Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the others you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

~ Mark Twain ~

Summer European Medley

Note from DeVries - Back in Santa Barbara between 11 and mindnight on the 28th. Once we touch down in LAX, I will have the kids give the parents a call and let them know how how our trip home is coming along.

Photos Videos Journal

Paris Forever!	Versailles	Paris	D Day Beaches

London Sites	Touring London	Arriving London	LAX

Departure

Note from DeVries

We took the overnight train from Paris to Milan, and although it's an experience you will never forget, most of the kids were ready to get to the hotel and shower, and then go and explore Lake Como. Lake Como was beautiful. Sheldon, Cotich, and I took the kids to a town on the lake called Bellagio (no slot machines or craps tables in this Bellagio, however). The lake is gorgeous and the views were spectacular. We only had a day to experience this beautiful part of northen Italy and many of the kids remarked that they would like to come back here someday.

After Como we met our private motorcoach and cruised the Autostrada to enchanting Florence. The temps were hot, but the enthusiasm was high. The Ricasoli hotel is always a fan favorite. A good location, apartment-like feel, great air-conditioning, and a friendly staff made that spot a great launching spot to see the sights. All of us marched the 419 steps to the top of Giotto's Bell Tower in the shadow of the Duomo, had a great meal, and strolled the famed Ponte Vechio Bridge. The next morning, I took students to the culturally-rich Museo del Duomo and Bargello, while Sheldon took a group to the Piazza Michelangelo and the downtown districts. In short, Florence was breathtaking. On to the Sorrento Peninsula.

As usual, this part of the world never fails to disappoint. The first night the leaders took the students to an authentic Naplalese musical in the seaside town of Sorrento. We were surprised to learn that we had front row tickets to see and hear the songs from the old country. The next day all 37 of us boarded a hydrofoil (and braved the rolling waves) headed to the island of Capri. Most of the kids rented zodiacs and saw the picturesque coastline first hand. I took Johnny and a few others to my favorite spot on the island, the Faro lighthouse where one can enjoy some warm mozzarella and ham sandwhiches and freshly sliced fruit platters while gazing at the crystal blue waters of Capri. What a day! The next day the kids split up and just took advantage of the down time to swim in our hotel's pool, walk down to the sea, grab some gelato, talk to some locals, etc. etc. I took a large group to the Pompeii ruins and we were able to get a glimpse into Roman life before 79 AD.

There are no Americans in this town besides our group which makes it feel extra authenic.

As I'm writing this, the kids are getting packed up for Rome where we'll be exploring the Vatican and Sistine Chapel today, followed by a stroll through Piazza Novona, the Pantheon, Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain. Then we are waking up quite early and venturing into the Roman Forum and Coliseum. It will be an action packed 24 hours to say the least.

We can expect to be back in SB between 11 and mindnight on the 28th. Once we touch down in LAX, I will have the kids give the parents a call and let them know how how our trip home is coming along.

In sum, it has been a fantastic adventure. I will look forward to downloading all of the pictures and sharing the stories with the students upon our return.

Pictures from Home

Dearest Parents...

It's about this time in the trip that the students start missing mommy and daddy. Although they are walking through some of the richest culture and history in the world, what they really want to see now are pictures from home.

If you can, please send some of your favorite pictures to steve@globaldestination.com and we will post them on the site. You can also give a 1 or 2 sentence commentary.

Maybe it is a picture of them at the 6th grade dance... Their favorite stuffed animal.... them holding hands with their very first boyfriend/girlfriend... You know.. the juicy old good stuff the would love for everyone to see now.

Thanks,

Steve

Journal from Paris

When we arrived in Paris we headed straight to the Eiffel tower. The view was spectacular as the sun fell (at 10:20 PM) and we were able to see some magnificent views. I also shot some video but the Ipad won't cooperate and we need to upload to a pc and then transfer. For many of the students, this was their first glimpse of "The City of LIghts" which was a great welcoming.

The next morning we woke up early and ventured over to Fat Tire Bicycle, which is a company owned and operated by Americans living in Paris and somehow they know how to cater a great tour geared towards American teenagers (get it? "geared"? Since we were on bicycles? That was intended) Our tour guide Sadye took us on a grand tour throughout the palace and grounds of Versailles, the home of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI. We even had a chance to buy some picnic items in an open air market and then partake of that picnic on the manicured lawns near the pond overlooking the grand Chateau. King Louis would be proud that we were enjoying his backyard. Marie A. would be proud as well.

That night the kids all rendezvoused at the Seine River and went on a night time river cruise that highlighted the breathtaking panoramic views (Pont Nuef, Notre Dame, etc.).

Today is a day to explore Paris. Gotta run...kids are getting restless.

