Essential Europe Grad Trip

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

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

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

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

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

We motor into Belgium to admire the medieval grandeur of the Grand Place and the cheeky charm of Manneken Pis. We arrive in Amsterdam, where an evening canal cruise through 165 enchanting waterways reveals the city’s hidden corners beneath historic bridges. As night falls, the city’s vibrant nightlife calls—from lively clubs to intimate jazz spots. With our transit card, we have the freedom to explore every corner.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• See Brussels’ Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and more
• Amsterdam travel card
• Amsterdam canal cruise

We spin through Dutch fishing villages on bikes, witness wooden shoes crafted, and taste Edam cheese on a working farm. The afternoon unfolds with options: explore the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum, retrace Anne Frank’s moving story, or paddle through pretty canals. Our dinner features Dutch specialties, perfect comfort after a day of discovery—fun continues into the city’s famed nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Bike riding in the Dutch countryside
• Visit to a wooden shoemaker and an Edam cheese farm
• Amsterdam travel card
• Dinner of Dutch specialties

Crossing to Germany, we stand beneath Cologne’s Gothic cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Our Rhine River cruise is pure storybook—vineyards, ancient castles, and the Lorelei Rock pass by as legends come alive. Heidelberg welcomes us next, with its famous castle ruins and the lively “City of the Student Prince” atmosphere. We end the day together overlooking the Neckar River.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• City of Cologne and its Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe
• Rhine River cruise
• Heidelberg ‘City of the Student Prince’
• See Heidelberg Castle

The Romantic Road leads us to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a town with a living history of preserved Gothic towers and Baroque facades. A hearty lunch at a local Gasthaus energizes us for Munich’s adventure. By evening, the Hofbräuhaus’ oompah-pah music sets the party mood—steins raised, good times rolling in Munich’s legendary beer halls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

• Drive along Germany’s Romantic Road
• See Medieval Rothenburg
• Gasthaus lunch
• See the Oktoberfest city of Munich

We begin at Dachau Memorial, reflecting on the past as we honor its story. The afternoon brings freedom—some check out BMW’s cutting-edge museum, others watch the Glockenspiel chime at Marienplatz, or browse Maximilianstrasse for Bavarian souvenirs. Tonight, we enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine and lively conversation as Munich lights up around us.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Visit Dachau Memorial Site
• See Munich’s Glockenspiel chimes, Marienplatz, and more
• Traditional Bavarian dinner

Dressed as miners, we zip down slides in a salt mine before reaching Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown and the setting of The Sound of Music. We wander iron-adorned streets and boutique shops. Soon, we are nestled in the Alps for two nights, pampered in Europe’s sports paradise—skiers, hikers, and thrill-seekers, rejoice.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Visit to the salt mines
• See Europe’s largest Alpine sports region
• See Mozart’s city of Salzburg
• Hearty Austrian dinner

All day, the Alps call: we hike dazzling trails, test our courage with optional whitewater rafting, or bask in mountain peace. Post-adventure, a hearty Austrian feast awaits—a perfect end to a day balancing fitness, fresh air, and free spirits.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Hiking in the Austrian Alps
• Alpine dinner

Optional activity:

• Whitewater rafting

The Austrian Lake District gives way to sunlit Venice. A private boat whisks us to Murano for a mesmerizing glassmaking demo, then we meander Venice’s labyrinthine alleys to St. Mark’s Square with flocks of friendly pigeons. The city’s romance is irresistible—consider an evening gondola ride through glowing canals that beckon those craving a classic Venetian experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• See Venice’s Doge Palace, St. Mark’s Square, and more
• Private boat to Murano Island
• Glass blowing workshop and demonstration

We journey into Florence, a Renaissance jewel and home of Michelangelo. A local guide takes us to the Gates of Paradise, the Cathedral, and Giotto’s bell tower. Free hours tempt with museums and high-fashion shops. At night, a traditional Florentine dinner brings us together to celebrate art, creativity, and zest for life.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• See the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and more
• Tour of Florence guided by a local expert
• Personal audio headset
• Traditional Florentine dinner

A free day to indulge in Florence’s treasures: the Uffizi Gallery’s masterpieces, Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, food stalls and artisan boutiques. Choose to join our drive through Chianti’s rolling vineyards, sampling the region’s best wines on a dreamy Tuscan afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Florence city sights

Optional activity:

• Chianti Tuscan excursion

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 expert
• 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 public transportation

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

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

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 wonders as we celebrate our island arrival.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Relaxing pool and beach time
• Enjoy iconic Greek sunsets
• Welcome Cocktail
• Traditional Greek dinner at a local taverna

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

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

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

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