Italy 2027
SUMMER CREDIT PROGRAM IN ITALY – July 2027
Niagara Catholic District School Board with the assistance of the Hamilton Dante Centre - Program Details
This summer credit program in Italy has earned a great reputation since its inception in July 1995. In that year the predecessor Board of the Niagara Catholic District School Board and its staff requested and approved the collaboration of the Hamilton Dante Centre (a not-for-profit organization whose mandate was to promote Italian language and culture) to facilitate the organization of the “Study/Travel High School programme” briefly described in the following comments.
Over the years, the objective has been to organize and offer a unique study and travel opportunity in a superior, competitive and more affordable programme when compared to other for-profit travel / study companies.
In previous years, the enrolment numbers have reached as many as 85 students. In recent years, we have limited the enrollment number to approximately 60 participants (14 – 18 years of age). Students from across the province of Ontario, who are enrolled in any Catholic, Public, and Private High School are entitled to apply and be considered for participation.
The Niagara CDSB (NCDSB) hires Ontario qualified staff to supervise and teach (the Ministry of Education approved credit courses offered in the Study/Travel programme) through a contractually approved process.
NOTE: Applications for Summer Travel/Credit Courses in Italy 2027 are now open!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY USING GOOGLE APPLICATION FORM
*Earn 1 or 2 Credits* – Your choice
Students may earn up to two (2) High School credits only if they add “Photography/Digital Media” with another primary credit course.
Students must select a primary credit course from the course offerings listed below and must also select an alternate primary course (second-choice) in the event their first choice is unavailable because of a lack of enrolment. Note: Parents will be informed if their first choice is unavailable.
Students who wish to earn a second credit may take Photography/Digital Media in conjunction with their primary credit course. This Photography/Digital Media course is offered to everyone that enrols in a primary course.
NOTE: All courses are part of the secondary school curriculum of the Province of Ontario and valid for graduation, scholarships etc.
Courses offered depending on enrolment.
PRIMARY COURSES:
ENGLISH:
- ENG 3U1 – Gr. 11, University Preparation
- ENG 3C1 – Gr. 11, College Preparation
- ENG 4U1 – Gr. 12, University Preparation
- ENG 4C1 – Gr. 12, College Preparation
ITALIAN:
- LWI BD1 – Level 1, Beginner’s Italian
- LWI CU1 – Level 2, Intermediate Italian
- LWI DU1 – Level 3, Advanced Italian
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (new offering)
- BBB4M1 – open and no prerequisite required
CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION:
- LVV 4U1 – Classical Civilization, University Preparation
SECOND CREDIT COURSES:
PHOTOGRAPHY/Digital Media (as a second credit only):
- TGP 3M1 – Gr. 11 Communications Technology, Photography, University/College Preparation
- TGP 4M1 – Gr. 12 Communications Technology, Photography, University/College Preparation
All students are required to provide proof of prerequisites by the end of June 2027. Students are encouraged to contact their Guidance Department to ensure they will have completed the required prerequisite(s) for their selected summer travel/credit course(s) by that time.
STUDENTS & PARENTS
Please note that information meetings will be held for those students and parents wishing more information and registering for the Summer Credit Programs in Italy. Dates and Time will be announced via e-mail.
TRAVEL DATES 2027
DEPARTURE: Air Transat #306 Toronto to Venice Friday, July 9, 2027
RETURN: Air Transat #309 Rome to Toronto Saturday July 31, 2027
GENERAL PROGRAM DETAILS
Fee Includes:
- Non-stop round-trip airfare Toronto to Venice – Rome to Toronto
- Canadian and Italian airport taxes, departure taxes, hotel taxes
- Air-conditioned luxury motor coaches throughout trip
- Accommodation in 4 *** and 3*** hotels
- All daily breakfasts, all dinners & most lunches
- All excursions on itinerary (i.e. Rome, Pompeii, Chieti, Sulmona, Excursion National Park in Abruzzo, Florence, Assisi, Pisa, Venice, Verona, etc.)
