Announcing the 2007 Opportunity of a Lifetime …

Ten Spectacular Days in Italy

Faculty, staff, students, and the community are cordially invited to join us for the 2007 trip of a lifetime to beautiful Italy!  Home to countless artistic masterpieces, historical monuments, sumptuous food and breathtaking landscapes, Italy will dazzle you at every turn.  After arriving in Rome, our tour begins by exploring Assisi, birthplace of both St. Francis and St. Clair.  From Assisi, we travel to Florence, home of Michelangelo’s David, the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the spectacular Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, better known as the Duomo.  The dome is an example of Brunelleschi’s finest architectural work and the nearby bell tower, designed by famous painter Giotto.  The Baptistry opposite the Duomo is home to the legendary Gates of Paradise, a bronze masterpiece by Ghiberti.  You will also watch local artisans at work in a leather workshop.  Since Florence is renowned for its leatherwork, this is a great opportunity to consider a memorable souvenir!

From Florence, you’ll return to Rome where we will be guided on a tour of Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and see the wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica, including the Pieta, Michelangelo’s only signed work, artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museum, and of course, the Sistene Chapel, where you will be awed by Michelangelo’s infamous paintings.  As you leave Vatican City, you’ll watch for members of the precise and professional Swiss Guard in their bright and unique uniforms based on designs from the 1500’s.

You will have the opportunity to explore Rome’s catacombs, Christian burial grounds that date from the 2nd through 5^th centuries.  You will see examples of early Christian art as you tour these mysterious burial chambers of popes and saints.  You will then journey down the ancient Appian Way, the most celebrated highway of the Roman Republic and continue to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, the second largest church in the city of Rome.  With a professional guide leading us, you will see the highlights of Rome including the ancient Forum Romanum and the Colosseum, which once seated as many as 50,000 spectators of gladiator battles.  On a walking tour of the city you will visit the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome and the Trevi Fountain, where we’ll want to toss a coin to ensure our return to this amazing city.

Our Italian experience will continue as you tour the southern region of the country, beginning with an incredible visit to the ruins of Pompeii.  As one of the richest archaeological sites in the world, Pompeii allows us to glimpse how wealthy Romans lived 2,000 years ago until the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius completely buried this elaborate resort town.  You will travel along the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, today’s favorite resort town and enjoy awe-inspiring views from this beautiful setting.  You will board a boat to cross the Bay and spend time at the captivating Isle of Capri.  The views from this beautiful town perched high on the island will be truly unforgettable.

This 10 day Italian experience is available at a price developed with struggling students in mind and all faculty, staff, and community members can travel under the same fee schedule.  The rates are well below the typical market value for such an excursion.  A limited number of scholarships are available to students who qualify.  Individuals interested in earning college credit can enroll for three hours of college credit at either an upper or lower division level.

This exciting opportunity is open not only to WVU Parkersburg students but the community as well.  Special predeparture meetings will be held in the Spring to assist travelers with preparations and introduce them to Italian culture.  The predeparture sessions are coordinated by WVU Parkersburg Corporate and Community Education.

For more information and a cost quote, feel free to contact Gregg or Mary Beth Busch, Coordinators of International Travel and Education, 304-424-8000 ext. 409, or 304-424-8276  or email studyabroad@mail.wvu.edu.

Sign up now, space is limited, and join us on this fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience anticipated to depart in the first week of June 2007!

Return to the International Education Homepage.