On an August morning in 79 AD, the people of Pompeii were going about their daily lives, oblivious to the disaster that was about to strike them. That afternoon, a massive volcanic explosion from nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, covering Pompeii under a layer of volcanic ash. While some were fortunate enough to escape the disaster in time, thousands lost their lives, and Pompeii disappeared.

The city lay silent for almost two thousand years, until archaeological excavations began in the 18th century. When the volcanic debris was removed, a picture of life in Roman times was revealed. What lay beneath was the town of Pompeii, perfectly preserved as a result of the layer of volcanic ash that had covered it for centuries. The most horrifying discovery occurred when archaeologists found that many of those who were unable to flee the eruption had been entombed where they lay, and their bodies can still be viewed today.

Visiting Pompeii is an incredible experience. We will take a guided tour of the site, where we will see the houses, theatres, arenas, temples, and public buildings where its original inhabitants lived, worked, played, and worshipped. We will visit the villas of the rich residents of the town, as well as the humbler shops and apartments of the less affluent.

Following our visit to Pompeii, we will continue on to the beautiful ancient resort town of Sperlonga where we will head to the beach to cool off from our morning at Pompeii. Students can relax in the sun and swim, or take a walk around the picturesque town.

We will depart from Rome after breakfast and drive approximately two hours south to Pompeii. We will return to Rome in time for a late dinner at the hotel.

Price: $175.00 CAD

While Paris has always been the official capital city of France, Versailles was where governmental affairs were conducted and political decisions made. 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 was famously alleged to have said, in response to the fact that the French people were starving, “let them eat cake”. Whether or not this was true, 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 for good.

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 taking in 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

From our hotel in Salzburg, past the aged hunting castle Hellbrunn, we cross the Austrian-Bavarian border. Along the Königseeache valley, through the Bavarian mountains, past romantic farmhouses and the ruins of Obersalzberg - Hitler's former mountain retreat - we arrive at the 500-year-old Saltmines.

Wearing traditional miners' gear, we will enter the mines with our guides and hear the historical and legendary tales of the fascinating underground world. We will descenda 100-foot-long slide, the same slides that miners have been using for hundreds of years, into the grottos-- the magical world beneath the surface of the earth. Our adventure through the mine will include a rafting trip across the salt lake, a ride on the miniature train, and the breathtaking slide rides. It is the tour of a lifetime!

Price: $80.00 CAD

Ludwig the II was King of Bavaria until his death in 1886. During his lifetime, he was responsible for building a number of fairytale-like castles, each one surpassing the last in extravagance and beauty. In 1886, the King was dethroned on the grounds of mental illness. His suspicious death the following day, however, has led many to believe that King Ludwig was not mad, but rather the victim of a plot for political power.

We will leave our hotel early in the morning and travel south to King Ludwig’s childhood home the castle of Hohenschwangau, the model for his future castles. We will also have time to explore the sleepy little town lying in the castle’s shadow.

From here we will travel to what many consider to be King Ludwig’s most spectacular castle, often referred to by North Americans as “The Sleeping Beauty Castle,” Neuschwanstein. At the time of its construction the castle was to be a retreat from the world. After his death, the Castle was opened to the public and more than 1.3 million people visit each year.

Price: $195.00 CAD

He came silently out of the midnight shadows on August 31, 1888. Watching. Stalking. Butchering raddled, drink-sodden East End prostitutes. Leaving 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's been the chief consultant for every major film and television adaptation of the Ripper for the last 25 years.
Join us on this night time ramble through the area of Whitechapel…if you dare!

Price: $50.00 CAD

An important aspect of all Blyth International Summer Programs is service. We try to instill a sense of global responsibility in all of our students as they explore the world with us. Past Community Service projects offered on our many trips include: repairing dilapidated playgrounds, organizing elements of fundraisers, helping maintain a Historic Churchyard, volunteering with animal rescue shelters and working with children in schools and orphanages.

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

Price: $95.00 CAD