AP European History Tour Itinerary
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2 : Overnight flight and arrival in Rome
Board you overnight flight to Rome
Arrival in RomeWelcome to Rome, the Eternal City. The city is an incredible mix of archeological gems, Roman genius, Renaissance art and religious treasure. As Italy’s capital, it is also the bustling heart of this exciting country. With its fashionable shopping and café-culture, Rome really is a unique European experience.
Arrival in RomeWelcome to Rome, the Eternal City. The city is an incredible mix of archeological gems, Roman genius, Renaissance art and religious treasure. As Italy’s capital, it is also the bustling heart of this exciting country. With its fashionable shopping and café-culture, Rome really is a unique European experience.
Day 3 : Rome
Guided sightseeing of Vatican City The world’s largest dome is located in the world’s smallest country. See both as you tour St. Peter’s Basilica, erected in Vatican City on the site where the saint was martyred. Enter the basilica under the watchful eyes of the brightly dressed Swiss Guard. Inside, admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and try to find the artist’s signature (it is the only sculpture he ever signed). Then continue on to the Vatican Museum, where elaborate galleries packed with one artistic masterpiece after another lead you directly to the Sistine Chapel. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo painted some of the world’s finest pictorial images on the Chapel’s ceiling. This was his first attempt at working in fresco, which he did by standing up and craning backwards from a scaffold.
Visit to the Stanze di Raffaello (subject to availability)View the magnificently frescoed former chambers of Pope Julius II Della Rovere. Patron of the arts, Julius called Raphael to Rome in 1508 and commissioned the artist to paint his four-room residence. Raphael began work on the papal apartments when he was just twenty-five years old. Though he also undertook other projects, such as designing tapestries for the Sistine Chapel, the apartment frescoes occupied much of his time until his sudden death of a fever at the age of thirty-seven.
Optional excursion to Ostia Antica Opt to spend the afternoon exploring the ruins of Ostia Antica, a former Roman port city founded on the Tiber River in the 3rd century BC. Ostia was the first Roman colony. Discover the remains of an ancient fortress, pass by the ornate baths and imagine everyday life in this once wealthy and densely populated colony.
Visit to the Stanze di Raffaello (subject to availability)View the magnificently frescoed former chambers of Pope Julius II Della Rovere. Patron of the arts, Julius called Raphael to Rome in 1508 and commissioned the artist to paint his four-room residence. Raphael began work on the papal apartments when he was just twenty-five years old. Though he also undertook other projects, such as designing tapestries for the Sistine Chapel, the apartment frescoes occupied much of his time until his sudden death of a fever at the age of thirty-seven.
Optional excursion to Ostia Antica Opt to spend the afternoon exploring the ruins of Ostia Antica, a former Roman port city founded on the Tiber River in the 3rd century BC. Ostia was the first Roman colony. Discover the remains of an ancient fortress, pass by the ornate baths and imagine everyday life in this once wealthy and densely populated colony.
Day 4 : Rome/Florence
Guided sightseeing of Rome Your guided sightseeing of ancient Rome takes you past the ancient Forum Romanum, once the heart of the Roman Empire. You will also visit the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled for their lives in front of 50,000 spectators. During a guided walk, stroll through the Piazza Venezia and view the Pantheon, the temple to "all the gods." End at the Trevi Fountain, a favorite meeting spot for tourists and locals alike.
Transfer to Florence Set deep in the heart of Tuscany is one of Italy’s jewels. The city of Florence has delighted visitors for centuries with its remarkable architecture. Whether sitting by the River Arno, strolling the beautifully housed streets or viewing the renaissance masterpieces that fill the city’s churches and museums, one can only be astonished by the feeling of true beauty.
Transfer to Florence Set deep in the heart of Tuscany is one of Italy’s jewels. The city of Florence has delighted visitors for centuries with its remarkable architecture. Whether sitting by the River Arno, strolling the beautifully housed streets or viewing the renaissance masterpieces that fill the city’s churches and museums, one can only be astonished by the feeling of true beauty.
