Berkley Students Travel to Rome & Pompeii Over Spring Break

Over Spring Break, a group of students and their family members traveled to Naples, Rome and Pompeii. Led by Norup teacher Liz Reynolds, students spent seven days exploring Italy.

The trip began at Napoli Sotterranea, or Naples Underground, a vast maze of narrow tunnels, shallow pools and vast rooms 35 meters under the street that dates back to the 5th century B.C. While in the Naples area, the group visited Magazzino Buffalo Mozzarella Farm, a small family owned farm, Naples city center, Castel Nuovo and Trattoria Medina where travelers learned about the origins of pizza.

On the third day, the group traveled to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Students learned about the history of Pompeii, its creation and destruction. Pompeii was home to 30,000 when it was buried under 13 to 20 ft of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The group spent the rest of the trip in Rome. Activities included a pasta making class, exploring Piazza Navona, touring Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, participating in gladiator school (students learned how to use the bows, arrows, swords and shields safely before they geared up and participated in the training exercises), a bike ride through Villa Borghese Gardens, touring the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and visiting the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Travelers also visited Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Square. 

Ms. Reynolds shared, “It was a fabulous tour full of friendships, breathtaking sights, delicious foods and lifelong memories!”