Florence, Italy: Past as Present
This event has reached capacity. To be placed on the wait list, please email alumni@colgate.edu.
October 24-31, 2020
Experience Florence with Mary Ann Calo, Batza Art and Art History Professor Emerita
Join members of the Colgate University community on an exclusive eight-day trip as we explore medieval piazzas, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern art. Travelers will enjoy private guided tours and visits to hidden local gems, while experiencing the art and culture of Florence.
Program Highlights:
- Private visits to the Uffizi Galleries, Gori Collection, Villa Medici and I Tatti, and the Palazzo Gondi
- Hands-on experience with Florentine Artisans
- Excellent instruction by local experts and Mary Ann Calo, Batza Art and Art History Professor Emerita
Click here to see a detailed itinerary.
Registration is $5,669.00 USD per person and includes 7-night accommodations at Hotel Brunelleschi, a four-star hotel in the heart of Florence (based upon double occupancy), group meals (daily breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners, and three receptions), entrance fees to museums and monuments, tips, donations, airport transfers, and group city transportation. Registration is $6,808.00 for single occupancy in the hotel.
Payment schedule option:
For those interested in a payment schedule, a $2000.00 deposit per person will be collected upon registration through this form. The balance will be due before February 1, 2020. An Alumni Relations staff member will follow up with you following your registration if you choose this option.
Additional information:
Flights: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements in and out of Florence. Airport transfers to the Hotel Brunelleschi will be provided for each participant upon arrival and departure. We advise you to arrive in Florence on October 24 in the late morning (as rooms are not available at the Hotel Brunelleschi until 2:00 p.m.). If your flight arrives early in the morning, you may wish to book a room the night before so that you have immediate access to your room.
Travel insurance: Colgate highly recommends purchasing travel insurance, which can be purchased at Travelguard or by calling 1-800-826-4919.
Cancellation policy: If you decide to cancel your participation in the tour on or before May 1, 2020, you will be refunded 80% of your payment. Events in Italy may cancel the tour after May 1, 2020, if a minimum of fifteen (15) participants has not been met. If Events in Italy cancels the tour, you will be fully refunded. Upon payment of such refund, Events in Italy will have no further obligations to you of any kind whatsoever.
Waiver and Release of Liability: Upon registering, you will be asked to sign the following waiver and release of liability. You are engaging on this Tour at your own risk and acknowledge that Events in Italy, Inc. makes no warranties, representations, express or implied, regarding the safety of the places on this Tour. You acknowledge that international travel has inherent risks, dangers and hazards and that these risks and dangers may be caused by the negligence of the owners, employees, officers, agents, or third party independent contractors of Events in Italy, Inc., of the other participants on the Tour, accidents, Acts of God, force majeure, or any other cause. In consideration of the services provided by Events in Italy, Inc. you hereby releases, discharges, waives, holds harmless, defends and indemnifies Events in Italy, Inc., its agents, directors, officers, employees, and third party independent contractors, from and against any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of the Tour or any participation therein, unless caused by the gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing of Events in Italy, Inc.
Further information about Events In Italy, Inc. can be found at: elaineruffolo.com
Program Leaders
Modern and Contemporary Art Historian
Mary Ann Calo, Batza Professor, Emerita, joined the Colgate University faculty in 1991 as a member of the Department of Art and History. During her 25 years at Colgate, Professor Calo taught courses on modern and contemporary art history, the arts and public policy, and American art. She also served as Chair of the Art and Art History Department, Associate Dean of the Faculty, Director of the Institute for the Creative and Performing Arts, and Director of the Division of Arts and Humanities. Calo has spent many years living and working in Italy, initially as a student and then later as a professor. She led Colgate’s Venice Study Group and was a visiting professor of modern art at Syracuse University in Florence. Calo is the author of three books and numerous articles. Her edited volume, Critical Issues in American Art, is widely used as a textbook in college courses on American Art.
Renaissance Art Historian
Elaine Ruffolo has been teaching art history in Florence since 1989 and her special interests include the history of art and patronage in Renaissance Florence. Elaine firmly believes that the best way to understand a work of art is by exploring the context in which it was made. What makes art history interesting and relevant today is study of the political situation, economic conditions, patronage, and the artist's personality that is reflected in the work of art. Elaine currently lectures undergraduate and continuing art history programs in Florence. She is also the Resident Director for the Smithsonian Associate’s Programs in Italy, has developed art history programs for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Yale Alumni, College of William and Mary and the Patrons of the Vatican Museums. She has been on the advisory board of the Friends of Florence since 2000 and consults for CEO and YPO programs in Europe.
The Office of Alumni Relations' Intellectual Engagement programming is inspired by our academic program and features Colgate faculty members. These events engage alumni, family, and friends through active learning opportunities, including lectures, guided tours, and workshops.
Experience Florence, Italy, with Mary Ann Calo, Batza Art and Art History Professor Emerita. Prices below are per person.
This event has reached capacity. Please email alumni@colgate.edu with questions.