Field Trips in Florence, Italy

FIELD TRIPS

Two trips are included each semester and one trip is included for a summer session.  Dstinations vary by semester and possible locations include:

• VENICE
• THE ALPS, VERONA AND THE GARDA LAKE
• NICE, MONTECARLO AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA: Cannes, St. Paul de Vence
• FOOD, WINES, AND ART OF THE RENAISSANCE: Assisi, Orvieto, San Gimignano, Montalcino
• VENICE AND THE COURTS OF THE RENAISSANCE: Mantua and Ferrara
• ROME
• PORTOFINO AND CINQUE TERRE
• CAPRI, SORRENTO AND POMPEII
• AREZZO, CORTONA, MONTEPULCIANO, AND PIENZA

DESCRIPTIONS

VENICE
Visit the island of Murano (called the island of glass factories) to assist in the work of glassmasters. Move on to the island of Burano, the most picturesque in the lagoon, to relax and take in the beauty.  Arrive in Venice and tour the city highlights including the famous Peggy Guggenheim art museum, Duke’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.  Enjoy free time to explore the city. 

HIKING ON THE ALPS, VERONA AND THE GARDA LAKE
Visit two of the most famous resorts of the Alps, located in the Trentino region.  Use the day to explore – optional activities include a free hiking tour and a free cableway excursion to the top of the Grosté Mountain. Visit the biggest Italian lake, Garda Lake, to enjoy walking, swimming, and taking in the beauty of the area.  Then go to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, to tour the city and enjoy its splendid monuments.

NICE, MONTECARLO AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Cannes, St. Paul de Vence
Enjoy and tour the beautiful port of Monte Carlo, located in the tiny country of Monaco, known for its lavish casinos and the world-famous Grand Prix.  Travel to the French city of Nice, home of some of the country’s best museums and pebbly beaches.  The tour continues to the beautiful village of St. Paul de Vence, and then on to the world-renown city of Cannes, located in the French Riviera.  Home to the Cannes Film Festival and packed with luxury boutiques, Cannes is considered to be one of the most elite and expensive areas in Europe.

MILAN AND THE COURTS OF THE RENAISSANCE: MANTUA AND FERRARA
Travel to a world-class city of culture and fashion, Milan.  Here, you will view such masterpieces as Leonardo’s “Last Supper.”  The tour continues on to Mantua, one of the most outstanding Renaissance cities of Italy.  Finally, the tour will arrive in Ferrara, a world-renown noble city of art and among the most important of Italy celebrated for its outstanding Renaissance monuments.

ROME AND THE VATICAN
Including the Sistine Chapel
Arrive in Rome, one of the world’s most famous and treasured historic and cultural gems.  Visit the Vatican area, including guided tours to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael’s Rooms.  Tour St. Peter’s Square and Basilica and the tomb of St. Peter and the popes buried below the Basilica.  Also enjoy a walking tour of such sites as the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, among others.

PORTOFINO AND CINQUE TERRE
Arrive in Camogli, one of the most picturesque and authentic fishermen’s villages.  Continue on by boat to the wonderful tiny village of San Fruttuoso, and then take a second transfer to Portofino, the internationally renowned pearl of Liguria.  Students will spend the night in Chiavari, a famous summer resort town right on the sea.  The following day students will travel to La Spezia and will be given a Train and Hiking daily pass for the Cinque Terre which allows you to take trains or hike between each of the villages.  One full day will be spent individually enjoying the sites of the area.

CAPRI, SORRENTO AND POMPEII

Arrive in Pompeii and tour the beautiful archaeological site with a professional guide.  Students will then go to Sorrento where they will taste special dishes from the Sorrentina Peninsula.  After dinner the group visits a local factory to taste local lemon based products.  The next morning the group goes to Capri and takes a boat trip around the island to view its beautiful sights and wondrous caves.  Students have the opportunity to enter and explore Blue Cave (entry into the cave is optional for an approximate additional 8.50Euro charge), one of these breathtaking natural wonders. 

AREZZO, CORTONA, MONTEPULCIANO, AND PIENZA
Arrive in Arezzo to tour the Duomo.  Continue on to Cortona for a short tour of the city and a tasting of local cuisine.  The excursion continues to Montepulciano where students will tour this beautiful medieval town and visit some old cellars with a wine tasting expert guide.  The tour departs for Pienza to visit the local cheese factory to explore how one of the most famous Italian milk cheeses is produced.  After the tour, students will participate in a local cheese, salami, and wine tasting.  Free time is available to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Pienza.

SWITZERLAND (ST. MORITZ) AND THE COMO LAKE
Arrive in Tirano, the Italian village at the foot of the Alps where the Bernina Express (the highest rail crossing in the Alps) begins.  Students take the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, Switzerland – this trip boasts countless jaw-dropping views from bridges, viaducts, and tight bends. Students will explore St. Moritz, one of the most renowned holiday resorts in the world where you will enjoy a typical Swiss dinner.  The group then heads to the jewel in the crown of Italy’s famous lakes, Lake Como, to take in its churches, cafes, restaurants, and local life.  PLEASE BRING YOUR PASSPORT ON THIS EXCURSION.