Italy Classes

Florence

Florence invented the art of civilized living back when the rest of Europe was mired in medievalism. We'll trace the birth and flowering of the artistic Renaissance at the Uffizi Gallery, look into the eyes of Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery, and get tips for experiencing many of the other cultural delights of this remarkable city.

Italy

Italy has Europe's richest, craziest culture. We'll travel from north to south, discovering cosmopolitan Milan, time-tripping Venice, serene lakes, alpine Dolomites, Renaissance Florence, quaint hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria, the Cinque Terre's rocky coastlines and tiny villages, and the eternal city of Rome.

Italy Q & A

Planning a trip to Italy? Ask questions just like you would during a private travel consultation, but for free. An Italy-travel expert will be on hand to help you plan the journey of a lifetime. Learn about when and where to go and how long to stay, money-saving tips, transportation options, and more.

Italy's Renaissance Treasures

In Italy, the 15th century saw a rebirth of the arts, and learning, that soon spread to become a revolution of ideas throughout Europe. Discover what makes a painting, building, or sculpture "Renaissance," and get tips for enjoying the works of artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael. We'll examine the rich legacy of Renaissance art you can see today in Florence, Rome, and Venice, and side trip to some lesser-known destinations as well.

Milan & the Lakes

Milan is today's Italy. The nation's fashion, industrial, banking, TV, publishing, and convention capital. We'll explore Milan's showpiece cathedral, Sforzesco castle, old canal port, Romanesque churches, hidden courtyards, and more. We'll also take a side trip to the lovely Italian lakes district.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast

Italy intensifies as you plunge deeper into its south. We'll take a look at the lively, untamed energy of today's Napoli, where Italy's opera tradition first thrived, yet poverty still abounds; where pizza is king and life is lived out on the street. Along the nearby Amalfi Coast, we'll explore Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri, and the thrills and chills of the region's best cliff-hugging coastal drive.

Photographing Your Italy Trip

Even beginners can return from Italian travels with great photographs to capture and share your experience. This class will offer photo tips and examples for some of Italy's top stops, including Venice, Florence, Rome, and the Cinque Terre.

Rome

This city of beautiful chaos is Italy's political capital, the capital of Catholicism, and the center of its ancient empire, littered with evocative remains. We'll peel away the layers of 3,000 years of Roman history through the sights of this great city, from the Colosseum, Forum, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to the bubbling Bernini fountains, cafés, and boutique shops of modern Rome.

Rome Beyond the Basics: Art & History

With nearly 3,000 years of history, Rome can be overwhelming and exhausting. We'll discuss some key ideas designed to enrich your visit and share tips to help you navigate the artistic splendors of the Eternal City with ease and pleasure.

Rome Q & A

Planning a trip to Rome? Ask questions just like you would during a private travel consultation, but for free. An expert will be on hand to help you plan the Roman adventure of a lifetime. Learn about when to go and how long to stay, sightseeing and transportation options, money-saving tips, and more.

Sicily

Standing midway between Africa and Europe, Sicily really is a world unto itself. Enjoy a trip around Italy's most colorful island as we discuss its distinctive culture, crafts, and history. From Taormina to Palermo, we'll take a look at the steamy power of Mount Etna, Italy's brightest pottery and boldest wines, amazing ancient Greek ruins, and picture-perfect seaside villages.

Venice

Centuries of visitors have been deeply stirred by Venice's atmosphere of elegant decay, reveling in the fading beauty of what was once the richest city in the Western world. From masterpieces by hometown boys Titian and Tintoretto to sun-dappled palaces and exotic-feeling churches, to tiny cicchetti bars and evening gondola rides, we'll cover the must-see sights as well as some hidden nooks and crannies of this romantic city on the lagoon.

Venice, Florence & Rome

Italy's three greatest cities are like fine gelato cone, each distinct flavor complementing the others. We'll visit each stop's must-see sights and learn about how they've shaped the rest of the Western world. Along the way we'll wander through 3,000 years of great art and history, from ancient Rome to the Florentine Renaissance and the Golden Age of Venice.

Village Italy

A visit to Italy's lush coasts and medieval inland towns packs a triple-whammy of scenic thrills, rich history, and dolce vita relaxation. We'll explore Italy's rural charms with visits to the cliff-hugging villages along the Cinque Terre, St Francis' Assisi, the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria, and lakeside towns in the north, with tips for enjoying the country's rich blend of wine-cellared villages, pastoral vistas, artisan shops, and button-popping home-cooked meals.

Walking Italy's Pilgrimage Paths

There's no more exhilarating way to appreciate central Italy's forested hills, valleys of olive orchards, and scenic medieval villages than up close and on foot. We'll take a virtual stroll along either the Via di Francesco — the Way of St. Francis, the 340-mile route from Florence to Assisi and Rome — or the longer Via Francigena, which winds through Italian regions like Tuscany en route to Rome. For either path we'll share tips on what to pack, when to go, and places to stay along the way. We'll also give some insights on training for these physically demanding journeys, so that you can thrive (not just survive) during your adventure.