We are pleased to announce the 2012 World to the Wise Cultural Tour, taking place from approximately June 5-23, 2012. Those who participated in the 2010 tour will tell you it was an unforgettable experience that left an indelible mark on each one — and the 2012 tour promises to be every bit as life-changing!
We’ll begin our tour with what is known as the Eternal City — Rome. While our bodies adjust to the time difference, we’ll take in sights such as the ancient Roman Forum, where emperors returned from war and senators sat and deliberated; the Coliseum, a 2,000-year-old witness to untold human drama; the Vatican, home not only to the Pope but also to indescribable works of art and architecture; countless piazzas, fountains, and of course the mandatory gelato. From Rome we’ll head to our home base for the next several days, a retreat center in the beautiful Tuscan countryside outside Florence. We predict it will be difficult for you to leave after experiencing the Renaissance treasures of Florence, the magical hilltop towns of Tuscany and the hospitality of our friends the Ammirabbile family! But the storybook city of Venice awaits! This inimitably charming port city will enchant you with its intricate network of canals, picturesque streets and Byzantine architecture.
We then leave Bella Italia and board the train for Paris, the City of Lights. If you think all European cultures are alike, think again! Who can resist the sidewalk cafés, the masterpieces of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, the artists’ square at Montmartre, the fabled Cathedral of Notre Dame, strolling by the book stalls along the Seine, and of course the Eiffel Tower and a day trip to Giverny, the fabled home of Impressionist master Claude Monet? And did we mention fresh croissants, crêpes and other world famous French specialties?
We’ll top off our adventure together by hopping on the Eurostar train, whisking us under the English Channel to merry old England. Those who were with us in 2010 will tell you that our time in London was unforgettable: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Globe Theatre, strolling through the Portobello Market in Notting Hill…it’s truly hard to pick a favorite. We’ll hit one of the shows in the famous West End Theatre District and experience a quintessential English tradition, cream tea. And we can’t be that close to the quaint city of Oxford NOT to take in the legendary surroundings of authors Lewis, Tolkien and others — including a meal at the famous Eagle and Child pub where the Inklings used to gather.
It is possible to participate in only one or two of the three legs of the tour.
Interested? Just e-mail us at admin@worldtothewise.net and request a registration packet or sign up at the right for periodic updates. Space is limited! All you need is a refundable $200 deposit to register for the tour, and the rest can be paid in installments. The tour is open to everyone — adults, students and parents or grandparents (we do ask that students under 15 be accompanied by an adult).
It has been said that “the fool wanders, but the wise man travels” — in other words, if you’re going to travel, do it with a purpose. Sometimes it takes being lifted out of the confines of familiarity to gain a broader perspective of this world of ours.
We hope you’ll join us!