Mr. Philp just reminded me of something, indirectly - I haven't given you direct links to view the hotels where we'll be staying! This is tentative until SPI officially books the hotels (which, I think, is happening this week), but here are our hotels:
Rome - Hotel Diana
Siena - Hotel Sangallo Park
What Mr. Philp had mentioned was concerning hairdryers. In a future entry, I'll discuss how I discourage bringing ANY electronics on the trip (because of loss or theft), but, if you MUST bring something, make sure it has an official European plug with it (like Apple products).
These hotels are NICE hotels - they have the necessary amenities, too, like hair dryers and shower products. Helps reduce your packing, right? We'll eat dinner at our Rome hotel every night - they have a ROOF GARDEN with a really nice view. I know - I've stayed there with SPI groups in the past!
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Laura :)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Buon Natale!!!
Christmas in Italy!
BabboNatale (Father Christmas, literally) shows up for the Italians, too. But for Epiphany (January 6), the official 12th day of Christmas, Italian children celebrate the arrival of the good witch, La Befana. People will buy La Befana dolls, and, in Vatican City, a procession of people dressed in medieval garb process along the Via della Conciliazione, carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope who says a morning mass in the Basilica.
Some traditional Italian Christmas songs (and one American one in translation):
Gesu Bambino
O Bambino
Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle
Bianco Natale
And then there's the not so serious . . .
Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey
Wishing you all hope, peace, love, and JOY of the season!
Laura : )
BabboNatale (Father Christmas, literally) shows up for the Italians, too. But for Epiphany (January 6), the official 12th day of Christmas, Italian children celebrate the arrival of the good witch, La Befana. People will buy La Befana dolls, and, in Vatican City, a procession of people dressed in medieval garb process along the Via della Conciliazione, carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope who says a morning mass in the Basilica.
Some traditional Italian Christmas songs (and one American one in translation):
Gesu Bambino
O Bambino
Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle
Bianco Natale
And then there's the not so serious . . .
Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey
Wishing you all hope, peace, love, and JOY of the season!
Laura : )
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Learn some Italian
There are so many resources out there to help you learn some Italian, whether you think you can learn it on your own or you'd want to attend a university to study. At this post, I'm going to add random web resources, in case you're interested in exploring!
My Quia site: http://www.quia.com/pages/lhudec/spiitaly
Where I'll encourage you to go, if you want to study Italian: http://www.dantealighieri.com/
Web Blogs and resources (I claim no responsibility for material found on these):
http://italingua.ning.com/
My Quia site: http://www.quia.com/pages/lhudec/spiitaly
Where I'll encourage you to go, if you want to study Italian: http://www.dantealighieri.com/
Web Blogs and resources (I claim no responsibility for material found on these):
http://italingua.ning.com/
The Euro
I'm going to be brief and careful about what I say in this entry, lest anything should be skewed or misunderstood.
Greed is an ugly thing. We know this through what our domestic economy has suffered since 2008. However, greed is not just an American thing. If you have people in power, they're going to always want more if their focus is on earthly gain. Nothing fulfills like a relationship with Christ and God, right?
Every country entered into the EU for their own domestic reasons. Some countries hoped to boost their weaker (nay, more settled, perhaps?) economies, and some hoped it would reinforce their already-strong economies. Some entered because they had to. When the use of the Euro began, it was crazy-strong, and held that way for years. It started in 2002 at 1 Euro = 1 Dollar, and quickly surpassed the Dollar (or, in hindsight, is it that the dollar just weakened?). Some summers it got as high as 1 Euro = $1.73 . . .CRAZY and painful for the students who were on my study-abroad experiences!
Please don't maintain any concern about travel being affected by the "crisis" with the Euro right now. Our dollar has been in "crisis" for years (really, since 9/11), and we're not in revolt. (well, the situation is REVOLTING to me, but that's another topic.) Europeans maintain status quo even more than we do - we took the revolutionary nature from the French in the 1700's.
