2025 Key School Italy Program
| Travel Dates: |
February 16, 2025 -
February 26, 2025
Dates are tentative until flights are secured
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,000 |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
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 abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16 | USA | Today the group will take their overnight flight to Florence. | Airplane |
| February 17 | USA - Florence | We will arrive to Florence today and meet our program leaders at the airport. We will check into our accommodations, get settled and talk about the upcoming days with more detail during our orientation meeting. We will then have a guided walking tour of Florence where we will see some of the most iconic spots of the city, including the Piazza Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. If we have the energy, we will finish the day with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo to get a view of the city from above. We will then head to a local restaurant for our first Italian dinner! | Hotel in Florence |
| February 18 | Florence | Today we will visit the Uffizi, one of the most important museums in Italy and the world. We will learn about the history of Florence and the Renaissance, and have the opportunity to see masterpieces from Botticelli, Michelangelo, Da Vinci and many others. We will taste some delicious street food at the Florence market for lunch followed by some free time to do some shopping. The group will then visit the Florence Cathedral and the Florence Baptistery where we will appreciate their astonishing architectural details. With some leisure time to sketch and soak in the beauty of this enchanting city, we'll conclude our day with another delightful dinner, reflecting on the wonders we've experienced throughout the day. | Hotel in Florence |
| February 19 | Florence | After breakfast, we'll head to Basilica Santa Maria Novella to admire its stunning frescoes. Following a delightful lunch, we'll visit the Museo Nazionale del Bargello to explore sculptural masterpieces from the Early Renaissance. Our journey will then lead us to the iconic Palazzo Vecchio, where we'll delve into the rich history and artistic treasures of Florence, immersing ourselves in the city's vibrant cultural heritage. Well have dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel for the day. | Hotel in Florence |
| February 20 | Florence - Pompeii | In the early morning, we'll board a fast train bound for Pompeii, the remarkable Roman city preserved beneath the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. After a satisfying all-you-can-eat pizza lunch, expert guides will lead us through Pompeii's archaeological treasures, enriching our understanding of this ancient marvel. With our minds enriched and our appetites satisfied, we'll take some leisure time to unwind and rest, ensuring we're fully prepared for the adventures that await us on the next leg of our journey. | Hotel in Vesuvious |
| February 21 | Pompeii - Vesuvious - Rome | Today, we're in for an exhilarating adventure as we hike up Mt. Vesuvius, taking in its breathtaking biosphere and panoramic views, while also delving into its rich history. After our volcanic exploration, we'll enjoy a satisfying lunch before continuing our journey to the Eternal City, Rome. Arriving in time for dinner, we'll have the opportunity to savor the flavors of Roman cuisine before embarking on a magical nighttime walk around the city, soaking in its timeless beauty. | Hotel in Rome |
| February 22 | Rome - Vatican | Today, we embark on a journey to a different country, the smallest in the world: the Vatican! Our first stop will be the renowned Vatican Museums, home to a vast art collection amassed over centuries. Culminating our museum tour, we'll marvel at the iconic Sistine Chapel. Afterward, we'll have the option to visit Saint Paul's Cathedral or explore the historic Castle St. Angelo, once a formidable fortress of the Pope and now a captivating museum. Following our Vatican exploration, we'll spend the rest of the day immersing ourselves in the wonders of Rome. And of course, we can't forget to indulge in a delightful gelato as we wander through the city streets. | Hotel in Rome |
| February 23 | Rome | After breakfast, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Rome, immersing ourselves in the open-air art and history museum that the city offers. Our first stop will be the awe-inspiring Pantheon, an ancient marvel of architecture whose construction still baffles historians to this day. After exploring the Pantheon, we'll have the flexibility to choose between continuing our city tour or visiting the renowned Capitoline Museums, home to a rich collection of ancient artifacts and art pieces. This unhurried exploration will allow us to soak in the beauty and history of Rome at our own pace, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all and allowing enough time to do some self exploration or sketching! | Hotel in Rome |
| February 24 | Rome | We will visit the impressive Galleria Borghese, a small gem in a beautiful park in Rome, which houses many masterpieces from Caravaggio to Bernini. We will then have some time to enjoy the park and its artworks and write our letter to self and work on our sketches. We will appreciate some of the most beautufl views of Rome from the park and we will then head towards the Spanish Steps. We will then head to have a Roman pasta dinner and, of course, some Gelato for dessert. On our way back to the hotel, we will stop by the Trevi fountain to make a wish and take some pictures. | Hotel Rome |
| February 25 | Rome | On our last day in Rome, we will visit one of the most iconic places in the Italy and the world, the Colosseum and Forum. We will have a guide showing us around and bringing history back to life for us. We will have lunch and then organize ourselves to see what we want to do on our last day and visit the highlights we missed, do some shopping and have some reflection time. We will finish the day with a wonderful last dinner and, once again, more gelato! | Hotel Rome |
| February 26 | Rome - USA | 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 group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Rome Garden Hotel
The Rome Garden Hotel is the perfect accommodation that marries peace and relaxation, characteristic of a reserved and suggestive location, with the commodity of a central position, in the heart of the bustling metropolis of Rome. The hotel is located in the vicinity of Porta Pia on Via Nomentana, in the elegant area of the consular and diplomatic premises. It’s a Patrician villa of the XIX century, entirely modernized and surrounded by a private garden and only a few steps from the splendid frame of Villa Torlonia. It is also the perfect location for art lovers, with the nearby park of Villa Borghese and its prestigious gallery, which houses the famous sculptures of Bernini, being easily reachable on foot from the hotel.
PLUS Florence
Located a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Train Station and 1 km from Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Plus Florence offers rooms and dormitories with free WiFi throughout. Each room and dormitory at Plus Florence features a flat-screen TV, lockers and a private bathroom. Some also boast views of the cathedral. This hostel also counts with a fitness area, and during winter guests can also enjoy a Turkish bath, sauna and an indoor pool. The shared area is equipped with a microwave, fridge and vending machines. This hostel also has it’s own café and restaurant. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender..
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule 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 staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
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.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. 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.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. 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
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- 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 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 traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about 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 comprehensive leadership training. 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 collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns 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 can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and 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 that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.