Students are provided with the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Italy under the guidance and leadership of members of our faculty. The locations are selected not only due to their relevance to the program curriculum (e.g. Rome, Florence, Padua, Pisa, Assisi, and San Gimignano), but also for their international popularity, not to mention Italy’s culinary and oenological traditions (e.g. Cinque Terre, Venice, etc.) and, of course, Italian fashion and style. Needless to say, only some of these sites will be visited during the different programs (e.g. semester, summer program, etc.).
Rome
Students will spend 2-3 days in Rome, the capital city of Italy, where they will take a journey through Italian history. Visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Having a dinner in one of the restaurants situated in Campo dei Fiori eating a local pasta dish, such as “Spaghetti alla Carbonara” or “Bucatini alla Matriciana,” will combine to create a memorable trip for our students!
Florence
Only an hour away from Siena, Florence is the capital of the Italian Renaissance. Together we will explore its treasures (e.g. the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, Cathedral, Baptistry, and a climb up to the top of the Duomo) and admire the beauty of this world-famous city. Shopping in some of Florence’s famous markets and artisan workshops or eating a “Fiorentina” (T-bone steak) while enjoying a glass of red wine is the best way to conclude the trip.
Padua
Padua is one of our students’ favourite destinations, not only for the importance it holds thanks to the presence of Giotto’s most renowned masterpiece (the Scrovegni Chapel), but also for its history and tradition. It is also the seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Sipping a coffee or drink inside the famous “Caffè Pedrocchi” (the cafè without a door) will be an experience to delight all the senses.
Venice
During this trip, students will explore the different faces of this city on the lagoon: Venice the inimitable, with its landmarks between the sea and the sky; Venice the Romantic, with its iconic gondolas; and Venice the Original, with its art and handcrafted goods, such as Murano glass and Carnival masks. Being serenaded by the orchestra in Piazza San Marco while drinking a spritz at sunset will add a fascinating touch to the visit.
Assisi
Famous worldwide as the the birthplace of St. Francis and for the grandeur of the basilica that houses some of the most impressive masterpieces of the early Renaissance (works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, etc.)