Essential Europe — Senior Graduation Trip
Saturday, June 30 – Thursday, July 19, 2012 (Rome return)
or Tuesday, July 24, 2012 (Athens return) Early Bird Pricing Discounts Available
Pay in Full by February 10, 2012 and Save $200 on the Listed Price for London-Athens of $100 on the Listed Price London-Rome. From the sun-kissed beaches of Greece to the glorious art of Florence; from the snow-capped Austrian Alps to the pomp and pageantry of London, Europe’s infinite variety of people, places, and traditions are the perfect setting for a journey that celebrates and educates.
Before settling into that new job or graduate school, celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through eleven wondrous countries.
Before settling into that new job or graduate school, celebrate your college successes with an unforgettable voyage through eleven wondrous countries.
The UCSB Alumni Association invites you to participate in our summer tour of Europe. “Essential Europe”, our 12th annual graduation tour is designed especially for UCSB seniors and your friends. This comprehensive trip provides the opportunity to visit Europe’s “must-see” destinations before you settle into graduate school or a new job. It is also a great balance of planned activities and time for independent exploration, allowing you to visit the sites most important to you.This exclusive UCSB departure is 25 days and traverses: England, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Vatican City, Italy and Greece. You’ll make friends and memories for a lifetime. For those who need to return early, you can purchase the trip without the Greece extension and return home from Rome.
“Get a chance to see more during this trip than you would doing Europe any other way...and you get to know a lot of amazing people in the process...it’s the best way to go...this trip makes the traveling process very easy and enjoyable, without the worries of wondering if you’ve caught the right train/bus...sit back and truly enjoy everything around you!” --Dariann Lucarelli, UCSB Class of 2005.
This trip always sells out so early registration is encouraged to ensure your space and to take advantage of our early booking savings!
Click Here (PDF)
DAY 1: SATURDAY, JUNE 30: TRAVEL TO LONDON Your Essential Europe trip begins with an overnight flight to “Merry Old England.” [In-flight Meals] DAY 2: SUNDAY, JULY 1: LONDON Explore London on your own this afternoon. Attend our welcome orientation followed by a pub crawl. [In-flight meals] DAY 3: MONDAY, JULY 2: LONDON Traveling through southern England and Kent, we board our ferry and pass the White Cliffs of Dover while crossing the English Channel. Motor through northern France for a late afternoon arrival in the “City of Lights.” Dine together at our French bistro dinner. [B,D] DAY 4: TUESDAY, JULY 3: LONDON * ENGLISH CHANNEL * PARIS Traveling through southern England and Kent, we board our ferry and pass the White Cliffs of Dover while crossing the English Channel. Motor through northern France for a late afternoon arrival in the “City of Lights.” Dine together at our French bistro dinner. [B,D] DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, JULY 4: PARIS * Optional Cabaret Show Our local historian shows us unforgettable Parisian landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral. See the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy the afternoon—and use your 2-day museum pass to explore the Louvre and the Picasso Museums. Consider joining our optional can-can cabaret show tonight. [B] DAY 6: THURSDAY, JULY 5: PARIS A full day at leisure today to visit Sacre Coeur, the artists’ area of Montmartre or the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower’s spectacular light show as well! [B] DAY 7: FRIDAY, JULY 6: PARIS * BRUSSELS * AMSTERDAM Motor to Belgium and Brussels, and see the Grand’ Place, a perfect medieval square and the statue of naughty Mennekin-Pis. Continue to Amsterdam and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. [B] DAY 8: SATURDAY, JULY 7: DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE Go biking through 13th-century Dutch fishing villages along the Ijssel Lake beaches today, watch wooden shoes being carved and sample Edam cheese at a cheese farm. Free time this afternoon in Amsterdam to tour the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum, or visit Anne Frank’s house. This evening we invite you on a boat cruise on the canals of Amsterdam followed by our Dutch-Indonesian “Rice Table” dinner. [B,D] DAY 9: SUNDAY, JULY 8: COLOGNE * RHINE RIVER CRUISE * HEIDELBERG * Cross the German border into Cologne, famous for the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Embark on a cruise along the fabled Rhine River, passing steeply sloped vineyards, ancient castles, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Continue to Heidelberg, the "City of the Student Prince" and climb to the ruins of the Castle of the Palatine Elector for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Neckar River. [B] DAY 10: MONDAY, JULY 9: HEIDELBERG * ROTHENBURG * MUNICH Germany’s Romantic Road takes us to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This medieval city is celebrated not only for its well-preserved Gothic and Baroque buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled picturesque setting. Enjoy lunch at a local Gasthaus before continuing our journey to the fun-filled Oktoberfest city of Munich. Free evening to check out the oompah-pah bands at the famous Hofbräuhaus. [B, L] DAY 11: TUESDAY, JULY 10: MUNICH *Optional Excursion to