Experience Italy Beyond the Field

About

Trip Highlights & What to Expect

On this unforgettable journey through Italy, athletes and families will experience an incredible combination of international softball, ancient history, artistic treasures, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable travel experiences.

The journey takes travelers through some of Italy’s most celebrated destinations, from the historic streets of Rome and the wonders of Vatican City to the artistic beauty of Florence and the picturesque canals of Venice. Along the way, the group will experience the rich history, culture, and scenery that make Italy a bucket-list destination.

From the wonders of Ancient Rome and the iconic Colosseum to the masterpieces of Michelangelo and the beauty of the Tuscany Valley, this trip brings together unforgettable experiences both on and off the field.

Trip Highlights

• Explore the iconic Colosseum in Rome and immerse yourself in the history of Ancient Rome.

• Visit Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

• Discover the artistic wonders of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.

• Experience the charm of Venice, with its picturesque canals, gondolas, and historic landmarks.

• Explore the beauty of the Tuscany Valley, from home-grown vineyards to unforgettable scenery.

This is an Active Tour

Italy is best experienced on foot! Travelers should expect a significant amount of walking throughout this itinerary, including uneven streets, cobblestones, stairs, hills, and extended walking tours.

Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles per day.

This itinerary may not be appropriate for individuals with significant mobility limitations. ABSA does not provide or facilitate alternative transportation for travelers who are unable or choose not to participate in scheduled walking portions of the itinerary.

We generally recommend this tour for children over the age of 10.

If you have questions regarding the physical requirements of the trip, please contact Casey at 817-637-5299 before registering.

Travel Expectations

International travel is part of the adventure!

When traveling outside the United States, you will experience different customs, traditions, foods, accommodations, sporting facilities, transportation systems, and ways of life. Things may not always operate or look exactly as they do at home—and that's part of experiencing another country.

Gyms, fields, facilities, equipment, competition levels, match formats, and game-day experiences may differ from what athletes are accustomed to in the United States.

Some games may be highly competitive, while others focus more on cultural exchange, sportsmanship, and sharing our love of softball with athletes from another country.

Regardless of the opponent or facility, ABSA athletes are representing their team, their families, the United States, and ABSA. We expect athletes and travelers to approach every experience with respect, flexibility, and a spirit of adventure.

We encourage you to research your destination to enhance your experience. Tools like Google Street View are a great way to explore the area in advance.

Traveling With Children

All travelers under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian unless an alternative arrangement has been specifically approved by ABSA.

Parents and legal guardians remain responsible for the supervision of their minor traveler throughout the tour.

Protect Your Trip

Travel insurance is strongly encouraged for all ABSA travelers.

ABSA does not provide individual or group travel insurance. Travelers may purchase coverage from the provider of their choice.

ABSA partners with InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison platform that allows travelers to compare plans from multiple insurance providers and select coverage appropriate for their individual needs.

When comparing policies, travelers may want to consider coverage for:

• Trip cancellation

• Trip interruption

• Airline delays or cancellations

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Illness or injury

• Medical treatment while traveling internationally

• Emergency medical transportation or evacuation

• Other unexpected circumstances that could affect travel

Coverage varies significantly between policies. Travelers should carefully review the policy's terms, exclusions, coverage limits, and eligibility requirements before purchasing.

We recommend speaking directly with a licensed travel insurance representative if you have questions about the coverage appropriate for your circumstances.

Purchasing travel insurance is the individual traveler's responsibility.

International Travel Documents

A valid passport is required for international travel.

To travel to Italy, you must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling to any destination outside the United States are required to present a valid U.S. passport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.

Each traveler is responsible for ensuring they have all documentation necessary to enter Italy, transit through any connecting country, and return to the United States.

Requirements may include:

• A valid passport

• Required passport validity

• Visa or travel authorization, when applicable

• Transit documentation

• Entry or exit forms

• Documentation required when traveling with minors

• Any additional requirements established by the destination or transit country

The name on your airline reservation must match your travel documents.

Entry and transit requirements can change. Travelers should verify the current requirements applicable to their citizenship, itinerary, and connecting countries well before departure.

U.S. citizens should review current international travel and destination information through the U.S. Department of State at https://travel.state.gov

Travelers who are citizens of another country should verify requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate.

Failure to obtain required documentation may result in denied boarding or denied entry and does not qualify a traveler for a refund from ABSA.

Travel and entry requirements are subject to change. Travelers are responsible for verifying current requirements before departure.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All trip deposits and balance payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

A $250 non-refundable deposit per traveler is required to secure a place on the tour.

Because unexpected circumstances can prevent travel, ABSA strongly encourages travelers to consider appropriate travel insurance.

Payments

ABSA offers several options to make international travel more manageable:

• Payment Plan: Remaining payments are divided according to the payment schedule provided during registration.

