If you’ve been dreaming of taking your student performers to Europe, but the price tag has been a concern, this post is for you. We love working with directors to bring their European travel dreams to life, showing them that international travel isn’t just possible, it’s easier than they may think.
At Bob Rogers Travel, we always stay on top of the destinations that offer the best value, since these can change from year to year. And with hundreds of trips to Europe under our belt, we know how to maximize your experience without sacrificing your bucket list.
Get ready for some stamps in your passport, because it’s time to cross the pond!
Choose a best-value destination.
Most European destinations are possible within your group’s budget, as we leverage our long-standing relationships with our partners to secure the best timing and pricing for every trip we plan.
The destinations below are some of our current favorites for keeping costs down, while making every moment of the trip meaningful for you and your students.
Ireland
The Emerald Isle is our most popular international destination, filled with majestic natural scenery and kind, welcoming people. Music is inseparable from Irish culture, so Ireland is a perfect destination for performing arts groups.
We’ve had the privilege of taking many groups to Ireland to perform in its famous St. Patrick’s Festival, but we’ve had dozens more explore the country at more affordable times of year.
We love the city of Galway, the arts capital of Ireland, where your students can wander along streets lined with brightly painted storefronts and past medieval town walls. Galway is also the perfect home base for exploring the country. You’ll be within driving distance of some of our favorite attractions, including the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the ancient archeological monuments at Poulnabrone dolmen and the medieval stone fort at Caherconnell.
Greece
A trip to Greece gives your students the opportunity to step into ancient history, as they explore the country that gave the world iconic architecture, the ideals of democracy and mythology that continues to inspire art and literature.
Athens offers more to see and experience than we can pack into one trip, but it’s also an ideal jumping-off point for endless Greek adventures. In Athens, you’ll explore the Acropolis, the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens, visible from almost everywhere within the city.
From Athens, you’re a short ferry ride away from several gorgeous Greek islands, filled with sunny seaside cafes, shops and galleries.
Spain
Beauty is everywhere in Spain, from its landscapes to its fine art, architecture and music. This immersive environment is perfect for students of music, art, Spanish language, and world history alike.
The city of Salamanca offers a vibrant culture, like that of Madrid and Barcelona, in a smaller, more intimate setting that’s perfect for walking and exploring. An easy coach ride to Madrid, Salamanca is a university town, home to the Universidad de Salamanca, and known for its beautiful sandstone architecture.
From Salamanca, your group can explore Madrid’s dynamic capital-city atmosphere, Segovia’s Gothic cathedral and Roman aqueduct and Toledo’s Jewish Quarter and Synagogue María la Blanca.
Consider the above just a starting point for your European dreams – when you’re ready to brainstorm the perfect itinerary for your group, our experienced International Travel Consultants are ready too!
Maximize your experience.
Like any domestic destination, every European experience offers a range of possibilities that affect the bottom line of the trip. To make international destinations more accessible for your group, keep these suggestions in mind:
Plan a shorter trip. Most destinations across Europe are quite accessible, particularly from the Midwest and East Coast, so don’t assume you need to add days on the front or back of the trip. A five- or six-day trip to Europe has an incredible impact on students, given the new cultures, foods, art and history they’ll experience.
Establish a “home base.” When your group stays in one hotel for the entirety of your trip, you save money and streamline your itinerary. Directors and students alike report that a “deep dive” into one region, without the stress of moving from hotel to hotel, is a winner.
Live like a local. We’re all about the hidden gems of each destination we visit, especially cultural experiences that reveal the heart of a community. Learn a Gaelic sport and play with sheepdogs around Galway, wander the art galleries of a Greek isle and perform in the city squares of Salamanca. Your students will come home with a richer understanding of the people and cultures they experienced.
You may be about to plan an international experience, or you may still be in the daydream phase. We’re here to help you at any point in that journey, ready to equip you with destination ideas and sample itineraries. Reach out today and we’ll get started!
