European Odyssey for Students
May 12-30, 2008
Optional Extension to Greece May 30-June 4, 2008

Overview
Features
Itinerary
Extension

Overview (Return to top)

Experience the culture, history, and charm of Europe amongst fellow ISU students and recent grads. Visit seven countries in 19 days. Destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Munich, Salzburg, an Alpine retreat, a stay at a 12th century Austrian castle, Venice, Florence, and Rome.

Priced at $2,849 plus air
Orion Worldwide Travel

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Book online now:
Orion Worldwide Travel Web site

Features (Return to top)

• Professional tour director with group at all times
• Quality hotels in safe locations
• Visits to major cultural cities of Europe
• Licensed city guides and tours
• Option excursions include:
  • Parisian cabaret
  • Whitewater rafting in the Apls
  • Venetian gondola ride
• Free time ideas include:
  • Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace (London)
  • Shopping on Oxford Street (London)
  • British crown jewels and Tower of London (London)
  • See a play at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (London)
  • Visit the Louvre Museum (Paris)
  • See the Doors' Jim Morrison's grave (Paris)
  • Shopping along the Champs-Elysees (Paris)
  • Royal Palace of Versailles (Paris)
  • Mannekin Pis statue (Brussels)
  • Grand Palace (Brussels)
  • EU and NATO headquarters (Brussels)
  • BMW museum (Munich)
  • English Gardens (Munich)
  • Hiking, biking, boating, and tennis (Alpine retreat)
  • Spa treatments (Alpine retreat)
  • Rialto Bridge (Venice)
  • St. Mark's Basilica (Venice)
  • St. Mark's Square (Venice)
  • Galleria dell'Academia (Florence)
  • Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
  • Piazza della Signoria (Florence)
  • Boboli Gardens (Florence)
  • Ponte Vecchio (Florence)
  • Coliseum (Rome)
  • The Spanish Steps (Rome)
  • Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel (Rome)
  • Shopping at Via Veneto (Rome)
  • Piazza Novana (Rome)
  • Trevi Fountain (Rome)

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart USA for London
Your European Odyssey begins with an overnight flight from the USA.

Day 2
London
Arrive in London and relax at the hotel or go out to see the sights. Tonight, meet your tour director and fellow travelers. [B]

Day 3
London
This morning we leave for a city tour of London with a local guide. Relax on your luxury coach as you are driven around London to see its most famous sights and orient yourself with the city. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and much more. There will be free time this afternoon to explore. [B]

Day 4
London and Channel crossing to Paris
We'll cross the English Channel by ferry on our way to Paris, France. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at a traditional French bistro. [B, D]

Day 5
Paris
This morning's city tour will give you insight into such landmarks as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and the Place de la Concorde. Travel along the Champs-Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe and gaze upon the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline. Free time this afternoon in Paris. [B]

Optional excursion: Parisian cabaret show to see the famous can-can performed. If you have seen the film Moulin Rouge, you will know what to expect at a Paris cabaret show. See dancers, acrobats, comedians, and more! As part of your entrance you will also receive a glass of French champagne.

Day 6
Paris
Enjoy a full free day in Paris. You can experience the beauty of Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, the fashion district, or the bohemian artist neighborhood of Montmartre. [B]

Day 7
Paris to Brussels
We arrive in the capital of Belgium and the headquarters of the European Union. Be tempted by the delights of Brussels as we visit a chocolatier to see how Belgian chocolates are made! You will walk around the Grand Palace and be dazzled by one of Europe's grandest squares. [B]

Day 8
Brussels and Rhine River cruise to the Rhine Valley
Cross into Germany and the famous Rhine Valley. See fairy-tale landscapes of mountaintop medieval castles, vineyards, and villages on our included Rhine River cruise. A beer and bratwurst dinner is on the menu tonight. [B, D]

Day 9
Rhine Valley
This afternoon you will arrive in Munich, the home of Oktoberfest! Enjoy the culture of one of Europe's most famous destinations.

Day 10
Rhine Valley
A true highlight of the tour is heading into the heart of the Austrian Alps and our Alpine Retreat, where you can relax in picturesque surroundings and enjoy the amenities. Tonight enjoy an Alpine show and party as we welcome you to Austria! Enjoy free time in Munich for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Days 11-12
Alpine Retreat
Enjoy all the facilities of the hotel and a beautiful Alpine village. Do as little or as much as you want -- from spa treatments to hiking or an optional whitewater rafting excursions -- the choice is yours. Austrian specialties will be on the menu every night. [B, D]

Day 13
Alpine Retreat to Salzburg
The city of Salzburg in Austria is the birthplace of Mozart and was the setting for the movie "The Sound of Music." After a city tour, you will have time to explore the picturesque old town before we move on to Plankenstein Castle. Plankenstein is a fully restored 12th century castle. Tonight enjoy a BBQ feast at the castle! [B, D]

Optional excursion: Whitewater rafting

Day 14
Venice
After a scenic drive, you will entire Venice. Step back 800 years in time as you stroll through the streets and admire the stunning architecture. See St. Mark's Basilica and Square, the Rialto Bridge, and more. (Overnight in Venice-Mestre). Free time in Venice allows you to explore the intricate streets and canals. [B]

Optional excursion: Take a real Venetian gondola ride -- it is an experience you'll never forget! A singer and musician will accompany you as you move through the canals of Venice.

Day 15
Venice to Florence
Upon arrival in Florence, our local guide will introduce you to the "art capital of the world." The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Sante Croce, and Piazzale Michaelangelo are all part of your initial taste of the city. You will taste more treats tonight at our Florentine pizza party. [B, D]

Day 16
Florence
You have a totally free day to enjoy all that Florence has to offer. Michaelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery, the enchanging Boboli Gardens, and more await you today! [B, D]

Day 17
Florence to Rome
On arrival in Rome this afternoon our local guide will show us some of the most famous historical sites in the world: Caesar's Forum, Vatican City, and St. Peter's, the largest cathedral in the world. [B, D]

Day 18
Rome
The "eternal city" of Rome will offer you many options on your free day. From shopping on the Via Veneto to having gelato at the Spanish Steps, Rome has something for everyone! Tonight eat like royalty at our famous Roman banquet, with delectable Italian food and wine and singers serenading you. Then watch Rome come alive at night on a special illumination drive and perhaps a stop for some gelati ice cream! [B, D]

Day 19
Return home
Say "farewell" to our friends who are returning back home today.

Optional Post-Trip Extension to Greece (Return to top)

Day 19
Ferry to Greek Island Retreat
For those continuing on your graduation tour, you will board an overnight ferry to sunny Greece. While enjoying the amenities of the ferry, gaze upon the blue waters of the Mediterranean. [B]

Days 20-21
Greek Island Retreat
After arriving in Greece enjoy the relaxing journey through the Greek countryside on your way to our Greek Island Retreat. This evening you will experience the Greek way of life, which is to relax and have fun! Enjoy the pool and facilities of the hotel. If water sports are your thing, there is a nearby club offering great deals to parasail, water ski, go tubing, and more. The last night on the island means our famous Toga Party. Greek dancing, anyone? [B, D]

Day 22
Athens
You will head back to Athens, the capital of the ancient world, where our local city guide will escort the group through the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Our farewell dinner will be in a local Greek taverna, where the memories of the European Odyssey will be shared by all. [B, D]

Day 23
Return home
This morning we depart Athens for the return journey back to the USA!

Greek extension priced at $698