We would like to extend a very special invitation to join Global Exchange on a unique Reality Tour to Italy from May 27 to June 9.

Centered around Europe's vibrant movement for sustainability, this delegation will visit a wide range of grassroots organizations in Tuscany and Rome, as well as attending Florence's landmark Terra Futura (Future Earth) festival.

Terra Futura draws nearly 100,000 attendees,over 850 speakers and international experts, more than 5000 entities are represented during three full days, with hundreds of green companies, social and environmental justice groups, live music, film, debates, and abundant organic food and drink. Taking place within the 15th century Fortezza da Basso (Fortress of St. John the Baptist) in the heart of Florence, Terra Futura aims to share the good practices of social, economic and environmental sustainability already existing and experimented, at a global dimension.

This delegation promises to be a rare opportunity to gain a different understanding of some of Italy's most beautiful destinations, build community with our Italian counterparts, and engage with Italy's thriving green movement.

Program Highlights:

• The tour starts in Florence and ends in Rome.
• Through the lens of social and economic justice, move beyond the traditional sites of Florence and discover often-overlooked aspects of this historic city.
• Accommodation in Florence at the Ospitale della Rifiorenze (the Hostel of Reflowerings), a non-profit project which shelters the homeless during the cold winter months and operates as a hostel for socially responsible tourism from April to October.
• A visit to Banca Etica (the Ethical Bank), which integrates social and environmental concerns with the normal functioning of a bank, investing client's funds in social justice and environmental restoration initiatives.
• Spend three days in the beautiful Chianti region, staying with Ecorotondo cooperative, a small family-run guesthouse.
• Spend five days exploring green and sustainable projects in Rome. Visits will include city markets converted from old military barracks, an important social mediation initiative in the multi-cultural Esquiline neighborhood, fair trade and organic businesses, a bicycle activist cooperative, and multiple examples of urban building projects featuring renewable energy and green building technology.
• A meeting with Libera, a network of 1,200 organizations fighting organized crime (La Mafia) through education and social enterprise, often using land and resources seized from criminal networks.
• A day spent in the beautiful town of San Casciano, and a visit to La Ginestra, a unique cooperative farm that works to preserve and renew the traditions of the Tuscan countryside. Covering more than 300 acres, the organic farm includes verdant forests, olive groves and some of the freshest cuisine in all of Tuscany.

Cost: $2100

Price Includes:

• Double room accommodation
• Two/Three meals per day (as indicated in the itinerary)
• In country transportation
• Full time Tour Leaders
• Translators and area-specific guides
• All program activities & entrance fees
• Preparatory reading materials

How to Register:

We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $400 two months before departure. Payments by MasterCard or Visa are welcome.

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Alessandro with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 225.