School Tour to Lake Garda

41 students and 6 staff enjoyed a five day break taking in the sights, history, culture and fun of the Lake Garda region of northern Italy before Easter.

The tour group pictured outside the Roman Arena in Verona

La Dolce Vita in Venice and Verona! Finn Valley College School Tour to Lake Garda Easter 2015.

Lake Garda with its beautiful neighbouring cities of Verona and Venice was the destination for this year’s FVC tour. 41 students and 6 staff made the trip this year to this beautiful and historic region.

Day one on the tour took the group from Milan Linate Airport on to the beautiful city of Verona. Sights that were seen included the ancient Castle Vecchio, Juliet’s Balcony and the Roman Arena, while some shopping and the first Ice-Creams of the tour was enjoyed in the markets along the beautiful Piazza della Erbe. It was a weary bunch that checked in to the Hotel Garda in the small Italian town of Affi after a long day of travelling and sight seeing.

Early next morning began with a visit to the beautiful medieval town of Sirmione and a speedboat trip around the island. From sunny Sirmione a lovely coach trip took the group along the lake northwards to the volcanic Monte Baldo where everyone boarded a cablecar for the 2000+m ascent to the peak with its wonderful views from the top, and an impromptu snowball fight! Next stop was the town of Garda and its harbour which was basked in glorious sunshine. Finally, to round off the day, a great night’s fun was had bowling.

The third day on tour took the group to Gardaland, one of the most popular theme parks in Europe. On another beautiful Italian spring day the students and staff enjoyed the many rollercoasters such as the Blue Tornado, The Raptor and the brand new Oblivion, which had only opened the previous day. Many of the group also enjoyed a soaking on the ring and log flumes on a day which was a highlight of the trip for all.

Following Gardaland, it was back to the hotel to get dressed and glammed up for the wonderful All-you-can-eat Rock and Roll restaurant. The students ate their fill from a huge selection of unlimited hot and cold food and soft drinks while listening to their own selection of music.

Finally, to finish off another wonderful day, our driver took us to Lazise, another quaint medieval town on the southeast of the lake. The group enjoyed a stroll around the cobbled streets and beautiful harbour with its 1000 year old church. Some palms were also acquired by some of the group on what was a truly memorable Palm Sunday.

The last full day on tour took the students to one of the most visited tourist sites in the world- Venice. The group were transported across the lagoon in their own privately hired vaporetto boat and made their way through the throngs of visitors firstly to a glass making factory. The process of making the glass from the silica sand and the heating/blowing technique was demonstrated by a master craftsman followed by a short lecture.

Following the glass factory, the next stop was the beautiful St Mark’s square and Basilica to meet the guide who took us through the history of the ancient city on a very informative walking tour that took in sights such as The Doge’s Palace, The Rialto Bridge, The Bridge of Sighs and, of course, St Mark’s Basilica.

Following free time for lunch and shopping the next item on the agenda was the much-anticipated Gondola ride. Six by six, the students and staff boarded the world renowned long black boats to wind their way through the canals and under the bridges to a soundtrack of passing Venetian accordion players and tenors playing and singing the quintessential songs of the area. A fitting way to end the visit to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Finn Valley College students on tour 2015- Stephen O Donnell, Rory Crawford, Daniel Mc Crudden, Niamh Mc Closkey, Ryan Walden, Kevin Patton, John Paul Kelly, Jordan Tourish, Kyle Gallagher, Leigh Mc Cafferty, Naomi Mc Glynn, Sophie Quigley, Leanne Mc Glinchey, Aisling Grieve, Declan Duffy, Ross Mc Gahern, Daniel Mc Glinchey, Christian Freires, Oisin Gallen, Shane Mc Bride, Kyle Doherty, Jordanna Devine, Louise Logue, Laura Gallagher, Grace Kelly, Amy Lafferty, Shannon Mc Bride, Caitlyn Mc Hugh, Rachael Doherty, Robyn Potts, Eve Marie Jones, Tianna Merrit, Adam Crawford, Cathal Patton, Ruairi Mc Elhinney, Conor Gallagher, Adam Hughes, Conor Wright, Thomas Slevin Kyle Mc Daid, Blake Burke. Staff members- Ms Boland, Mr White,Ms Diver, Ms Mc Granaghan, Mr Devenny and Ms Mc Laughlin.