European School Tour 2014. Rome and Sorrento.

A relaxed bunch of students pictured in Capri on a glorious Italian April morning…

It was an excited group of 54 students, staff and guests that set off for the eagerly anticipated Finn Valley College educational school tour 2014. This year’s tour took the school to wonderful Italy to sample six days of La Dolce Vita in stunning Sorrento and the eternal city of Rome.

The outward journey that took in planes, trains and automobiles took the group firstly to the ancient and fascinating city of Pompeii. The group were treated to an excellent tour from a very knowledgeable guide who really gave the students the feel of the place. From Pompeii the group finally touched down in their hotel for the first two nights of the tour just as the sun was setting on the picturesque Bay of Naples.

Early next morning the group of now well-rested travellers assembled for breakfast all glammed up for the day ahead in the millionaires playground that is the Isle of Capri. Lipstick applied, sun glasses perched and best clothes on, all headed to the ferry for the quick hop over to the captivating island. The Italian sun was shining its glorious best as the group enjoyed what was to be without doubt one of the true highlights of the entire trip. First up was a boat trip around the island to witness at close quarters the stunning aquamarine colour of the water and the various grottos and villas that adorn the island’s outer limits. From there it was up the funicular to the town with its cobbled streets and designer shops. The homemade Italian ice cream was a must. Later that evening back on the mainland the by now sun-kissed group enjoyed some shopping in Sorrento followed by dinner and bowling.

Next morning said goodbye to Sorrento and made our way northwards to the capital, stopping on the way however to climb the famous, and still active volcano Mount Vesuvius. After a ‘tight climb’ the views from the top were well worth it with the city of Naples spread out below- a fitting way to say Ciao to this alluring part of Italy before heading north to Rome. On arrival in Rome we were met by a local guide who took us to some of the famed sights and tourist attractions such as the Pantheon, The Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps. Our second hotel of the tour offered the students the chance to cool off and unwind in the pool after another action packed day.

Saturday morning took us to The Vatican for a tour of St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican museums and The Sistine Chapel. Walking around the vast corridors it was incredible to think that we were surrounded by so many priceless works of art by artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo with his masterpiece undoubtedly being the walls and ceiling of the Sistine.

There was a sharp change of scenery then as the group made their way across the city to the Olympic park for a spot of Ice Skating where we were treated to a few tricks and spins from a European Youth Figure Skating champion. From there it was over the Tiber to another of the key highlights of the tour, a Serie A game between high-flying Roma and Atalanta. The atmosphere and singing were in full tune as our excited bunch made their way to the turnstiles and entered the vast 90,000 seat Stadio Olympico to take their place among the legendary fans of Roma known as the ‘Ultras’.  Roma emerged victorious in an emphatic 3-1 win but it was the atmosphere that will be indelibly fixed in the memories of all in attendance. The night in the Olympic village was brought to a fitting end with a sing along of the Roma anthem ‘Grazie Roma’ as the team made their bows on the pitch below us.

Our fifth day in Rome began with a game of football for the early risers on a hired astro turf pitch. Some of the players clearly inspired by the previous night. Next stop on the itinerary was a visit to the Catacombs, which was the chosen burial place for many past popes from ancient times. Our driver Luigi then took us around by the impressive Colosseum before heading into the centre of town for some free time. Luckily this coincided with the Liverpool v Man City game on TV and many of the group decided to try to find a spot to watch. Once again the students and teachers who watched the game in The Irish Scholar in the centre of Rome were treated to a fantastic atmosphere particularly the Liverpool fans among us who emerged convinced that their club were now, surely, finally poised to end the years without a league triumph….

Our final evening on tour began with a visit to the Time Elevator. A 4D virtual ride through the history of Rome from its foundation to the present day. From there it was on to our last supper in a beautiful Italian restaurant for a spot of

Pizza making (and eating!) The night was made even more special as our very own Mr Mc Daid was celebrating a significant birthday. Happy birthday was played to him on the piano as a carefully smuggled birthday cake was carried out and hugs given from everyone in attendance.

Next morning it was up and packed and just time for some larking around the pool and a final spot of sunbathing before checking out of the hotel, some time shopping in the Park Leonardo shopping centre and our flight home to where good old Charlie Mc Namee would be waiting for us to take us home…

Students on tour were- Danielle Blackburn-Kee, Casey Doherty, Michael O Hanlon, TJ Mc Kelvey, Ryan Lindsay, Mark Duffy, Kenan Sweeney, Shea Tinney, Danielle Kilpatrick, Nicole Mc Laughlin, Kyle Gallagher, Nicole Mc Kenna, Callum Thompson, Jordan Tourish, Ryan Walden, Sophie Quigley, Kevin Patton, Shannon Mulrine, Eilish Mc Nulty, Michael Mc Menamin, Michael Mc Colgan, Leanne Mc Glinchey, Naomi Mc Glynn, Leigh Mc Cafferty, Shannon Maguire, Sorcha Mc Elchar, JP Kelly, Aisling Grieve, Duke Gillespie, Adam Callaghan, Aisling Catterson, Ryan Davis, Niamh Boyle, Rachel Suffredini, Michael Doherty, Leon Quigley, Ellen Kelly, Gary Mc Croary, Chloe Sweeney, Lydia Strain, Cormac Catterson, Justin Mc Bride, Jocelyn Mc Glinchey, Ross Mc Gahern and Ryan Duncan.

Staff on Tour were- Ms Boland, Mr White, Mr Mc Daid, Ms Diver, Ms Duffy and Mr Kelly.

Guests on tour were- Ms Mary Boland, Ms Jacqueline Mc Elchar, Mr Stephen Mc Elhinney, Finn the Bear and Storm.

KPICASA_GALLERY (Rome 2014)