French Riviera to Venice

Highlights

This course will explore history and culture through all five senses: the sight, sound, scent, taste, and touch of southern France and northern Italy. We’ll start by exploring the art of Van Gogh in Arles, alongside an ancient Roman amphitheater and 10th century castle ruins, complete with trebuchet demonstrations. Next, it’s on to Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera for a cooking course (the art of French cuisine), famous gardens, hiking, and visits to Nice and Monaco. Then we’ll arrive at Cinque Terre in Italy, five coastal villages famous for fishing, pesto, beaches, and incredible sea views from hiking trails. Traveling northward, we’ll stop in Milan on our way to Varenna, seeing Da Vinci’s Last Supper, hearing world-class music and experiencing the Milan Cathedral. After exploring Varenna’s historical villas and sites on Lake Como, we’ll end our trip in Venice: gondolas, St. Mark’s Cathedral, nearby island towns, and swimming in the Mediterranean.

With five main locations to stay in, this study tour is geared towards students who would benefit from a slightly slower-paced trip. Day trips still give students opportunities to see a wide variety of places. And this tour gives a balanced experience of many aspects of culture: contemporary and historical, urban and rural, plus food, nature, art and music.

Registration process View all trips