Off to Milan tonight!

All best,
Jamie

Arrived to France

We arrived to find a cool and drizzly Caen, France. This morning we're heading to the famed beaches of Normandy (specifically Omaha Beach and the U.S. cemetery). Upon arrival in our hotel we found an elderly gentleman with a cane sitting in the lobby while wearing a veteran WWII cap. Some from our group then had a long conversation with this gentleman as he described for us in detail how he landed with the first wave of soldiers during D-Day, June 6 1944. It was simply incredible to hear this first-hand account. He spoke of losing 104 friends in his battalion during the first hour of the landing!

After our visit to the beaches this morning, our group will be off to Paris. We have to run now and catch our bus...but I just wanted to drop a note and quickly tell everyone back home that we're all safe, happy, and eager to see history come alive today!

Best,
Jamie DeVries

Landed in London

From DeVries - Parents, this is just a quick note to all letting you know that we have made it safely to London. Yesterday we went to the Tower of London and had a group dinner in Covenant Garden. Amazing. Today we are going to the Cabinet War Rooms, Wimbledon, and doing a bike tour of Royal Gardens (followed by Les Miserables tonight). Not a bad start at all! More pictures coming.

Trip Journal

Guide: Jamie DeVries
Email: jdevries@globaldestination.com
Phone in case of emergency: 805.452.2157

SB/Web contact: Steve Schapansky
Email: steve@globaldestination.com
Phone: 805.967.1444

DEPARTING SOON!!
Meeting Place: 6 A.M at the SMHS Turnaround

Amalfi coast	Florence	Milan	Letters from Home

Paris Forever!	Versailles	Paris	D Day Beaches

London Sites	Touring London	Arriving London	LAX

Departure

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Main Attractions:

• Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms
• the beaches of Normandy
• the Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre
• Florence’s Duomo
• Rome’s Coliseum
• the Sistine Chapel
• and much, much more

London - Paris - Italian Alps - Florence

Night 1: Flight from LAX to London

Nights 2 – 3: London, England

Nights 4: Normandy, France

Nights 5 – 6: Paris, France

Night 7: Night train to Milan, Italy

Night 8: Lake Como, Italy

Night 9 – 10: Florence, Italy

Nights 11 – 13: Pompeii/Sorrento/Capri, Italy

Nights 14: Rome, Italy

Flight 15: Flight Home

What's Included:

Program Fee includes:
• Round trip airfare on superior airlines
• 13 overnight stays in superior class hotels (3 star or above)
• Continental breakfasts daily
• Upgraded dinners on nights 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 14
• Sightseeing tours led by experienced local guides
• Transportation to and from major sights
• Entrance fees into major tourist attractions

Comprehensive Sightseeing Tours & Entrance fees included at the following sites:
• Tower of London
• Cabinet War Rooms
• Imperial War Museum
• Louvre
• Normandy
• Versailles (optional)
• Seine River Cruise
• Paris catacombs
• Eiffel Tower
• Pompeii
• Roman Coliseum
• Roman Forum
• Sistine Chapel
• Bargello Museum
• Duomo
• Capri ferry

Program Cost (NOT including the $125 membership fee):
• Estimated $4000-$4200

To Reserve A Spot:

Submit a $125 non-refundable check or credit card payable to “Global Destination” and complete application.
This will confirm your spot (space is limited)

Schedule of Payment:

• 30 days after GD receives your formal application: $400 payment is due
• 99 Days prior to departure: remaining balance is due at this time

Trip Journal

London:

Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road
London
E1 4NS
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7882 8175
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7882 7055
Email: groups+tours@qmul.ac.uk

Caen:

6, Place Courtonne BP 3086 CAEN CEDEX
14018 - CAEN
FRANCE
Tel. : (+33)2/31958888
Fax. : (+33)2/31438080

Paris:

Hotel ibis Paris Bercy Village 12ème

19, place des Vins de France
75012 - PARIS
FRANCE
Tel. : (+33)1/49280606
Fax. : (+33)1/49280620

Como:

Best Western Hotel Continental - Arrive

Options
Lake Como
Viale Innocenzo XI 15 - 22100 - Como (CO)
+39 031 260485

Florence:

Hotel Ricasoli

Via delle Mantellate, 2, 50129
Florence Italy tel 39 055 352152

Vico Equense:

Hotel Aequa

Via Filangieri, 46/48 80069
Vico Equense Sorrento (Napoli) Italia tel 39 081 80 15 331

Rome:

Hotel Eurostar Aeterna

Roma, Italia
Telephone 34 902932424

Flights

Air Canada #788 Terminal 2 Departs at 11:55am from LAX Returning
Air Canada Flight AC 893 Arriving LAX at 8:23PM