Day 6 - Sunrise in Rome and an Unforgettable Journey to Pompeii!
Today was one of the most memorable days of the program, beginning long before the rest of Rome had even woken up!
A dedicated group of students set their alarms for 4:00 a.m. to experience the sunrise at the Colosseum. Their early wake-up call was well worth it as they watched the first light of day illuminate one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Even better, the usually busy streets were nearly empty, allowing students to capture incredible photos without the crowds.
From there, we walked through the quiet streets of Rome to the Trevi Fountain, where students enjoyed another chance to admire the famous landmark in the peaceful early morning hours. Before heading back, we stopped at L’Antico Forno di Fontana di Trevi, where everyone treated themselves to the bakery’s famous freshly baked croissants.
Later in the morning, many students boarded a bus for our optional excursion to Pompeii. Upon arrival, the group embarked on a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ancient city. Walking along its original stone streets, students explored highlights including the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the ancient amphitheatre, beautifully preserved homes decorated with colourful frescoes, and the haunting plaster casts of victims, which offered a powerful reminder of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. Seeing these historic sites firsthand brought history to life in a way that no textbook ever could.
After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring creamy carbonara, meatballs with potatoes, and a refreshing ice cream for dessert. Students also had some free time to browse the local shops and pick up souvenirs before boarding the bus for the journey back to Rome.
Back in the city, the Pompeii group reunited with the rest of our travellers for dinner, sharing stories from the day’s adventures and reflecting on another incredible day together.
– McKay (Activity Coordinator)
