Italy Adventure 2009 Rome, Tuscany, Pompeii and Vesuvius, Florence, Pisa and Siena. From the wondrous Sistene Chapel, to the Leaning Tower, and from Michelangelo’s David to the Roman Forum.

Adventures to Planet Earth Italy Adventure 2009 Overview 9 day program First class hotel accommodations Large motorcoach Dynamic mix of culture, history and science Local resource experts and city guides

Italy Adventure Itinerary Our route takes us from Rome, south to Pompeii, Vesuvius and Sorrento on the Mediterranean Sea. North of Rome we enjoy the Tuscan countryside, visit the Leaning Tower at Pisa, explore medieval Siena, and discover the wonders of Renaissance art in Florence.

Brief Highlights of Program St. Peter’s Square The sights of Imperial Rome The Roman Forum, the Coliseum and the Pantheon The Vatican and Sistene Chapel Cultural activities with native Italians

Brief Highlights page 2 Exploration of the fabled city of Pompeii Tuscany and the sights of Siena The Leaning Tower of Pisa Florence; art, architecture and Renaissance culture

Earth Explore Foundation Adventures to Planet Earth Has sponsored Teacher- led educational programs since 1995 Founded by teachers and outdoor educators Mission is to connect kids with their planet, its cultures, history and environments More than 4 thousand students have participated

Adventures to Planet Earth Fun and Learning in Inspiring Places

Just the Facts-Earth Explore Parents, students and teacher know one another Low adult/student ratio Credit opportunities- always hands-on World’s finest partner organizations An ideal mix of learning and fun adventure Preparation Meetings get students ready for the trip

Programs are mission based, emphasizing student- nature connections Not just a Student “Tour” Study the Earth; its environments, history, people and cultures, through fun hands-on exploration Create enduring connections with the natural world Encourage young people to become involved with Planet Earth and its future

What happens when? Groups form August through November All Adventures usually full by Thanksgiving Teacher conducts preparation sessions in late winter and spring Usually 4-6 two hour get-togethers Student receives the Naturalist newsletter quarterly, and program Adventure Guide

What happens when? Travel Packet arrives in May –Detailed day to day itinerary –Official program cap, field journal, photo credentials, luggage tag, T-shirt

Earth Explore Online PDFs to download Academic Credit Outline Fundraising Packet Program Newsletters Student Application Health Form (spring)

Earth Explore Adventures Student application process Applications accepted until local group is full, then waitlist is begun If student is not known to teacher, interview is required

Earth Explore Adventures Student application process - continued Limited number of positions for each Adventure each season Application can be mailed, faxed, or submitted online

Earth Explore Adventures Student application process - continued Lead teacher will have materials or they can be requested from the National Office, or downloaded online Friends or siblings can participate, if group has space

Our Italy Adventure Begin in Rome, city orientation and major sights Guided visits to monuments of Imperial Rome; the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Coliseum. Program at St. Peter’s basilica and the Sistene Chapel. Pizza dinner and monuments at night, including Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona Roman Forum and Coliseum The Pantheon

Eternal Rome and the Italians Program on the history of Rome Learn about Rome’s many-layered past, from the Roman Empire to the present Meet the Italians and visit a trattatoria to make your own pizza Piazza Navona

Rome discoveries Free time discovery of city in small groups to discover the real Rome-Leader supervised

To Pompeii and Vesuvius Walk cobblestone streets of buried city Overview of eruption of 79AD and fate of Pompeii’s people Viewing of active archaeological sites

Sorrento-Seaside Excursion Visit to Beautiful Sorrento, near Naples, on Mediterranean Coast Chance to shop, splash in warm water, and for free time exploration

Tuscany and Siena North of Rome, we enter scenic Tuscany Guided visit to Siena, showcasing some of the finest medieval architecture in Europe Tuscan lunch in the Chianti Valley Siena

Tuscany-Gateway to Florence Vineyard and villa, Tuscany City and countryside, Tuscany

Florence The treasures of the Renaissance Expert guided tours of the Duomo, piazza della Signoria, and Accademia gallery Viewing of Michelangelo’s David and other works Lunch and dinner in central Florence Supervised exploration of the city on foot, including Ponte Vecchio Accademia Gallery and David Cultural and historic program on art and architecture of Florence Ponte Vecchio Arno River central Florence Florence from Duomo

Florence City Views Entire city center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to cultural significance Florence and Tuscan countryside

Return to Rome City and monuments on foot Chance to experience “Eternal City” at own pace Pursue small group discoveries and individual interests Group activities planned include time with Italian young people, and final night farewell dinner Trevi Fountain Coliseum from Roman Forum

Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Vesuvius Italy Adventure 2009