IWhile Paris has always been the official capital city of France, Versailles was the site for governmental affairs and political decisions. The major features of the palace were built between 1682 and 1710 and are truly a sight to be seen. Aside from its amazing architecture, Versailles’ history also makes the trip a must on anyone’s France To-Do list.

As the seat of political power, Versailles naturally became the cradle of the French Revolution. It was there that Marie–Antoinette allegedly said, in response to widespread Frenchmen starvation, “Let them eat cake”. Whether verbatim or otherwise, the comment was indicative of how the French viewed their King and Queen and during the days of October 5th and 6th, 1789. Throngs of people made their way from Paris to Versailles, invading the palace and forcing the royal family out. Both the King and the Queen were later executed and on August 4th, 1789, the National Constituent Assembly abolished feudalism in France.

We will leave our residence in Paris after lunch, and travel by coach to Versailles. Once at the Chateau, we will enjoy a guided tour while appreciating the gardens and the spectacular fountains, learning about its history and the people of the time. We will return to the residence in time for dinner.

Price: $150.00 CAD

He came silently out of the midnight shadows on August 31, 1888. Watching. Stalking. Butchering raddled, drink-sodden London prostitutes. He left a trail of blood and gore that led...nowhere. Yes, something wicked this way walked, for this is the Ripper's slashing grounds. We evoke that autumn of gaslight and fog - of menacing shadows and stealthy footsteps - as we inspect the murder sites, sift through the evidence - in all its gory detail - and come to understand the main suspects. Going on this walk is as close as you're going to get to nailing the Ripper. This is the best walk of its kind, as it was master-minded, and frequently led by Donald Rumbelow, who is "internationally recognized as the leading authority on Jack the Ripper.” Britain's most distinguished crime historian, Rumbelow is the author of the definitive book on the Ripper, the best-selling The Complete Jack the Ripper. He has been the chief consultant for every major film and television adaptation of the Ripper for the last 25 years.

Join us on this nighttime ramble through the area of Whitechapel…if you dare!

Price: $50.00 CAD

Travel to Switzerland and discover some of the best shopping in Europe! We will cross the boarder from Milan with only one thing on our mind- Shopping! We will traverse Milan and be taken across the boarder to Foxtown Outlets, one of the most famous designer outlets in Europe. Shop to your heart’s content with factory prices at Gucci, Prada, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, and Adidas—plus 125 other stores! We will have time for dinner before we board our coach and cross over once again into Italy.

Price: $125.00 CAD

Our weekend excursion takes us northward to Venice, known as “la serenissima”-- the most serene. This city, built on water, was created more than 1,000 years ago by individuals who dared to defy the sea. A full day of touring will introduce you to the canals, laneways and breathtaking architecture of this remarkable city. We will experience much of what Venice has to offer, including the Basilica, the Museo Correr and the Palazzo Ducale.

Perpetually animated during the day, filled with people and clouds of fluttering pigeons, Venice is equally as magical at night. We will visit the Ponte del Sospiri (the Bridge of Sighs) and cross the Canal Grande (Grand Canal) at the Ponte Rialto (the Rialto Bridge), to the surrounding markets and enjoy dinner at a canal-side restaurants.

After a good night’s rest, breakfast will be served in the hotel and we will have the morning to explore Venice on our own. We will then board our trains and make a stop in the World Heritage Site of Verona, where we will discover the city many believe to be the setting of Romeo and Juliet. We will wander through the beautiful cobbled streets and view Juliet’s balcony before we re-board our train and head back to our hotel in Milan.

***PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED ***

Price: $595.00 CAD

Welcome to Costa Brava, coastal region of Catalonia, Spain. Translated literally, this “Wild Coast” stretches for 60 kilometers of beach, towns and towering cliffs. We will be picked up at our hotel and brought to the beach where we will board our kayaks and get to know this rugged and wild terrain. We will also have the opportunity to relax on secluded beaches and swim in the crystal clear water. This trip, for beginner to advanced, will include an instructor.

Price: $195.00 CAD

Service is an important aspect to every Blyth International Summer Program. We try to instil a sense of global responsibility in all of our students as they explore the world with us. Past Community Service projects have included working closely with a social development NGO, planning youth-based programming, repairing dilapidated playgrounds, and organizing elements of fundraisers, joining Regional Parks for clean ups, volunteering with the WWF, etc.

The hours earned on this trip can be applied to the ministry required minimum for graduation.

– Earn one to two volunteer hours before your trip! –

Donations (new and used) will be of benefit to many organizations, schools and orphanages in the areas that we visit. Items such as school supplies, table games and puzzles (of various difficulty), paint by numbers, books, and art materials are needed. Clothing donations will also be accepted. Collect these from your friends and family and bring them to donate during your trip. You may earn up to a maximum of two hours.

You are responsible for carrying your donation items in your own suitcase. When you donate the items, be sure to let your supervisor know so they can track you extra hours!

Price: $95.00 CAD