Not that I'm a gambler, but if I were going to buy some Euros before the trip, I'd wait a little more and see what happens in January/February. Right now, 1 Euro = $1.34. Keep an eye on it at www.xe.com!
Either way, the best way to get Euros while overseas is by using a Debit Card (check card) - rather than paying transaction fees for exchange (you can often lose as much as a QUARTER of what you're exchanging in this), you only pay the bank's withdrawal fee. It's how I've gotten money overseas for YEARS. Also, parents, you can keep an eye on the activity of the card while we're in Italy, and make sure your child is spending responsibly!
pax,
Laura :)
Greed is an ugly thing. We know this through what our domestic economy has suffered since 2008. However, greed is not just an American thing. If you have people in power, they're going to always want more if their focus is on earthly gain. Nothing fulfills like a relationship with Christ and God, right?
Every country entered into the EU for their own domestic reasons. Some countries hoped to boost their weaker (nay, more settled, perhaps?) economies, and some hoped it would reinforce their already-strong economies. Some entered because they had to. When the use of the Euro began, it was crazy-strong, and held that way for years. It started in 2002 at 1 Euro = 1 Dollar, and quickly surpassed the Dollar (or, in hindsight, is it that the dollar just weakened?). Some summers it got as high as 1 Euro = $1.73 . . .CRAZY and painful for the students who were on my study-abroad experiences!
Please don't maintain any concern about travel being affected by the "crisis" with the Euro right now. Our dollar has been in "crisis" for years (really, since 9/11), and we're not in revolt. (well, the situation is REVOLTING to me, but that's another topic.) Europeans maintain status quo even more than we do - we took the revolutionary nature from the French in the 1700's.
Not that I'm a gambler, but if I were going to buy some Euros before the trip, I'd wait a little more and see what happens in January/February. Right now, 1 Euro = $1.34. Keep an eye on it at www.xe.com!
Either way, the best way to get Euros while overseas is by using a Debit Card (check card) - rather than paying transaction fees for exchange (you can often lose as much as a QUARTER of what you're exchanging in this), you only pay the bank's withdrawal fee. It's how I've gotten money overseas for YEARS. Also, parents, you can keep an eye on the activity of the card while we're in Italy, and make sure your child is spending responsibly!
pax,
Laura :)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
December - museum, anyone?
Anyone up for a truly Roman cultural experience this month? I learned about this on Tuesday - there's a Caravaggio exhibit at the Kimbell until the end of this year. Above is their promo for it. They have half-price Tuesdays ($6 tickets) . . . Why not go over Christmas break?
A dopo,
Laura
A dopo,
Laura
Monday, November 21, 2011
Italian for Dummies
Buon Giorno, Ragazzi!
Tonight, we'll have our next group fun at Campisi's (Parker and Independence), at 6 PM! We'll see you when you can get there! Pizza . . . yum . . .
Which reminds me, here is a link to a great resource for picking up some quick and necessary Italian:
Italian for Dummies
I'll bring some copies of this for the meeting tonight, and will have it at our Monday morning Italian chats! Stop by sometime!
Hope to see some of you tonight!
un' abbracio,
L :)
Tonight, we'll have our next group fun at Campisi's (Parker and Independence), at 6 PM! We'll see you when you can get there! Pizza . . . yum . . .
Which reminds me, here is a link to a great resource for picking up some quick and necessary Italian:
Italian for Dummies
I'll bring some copies of this for the meeting tonight, and will have it at our Monday morning Italian chats! Stop by sometime!
Hope to see some of you tonight!
un' abbracio,
L :)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Italian Songs you SHOULD know by heart
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Here it is! Check out my YouTube Playlist of Italian songs you SHOULD know before we head overseas! And, yes, everyone should be able to sing all the words to Lazy Mary. :)
Caveat: while there are some better versions of the YouTube videos for the songs, I picked out ones which included lyrics, when possible. If you find better ones (or if I'm missing a song), please share them with me - I'll add them on!
