1. The Colosseum & Roman Forum — A guided tour of the Colosseum followed by a self-guided walk through the Roman Forum, where you can explore temples, government buildings, and the heart of ancient Rome.

2. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica — A full guided morning inside Vatican City, taking in Michelangelo's ceiling and one of the most recognized churches in the world.

3. Florence & Michelangelo's David — A full day guided walking tour through Florence, including a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see the original David and a stop at the Florence Cathedral and its famous doors.

4. A Day in Venice — Travel by fast train to Venice for a guided tour of St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the city's narrow streets. Optional island-hopping to Murano and Burano is available for an extra $50.

5. Orvieto Stop with Wine Tasting Lunch — On the way from Rome to Florence, the group stops in a hilltop medieval town in Umbria for a wine and truffle pasta lunch before continuing north.

Bookbag Tours was built specifically for educators, by people who understand that your time and money matter. We take the learning outside the classroom and into the world, making sure every trip feels as rewarding as it is memorable. From the moment you book to the day you return home, our focus is on creating meaningful, manageable travel that fits your life as a teacher. And the best part? You don't have to go alone. Bring your spouse, a friend, or anyone else who wants to tag along, non-educators are always welcome on our trips too.

✅ Travel With Confidence — Every detail is handled, every partner is vetted, and help is always a message away

✅ Interest-Free Payment Options — Keep your budget stress-free with zero-interest financing

✅ Customizable Payment Plans — Pay on a schedule that actually works for you

✅ 20+ Hours of Professional Development — Built into every trip, ready to document

✅ Graduate Credits Offered — Turn your travel experience into academic credit

✅ Personalized Pre & Post Trip Extensions — Want to explore more? We'll help you plan extra time before or after the group tour

✅ Limited Spots Available — Every trip is intentionally small so every traveler gets the attention they deserve

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. 

Caron McConnon

• PD Certificate

  A certificate for 20+ hours of Professional Development

• Welcome Reception

  Welcome Reception/Orientation

• Tips for In-Country Guide

• Accomodations

  Hotel accommodations in 3 or 4 star hotels included throughout the trip

• Meals

  Breakfast most mornings

• 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

• Additional Tips and Gratuities

  For exceptional service from in-country guides and drivers

• 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

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

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!

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.

• 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.

*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.

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.

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!

1. Dress modestly in public places, especially in when visiting cathedrals. (Shoulders must be covered and dress/pants knee length)

2. Stay hydrated! Carry water with you, particularly when exploring outdoor attractions.

3. Respect local customs and traditions.

4. Use public transport or rideshare apps to navigate cities efficiently.

5. Try local cuisine, such as gelato and fresh-made pasta, for an authentic taste of Italy.

6. Be aware of personal belongs when moving around crowded tourist areas.

7. 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: contact@bbtglobal.us

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!