Trip Leaders: Dr. Haley Burton and Dr. Chris Huggins
This tour will explore Europe’s rich cultural, historical, and Olympic legacies, tying together breathtaking landscapes and remarkable cities. We’ll begin in the stunning Swiss Alps, visiting Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen, reflecting on Switzerland’s role in winter sports and its hosting of the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics.
From there, we will travel south into Italy, starting with the unique and enchanting city of Venice, renowned for its canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace. Next, we will visit Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, where we will marvel at landmarks such as the Duomo, Michelangelo Hill, and the Ponte Vecchio while appreciating world-class works of art. Continuing south, we will venture to Rome. Rome will bring history and the Olympic spirit together, as we explore iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican while recalling the 1960 Summer Olympics. From Rome, we journey to Naples, the gateway to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the scenic Amalfi Coast, where we’ll experience a blend of history, natural beauty, and Italy’s passion for sports.
Our adventure will then take us to Greece, beginning in Athens, where we’ll explore the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of the Olympics, with visits to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and other ancient landmarks.
If time permits, we’ll conclude our tour with a visit to the idyllic island of Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed architecture, and vibrant culture.
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Interlaken, Switzerland
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
- Milan, Italy
- Florence, Italy
- Rome, Italy
- Pompeii, Italy
- Athens, Greece
Trip Highlights*
- Scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps to Interlaken
- Grindelwald and Mount First, with possible hike
- Interlaken lake
- Train ride to Milan with city exploration
- Milan Duomo di Milano
- Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Train ride to Florence
- Florence Cathedral
- Piazza del Duomo
- Uffizi Gallery
- Palazzo Pitti
- Boboli Gardens
- Cinque Terre
- Train to Rome
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- The Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Vatican City
- Stadio Olimpico
- Foro Italico
- Train to Naples with exploration of city center
- Blue Grotto
- Chairlift to Monte Solaro
- Path of the Forts
- Piazzetta
- Visit Pompeii to explore ruins
- House of the Faun
- Amphitheater
- Temple of Apollo
- Fly to Athens
- Plaka District
- Acropolis
- Parthenon
- Ancient Agora
- National Archaeological Museum
- Syntagma Square
- Mount Lycabettus
- Travel to Santorini, explore Red Beach, Perissa
- Ancient Akrotiri
- Santorini Boat Tour
*The above list is preliminary itinerary. Changes and substitutions may need to occur.
All of these trips will leave in May, 2026. Trips are usually three weeks in duration. Specific departure and arrival dates will be communicated to applicants in the Fall of 2025.
We are doing our best to have it cost $5,000 or less per person. As you may know, this is very inexpensive for a 3-week trip to Europe. This cost includes everything (flights, hotels, meals, trains, museums, concerts, etc.).
Out-of-pocket expenses which are not included in the trip charges include passport charges, visas, cost of passport photos, cost of birth certificates or other documentation needed for passport applications, ISIC cards, health-related expenses such as immunizations, spending money for souvenirs, snacks, postcards, stamps, independent meals, and optional excursions. We would encourage you to bring $500-$1,000 of additional spending cash on the trip.
The initial $250 will be due with your application by October 15th. This is only refundable if you are not accepted to a trip. The next $ 1,500 will be due by November 15th. We will need this to start booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation. It is not refundable. The final $3,250 will be due at the start of the spring semester. It will be listed as a course fee so you can take this part out as a student loan if you need.
If you are a United States citizen, then you will need a passport. If you are an international student, then you may need a Schengen Visa. A copy of your passport is due when you return your acceptance letter. If you do not have a passport, you will need to apply by October 15, 2025. Failure to show receipt of application by November 15, 2025 will make you ineligible for the trip.
Each country has its own requirements, and some don't have any. The requirements will be communicated upon acceptance. Proof of required vaccinations needs to be submitted to the Global Campus office by February 28th, 2026.
Yes and no. The university does provide travel insurance for each student. The university does NOT provide separate major medical coverage for students. Typically, your current insurance, either through the university or through your parents, will also cover you while you are traveling. You are encouraged to check with your insurance carrier about coverage while you are traveling in a foreign country.
Yes, we will be traveling in a group and you will need to stay with the group. Going off on your own and refusing to participate in the trip activities will be cause for you being sent home early at your own expense.
Yes, absolutely! Failure to do so could result in you being sent home early, at your cost.
Not necessarily. If you choose to take the course for credit, then you have to pass the class to go on the trip. However, you may wish to audit the class. If you choose to audit the course, your obligations for course work may be less than a student taking the course for credit, but you will still need to attend all courses and do work designated by the course instructor.
YES! It counts as 3 hours towards this requirement.
Students who have completed at least one year at LCU, are in good standing with Student Life, good standing with the Business Office, and are in good standing academically.
Each May trip will be capped at 20 students. Each trip will have a waitlist, so if you aren't initially accepted, don't lose hope. Open spaces can and do become available.