Join us for a stress-free travel experience! Our trip leaders will be with you every step of the way, from meeting you at the airport on arrival day to ensuring a safe transfer on departure day, and everything in between. We’ve got you covered!
Calling all adventure-seeking educators! Have you ever dreamed of turning your next vacation into an unforgettable learning experience? Well, dream no more, because we're thrilled to present the ultimate Italian escapade crafted exclusively for our fantastic teachers! Embark on a journey that blends the historic charm of Rome, the artistic wonders of Florence, and the enchanting canals of Venice into a curriculum of pure delight. Get ready to trade chalk for gelato, textbooks for Michelangelo, and classroom walls for the stunning landscapes. Join us on this educational expedition that promises to inspire, rejuvenate, and indulge the wanderlust in you. It's not just a trip; it's a Bellissima odyssey through the heart of Italy!
Note: Itinerary Subject to Change
Professional Development: Learning about a new culture and making connections with educators provides an authentic learning experience for you to reflect on and bring back to your classroom.
Terrain: LOTS of stairs and uneven walking paths
Activity Level: Moderate to High (Due to High Temperatures. Yes, It will be HOT!)
School Visit: No
PD Level: Basic. Please note the magic of these trips is the time you spend with fellow educators on your trip engaged in ORGANIC PD, so you really get out of it what you put into it. That said, because this trip does not have a great deal of formal PD or school visits, it is considered a Basic Level PD, unless you register for graduate credit.
Professional Development Certificate- All Participants will receive a certificate for 20+ professional development hours.
Graduate Credits- In addition, we have partnered with an accredited university to allow participants to earn 1 graduate credit for an additional $100 or 3 graduate credits for an additional $300.
Questions? Visit our Bookbag Tours FAQ page.
*Reserve your spot with a nonrefundable deposit today!
Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure with just a $300 nonrefundable deposit. From there, 40% of your trip cost will be due 6 months before your travel date, and the final payment will be due 3 months prior to departure. It’s a simple, flexible way to lock in your journey and start counting down to the experience of a lifetime!
Trip pricing can change at any time due to fluctuating travel costs. Book now to lock in your rate and secure your spot at the current price!
PD Certificate
A certificate for 20+ hours of Professional Development
Welcome Reception
Welcome Reception/Orientation
Accomodations
Hotel accommodations in 3 or 4 star hotels included throughout the trip
Meals
Breakfast most morning
Farewell Dinner
Conclusive Dinner
Group Activities
Group activities are included, as indicated in the itinerary
Ground Transportation
Most ground transportation in-country to and from included group activities, unless walkable.
BBT T-Shirt
A BBT T-Shirt will be sent to the participant before the trip
The BBT Team
Your amazing Trip Leaders, your Professional Development facilitators, our Trip Managers, and our On-Site and Off-Site Team members!
Airfare
Airfare is not included
Optional Side Trips
You will have a list of optional side trips for an additional fee at a later date
VISA
At the appropriate time, we will provide a link to the VISA application.
Tips and Gratuities
For in-country guides and drivers
Early/Late Transfers
If you are arriving or departing earlier/later than the scheduled Group dates, you will be responsible for your own transfers. We are happy to advise, but we will not cover the cost.
Leaders will welcome you at the airport and will get you transferred to the hotel. Arrive into Rome by 12 PM in order to be a part of the walking tour.
Orientation and light refreshments.
For all participants arriving into Rome by 12PM.
After settling in, embark on a wonderful walking tour to discover the Roman monuments, ancient landmarks, and architectural masterpieces of various Italian artists.
Arriving early? Let us help you plan your early adventure! Fill in this form on our website
Visit the Colosseum and Ancient Roman Forum. Enjoy a guided tour of the Forum, discovering remains of public buildings, temples, the sacred dwelling of the Vestal Virgins, and more. Learn about the political, social, and religious core of ancient Rome.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum
We will provide a ticket for Roman Forum for a self guided tour.
Trastevere Food Tour and Pizza Class. Savor traditional Italian food and learn to make Roman pasta dishes, including fettuccine, with hands-on instructions from a chef using fresh local ingredients.
Visit the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Drivers will leave around 1:30pm. If you choose to stay, travel back on your own.
Rome by Night Riding Tour (3-4 hour tour). Enjoy a scenic ride around the outskirts of Rome.
There will be multiple stops throughout the tour for perfect picture opportunities!
If train departure allows.
Together we will depart for Florence, stopping in Orvieto, a small city perched on a rock cliff in Umbria. Explore the Duomo di Orvieto, with its mosaic facade and marble Pietà sculpture, and the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a 16th-century well shaft with a double spiral staircase.
Together we will enjoy a delightful lunch at Enoteca Al Duomo, sampling local culinary delights such as truffle pasta and artisan cheeses.
