On an August morning in 79 AD, the people of Pompeii were going about their daily lives, oblivious to the disaster that was about to strike them. That afternoon, a massive volcanic explosion from nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, covering Pompeii under a layer of volcanic ash. While some were fortunate enough to escape the disaster in time, thousands lost their lives, and Pompeii disappeared.

The city lay silent for almost two thousand years, until archaeological excavations began in the 18th century. When
the volcanic debris was removed, a picture of life in Roman times was revealed. What lay beneath was the town of Pompeii, perfectly preserved as a result of the layer of volcanic ash that had covered it for centuries.

The most horrifying discovery occurred when archaeologists found that many of those who were unable to flee the eruption had been entombed where they lay, and their bodies can still be viewed today.

Visiting Pompeii is an incredible experience. We will take a guided tour of the site, where we will see the houses, theatres, arenas, temples, and public buildings where its original inhabitants lived, worked, played, and worshipped. We will visit the villas of the rich residents of the town, as well as the humbler shops and apartments of the less affluent.

Following our visit to Pompeii, we will continue on to the beautiful ancient resort town of Sperlonga where we will head to the beach to cool off from our morning at Pompeii. Students can relax in the sun and swim, or take a walk around the picturesque town.

We will depart from Rome after breakfast and drive approximately two hours south to Pompeii. We will return to Rome in time for a late dinner at the hotel

Price: $150.00 CAD FULL

Enjoy a day at the beach and go where the Romans go on their Sunday afternoons in the summer, Lido di Ostia (lido means beach). This ancient town was the launching port for the Roman naval assaults throughout the Empire. Today it is a busy and fun beach resort within easy reach of the capital. Some say this is the Riviera of the Romans.

We will depart Rome after an early breakfast and spend a full day at the beach at Ostia, approximately one hour from Rome. This will be a full day of swimming, relaxing on the beach and playing a little ultimate frisbee or volleyball.

For those who would prefer to explore the city, Ostia offers something for everyone; quaint little shops, crafts and cosy cafes. There is a yacht harbour and port which forms part of a great walk around town.

We return to Rome in time for dinner.

Price: $95.00 CAD

The Leaning Tower of Pisa was begun in 1174 and has long since become a “must” on every tourist’s itinerary.

We will leave Siena and drive through Tuscany’s beautiful countryside to Pisa where our guide will explain to us the architectural secrets of the Leaning Tower. We will then enter the tower itself with our guide. Those who do not wish to climb the tower may opt to visit the Duomo or cathedral the first building to use the horizontal marble stripe motif (borrowed from Moorish architecture in the 11th century) so common to Tuscan cathedrals. It is also famous for the Romanesque panels on the transept door facing the tower and for its beautifully carved 13th century pulpit by Giovanni Pisano. The lovely Gothic baptistery, which stands across from the Duomo’s façade, is best known for the pulpit carved by Giovanni’s father.

We will then continue on to the walled medieval town of San Gimingano where we will climb up the towers and walk the medieval walls. Students will be given plenty of free time to enjoy the sites before we head back to our hotel in Siena.

Price: $195.00 CAD

Via Appia Antica, Old Appian Way, outside the walls of Rome was used as a burial place for early Christians as well as pagans. Burials were forbidden inside the walls of Rome as early as the fifth century BC and as a result miles of tunnels were cut into the ground to be used as burial chambers. The Roman catacombs contain thousands of burial niches as well as some good examples of early Christian art.

From the catacombs we will be driven to the crater lake of Albano which overlooks Rome and is located in the famous vineyard area of Castelli di Romani. Here students will have a chance to swim in the cool volcanic crater lake and explore the pretty hill town of Castel Gandolfo.

Price: $145.00 CAD

We will depart our 4 star hotel by private coach for the area of Aleghro in Sardinia. The Entrance to Neptune’s Grotto is only one meter above the sea , as a group we will descend over 650 steps carved into the rock while watching the waves crash below. Once inside we will be given a guided tour through this wonderful cave discovered by fishermen in the 1800’s.

Once our tour is done we will re board our coach for a day at La Pelosa Beach in Stintino, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Sardinia. We will enjoy the remainder of our day resting on the fine white sand and playing in the crystal clear waters, while behind us stands the Argonese tower built in the 1500’s which can be reached by foot through the waters. Swimsuits and towels will be mandatory on this one! We will return to our hotel for dinner.

Price: $165.00 CAD FULL

Our weekend excursion takes us northward to Venice, known as “la Serenissima,” the most serene. This city, which was built on water, was created more than 1000 years ago by individuals who dared to defy the sea. A full day of touring will introduce you to the canals, laneways and grandeur of this remarkable city, including the Basilica, the Museo Correr and the Palazzo Ducale.

Perpetually animated during the day when it is filled with people and clouds of fluttering pigeons, Venice is equally as magical at night. We will visit the Ponte del Sospiri (the Bridge of Sighs) and cross the Canal Grande (Grand Canal) at the Ponte Rialto (the Rialto Bridge), to the surrounding markets and enjoy dinner at one of the canal side restaurants.

After a good night’s rest, breakfast will be served in the hotel and we will have a free morning to explore Venice. We will return late Sunday evening.

***PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED ***

Price: $495.00 CAD FULL

Service is an important aspect to every Blyth International Summer Program. We try to instil a sense of global responsibility in all of our students as they explore the world with us. Past Community Service projects have included working closely with a social development NGO, planning youth-based programming, repairing dilapidated playgrounds, and organizing elements of fundraisers, joining Regional Parks for clean ups, volunteering with the WWF, etc.

The hours earned on this trip can be applied to the ministry required minimum for graduation.

– Earn one to two volunteer hours before your trip! –

Donations (new and used) will be of benefit to many organizations, schools and orphanages in the areas that we visit. Items such as school supplies, table games and puzzles (of various difficulty), paint by numbers, books, and art materials are needed. Clothing donations will also be accepted. Collect these from your friends and family and bring them to donate during your trip. You may earn up to a maximum of two hours.

You are responsible for carrying your donation items in your own suitcase. When you donate the items, be sure to let your supervisor know so they can track you extra hours!

Price: $95.00 CAD