by Sydni Crass

When you travel through the Coliseum, climb the Temple of Athena Nike, and visit the site of the Pompeii Roman Ruins, you are among some of the most remarkable ancient sights in the world. Aside from the beautiful scenery Rome has to offer, much may be learned by traveling abroad to a place as extraordinary as this. “I try and plan tours 2 years in advance of the departure dates. By planning this early, it gives each tour student more time to raise the money to pay for the adventure, either through fundraising, part time jobs, or selling artwork they've created,” stated art teacher and trip coordinator, Ms. Schorsch. Beginning June 19, 2019, current and former Oak Hills students, as well as any community members in the Cincinnati area will be traveling for 10-13 days to the ancient Mediterranean cities of Rome, Sorrento, Delphi, Athens, and even a few Greek Islands.

It all begins in Rome, Italy. Through EF Tours, students will meet with their tour guides and visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and continue to the Vatican City. There, they will marvel at Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. In Rome, the St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps will also be toured. During the last half of the trip, students will enjoy a boat cruise to Sorrento, overlook the Bay of Naples, and visit Amalfi Drive, providing students with stunning cliff-side views of the Tyrrhenian Sea as it winds 43 miles to Salerno. Students will also be able to visit the Pompeii Roman Ruins, Temple of Apollo, Delphi Museum, and continue to Athens where they’ll visit the Acropolis to view the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built in 515 B.C.

“Many of the places we will be visiting on the Ancient Mediterranean tour are locations we study in my AP Art History course. There is something very special about visiting places that you've either studied in a class, or will be studying; it changes your perspective of what that place is like and makes for an experience you'll never forget,” stated Schorsch. “I am really looking forward to visiting some of the key locations that have a profound influence on art and architecture...and of course walking the streets of Pompeii and climbing the Acropolis with my fellow amazing travelers.” Throughout this 10 day journey, Oak Hills students will learn about some of the most breathtaking ancient sites in the world while also enjoying beautiful views high above sea level.  

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about this travel abroad opportunity, please contact Jamie Schorsch at [email protected].