Fulton Travel Study

The Fulton School embarked on its first international trip over spring break. Seventeen members from Fulton took a nine day tour from Rome to Athens: Amanda Bellinger, James and Barbara Blackstone, Laura Davidson, Taylor Fitzwilliam, James Greenwalt, Janet, Tatiana and Morgan Hargrave, Nick and Terry Irby, Winston, Michelle, Dominique, and Nicholas Taylor, Kevin and Tricia Cobb.

The trip itinerary centered around numerous world renowned historical venues including the Roman Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pompeii, The Pantheon, Ancient Olympia, The Parthenon and the Oracle of Delphi. In addition to these household names the group visited dozens of additional significant historical sites.

The trip offered students and teachers an invaluable educational experience. Every day tour guides explained the significance of each site and helped mentally place each ancient attraction in its historical context. The group visited the original Olympic stadium just days before the Olympic flame was lit in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Observing Greek culture up close during a three day stay in downtown Athens left an indelible mark on all the travelers.

Extensive traveling throughout these two spectacular countries was an unexpected treat. Ancient monasteries, vineyards, and cozy mountaintop villages shortened the drive from Rome to the heel of Italy. After a night cruise from Italy to Greece on the gentle Ionian Sea the group woke up to a breathtaking view of the Western Greek Isles. On the Peloponnesian Peninsula the scenery only got better. Sinuous mountain roads, olive groves and rustic Orthodox Churches made traveling to Athens half the pleasure. Plans are already in motion for a Fulton trip to the United Kingdom next year.