Experience Italy with Trustee Chair Mark and Gay Maloney
March 13 – 21, 2025
Welcome to The Rotary Foundation’s inaugural donor travel experience! Embark on an extraordinary 9-day journey with Trustee Chair Mark and Gay Maloney across Italy, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with local members and Foundation supporters and witness firsthand the transformative work of Rotary in the region. During this premiere experience, you’ll join a Foundation seminar and gala, take part in a meaningful local service project, and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culture, history, and culinary delights.
Please note: This trip will be conducted in English only and English language proficiency is strongly recommended for participants.
The details of this itinerary are subject to change and will be updated throughout the trip-planning process.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, March 13
Arrivals and Opening
Benvenuti (welcome) to Italy! Airport transfers will be arranged today based on individuals’ arrival times at Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP).
Transfer to Turin, about a 2-hour drive, and check in to your hotel before coming together for a Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening at the hotel.
Overnight: Principi di Piemonte
Day 2: Friday, March 14
Tour of Turin & Donor Reception
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a guided walking tour of Turin’s city center.
Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, spanning over 2,000 years from Roman times to the grandeur of the Kingdom and beyond. Discover key landmarks such as Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello, home to the Madame Palace and the Royal Palace. Enjoy a gourmet pause at a historic café, savoring a traditional bicerin—a delightful blend of coffee, chocolate, and cream—while reflecting on the city’s cultural and political past.
After the tour and a group lunch, unwind at the hotel or explore Turin at your leisure.
In the evening, gather for the Donor Reception hosted by local Rotary members.
Overnight: Principi di Piemonte
Day 3: Saturday, March 15
Rotary Foundation Seminar
Have breakfast at the hotel before a full day with local Rotary members at a Foundation Seminar highlighting the projects and initiatives of The Rotary Foundation from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
This afternoon will be free to rest, pack for tomorrow’s departure to Florence, or explore on your own.
In the evening, come together for a Foundation gala dinner organized by local Rotary members.
Overnight: Principi di Piemonte
Day 4: Sunday, March 16
Transfer to Florence & Florence City Tour
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the train station for a high-speed journey to Florence, the Tuscan capital and birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, enjoy lunch, and join an afternoon walking tour of this remarkably walkable city. Explore Florence’s lively streets and narrow alleys, discovering landmarks such as the terracotta-tiled Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), the Uffizi Gallery with Michelangelo’s “David,” and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing before gathering for a group dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Gallery Hotel Art
Day 5: Monday, March 17
Rotary Activity & Leisure Time in Florence
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then meet with local Rotary members for a fellowship or service project.
Come together for lunch, then enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and dinner on your own this evening.
Overnight: Gallery Hotel Art
Day 6: Tuesday, March 18
Transfer to Rome & Tour of Orvieto
Have an early breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out of the hotel.
Board a private coach bus for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Orvieto. Along the way there will be restroom breaks and plenty of snacks and water in the vehicle. The drive will take you through the Tuscan countryside.
Arrive in Orvieto, a picturesque hilltop town in central Italy, renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and rich historical heritage. Perched on a volcanic plateau, the town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside. Its centerpiece is the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art with a striking façade adorned with intricate mosaics and sculptures. The town is also famous for its charming cobblestone streets, ancient Etruscan ruins, and fascinating underground tunnels.
Enjoy a delicious Umbrian lunch before embarking on a guided walking tour of the town, including a visit to the iconic Duomo.
Following your tour, transfer to Rome, about a 2-hour drive from Orievto, with restroom breaks along the way.
Arrive in Rome, check in to your hotel, and meet for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Palazzo Ripetta
Day 7: Wednesday, March 19
Walking Tour of Baroque Rome
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before gathering with your guide to depart for a morning walking tour of Baroque Rome, a period of Roman art and architecture that flourished from the late 16th to the early 18th century, characterized by dramatic and extravagant design elements. This era is marked by its ornate and highly decorative style, which includes grandiose churches and elaborate palaces.
Discover the heart of Rome’s historic center, where you’ll encounter the vibrant Piazza del Popolo, a grand entrance to the city with its stunning twin churches and ancient obelisk. Wander down Via Margutta, renowned for its charming art galleries and quaint ateliers, where creativity flows through its picturesque streets. Marvel at the splendor of Piazza di Spagna, home to the iconic Spanish Steps and the elegant Barcaccia fountain, nestled at the square’s center. Explore other iconic landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain with its dramatic sculptures, the Pantheon with its awe-inspiring dome, and Piazza Navona, adorned with Bernini’s exquisite Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Afterward, take part in an activity with local Rotary members before lunch.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure and dinner is on your own this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Palazzo Ripetta
Day 8: Thursday, March 20
The Vatican Visit
Have breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Vatican this morning for a guided tour.
Vatican City is the world’s smallest state, and is the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope’s residence. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, renowned for its grand dome designed by Michelangelo, the Vatican Museums (pending confirmation) featuring the Sistine Chapel’s famous frescoes, and St. Peter’s Square with its impressive colonnades and obelisk.
After, enjoy a group lunch before returning to the hotel, then an afternoon at your leisure.
Tonight, meet for your Farewell Dinner with local Rotary leaders. A semi-private area has been reserved at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Palazzo Ripetta
Day 9: Friday, March 21
Departures
Breakfast will be at the hotel this morning.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and have a private airport transfer to Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which will be scheduled based on individuals’ departure times.
For more information about this incredible journey to Italy with The Rotary Foundation, be sure to visit the following pages:
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Pre-Departure Information
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