Hugs,
Laura
Here it is! Check out my YouTube Playlist of Italian songs you SHOULD know before we head overseas! And, yes, everyone should be able to sing all the words to Lazy Mary. :)
Caveat: while there are some better versions of the YouTube videos for the songs, I picked out ones which included lyrics, when possible. If you find better ones (or if I'm missing a song), please share them with me - I'll add them on!
Hugs,
Laura
Friday, November 4, 2011
Opportunity - Parliamo all'Italiano!
This was proposed by one of you - let's meet weekly to learn a little Italian as we prepare for our trip! Come join us in the Freshman Commons Area on Monday mornings (7:45 - 8:30 AM - Hudec will be at a table) for conversation fun! Bring caffe for yourself, and colazione to share!!!
HUGS
HUGS
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
November Newsletter
You've been waiting for it (one day), and here it is!
We have a GREAT group signed up so far for this trip - what an amazing time we're going to have! Thank you to those of you who came to Paciugo's a few weeks ago, and I look forward to seeing you get to know each other even more at future meetings! Keep an eye on the upcoming dates - let's meet on November 21st at Campisi's (NW corner of Parker and Preston, in Plano) for our November meeting!!!
un' abbracio,
Laura
Opportunity - Pizza-making party!
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
As the month of November advances, I will post various special (non-itinerary-based) opportunities which we'll have during our visit to Italy.
The night we DON'T have a planned dinner (we have lunch together in Florence) - that is, the one "dinner on our own" - we have an opportunity to do a cooking class! Dante Alighieri School in Siena (where I have taken students for study-abroad in past years) is offering to host a dinner class, where we'll make pizzas, a side, and dessert, with drinks included. Because they are like family to me, they're offering this at a discount for our group - only 40 Euros for the entire event! This amount is equivalent to a multi-course dinner at a restaurant, but I want to encourage you to consider this opportunity.
I, myself, DO plan to do this! If you plan to do it, too, please contact SPI ( celeste@spiabroad.com ) to inform them that you want to sign up for this opportunity. Please let them know before Christmas morning!
For more information about DA's cooking school, check this out: http://www.dantealighieri.com/italian_cooking_courses.html
Grazie tanti!
Laura :)
As the month of November advances, I will post various special (non-itinerary-based) opportunities which we'll have during our visit to Italy.
The night we DON'T have a planned dinner (we have lunch together in Florence) - that is, the one "dinner on our own" - we have an opportunity to do a cooking class! Dante Alighieri School in Siena (where I have taken students for study-abroad in past years) is offering to host a dinner class, where we'll make pizzas, a side, and dessert, with drinks included. Because they are like family to me, they're offering this at a discount for our group - only 40 Euros for the entire event! This amount is equivalent to a multi-course dinner at a restaurant, but I want to encourage you to consider this opportunity.
I, myself, DO plan to do this! If you plan to do it, too, please contact SPI ( celeste@spiabroad.com ) to inform them that you want to sign up for this opportunity. Please let them know before Christmas morning!
For more information about DA's cooking school, check this out: http://www.dantealighieri.com/italian_cooking_courses.html
Grazie tanti!
Laura :)
Friday, October 14, 2011
October Newsletter
Our group is growing quickly! If you have friends you'd like to encourage to join you for this trip, I'll host one more informational meeting next Wednesday (October 19), at 6 PM, in the Junior Presentation Hall! Or have them contact me! Of course, we have our first group meeting immediately following at Paciugo's (Park and Preston) at 7 PM! YUM - Gelato . . .
