Students begin their travels in the ‘Eternal City’. With visits to the Colosseum and the ruins of the Forum, we wander through time and discuss the foundations of the West in the ultimate open-air museum: Rome. We witness the physical and literal layers of Rome’s history intermixed with high fashion, luxury cars, and an unparalleled passion for soccer! Whether writing morning notes on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, performing Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum, or sampling the world’s best gelato at the Trevi Fountain — in Rome — students witness the ghosts of history as they come alive.

Our next stop is Florence, the ‘birthplace of the Renaissance’. Names such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Medici are etched into some of the world’s most beautiful architecture. Florence is the perfect place to see what an explosion of thought, art, and culture can bring to a city, and indeed, the world. While interspersing our days with visits to the Uffizi, Il Duomo, and the Accademia—home to Michelangelo’s David—students are captivated by vibrant markets, and enjoy some of the greatest cuisine on the planet. It is no wonder this city has been the favourite of artists, writers, and popes for centuries — it is the perfect place to learn about the modern world.

Next, we take a short ride to Siena, a Tuscan jewel renowned for its medieval architecture and the Palio, a thrilling bareback horse race held twice each summer. Our days will be filled with exploring the labyrinthine streets, marvelling at the grandeur of the Siena Cathedral, and soaking up the lively atmosphere of the Piazza del Campo, right in the heart of the city. An evening stroll from the Duomo to the Palazzo Salimbeni will reveal hidden gems and historical landmarks, all while indulging in Siena’s culinary delights. This will be a true feast for the senses.

We then have a short respite in the enchanting town of Pitigliano, a medieval gem nestled atop a volcanic plateau. Known as the “Little Jerusalem of Tuscany,” Pitigliano offers a unique blend of Etruscan, Jewish, and Christian history. As we wander through the town’s narrow streets, the scent of ancient stone and the gentle chime of bells fill the air. A visit to the Jewish ghetto, once a vibrant community, provides a glimpse into the town’s rich cultural heritage. We’ll also have the opportunity to savour delicious local cuisine, including the famous “pasticciotto,” a traditional Tuscan pastry that is as delightful to taste as it is to look at.

From the heart of Italy, we journey north to Venice, a city unlike any other. This captivating location, the setting of Shakespeare’s timeless play The Merchant of Venice, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. Built on a lagoon, Venice’s canals and gondolas whisper tales of a maritime empire that bridged East and West. Together, we’ll tour the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the Venetian Republic’s power, and be awed by the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica. After shopping on the Rialto, we’ll enjoy a quick frisbee game in St. Mark’s Square before taking a gondola ride through the canals for an unbeatable perspective of this captivating city.

No European odyssey would be complete without Paris, the city of light, love, and revolution. In Paris, lessons focus on the Age of Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution as we debate the nature of humanity and the structure of civilization. In the crypt of the Pantheon, we revisit the arguments put forth by Rousseau and Voltaire that laid the foundation for the French Revolution and the rise of Maximilien de Robespierre. At his tomb, we discuss ‘The Little Corporal’ himself, Napoleon Bonaparte, and his domination of Europe and beyond. From a sunset climb of the Eiffel Tower, to visits at the Musée du Louvre, our stay in Paris will be a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into French history and culture.

The next three days are spent in the picturesque city of Heidelberg. Here, we will take a day trip to Heidelberg Castle and learn about its history before engaging in a frisbee tournament. We will then hike the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, 1,200 stone stairs that lead to a panoramic view of the city in all its splendour. After the hustle and bustle in Paris, Heidelberg is a wonderful destination to connect as a class, complete a BookChat in a charming little cafe, and get ourselves ready for the journey ahead.

Making our way to the ‘Top of Europe’, students emerge from the Stechelberg gondola to find their new home in the picture-postcard Swiss village of Murren. We’ll hike mountains and roast marshmallows by the fireside—with the clamour of giant cowbells, bleating mountain goats, and the sound of gushing waterfalls all around. Students will use this time to work on essay writing, namely developing a complex argument, and receive one-on-one mentorship while enjoying morning coffee overlooking the Alps. We also seek to understand the consequences of Industrialization and how the stage was set for the Great War. With a full-day hike in the Alps and lots of rest time, Switzerland offers the perfect pause before we continue our adventure back into Germany.

In Munich, we introduce you to the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the holocaust novel Night, by Eli Wiesel. These authors help us connect to the universal literary themes of salvation and survival. From St. Michael’s Church to the English Gardens and the horrific legacy of the Dachau Concentration Camp, students will be exposed to how literature brings the past alive. With each poem, story, and song, you will have a deeper connection to what makes Munich a fitting place to continue our historical and literary journey. Sitting on the steps of Odeonsplatz, where Hitler once delivered his propaganda, provides a unique and sobering perspective as we reflect in our journals. And no stay in Munich is complete without dinner at the legendary Hofbräuhaus where we reminisce on all that we have experienced so far.

Our journey next takes us to Greece and the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy; Athens. As we climb the ruins of the Acropolis, we’ll stand before the iconic Parthenon, a symbol of Greek architectural genius and enduring cultural legacy. From the views of Areopagus Hill, we look at the foundations of democratic societies, then and now, and debate whether Thucydides’ trap may be avoided. After watching the sunset we wander through the bustling Plaka district, and enjoy delicious Greek delicacies while we prepare for our tour of the islands ahead.

From the hustle and bustle of Athens, we escape to the idyllic island of Mykonos, renowned for its white-washed houses, azure waters, and relaxed living. Amidst the beauty of the Aegean Sea, we’ll have ample time for personal reflection, relaxation, and consolidating the knowledge and experiences we’ve gained over our travels so far. Whether lounging on sun-drenched beaches, exploring charming villages, or indulging in delicious Greek cuisine, we’ll cherish these days together, while forging lasting memories and friendships.

Our journey’s penultimate stop is Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. Known for its fertile valleys, towering mountains, and stunning coastline, Naxos offers a diverse landscape ripe for exploration. We’ll wander through the ancient ruins of the Temple of Demeter, a testament to the island’s rich mythological past, while walking the stone streets of charming villages like Halki, known for its Venetian architecture and citrus groves. With its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, Naxos provides the perfect setting to reconnect with nature, soak up the authentic charm of the Greek islands, and prepare for our final destination.

Our final location is Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, where people and culture have been moving and mixing for millennia. We’ll step back in time at the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization, to discuss the complexities of human migration and the rise and fall of civilizations. A hike through the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will reveal breathtaking natural beauty, while a personalized baking session with a local “yiayia”, will be a memory to last a lifetime. As we prepare for our journey home, we’ll take a step back to reflect on the history, culture, and natural wonders we’ve encountered on this odyssey through Europe.

Online Post-trip Sessions
Upon your return, you will have time to complete additional research and your Final Culminating Assessment. This time allows you to reflect on and integrate your travel experiences into the course material. The MEI staff have found this evaluation style enjoyable and the most authentic way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and academic skills. After your assessment, you will complete your course exams online. Once your marks have been reviewed, MEI Academy will send your transcript to your home school to add to your academic records.