Why is it that school tours always begin at a truly ungodly hour of the morning? When they stood shivering outside the school gates at four o clock in the morning on Saturday 26th of March the C.C.C. Transition Year students began to wonder whether their trip to Italy was worth it. Their doubts were unfounded as the following days would prove.

Having arrived in Milan airport the now chirpy Castleknock host boarded the bus which was to become something of a home from home and headed for their first port of call, "in fair Verona where we lay our scene".

There was only time for a short stay in Verona and the mythical house of Romeo and Juliet was unfortunately forsaken, the allure of food and shopping somehow proving greater.

After a long bus journey the group arrived in Lilo de Jesolo and the first hotel. The questionable accommodation did not stand in the way of the mob hitting the local Karaoke Bar for a memorable rendition of Love Shack from the supervising teachers.

After a late night and early start the group travelled aboard a boat to the beautiful city of Venice. After a two hour tour they enjoyed some fine cuisine (Chicken McNuggets is the same in every language). Afterwards they had a few hours to visit the many shops and stalls of Venice.

That evening everyone dressed up, headed for the local Disco and danced the night away.

Monday saw a visit to the magnificent San Siro Stadium, home of Inter and A.C. Milan. This was followed by a well intentioned shopping trip in Milan City Centre; unfortunately shopping is not always the best idea on a Bank Holiday.
However all was forgiven later that night when the Castleknock contingent reached their new hotel. It was declared to be a night in and everyone enjoyed a long awaited shower.

On the last full day the students enjoyed an eagerly anticipated trip to Gardaland, an incredible theme park near Lake Garda. It was a day of splashes; loop the loops and vertical drops enjoyed by all.

That evening saw a trip to the bowling alley and some late night packing.

All good things must come to an end but, of course before the trip concluded there was room for one more early start. By six o clock stooped, exhausted forms could be seen lugging suitcases to the bus. A few hours later the group boarded the plane laden with Duty Free chocolate.

When the plane touched down in Dublin there was a burst of cheering. At the end of the day there's no place like home.

Overall the trip was a huge success and was a great experience for everyone. Special thanks are due to the supervising teachers Diarmuid McCluskey, Aoife McWeeney, Vickie Stokes, Kevin Brennan and Richard Lalor.