HUGS to you all! L:)
Here's your October Newsletter, for your reading pleasure:
HUGS to you all! L:)
Here's your October Newsletter, for your reading pleasure:
You can receive these automatically! And Calendar
Did you know that you can "follow" this blog, and you can request to receive these entries direct to your email? Check it out - it's offered through blogger.com
Also, here is our calendar. If you click on the Google icon at the bottom right of the calendar, it will allow you to subscribe directly. If you have any technical problems, please e-mail me, and I'll send you a direct invitation to receive the calendar!
Also, here is our calendar. If you click on the Google icon at the bottom right of the calendar, it will allow you to subscribe directly. If you have any technical problems, please e-mail me, and I'll send you a direct invitation to receive the calendar!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Welcome Newsletter and Great Bag
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Thanks for showing you've been looking at the newsletters! I just realized that you only received half of it (silly me, Publisher saves one page at a time as JPEG files) - here are both pages. Plus, I'd be happy to share the brand of my wheeled duffle bag which I LOVE using!
Mine was the Ricardo Beverly Hills brand, but I've noticed that there are similar ones by other makers, including DaKine. I really like the fact that there are two sections to the bag, which allows for some great uses: Two people can pack into the same bag, or maybe you have a clean clothes/dirty clothes organization, or perhaps you'll do as I plan, and have mommy/baby sections! With the two zippered end sections, I can easily fit in shoes which I want to have available for easy access (i.e. when we arrive).
BIG HUGS,
L :)
Thanks for showing you've been looking at the newsletters! I just realized that you only received half of it (silly me, Publisher saves one page at a time as JPEG files) - here are both pages. Plus, I'd be happy to share the brand of my wheeled duffle bag which I LOVE using!
Mine was the Ricardo Beverly Hills brand, but I've noticed that there are similar ones by other makers, including DaKine. I really like the fact that there are two sections to the bag, which allows for some great uses: Two people can pack into the same bag, or maybe you have a clean clothes/dirty clothes organization, or perhaps you'll do as I plan, and have mommy/baby sections! With the two zippered end sections, I can easily fit in shoes which I want to have available for easy access (i.e. when we arrive).
BIG HUGS,
Monday, August 29, 2011
Final Itinerary for March 2012 Custom Italy Trip
| CUSTOM PROGRAM VITALS | |
| PROGRAM NAME: SPI John Paul II DEPARTURE DATE: March 10, 2012 RETURN DATE: March 17, 2012 | PRICE: $1,895* + Airfare *Price subject to increase after October 1 or if less than 35 people are traveling. |
| PREREQUISITES: Must be 15 years of age or older | |
| APPLICATION DUE DATE: October 1 FINAL PAYMENT & DOCS DUE DATE: December 1 FINAL FLIGHT BOOKING DUE DATE: December 1 | |
| APPLY ONLINE: A $500 deposit is due with your online application. This deposit goes toward the total program cost. www.spiabroad.com PROGRAM TYPE & NAME: Please select CUSTOM program and then use SPI John Paul II as the program name | |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION: Please book your flight on the designated flight itineraries listed on the following page. You are responsible for booking your own airfare. If you wish to use a different airline, please be advised that you will be responsible for making your own arrangements to arrive at the hotel in Rome. For all questions regarding airfare please contact our travel partner STA TRAVEL directly 877-777-8717. | |
| PROGRAM SPONSORS |
| PROGRAM LEADERS: Mrs. Laura Hudec Please contact SPI or Mrs. Hudec directly with any questions you may have! |
| GROUP FLIGHT & BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS  |
| HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET ON THE GROUP FLIGHT: SPI uses the experts at STA Travel to coordinate all of our custom program group flights. You will be responsible for contacting STA directly to book your flight by the date indicated. For your flexibility, you may use miles or points to book your own flight directly with United Airlines. Please note that teachers will only be traveling on the designated flight and that the group flight is open to 22 students only. Parents and adults traveling on the program are encouraged to purchase flights on this itinerary or are free to book on a different airline. PRICE: $1,270* MUST CALL TO BOOK BY: December 1 CONTACT STA TRAVEL TO BOOK: 877-777-8717 *Group flight pricing is subject to changes in taxes and fees. Above price includes estimated taxes & fees. Please note the exact flight times may change/vary slightly. |
| OUTBOUND: Saturday March 10, 2012 |
| United Airlines #273 Departing DFW 7:15 AM Arriving IAD–Washington DC 11:25 AM |
| United Airlines #966 Departing IAD–Washington 5:16 PM Arriving FCO-Rome 8:00 AM |
| |
| RETURN: Saturday, March 17, 2012 |
| United Airlines #967 Departing FCO-Rome 10:45 AM Arriving IAD-Washington 4:09 PM |
| United Airlines #280 Departing IAD-Washington 5:30 PM Arriving DFW 7:49 PM |
| ALTERNATIVE FLIGHT OPTIONS |
| Parents and students wishing to book flights on an alternative airline or itinerary may do so. Anyone arriving or departing on a different flight 1 hour before/after the group flight will be responsible for making their own arrangements to/from the hotel in Rome. |
PROGRAM ITINERARY
INCLUDED MEALS:
Breakfast – Daily at Hotel
Lunch – Florence Lunch Only.