- All tours and entrance fees to museums, art galleries and monuments
- Culinary demonstrations in Sulmona
- Use of Italian High school classrooms as well as other sites
- Instruction by Ontario certified teachers as the study travel credit program is offered by the Niagara Catholic DSB
Fee does not include:
- Transportation to / from Toronto Pearson Airport
- Light lunches to save time when travelling (approx. 7)
- Cell phone usage (cost for phone plans)
- Non-instructional items for Photography students
- School supplies
- Purchase of items of a personal nature
- Trip Cancellation and Emergency Medical Insurance is mandatory and is included in total package cost for 2027
APPLICATION PROCESS / FEE:
Complete the online Google Form and click “SUBMIT” at the end of the form. Please ensure accuracy of the data, and use names as they appear on the student passport.
There is no fee for the online application. You will receive an email shortly after to confirm receipt of the application. Please note the online application will reserve a space in the Summer Credit Program, but the registration is not complete, and participation will not be confirmed until the first payment has been received.
The Niagara Catholic Board will require another formal application for Ministry of Education purposes. Students who have applied through the Google form will receive this additional application after the first payment.
Payments will be accepted only via e-transfer. This can be done through your banking institution by e-mailing the payment to travel@ventrescatravel.ca.
Please write name of student and “NCDSB Travel/Study Italy Program 2027” in the message box.
Note: The funds will be automatically deposited into the travel agency TRUST Account as per TICO regulations. Once the funds have been deposited, the Bank will send an acknowledgement to the payee. When all the payments have been made, Ventresca Travel will be pleased to give official receipts upon request.
Should you require further information regarding the payments, please feel free to contact Frank Ventresca (owner) at 1-800-866-7695 or at frank@ventrescatravel.ca.
Ensure all installment payments are made prior to or on the due dates (see schedule below) via e-transfer as indicated above: travel@ventrescatravel.ca.
Note: If you are taking Photography, e-transfer the additional fee ($300) on or before Friday, December 18, 2026.
PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE:
Total Cost: $8,300.00 per student (Photography – additional fee of $300)
Make the following payments by e-transfer before or on the deadline dates. Please place these dates on your calendars as reminders.
- Friday, November 27, 2026 ($500) (NOTE: This amount not refundable after December 4, 2026)
- Friday, December 18, 2026 ($1800) (+ $300 if Photography is chosen)
- Friday, January 22, 2027 ($2,000)
- Friday, February 12, 2027 ($2,000)
- Friday, March 19, 2027 ($2,000)
REMINDER- Second Credit Payment for Photography students: Friday, Dec. 18, 2026 ($300.00 via e-transfer)
Other costs related to the trip (NOT included with the total cost): city taxes and gratuities. We will discuss and give information at scheduled parental meetings.
Cancellation Fees:
- Cancellation by or before 11:59 p.m. on January 22, 2027: full refund of all money paid except the initial $500. Cancellations will be accepted only via e-mail from the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) to angelo.diianni@gmail.com and frank@ventrescatravel.ca. The cancellation will take effect on the date that the written notice of cancellation is received.
- Cancellation on January 23, 2027, and thereafter: 100% non-refundable. (Travel cancellation insurance rules will become operational)
PRE-DEPARTURE MEETINGS
Students are expected to participate in the following pre-departure classes to be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Grimsby, Ontario and submit assignments prior to the departure date.
- Saturday, May 29, 2027 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm – all primary credit classes)
- Saturday, May 29, 2027 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – only Photography students)
- Saturday, June 5, 2027 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm – all primary credit classes)
- Saturday, June 12, 2027 (9:00 am to 1:00 pm – only Photography students)
Family Meetings:
Parent(s) / Legal Guardian(s) should make every effort to attend the general family meeting (the last prior to departure). This meeting will begin at 12:00 noon (after the student classes) on Saturday, June 5, 2027.
Hotel Rooms: The organizers expect to have the exact hotel room configurations by the end of May. Students will be facilitated in billeting with choice partners in the month of June. Rooms are usually in double, triple or quads accommodations. Staff has developed an online room selection which will be explained at the parental information meetings and at the May class time.
PLEASE NOTE:
We expect to confirm participation in the program on a timely basis with consideration of the priority list by application completion date.
The Summer Credit Program in Italy is subject to all Niagara Catholic District School Board policies, expectations and code of conduct.
All travel arrangements are made through Ventresca Travel Agency TICO #1375988.
VIRTUAL INFORMATION MEETING (TBA):
A virtual information meeting for parents and students interested in the program will be scheduled in late October or early November. Pre-registration will be required by the Niagara Catholic District School Board (organizing board) to participate in the information session. Please monitor the Hamilton Dante Centre website for details including the registration form. All who register will receive an email with the access code for the planned Zoom meeting.
