Versailles

Today we took a chartered bus to the Palace of Versailles. We walked through the palace and saw the king and queen's chambers and the Hall of Mirrors. We exited the Palace and made our way to the magnificent gardens of Versailles. Some of the students rented row boats while others enjoyed walking the grounds. We were all taken aback by the beauty of the gardens and the magnificent display of wealth and prestige the palace represents even today.

Musee D’Orsay, Champs-Elysee, Arc de Triomphe and group movie.

Today we visited the famous Musee D’Orsay located in the center of Paris. The museum is home to several famous works of art including paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Tissot, Cézanne, Renoir, Manet, Degas and many more. After the museum, we walked to the Champs-Elysee where students enjoyed free time and had the opportunity to walk up the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon to honor those lost in the French Revolutionary War. Students were also given the opportunity to try authentic artisanal Macaroons from a local sweet shop (caramel, pistachio and raspberry). The Arc offers an incredible aerial view of the city. For our evening group activity, we decided to see the action-packed Transformers 3 at a movie theatre on the Champs-Elysee.

Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame and Boat cruise on the Seine!

We started our first full day in Paris with a walk to Sainte-Chapelle (the Holy Chapel) unique and famous for its stained glass windows. We then made our way to Notre Dame. Students had time to grab some lunch and explore the well-known Latin Quarter, home to the oldest bookstore in Paris, Shakespeare and Company. After lunch we regrouped at Notre Dame and took a tour inside. Before we left, students had the opportunity to visit the underground archaeological crypt at Notre Dame, built to protect ruins found during excavations in 1965. After our visit we walked along the river Seine to the famous Pont-Neuf Bridge where we began our boat tour of Paris! For dinner, we had two smaller group dinners at authentic French restaurants near our hotel.

Arrival to Paris!

We arrived in Paris and went straight to our hotel to check in. Our hotel is located near the popular Galleries Lafayette and Paris Opera and is also a short walk to the Arc de Triomphe! After some time to refresh ourselves we made our way to Sacre Coeur located at the top of Montmartre. For dinner, students feasted on a variety of freshly made dinner and dessert crepes.

Last day in Florence! Medici Chapels and Galileo museum

Our last day in Florence started with a morning visit to the Medici Chapels. In the afternoon, the students were given free time or the opportunity to participate in extra cultural activities, which included a guided tour of the Galileo museum, a trip to Santo Spirito for the vintage markets as well as a walk up to Piazzale Michaelangelo. For our last dinner in Florence we split into our cooking groups and made what many considered to be the best meal yet. The students cooked Rigatoni al Funghi, pasta with sauce made with fresh wild mushrooms and mascarpone. We also enjoyed a green salad and homemade garlic bread. For dessert, the staff took the students to their favorite and best gelato place in Florence.

Sleep in! Socratic seminar, Santa Croce, Ferragamo Museum and project runway!

Today everybody enjoyed a needed late start. The students gathered in the early afternoon for another Socratic seminar lead by instructors Chris and John. The afternoon was reserved for optional cultural activities including a trip to Santa Croce and the Ferragamo museum. After another group cooking night it was time for project runway, Abbey Road style. Groups of students were given bags with undisclosed materials inside in which they had an hour and a half to choose a model from their group and compose an outfit from the materials given which included hats, trash bags, glitter, stickers, string, tape and an item from their kitchen. After each group had finished, we had our own runway show with each group showing and discussing their outfits to the group. Lets just say there were some very creative outfits! Be sure to check out the pictures. 

Surprise beach day! Pisa and Discotheque!

Today staff had planned a surprise beach day for the students. We went to a beach in Viareggio where students could cool off in the shallow waters or play various beach games. Groups of students played beach soccer, volleyball and paddleball. After a few relaxing hours at the beach, we stopped at Pisa on the way back to Florence. We saw the famous leaning tower of Pisa and took a tour of the city’s Cathedral and its baptistery. Inside we witnessed a demonstration of the amazing acoustics. Everyone was taken aback by the stunning tones of the demonstrator's voice and his sound as it carried to the top of the baptistery. For dinner, we enjoyed another catered group meal of pesto lasagna, lemon chicken and roasted vegetables with potatoes. After dinner it was time to put on dancing shoes because tonight was our night at the disco!