Italy & Greece 2025: Our Time in Firenze

Greetings fellow travel enthusiasts!

We have wrapped up our first week of the program in the heart of the Renaissance: Firenze!

From the moment we arrived, the city swept us into its tapestry of history, art, and culture. Every cobblestone street seemed to tell a story, and each turn revealed a masterpiece - from the awe-inspiring Duomo to the timeless elegance and colour of the Ponte Vecchio.

Our classes commenced the day after settling into our charming hotel located in the city-centre. English classes continued with their unit on short stories before moving into their novel study and studies in drama. My photography class has since been getting upwards of 15,000 steps each day as we traverse the beauty, architecture, and people of this city I once used to call home.

On Wednesday, our group boarded an early morning train bound for the canals of Venezia. Rising and shining, we walked through the early morning dawn as the San Lorenzo leather market came to life. The scenic ride carried students through the rolling Italian countryside before disembarking into a world seemingly suspended in time.

We wandered through narrow alleyways, crossed the many bridges, and took in the storied charm of this floating city. At the heart of our visit stood the magnificent Piazza San Marco, where students visited the Basilica and watched gondolas drift past the historic Doge’s Palace. After a full day of exploring Venice’s beauty and atmosphere, students and staff returned to Florence by evening - tired but inspired.

"Venice exceeded my expectations and really captures the beauty of Italy. We had a beautiful tour of the majestic basilica, in a city which transported us to another world. Along with the iconic canals and the vibrant colours, Venice truly is one of my highlights this summer."

— Wilder

We've wandered through world-class museums like the Accademia, where standing face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David was nothing short of breathtaking. In between our academic sessions, we've enjoyed long walks along the Arno River, indulged in fresh gelato, and sipped coffees in charming piazzas while watching the world go by.

Evenings have been filled with lively dinners, where we've tasted authentic Italian cuisine and shared laughs over plates of cacio e pepe, arancini, and rigatoni all contadina. Each day in Florence has deepened our appreciation for Italian art, language, and la dolce vita. Students have signed out in the evenings in their groups and have been impressively on time, each time. I am super impressed with the responsibility they've shown us. 

"I love how the street musicians bring Florence to life. I found it interesting how they were playing music that made it relevant to us while still being away from home. The talent of these artists is truly incredible. I enjoyed learning about the history of Michaelangelo's David and how he took what was supposed to be a fractured slab of marble and turned it into one of the most renowned pieces of art in the world."

— Steve

Pretty soon, we will be making a monumental walk up to one of the most picturesque places in all of Florence: Piazzale Michaelangelo. This viewpoint will give us an entire panorama of the city with the iconic Duomo standing out in the distance. Be sure to FaceTime your child(ren) in the next hour for a moment that will last a lifetime. 

Next stop: more Tuscan treasures await! But Florence will always hold a special place in our hearts as the perfect beginning to this unforgettable journey. 

Yours in Florence, 
Nicholas