Dinner – Daily (Except Thursday in Siena) at Hotel or Local Restaurant.
*Drinks are not always included with meals. Please list dietary needs when completing the application. Please note that meals are standard ‘tour type’ meals and any special requests must be made on-site.
HOTELS:
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: $500
Saturday March 10, 2012
DEPART DALLAS FOR ROME
Sunday March 11, 2012
ROME
HOTEL – DIANA
9:00 AM - ASSISTANT (ENGLISH SPEAKING) FOR UNITED AIRLINES GROUP AIRPORT – CITY TRANSFER.
12:30 - HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING WITH GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING – 4 HOURS) PRIVATE BUS FOR 5:30 HOURS INCLUDED.
VISIT TO SAINT PAUL'S OUTSIDE THE WALLS. HEARPHONES COMPULSORY FOR
GUIDE'S EXPLANATIONS INSIDE.
COMBINED TICKET FOR ENTRANCE TO THE COLOSSEUM AND ROMAN FORUM.
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
AFTERNOON FREE AT LEISURE – OPTIONAL TOUR FOR LATE ARRIVING PARTICIPANTS
20:00 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Monday March 12, 2012
ROME
HOTEL - DIANA
7 – 9 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:30 - LOCAL TRANSPORT FOR HOTEL - FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING WITH GUIDE (ENGLISH
SPEAKING) GUIDE DURATION 8:00 HOURS. TRANSPORT DURATION 8:00 HOURS.
VATICAN VISIT
ENTRANCE TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS INCLUDING SISTINE CHAPEL W/RESERVATION. GUIDE OR TOUR LEADER OR GTA REPRESENTATIVE IS COMPULSORY FOR VOUCHER EXCHANGE. VISIT TO ST PETER'S BASILICA INCLUDED (SHORTS OR MINISKIRTS NOT ALLOWED). HEARPHONES COMPULSORY FOR GUIDE'S EXPLANATIONS INSIDE.
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
VISIT SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO CHURCH
VISIT TO ST. MARY MAJOR'S BASILICA. HEARPHONES COMPULSORY FOR GUIDE'S EXPLANATIONS INSIDE.
20:00 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Tuesday March 13, 2012
ROME
HOTEL – DIANA
BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
FULL DAY FREE AT LEISURE OR ***OPTIONAL TOUR TO POMPEII***
Pompeii/Ercolano:
USD 125.88 Minimum of 20 Passengers
7:30 - TRANSFER – HOTEL TO POMPEII. GUIDE DURATION 4:00 HOURS.
ENTRANCE TO POMPEI EXCAVATIONS INCLUDING ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDE.
ENTRANCE TO ERCOLANO EXCAVATION INCLUDING ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDE.
