Students Study Tour with Aristoi Classical Academy. Explore the Treasures of Italy. Embark on this educational, cultural and historic journey of discovery and enlightenment.
Accompanied by our professional tour director and your Aristoi faculty chaperones, students will travel together from Rome- the Eternal City once ruled by St. Constantine and the first Christian Roman Emperor, to the city of Assisi- and learn more about the life and works of St. Francis, the peaceful splendor of Siena and San Gimignano in Tuscany, and completing this fascinating journey in Florence- birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most inspiring cities of the world! PRIVATE SCHOOL GROUP
Aristoi Rising Juniors & Seniors (classes of 2027 and 2028) are invited to travel to Italy as a capstone trip for their classical education. Accompanied by seasoned administrators and teachers, who are also experienced travelers, students will tour Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance sites and see masterpieces of Western art and culture. They also will enjoy excellent food and one another’s company! Information sessions will be held to explain the details of trips as well as preparation meetings ahead of their June 2027 departure.
Save $100 per person ~ Register by June 15, 2026
ITINERARY
June 07, Depart U.S.A.
Depart Houston, TX for Rome, Italy
June 08, Rome and the Apostle Paul (B, D)
Welcome to Italia! Upon arrival Rome airport, meet your professional tour director who will escort the group throughout the journey. The group will board our private coach for a transfer to the Eternal City of Rome, one of the greatest centers of Western civilization and the first truly cosmopolitan city on earth!
Before entering the city we will visit two of the most significant shrines in Rome which honor the Apostle Paul on a private guided tour of the Basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls- location of the tomb of the Apostle Paul, and to the nearby Abbazia St. Paul Tre Fontane site of his death. Afterwards, we’ll check-in to our hotel, have time to freshen up before our group meets for our welcome to Italy dinner. Dinner and Overnight Rome
June 09, Roman Antiquities (B)
After a good night’s rest and a delicious Italian buffet breakfast, we meet a local guide to begin a full day guided walking tour of ancient Rome. Each traveler will receive a public Transport Metro Card.
Our journey begins at Church of San Paolo alla Regola known to be the place where Paul instructed the first Christians of Rome. Today our private tour guide will share with us more about Constantine the Great, the emperor who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. Next, we visit these historic cultural treasures, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. This evening dinner is on your own at one of the local trattorias or pizzeria’s and remember- Italian restaurants have one thing in common; they all serve great food! Overnight Rome
June 10, Ancient Ruins of Pompeii, Bay of Naples (B)
Today after breakfast we depart for a full day excursion to the ancient city of Pompeii on our guided tour we learn how wealthy Romans lived 2,000 years ago and how it was buried by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. While Pompeii has still not been fully excavated, we can see the ruins of villas, ancient temples and the Stabian Baths. Before returning to Rome, enjoy time to enjoy a stroll along the promonade around the Bay of Naples. Overnight Rome
June 11, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s (B)
Today our private guided tour includes visits to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel to view one of the highest masterpieces of art: the Genesis and the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Together we also visit the Basilica of St. Peter’s and view the famous works of art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo and visit the Dome. Completing our tour in St Peter’s Square. Construction on the Basilica began by orders of the Roman Emperor Constantine I between 318 and 322 and took about 30 years to complete. Over the next twelve centuries, the church gradually gained importance, eventually becoming a major place of pilgrimage in Rome. This afternoon is at leisure, your Aristoi chaperones will provide options, including shopping, museum visit. Dinner this evening is at leisure at one of the local restaurants. Overnight Rome
June 12, Rome Independent Exploration (B)
Today is at leisure for independent exploration and sightseeing. Come along with your Aristoi Chaperone to visit the Catacombs San Callisto, or perhaps a visit to one of the museums, such as, the Capitoline Museums, containing a group of art and archaeologicalmuseums located on top of the Capitoline Hill. Opened to the public in 1734 under Clement XII, the Capitoline Museums are considered the first museum in the world, understood as a place where art could be enjoyed by all and not only by the owners. Its collection comprises 400 ancient statues, tombs, mosaics and busts including Constantine I, Cleopatra and Bernini’s Medusa.
Or, make time for reflection and recounting the many highlights of this journey through Rome relaxing at one of the beautiful hilltop gardens.This evening dinner is on your own, perhaps in the lively Trastevere neighborhood of Piazza di San Calisto and Piazza Santa Maria. Overnight Rome
June 13, Assisi and St. Francis (B, D)
Today we depart Rome aboard our private motor coach to visit the holy city of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and where St. Francis was born, where he worked and where he died. We meet a local guide for a guided walking tour and to learn more about the life and works of this humble man of God. The Basilica dedicated to his name and life, preserves the remains of the “mendicant of Assisi,” thus making it a destination for thousands upon thousands of religious pilgrims and art and history enthusiasts from around the world. The Sanctuary of Assisi is one of the oldest existing Gothic churches in Italy-its walls are decorated with frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti. We have time at leisure to stroll the cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs and enjoy lunch.
Later this afternoon we continue our journey to Florence, a city rich in Italian artistic and intellectual genius. We will check in to our hotel for the next 4-nights. We have time to freshen-up before our group meets for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Florence
June 14, Siena, San Gimignano (B)
Awake in the lovely city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and Dante Alighieri, a renowned Italian poet of the Middle Ages and author of Divine Comedy, a masterpiece of world literature. After breakfast at the hotel our group will depart for the medieval city of Siena. Siena’s heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo and world-renown for its famous Palio (a festival and horse race). A local guide will lead our walking tour to the Campo and the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia. This palace still houses the city’s municipal offices. Visit Siena Cathedral, another architectural treasure not to be missed; it’s one of the great examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Time for independent lunch before continuing to San Gimignano.
