Purdue leaves for Italy Aug. 7

Purdue's plans for its exhibition tour of Italy this summer are finalized, with the Boilermakers set to leave Aug. 7 and return Aug. 17.

The tour will include four games and include stops in Rome, Florence, Venice and Lake Como.

Two games will be played in Rome and one apiece in Venice and Lake Como.

Prior to departing, Purdue will be allowed 10 full practices in preparation for the overseas trip, the Boilermakers' first international tour since it traveled to Australia in 2008.

Of particular significance this year with this trip is the fact that NCAA regulations have now changed to allow newcomers to travel overseas with their teams, so a Purdue team that could have as many as six new players can bring its full roster on the tour.

Per an athletic department release, the John Purdue Club is inviting supporters of the Purdue men's basketball program to accompany the team on its Italian tour.

The price breakdown is as follows*:

Including round-trip airfare from Chicago O'Hare

Double: $6,000 per person for JPC members, $6,200 per person for non-JPC members

Single: $4,500 for JPC members, $4,700 for non-JPC members

Ground only

Double: $4,500 per person for JPC members, $4,700 per person for non-JPC members

Single: $6,000 for JPC members, $6,200 for non-JPC members

*Tour price based on 20 travelers.

The price of the trip includes nine nights in first-class hotels around Italy, charter bus for all ground transportation, daily breakfast at the hotel, game tickets to all games, sightseeing tours as listed on the itinerary, a welcome reception, special John Purdue Club dinner nights, a tour gift and a John Purdue Club tour host.

Reservations for the trip need to be made by June 1 by contacting Darling Travel at (800) 225-2834, (765) 743-2116 or Claudia@darlingtravel.com.