Day 5 : Florence
Guided sightseeing of Florence Fall under the spell of the powerful Medici family on your guided tour. See Giotto’s Bell Tower and the imposing marble cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo. Stand before Ghiberti’s legendary Gates of Paradise (so dubbed by Michelangelo), and pass the classical statues of the Piazza della Signoria-here you can see where Michelangelo’s David originally stood. Later, watch local artisans at work at a local leather workshop.
Free time in Florence You might take a moment to soak in the cobblestone birthplace of the Renaissance with a cappuccino in one of the small cafes throughout the city. Maybe you would prefer to peruse the luxurious shops of the Ponte Vecchio, or take a stroll up through the Boboli Gardens to Forte di Belvedere, where you might chance on a sculpture exhibition as you take in the spectacular panorama of Florence.
Night Train to Paris Tonight, spend the night on comfortable couchette accommodations aboard your overnight train bound for Paris.
Free time in Florence You might take a moment to soak in the cobblestone birthplace of the Renaissance with a cappuccino in one of the small cafes throughout the city. Maybe you would prefer to peruse the luxurious shops of the Ponte Vecchio, or take a stroll up through the Boboli Gardens to Forte di Belvedere, where you might chance on a sculpture exhibition as you take in the spectacular panorama of Florence.
Night Train to Paris Tonight, spend the night on comfortable couchette accommodations aboard your overnight train bound for Paris.
Day 6 : Paris
Arrival in Paris Welcome to Paris, cosmopolitan City of Light. Over the centuries, Paris has grown to become the undisputed center of France, and one of the world’s most important cities both culturally and politically. Equally famed for its high fashion, awe-inspiring museums and elegant cuisine, Paris has also been a center of theater, literature and philosophy throughout the ages.
Guided sightseeing of Paris Discover the city on the Seine during this panoramic tour: You will stop on the Île de la Cité to visit the famed cathedral of Notre Dame. Later take a drive down the elegant Champs-Elysées and see the imposing Arc de Triomphe. Your local guide will also lead you past the Place Concorde, Les Invalides and the École Militaire. There is also a chance to make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower, one of Europe’s most famed landmarks.
Guided sightseeing of Paris Discover the city on the Seine during this panoramic tour: You will stop on the Île de la Cité to visit the famed cathedral of Notre Dame. Later take a drive down the elegant Champs-Elysées and see the imposing Arc de Triomphe. Your local guide will also lead you past the Place Concorde, Les Invalides and the École Militaire. There is also a chance to make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower, one of Europe’s most famed landmarks.
Day 7 : Paris
Walking tour of Paris Begin at the Louvre and cross over the Seine river. On the left bank, watch the bouquinistes selling old books and postcards and catch glimpses of the Conciergerie and St. Chapelle from the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city. Continue through the Latin Quarter, an area dominated by the Sorbonne, Paris’ most famous university, founded in 1253. The quarter was named for its inhabitants’ native tongue; Latin was the official language until 1793. As you stroll, look for the Panthéon, created by Louis XV because of a promise he made during a severe illness to build a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève if he survived. Your tour will end at Notre Dame Cathedral.
Guided sightseeing of the Louvre Built to defend the city in the 13th century, the Louvre safeguards one of the world’s greatest art collections. Enter the museum through world-renowned architect I.M. Pei’s 1989 modernist glass pyramid. Inside, discover priceless antiquities from Asia, Greece, and Rome. You’ll also see precious objects from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as paintings by European masters, including the Mona Lisa.
Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral Built between 1163 and 1361 over the remains of an ancient Roman temple, it was here that Napoleon crowned himself emperor in 1804. Victor Hugo once described the sculptured façade of Notre Dame as “a vast symphony in stone.” However, had it not been for the creation of his famous hunchback, Quasimodo, the cathedral might never have returned to its former glory. Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame helped inspire a 23-year restoration of the cathedral that began in 1841. Step inside to admire the stained-glass rose windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings.
Guided sightseeing of the Louvre Built to defend the city in the 13th century, the Louvre safeguards one of the world’s greatest art collections. Enter the museum through world-renowned architect I.M. Pei’s 1989 modernist glass pyramid. Inside, discover priceless antiquities from Asia, Greece, and Rome. You’ll also see precious objects from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as paintings by European masters, including the Mona Lisa.
Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral Built between 1163 and 1361 over the remains of an ancient Roman temple, it was here that Napoleon crowned himself emperor in 1804. Victor Hugo once described the sculptured façade of Notre Dame as “a vast symphony in stone.” However, had it not been for the creation of his famous hunchback, Quasimodo, the cathedral might never have returned to its former glory. Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame helped inspire a 23-year restoration of the cathedral that began in 1841. Step inside to admire the stained-glass rose windows and seemingly weightless vaulted ceilings.
Day 8 : Normandy
Transfer to Calais via Normandy Visit the location where many of the scenes that turned the course of World War II took place. Despite its connection with major military events, Normandy is also a region of scenic beauty with elegant landscapes and patchwork fields as well as the majesty of its two major towns-Caen and Rouen.
Visit to the Normandy Beaches, American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc At daybreak on June 6, 1944, the Allies’ D-Day landings took place, sparking the largest sea-borne invasion in military history and one of the bravest acts of World War II. As you walk on the same shores that witnessed so much courage and sacrifice over half a century ago, you can still see shelled out craters on the rocky cliffs alongside the occasional remains of German bunkers.
Visit to the Normandy Beaches, American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc At daybreak on June 6, 1944, the Allies’ D-Day landings took place, sparking the largest sea-borne invasion in military history and one of the bravest acts of World War II. As you walk on the same shores that witnessed so much courage and sacrifice over half a century ago, you can still see shelled out craters on the rocky cliffs alongside the occasional remains of German bunkers.
Day 9 : London
English Channel crossing Look for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you approach the English shore-they inspired the cliff scene in Shakespeare’s King Lear. Four hundred years later, Churchill utilized a vast network of secret tunnels hidden within the rock to hide Allied troops during WWII.
Dover Castle This morning you will visit the remains of Dover Castle, perched near the white cliffs of Dover. This 400-year-old Castle is one of the oldest in England, but the site of the castle is even older—Romans placed a lighthouse there in 55 BC.
Transfer to London “Sound drums and trumpets and to London all”-(Shakespeare, King Henry VI part II). Ranging from the North Sea in the east to the playing fields of Eton in the west, London covers an area of some 620 square miles and is home to over 8 million people. Prepare to observe the stunning architecture, vibrant street life and royal majesty of this bustling metropolis.
EF walking tour of London (time permitting) Stroll through the heart of London on our EF walking tour, which begins along the banks of the River Thames. As you walk along the ancient embankment, note that these shadowy waters gave the city its name, which derives from Llyn-Dyn, Celtic for “city of the lake.” Walk along the Strand and see the spot from which all distances to London are measured. Enter Trafalgar Square, where you’re sure to meet the world’s most famous pigeons, and pause at Nelson’s column, a symbol of Britain’s once unrivaled naval power. Continue on to Leicester Square, where duelists once fought to the death. Then saunter through London’s tiny Chinatown. Your walk ends at chic Covent Garden, where street performers (or “buskers”) and stylish passers-by amuse the lively crowds.
Dover Castle This morning you will visit the remains of Dover Castle, perched near the white cliffs of Dover. This 400-year-old Castle is one of the oldest in England, but the site of the castle is even older—Romans placed a lighthouse there in 55 BC.
Transfer to London “Sound drums and trumpets and to London all”-(Shakespeare, King Henry VI part II). Ranging from the North Sea in the east to the playing fields of Eton in the west, London covers an area of some 620 square miles and is home to over 8 million people. Prepare to observe the stunning architecture, vibrant street life and royal majesty of this bustling metropolis.
EF walking tour of London (time permitting) Stroll through the heart of London on our EF walking tour, which begins along the banks of the River Thames. As you walk along the ancient embankment, note that these shadowy waters gave the city its name, which derives from Llyn-Dyn, Celtic for “city of the lake.” Walk along the Strand and see the spot from which all distances to London are measured. Enter Trafalgar Square, where you’re sure to meet the world’s most famous pigeons, and pause at Nelson’s column, a symbol of Britain’s once unrivaled naval power. Continue on to Leicester Square, where duelists once fought to the death. Then saunter through London’s tiny Chinatown. Your walk ends at chic Covent Garden, where street performers (or “buskers”) and stylish passers-by amuse the lively crowds.
