Some GPS and gas-related hiccups aside, we all made it to the airport without any major issues. Check-in was a bit confusing due to the layout of the airport, but our group was quick to adapt and get checked in with ease. After grabbing some pre-flight dinners, we met up at the gate for boarding. The plane was massive, with two levels, and the flight clocked in at around ten hours in total. But we made it to London safely, if not a little stressed.

Upon departing the plane, we discovered that one of our students had left her passport behind. We were incredibly grateful for a kind-hearted security worker who helped us retrieve it quickly. Unfortunately, security itself was a different story. With rude guards and a slow-moving line, it took a bit of time for us all to make it through, especially since many of our carefully packed liquids and toiletries had to be discarded. But we made the most of the situation and ran to our gate with only five minutes to spare - talk about a close call!

Our final flight to Milan was much shorter than the first, at around 2.5 hours. When we landed, the students were delighted to walk down the stairs and into the Italian sun. It felt like we were celebrities! After navigating customs with ease, we grabbed some euros from the ATM machines and met our excellent tour guide, Franchesco. Our private bus was ready and waiting for us to take us on a 45 minute journey to our hotel, where we could finally take a breather and enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine.

I can’t begin to thank enough the parents that are on this trip with me. It takes a village to navigate the airports and to keep track of everyone. So thank you.

I want to also thank all of you for your support and well wishes as we fill our time with new experiences and lasting memories. We're all looking forward to what's next on this incredible journey through Italy!

After soaking in the lake atmosphere, we hopped back on the bus and made our way to Milan to celebrate the European cup football tournament. The energy was contagious as people were cheering and chanting throughout the city. We even joined in on the festivities, shouting at the top of our lungs and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

But the highlight of our day had to be visiting the stunning cathedral in the heart of Milan. We toured it from the ground floor to the roof, which offered incredible panoramic views of the city. It truly took our breath away.

As the evening drew near, our stomachs began to growl and we decided it was time for dinner. We found a cute little restaurant and ordered the most amazing Italian-fried chicken dinner! Every bite was a delicious treat.

All in all, we had a day filled with adventure, good food, and even better company. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

We then returned to Milan, where we met up with a local tour guide who showed us beautiful sites within walking distance, including a stunning castle that was surrounded by a moat. We had some free time to explore, and a few of us stumbled upon an incredible gelato shop where we indulged in the most delicious gelato we've ever had. We then walked and walked some more, eventually finding a quaint restaurant where we enjoyed risotto and Pana Cotta.

As we made our way back to our hotel, many of us were feeling quite worn out but completely satisfied by the incredible experiences we had today. The Lord provided us with amazing sunny weather, and we all felt grateful for this beautiful day together. We returned to our rooms before the rain started, which was a true blessing. Our bones were tired but our hearts were full of joy as we drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

One of my favorite parts of the tour was when we went to a local market and tried different types of cheese. We even had a bit of free time to explore the market on our own. I ended up picking up some local fruits, and let me tell you, the cherries were amazing!

For lunch, we went to a restaurant that was reserved just for us. We were served anchovies on bread (which was new to me and definitely not a favorite), a salami that reminded us of bologna, and pasta with red sauce. It was so interesting to learn about the different types of pasta and how they're made. We finished off lunch with chocolate-covered gelato - a sweet treat we all loved.

After the tour, we had some free time to explore the city on our own before catching the bus back to our hotel. We were all pretty tired from all the walking and exploring, but we had a great dinner waiting for us when we got back. Tomorrow's adventures are calling, but for now, we're all getting some rest.

As we arrived at our destination, we boarded a train that took us along the stunning coastline to Cinque Terre. The scenery of the region was truly breathtaking, and we felt grateful to be able to witness it with our very own eyes.

Our first stop was the town of Manarola, a charming place with cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Our beloved tour guide, Francesco, led us to an adorable beach where he treated us to a tasting of the local foccacia. The bread was freshly baked and simply delicious, complementing the serene atmosphere perfectly.

Next, we boarded the train once more and made our way to the town of Monterosso. Here, we dined on calamari and indulged in a swim in the sea, a refreshing change after a long day of traveling and exploring. The pristine waters and scenic views of the coastline were breathtaking, and we could hardly believe the beauty of the region.

As we traveled for two and a half hours to arrive at our next hotel, it was quiet on the bus as we all took in the unforgettable sights of the day. We checked into our rooms, enjoyed a delightful dinner, played more cards, and then retired for the night, excited for the new day that awaited us. Another unforgettable day of adventure and exploration lay ahead, and we were eager to make the most of it.

It was impressive to learn and see how the process of making Parmesan cheese was made. And our tour guide walked us through every step, from beginning to end.

Once we finished the tour, we hopped on a bus and headed to the town of Modena, where we got free, unstructured time to explore and grab a bite. A group of us decided to visit the Ferrari museum and see all the different engines, cars, and even race each other on the Ferrari race car simulators! The experience was great, and we wished we could have stayed longer.

Our next stop was the balsamic vinegar factory, and it was absolutely stunning. This was the highlight of the day. The gardens, vineyards, and flowers were so beautiful, and the tour guides were so knowledgeable about the whole process. We tried various vinegars of different ages, each with its unique flavor. We even tried it on ice cream which was amazing. I will never buy the stuff you find in the grocery store again.

To end the day, we had lasagne and gelato for dinner. Being with these people is such a blessing, it feels like every day is an enjoyable adventure, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

After lunch at a quaint café on the street, we hiked through town to catch our bus to the world’s largest food market. Unfortunately, when we got there, it was nowhere near what we expected. It was simply a huge mall with commercial restaurants and vendors. The only consolation was that we were the only ones there. But we were able to make the best of it - our group found a sand volleyball court and played to our hearts' content.

After a fun day, we went back to Bologna for dinner, where we were able to enjoy some truly amazing tortellini and Panna cotta. It was the perfect end to a long day. At this point, we were all so tired from walking, so the shorter bus ride back to the hotel was much appreciated. All in all, it was a wonderful day.

While we waited for others to make their selections, our guide Francesco surprised us all with an impromptu dance lesson with Louise. Who knew chocolate and dance went so well together!

From there, we made our way to Pisa. Although the Leaning Tower was the main draw, we decided to make a day of it by touring a beautiful cathedral, followed by our first pizza meal of the trip.

As we wound down from the day, Francois surprised us yet again by taking us to the most spectacular hotel. It was the quintessential Italian dream. The charm and character of the architecture and furnishings were beyond stunning. It was such a fantastic way to cap off our great day.

In the afternoon, we had a walking tour with a fantastic local guide who knew so much about the city's rich history and culture. The two hours just flew by, and we learned so much about Florence. We also visited a leather company, learning about leather tanning and such. There is nothing like Italian leather!

By the time we were heading back to our hotel after dinner, our feet were positively aching. But everyone's moods were high from the incredible experience we just had. Brian lost a bet with the tour guide and had his mustache shaved off! It was hilarious and still has us all chuckling.

And to top off the evening was when my daughter's boyfriend gave her a promise ring… in Florence! I admit, tears welled up in my eyes. It was such a touching moment and one that we will all remember for a long time to come. All in all, it was an absolutely magical day, and one that we will cherish forever.