SOLD OUT: WAITLIST ONLY
Blyth Academy International Summer – Greece & Italy
July 7th – 28th, 2023
Offered by Blyth Academy with travel provided by Georgia Hardy Tour
Spend your summer in Greece & Italy and get a high school credit at the same time!
Greece
Set in southeastern Europe, and boasting thousands of breathtaking islands in the Aegean and Ionic Seas, Greece is a country that remains virtually unrivalled in the sheer volume and diversity of its historical and cultural repertoire.
For centuries visitors have been drawn to the country’s spectacular natural landscapes and rich archaeological sites, which contain the relics of four millennia of ancient culture. From the bustling nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini and exquisite turquoise waters everywhere you look, Greece’s islands are arguably its biggest drawcard.
Must-see heritage attractions include the numerous ancient structures of Athens; Meteora Monasteries, one of the world’s most remarkable ecclesiastical sites; the towering Mount Olympus, home of the gods; and of course Delphi, Greece’s most sacred site where the oracle once answered the questions in the temple of Apollo.
Italy
It is easy to understand why Italy is one of the world’s most celebrated tourist destinations. This is a country that truly does have it all: exquisite landscapes, an abundance of art and architectural treasures, world renowned museums and a national obsession with decadent food. Not to mention the country’s sun-kissed olive groves, glacial lakes, fiery volcanoes and snow capped peaks. Dive the clear green waters of the Mediterranean, browse the market stalls in Naples or experience the diverse wildlife inhabiting the country’s national parks. And if you find the vast range of choices overwhelming, take some advice from the locals: sit back, relax and take a moment to indulge in the “bella vita” (the good life). As they say: when in Rome!
Bon Voyage,
Georgia Hardy Tours
Credit Courses Offered:
- ENG4U: Grade 12 English – Prerequisite ENG3U
- ETS4U: Grade 12 Studies in Literature – Prerequisite ENG3U
- AWQ4M: Grade 12 Photography – Prerequisite AWQ3M
- LVV4U: Grade 12 Classical Civilization – Prerequisite ENG2D or any classical language, level 2.
- ENG3U: Grade 11 English – Prerequisite ENG2D
- AWQ3M: Grade 11 Photography – Prerequisite Grade 9 or 10 visual arts
Places:
Athens, Paros, Santorini, Paros, Santorini, Rome and Florence
Dates:
Program Dates: July 1 – 28, 2023
Travel Dates: July 7-28, 2023
Fees:*
$8,995.00 per person
based on 45 students + 4 Staff + Supervisor
*All rates are based on current tariffs and exchange rates, and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein, at the time of final payment.
Please note the possibility of increases in airfares and land costs prior to departure. Any increase must be borne by the individual participant.
Why choose the Blyth Academy International Greece & Italy Summer Credit Program?
For centuries visitors have been drawn to the country’s spectacular natural landscapes and rich archaeological sites, which contain the relics of four millennia of ancient culture. From the bustling nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini and exquisite turquoise waters everywhere you look, Greece’s islands are arguably its biggest drawcard.
It is easy to understand why Italy is one of the world’s most celebrated tourist destinations. This is a country that truly does have it all: exquisite landscapes, an abundance of art and architectural treasures, world renowned museums and a national obsession with decadent food. Not to mention the country’s sun-kissed olive groves, glacial lakes, fiery volcanoes and snow capped peaks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Overnight Travel
- Depart Toronto on an overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2: Athens
- Morning arrival to Athens. Transfer to the hotel in the heart of the city, drop the bags (check-in 3:00 pm) and enjoy an introductory walk through the vibrant Plaka neighbourhood, the heart of historic Athens. Dinner at the hotel this evening.
- Overnight central Athens.
