Europe Discovery Moments

Backstage Tour of the National Theatre
Backstage Tours at the National offer a unique insight into what goes on behind the scenes in a building which houses three theatres and produces 18 shows per year. Fascinating historical details and ingenious tricks of the trade are revealed as experienced, entertaining guides brimming with anecdotes and information lead the backstage tours through the National's three auditoriums and backstage areas. Backstage Tours also visit the production workshops and paintframe (which are unique amongst London theatres) where sets and props are built and decorated giving visitors the chance to see how dramatic illusions are created using wood, latex and paint.
Concept: Flash Forward

Walking tour of Oxford
Inspector Morse and other books, cinema, and TV locations: We visit places associated with writers such as Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, Thomas Hardy, C S Lewis, J R Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Kenneth Graham, Graham Greene, Colin Dexter and Philip Pullman. Hollywood's interest in Oxford started with 'A Yank at Oxford' in 1938, followed by 'A Chump at Oxford' with Laurel and Hardy in 1940. 'Oxford' then was synonymous with the old University, and it was not until the 1990s that film makers used the city as a backdrop for more general productions, including the Harry Potter series and a James Bond.
Concept: Who's Who

In the Footsteps of Sherlock Holmes
It’s time to do a little sleuthing with Holmes & Watson! Follow their adventures through London, including Charing Cross, the Strand’s gas-lit alleys and of course Covent Garden. You’ll visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum! And who knows what mystery will need solving!
Concept: Footsteps of Legends
Sample London Itinerary

Paris Market Discovery
Walk as real Parisians through the medieval part of the Latin Quarter, a familial neighborhood famous for the high quality and large choice of food produce. Students will explore the market with their guide, visiting the cheese dairy, several bakers’ and confectioner’s, and finally in a regional specialty shop. Students will be introduced to the French gourmandize! After the tour it’s time to try out their language skills and new foodie knowledge, and shop for their picnic lunch!
Concept: Cultural Cuisine

Paris in the 40s
The World War II Walk takes us back to Paris's darkest hours - the Nazi occupation. We will explore subjects such as the invasion of France, the Resistance, and life in Paris during the occupation, the D-Day invasion and of course the Liberation itself. Also included are visits to specific Paris sites related to this historical time period. A must for any history student, and brought to life through local guides.
Concept: Footsteps of Legends
Sample Paris Itinerary

Life as a Gladiator
Students will re-create Roman history as they don a traditional tunic and learn the techniques practiced by the ancient gladiators of Rome as well as ancient Roman history. This truly Roman experience combines culture, sport and ancient legends. After this experience, the students will head to the Roman Coliseum for a guided tour complete with legends and lore!
Concept: Active Learning
Sample Rome, Italy Itinerary

The Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries
Discover the secret passageways of Doge's Palace, a unique way to see all of the palace's most famous rooms. This follows in the footsteps of the most important (or infamous) leaders of Venice. On their trips through the palace, these men wouldn’t use the public doors and stairways; they would slip through hidden passageways and concealed doors. Take the Itinerari Segreti to discover these hidden passages, also the administrative offices of the men who ran the Venice of medieval and Renaissance times. Visit the city gaol, and the very cell from which notorious Giacomo Casanova made his escape in 1775.
Concept: Footsteps of Legends
Sample Venice, Italy Itinerary

Pizza Pie, that’s Amore!
One of the oldest prepared foods in the world, Pizza has its origins in the Mediterranean and is most popularly attributed to Italy. Tonight students will dine at a popular Italian restaurant where they will learn the art of making pizza the Italian way – there’s nothing frozen about this pizza!
Concept: Cultural Cuisine

Michelangelo – a most famous Artist
This tour focuses on the genius of Florence’s most famous artist at two seminal moments in his 75-year long career. Students will visit the Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo’s 15 foot tall marble David dominates. Explore the symbolism and carving technique of the David and his attendant Slaves, followed by a walk past the Medici palace where, in 1490, Lorenzo the Magnificent welcomed the 15 year-old artist into his home so that he could supervise at close hand the boy’s artistic and social education. The tour finishes with a visit to the church of San Lorenzo where Michelangelo carved the Medici tombs. In addition to focusing on his art, this tour highlights much about the psychology of the sculptor.
Concept: Footsteps of Legends
Sample Florence, Italy Itinerary

The art of Flamenco
Students will visit the ‘Museo del Baile Flamenco’ where they will learn the history of flamenco dancing and the Andalusia culture. This premier facility includes various exhibits as well as areas where flamenco can be experienced in sound and image. The fun begins with a private group class in an authentic atmosphere where students can learn firsthand the basics of Flamenco!
Concept: Active Learning
Sample Seville, Spain Itinerary