Travel Study Opportunity: Italy, June 20 to July 10, 2023

Study, explore and discover the artistic and cultural beauty of Italy as a country and as a major influence of western civilization and the humanities. This is a remarkable opportunity to see Venice, Verona, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Naples and Pompeii. Italy has a rich legacy with a timeline that spans all major periods: Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical and Modern. 

 

UNESCO data indicates that Italy is home to 60% of the world’s cultural patrimony: churches, cathedrals, archeological areas, buildings, museums, houses and statues. Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the greatest number than any other country. The nation is filled with some of the most fascinating cities in the world, filled with treasures of art and architecture that have profoundly affected the course of history.  The entire cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome together with Vatican City, and Pompeii have earned the prestigious recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their own right.

 

Program Director

Dr. Mark Temelini (temelini@stu.ca)
Italian Professor, Romance Languages Dept

 

Course

ITAL 2033 - Travel-Study: Introduction to Italian Civilization 

This study tour of Italy offers a harmonious blend of language, culture and countryside. It presents an overview of Italian civilization from its origins to the present day. Topics to be examined include major Italian artistic and literary movements. Highlights encompass visiting various Italian cities and experiencing a unique immersion into Italian art, architecture, cuisine, history, religion, music, fashion, and current events. (The course is taught in English, 3 credits, knowledge of the Italian language is not required. No prerequisite required) 

 

Itinerary
This year’s itinerary starts in Venice (4 nights) including the islands of Murano and Burano, and a day trip to Verona; and proceeds to Florence (4 nights), including a gastronomic tour of the Chianti wine region; and proceeds to Rome (11 nights) including Vatican City, and day trips to Pompeii and Naples.

 

Day 1: Departure from Canada. Overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Venice. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica.

Day 3: Venice. City cultural tour.

Day 4: Venice to islands of Murano and Burano. 

Day 5: Venice to Verona, city cultural tour.

Day 6: Venice to Florence. Visit Piazza del Duomo.

Day 7: Florence. City cultural tour. Discover the Medici’s landmarks

Day 8: Florence to Chianti regional food and wine tour.

Day 9: Florence. Academy Gallery (Michelangelo’s David), “Last Supper” tour.

Day 10: Florence to Rome. Trastevere neighbourhood walkabout.

Day 11: Rome, the Ancient Imperial city (Roman Forum, Colosseum).

Day 12: Rome. Piazza del Campidoglio to Piazza del Popolo walkabout.

Day 13: Rome to Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica. Sistine Chapel.

Day 14: Rome. Historic city centre (part 1). Fountains and Squares.

Day 15: Rome. Historic city centre (part 2). Major Basilicas.

Day 16: Rome to Pompeii. Archaeological walkabout (full day).

Day 17: Rome to Naples, city cultural tour including Archaeological Museum

Day 18: Rome. Catacombs and the mysterious secrets of underground Rome.

Day 19: Rome. Free day. Group supper.

Day 20: Rome. Via Veneto and Villa Borghese walkabout.

Day 21: Rome. Departure from Italy.

 

Participants
This course is open to everyone 18 years of age or older who would like to combine their love of travel with a cultural learning experience. All are welcome to participate for credit or non-credit: students, alumni, friends, relatives, educators, and professionals. Participants can attend this course without being a student at St Thomas University.

 

Travel Requirements

A valid passport. International students should confirm with their Diplomatic/Consular Representatives for specific information. Students will be required to sign a liability waiver and to demonstrate proof of travel health insurance.

 

Travel to Italy

Students are responsible for making their own air travel arrangements.  Please do not book air travel until you have confirmation that this program is definitely running.  If students are interested in travelling together in the same group, please let Dr. Temelini know and arrangements can be made to book the same flight. 

 

Cost 
$2950.00 (CAD)
                                                                                                                                                            

Cost Includes 

• registration
• tuition for 3 credit hours of class instruction
• transfer fees airport-hotel
• 20 nights of accommodation (double or triple occupancy)
• 19 breakfasts
• 1 “welcome to Italy” pizza lunch in Venice
• 1 lunch and wine tasting in Chianti region
• 1 group supper at a renowned gastronomic restaurant in Rome
• all entrance fees to museums, sites, cultural events that are visited as part of the course
• program related ground transportation (boat, bus, train, metro). 
   

The cost is the same for participants who wish to audit the course and participate in all the daily activities.

 

Cost Does Not Include

• air transportation to and from Italy
• passport/travel visa
• international medical/travel insurance
• course materials
• daily lunches and suppers
• spending money, souvenirs, sundry expenses.  
   

How to Apply

To register, please contact Dr. Mark Temelini at temelini@stu.ca

Cheques or Money Orders are written out to ‘St Thomas University’ and are submitted to Dr. Temelini.

Full Payment is due on or before Thursday March 16th 2023. 

 

Information Sessions

For more details, you are welcome to attend one of the information sessions scheduled as follows:

• Friday 28 October 2022, 3:00-4:00pm, Edmund Casey Hall G11
• Friday 25 November 2022, 3:00-4:00pm, Edmund Casey Hall G11
• Friday 27 January 2023, 3:00-4:00pm, Edmund Casey Hall G11
• Friday 24 February 2023, 3:00-4:00pm, Edmund Casey Hall G11