Dachau Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Why not visiting the BMW museum, the 1972 Olympic Village or shopping for Bavarian beer steins and lederhosen on Maximilianstrasse. Consider joining an optional excursion to the Dachau concentration camp this afternoon. [B] DAY 12: WEDNESDAY, JULY 11: MUNICH *BERCHTESGADEN * SALZBURG * ZELL AM SEE Early morning we leave Munich and travel to the salt mines of Berchtesgarden, which have been in operation without interruption since 1517. Have fun sliding down a shoot into the vast salt caves and explore via a small, open train. Continue to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and home of the famous summer music festival and the Sound of Music movie. Discover the countless architectural and historical highlights of this enchanting baroque city. Explore narrow streets lined with colorful wrought iron signs and shops before we continue to Europe’s largest alpine sports region. Be pampered and enjoy fun and fitness while staying at the shores of Zellar Lake beneath the snow-capped Austrian mountains. [B,D] DAY 13-14 – TH/FR, JULY 12-13: ZELL AM SEE * Optional Whitewater Rafting and Wind Surfing Your days are at leisure. Hike, swim and bike around the lake. Optional whitewater rafting and wind surfing are available. [B,D], [B,D] DAY 15 – SATURDAY, JULY 14: AUSTRIAN LAKE DISTRICT * VENICE The picturesque landscape of the Austrian Lake District brings us to sunny Italy’s Venice - “Sinking City in the Sea.” Our walking tour highlights include the Bridge of Sighs, the labyrinth of alleys, old world bridges and St. Mark’s Square. On your own, visit the Doges Palace, the top of the Campanile and stroll by the fish and produce market. Consider a romantic gondola ride this evening gliding through the intricate maze of canals beneath arched bridges passing 12th and 18th-century marble palaces. [B] DAY 16 – SUNDAY, JULY 15: VENICE * FLORENCE * Optional Tuscan Feast at 'Il Latini' Travel through the beautiful Po Valley to Florence, Golden City of the Renaissance, and birthplace of Michelangelo. Our Florence art tour showcases the Gates of Paradise, the marble Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Giotto’s bell tower. Get ready for an optional dinner of pure Italian delights at Il Latini tonight. DAY 17 – MONDAY, JULY 16: FLORENCE * Optional Chianti Excursion Embark on explorations of your own to such sites as Palazzo Pitti, Santa Croce and a gelateria. Join our optional excursion this afternoon to Castello di Verrazzano in the historic land of Chianti Classico. Visit the centuries-old wine cellars and sample their famous wines and olive oils. Afterwards we head to Greve in Chianti, one of the area’s most picturesque towns. [B, D] DAY 18– TUESDAY, JULY 17: FLORENCE * ROME Travel past Chianti vineyards along the Highway of the Sun to the Eternal City of Rome. After check in we have time to relax or explore baroque Rome: Stop to toss three coins in Trevi Fountain, see the Pantheon and sample the famous “gelati” ice cream at Piazza Navona. [B] DAY 19 – WEDNESDAY, JULY 18: ROME * VATICAN CITY Today’s city tour takes us to the Colosseum, where gladiators were thrown to the lions, and the historic ruins of Caesar’s Forum. Then on to Vatican City – the world’s smallest state. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica housing Michelangelo’s magnificent “Pieta.” Our dinner tonight is a mouth-watering Roman Banquet complete with Italian specialties. [B,D] DAY 20 – THURSDAY, JULY 19: ROME * POMPEII * OVERNIGHT SHIP TO GREECE Motor through sunny olive groves lining the way south. Visit Pompeii for a guided tour of the city buried in 79 AD by 20 feet of ash and lava after Mt. Vesuvius’ volcanic eruption. Afterwards, we continue across the boot of Italy to board our overnight ship to Greece. Those who are concluding their journey and not going on to Greece will depart the Rome Airport for home today, arriving in the USA late afternoon/early evening. [B] DAY 21-23 – FR/SA/SU JULY 20-22: GREEK ISLAND CENTER ON POROS * Optional Sailing Trip After cruising through aquamarine waters, our ship docks at Patras. Motor along the Corinthian Sea coast through olive groves and across the Peloponnese to Galatas and Poros Island. Relax, swim, or take part in optional activities such as wakeboarding, parasailing and banana boating. We invite everyone to our Toga Party on the last night. Consider the optional Greek island sailing trip including a packed lunch. [B,D], [B,D], [B,D] DAY 24 – MONDAY, JULY 23: ATHENS Morning transfer via ferry to Athens. Our historian takes us to the 2,400 year-old Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square. This evening in Athens, follow the sounds of traditional bouzouki music and join our farewell taverna dinner in the Plaka District – Athens' oldest neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis. [B,D] DAY 25 – TUESDAY, JULY 24: TRAVEL HOME Reluctantly, bid adieu to Europe and new-found friends. Return home with great memories and thoughts of planning another trip! [B, In-flight meals]
Optional Excursions (not included in land package price):
-
Paris, France – Cabaret Moulin Rouge
Heidelberg, Germany - Student Pub dinner
Lucerne, Switzerland – Mount Pilatus Excursion & Swiss Folk Party & Dinner
Lake District Austria – Whitewater Rafting & Wind Surfing
Isle of Poros, Greece - Greek Island Sailing Trip (only offered on 25-day journey)
Tour Director can arrange additional optional excursions upon traveler’s request
-
Arrive early, transfer to your hotel via hotel shuttle, relax and explore London town
on your own with your 24-hour Big Bus ticket.
