Welcome to the GCS Western Studies Alumni Tour

Western Studies has been a staple of the Glenelg Country School experience for more than two decades. Every sophomore student has learned about the history, literature and art history of western Europe and the world from the middle ages through the modern period.

No trip can encapsulate the entire Western Studies academic experience, so we have jumped into the period when art, architecture, and power worked together to create beautiful cities. Join Mr. Hudgins and Ms. Weber to visit Medieval Paris, Renaissance Florence, and Baroque Rome.

Scroll to the bottom and click on "Full Itinerary" to be taken to the daily detailed itinerary.

Highlights of the trip include:

• The Basilica of St. Denis, the birthplace of the gothic architectural style in Paris. There will be no quiz about the great debate between Abbott Suger and Bernard de Clairvaux, but you'll see who ultimately won.
• Notre Dame is again open after the horrific fire of 2019. Remember the 1,000 year history of the cathedral and marvel at the restoration.
• A day-long train trip from Paris passing through the French countryside, changing trains in Milan before arriving in the Renaissance city of Florence. Catch up with friends, watch the world go by, read up on Renaissance Florence for our next stop.
• The Uffizzi Gallery and Vasari Corridor in Florence is the showplace of the greatest paintings of the renaissance, including Mr. Hudgins' favorite painting, Primavera. The Vasari Corridor is an enclosed passageway built to connect the Medici office building (the Uffizzi) and the Pitti Palace (home). Cosimo did not wish to mingle with the hoi polloi in the streets.
• A Dante walk with a local expert through the streets of Florence to see the places that influenced his poem, including the believed burial site of Beatrice. Mr. Hudgins will be right there for questions.
• Baroque Rome comes to life in St. Peter's Basilica, where we will also visit the Pieta, Michelangelo's masterpiece on grief.
• We will travel to the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria to visit the Bernini statue, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa, which epitomizes Baroque Rome
• Along the way we will have five dinners together to share our discoveries. And, perhaps a seminar can be arranged, for old time's sake.

Costs per traveler are listed per person based on double-occupancy rooms. There are a limited number of single rooms available (includes an additional cost), and a limited number of triple rooms (with a small deduction). These additional room types are available on a first-come, first-serve method.

Land Costs Only - A group flight will be added when registrations reach 15.

Number of People Cost per Traveler

15 - 19 $5,885

20 - 24 $5,160

25 - 29 $4,745

30 - 34 $4,470

35 - 39 $4,270

40 - 44 $4,115

Final cost will be determined by total number of registrations at the time of registration closing in January 2026.