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Catawba College History of Nursing Tour in Italy, Switzerland and Germany

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Tour leader
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Dates
11 Apr
21 Apr
2027

Delve into the remarkable story of Florence Nightingale, uncover centuries of medical history, and explore some of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

Begin in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence, where you will immerse yourself in its art, architecture and exquisite cuisine for five nights. Engage with the city’s fascinating medical history and trace its origins back to Roman times. Honour Nightingale’s legacy with a visit to her birthplace, a villa set in the picturesque Tuscan countryside.

Continue to Basel, Switzerland’s art and cultural capital, and enjoy leisure time along the serene banks of the Rhine. Follow the river north on a scenic train journey to Kaiserswerth, Düsseldorf’s charming, Baroque neighbourhood. Spend a day exploring the Kaiserswerth Diakonie site and stay at the former Kaiserswerth Sisterhood and Deaconess Institution, now a hotel, where Florence Nightingale devoted herself to her profession and honed her skills in what she described as “the finest of Fine Arts.”

This itinerary includes curated experiences led by skilled guides and speakers. With excellent accommodation, cuisine and regional wines, there is ample opportunity to savour the flavours, scenery and atmosphere of each historic destination.

Please note - this is a private tour exclusive to members of Catawba College.
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Reference:
ITA0427-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Nursing
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Nights
10
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Countries
3
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Florence
Sunday
,
11
April
Arrive at the city centre Executive Hotel Firenze. Check in and at leisure. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
2
Florence
Monday
,
12
April
Walking tour of Florence, see the Piazza della Repubblica, wander narrow streets into the open Piazza della Signoria and visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, where Galileo is buried. At leisure for lunch before visiting the Great Museum of the Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery and the Crypt of Santa Reparata.
3
Florence
Tuesday
,
13
April
In the morning tour the eclectic Museum of Natural History, La Specola. At leisure for lunch, followed by a visit to the magnificent Boboli Gardens, cultivated by the Medici family.
4
Florence
Wednesday
,
14
April
Walk to the ornate Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, considered the world’s oldest pharmacy. Continue to the Museo degli Innocenti, an exquisitely preserved Renaissance orphanage that now exhibits important artworks, including Botticelli’s Madonna with the Child and an Angel. At leisure.
5
Florence
Thursday
,
15
April
Scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to Villa La Colombaia, Nightingale’s birthplace. Surrounded by rolling hills, this historic villa offers a glimpse into the early life of the pioneering nurse and social reformer. At leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.
6
Basel
Friday
,
16
April
Depart Florence by train for Basel. Arrive and transfer to the hotel before dinner at a local restaurant.
6
Florence / Basel
Saturday
,
17
April
A walking tour of Basel, including the vibrant city centre with its charming buildings and lively Marktplatz. Visit the Pharmacy Museum and the Anatomical Museum to explore centuries of medical history.
8
Basel / Kaiserswerth
Sunday
,
18
April
Depart by train and follow the Rhine to Düsseldorf, arrive and transfer to Kaiserswerth, a charming and affluent district north of the city centre. Receive a tour overview from the tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant in Kaiserswerth.
9
Kaiserswerth
Monday
,
19
April
Take a guided tour of the Kaiserswerth Diakonie site, established in 1836 as the world’s first deaconess motherhouse. Visit the house where Florence Nightingale lived, the motherhouse, cemetery, and museum. Visit the Florence Nightingale Hospital to meet specialists and learn about its pioneering role in nursing care.
10
Kaiserswerth
Tuesday
,
20
April
Take a panoramic mini cruise into Düsseldorf. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Altstadt, a compact area of landmarks. At leisure for lunch in the local market and to explore at your own pace. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional brewery in the old town.
11
Kaiserswerth
Wednesday
,
21
April
Transfer to the airport.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Commemorate the legacy of Florence Nightingale, explore three European cities and their medical histories. Start in Florence, travel by train to Basel and follow the Rhine river to the German neighbourhood Kaiserswerth.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Florence Nightingale Krankenhaus
Kaiserswerther

Visit the Florence Nightingale hospital and talk to specialists there to learn about the leading role of nursing care.

Diakonie site
Kaiserswerth

Wander the idyllic grounds and visit the house where Florence Nightingale lived, as well as the motherhouse, the cemetery and the museum.

Engage with Europe's fascinating medical history
Florence

Visit the ornate Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella and the eclectic Museum of Natural History, La Specola in Florence.

Villa Colombaia
Tuscany

Celebrate Florence Nightingale's legacy with a visit to Villa Colombaia, her birthplace.

Switzerland's culture capital
Basel

Spend two nights in the picturesque Rhine-side city of Basel.

Explore the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence
Florence

Immerse yourself in its art, architecture and exquisite cuisine.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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