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!

Not only will you come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of Italian culture and unique Umbrian traditions, but you also will have the opportunity to build curricula in art, art history, architecture, history, Italian language or food, Latin, and more! This tour is perfect for travel-minded educators seeking to immerse fully into Italian history and culture, while crafting a unique, first-hand curriculum in their subject through collaboration with other educators.

Tour participants will be staying at the Palazzo Leti, a 13th Century Residenza d’epoca restored as a bed & breakfast. From the Italian-style garden, you can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Spoleto’s most iconic landmarks.

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 - Adventure to Tuscany

Our travels will include stops in Siena and some of the most colorful smaller towns in central and southern Tuscany. In Siena you will be treated to a detailed visit of the Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) with its splendid frescoes and a spiritually charged tour of the resplendent Gothic Duomo. You will have time to do some shopping in the many shops that line the colorful streets of the city, and we will check into our hotel. Spend the evening discussing what curriculum inspiration may have struck you during the day’s tour.

Day 5: June 19 - San Gimignano & Volterra

Tuscan hill town San Gimignano, still brimming with Medieval flavor and 14 surviving towers, reflects a town little changed since the Middle Ages. Local highlights are Vernaccia wine, saffron and wild boar meat. Some of the oldest buildings in Tuscany are in Volterra’s main square. Explore the Roman Theater and the ancient Etruscan arch. This day is perfect for any history or Latin educators to gather some curriculum materials!

Day 6: June 20 - San Quirico D’Orica, Pienza, & Montelpulciano

Our day will include a brief visit to the delightful village of San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza, built as an example of the ideal Renaissance town. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside. Montepulciano is one of the liveliest centers in southern Tuscany, filled with beautiful Medieval and Renaissance palaces and boasting a charming little art museum.

Day 7: June 21 - Tivoli

Villa d’Este, home of the spectacular Tivoli Gardens, was built in 1550. Literature, composition, art, and photography educators may find inspiration among the terraced gardens, fish ponds, and unique moss-covered fountains that keep you cool even on the warmest of days. Here we will also enjoy lunch. Spend the late afternoon in Spoleto, re-exploring your favorite jewels or finding new ones before dinner. Perhaps spend the evening workshopping your curriculum ideas.

Day 8: June 22 - 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. If you have never visited Pompei or Herculaneum, Ostia Antica is the closest you can get to see what an old Roman town looked like. The ruins have been splendidly preserved, there is a huge variety of structures to see and, if time, the archaeological museum a pleasant surprise. Another prime day for Latin, history, and art history educators!

Day 9: June 23 - 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. This is your final evening to present what you have learned and created and get feedback from your fellow educators.

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 1, 2024.

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