Nagoya Castle We visit Nagoya Castle, which dates back over 400 years. During World War II, it was destroyed during bombing and has since undergone reconstruction and repair. Designated as a National Treasure, it features a pair of golden shachihoko (imaginary sea creatures with tiger-like heads) that sit atop of the tower.
Students may take an independent day trip to Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. Once the capital of the maritime empire, the city is built on islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Here the canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces offer an unparalleled experience whether walking alongside the canals or…
We will explore Iceland’s vibrant urban scene as well as its historical sites, such as Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrim’s Church).
This turf church with a traditional bell gate was built in the medieval era, although the foundations of an earlier, 12th century church are just under the floorboards.
Hólar was northern Iceland’s center of religion and learning for nearly seven centuries (1106-1798). Here was the final stronghold of Catholicism during Iceland’s Reformation, a contentious era that ended when Hólar’s bishop was beheaded at Skálholt Cathedral, in southern Iceland, which we also visit.
Banished from Iceland, Erick the Red founded the Viking settlements of Greenland, and was father to Leif Erickson, “discoverer” of the New World. We explore inside his reconstructed longhouse, as well as where excavations uncovered his original home.
We will explore inside a traditional turf farmstead from the 18th century when life in rural Iceland was particularly close to the land.
We will travel along north Iceland’s scenic Skajafjord, with spectacular views of Drangey Island, a volcanic remnant, and the last refuge of the famous saga-era outlaw Grettir.
We will visit homes and other sites associated with Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, including Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue. Among other themes, H.C. Andersen’s fairy tales present lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity.
Uxmal & Hacienda Yaxcopoil Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a striking contrast to Chichen Itzá. For some, the intricate and ornate pyramids, temples and other ceremonial structures at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of Maya art, design and architecture. This Puuc city and its surrounding towns also demonstrate the social and economic…