Yeah, talking to the organizing teacher was the first thing I tried. Unfortunately she is equally upset with the company as she now has to use personal days to cover for the two days of class the group is missing and has been unable to get them to change the dates back/get any sort of compensation. Also, you are correct, that is a large part of the deal. I would have booked his flights on my own and have him just meet the group in Italy if it wasn't for the group aspect. The goal (both mine and the teacher's) was to get the whole thing moved back to the original dates/form of transport (no bus for FCO-FLR) and if that failed somehow get a refund.