Riviera

  A whole day is ours to savor the dazzling Riviera lifestyle. Lounge on sun-kissed beaches, paddle in crystal-clear waters, or sip cocktails beneath swaying palms. For those seeking adventure, the enchanting city of Nice awaits with its elegant Palais Lascaris, the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, and its sparkling harbors. Consider joining our optional excursion to glamorous Monaco, steeped in royal allure, and to Cannes, celebrated worldwide for its star-studded film festival.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • See the French Riviera beaches & promenade

  Optional activity:

  • Excursion to Monte Carlo & Cannes (not offered during Grand Prix)
• Day 8 - French Riviera - Pisa - Tuscan Countryside

  We journey along the picture-perfect sunlit coast before crossing into Italy to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower— an unmissable landmark and timeless photo stop. After admiring Pisa’s Baptistery and Cathedral, we dive into Tuscany’s timeless beauty—gently rolling hills lined with vineyards and olive groves, crowned by medieval castles. Evening brings free time to relax at the hotel or explore the town with new friends.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • Private motor coach from the French Riviera to Tuscany
  • See the scenic Côte D’Azur
  • Visit to Pisa with its Leaning Tower
• Day 9 - Tuscany

  Today is all about embracing Tuscany’s gentle rhythms and stunning countryside views. Unwind in Montepulciano’s scenic vineyards and rolling hills, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere as we gather at a beautiful vineyard estate outside of town for an authentic Chianti wine tasting experience. To end the day, we enjoy an unforgettable Tuscan dinner, savoring traditional regional flavors and culinary delights in one of the town’s celebrated restaurants, making for a perfect blend of rustic charm and sophisticated taste.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  Inclusions:

  • Chianti wine tasting
  • Tuscan experience
  • Tuscan Dinner
• Day 10 - Tuscany - Rome - Vatican City

  We travel south to Italy’s vibrant capital, Rome, ready to live la dolce vita. Our expert guide leads us through bustling piazzas and historic streets, where ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Roman Forum tell tales of empires past. Vatican City’s towering St. Peter’s Basilica and magnificent cathedrals connect us to centuries of history and culture, offering awe-inspiring moments at the heart of the Catholic Church.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • Tour of Rome and Vatican City guided by a local historian
  • Personal audio headset
  • See the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica, and more
  • Admission to the Colosseum and Caesar’s Roman Forum
  • Rome travel card provides unlimited access to local transportation
• Day 11 - Rome

  A free day in Rome invites us to explore Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good luck. With the included travel card, we can easily navigate the city to uncover more Roman treasures, indulge in gelato, or browse the high-fashion boutiques along Via dei Condotti. As dusk falls, we gather for a lively pizza party—fresh toppings, endless laughter, and the true spirit of Italy.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  Inclusions:

  • See Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and more
  • Rome travel card provides unlimited access to local transportation
  • Pizza Party in Trastevere
• Day 12 - Travel home - or continue to Pompeii & overnight ship to Greece

  Some of us say “arrivederci” in Rome, hearts filled with memories. For others, the adventure continues: descending into Pompeii’s ancient streets, we uncover chariot marks and lost temples shadowed by Vesuvius, before sailing overnight to Greece under starry Mediterranean skies.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport is included with your purchased AESU group airfare
  • Tour of the Pompeii excavations guided by a local historian
  • Personal audio headset
  • Scenic overnight ship from Italy to Greece
• Day 13 - Isle of Poros

  A cruise through crystalline waters takes us to Poros—a Greek paradise for three amazing days. We toast each other with a welcome drink, then plunge into island exploration. By night, a local restaurant serves culinary delights as we celebrate our arrival on the island.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • Relaxing pool and beach time
  • Enjoy iconic Greek sunsets
  • Welcome Cocktail
  • Traditional Greek dinner at a local taverna
• Day 14 - Isle of Poros

  Today is pure freedom—we dive into bright blue seas or ride the waves. Watersports include: parasailing, waterskiing, banana boating, and tubing. Sunbathing and spontaneous swims add a touch of serenity for those of us who simply want to unwind.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Inclusions:

  • Explore the white-washed village center of Poros
  • Beach and pool

  Optional activity:

  • Water sports
• Day 15 - Isle of Poros

  With free time, we explore Poros’ charming old town for souvenirs or take advantage of the available bikes to pedal up to the ancient ruins of Poseidon’s Temple overlooking the island. At night, festival spirit comes alive with our legendary toga party under the stars—the ultimate grad celebration.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  Inclusions:

  • Bike rental on the Isle of Poros
  • Beach and pool
  • Toga party
  • Greek island farewell dinner
• Day 16 - Isle of Poros - Athens

  Onward to Athens, we marvel at the Parthenon’s gleaming pillars, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Constitution Square’s modern rhythms. During free time this afternoon, we might find ourselves wandering in the footsteps of legends like Plato, Socrates, and Sophocles, or honing our bargaining skills at the vibrant markets of Monastiraki. And as the sun sets, we follow the irresistible sounds of traditional bouzouki music for a spectacular farewell taverna dinner in the Plaka District – Athens’ oldest neighborhood, right at the foot of the iconic Acropolis—a farewell worthy of our journey.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  Inclusions:

  • Tour of Athens guided by a local historian
  • Acropolis admission
  • Greek tavern farewell dinner
  • Greek music and dancing
• Day 17 - Travel Home

  With Europe in our hearts and lifelong friends by our side, we fly home—no longer tourists, but alumni of adventure. As one chapter closes, we dream of what’s next. The world awaits, with more stories to chase and more late-night laughs to share; here we come!

  Meals: Breakfast, In-flight

  Inclusions:

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport is included with your purchased AESU group airfare