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101 A er having the opportunity of a lifetime to explore another country and compete together on the court this August, the University of Iowa women's basketball team is grateful for the support that made its Italian Tour a reality. "I want to thank all the Hawkeye fans that helped us enjoy this trip," UI head coach Lisa Bluder said. "It has been wonderful as far as our players getting better as a basketball team and getting closer as a group. "We learned so much about more about a new culture and enjoyed the opportunity to travel overseas together." "I don't think I can thank (our fans) enough," senior Kali Peschel added. "is was been the experience of a lifetime. "It's all a credit to our fans and our boosters who helped make this trip happen. ese are memories and moments that our team will never forget and we appreciate it so much." e Hawkeyes began their trip in Rome, where they visited the Colosseum, Vatican, and Spanish Steps, and viewed the work of Michelangelo inside the Sistine Chapel. Following its first win of the trip, Iowa continued to Florence where the team saw Michelangelo's David and had free time to barter with vendors. e next stop of the trip was Cinque Terre, a string of five beach towns on the Ligurian Sea. e Hawkeyes enjoyed a laid back day swimming at the pebble beaches, shopping, and tasting fresh seafood dishes, including freshly prepared anchovies, a specialty. Water remained a constant as the team continued its tour in Venice. e Hawkeyes enjoyed several boat rides during their stay, as their hotel was located on its own island. Water taxis, boats, and even gondolas navigated the team along waterways, including the famous Grand Canal. On-land activities included visits to San Marco Square and St. Marc's Basilica. Two games followed — one win and one loss — before Iowa headed to its final destination located on Lake Como, Varenna. e Hawkeyes spent their final few days relaxing and shopping in towns located on the lake, and also took a day trip to the fashion capital, Milan. While shopping was a big part of the visit, the team also had the experience of viewing Leonardo da Vinci's e Last Supper. "If not for basketball and for the University of Iowa, I would have never been in position to be in this country," senior Claire Till said. "I definitely want to try to come back in the future. It's beautiful and every place we've been has been different and unique in its own way. "I'm honored and blessed to be a part of this experience and I want to say thank you to everybody who helped make it possible. We are spoiled here and had the time of our lives." e Hawkeyes returned to Iowa City on Aug. 22, just in time to begin a new academic year. "We have the best fans in the country, they come to our games and they support us through donations that make this trip possible," junior Ally Disterho said. "We're so thankful for our fan support and for them helping us do these awesome things."