SUMMER CREDIT PROGRAM IN ITALY – July 2027
Niagara Catholic District School Board with the assistance of the Hamilton Dante Centre - Program Details
This summer credit program in Italy has earned a great reputation since its inception in July 1995. In that year the predecessor Board of the Niagara Catholic District School Board and its staff requested and approved the collaboration of the Hamilton Dante Centre (a not-for-profit organization whose mandate was to promote Italian language and culture) to facilitate the organization of the “Study/Travel High School programme” briefly described in the following comments.
Over the years, the objective has been to organize and offer a unique study and travel opportunity in a superior, competitive and more affordable programme when compared to other for-profit travel / study companies.
In previous years, the enrolment numbers have reached as many as 85 students. In recent years, we have limited the enrollment number to approximately 60 participants (14 – 18 years of age). Students from across the province of Ontario, who are enrolled in any Catholic, Public, and Private High School are entitled to apply and be considered for participation.
The Niagara CDSB (NCDSB) hires Ontario qualified staff to supervise and teach (the Ministry of Education approved credit courses offered in the Study/Travel programme) through a contractually approved process.
NOTE: Applications for Summer Travel/Credit Courses in Italy 2027 are now open!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY USING GOOGLE APPLICATION FORM
*Earn 1 or 2 Credits* – Your choice
Students may earn up to two (2) High School credits only if they add “Photography/Digital Media” with another primary credit course.
Students must select a primary credit course from the course offerings listed below and must also select an alternate primary course (second-choice) in the event their first choice is unavailable because of a lack of enrolment. Note: Parents will be informed if their first choice is unavailable.
Students who wish to earn a second credit may take Photography/Digital Media in conjunction with their primary credit course. This Photography/Digital Media course is offered to everyone that enrols in a primary course.
NOTE: All courses are part of the secondary school curriculum of the Province of Ontario and valid for graduation, scholarships etc.
Courses offered depending on enrolment.
PRIMARY COURSES:
ENGLISH:
- ENG 3U1 – Gr. 11, University Preparation
- ENG 3C1 – Gr. 11, College Preparation
- ENG 4U1 – Gr. 12, University Preparation
- ENG 4C1 – Gr. 12, College Preparation
ITALIAN:
- LWI BD1 – Level 1, Beginner’s Italian
- LWI CU1 – Level 2, Intermediate Italian
- LWI DU1 – Level 3, Advanced Italian
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (new offering)
- BBB4M1 – open and no prerequisite required
CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION:
- LVV 4U1 – Classical Civilization, University Preparation
SECOND CREDIT COURSES:
PHOTOGRAPHY/Digital Media (as a second credit only):
- TGP 3M1 – Gr. 11 Communications Technology, Photography, University/College Preparation
- TGP 4M1 – Gr. 12 Communications Technology, Photography, University/College Preparation
All students are required to provide proof of prerequisites by the end of June 2027. Students are encouraged to contact their Guidance Department to ensure they will have completed the required prerequisite(s) for their selected summer travel/credit course(s) by that time.
STUDENTS & PARENTS
Please note that information meetings will be held for those students and parents wishing more information and registering for the Summer Credit Programs in Italy. Dates and Time will be announced via e-mail.
TRAVEL DATES 2027
DEPARTURE: Air Transat #306 Toronto to Venice Friday, July 9, 2027
RETURN: Air Transat #309 Rome to Toronto Saturday July 31, 2027
GENERAL PROGRAM DETAILS
Fee Includes:
- Non-stop round-trip airfare Toronto to Venice – Rome to Toronto
- Canadian and Italian airport taxes, departure taxes, hotel taxes
- Air-conditioned luxury motor coaches throughout trip
- Accommodation in 4 *** and 3*** hotels
- All daily breakfasts, all dinners & most lunches
- All excursions on itinerary (i.e. Rome, Pompeii, Chieti, Sulmona, Excursion National Park in Abruzzo, Florence, Assisi, Pisa, Venice, Verona, etc.)
- All tours and entrance fees to museums, art galleries and monuments
- Culinary demonstrations in Sulmona
- Use of Italian High school classrooms as well as other sites
- Instruction by Ontario certified teachers as the study travel credit program is offered by the Niagara Catholic DSB
Fee does not include:
- Transportation to / from Toronto Pearson Airport
- Light lunches to save time when travelling (approx. 7)
- Cell phone usage (cost for phone plans)
- Non-instructional items for Photography students
- School supplies
- Purchase of items of a personal nature
- Trip Cancellation and Emergency Medical Insurance is mandatory and is included in total package cost for 2027
APPLICATION PROCESS / FEE:
Complete the online Google Form and click “SUBMIT” at the end of the form. Please ensure accuracy of the data, and use names as they appear on the student passport.