Day 3: Athens
- After breakfast, set out on foot for a guided tour of the birthplace of Western civilization: the Acropolis. The 5th-century BC Acropolis is the most famous site of antiquity, and became the pinnacle of artistic creations during the Classical Era. You will visit the magnificent Doric Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysus, the small Ionic temple of Athena Nike and the ancient Agora – the civic, religious and commercial centre of Athenian life. Later, tour the incredible New Acropolis Museum. This award-winning modern building is perched atop an ancient neighbourhood excavation site and the collection includes masterpieces of antiquity including the remaining Parthenon Marbles. The museum will further educate and inform you on the role of the Acropolis in ancient Athenian life and the offer you the chance to get up close to priceless works of art dating back Millenia. Free time for lunch before afternoon classes. Dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Athens
Day 4: Paros
- Board the high speed ferry to the island of Paros. While onboard, admire the beautiful Aegean Sea and islands as you cruise towards one of the most charming islands in the Cyclades archipelago. With crystal blue water, white powder sand, and historic houses ringing quaint ports, Paros has an amazing vibe. After arriving at the port, transfer to the hotel, and enjoy a guided walking tour of Parikia town. Remainder of the day spent in class, with time for a swim before dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Paros
Day 5: Paros
- Time for class, relaxing by the pool, or hitting the nearest beach! Dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Paros
Day 6: Paros
- Enjoy an excursion to the quaint island of Antiparos. Known for chic boutiques, fantastic beach clubs and the occasional celebrity, Antiparos is laid back and authentic. After returning to Paros, there will be time for class followed by a swim before dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Paros
Day 7: Paros
- Full day of classes today, followed by an excursion to Naoussa for evening and dinner tonight. Naoussa is a charming port town – just imagine the distinctive whitewashed sugar cube buildings with traditional fishing boats bobbing in the crystal blue sea and that is Naoussa! Enjoy a delicious dinner at an outdoor taverna in one of the stunning squares before returning to the hotel later in the evening.
- Overnight Paros
Day 8: Paros
- Full day of class with free time for lunch and swimming. Dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Paros.
Day 9: Paros
- Full day of class with free time for lunch and swimming. Dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Paros.
Day 10: Santorini
- Check out of the hotel and board the high speed ferry to Santorini, one of the most famous islands in the world! Crescent shaped and lined with steep cliffs, Santorini is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption that legend says sunk the ‘lost’ city of Atlantis. The result is an island dotted with stunning panoramic views across the caldera, vibrant villages, red, black and white sand volcanic beaches, and unbeatable sunsets. Settle in, with time for a class before dinner at the hotel, followed by an evening stroll through the main streets of Thira.
- Overnight Santorini.
Day 11: Santorini
- After class today, board the coach and transfer to the village of Oia, the most famous town in Santorini. Oia’s white buildings cascade down the cliffside and have become internationally famous for the spectacular sunsets. After watching the sun go down, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Oia before transferring back to the hotel.
- Overnight Santorini.
Day 12: Santorini
- Class today before heading to the port to join a sunset cruise through the caldera towards Nea Kameni volcano with opportunities for swimming at secluded coves and beaches. Return to Santorini for a later dinner.
- Overnight Santorini.
Day 13: Rome
- After breakfast, have one final dip in the pool before transferring to the airport for the direct flight to Rome. Evening arrival to Rome with a late dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Rome.
Day 14: Rome
- This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic city. Experience the world-renowned 18th-century Spanish Steps; see the Piazza of Trevi with its spectacular fountain; gaze at the Pantheon, an architectural marvel built by Agrippa in 27 B.C.; and finally behold the Piazza Navona, a 17th century square ringed with Baroque mansions that traces the oval form of the underlying ancient Circus of Domitian. This first view of the city will emphasize the great span of architectural styles which make Rome so beautiful and meaningful. Return to the hotel in the afternoon after lunch for class.
- Overnight Rome.
Day 15: Rome
- After breakfast this morning, walk to the Colosseum. Immensely impressive with a circumference of 530 metres and a height of 48 metres, the Colosseum was built to seat 50,000 spectators. Across the street is the Roman Forum, the commercial, civil and religious centre of ancient Roman life in the Republican Era and you will walk in the footsteps on the emperors and see where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Free time for lunch before returning to the hotel for classes this afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Rome.
Day 16: Rome
- This morning you have the option to visit Vatican City, a 109 acre state that is the spiritual home of the Catholic church and the Pope. Bounded by a wall built in the 9th century the Vatican is entered under a colonnade designed by Michelangelo that leads to St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica. The in-depth guided tour will include the Vatican Museum with its priceless treasures and works of art, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to marvel at the restored ceiling, and the baroque St. Peter’s Basilica. Free time to for lunch before returning to the hotel for afternoon class. Dinner at the hotel, followed by an evening stroll for gelato.
- Overnight Rome.
