Italy: An Insider’s Tour
On a ten-day trip visiting beautiful Italy, we will gain an intimate understanding of how modern Italians live in the shadow of their history and culture. At the outset of the trip, we will fly into Venice and spend two days in this majestic city. Traveling through the Tuscan countryside, we will stay in two centers of Tuscan culture: Florence and Siena. We will be able to compare Florence, the center of the Italian Renaissance, with Siena, the walled medieval center of Byzantine art. In addition to immersing ourselves in history, food, and art, we will learn about contemporary Italian life in the hill towns of San Gimignano and Orvieto. The final days and nights will be spent in Rome. Although we will visit famous museums and churches, our journey will also include experiencing the nightlife around the piazzas and fountains, as well as exploring the colorful Italian shops and markets.
This trip is designed for those who have a passion for art, culture, and local cuisine. Students should be prepared for full days with walking of up to 8 miles a day. We’ll explore the beautiful cities on foot and stay in centrally located hotels that allow for easy day and night exploration. We will visit:
Venice: City of mystery and intrigue
Florence: Colorful markets, museums, and palaces
Siena: Perhaps the most beautiful town in Tuscany
Tuscany: Classic hill towns
Rome: If you love life, you love Rome
Students must have a passport valid through October 1, 2026.
Educational Goals:
Explore the culture, history, architecture, and cuisine of Italy
Develop knowledge of art history in famous museums, churches, and towns
Develop an understanding of and appreciation for how another culture lives
Instructors: Dwight Ovelman & Sarena Hebebrand
Open to: Grades 9-12
Limit: 18 students
Cost: $4,860
Travel Dates: Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 15, 2025
Please note that students playing for the Dawson varsity basketball team may miss the 1st round of the CHSAA Playoffs on March 6th.