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Day 1, September 3, 2008: Departure
Depart your gateway city for Rome, Italy, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided
for air-inclusive participants only. )
Day 2, September 4, 2008:
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the ancient Umbrian town of Spoleto and
the Hotel dei Duchi. (Transfer provided for air-inclusive participants only.)
Tonight, attend a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3, September 5, 2008:
Educational Focus: A Celebration of Two Worlds - the Spoleto Festival. Excursion:
Spoleto Orientation. Surrounded by a sweeping panorama of Apennines range foothills
and valleys, Spoleto is a splendid town of picturesque streets and fairy-tale
medieval architecture. Discover its historic and scenic highlights during a leisurely
tour. See the layered limestone city walls, the Romanesque Church of San Greggorio
Maggiore and the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater. Admire the majesty of the
Rocca, a former Papal fortress, and the beauty of the 12th-century Duomo.
Day 4, September 6, 2008:
Educational Focus: The Lands of Umbria. Excursion: Gubbio. Journey through the
peaceful Umbrian countryside to the medieval town of Gubbio set on the slope
of Mt. Ingino. Stroll through its Roman Amphitheater, located just outside the
town walls, and the impressive Palazzo dei Consoli, the signature landmark. Local
Flavor: Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Educational Focus: Brother Sun,
Sister Moon. A screening of this 1972 film by Italian director Franco Zeffirelli
tells the story of St. Francis and St. Claire and offers unique insight into
life in Umbria in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Day 5, September 7, 2008:
Excursion: Assisi and Montefalco. Visit the magnificent walled city of Assisi,
renowned as the home of St. Francis. Experience the ambiance of the Basilica
of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Montefalco,
one of Italy's loveliest towns, where the churches house stuffing works of art.
Local Flavor: A winery near Montefalco hosts you for lunch. Savor the opportunity
to sample some of the local vintages.
Day 6, September 8, 2008:
Excursion: Todi. According to legend, Todi was built by Hercules. A walking tour
showcases the highlights of this unspoiled medieval town perched atop a formidable
rocky hill overlooking the Tiber River, including the 13th-century Palaeo-Christian
temple of San Fortunato. Independent Exploration: Return to Spoleto for an afternoon
at leisure.
Day 7, September 9, 2008:
Cultural Immersion: Italian Cooking OR Italian Pottery. Choose to prepare traditional
Italian dishes with a renowned chef from nearby Orvieto, or try your hand at
making pottery in Deruta with a local artisan. Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Day 8, September 10, 2008:
Independent Exploration: Enjoy a final day at leisure for last-minute shopping
or sightseeing.
This evening, attend a Graduation Ceremony, followed by your Farewell Reception
and Dinner.
Day 9, September 11, 2008:
After breakfast, transfer to the Rome airport for the return flight to your gateway
city. (Provided for air-inclusive participants only.)
Note: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions. Many excursions
in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions
are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
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