Boat Cruise to Comino – Malta

Comino is one of the smaller Maltese Islands with very few inhabitants. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, it has impressive scenic coastlines, spectacular cliffs, and crystal clear waters. This is the home of the Blue Lagoon! Our group will sail to the Island and enjoy the amazing beaches, snorkel and explore the various caves and bays around the island.

Transportation and Lunch is included.

Island of Gozo - Malta

Gozo (also known as Ghawdex, pronounced “Awdesh”), is Malta’s sister island and is located 30 minutes away by ferry. This island was the first of the Maltese Islands to be populated and it is the location of the oldest free standing structures in the world dating from approximately 4500 BC.  The people on this island speak an old Maltese dialect using pronunciations which the Maltese no longer utilize.

We will take the time to visit the key archaeological sites and then visit the medieval town of Victoria with its winding narrow streets.  After our morning tour we will relax at the honey-red sand beaches at Ramla Bay and visit the mythological Calypso’s Cave, referred to in Homer’s Odyssey. It is believed that Odysseus, on his way home from the Trojan War, was imprisoned here for 7 years by the nymph Calypso – who promised him immortality.

The Maltese islands are all based on limestone and the caverns that have developed over millions of years are incredible. We explore some of these caves on the Island of Gozo to see the stalagmites and stalactites which are below the surface.

The island is also known for the glass blowing artisans and we will visit a facility to watch them in action before heading back to our residence.

Transportation on ferry and coach are included along with a scrumptious lunch!

Underground Catacombs – Malta

The Maltese catacombs are an excellent resource of archaeological and cultural information.

One of the key sites in Malta is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an incredible archaeological find that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hypogeum was discovered accidentally in 1902 by a stone mason who was laying the foundation for some houses. What he uncovered was a series of halls, chambers and passages elaborately carved out of the rock with interesting circular artistic designs and inscriptions.

The site consists of a temple and burial chambers built underground, with the lowest level reaching 36 feet below the surface. This subterranean monument is very similar to the megalithic structures found above ground in other areas of Malta.

This sanctuary housed remains of over 7000 people. Traces of red ochre, the ritual colour of death, are evident in various areas, and 2 limestone statues, now known as the “sleeping ladies”, were also found, evidence of what is believed to be goddess worship on the island thousands of years ago.

Transportation and Entrance fees are included.

Hike near Mount Etna – Sicily

Mt. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and one of the more active volcanoes in the world; yet thousands of people live on its slopes and in the surrounding area.

The landscape on the volcano is typically barren and stark but the view is incredible. We will walk around the craters and through the lava fields so bring a good pair of hiking/running shoes for this adventurous hike.

Transportation and Entrance fees are included.

Saturnia Hot Springs

Half Day Excursion

The village of Saturnia has been known for its natural hot water springs and Roman Baths for centuries. In fact, the the Etruscans documented this area in their tales approximately 2800 years ago. The region of Tuscany is well known for such springs resulting from intense volcanic activity and you will have the chance to soak in one!

The Saturnia springs' flowing waters have created gorges and ravines which meander across the country side and through towns.  The warm waters which flow from the springs in Saturnia end in a beautiful waterfall with pools of water cascading down crater like formations.  Steam rises to the surface at the bottom of the pools of the waterfall making the area seem mystical. We take the afternoon to visit the town and experience  the warm waters in an area once enjoyed by the Ancient Romans - don't forget your bathing suits!

Our programs are enhanced by additional excursions which go beyond the focus of the course and give students the option to explore areas outside of the region in which our programs are located, in a supervised environment with private coaches and guides. Schedules and costs of these excursions are provided to students in March.

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