An Educator’s Journey Through Central Italy

June 15-24, 2024

This 10-day tour allows you to step into the cultural richness and artistic wealth of Umbria, Toscana, and Lazio. Spoleto, a gorgeous town emblematic of Central Italy, will serve as our home base, and each day, you and other like-minded educators will delve into the region’s beautiful history with each new adventure, making this the perfect combination  of interdisciplinary study, explorative education, and networking. However, all interested adults are welcome!

SAMPLE ITINERARY (subject to change)

Day 1: June 15 - Depart to Rome

Most flights from the U.S. depart in the evening of June 15 and arrive in Rome the following morning. Plan to arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) between 7:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on June 16. We will travel together to Spoleto. If you cannot meet at this time or have other travel plans, please let us know.

Day 2: June 16 - Rome to Spoleto

Arrive at Fiumicino Airport in Rome where a private bus will transport you to Spoleto. The seat of a Lombard Duchy during the High Middle Ages, Spoleto preserves a vast array of artistic memories from its historical past. After settling into your room at Palazzo Leti, one of the top 20 exclusive residences of epoch in Italy, begin your exploration of this enchanting town with lunch and a walking tour that will take you from Roman times to the early Christian period, from the Middle Ages to the blooming of the Renaissance. The XII Century Duomo preserves the last fresco cycle by the Florentine artist Fra Filippo Lippi.

Day 3: June 17 - Assisi & Spoleto

After a short ride through the valley we arrive at Assisi, a magical town that still preserves the atmosphere, colors, and sounds that must have been so familiar to Saint Francis and his poor friars. The Basilica contains some of the most important frescoes in the history of western painting. After lunch, spend time getting to know your fellow educators, relaxing, and exploring Spoleto.

Day 4: June 18 - Perugia & Deruta

Perguia, the capital of Umbria, was one of the main Etruscan cities. Known for its universities, cultural and artistic offerings, as well as chocolate, annual events include The Eurochocolate Festival, the Umbria Jazz Festival and the International Journalism Festival. Deruta, a hill town, is a center of refined maiolica due to its local clay. Since the Early Middle Ages, Deruta has produced these ceramics, which are now exported internationally.

Day 5: June 19 - Arezzo & Sansepulcro

Among the many beauties of Arezzo is the recently restored fresco masterpiece The Legend of the Cross, by Piero della Francesca. With its bright colors and grandeur of conception, it will be a magnificent prelude to our trip to Siena. Founded in the 11th Century, Sansepolcro is the birthplace of the painter Piero della Francesca. His painting The Resurrection was described by Aldous Huxley as “the greatest painting in the world!”

Day 6: June 20 - Orvieto & Spoleto

Orvieto, situated at the top of a majestic hill, will mystify you with its Etruscan past and magnificent Gothic Duomo containing the greatest work of Luca Signorelli, a real precursor of the “divine” Michelangelo. Spend a relaxing late afternoon in the hotel garden or have a drink at the Tric Trac, in the P. del Duomo.

Day 7: June 21 - Montefalco & Trevi

A morning visit to Montefalco will offer you one of the most spectacular views of the countryside and a chance to taste some of the best wine in the region. A short trip across the valley to the adjacent hill town of Trevi will provide a complete view of the area.

Day 8: June 22 - Siena

In Siena you will be treated to a detailed visit of the Palazzo del Comune with its splendid frescoes, and a spiritually charged tour of the resplendent Gothic Duomo. You will have time to shop and explore in the colorful streets of the city. A late afternoon arrival in Spoleto will allow time to rest before dinner.

Day 9: June 23 - Spoleto

Explore the town that has become your home on your final day in Umbria!

Day 10: June 24 - Travel Day Home

Depart Spoleto at 6:00 am for Fiumicino airport, arriving in Rome around 8:30 am. Flights out of Rome should leave no earlier than 11 a.m.

Cost - starts at $3900

Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, and based on double occupancy. The single room supplement for this tour is $550.

Pricing for this experience includes:

• Lodging for 8 nights

• Transportation between locations

• Fees for all group activities on the final itinerary

• Lunch on arrival day, continental breakfast and dinner each day

Pricing does not include airfare, daily lunches, health or travel insurance, or personal expenses. Travel insurance is at the traveler’s discretion; however, it is strongly advised.

Fees are calculated on 2023 exchange rates and are subject to change.

Payment Schedule:

• Deposit: $375 is due upon application in order to reserve your spot (nonrefundable)

• Final Balance: Remaining $3525 ($4075 for single room supplement) is due by May 10, 2024.

Participants can make payment by check or by credit card for an additional fee.

Book this experience

Register below to secure your spot on the trip of a lifetime. Registration is accepted on a rolling basis until the tour is full but we encourage registering by May 1.