Alumni Global Adventures Trip to Southern Italy Takes on Vesuvius and Gourmet Delights
Alumni invited to learn, connect and savor during 2019 global adventure
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
Generations of elementary-school kids have been transfixed by the story of Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that destroyed the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 A.D. Now Dickinson College alumni have a chance to learn about the science and history behind this towering figure in ancient history during a trip led by an internationally recognized volcanologist.
Dickinson announces a 12-day spring Alumni Global Adventure trip, offering a chance for Dickinsonians to come together and learn about earth science and history while drinking in Southern Italy’s spectacular views, local landmarks, art and gourmet food. Held May 23 to June 3, Hiking & Culinary Adventure to Southern Italy’s Volcanoes features informative hikes led by Professor of Earth Sciences Ben Edwards, along with guided tours and other cultural excursions.
Participants will stay in four-star hotels by night and enjoy the Southern Italian landscape and seascape by day, enjoying several hikes that will allow them to explore two of the world's most famous volcanoes. Two hikes will be offered during each hiking excursion, allowing alumni to select either longer hikes with Edwards or shorter hikes with an expert English-speaking guide.
Highlights include:
- a guided, educational hike to the crater in Vesuvius National Park, and along the “path of the gods” on the Sorrento Peninsula;
- history tours of Pompeii and Naples and an arts and culture tour of Taormina, Sicily;
- a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast as well as ferry rides to Salina and the Island of Capri;
- private boat rides to Stromboli and to Vulcano, said to be home to the Greek god of fire;
- and gourmet meals, including a welcome reception and a dinner at a private palace in Posillipo as well as a granita tasting in Salina and a winery visit and tasting on Mt. Etna, Europe's most active volcano.
The trip arrives on the heels of a well-received Global Alumni Adventure trip to Iceland, also led by Edwards, who directs Dickinson's Arctic and Alpine Climate Change Research Experience and whose research focuses on the interactions between volcanoes and glaciers, Arctic and Alpine climate change, and the effects of volcanic ash on plants. An experienced and engaging guide who has studied volcanoes and glaciers in Iceland, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia, Peru and Chile, Edwards has led student research trips in North America and beyond, in addition to the 2017 alumni trip.
Registration for this one-of-a-kind experience is limited to just 16 participants. To learn more, view the trip brochure and call 800-856-8951 or email dickinson@studytours.org to reserve your spot.
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Published September 14, 2018