2023 Montessori School of Evergreen Italy Program

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2023 Montessori School of Evergreen 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: March 26, 2023 - April 5, 2023
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Confirmed Airfare: $1,186

What to Expect

Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.

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
March 26USA - Rome, ItalyFly from USA to Rome, Italy.In Flight
March 27RomeWe arrive in the Eternal City in the evening. After dropping our bags at the hotel. We will walk around and explore the city. On our way to dinner we’ll walk by the Trevi Fountain. Once we are back at our hotel, we will have our orientation meeting to prepare for the days ahead!Hotel Casa Valdese Roma
March 28RomeThis morning we will visit another country! We will spend our morning marveling at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. We’ll break for lunch and then head over to the Spanish steps and continue into the Villa Borghese park to get a view from Rome from the terraces that overlook the city. Hotel Casa Valdese Roma
March 29Rome - Pompeii Today we escape the big city and head to Pompeii. The group will tour the archeological site with a local guide, and then dine on world-famous Napoletan pizza for lunch. After a full day of exploring we head back to Rome on the ultra fast train in time for dinner and rest. Hotel Casa Valdese Roma
March 30RomeToday we head off to explore the Colosseum, the massive stone amphitheater and an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire! We will also visit the Roman Forum and the other Imperial Fora. Next, we’ll head over to the Testaccio Market for lunch to savor homemade ravioli, gelato, meats and cheese, fried risotto and all kinds of pasta! In the afternoon, we’ll explore Rome’s Jewish Ghetto stopping by the Campo de’ Fiori, translated literally from Italian the “Field of Flowers Square” . We'll also visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona; crowned by the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, as well as by an Egyptian obelisk and two other fountains.Hotel Casa Valdese Roma
March 31Rome to FlorenceAfter a ride on one of Italy’s high speed trains we'll arrive in Florence and start our day with a walking tour, visiting the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and many other piazze and monuments. We'll also make time to visit the Uffizi, one of the most important museums in the entire country. Ostello Bello Firenze
April 1FlorenceThis morning we’ll have a walk through town on our way to the "New Market" where we'll explore, shop and have lunch. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Santa Croce church as well as Piazza Michelangelo to take in Florence from above. In the evening, we'll enjoy a cooking class that will culminate in our dinners! Ostello Bello Firenze
April 2Florence to VeniceThis morning we board another high-speed train, this time destination Venice! Once in Venice, we’ll get settled and then head out on foot to see sights like the famous Doges Palace, Canal Grande, the Ponte Rialto and the Bridge of sighs. We’ll get lost (but find our way back) in the labyrinth of small streets and canals until it’s time for another wonderful dinner. Anda Venice Hostel
April 3VeniceThis morning we'll head board a boat to the Island of Murano where we’ll learn about the unique glass blowing techniques that have been used for centuries by the local craftsmen. Once we're back in town we'll have a few hours of free time before dinner. Anda Venice Hostel
April 4Venice to RomeWe're headed back to Rome on the high speed train and have time for one last stroll along the banks of the Tiber river. Among places we’ll pass by is the Largo Argentina, the very spot where Julius Caesar was killed. As a group we’ll take some time to reflect on all we've experienced before getting a good night’s rest ahead of the long flight home tomorrow morning.Hotel Casa Valdese Roma
April 5Rome - USAArrivederci Italia!You own bed, eventually!

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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. 
Hotel Casa Valdese Roma

The Hotel Casa Valdese Roma is a historic hotel in the Prati district of Rome, near the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, of which there is a beautiful view from a large terrace on the fifth floor.  Students will be split by gender between double or triple rooms based on availability. Wifi and air conditioning are standard, and students will enjoy breakfast each morning at the hotel.

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.

Anda Venice Hostel

With it’s industrial decor, a multitude of colors and a touch of vintage in the interactive areas, Anda Venice Hostel makes for a charming stay while visiting Venice. Its mantra of hosting travelers, not tourists, and facilitating experiences, not itineraries, make the hostel staff feel more like an extended family than a typical service offers. These accommodations are perfect for larger groups and make a great place to relax in between adventures in the floating city of Venice.

Group Flight

Type Carrier Name Carrier Code Flight Number Departure Airport & City Departure Date and Time  Arrival Airport & City Arrival Date and Time 
Outbound
Lufthansa Airlines
LH
481
DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
March 26, 2023 at 04:10 PM
MUC – Munich International Airport, Munich, Germany
March 27, 2023 at 09:50 AM
Outbound
Lufthansa Airlines
LH
1868
MUC – Munich International Airport, Munich, Germany
March 27, 2023 at 01:35 PM
FCO – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome, Italy
March 27, 2023 at 03:00 PM
Inbound
Lufthansa Airlines
LH
1873
FCO – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome, Italy
April 05, 2023 at 08:00 AM
MUC – Munich International Airport, Munich, Germany
April 05, 2023 at 09:35 AM
Inbound
Lufthansa Airlines
LH
480
MUC – Munich International Airport, Munich, Germany
April 05, 2023 at 11:55 AM
DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
April 05, 2023 at 02:25 PM

Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

Packing List

What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with.  We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.

Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination. 

Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!

CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :

  • Underwear
  • Socks (a mixture of good active socks and casual socks)
  • T-shirts (some quick dry)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Sweaters or sweatshirts
  • Underwear
  • Shorts
  • Rain jacket
  • Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
  • Comfortable, everyday pants
  • Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
  • Durable athletic/walking shoes
  • Sandals (optional)
  • Hat

TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:

  • Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Band Aids and Neosporin
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Medication in properly marked original container

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Sunglasses
  • Journal and pen
  • Book
  • Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
  • Power Converter
  • Alarm Clock and watch
  • Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
  • Durable water bottle
  • 1 quick-dry towel
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Batteries
  • Deck of cards or other portable games
  • STUDENT ID

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.

Luke Mueller
Luke Mueller
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO


Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History

During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents.  Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.

Devin Toletti
Devin Toletti
Italy Country Director; Germany Country Director


Bologna University – B.A. Political Science and International Relations

Born to an Italian father and a Canadian-Austrian mother, Devin grew up in Varese which is in Northern Italy between Milan and Switzerland. He grew up with a love for winter sports, dividing his winters between hockey and skiing. In summer he would enjoy mountain biking around the Alps and try to water ski as much as possible. After finishing school, in the English section of the European School, he went to Bologna University and achieved a B.A in Political Science and International Relations. In Bologna he also discovered his passion for food and teaching. Devin is now living in the exciting capital of Germany, Berlin, where he is a bike tour guide, part time cook, and English teacher.

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

  • 1 Carol Tanski
  • 2 Chloe Plow
  • 3 Corbin Anno
  • 4 Finnegan Webster
  • 5 Hayden Stuart
  • 6 Isabel Anderson
  • 7 Isabel Fischer
  • 8 Isabela Clark
  • 9 Jackson Horne
  • 10 John Hazel
  • 11 Katherine Beckley
  • 12 Keenan Dalby
  • 13 Layla Hasson
  • 14 Matthew Gustavson
  • 15 Piper McCulloch
  • 16 Sydney Pierce
  • 17 Victoria Stewart
  • 18 Zachary Schoonover
18 Travelers

Blog and Communication

During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.

Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

 

GLC Curriculum

Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.

For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.

Learn More About the GLC

To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.

Pre-Program Activity Portal

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.

ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL

  1.  Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
  4. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

  1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
  2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
  3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
  4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
  5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
  6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
  7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Italy website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.

Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.

We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with  two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.

To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.

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