• Automatic Payments: Scheduled payments may automatically draft from the payment method provided during registration.

• Affirm Financing: Financing may be available for eligible travelers.

• Fundraising: Travelers are welcome to utilize fundraising opportunities to help offset their individual trip costs.

All balances must be paid according to the established payment schedule to maintain your reservation.

Please Do Not Book Flights Yet

Airfare is not included in the tour price.

ABSA will provide the official arrival airport, departure airport, travel dates, and required arrival/departure time windows once flight parameters are finalized.

⚠️ Warning⚠️:

Do not book a roundtrip

• This trip starts and ends in different cities.

• When booking your flights, do not select a round-trip flight. Instead, search for a Multi-City itinerary so you can enter a different airport for your arrival and departure.

• A Multi-City booking allows you to fly into your starting city and depart from your ending city, rather than returning to the original airport. Multi-City flights are also often less expensive than purchasing two separate one-way tickets.

📍 Arrival: Flights from the United States will arrive in Rome, Italy.
📍 Departure: Return flights to the United States will depart from Florence, Italy.

This is an open-jaw itinerary, meaning the tour begins in one city and ends in another.

Do not purchase a traditional round-trip ticket unless you independently arrange and pay for transportation from Florence back to Rome at the conclusion of the tour.

Once ABSA releases the official flight parameters, travelers may:

• Book flights directly with the airline of their choice.

• Use airline miles or credit-card points.

• Arrive before the official tour begins.

• Extend their stay after the tour.

• Coordinate flights with other ABSA travelers.

Travelers who choose flights outside ABSA's designated arrival or departure parameters are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to meet or depart from the group.

Important:

Please wait for official ABSA flight parameters before purchasing non-refundable airfare.

Experience the magic of Italy on a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with international softball, rich history, incredible art, and unforgettable adventures. Explore the ancient wonders of Rome, including the iconic Colosseum and the breathtaking Vatican City. Discover the artistic beauty of Florence, see Michelangelo’s David, and take in the picturesque canals and historic charm of Venice. From the beauty of the Tuscany Valley and its vineyards to the unforgettable experiences waiting both on and off the field, this is a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Compete internationally. Experience the Dominican Republic with your family. Build friendships with softball players from across the United States and abroad. ABSA tours combine sport, culture, connection, and adventure to create experiences that go far beyond the field.

Sample itinerary. Activities, competition schedules, accommodations, transportation, and order of events are subject to change.

Begin your Italian adventure in Venice, where iconic canals, historic landmarks, and centuries-old craftsmanship set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Explore San Marco’s Square, witness the artistry of a traditional glass-blowing demonstration, and experience Venice from the water on a classic gondola ride.

Day 1- Fly USA-Venice, Italy 

Day 2: Venice

• Explore the unique charm of Venice, including San Marco’s Square.

• Experience a glass-blowing demonstration at a renowned glass factory.

• Enjoy a classic gondola ride through Venice’s iconic canals.

Compete on the international stage in Parma while building connections and creating unforgettable memories with teams from around the world. Between games, enjoy time together at the field, share meals, and celebrate the tournament experience with an award ceremony.

Day 3-6: Parma & Tournament

• Participate in the Italian Softball and Baseball Tournament in Parma.

• Opportunity to practice, compete, and connect with other teams.

• Share dinners and camaraderie with teams at the field.

• Celebrate the tournament’s conclusion at the award ceremony.

From the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa to the flavors of the Tuscan countryside, these two days are filled with unforgettable Italian experiences. Bake authentic pizza, enjoy a wine tasting at an Italian farm, then continue to Florence for incredible art, historic landmarks, and time to explore the city.

Day 7: Pisa, Pizza Baking & Wine Tasting

• Visit the charming town of Pisa and marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.

• Engage in a fun, hands-on pizza baking lesson and enjoy wine tasting at an authentic Italian farm.

Day 8: Florence

• Discover the beauty of Florence, the capital of Tuscany, on a guided city tour.

• Visit the Accademia Gallery and see Michelangelo’s Statue of David.

• Enjoy free time for shopping and exploration.

Journey through some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, from the picturesque charm of Assisi to the grandeur of Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral. Explore the wonders of Ancient Rome, stand before the legendary Colosseum, and enjoy time to take in Rome’s historic sites before saying farewell to Italy.

Day 8: Assisi & Rome

• Stop in the picturesque town of Assisi, known for its historical charm and connection to St. Francis.

• Explore the grandeur of Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome.

Day 9: Ancient Rome & Colosseum

• Tour Ancient Rome, including the iconic Colosseum.

• Enjoy free time to explore Rome’s historic sites and shop for souvenirs.

Day 10: Departure from Rome

• Say farewell to Italy and transfer to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) for your return flight.