Armstrong Trip to Italy!

See a video of last year’s faculty/staff trip to Italy - with audio. (May take a few minutes to load.)

FAQs:

What are the dates of the next trip?
June 7 – 18, 2011.

Why should I take this trip?
Over the past 5 years, we have developed very good relationships with our study abroad partners in Italy. They are generous hosts who want to continue these relationships and are willing to provide us with excellent rates as a group. They also understand that if faculty, staff and alumni have a positive experience in Italy, they and the others associated with AASU will encourage students to study there in the future.

This program will be a combination of excursions, guided tours, and culinary education plus free time for you to explore on your own. From a cost perspective, this may be a good time economically to travel to Europe. At the moment the exchange rate (USD to euro) is approximately $1.33 to the euro compared to $1.55/euro just a few years ago.

What is the cost?
$ 2,795 per person with double occupancy. This would include accommodations, transportation in Italy, all breakfasts, most dinners, all scheduled tours, and health insurance. It would not include air fare to Italy, lunches, and some dinners. (Note: It would be very difficult to organize such a trip for $ 4,800 per person if you were not part of a group.)

What if I want a single room or a triple room?
The single supplement is $395. In addition, those with three in a room would save $395 on one of the fares.

When would I need to pay?
One-half of the balance is due February 11, 2011; the second half of the balance (final payment) is due May 13, 2011. Other arrangements can be made when necessary.

Why does the cost not include airfare to Italy?
Those wanting to travel earlier or stay longer are free to make their own international flights and meet us in Rome. Others may have frequent flyer benefits they want to use. However, we have organized a group flight for $ 1,311 per person (less than last year) which many people will likely take advantage of.

Who can participate?
The trip is open to AASU administrators, faculty, staff, and alumni. The rooms will be double occupancy unless otherwise requested. Anyone can go with you as long as you don't mind sharing a room with them! Spouses, friends, parent-child; all are fine.

Will I have free time?
Yes. While there will be at least one structured event per day, there will be plenty of time for shopping and seeing sights apart from the group.

Can I bring family members?
Yes. Each faculty/staff/ alimni family may reserve 5 spaces.

Is there a limitation on how many persons can go?
Yes. We can take 28 total persons.

How do I reserve a space?
Spaces are reserved on a strict first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a space, you must submit an enrollment form by February 11, 2011. This ENROLLMENT FORM must be received for each person participating.

What is the focus of the trip, and what kinds of things will we do?
We will focus on seeing the best Italy has to offer, particularly Italian culture and foods. Click HERE for last year’s itinerary; next's year's will be very similar (if not the exact same) as last year's itinerary.