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GCS Western Studies Alumni Tour 2026

Jun 5 - 15, 2026

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Your Advisor

Joan Weber

Nerds Tour, LLC

IATA: 06602105

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joan@nerdstour.com

(410) 807-5321

Overview


A 10-day journey through Medieval Paris, Renaissance Florence, and Baroque Rome, exploring iconic landmarks, art, and culture with guided tours and leisure time.

Day 1 · Fri, Jun 5


Transfer from GCS to BWI

Jun 5 7:00PM EDT

Jun 5 7:45PM EDT

Travelers will meet at GCS for a welcome, meet and greet at the Alumni Picnic following graduation. The bus will depart GCS at 7:00 p.m. to head to the Airport. GCS will provide free parking for all travelers for the duration of the tirp.

Day 2 · Sat, Jun 6 · Paris


Arrival and Transfer to Hotel

Jun 6 2:00AM CEST

Upon arrival, a group transfer will take you to your hotel. This afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace—perhaps visit a local gallery, unwind in a garden, or take in the elegant streetscapes that have inspired artists for centuries.

Check-in at Mercure Hotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Jun 6, 2026 · Check in: 3:00PM CEST

Hotel: Mercure Hotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel Later, meet your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, followed by an orientation drive featuring some of Paris’s grandest sights, from the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. M...

Day 3 · Sun, Jun 7 · Paris


Paris at Leisure

Today is yours to explore Paris on your own terms. Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4 · Mon, Jun 8 · Paris


Gothic Icons of Paris

Begin your day with a fascinating exploration of two of Paris’ most iconic religious landmarks. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Local Specialist, journey just outside the city to the historic Basilica of Saint-Denis, the resting place of French roy...

Day 5 · Tue, Jun 9 · Florence


High-Speed Train to Florence

Jun 9 10:00AM CEST

Jun 9 8:00PM CEST

Settle in for a comfortable journey aboard the high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Florence, traveling with second-class tickets and a smooth connection in Milan. Watch the scenery transform from the charming French countryside to the sun-...

Day 6 · Wed, Jun 10 · Florence


Renaissance Art and Secret Passages

Begin your Renaissance journey with a visit to the Accademia Gallery (subject to availability), home to Michelangelo’s David and other iconic sculptures. Your Local Specialist will reveal the stories and significance behind the works. Continue to ...

Day 7 · Thu, Jun 11 · Florence


Florence Palaces and Poets

This morning, cross the Arno River to explore the magnificent Pitti Palace, once home to the powerful Medici family. With your Local Specialist, visit the Palatine Gallery, royal apartments, and admire the palace’s Renaissance and Baroque splendor...

Day 8 · Fri, Jun 12 · Rome


San Gimignano and on to Rome

Jun 12 9:00AM CEST

Jun 12 5:00PM CEST

Bid farewell to Florence this morning as you travel through the heart of Tuscany to the picturesque hilltop town of San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline of medieval towers. Stroll through its charming cobbl...

Day 9 · Sat, Jun 13 · Rome


Sacred Art and Ancient Icons of Rome

Explore Rome’s sacred and classical heritage with a Local Specialist. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica (*subject to availability), home to Michelangelo’s Pietà and a marvel of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Then, visit Santa Maria della Vittoria,...

Day 10 · Sun, Jun 14 · Rome


Rome at Leisure

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or perhaps join an Optional Experience to Pompeii, the once-thriving Roman city buried beneath volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. With a Local Specialist, uncover the city’s ...

Day 11 · Mon, Jun 15 · Rome


Departure from Rome

Jun 15 10:00AM CEST

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to Italy as your unforgettable journey of discovery comes to a close. A group transfer to the airport is provided for your return flight home. Meal(s): Breakfast

Transfer from BWI to GCS

Jun 15 10:30PM EDT

Jun 15 11:00PM EDT

Transfer included for all travelers from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to Glenelg Country School, which has provided free parking for the duration of the trip.