There is no fee for the online application. You will receive an email shortly after to confirm receipt of the application. Please note the online application will reserve a space in the Summer Credit Program, but the registration is not complete, and participation will not be confirmed until the first payment has been received.
The Niagara Catholic Board will require another formal application for Ministry of Education purposes. Students who have applied through the Google form will receive this additional application after the first payment.
Payments will be accepted only via e-transfer. This can be done through your banking institution by e-mailing the payment to travel@ventrescatravel.ca.
Please write name of student and “NCDSB Travel/Study Italy Program 2027” in the message box.
Note: The funds will be automatically deposited into the travel agency TRUST Account as per TICO regulations. Once the funds have been deposited, the Bank will send an acknowledgement to the payee. When all the payments have been made, Ventresca Travel will be pleased to give official receipts upon request.
Should you require further information regarding the payments, please feel free to contact Frank Ventresca (owner) at 1-800-866-7695 or at frank@ventrescatravel.ca.
Ensure all installment payments are made prior to or on the due dates (see schedule below) via e-transfer as indicated above: travel@ventrescatravel.ca.
Note: If you are taking Photography, e-transfer the additional fee ($300) on or before Friday, December 18, 2026.
PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE:
Total Cost: $8,300.00 per student (Photography – additional fee of $300)
Make the following payments by e-transfer before or on the deadline dates. Please place these dates on your calendars as reminders.
- Friday, November 27, 2026 ($500) (NOTE: This amount not refundable after December 4, 2026)
- Friday, December 18, 2026 ($1800) (+ $300 if Photography is chosen)
- Friday, January 22, 2027 ($2,000)
- Friday, February 12, 2027 ($2,000)
- Friday, March 19, 2027 ($2,000)
REMINDER- Second Credit Payment for Photography students: Friday, Dec. 18, 2026 ($300.00 via e-transfer)
Other costs related to the trip (NOT included with the total cost): city taxes and gratuities. We will discuss and give information at scheduled parental meetings.
Cancellation Fees:
- Cancellation by or before 11:59 p.m. on January 22, 2027: full refund of all money paid except the initial $500. Cancellations will be accepted only via e-mail from the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) to angelo.diianni@gmail.com and frank@ventrescatravel.ca. The cancellation will take effect on the date that the written notice of cancellation is received.
- Cancellation on January 23, 2027, and thereafter: 100% non-refundable. (Travel cancellation insurance rules will become operational)
PRE-DEPARTURE MEETINGS
Students are expected to participate in the following pre-departure classes to be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Grimsby, Ontario and submit assignments prior to the departure date.
- Saturday, May 29, 2027 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm – all primary credit classes)
- Saturday, May 29, 2027 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – only Photography students)
- Saturday, June 5, 2027 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm – all primary credit classes)
- Saturday, June 12, 2027 (9:00 am to 1:00 pm – only Photography students)
Family Meetings:
Parent(s) / Legal Guardian(s) should make every effort to attend the general family meeting (the last prior to departure). This meeting will begin at 12:00 noon (after the student classes) on Saturday, June 5, 2027.
Hotel Rooms: The organizers expect to have the exact hotel room configurations by the end of May. Students will be facilitated in billeting with choice partners in the month of June. Rooms are usually in double, triple or quads accommodations. Staff has developed an online room selection which will be explained at the parental information meetings and at the May class time.
PLEASE NOTE:
We expect to confirm participation in the program on a timely basis with consideration of the priority list by application completion date.
The Summer Credit Program in Italy is subject to all Niagara Catholic District School Board policies, expectations and code of conduct.
All travel arrangements are made through Ventresca Travel Agency TICO #1375988.
VIRTUAL INFORMATION MEETING (TBA):
A virtual information meeting for parents and students interested in the program will be scheduled in late October or early November. Pre-registration will be required by the Niagara Catholic District School Board (organizing board) to participate in the information session. Please monitor the Hamilton Dante Centre website for details including the registration form. All who register will receive an email with the access code for the planned Zoom meeting.
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