2023 High Point Italy Program

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2023 High Point Italy Program!  The Pre-Enrollment page is meant to share exciting highlights and important info that participants will want to know before signing up. If you enroll, you'll begin using the Post-Enrollment page which offers a greater level of detail.  Please be sure to review the information thoroughly and get excited for all that Italy has to offer!
Travel Dates: June 22, 2023 - July 3, 2023
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $3,290 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Confirmed Airfare: $1,675
Deadline(s): Please note that this program is not sponsored by or affiliated with High Point High School.

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.

Program Tuition: $3,290

Pay in Full

$3,290.00

due today

Payment Plan

Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:

$348.75

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

All prices in United States Dollars.

Italy Cultural Journey

Italy is a traveler’s dream and an item on everyone’s bucket list. No other country in the world contains as many historical sites and artifacts that provide a glimpse at the very root of western civilization. Where else can you stand and see the place where the basis for modern government was forged? Where else can you see so many timeless and priceless pieces of ancient art and architecture in just a few days?

Natural history, as well as human history, is on full display in the massive peninsular nation with stunning views of the Dolomites and Alps in the north, idyllic Mediterranean countryside along the coast, and broad pastoral landscapes of rolling hills in between. Italians are an incredibly varied and diverse people, but the one constant is their openness and sense of hospitality towards travelers. And, of course, once you have tried true Italian food, there’s no going back to anything else!

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.

Program Highlights


Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!

Wander the streets of Florence, one of the most charming cities in the world!

Explore the world's smallest country, Vatican City!

Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends

Visit Siena's world-renowned cathedral and crypt

Visit Mt. Vesuvius and tour the ancient ruins of Pompeii

Wander through the Roman Colosseum

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationActivityLodging
June 22USA - Milan, ItalyFly from USA to Milan, Italy, arrive the following day.Airplane
June 23MilanWe'll likely arrive in the morning and transfer to our hotel before striking out on a guided tour of the city center during which we'll go on top of the Duomo, where you can see the Alps and the rest of the city. We'll have some great street food for lunch and visit the rest of the city sites like the Scala Theater and the Via Monte Napoleone (the street of Italian fashion) and have ice cream before retreating to our hotel to rest after our long journey.Ostello Bello Grande
June 24Milan - VeniceWe will start our Italian journey after having had an early night and a big breakfast! We will hop on the ultra fast train which will bring us directly into Venice, The City of Water. We will drop off out bags at the hotel and explore this magical city by foot, walking over many bridges and entering churches, and of course have a gondola ride! We will have some free time to visit Piazza San Marco and of course get Gelato. We will then head to dinner and have a good night rest before we have a very busy day tomorrow.Hotel Belle Epoque
June 25VeniceWe will start our day early and head to the “Palazzo Ducale” the Doges palace which the very powerful elected Duke of Venice would live, we will see amazing painting and incredibly adorned rooms, we will also be entering the ancient prisons of the city and walking though the bridge of sighs. After lunch we will hop on a boat which will bring us to the Venetians islands were we will see how the famous glass of glass of Murano is made. We will head back for dinner and pack for our new destination tomorrow..Florence!Hotel Belle Epoque
June 26Venice - FlorenceIn the morning we will again hop on the high speed train direction Tuscany. After the beautiful train ride through the Tuscan alps we'll arrive to Florence and start our day with a guided walking tour, visiting the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the rest of the piazze and monuments. In the evening we will have time to explore the city a little more on our way to dinner. Ostello Bello Firenze
June 27FlorenceHave breakfast at the hotel and continue our exploration of the capital of the Rinascimento (Renaissance). We will see the Cupola del Brunelleschi, which is still the tallest building of Florence and was designed by Giotto and Brunelleschi. Then head to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world. We will then visit the famous market and have some delicious street food. Finally, we will head to see the copy of the David of Michelangelo, which is situated in front of one of the most beautiful public offices in the world, Palazzo Vecchio, which is actually the city hall of Florence.Ostello Bello Firenze
June 28Florence - MurloWe will say good bye to Florence but not to Tuscany and we will take a private bus through the Tuscan hill we will be heading to the wine and olive oil producing region of Tuscany , we will be heading to a Farm which produces Olive oil and wine. After lunch we will have farm tour and a small cooking class, we will then eat our own home cooked meal. Le Verzure Azienda Biologica
June 29Murlo - Siena - MurloToday we will head to Siena for the day. We will visit the city of the world-famous Palio horse race. For more than 700 years, rival neighborhoods of Siena have been participating in a horse race. We’ll have a short lesson on to explain the Palio and get the unique opportunity to tour the city and witness the preparations of the race. Le Verzure Azienda Biologica
June 30Murlo - RomeThis morning we'll take a bus to Rome. Upon arrival we'll stop off at the hotel,drop off our luggage and be ready to have a walking tour of "Roma la citta Eterna" Rome the eternal city, with its never ending History and monuments. We will see the Coliseum , the Trevi Fountain, the famous steps of Piazza di Spagna, and finish the day off with dinner in a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Eternal City.Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo
July 1RomeWe will wake up early and be out of the hotel by 8:30 to have a full day experience of Rome. We will head to the Vatican Museums one of the biggest museums in the world. We will have a guided tour of the museum and after this experience we will refresh will a delicious Gelato. We will continue exploring the city and head to St Angelos castle, the once fortification of the Pope. We will have some free time to go shopping and head for dinner where we will have of a Rome’s famous pastas! Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo
July 2RomeGet ready for our last day! We'll have a quick discussion about our program and reflect on everything we have seen and learned. We'll start our day by seeing Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia e Vittoriano which are the piazza of the people and the piazza of the once king of Italy, respectively. We'll then head to the Foro Roman which was the ancient center square of Rome and is surrounded by several important ancient government buildings. We will then walk to the Bocca della verit which is a round, mask-like structure. You can put your hand in its mouth and legend has it that if you were to lie while your hand were in its mouth, you would find your fingers chopped off! To finish the day off we will head to the Terme di Caracalla, the ancient thermal baths of Rome. We will then finally sit down have a nice final pizza dinner and gelato before heading back to the hotel.Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo
July 3Rome - USABus transfer to Fiumicino Airport, then say arrivederci to Italy as we board our flight home to the US!Your own bed, eventually!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Ostello Bello Grande

