Italy - Activities & Trips

Around Italy, Around the Town  Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by history, architecture, beauty and friendliness; from the picturesque views from Piazzale Michelangelo to the magnificent Duomo. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is surrounded by the gorgeous hills of the Chianti wine region, historic and hip towns of the Tuscan countryside and is within an easy drive of sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. Its superb location also makes it easy to visit both Venice and Rome on the weekends.

Weekend Road Trips (Included in Tuition)

Venice Celebration Weekend  We travel from Florence to this remarkable floating city that’s comprised of 120 tiny islands and 177 canals, connected by over 400 bridges! We’ll also meander through narrow streets (pedestrians only, no cars) on our way to the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, The Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and climb to the top of the Campanile Tower for spectacular views of the Venetian Lagoon. We’ll see an amazing demonstration of Murano glass blowing, feast on incredible Italian food, and have gelato near St. Marks Square! Includes hotel accommodations with private bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Pisa & Lucca  A program in Tuscany would not be complete without a visit to the Torre Pendente, Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pisa’s main draw is its leaning bell tower which lies in one of Italy’s most stunning squares (Campo dei Miracoli). Students will also visit the beautifully preserved town of Lucca, renowned for its amazing olive oil and its beautifully preserved walls around the city. Students have the opportunity to take a fun bike ride around these walls.

Viareggio Beach on the Mediterranean Sea  A sun-drenched beach with warm blue water surrounded by a delightful resort town. A promenade with countless shops and restaurants runs along this famous seaside retreat.

Siena  An excursion through the enchanting hills of the Chianti countryside. Upon arrival, we begin with a tour of the pedestrian Zona Centrale. We will climb stairs of Siena’s Duomo for breathtaking views of the hills and the famed fan-shaped Piazza del Campo.

Italian Fashion Outlet Shopping  Visit the outlets of the most prestigious designer labels in Italian fashion, including Gucci, Pucci, Fendi, Armani, and Valentino. During this excursion you will also enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Arno Valley.

Roman Holiday Excursion  There’s no escaping it: Rome is amazing! We’ll see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and marvel at the Pantheon. Throw three coins in the Trevi Fountain, shop by the Spanish Steps, and see the incredible Basilica of St. Peter’s in Vatican City. It’s hard to say what you’ll find most breathtaking about the eternal city - opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Piazza Navona, or the world’s best gelato!

Weekly Visits to Statue of David  A “Walk to Michelangelo’s David” is offered each week. We make a special evening visit to the Accademia, home of the David, when there are NO lines and we have the time and space to talk about the David. We start the walk at our hotel, pass the Piazza Signoria where the David stood for nearly 400 years. Then, we pass the Duomo, where the David was intended to be - on the roofline. We enjoy a special group dinner, al fresco, after the visit.

Optional Excursion: Bike Tour of Chianti  Half day bike tour in the hills of Chianti, arriving at a hilltop Tuscan village for a castle tour. Tour the wine cellar of a 12th century castle, taste their olive oil produced at the “Frantoio” family estate, and climb the tower of the castle for a spectacular panoramic view. Bike, safety helmet, and free water bottle supplied. Cycle along tree-lined avenues and winding country roads dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Friendly bilingual bike tour guide. Plenty of beautiful photo opportunities. Fee: 65 Euro (paid in Florence)

Activities On & Off Campus

Florence by Day

• Ponte Vecchio This medieval bridge over the Arno River features dozens of over-hanging shops, and is one of Florence’s most recognized sights. It is the only Florence bridge that survived WWII.
• Lungarno Beach The one and only beach in Florence along the Arno, right in front of our hotel. During the summer it is outfitted with lounge chairs, a volleyball court, and cabanas.
• Street Markets Galore Each shopping district of Florence has its own street markets, including leather, straw, clothing, and food markets.
• Piazzas Piazzas Piazzas These beautiful open squares are for gathering, markets, concerts, festivals, food and fun. Our favorites include the Piazza(s) della Repubblica, Santa Croce, and della Signoria.
• Il Duomo Cathedral Florence’s huge Cathedral (it can comfortably hold 20,000), bell tower and golden doors are great examples of Renaissance architecture.  Climb your way to the Top Earn the most spectacular views of the city by climbing up the steps of the dome of the Duomo or the bell tower.
• Hike in Fiesole Explore the hills that overlook Florence. See where Leonardo da Vinci first tested his theories of flight.
• Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace Two of the world’s most beautiful art museums. The Uffizi contains Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus," considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful painting.
• The Medici Chapels These incredibly ornate chapels are the legacy of the Medici family, patrons of the Renaissance.
• The Boboli Gardens A cool, green oasis in the middle of Florence. The perfect fresh air antidote to a hot summer day.
• Sinagoga Ebraica An unusual synagogue with playful Moorish architecture and an accompanying Jewish History Museum.

Florence by Night

• Central Park Dance Club This Florence institution has remained cool and hip for over 25 years. Dance the night away every week!
• Odeon Cinehall The place to see English language films on the big screen in a former palace.
• Karaoke Nights Let your inner performer out. Choose from hundreds of your favorite songs.
• Music Under the Stars Several piazzas host outdoor music performances throughout the summer.
• Piazzale Michelangelo On the dramatic hillside south of the Arno River this is the place to watch the sunset over Florence.
• Outdoor Concerts in the Piazza della Signoria The best of rock, jazz, funk and soul in a splendid medieval setting.
• Shop ‘til You Drop Designer shops and outdoor markets stay open until sunset. Enjoy!
• A Night at the Opera al Fresco Some are offered in the evening, under the stars in the famed Boboli Gardens.
• Journal, Sketchbook, and Scrapbook Making
• Acting and Playwriting Workshop
• Venetian Mask Making
• Italian Jewelry Making