Amsterdam Noord, often described as a village within a city, is just a quick ferry ride from the Amsterdam train station. There we can explore historic villages, museums, cafes, and scenic countryside on a leisurely walk or bike ride.
The first organized cultural experience is a walking tour through the historic center of Prague introducing all of the essential sites. This walking tour culminates with a welcome dinner. The following day, the group visits the Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a complex dating back to the 9th century.
The group will have the opportunity to attend an opera performance at the historic National Theatre. Dating from 1868, the theatre is a monument to the rich, artistic tradition of Czech history and art.
In Paris, we peruse local markets in the historic neighborhoods, take a literary stroll on the banks of the Seine, enjoy a group picnic, explore museums and discover the many landmarks of this beautiful city.
From Munich’s central Marienplatz, we explore the history of the city, visiting museums and sites of cultural interest to learn how history shaped the city’s traditional and ethnic communities, and their foods and culture.
We begin our adventure in Athens sampling the glorious monuments of the classical city, such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaistos, or the Theater of Dionysos, as well as the grand projects of the Romans, such as Hadrian’s Library or the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
In Crete, we stay in the port city of Heraklion, our base for excursions on the island. The Koules Fortress built by the Venetians makes an impressive entrance to the old town built around the harbor and waterfront. The massive walls still stand dotted around the city, a reminder of the Venetian fortification.
We visit the ancient city of Knossos, where the evidence points to inhabitants from the neolithic times. We will have time to discover the extensive Bronze Age Archaeological site and see the site of the Minoan Palace (first built around 1900 B.C.). Is this the labyrinth of Theseus?
A highlight of the program, this Viking ship-stone cemetery offers the opportunity to sit close beside an ancient grave, and integrate learning in significant ways. Mapping, grave typology, and an eyewitness account of a Viking chieftain’s funeral enable you to think deeply about what may have happened, graveside, at this important place, over a thousand…
Cairo Sites visited may include: The Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum (includes King Tut exhibit), the massive bazaar, historic mosques and churches.