Next, we travel to San Gimignano, a pretty medieval wall city which rise on a hill dominating the Elsa valley with its towers. Enjoy time with your Aristoi chaperone to walk through the wonderfully preserved town square the Piazza della Cisterna and view the 13th-century town hall the Palazzo del Popolo. There are good views from the Rocca citadel and the entire town is a special place with a welcoming atmosphere. Overnight Florence
June 15, Accademia Gallery, Renaissance Florence (B)
We begin our day with a group visit to the Accademia Gallery, your visit will include audio guide and instructions provided by your Aristoi Classical Academy Staff Chaperone to view some of the most famous works of art including Michelangelo’s sculpture, the “David”. Next we visit the Basilica of Santa Croce. After a break for lunch (not included) the group will be joined by a local guide for a private walking tour to learn more about Dante and the history of this fascinating city- including a stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, visits to the impressive Duomo (previously Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise of the Baptistry of Florence.The gates praised by generations of artists and art historians for their compelling portrayal of scenes from the Old Testament. Next, a visit to Santa Maria Novella and The Pharmacy including the Holy Trinity, Chapel and Green Cloister. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Florence
June 16, Florence (B, D)
This morning the group will visit the Uffizi Gallery your visit includes audio guide and instruction provided by your Aristoi Classical Academy faculty chaperone to view some of the most important collection of paintings in Italy. The afternoon enjoy this fascinating city as you wish. Relax at a sidewalk café enjoy a delicious biscotti, shop along the Ponte Vecchio- especially known for its beautiful jewels and hand-made leather goods and gold jewelry. This evening our group will meet for our farewell to Italy dinner. Dinner and Overnight Florence
June 17, Tour Ends (B)
Group Transfer from hotel to the Florence Airport for return flight to USA. Itinerary subject to change.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Unaccompanied minors- guardian/parental authorization document required for travelers under 16yrs. Non-US passport holders contact LT regarding credentials required for this itinerary. Any costs related to new travel requirements are the responsibility of the traveler.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to provide coverage for unforeseen interruptions and cancellation of your travel arrangements.
TOUR LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours (3 miles per day) outside with weather temperatures that will be cold; perhaps wet and snowy. The historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide elevators and ramps. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
TOUR INCLUDES
Professional Tour Director will escort the group throughout the journey
Aristoi Faculty Chaperones accompany the group throughout the journey
Round-trip Airport Transfers in Italy included with group flight arrangements
Private Guided Sightseeing Tours with English-speaking professional local guides as indicated in itinerary
Whisper-system head-sets throughout the journey
Private Motor Coach transfers from Rome to Assisi to Florence
Reservation and Group Admission fees for museum/sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary
Breakfast Daily, 3 Dinners
Rome Public Transport Metro Card
9-nights Hotel Accommodations
Hotel Tax
Life enriching Activities- educational and cultural experience daily
TOUR PRICE is per person based on students double triple, quad occupancy.
$3,290 with 40 travelers
$3,390 with 30+ travelers
$3,890 with 20+ travelers
Add $240 per person for guaranteed double (2 per room) occupancy
Add $960 Additional for Single Occupancy
Hotels may require a security deposit Euro15 per person at check-in for student rooms.
Save $100 per person ~ Register by June 15, 2026
AIR FARE is additional to the above TOUR PRICES
Group flights available from Houston, TX. Flight details and airfare provided 11-months prior to travel dates. Minimum of 10 traveling together to/from the same city required for group flight arrangements.
PAYMENT
Deposit of $350 per person nonrefundable deposit and completed Tour Registration form is requireed. Link for Tour Registration form shown below.
Final Payment due 75 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATION
Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs the following fees will apply, if you cancel, non-recoverable expenses of our suppliers will be charged, plus these per person charges. At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your tour, the following per person fees will apply:
Initial Deposit ………………$350
After Final Payment..……100% of total cost.
Additional penalties may apply from suppliers. Up to 100% is nonrefundable.
TERMS and CONDITIONS click here to view the complete Booking Agreement. Please review the trip cancellation and change policy. Call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy. Up to 100% cancellation fee will apply.
LT and its partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Price subject to currency fluctuation.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance- learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Insure travel insurance plan.
NOT INCLUDED
Passport fee, Visa fee for non-US passport holders; meals and beverages not listed in itinerary; personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls, any item not listed above under TOUR INCLUDES.
Tour Gratuity Recommendations
Tour gratuities are preferred in the currency of the country you are visiting. It is customary (unless you are not satisfied with the service) to give a gratuity to the professional tour escort, motor coach driver, and local sightseeing guides.
Here are some guidelines for your consideration
Professional Tour Director @ 5Euro per person per day
Motor Coach Driver @ 4Euro per person for each coach transfer and coach sightseeing tour
Local Sightseeing Guides @ 3Euro per person
Each of the personnel assisting with your tour are trained professionals who work very hard to ensure that you have an enriched and worry-free experience. If you feel service was exceptional and above expectations, additional gratuities may be extended individually.