Day 19: Postcards, Pisa, and a Perfect Surprise in Florence
Our 19th day on the Grand Tour of Europe began with yet another delicious and balanced breakfast, featuring juicy watermelon, fresh breads, and a few decadent pastries to keep spirits high and energy levels up. With a day full of adventure ahead, students were eager to begin.
Roughly half of our group had pre-booked an excursion to the legendary city of Pisa, and they gathered outside the hotel, buzzing with anticipation. Right on schedule, our private mini-coach bus arrived, providing a comfortable and spacious ride. Our skilled driver navigated the scenic route swiftly and safely, delivering us to Pisa 15 minutes ahead of schedule—a testament to the seamless coordination that has defined this tour.
After a short, picturesque 21-minute walk, we arrived at the heart of Pisa: Cathedral Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Cameras clicked from every angle as students posed, marveled, and soaked in the surreal sight of this architectural wonder. But the experience was far from just visual—our guided walking tour brought the history of Pisa to life. We learned about its ancient rivalry with Rome, its two leaning towers, and the remarkable legacy of this once powerful maritime republic.
Lunch was a treat in itself—refreshing soft drinks, an abundance of fresh pizza, followed by crisp salads and creamy gelato made the meal feel as much like a celebration as a midday break. After lunch, students had free time to explore and shop, wandering through the city’s charming streets, markets, and boutiques. As always, the group regrouped with perfect punctuality, and our driver whisked us back to Florence, even arriving 20 minutes early.
Back in Florence, students enjoyed a bit of downtime before gathering for a drone group photo, capturing the moment from above as a visual keepsake of our shared adventure. The evening brought yet another outstanding dinner featuring pasta, tender pork with roasted potatoes, and ice cream for dessert.
The real highlight of the night, however, came in the form of a joyful surprise—when Camryn’s parents, who were traveling in Europe, arrived unexpectedly to visit their daughter. The emotional reunion was met with cheers, laughter, and even a few tears as Camryn embraced her family, clearly overjoyed and stunned by the visit.
To close out the evening, Linda gathered everyone to provide important instructions for packing and preparing for our upcoming transfer to Rome, ensuring that everyone felt ready and informed. With the evening free to enjoy their last night in Florence, students made the most of it—soaking in the atmosphere, bonding with friends, and reflecting on yet another unforgettable day.
From Pisa’s iconic towers to surprise hugs in Florence, Day 19 was filled with magic, meaning, and memories. The Grand Tour continues to deliver experiences our students will never forget.
