ASA Excursions from Florence
To understand a country in greater depth, including its history and its culture, it’s important to head out of your host location. We plan some excursions to help you do just that (and you’re welcome, of course, to venture off on your own during your breaks and weekends).
If you’re spending a semester abroad in Florence, you’ll have two overnight trips included in your program. Summer programs include one day trip.
Excursions planned for each program vary, but past terms have included visits to:
VENICE
(Overnight trip)
One of Italy’s most popular destinations, we’re always excited to take our students to Venice. We’ll head northeast to the group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by more than 400 bridges. You’ll love riding along the waterways on a classic Venetian gondola and exploring this charming city with its historic buildings, the famous Bridge of Sighs, and the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica.
ROME
(Overnight trip)
Of course, a trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the capital city! Rome, nicknamed “The Eternal City” has a history spanning an incredible 28 centuries. You’ll see the most famous landmarks: the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and so much more, as well as some hidden gems known by locals. Our students love walking the streets familiar from Lizzie McGuire, Ocean’s Twelve, Eat Pray Love, Roman Holiday, and many other favorite films and series.
CINQUE TERRE & TORINO
(Overnight trip)
Perched on the Italian Riviera with beautiful terraces overlooking the dramatic and rugged coastline, a trip to Cinque Terre is an unforgettable experience. These five fishing villages have been a World Heritage since 1997 and are connected by paths that hug the cliffsides. From Cinque Terre, you’ll head to Torino which many consider to be the capital of the Alps. You’ll find yourself in stately cafes with art-nouveau décor, walking down boulevards lined with trees, and in the home of the iconic Italian car – the Fiat.
ASSISI & PERUGIA
(Overnight trip)
On this trip, we’ll begin our adventures in Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis with views of the wooded Monte Subasio rising above us. Then we’ll be on our way to Perugia, the capital of Umbria and an art history gem. It’s a city with a rich history as well as an international student population. We’ll explore its cobbled alleyways, beautiful piazzas, and Gothic mansions. Be sure not to miss the famous gianduja (a hazelnut-chocolate spread that is like Nutella, but so much better!).
SIENA
(Day trip)
A likely day trip will take you to Siena where the city’s historic center is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its horse racing which has taken place, along with jousting, since medieval times. You’ll visit the Palio de Siena which is the current grounds for the races. You’ll also visit the 12th-century Siena Cathedral which has floors that are works of art in themselves with elaborate inlaid marble pictorials of Biblical themes alongside Greek and Roman mythical figures.
Which one sounds like the most exciting to you?