Travel Study to Italy – June 4 to June 24, 2024

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 travel study opportunity will take place from June 4 to June 24, 2024.

This is a remarkable opportunity to see Venice, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, 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 59 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 proceeds to Florence (4 nights), including the Accademia Gallery; and proceeds to Rome (11 nights) including Vatican City, and a day trip to Pompeii.

Day 1 Departure from Canada. Overnight flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Venice. Explore Mestre neighbourhood.

Day 3 Venice. Islands of Murano and Burano

Day 4 Venice. City cultural tour: Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica.

Day 5 Venice. City cultural tour: Dorsoduro area and Ca’ Rezzonico Museum

Day 6 Venice to Florence. Explore the Gavinana neighbourhood.

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

Day 8 Florence. City cultural tour: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Baptistery, Museum

Day 9 Florence. Academy Gallery (Michelangelo’s David).

Day 10 Florence to Rome. Explore the Tiburtino neighbourhood.

Day 11 Rome. The Ancient Roman city (Colosseum, Roman Forum)

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

Day 13 Rome -> Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica.

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

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

Day 16 Rome -> Pompeii. Archaeological walkabout (full day).

Day 17 Rome. Trastevere neighbourhood walkabout.

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

Day 19 Rome. Group supper.

Day 20 Rome. Via Veneto and Villa Borghese Gardens 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.

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 
$3,275.00 (CAD)
                                                                                                                                             

Cost Includes 

• registration
• tuition for 3 credit hours of instruction
• partial transfer fees airport-hotel
• 19 nights of accommodation (double or triple occupancy)
• 19 breakfasts
• 1 group supper at a unique gastronomic restaurant in Rome
• all entrance fees to museums and sites that are visited as part of the program
• 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
• international medical/travel insurance
• daily lunches and suppers

How to Apply

A $500 refundable deposit is due on or before Wednesday December 6, 2023 on a first come first served basis, submitted to Dr. Temelini.

To register with deposit, contact Dr. Mark Temelini at temelini@stu.ca to set up a meeting.

Maximum enrolment is limited to 16. Once maximum enrolment is reached then there is a waiting list. 

The remaining amount of $2,775.00 is due on or before Wednesday February 28, 2024.