Cost per person per night in shared double/twin USD 175
Single supplement: USD 85
Add London Eye ticket (per person) USD 27 (approx. rate)
We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles, and opportunities, may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.
Click Here To Register (PDF)
- Welcome Orientation
- Guided Tour of London’s Pomp & Pageantry
- English Channel Crossing
- French Bistro Dinner
- Paris 2-day Museum Pass
- Paris by Night
- Brussels Grand’ Place
- Indonesian Rice Table Dinner
- Amsterdam Canal Boat Ride
- Edam Cheese Farm
- Bicycling in Windmill Country
- Cologne Gothic Cathedral
- Rhine River Cruise • Heidelberg Castle
- Medieval City of Rothenburg
- Munich Glockenspiel
- Oktoberfest City of Munich
- Salzburg Mozart Sights
- Zell am See Alpine Center
- ROMA Pass
- Lavish Roman Banquet
- Piazza Navona
- Vatican City
- Pompeii Volcano Excavations
- Overnight ship to Greece vGreek Island Fun and Beaches
- Toga Party
- Athens and Acropolis
- 18 nights in select tourist class hotels with private bath/shower, double occupancy
- Daily breakfast [B] 7 three-course specialty dinners [D] and 1 lunch [L] as per itinerary
- Private tour director for the entire duration of the tour
- All scheduled sightseeing as per itinerary
- Guided tours in London, Paris, Florence and Rome led by a local guide
- Salt Mine visit in Berchtesgaden
- Rhine River Cruise
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- 2-day Paris Museum Pass
- ROMA-PASS (full access to public transport system, reduced admission to museums, music events, theatre, etc.)
- Admission to Colosseum & Forum as part of ROMA pass 5-day Southern Italy & Greece extension includes:
- 5 nights in select tourist class hotels with private bath/shower, double occupancy including overnight ship from Italy to Greece (4-share cabin)
- All breakfasts [B] and 4 three-course specialty dinners [D]
- Guided tours in Pompeii & Athens led by a local guide
- Admission to Pompeii & Acropolis
- Private tour director for the entire duration of the tour (same director as main program)
- All scheduled sightseeing
- Intra-European transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- All service charges and local taxes
- Luggage tag and travel guides
Pay in Full by Cecember 5, 2011 and Save $300 on the Listed Price for London-Athens of $200 on the Listed Price London-Rome.
- Cost is based on per person, double occupancy. International air from LAX, SFO and other gateways is provided by tour operator at additional cost and/or may be purchased on your own. If air is purchased through tour operator your transfers from London Heathrow to the hotel and from the Athens or Rome hotel (depending on your departure location) will be provided as well.
- London pre-trip extension is costed at a per person based on double occupancy.
- Pricing subject to change. Minor adjustments may be made at time of final pricing on brochure.
- Optional Excursions: Pricing Reflects that of 2011 pricing and is provided as a tool to indicate ballpark pricing for 2012. Fees are paid directly to the tour director several days prior to the excursion and shall be paid according to the currency of the country in which the activity takes place. No refunds if paid and not participated.
Rome-London
20-day land package $3,814
Single Supplement $1,075
25-day London-Athens $4,487
Single Supplement $1,325
Please note that single travelers can request to be paired with another single traveler in order to avoid the single supplement. 75% of our guests are single travelers that are paired up.
-
Cost per person per night in shared double/twin USD 175. Single supplement: USD 85 (add to the $175)
Add London Eye ticket (per person) USD 27 (approx. rate)
-
Cabaret Moulin Rouge 101 Euro
Student Pub dinner 23 Euro
Mount Pilatus Excursion & Swiss Folk Party & Dinner 54 Franc
Whitewater Rafting & Wind Surfing 35 Euro each activity
Greek Island Sailing Trip (only offered on 25-day journey) 35 Euro
Senior Trip 2011
Senior Trip 2007
Senior Trip 2006
Senior Trip 2005