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Green Innovation
Freiburg
The Ultimate Green City
Join political activist Giovanni, on a trip to understand how a city can embrace a sustainable future.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore sustainability in a European green city: Discover Freiburg's innovative initiatives and environmental commitment.
- Immerse in cutting-edge neighborhoods: Visit Vauban and learn about sustainable mobility solutions and ecological policies.
- Gain a deeper understanding: With the help of Giovanni, learn how Freiburg has embraced a sustainable future.
Fun Note: Italian will be spoken during this trip and beers will be ready to be drunk.
Accomodation
Located in the heart of Freiburg im Breisgau, just 700 meters from Freiburg Cathedral, Black Forest Hostel offers a cozy and convenient stay. We will have single beds available in dormitory-style rooms, offering a communal experience. The hostel features a shared lounge, free WiFi, and non-smoking rooms. It’s an ideal base for exploring the city, being only 1.6 km from Freiburg (Breisgau) Central Station and 5.1 km from Freiburg’s Exhibition and Conference Centre. For those planning a visit to Europa Park, the main entrance is just 40 km away. The hostel also provides a shared kitchen, perfect for preparing your own meals, and luggage storage for guests.
WHY PARTECIPATE?
- Make a difference: enhance your personal and professional growth by understanding sustainability models that can be applied in your own context.
- Experience authenticity: discover how a city can transform into a beacon of sustainability and be inspired by innovative solutions.
- Recharge: surrounded by the beauty of Freiburg and its environmental commitment, you'll have the opportunity to rejuvenate and find inspiration for future personal and professional challenges.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Food: 1 dinner at Veggie Liebe on Bertoldstraße 44, 1 lunch at SPICETRAILS, 1 breakfast at Café Bedda
- Accommodation: hostel 2 nights at Black Forest Hostel
- Transportation: bike rental
- Tour: city tour guided by Giovanni Mori
- Other: 24/7 ORMA coordinator availability, medical and baggage insurance
Note: The accommodation and restaurants may change depending on the number of participants.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Food: lunches and dinners, unless specified otherwise
- Accommodation: city tax
- Transportation: transfer to/from the airport, travel to and from Freiburg
- Other: trip cancellation insurance
- Anything not specified under "What's included"
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
Direzione Turistica APICAL Srl, Via Stretta 32, 25128 Brescia (BS). P.lva 03958620985 REA BS-577256 - SCIA 019363 of SUAP of Milano 2021. For more information, see the Terms & Conditions in the website footer.
Day 1 - Arrival in Freiburg and Meet Giovanni Mori
Our journey begins on Friday afternoon after lunch, as we gather in the beautiful city of Freiburg. We’ll kick off with a leisurely bike ride through the historic center, enjoying the charming streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. This area is rich in history and culture, offering a perfect introduction to Freiburg. Next, we’ll visit the Green City University Library (Universitätsbibliothek), a modern symbol of sustainability and innovation. This impressive building showcases Freiburg's commitment to eco-friendly practices, making it a key stop on our tour.
In the evening, we’ll head to Veggie Liebe on Bertoldstraße 44 for a delicious vegetarian dinner.
Note: We recommend using the train or bus for transportation to and from the destination whenever possible. Giovanni will be traveling by Flixbus to and from Milan, and others are welcome to join him for the journey.
Day 2 - Markets, Mobility, and Sustainable Industry
Saturday morning starts with a bike ride to the Münstermarkt, Freiburg’s bustling market located around the iconic cathedral. This market is a local favorite, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a lively atmosphere.
Our next stop is the Freiburger Verkehrs AG (VAG Zentrum), where we’ll learn about the city’s innovative public transportation system. Freiburg is known for its efficient and eco-friendly transit options, and this visit will give us insight into how the city keeps people moving sustainably.
In the afternoon, we’ll ride to the Green Industry Park, a hub for sustainable businesses and green technology in Freiburg. We’ll delve into how the city integrates industry with environmental consciousness, making it a leader in green innovation. Lunch will be at SPICETRAILS, where we can enjoy a flavorful meal before continuing our journey.
Our final stop for the day is the Rieselfeld district, a model of sustainable urban development. This area blends residential living with green spaces and eco-friendly infrastructure, offering a glimpse into the future of urban planning. After returning to the city center, the evening is free for you to explore Freiburg at your own pace. Feel free to join Giovanni for a beer!
Day 3 - Vauban and the Heliotrop
On Sunday, we’ll start the day with a light breakfast at Café Bedda and then bike over to the Vauban district, one of the most famous sustainable neighborhoods in the world. Here, we’ll take a tour to see how this community integrates green living into everyday life, from energy-efficient homes to car-free streets.
Our next stop is the Green City Hotel Vauban, which embodies the principles of sustainability in its design and operation. This hotel is a prime example of how hospitality can be both luxurious and eco-conscious.
Finally, if time permits, we’ll visit the Heliotrop, an innovative building designed by architect Rolf Disch. Known for its energy-positive design, the Heliotrop is a fitting conclusion to our exploration of Freiburg’s green initiatives. Our itinerary concludes around 3:00 PM, leaving you with the rest of the day to either explore more of Freiburg on your own or begin your journey home.
Engineer, Science Communicator, and Climate Activist - also because beer is highly at risk due to the climate crisis.
He graduated in Environmental Engineering and holds a Master’s in Energy Engineering from the University of Trento and the University of Bolzano. His thesis identified strategies to achieve zero CO2 emissions for the EPFL Lausanne campus, focusing on sustainable mobility, building practices, and innovative systems. In Italy, he helped establish the climate movement Fridays For Future in Brescia and Italy, eventually becoming the national spokesperson.
Since 2020, he has been a freelance consultant for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact and collaborates with Save the Planet APS on the Sustainable Cities and Communities project.
He is active in science communication, delivering talks and conferences on the subject: a speaker at TEDx Treviso in 2019, he has been touring with “Le città Invivibili” since 2020, and since 2021, he has been presenting the show “Bella la crisi climatica, ma non ci vivrei.”
Since 2019, he has hosted the podcast Emergenza Climattina, focusing on existing solutions. He is also a co-founder of the DestinazioneCOP project for Domani Editoriale, which covers climate negotiations. Currently, he hosts the daily podcast News dal Pianeta Terra for LifeGate, which ranked third in the News category at the Italian Podcast Awards in 2023.
Additional Info
Don’t listen to us, listen to them
We care about you as much as we care about the places we visit. That’s our promise.
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