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
20:30 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Wednesday March 14, 2012
ROME
7- 9 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: ROME - ORVIETO, 120 KMS, 01:46 HRS
ORVIETO
BRIEF STOP
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
14:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: ORVIETO - SIENA, 125 KMS, 01:46 HRS
SIENA
HOTEL - SANGALLO PARK
17:00 - HAVE TIME TO ENJOY SIENA ON FOOT. PRIVATE BUS FOR DINNER TRANSFER TO
CITY. ENTRANCE TO CATHEDRAL (DUOMO). 15 MINUTES WALKING DISTANCE FROM DROP OFF POINT. VIEW OF PIAZZA DEL CAMPO, ETC.
20:00 - DINNER AT: LOCAL RESTAURANT
MENU: FOUR COURSE MEAL INCLUDING DRINKS
Thursday March 15, 2012
SIENA
HOTEL - SANGALLO PARK (OFFER)
7 – 9 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: SIENA - FLORENCE, 69 KMS, 01:01 HRS
FLORENCE
10 – 13:00 - GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING) FOR HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. GUIDE DURATION 3:00
HOURS. ENTRANCE TO UFFIZI GALLERY WILL BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE.
LUNCH AT: LOCAL RESTAURANT (INLCUDED)
MENU: THREE COURSE TYPICAL MEAL
*** OPTIONAL TOUR ***
Excursion to Pisa:
USD 43.53 Minimum of 20 Passengers
17:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: FLORENCE - SIENA, 69 KMS, 01:01 HRS
DINNER IN SIENA - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
Friday March 16, 2012
SIENA
7 – 9:00 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:30 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: SIENA - ASSISI, 136 KMS, 01:56 HRS
ASSISI
GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING) FOR CITY TOUR ON FOOT. GUIDE DURATION 2:00 HOURS.
VISIT TO SAN FRANCESCO BASILICA
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
16:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: ASSISI - ROME, 184 KMS, 02:41 HRS
ROME
HOTEL - DIANA
20:00 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Saturday March 17, 2012
ROME
6:30 – 8:00 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
8:00 – TRANSPORTATION TO AIRPORT AND ASSISTANT (ENGLISH SPEAKING)
Monday, August 8, 2011
JD, or What's Keeping Laura Busy
So many of you have asked, so I'm putting an entry onto the Italy Blog!
James David Hudec was born on July 19, and was 7 lbs. 9 oz., and 19 inches long. What an amazing blessing he is to our lives!!! And a great teacher, too - I've learned so much from him, just in these past three weeks! Motherhood is such a blessing!
Have to include some pictures . . .
How to Sign up for Italy - March 2012! FINAL ITINERARY
It official! We're in August! And SPI is ready for you to start signing up!!!
We travel in 2012 on a Custom trip. (Custom - Other)
If, during any of the application process, you should have questions, you can contact the SPI team at info@spiabroad.com or e-mail me! I do check e-mail at least once a day right now, or more often!
Throughout late June and early July, I posted the tentative itinerary for our trip, with my personal commentary. Below is the entire tentative itinerary, for your reference! SPI is eagerly working to get this into a brochure/handout, which I will have available in the Latin room (1124) and with Mr. Philp as soon as they arrive.
I do want to encourage you to begin the sign-up process as soon as possible - we've got a LOT of people interested in the trip!!!
Many of you are wanting to see what's been keeping me busy - see the next entry!!!
