Learning Beyond the Classroom: A European Journey to Remember
Our group of 19—13 students, 4 parents, and 2 teachers—traveled to Switzerland, Bavaria, and Austria during Spring Break 2026 through Explorica.
Since we all departed from California, starting our journey in Switzerland—where we could enjoy activities like snow tubing—was an absolute highlight. Initially, we expected to simply see snow on distant mountains, but shortly before the trip, our tour director informed us that there would be heavy snowfall. We quickly adjusted and packed accordingly, which turned out to be a great decision.
Throughout our 7-night, 9-day trip, we experienced what felt like three different seasons—spring, fall, and winter. In Switzerland, it truly felt as though we had stepped into a fairytale. Both students and adults were filled with joy while playing in the snow.
In Austria, we visited Salzburg and toured the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Walking through the charming streets, accompanied by live music from street performers, made the experience even more vibrant and memorable. We also attended a classical concert in Vienna—something the adults seemed to enjoy even more than the students.
Although we expected to visit only three countries, we were pleasantly surprised with a stop in Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest country in the world. It felt like a special bonus to our itinerary.
Later in Munich, we visited Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Since the students had studied European history, being able to visit such a significant historical site made the experience especially meaningful. It was a powerful moment that likely gave them a deeper appreciation for the lives they live today.
While we wished the meals had been a bit more plentiful, overall it was a very happy and fulfilling trip that we will all remember for a long time.