Elderhostel is a well-known organization for seniors that provides enrichment classes or other types of learning experiences. The activity portion of Elderhostel is now called Exploritas, and it provides travel and learning opportunities for seniors. Exploritas now offers ten tours in Italy, including the Eternal Splendor of Rome, Corsica and Sardinia, Tastes of Italy - Cuisine, Wines and Culture, and Independent Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome. Learn about history, learn about wines and wine regions, and learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes. Discover the Amalfi Coast or visit Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera. In early 2010, the cost of the Eternal Splendor of Rome was $3,767 double occupancy, with air fare from Kennedy International Airport in New York City included, the cost was $4,706.
Exploritas
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
877-426-8056
exploritas.org
One of the more interesting ways seniors can visit Italy is to take a grandchild with them. Academic Travel Abroad sponsors a program called Grandtravel. The tour to Italy begins in Venice, and for the next three days grandparents and grandchildren take a gondola ride, visit St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, and travel to the islands where glass-blowing and lace-making are well-known arts. In Florence they can visit the Uffizi Gallery and the splendid Palazzo Vecchio. Grandarents can learn about wines and take a cooking class, visit the Ponte Vecchio and explore more of the countryside. From Venice, the tour moves to Rome. Here your will have an opportunity to see the Colosseum and the Pantheon and many other famous sites, including Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. In early 2010, the cost of a tour to Italy was $6,995 per person, double occupancy and $6,780 triple.
Academic Travel Abroad
Grandtravel
1920 N. St. N.W.
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
800-556-7896
grandtrvl.com
For senior organizations that are looking to travel to Italy as a group from home, BellaVista Tours has the perfect tour. BellaVista specializes in groups, whether they are seniors, school groups or organizations. Tours range from completely guided to independent and are customized to the needs of the travelers. They vary widely in price, length, locations, level of accommodations and level of guidance. Air fare is also an option. A meaningful price quote is not available, but BellaVista Tours can be reached for specific quotes at the phone number below.
BellaVista Tours
7 Marshall Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
617-723-0802
bellavistatours.com