FINAL SPI Italy Spring Break Itinerary (updated August 29):
| CUSTOM PROGRAM VITALS | |
| PROGRAM NAME: SPI John Paul II DEPARTURE DATE: March 10, 2012 RETURN DATE: March 17, 2012 | PRICE: $1,895* + Airfare *Price subject to increase after October 1 or if less than 35 people are traveling. |
| PREREQUISITES: Must be 15 years of age or older | |
| APPLICATION DUE DATE: October 1 FINAL PAYMENT & DOCS DUE DATE: December 1 FINAL FLIGHT BOOKING DUE DATE: December 1 | |
| APPLY ONLINE: A $500 deposit is due with your online application. This deposit goes toward the total program cost. www.spiabroad.com PROGRAM TYPE & NAME: Please select CUSTOM program and then use SPI John Paul II as the program name | |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION: Please book your flight on the designated flight itineraries listed on the following page. You are responsible for booking your own airfare. If you wish to use a different airline, please be advised that you will be responsible for making your own arrangements to arrive at the hotel in Rome. For all questions regarding airfare please contact our travel partner STA TRAVEL directly 877-777-8717. | |
| PROGRAM SPONSORS |
| PROGRAM LEADERS: Mrs. Laura Hudec Please contact SPI or Mrs. Hudec directly with any questions you may have! |
| GROUP FLIGHT & BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS |
| HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET ON THE GROUP FLIGHT: SPI uses the experts at STA Travel to coordinate all of our custom program group flights. You will be responsible for contacting STA directly to book your flight by the date indicated. For your flexibility, you may use miles or points to book your own flight directly with United Airlines. Please note that teachers will only be traveling on the designated flight and that the group flight is open to 22 students only. Parents and adults traveling on the program are encouraged to purchase flights on this itinerary or are free to book on a different airline. PRICE: $1,270* MUST CALL TO BOOK BY: December 1 CONTACT STA TRAVEL TO BOOK: 877-777-8717 *Group flight pricing is subject to changes in taxes and fees. Above price includes estimated taxes & fees. Please note the exact flight times may change/vary slightly. |
| OUTBOUND: Saturday March 10, 2012 |
| United Airlines #273 Departing DFW 7:15 AM Arriving IAD–Washington DC 11:25 AM |
| United Airlines #966 Departing IAD–Washington 5:16 PM Arriving FCO-Rome 8:00 AM |
| |
| RETURN: Saturday, March 17, 2012 |
| United Airlines #967 Departing FCO-Rome 10:45 AM Arriving IAD-Washington 4:09 PM |
| United Airlines #280 Departing IAD-Washington 5:30 PM Arriving DFW 7:49 PM |
| ALTERNATIVE FLIGHT OPTIONS |
| Parents and students wishing to book flights on an alternative airline or itinerary may do so. Anyone arriving or departing on a different flight 1 hour before/after the group flight will be responsible for making their own arrangements to/from the hotel in Rome. |
PROGRAM ITINERARY
INCLUDED MEALS:
Breakfast – Daily at Hotel
Lunch – Florence Lunch Only.
Dinner – Daily (Except Thursday in Siena) at Hotel or Local Restaurant.
*Drinks are not always included with meals. Please list dietary needs when completing the application. Please note that meals are standard ‘tour type’ meals and any special requests must be made on-site.
HOTELS:
HOTEL DIANA 4* - http://www.hoteldianaroma.com/en/
HOTEL SANGALLO PARK 3*- http://www.sangalloparkhotel.it/en/
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: $500
Saturday March 10, 2012
DEPART DALLAS FOR ROME
Sunday March 11, 2012
ROME
HOTEL – DIANA
9:00 AM - ASSISTANT (ENGLISH SPEAKING) FOR UNITED AIRLINES GROUP AIRPORT – CITY TRANSFER.
12:30 - HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING WITH GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING – 4 HOURS) PRIVATE BUS FOR 5:30 HOURS INCLUDED.
VISIT TO SAINT PAUL'S OUTSIDE THE WALLS. HEARPHONES COMPULSORY FOR
GUIDE'S EXPLANATIONS INSIDE.
COMBINED TICKET FOR ENTRANCE TO THE COLOSSEUM AND ROMAN FORUM.
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
AFTERNOON FREE AT LEISURE – OPTIONAL TOUR FOR LATE ARRIVING PARTICIPANTS
20:00 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Monday March 12, 2012
ROME
HOTEL - DIANA
7 – 9 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:30 - LOCAL TRANSPORT FOR HOTEL - FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING WITH GUIDE (ENGLISH
SPEAKING) GUIDE DURATION 8:00 HOURS. TRANSPORT DURATION 8:00 HOURS.
VATICAN VISIT
ENTRANCE TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS INCLUDING SISTINE CHAPEL W/RESERVATION. GUIDE OR TOUR LEADER OR GTA REPRESENTATIVE IS COMPULSORY FOR VOUCHER EXCHANGE. VISIT TO ST PETER'S BASILICA INCLUDED (SHORTS OR MINISKIRTS NOT ALLOWED). HEARPHONES COMPULSORY FOR GUIDE'S EXPLANATIONS INSIDE.
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
VISIT SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO CHURCH
VISIT TO ST. MARY MAJOR'S BASILICA. HEARPHONES COMPULSORY FOR GUIDE'S EXPLANATIONS INSIDE.
20:00 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Tuesday March 13, 2012
ROME
HOTEL – DIANA
BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
FULL DAY FREE AT LEISURE OR ***OPTIONAL TOUR TO POMPEII***
Pompeii/Ercolano:
USD 125.88 Minimum of 20 Passengers
7:30 - TRANSFER – HOTEL TO POMPEII. GUIDE DURATION 4:00 HOURS.
ENTRANCE TO POMPEI EXCAVATIONS INCLUDING ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDE.
ENTRANCE TO ERCOLANO EXCAVATION INCLUDING ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDE.
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
20:30 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Wednesday March 14, 2012
ROME
7- 9 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: ROME - ORVIETO, 120 KMS, 01:46 HRS
ORVIETO
BRIEF STOP
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
14:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: ORVIETO - SIENA, 125 KMS, 01:46 HRS
SIENA
HOTEL - SANGALLO PARK
17:00 - HAVE TIME TO ENJOY SIENA ON FOOT. PRIVATE BUS FOR DINNER TRANSFER TO
CITY. ENTRANCE TO CATHEDRAL (DUOMO). 15 MINUTES WALKING DISTANCE FROM DROP OFF POINT. VIEW OF PIAZZA DEL CAMPO, ETC.
20:00 - DINNER AT: LOCAL RESTAURANT
MENU: FOUR COURSE MEAL INCLUDING DRINKS
Thursday March 15, 2012
SIENA
HOTEL - SANGALLO PARK (OFFER)
7 – 9 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: SIENA - FLORENCE, 69 KMS, 01:01 HRS
FLORENCE
10 – 13:00 - GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING) FOR HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. GUIDE DURATION 3:00
HOURS. ENTRANCE TO UFFIZI GALLERY WILL BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE.
LUNCH AT: LOCAL RESTAURANT (INLCUDED)
MENU: THREE COURSE TYPICAL MEAL
*** OPTIONAL TOUR ***
Excursion to Pisa:
USD 43.53 Minimum of 20 Passengers
17:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: FLORENCE - SIENA, 69 KMS, 01:01 HRS
DINNER IN SIENA - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
Friday March 16, 2012
SIENA
7 – 9:00 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
9:30 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: SIENA - ASSISI, 136 KMS, 01:56 HRS
ASSISI
GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING) FOR CITY TOUR ON FOOT. GUIDE DURATION 2:00 HOURS.
VISIT TO SAN FRANCESCO BASILICA
LUNCH - (UNDER OWN ARRANGEMENT)
16:00 - PRIVATE BUS TRANSFER: ASSISI - ROME, 184 KMS, 02:41 HRS
ROME
HOTEL - DIANA
20:00 - DINNER AT HOTEL
MENU: 3 COURSE MENU
Saturday March 17, 2012
ROME
6:30 – 8:00 - BUFFET BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
8:00 – TRANSPORTATION TO AIRPORT AND ASSISTANT (ENGLISH SPEAKING)
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