Ostello Bello Grande is just 100 metres away from Milan Central Railway Station. Piazza Duomo and the new trending areas of the city, such as Garibaldi, Isola district, Porta Venezia and NoLo, are within walking distance. The property features both en suite rooms and shared dormitories, all air-conditioned . The bathroom features a hairdryer and toiletries. In addition, the hotel has a common kitchen and a lounge area. Free Wi-Fi keeps guests feeling connected at all times. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender.

Hotel Belle Epoque
Hotel Belle Epoque is located in the heart of Venice set on a central street surrounded by shops and restaurants. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with original 18th-century furnishings, air conditioning, and satellite TV. A panoramic lift reaches the rooms of the Belle Epoque, and each room features a white-marble bathroom and Murano-glass details. Breakfast is a generous buffet, served in the stylish dining hall. WiFi is available throughout the property. Students will be accommodated according to gender. 
Ostello Bello Firenze

Ostello Bello Firenze is ideally located in San Lorenzo neighborhood, in the heart of the Florence. From the hotel, you can easily access the entire city and enjoy the local area. This accommodation has air-conditioned standard rooms and private, in-suite dorms. In addition, the hotel has a beautiful terraces, a shared kitchen and a lounge area. A beautiful Italian breakfast is served to fuel a wonderful day of exploration.

Le Verzure Azienda Biologica

This farm is flanked by olive groves and vineyards, with a wonderful view of Montalcino and the Merse Valley. Located near the Etruscan ruins of Murlo, in the small village of La Befa and surrounded by Mediterranean bush. This farm offers walks in their vineyards, a stop in our small artisanal cellar and the tour of their wine and olive oil production. The farmhouse has two independent apartments furnished in a traditional Tuscan style, as well as the main house, recently renovated paying respect to the original structure, that can accommodate up to nine people. The property also counts with a swimming pool for guests.

Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo

Located in traditional building above cobble stone streets and near the Colosseum and Termini station, Ostello Bello Roma is a great place for travelers to rest after packed day of exploring Rome. Spread over five floors with a variety of rooms types and communal areas, the hotel includes a beautiful patio, terrace and quiet corners to support guest. The breakfast is top notch and the friendly staff are always available to support travelers.   

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

Everything was outstanding. The communication, organization, and experience was phenomenal. The program positively impacted my daughters confidence, independence, and maturity.

Suzanne
Parent of Kelsey, traveler on Costa Rica Surf and Service Program

Your Adventure Includes

Estimated Airfare

In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel. 

Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.

Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more.  There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!

Learn more here.

WTT coffee
Resource center

Resource Center

Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.

Learn More

Top