Day 10 : London
Guided sightseeing of London A local guide leads you on a panoramic tour of London. Begin in Grosvenor Square; site of the U.S. embassy and the house where Eisenhower once lived, this area is sometimes called “Little America.” Continue to Hyde Park Corner, located at the southeast corner of Hyde Park, one of London’s largest parks. At bustling Piccadilly Circus, the intersection of five busy streets, check out the bright lights and big city displays, before heading to Trafalgar Square, site of Nelson’s Column, built to commemorate his 1805 victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. Pass Speaker’s Corner, where anyone with something to say is invited to speak his mind. Snap a photo of the Houses of Parliament and continue along London’s South Bank for views of the famous Tower of London and London Bridge. Stroll across the Millennium Bridge for an orientation of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the magnificent 17th-century Baroque church designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Finally, witness a London tradition-the Changing of the Guard (subject to scheduling).
Tower of London The history of London comes to life at this complex of 20 towers surrounding Tower Green. The oldest tower, known as the White Tower, was completed in 1097, when it was the tallest building in London. The Tower buildings have had many uses over the years; perhaps the most infamous was as a jail for political prisoners, not to mention two of Henry VIII’s wives. The most famous exhibits at the Tower are the British Crown Jewels. Aside from a short interruption during WWII, these splendid baubles have been locked behind the Tower’s walls for centuries.
Evening Theatre Participate in London’s vibrant drama scene as you attend an evening theater performance in the West End. London has over 80 mainstream theaters-the largest array in the world-featuring everything from traditional classics to cutting edge works by new writers.
Tower of London The history of London comes to life at this complex of 20 towers surrounding Tower Green. The oldest tower, known as the White Tower, was completed in 1097, when it was the tallest building in London. The Tower buildings have had many uses over the years; perhaps the most infamous was as a jail for political prisoners, not to mention two of Henry VIII’s wives. The most famous exhibits at the Tower are the British Crown Jewels. Aside from a short interruption during WWII, these splendid baubles have been locked behind the Tower’s walls for centuries.
Evening Theatre Participate in London’s vibrant drama scene as you attend an evening theater performance in the West End. London has over 80 mainstream theaters-the largest array in the world-featuring everything from traditional classics to cutting edge works by new writers.
Day 11 : London
Free day in London Enjoy free time in London. You might wish to visit the original Hard Rock Café or Madame Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors, take a cruise down the Thames, or browse through the countless stores along Oxford Street. Attend a Shakespearean drama at a replica of the Globe Theatre, or visit the fascinating, hands-on exhibits of London’s Natural History Museum.
Day 12 : London
Optional Excursion to Stonehenge and BathThis full-day guided excursion takes you through the English countryside to visit two historical landmarks that together span 4,000 years of English history! First, you’ll visit Stonehenge, England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period, is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Before returning to London, you’ll also visit Bath, famous for its Georgian architecture, a lasting reminder of the world described in so many Jane Austen novels. In her novel Northanger Abbey, Austen wrote, “I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath...I do like it so very much. Oh! who can ever be tired of Bath.” This spa was a favorite vacation spot of early Romans and 18th-century English aristocracy alike; former residents include Queen Victoria and Lord Nelson. Visit the acclaimed Roman baths, built by the Romans in the 1st century to enjoy the hot springs, and today these baths remain the finest Roman ruins in Britain.
Free time in London Alternatively, you may choose to have free time in London. Perhaps you would like to explore the National Gallery or the Tate Modern, check out the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms, or take a tour of Westminster Abbey.
Free time in London Alternatively, you may choose to have free time in London. Perhaps you would like to explore the National Gallery or the Tate Modern, check out the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms, or take a tour of Westminster Abbey.
Day 13 : Flight Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home Your tour director assists with your transfer to the airport, where you’ll check in for your return flight home.More Tour Information
The total cost listed below includes the membership fee, the program fee and all other departure fees. We reserve the right to change the itinerary in order to reduce costs should the group decide to.
Total cost for students ( anyone under 24 years old) $3400
Total cost for adults $3790
These costs are based on 15 people. With each additional 5 people the cost is reduced. The price includes:
