Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the rich history and vibrant culture of Italy on this journey through Rome, Sorrento, and Sicily. In Rome, your class will explore the Vatican Museums, visit the Roman Forum, and make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Your students can also look forward to learning about the multicultural influences on Sicilian culture in Palermo and beautiful Taormina. You can also look forward to visiting Capri and exploring the ruins of Pompeii!
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Italy (Rome)
Day 2
Arrive in Rome
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Rome city walk
Discover Rome’s iconic landmarks on a guided walk. At the Spanish Steps, see the “sinking ship” fountain, designed that way because of low water pressure that forced the artist to sink it below street level. Marvel at the Trevi Fountain’s Baroque grandeur, the Pantheon’s soaring dome, and Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers anchors the bustling square.
Day 3
Rome guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Step inside the Colosseum, where 45,000 once watched gladiators fight under a vast retractable awning. Walk through the Forum Romanum, ancient Rome’s centre of politics, markets, and temples. Cross into Christian Rome at St. Peter’s Basilica, then explore the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Conclude at Piazza Venezia, home to the Victor Emmanuel Monument and Mussolini’s former headquarters.
Authentic trattoria dinner
Day 4
Travel to Sorrento
Capri & Blue Grotto excursion
From the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri is less than an hour away by boat. Weather permitting, you’ll visit the Blue Grotto, where sunlight reflecting beneath the water bathes the cave in a shimmering silver-blue light.
Day 5
Travel to Naples
Cameo demonstration
Cameos—oval portraits carved in relief on a contrasting background—have been treasured since ancient Greece and were especially popular in Rome among Augustus’s family. Visit a modern studio to learn how skilled artisans continue the tradition, carving these delicate works of art up close.
Pompeii guided excursion
Stop in Pompeii, the city where time stood still. Once home to 20,000 residents, it was buried by Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago and lay hidden under 30 feet of ash and mud. Excavated over centuries, the site reveals daily Roman life through public spaces, political graffiti, taverns, and street signs.
Naples guided sightseeing tour
Lively and dramatic, Naples bursts with energy. See the Maschio Angioino, the 13th-century fortress dominating Piazza Municipio, and wander Piazza Plebiscito, often home to striking art installations. Visit Castel dell’Ovo, tied to the legend of Virgil’s hidden egg, and explore the treasures of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, housing masterpieces from Pompeii and beyond.
Overnight ferry to Palermo
Day 6
Palermo guided sightseeing tour
Explore Palermo, Sicily’s lively capital where Italian, Arab, French, and Phoenician influences blend. With a licensed guide, see the Baroque Quattro Canti and the grand Palermo Cathedral, then visit the Norman Palace and La Martorana with its glittering Byzantine mosaics. Stop at the Teatro Massimo Opera House, a jewel of 19th-century design, and conclude at Monreale Cathedral, famed for golden mosaics that rival any in Europe.
Day 7
Agrigento guided sightseeing tour
Explore Agrigento’s historic centre, a maze of alleys, sunlit piazzas, and baroque churches adorned with ornate façades. Then visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site where some of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples stand. Marvel at the Temple of Concordia, the ruins of Juno and Heracles, and the colossal remains of the Olympian Zeus.
Day 8
Taormina guided sightseeing tour
An earthly paradise, Taormina enchants with views from its ancient Greek theatre, where Mount Etna dominates the skyline and the sea glimmers below. Explore Palazzo Corvaia, a medieval gem, and wander the lush Botanical Gardens with a licensed guide. It’s no wonder cultures through the ages—and even Francis Ford Coppola, who filmed "The Godfather" nearby—were captivated here.
Day 9
Aeolian Islands excursion (optional)
Named for the Greek god of wind, the Aeolian Islands exude a breezy charm. Cruise past volcanic shores where fishing villages and resorts share the coastline. Available March through October, this excursion includes visits to several islands with time to explore shops, cafés, and local eateries.
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Rome and Sicily
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
