Eighteen days. Four countries. One unforgettable adventure. For the graduating class of 2026, the senior Europe trip is more than just a vacation — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the world, build independence and celebrate the end of high school in the most epic way possible.
From June 10 to June 27, a group of newly graduated seniors will travel across Europe, visiting France, Monaco, Italy and Greece. This experience, organized by the trusted tour company Explorica and led by the legendary Mrs. Wright, has been a tradition at our school since it first opened. It’s not a school-sponsored trip, and it’s only available to students who have officially graduated — which means no current underclassmen or juniors are allowed to join.
Mrs. Wright, who has been running the trip for over 20 years, starts planning in early August with the every-year used company Explorica. Together, they decide on the destinations, tours, and hotel stays, making sure each year is unique as well as safe. This year’s itinerary starts with an overnight flight to Paris, followed by visits to the beaches of southern France and Monaco. From there, students will head to Italy, and finally to Athens, Greece, where a five-day cruise will take them through the Greek Isles.
One of the best parts? Almost everything is included in the base price — transportation, tours, hotel stays and even breakfast and dinner. According to Mr. Schneipp, who’s joining the group for the second time this year, “You couldn’t go with a better person than Mrs. Wright. She knows the way in every city and the company she works with is great and safe.”
Over the years, the trip has become known for helping students gain confidence and independence as they prepare for life after high school. While each day includes planned tours, students also get free time to explore on their own — as long as they make it back to the bus on time. Whether wandering the streets of Rome or finding a hidden café in Paris, many students say it’s their first real taste of adulthood.
Mrs. Wright shared one of her favorite moments from past trips: “Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset, everyone meeting up together and taking pictures — it’s such a bonding experience being up there looking at the view all together.”
Of course, there are plenty of unforgettable memories along the way. The trip also encourages lifelong friendships, cultural awareness and a sense of global responsibility. Students often return home feeling more confident, mature and ready to take on the world.
Beyond sightseeing, the trip offers something deeper — the chance to see the world through the inside. Seeing famous art, historical landmarks and different cultures in person can shift how students view their own lives and inspire them to dream bigger.
From sunsets on the Eiffel Tower to cruising through the Greek Isles, this trip is more than memories — it’s the start of adulthood.
