Taste Gelato and sample delicious Italian food prepared by some of the best chefs in Italy. Explore the fairytale villages of Slovenia, attend an outdoor concert in Vienna, visit the medieval castles of Prague – and watch the Brigham Young University Women's Basketball Team compete against some of the best basketball teams in Europe. Your experience in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and Czech Republic complete with cultural interactions, athletic adventures, and delicious food.
Trip Summary: Italy & Eastern Europe
Group Details: BYU Women's Basketball
Trip Dates: 18 - 30 August 2018
Locations: Prague, Vienna, Lake Bled, Florence, Rome
TRAVEL ROUTE
This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between comfort & adventure. Embark on this group experience prepared for hands-on cultural experiences, entertaining athletic performances, and lots of delicious food.
Trip Experience:
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- 4-star Hotel Accommodations
- Sightseeing tours and excursions
- Airport transfers
- Private ground transportation
- Four basketball games
- Welcome dinner with team
- Farewell dinner with team
- Daily Breakfast
- Full-time bilingual tour director
- All taxes and gratuities
4-STAR ACCOMMODATION:
- Prague - K&K Central
- Vienna - Am Konzerthaus
- Lake Bled - Golf Hotel
- Florence - Grand Hotel Baglioni
- Rome - Pulitzer Hotel
Contact Us: 1-323-657-3496
Call to speak with one of our agents about this trip or email us at expeditions@acanela.com
ITINERARY | 12 DAYS
DAY 0 | SAT AUG 18 | AIRPORT
The team will depart from SLC International Airport to catch the flight to Prague.
DAY 1 | SUN AUG 19 | PRAGUE
Arriving in the early afternoon, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in ( airport transfers included for group flight ). If you are arriving on your own flight, make your way to the hotel on your own for check in anytime after 2pm. In the evening enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner with the team, as you prepare for your adventure through Europe over the next two weeks.
Accommodation: K&K Central or Similar | Meals: D
DAY 2 | MON AUG 20 | PRAGUE
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic - and one of the most architecturally beautiful and culturally interesting cities in all of Europe. After a delicious breakfast, we will explore the unique architecture and revolutionary history of Prague as we wander its streets looking for local delicacies, exploring Old Town, and visiting the historic Prague Castle, a baroque structure built in the 9th century which houses the Bohemian Crown Jewels.
Accommodation: K&K Central or Similar | Meals: B, L
DAY 3 | TUE AUG 21 | PRAGUE
This morning enjoy another delicious breakfast before embarking Discover how the colorful heritage of Bohemia has shaped the fabric and folklore of the country, inspiring it’s food, politics, and art. Visit Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Petrin Hill, the Vltava River, and sample traditional foods such as Czech pastries and Clebicky sandwiches.
GAME ONE
Accommodation: K&K Central or Similar | Meals: B, L
DAY 4 | WED AUG 22 | VIENNA
After a delicious breakfast and a relaxing morning, we will check out of our hotel and enjoy a scenic ride from Prague to Vienna ( 4 hours ). After checking in to your Central Hotel, spend the rest of the day relaxing in Austria’s idyllic capital city. Our daily excursion will take us past the highlights of the city, including the many promenades, markets, cathedrals, and palaces of this must see European city.
Accommodation: Am Konzerthaus or Similar | Meals: B, D
DAY 5 | THU AUG 23 | VIENNA
This morning take a walking tour of Vienna stopping by St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Schonbrunn Palace. Sample traditional Austrian foods as you walk through some of the most beautiful parks and fascinating market areas of the city.
GAME TWO
Accommodation: Am Konzerthaus or Similar | Meals: B
DAY 6 | FRI AUG 24 | LAKE BLED
Travel to Lake Bled ( 4 hours ). Bled is often called the "fairytale" capital of Eastern Europe. Visit Lake Bled, home to some of the country's most unique lakes, castles, churches, and caves. Check into your central hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the beautiful village by foot.
Accommodation: Golf Hotel or Similar | Meals: B, D
DAY 7 | SAT AUG 25 LAKE BLED
Free Day in Lake Bled. The activities available in Bled are limitless. Grab a bicycle, kayak, or paddle boat and make your way across the lake. Walk through the village markets and shop for traditional artisan handicrafts. Engage your peers in a round of Golf at one of two nearby courses.
GAME THREE
Accommodation: Golf Hotel or Similar | Meals: B, D
DAY 8 | SUN AUG 26 | VENICE | FLORENCE
This morning journey onwards to Venice, Italy ( 3 hours ). Arrive in the early afternoon and embark on a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, including a visit to the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights include visits to the La Fenice Theater, Gondola ride, and a view over the Grand Canal from the Accademia Bridge. In the late afternoon continue onwards through the Tuscan countryside to Florence ( 3 hours ). In the evening have free time to visit Florence’s historic Mercato Centrale District, browse the traditional artisan shops, and taste the various Tuscan street foods.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Baglioni or Similar | Meals: B
DAY 9 | MON AUG 27 | FLORENCE | ROME
After another delicious breakfast, depart on a tour of Florence - covering all the highlights of the city. Wake up early in the morning before the crowds appear to visit Ponte Vecchio, the famed Duomo, and the Accademia Galleria - home of the famous Michelangelo's David. Have free time in the afternoon at your leisure to explore the myriad of markets, museums, and galleries that make Florence such a unique place to visit ( such as the Uffizi Gallery ). In the early afternoon, continue on to Rome ( 3 hours ) and check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Pulitzer Hotel or Similar | Meals: B, D
DAY 10 | MON AUG 28 | ROME
Wake up to savor a traditional Italian breakfast before you set out to explore the world famous Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Experience the outstanding highlights of the Vatican, visit the Basilica of St. Peter (the world's largest church), and have the opportunity to gaze and some of the world’s most beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
GAME FOUR
Accommodation: Pulitzer Hotel or Similar | Meals: B
DAY 11 | TUE AUG 29 | ROME
Today you will have the opportunity to explore ancient Rome starting on Capitoline Hill and continuing on to the Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, ending at the famous Colosseum. In the evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with the team.
Accommodation: Pulitzer Hotel or Similar | Meals: B, D
DAY 12 | WED AUG 30 | RETURN TO USA
Group airport transfer.
*Please note that itinerary details such as activities, game times, meal schedule, and accommodation venues are subject to change
Have you ever considered exploring the world of sports on a global level? See the world from a fan’s perspective and learn more about your favorite sports’ athletic history and local fandom. Head into those iconic stadiums, detailed sports museums, and anticipated athletic events. Lucky for you, sports are universal and the possibility of where athletics can take you are endless.