Eastern Europe & Scandinavia

This fascinating journey takes us through five exotic countries, each rich with history, yet distinctly cosmopolitan and contemporary. We will warm up in a Finnish sauna, go ballooning over Bohemia, take in Berlin, and experience the magic of Eastern Europe!

Our trip begins in the bustling city of Warsaw, Poland, which is nestled between the Carpathian Mountains and Baltic Sea. Next up is Krakow, where we will tour one of the Auschwitz sites. Then we head to Prague in the Czech Republic and then lift off for some hot air ballooning over the nearby Bohemian forests.

Later, in Germany, we will explore the streets of Dresden, a city that has regained its importance as one of the country’s cultural, educational and political centres after being devastated by WWII. We will also take a tour of Berlin and enjoy a musical night out on the town.

Next, we will find ourselves in St. Petersburg, Russia, visiting the famed Hermitage Art Museum and experiencing the White Nights.

Finally, our trip takes us to Helsinki, Finland, to discover the joys of a Finnish sauna - and for those brave enough, the taste of pickled herring!

COURSES

Grade 11 English (ENG3U)
Grade 12 English (ENG4U)
Grade 11 Interdisciplinary Studies (Human Rights) (IDC3OH)
Grade 12 Interdisciplinary Studies (Human Rights) (IDC4UH)

DATES (Subject to change)

July 1 to July 26, 2012

ITINERARY

Approximately 3 days in Warsaw, 4 days in Krakow, 5 days in Prague, 3 days in Dresden, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Helsinki

What we do in Warsaw:
Tour:
- Centrum and Sródmiescie

What we do in Krakow:
Visit:
- Auschwitz
- Krakow old town
- Kazimierz district

What we do in Prague:
Discover:
- The Bohemian forests from a hot air balloon
- The Charles Bridge

What we do in Dresden:
Explore:
- The UNESCO World Heritage city

What we do in Berlin:
Discover:
- The city’s avant-garde art
- Prussian architecture
- The vibrant musical scene

What we do in St. Petersburg:
Visit:
- The Hermitage Museum

What we do in Helsinki:
- Experience: A Finnish sauna

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Sunday July 1	Finnair flight 32	Depart Toronto 10:35 pm	Arrive Helsinki 1:45 pm, July 2
Monday July 2	Finnair flight 743	Depart Helsinki 5:20 pm	Arrive Warsaw 6:05 pm

Thursday July 26	Finnair flight 31	Depart Helsinki 6:10 pm	Arrive Toronto 7:55 pm