SOMERS, N.Y. - Tusker Travels recently returned from an extended trip to Italy this past February, where students and chaperones experienced lessons in culture, cuisine—and even flight delays. What was originally scheduled as a 10-day trip was extended by three days due to a winter blizzard. The Tusker travelers, however, didn’t complain, making the most of their unexpected bonus time in Rome.
The journey began in Rome, where students, chaperones, a nurse, and their EF Tour Director explored the city’s iconic landmarks and enjoyed traditional Italian cuisine. A highlight of their time there was a hands-on cooking class, where they learned to make pasta from scratch and prepare tiramisu.
The group then visited a rural mozzarella di bufala farm at Azienda Agricola Torre Lupara, where they learned about the cheese-making process and observed the transformation of milk into mozzarella. Some students even had the chance to bottle-feed young buffalo calves. Mozzarella di bufala, made from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo, represents a €330 million-per-year industry in Italy.
Next, the Tuskers traveled to Benevento, home to the Santa Sofia Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its torrone, a nougat made with honey and almonds. While there, students toured a chocolate factory and sampled a variety of flavors.
From Benevento, the group continued on to Matera for a guided tour, followed by a stop in Bari, where they participated in a food-themed tour. They also visited an olive farm, where they sampled locally produced olive oils.
The next destination was Ostuni, known as the “Città Bianca” for its stunning whitewashed buildings overlooking the Puglian countryside and the Adriatic Sea. The region, famous for its olive groves and coastal beauty, offered another memorable experience as students enjoyed seaside gelato in Polignano a Mare, a picturesque town along Italy’s southern Adriatic coast.
In Alberobello, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the group explored the famous 14th-century trulli houses—limestone dwellings with conical roofs built using prehistoric techniques.
The Somers travelers also toured the Castellana Caves, an extensive cave system stretching more than 3,000 meters and adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling crystal formations.
Returning to Rome, students visited the Colosseum, whose construction began in 72 A.D., and explored the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. Its innovative design continues to influence modern sports stadiums. The group also secured tickets for a privately guided tour of Vatican City, where they visited the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Looking ahead, Tusker Travels will head to Japan for spring break in 2027. While that trip is already full, a waiting list is available. Plans are also underway for the 2028 spring break trip, titled “Vive la Manche!,” which will take travelers to Paris, London, and Bruges. The itinerary includes many iconic destinations along with unique experiences curated by Tusker Travels.
To learn more about upcoming trips, follow Tusker Travels on Instagram @tuskertravels or on Facebook at Tusker Travels Inc. Additional information is available at www.TuskerTravels.org, where interested parties can learn more about the 2028 trip or begin the enrollment process. Your journey begins here!
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