Finish traveling to Florence
Overnight in Florence at the Hotel Atlantic Palace (or similar accommodations)
All-day walking tour of Florence: Explore the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's original statue of David, visit the Duomo of Santa Maria in Fiore, and marvel at the "Door of Paradise." The climb may be challenging, but the views are so worth it!
No large bags allowed during this tour. We will be going to many beautiful sightseeing spots that do not allow large bags.
Gather a group of friends and discover a charming restaurant nearby, then reunite to complete the guided tour!
Continue seeing the enchanting sights in Florence with your guided walking tour.
Overnight in Florence at the Hotel Atlantic Palace (or similar accommodations)
Morning Activity: Volterra
Drive through Tuscany to explore Volterra, a walled hilltop town with structures from the Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval periods. Visit artisan shops specializing in sculptured alabaster items.
Afternoon Activity: San Gimignano
Visit San Gimignano, known as the "Medieval Manhattan" for its tower-filled skyline. Explore its medieval houses, fountains, and towers, and enjoy an incredible wine-tasting lunch with typical local food and super Tuscan wine.
Choose Option 1 (No additional charge) or Option 2 (additional fee of $50) for the group activity!
*No additional charge
As a group, we will enjoy a guided walking tour and explore the city’s iconic sites, including the Rialto Bridge, the Bovolo Contarini Spiral Staircase, and more. Visit Piazza San Marco, Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Campanile. After lunch on your own, our guide will continue leading us through the calle’s (narrow streets) and landmarks of Venice.
*Additional charge of $50, if you choose this option.
Visit the island of Murano, where Murano glass originated, and then take a boat to the island of Burano, known for its lace and colorful houses.
Extra charge of $50 for this option to travel by boat to Murano and Burano.
Meet back up with group to catch your fast train back to Florence.
In the morning, our Italian guide, we will visit Siena, one of the most popular and visited places in Tuscany, known for its rich history, art, and strong local traditions.
Lunch on your own in Siena.
Wine tasting tour at the oldest winery in Italy.
Group dinner at 8 PM to enjoy each other's company before traveling back to Rome and wrapping up the trip.
If train departure allows
Enjoy a free day in Rome, revisiting the rich history, culture, and delicious cuisine at your own pace. Discover more iconic landmarks or stroll through charming neighborhoods filled with local shops and cafes.
You might also indulge in authentic Italian gelato while soaking up the beautiful atmosphere of this timeless city!
Leaders will assist with transportation to airport
If flight allows
If Flight Allows
Extending your stay?
Let us help you plan your next adventure. Fill in this form on the website OR choose your own activity.
Perfect for travelers looking to save and connect. Share a comfortable room with another traveler and enjoy all the same great experiences at a lower cost. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know your roommate preference at checkout. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone of a similar age and teaching level.
If we cannot place you with a roommate the single room rate will apply, we hope you understand.
Ideal for those who prefer extra privacy. Relax in your own room after each day’s adventure while still enjoying all group activities and inclusions. A great option for travelers who want a little more personal space.
Heads-Up, Snoozers! If you snore like a bear, rock a CPAP machine, need white noise, or have any other quirky sleep habits, we totally understand — everyone has their bedtime vibe! But to keep things peaceful for your fellow travelers, please consider booking a private room.
Even better? Bring a friend you’ve already shared a room (and some laughs) with, and have them register too!
Let’s keep the Zzzs drama-free and the vibes just right. Thanks for being the considerate rockstar you are!
Dress modestly in public places, especially in when visiting cathedrals. (Shoulders must be covered and dress/pants knee length)
Stay hydrated! Carry water with you, particularly when exploring outdoor attractions.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Use public transport or rideshare apps to navigate cities efficiently.
Try local cuisine, such as gelato and fresh-made pasta, for an authentic taste of Italy.
Be aware of personal belongs when moving around crowded tourist areas.
Plan visits to popular attractions early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
Here are a few useful Italian phrases that come in handy while traveling:
Ciao! (Hello / Goodbye – casual)
Buongiorno! (Good morning)
Buonasera! (Good evening)
Per favore (Please)
Grazie / Grazie mille (Thank you / Thank you very much)
Prego (You’re welcome / Please, go ahead)
Dove si trova…? (Where is…?)
Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)
Un biglietto per Roma, per favore. (A ticket to Rome, please.)
Il conto, per favore. (The check, please.)
Mi scusi. (Excuse me.)
Parla inglese? (Do you speak English?)
Non capisco. (I don’t understand.)
Aiuto! (Help!)
Bookbag Tours is dedicated to providing quality professional development through immersive travel experiences for educators and their family and friends. Our trips offer a truly global perspective, allowing participants to gain insights that enrich their classrooms and lives.
Our mission is to empower educators and their companions with hands-on global experiences, equipping them to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.
With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.
We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Phone or WhatsApp: +1 (864) 907- 9874
Email: [email protected]
DM us on Socials: @bookbagtours
Our team is available to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!