Day 17: Florence
- After breakfast, travel north by private coach through the rolling hills and vineyards to Florence. Enroute stop and see the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. After arriving to Florence, check-in to the hotel and meet the guide for a walking tour of the city’s most important sites including the Cathedral known as “The Duomo”, which is a magnificent design begun by Giotto and crowned by the 351 foot high Brunelleschi dome. The octagonal Baptistery, well over a millennium in age, features the 15th century bronze Door of Paradise with its ten panels depicting Old Testament designed by Ghiberti. The Piazza della Signoria features a copy of Michelangelo’s David located where the original statue was placed in front of the Medici’s family palace and seat of government. Finally, the Ponte Vecchio is the major bridge crossing the Arno river and has connected the two sides of the city since the 14th-century. Return to the hotel for a late dinner.
- Overnight Florence.
Day 18: Florence
- After breakfast attend class at Blyth’s Florence Academy, which is located in a beautifully restored historic palazzo. Late in the afternoon, take the train to Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower, followed by dinner at a local trattoria in Pisa before returning to Florence later this evening.
- Overnight Florence.
Day 19: Florence
- After breakfast, a guided visit will introduce you to two of the most remarkable art galleries in the world. The Uffizi and Academia. The Uffizi Museum is a Renaissance palace that was once the offices of the Medici’s administration, and the art collection started as the personal collection of the Medici family who were the greatest patrons of Renaissance artists. The collection includes masterpieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Botticelli. The Accademia is best known as the home of David, and he is spectacular – no photo does the sculpture justice! After lunch, return to Blyth Academy for afternoon classes.
- Overnight Florence.
Day 20: Florence
- Last day of classes at Blyth Academy with free time to explore Florence in small groups after dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight Florence.
Day 21: Florence
- After writing your exam, there will be free time for shopping in Florence at one of the outdoor leather markets. Celebrate your accomplishments and experiences tonight at the farewell dinner.
- Overnight Florence.
Day 22: End of Itinerary
- Check out of the hotel and transfer to Florence’s airport for the return flight to Toronto. Arrivederci Italia!
Payment
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
- $2000.00 deposit (+insurance if purchasing).
FORMS OF PAYMENT:
- Deposit: Cheque made payable to Georgia Hardy Tours Inc.
122 Dawlish Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 1H3 - E-transfer: George Hardy at [email protected]
*please indicate your name and trip name, GreeceItaly2023 in your e-transfer notes - Visa or MasterCard: please supply your credit card info during the secure registration process.
Tour Price Includes
- International Airfare
- One way flight from Santorini to Rome
- Accommodation in centrally located hotels
- Ground transportation on private coach
- All sightseeing tours and entrances as mentioned in itinerary
- Ferry tickets
- Breakfast, and dinner daily
- Guiding as per the itinerary
- Gratuities
Tour Price Does Not Include
- Lunches, snacks, beverages at included meals
- Travel insurance: $380.00
- Any Covid-19 requirements for travel in Italy or Greece
- Personal spending money
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
SOLD OUT: WAITLIST ONLY
SOLD OUT: WAITLIST ONLY
Fine Print: It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure that they have a valid passport and that no additional travel documents are necessary. Georgia Hardy Tours Inc. is not responsible for inadequate travel documents. Georgia Hardy Tours reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary when necessary for the convenience and safety of tour participants. Any extra cost in the unlikely event of itinerary changes must be borne by the individual participant.
Responsibility and Jurisdiction: Georgia Hardy Tours and their agents act only as agents for the passengers with respect to services supplied to passengers by others, including but not limited to transportation, hotel and restaurant services, on the express condition that they are not liable for any failure in such services, or injury, loss or damage, delay or inconvenience arising out of or in connection with any defect in any vehicle or any act, omission, accident or error in providing such transportation, hotel, restaurant or other services. There is no refund for unused portions of the tour. In case of an accident occurring during the land portion of any tour, the passenger must submit any claim therefore only to the competent judicial authorities of the jurisdiction where such accident occurred, to be determined exclusively in accordance with the laws of such jurisdiction. By accepting the coupons and tickets and utilizing the services, the passenger agrees that Georgia Hardy Tours nor any affiliated or subsidiary companies or representatives shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to the passenger or belongings or otherwise in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or resulting directly from any occurrences beyond its control including breakdown in equipment, strikes, theft, delay or cancellation or changes in itinerary or schedules, etc. Georgia Hardy Tours and its agents reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person as a member of this tour. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all of the tour or portions thereof. All tour services including, but not limited to hotel accommodations, restaurants, guide services and transportation are furnished by independent contractors.
