The Highlights of Italy Trip!
ROME
The ‘Eternal City’ and the capital of Italy. Rome’s history spans more than two and a half thousand years, since its legendary founding in 753 BC. In ancient times, it was the capital city of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, and is regarded as one of the birthplaces of Western civilization.
Pantheon
One of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings. It has been in continuous use throughout its history, and since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Roman Catholic church.
Piazza Navona
A beautiful city square in Rome. It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian. The Piazza is also home to the Fontana de Quattro Fiumi.
Trevi Fountain
Arguably the most famous fountain in Italy and even the world. The Trevi Fountain is a must see on your tour to Rome. Keeping with tradition, coins are thrown using the right hand over the left shoulder.
Colosseum and Roman forum
The Colosseum is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world. It was home to some of the most infamous gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Just outside of the Colosseum, you can find the Roman Forum; the teeming heart of ancient Rome, it has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history
Theatre Of Marcellus
Built in a grand style during Augustus’ reign, with three distinct columned levels, it is believed the Theatre of Marcellus could originally hold as many as 11,000 people.
Vatican and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican museums are composed of several sections. Gregorian Etruscan, Pinacoteca, Missionary-Ethnological, Raphael Stanze and the Sistine Chapel. Works of art from every conceivable Renaissance artist adorn the rooms and corridors and there is far too much to appreciate in one visit. The ceiling of the Sistine chapel was created by Michelangelo and features 9 scenes from the book of Genesis. You can visit St Peter’s Square and Basilica, with an opportunity to climb the Dome (Cupola di San Pietro) or visit the Papal Tombs.
SAN GIMIGNANO
a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often called the ‘Town of Fine Towers’ due to the preservation of a number of impressive ‘torre’ or tower houses within its walls.
FLORENCE
Galleria dellÁccademia
TheGalleria dell’Accademia belongs to the most famous galleries in Florence. The exhibition contains numerous famous paintings and sculptures. The latter in particular, as the statue of David by Michelangelo is part of the collection.
Uffizi Gallery
One of the oldest and most famous art museums of Europe. It is home to works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, amongst others.
Piazza Del Duomo
The piazza gathers a series of undeniable objectives with great historical, religious, architectural, artistic and cultural charge, and these landmarks refer to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, to the Baptistery of St. John, to the Bell Tower (Campanile), to the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), as well as to Loggia del Bigallo.
Tuscan Cooking School with market visit
A truly memorable experience: cooking classes allow visitors to discover Tuscan and Florentine culture through its celebrated gourmet tradition. In equipped kitchens of typical Florentine old “palazzos”, or in typical restaurants, all located in the town centre, our guests, guided by skilled chefs, students will be taught how to prepare a full Tuscan menu, or a single specialty such as home-made pasta, pizza or ice cream. We can combine cooking class to a visit to the food market to buy fresh products with our chef.
VENICE
A city in the north east of Italy situated on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Venice is renowned for its beauty, its architecture and its artworks.
St Mark’s Square
This famous principal piazza is busy with crowds enjoying the backdrop of the Basilica of San Marco.
St Mark’s Basilica
Nestled at the Eastern end of St Mark’s Square. The cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, it is one of the best known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture Climb the bell tower for splendid views over the city.
Bridge of Sighs
The enclosed bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.
Murano and Burano Islands
The island of Burano is famed for its lace work and colourful house exteriors and the small community has managed to retain its traditional charm despite the influx of tourists. Buranese women appear to spend most of their time sitting outside point stitching however, many lace items on sale have been machine made. Burano, like the other islands of the lagoon is best reached by water bus. The island of Murano can be reached by water bus and is home to many workshops, shops and galleries displaying the famous Murano glassware. The island is pretty compact and can be navigated on foot which is great for exploring the alleyways and narrow streets.
Venetian Mask Making
Visit a traditional artisan work place where student will learn all about the ancient techniques used to make a Venetian papier-mâché mask. The aim of the mini course is to explain the use of the mask in Venice during past centuries and for student to take part in the decoration of their own choice of papier-mâché mask.
Language Lesson Walking Tour of Venice
See the main sights of Venice whilst enjoying an interactive language based walking tour where students will be challenged to use their language on the go Dinner at leisure
NAPLES
Herculaneum (with archaeological guide)
The ancient city of Herculaneum was, like many others, situated on the fertile slopes of Mount Vesuvius. When the volcano erupted in 79AD the whole city was engulfed in an avalanche of mud that preserved the buildings, streets and residents practically intact. Thanks to excavations that began in the 18th century the city today can be explored on foot giving students a fine example of Roman lifestyles and architecture. A lot less busy than the more famous Pompeii.
Pompeii (with archaeological guide)
Probably the most famous archaeological site in Italy is located just 25km away from Naples. The excavations are visited by millions of visitors every year and offer one of the world’s most important examples of the past. Life in this rich and prosperous city was dramatically and brusquely interrupted in 79 A.D. when Vesuvius erupted and totally buried it. The city and its inhabitants were wiped out in moments. A visit to the excavations gives you a pretty good idea of what life must have been like here two thousand years ago.
