Wildcats Invade Europe.
At St. Luke's, international trips provide students with an incredible opportunity to explore the world while enriching their academic experiences. Open to students who are in advanced history classes, these tours take place annually during Mardi Gras break, minimizing missed class time while maximizing cultural immersion. To ensure a seamless and well-organized experience, St. Luke’s uses Explorica, a trusted travel company that reserves spots, plans detailed itineraries, and provides professional tour guides. Due to limited availability, priority is given to Juniors and Seniors, with invitations extended to qualified Sophomores if space permits.
International study trips allow students to learn beyond the classroom, experiencing history, art, and culture firsthand. Many students may never have the chance to travel abroad otherwise, making these trips a life-changing opportunity. Walking the streets of Paris, standing before the ruins of Pompeii, or admiring the artwork of Michelangelo brings historical and cultural lessons to life in a way textbooks cannot.
For many years, Mr. Box and Coach Russell, both history teachers at St. Luke’s, have led these international trips with passion and dedication. Their leadership, along with faculty chaperones and a designated medical professional, ensures student safety and well-being throughout the journey. Dr. Lisa McDonough has been a valuable part of these trips for the past three years, providing medical support when needed.
In February 2023, students embarked on a 10-day journey through London and France, guided by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide named Freddy. He had been a world traveler and had great interest in history and geography. Some of the highlights of landmarks seen in London were Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Students traveled to Paris by train and were able to visit the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Versailles Palace, and Opera House. A moving experience was the visit to the Normandy D-Day landing beaches and the German Battery at Longue-sur-Mer.
The February 2024 trip took students through the heart of Italy, guided by Stefano Calcagni, whose expertise and inside knowledge made the trip unforgettable. Florence offered sightseeing tours at Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Leather Workshop, Gates of Paradise and more. Next, in Venice, students marveled at the Piazza delle Erbe, which is the Romeo and Juliet balcony, St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal, and a Glass blowing demonstration. A highlight of the trip was an authentic gondola ride, offering a beautiful view of Venice from the water. The journey continued to Rome where they visited St. Francis of Assisi Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other places. A guided excursion to Pompeii allowed students to witness firsthand the preserved ruins of the ancient city, providing a haunting and fascinating glimpse into the history that took place there. This trip concluded with an excursion to Capri and Blue Grotto, where students saw stunning caves and sailed through the shimmering blue waters. A few students decided to take an icy plunge and swim in the water.
February of 2025 offered a trip to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland guided by Johnny and Machieck. Switzerland offered the Sound of Music tour, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Albertine Museum. In Germany, students were guided through the Dachau Concentration Camp & Memorial Visit which offered valuable reflection time. Coach Russell led willing participants to run through the 1972 Olympic Park in Munich. The BMW Welt showroom was an interesting visit as well. Switzerland had several castles, covered bridges, and beautiful alps mountains to explore as well.
These international tours offer students an incredible mix of education, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether visiting the historic streets of London, the artistic treasures of Florence, or the ancient ruins of Pompeii, each trip creates lifelong memories and valuable learning experiences.
As students step beyond their classrooms and into the world, they gain more than just knowledge—they develop a global perspective, newfound independence, and a deeper appreciation for history and culture. These tours continue to be a transformative experience, preparing students for a future filled with exploration and discovery.
