Italy
27 October - 07 November 2024
My journey through Rome and beyond with Montessori Tours and Travel was nothing short of extraordinary.
Walking through its ancient streets feels like a living museum where history, art, and culture converge. With Roelie as our guide, these wonders took on a deeper significance, as she seamlessly connected them to the Montessori philosophy and Maria Montessori's pioneering work on a grassroots level including visiting spaces where Maria once worked in the medical field, and to the grounds of the Casa dei Bambini.
One of the tour's highlights was our visit to Perugia, an ancient hilltop city that played a pivotal role in Maria Montessori’s journey. The quaint streets and historic sites of Perugia exude old-world Italy, and it was, for me, the highlight of the tour to trace the footsteps of a woman whose vision truly came to fruition. Standing in places that once held space for Maria Montessori, such as the University for Foreigners and the Santa Croce Preschool, gave me a deep sense of connection to her legacy and its enduring relevance.
Within the region we also explored sites connected to Montessori’s work – and the tales shared showed that although Montessori herself was a pioneer in her field, she was also supported by other women in the community who also saw a vision for the betterment of the children within their villages.
It was incredible too to see how the Montessori approach can be applied in ways that I’d never considered before. I was blown away by our visit to a Montessori agricultural kindergarten, Agrinido Arca di Noè, located inside the Bagalini Farm. Here we observed toddlers spending their morning work cycle engaging in not just the prepared environment, but also wandering down the grape-vined hills into the farmyard where they assisted in feeding the livestock, collecting eggs and engaging with members of the retirement village who are driven to the kindergarten every other day to play with the children. As someone who is passionate about intergenerational care and connection, this was something that I’ve taken away with me to put in my “one-day” pocket, in the hopes of seeing this mirrored back home in Australia.
Roelie Hartwig’s expertise and passion for Montessori education added an enriching dimension to every moment of the tour. Her knowledge of Maria Montessori’s life and work is unparalleled, supported by her local guide Karin Slabaugh, as they effortlessly wove this history into our experiences. What sets Roelie apart, however, is her graciousness and genuine care for every traveller. She ensures that everyone feels included, comfortable, and supported, adapting the pace of the tour to meet individual needs without compromising the overall experience. Whether it was helping someone navigate the cobblestone streets or providing insightful context to a historical site, Roelie’s attentiveness made the journey feel personal.
Beyond the Montessori historical and educational aspects, the tour was quite the Italian experience. Indulging in the Italian cuisine was a daily highlight. From sipping cappuccinos in quaint cafes to indulging in authentic gelato (which we indulged a lot!), every shared meal was an experience in itself. The camaraderie among fellow Montessori travellers added to the joy, as we shared stories, laughter, and a collective appreciation for the wonders of Rome, Perugia and beyond.
This tour was more than a travel experience; it was a journey of discovery, and connection, which solidified my love and respect for Maria Montessori and her lasting legacy across the globe and what role I can play in the continuation of the Montessori method.
Roelie’s warmth, professionalism, and dedication made it unforgettable, and I am already looking forward to joining her on another adventure – there are so many to choose from! Whether you are a passionate Montessori educator, a Montessori history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore the world, a tour with Montessori Tours and Travel is an experience not to be missed.
Thank you, Roelie, for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Until our next journey!
Cara Morris,
Queensland Australia
Walking through its ancient streets feels like a living museum where history, art, and culture converge. With Roelie as our guide, these wonders took on a deeper significance, as she seamlessly connected them to the Montessori philosophy and Maria Montessori's pioneering work on a grassroots level including visiting spaces where Maria once worked in the medical field, and to the grounds of the Casa dei Bambini.
One of the tour's highlights was our visit to Perugia, an ancient hilltop city that played a pivotal role in Maria Montessori’s journey. The quaint streets and historic sites of Perugia exude old-world Italy, and it was, for me, the highlight of the tour to trace the footsteps of a woman whose vision truly came to fruition. Standing in places that once held space for Maria Montessori, such as the University for Foreigners and the Santa Croce Preschool, gave me a deep sense of connection to her legacy and its enduring relevance.
Within the region we also explored sites connected to Montessori’s work – and the tales shared showed that although Montessori herself was a pioneer in her field, she was also supported by other women in the community who also saw a vision for the betterment of the children within their villages.
It was incredible too to see how the Montessori approach can be applied in ways that I’d never considered before. I was blown away by our visit to a Montessori agricultural kindergarten, Agrinido Arca di Noè, located inside the Bagalini Farm. Here we observed toddlers spending their morning work cycle engaging in not just the prepared environment, but also wandering down the grape-vined hills into the farmyard where they assisted in feeding the livestock, collecting eggs and engaging with members of the retirement village who are driven to the kindergarten every other day to play with the children. As someone who is passionate about intergenerational care and connection, this was something that I’ve taken away with me to put in my “one-day” pocket, in the hopes of seeing this mirrored back home in Australia.
Roelie Hartwig’s expertise and passion for Montessori education added an enriching dimension to every moment of the tour. Her knowledge of Maria Montessori’s life and work is unparalleled, supported by her local guide Karin Slabaugh, as they effortlessly wove this history into our experiences. What sets Roelie apart, however, is her graciousness and genuine care for every traveller. She ensures that everyone feels included, comfortable, and supported, adapting the pace of the tour to meet individual needs without compromising the overall experience. Whether it was helping someone navigate the cobblestone streets or providing insightful context to a historical site, Roelie’s attentiveness made the journey feel personal.
Beyond the Montessori historical and educational aspects, the tour was quite the Italian experience. Indulging in the Italian cuisine was a daily highlight. From sipping cappuccinos in quaint cafes to indulging in authentic gelato (which we indulged a lot!), every shared meal was an experience in itself. The camaraderie among fellow Montessori travellers added to the joy, as we shared stories, laughter, and a collective appreciation for the wonders of Rome, Perugia and beyond.
This tour was more than a travel experience; it was a journey of discovery, and connection, which solidified my love and respect for Maria Montessori and her lasting legacy across the globe and what role I can play in the continuation of the Montessori method.
Roelie’s warmth, professionalism, and dedication made it unforgettable, and I am already looking forward to joining her on another adventure – there are so many to choose from! Whether you are a passionate Montessori educator, a Montessori history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore the world, a tour with Montessori Tours and Travel is an experience not to be missed.
Thank you, Roelie, for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Until our next journey!
Cara Morris,
Queensland Australia