Thursday, Depart U.S.
Overnight flight to London.
Friday: London
Arrive London. We hit the ground running. No time to waste!! The van picks us up at the airport and drops us at Buckingham Palace for the viewing of the magnificent Changing of the Guard ceremony. Next, we're back to the hotel to for a little R&R before heading for a ride on the London Eye Ferris Wheel, the largest ferris wheel in Europe. Each car is a glass enclosed bubble holding about 20 people. The wheel moves very slowly, and even those who are afraid of heights (like your trip director) are assured of a beautiful view of the city. On a clear evening, the views stretch all the way to France!
Saturday: London
Up and out to the "tube" (the London subway). We head to the Imperial War Museum. Sounds dull, but it's not! One student became so enthralled with the museum, she stayed 4 hours and didn't even notice when her friends left. Most students rate this museum as one of the highlights of the trip.
Afternoon and evening are free time.
Sunday: London
Morning: We’re up early. No time to waste!! We take the train to Windsor Castle, the royal family’s weekend and summer home. It has been totally renovated (due to a fire about 10 years ago) and is gorgeous. Next, we're off to the Tower of London for our tour by the Beefeater Guards. Be sure to view the Crown Jewels…they are magnificent!
Afternoon and evening: free time
Monday: London
Morning: Guided tour of Westminster Abbey. This is the heart of the Anglican Church in England and the site for royal coronations and holds the tombs for many famous British political and literary figures. It is also the site of Princess Diana’s funeral in 1996 and of Prince William's marriage to commoner Kate Middleton in 2011.
Afternoon: free time
Evening: Changing of the Key Ceremony at the Tower of London. The Changing of the Key ceremony takes place late at night. Only about 30 visitors are allowed. We’ve always requested tickets well in advance and have always been lucky to get them. The Tower is mostly dark and quiet. We are guided to our spots by Beefeater Guards carrying centuries-old gas lamps. This ceremony is not a tourist event, but a solemn ceremony that has taken place EVERY night without exception for the past 700 years!
Tuesday: London
Morning: Tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral. This is Dr. Merrick’s favorite church in all of England. We will have a wonderful guided tour, followed (by those who are up for it) a climb to the top of the dome where you will have a magnificent view of London.
Afternoon: We have a lecture at the metropolitan police station by the director of counter-terrorism.
Wednesday: London to Paris
Morning: van transport from hotel to train station. The Eurostar high-speed train whisks us from central London to central Paris in 2 hours and 32 minutes. Upon arrival in Paris, a van will take our luggage to the hotel while we explore the Paris Metro (subway) with Dr. Merrick in the lead. As soon as we are checked in, we walk around the corner to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the absolute heart of Paris. Location! Location! Location!
You have the afternoon free until early evening when we head to the Eiffel Tower. Hold on as the high speed elevator shoots you to the top where you will see all of Paris as dusk falls and the city’s lights come on. After dark, we cross the street to the River Seine and take a boat tour that lights up all the magnificent buildings along the Seine including Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and many more.
Thursday: Paris
Morning: We walk to the Cathedral of Notre Dame for our guided tour.
Afternoon: We get ourselves acclimated to Paris by taking an open top bus tour of the city. Bring your cameras. This is a real photo opportunity!
Friday: Paris
Morning: We take the train to the Palace of Versailles and the hall of mirrors.
Afternoon: a good time to hit your favorite museum. Don’t forget that you get to go to the front of the line by flashing your museum pass! I’ll also show you a “secret” entrance to the Louvre that is even faster than going to the front of the line at the main entrance. On Friday evenings, the Louvre is open only for those under age 25 years. A great chance to meet other students.
Saturday: Paris
No scheduled events. Good day to shop for souvenirs, stroll along the Seine, or visit your favorite museum. The entrance is free with your museum card, and don’t forget to go to the front of the line!
Sunday: Paris to U.S.
Morning: Van transport from hotel to airport for return transatlantic flight to U.S.
This trip is action-packed, but there is still plenty of free time for you to explore London and Paris on your own. This trip is a unique opportunity for students to earn academic credit in two of the most magnificent cities in the world.
Life is Good! Study Abroad in London and Paris!
EXTENDING YOUR STAY IN EUROPE
If you prefer to stay in Europe after the London Paris program ends, Dr. Merrick will assist you in making travel and hotel arrangements. Each year some students stay on. Favorite travel sites include Prague, Vienna, Italy, and Spain! Flying within Europe is very cheap (cheaper than the trains) due to the large number of discount airlines. Check the following websites to see how cheap!
Ryanair.com
EasyJet.com
Contact Dr. Merrick for more information.
Email; merrick@usf.edu
Cell: 941 224 3805
