Arcadia Italy

A Welcome Aperitivo in Florence - September 4th 

To begin the semester, we host a welcome aperitivo for all students studying with Arcadia in Florence. Held in a stylish, centrally located venue, the event is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow students.

The aperitivo is more than just a pre-dinner drink, it's a beloved social ritual in Italy. Enjoy a light drink paired with finger foods in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, designed to help you connect and start your semester with the right foot!

Buongiorno perugia! - September 1st 

If you are an Arcadia student in Perugia, join us for a typical "cappuccino e cornetto". The event will take place on the first Monday of the program. It will be a great way to meet the Arcadia staff based in Italy and get to know each other. 

Your first pizza in Sorrento! - September 2nd 

Arcadia extends an invitation to all of our new students embarking on an exciting Fall 2025  at Sant’Anna Institute. A few days after your arrival, you’re welcome to partake in a free pizza night, a chat, a stroll in the picturesque cobblestone streets of Sorrento. It will be a moment to forge connections that will accompany you throughout your time here. We also hope to create space for you to meet fellow students in Sorrento, and begin this new chapter of life! 

a day in the countryside - September 27th

Step into the heart of the Italian countryside and experience a day rooted in tradition, simplicity and connection. This immersive day trip offers a genuine taste of rural life, its rhythm, its people and its deeply rooted cultural values.

We arrive at the farm around noon, welcomed with a homemade lunch prepared using fresh and local ingredients. The food is simple, seasonal and full of flavor, just like life on the farm.

After lunch, the experience continues with hands-on activities and conversations around sustainable practices. Students engage directly with the land, learn about regional customs and discover how traditional knowledge can offer solutions for a more sustainable future.

More than just a visit, this day is about forming real connections with  nature, with a local community and with each other. All of our students in Florence, Perugia and Sorrento are invited to participate.

For those who wish to extend the experience, we offer an optional overnight stay in nearby hotel on Sunday, the group reunites for another relaxing day by the lake of Passignano sul Trasimeno, exploring the town of Passignano sul Trasimeno and one of the islands called “Isola Maggiore” sited on the lake, reachable by ferry. We’ll enjoy this last moment with an aperitivo or gelato before heading back home.

A Week-end trip in Passignano Sul Trasimeno - September 27th & 28th

On Saturday morning participants will be met by staff in Passignano Sul Trasimeno and accompanied by private bus to the farm. We’ll be warmly welcomed by the host family and treated to homemade lunch prepared with fresh ingredients produced in the farm. After lunch, the experience continues with hands-on activities and conversations centered on sustainability. Students will engage directly with the land and discover how regional knowledge can inspire practices for a more sustainable future.

You'll have the chance to build meaningful connections with  nature, with a local community and with fellow Arcadia students living and studying in Florence, Perugia and Sorrento.

Later in the day, we’ll head into the charming town of Passignano sul Trasimeno where we’ll spend a night in a hotel in shared rooms. Students will have free time for the rest of the evening. The following morning we’ll gather again for a relaxing day by the lake, exploring both the town and Isola Maggiore, a nearby island accessible by ferry. We’ll close our weekend with an aperitivo or a gelato before making our way back “home” by train.

Sailing and Hiking : Vesuvius, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast - October 10-12

The freedom to make choices and pursue our dreams comes with the responsibility for our actions and their consequences, on ourselves, on others  and on the world around us. The visit to Pompeii serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and humans’s tendency to  underestimate it. The hike up Mount Vesuvius offers not only breathtaking views but also the opportunity to observe and reflect. Even today, people continue to build and settle on its slopes, seemingly ignoring the lessons of the past.

Meanwhile, the sailing trip through the Gulf of Naples reveals the beauty of the region, offering a distant perspective of the land and immersion in nature. It also highlights the importance of cooperation when facing external challenges.

Participants will spend two nights in Sorrento. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and then have free time in Sorrento. On the following day, we will sail through the Gulf of Naples, observing the Vesuvius, Capri, and the other Neapolitan islands from afar. If the weather permits, and you like the idea, we can have a swim. On day three, we’ll hike up Mount Vesuvius and have a great lunch up there. Alongside breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, we’ll reflect on freedom and responsibility, guided by a professor, a sailor, and a hiking guide.

Toledo and Madrid Excursion - November 13-16

Like all of our excursions, this three-day trip is built around a shared theme, one that helps us connect cultures across the Mediterranean and see what unites us beyond borders. This time we’re heading to Spain, starting with the beautiful Toledo, a medieval city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where Jews, Muslims, and Christians once lived together for centuries. On our walking tour, we’ll explore landmarks such as the Cathedral of Toledo, as well as synagogues and hidden corners full of stories. You’ll also get some free time to explore the city on your own. 

Next we’ll head to Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. We’ll dive into history, politics, art, and of course, fantastic food. Highlights include the Royal Palace, the Prado museum, and the Escorial.

On early Sunday, we’ll visit the Royal Palace and then we’ll take you the free market El Rastro, the largest flea market in Spain, perfect if you're into vintage clothes, or if you like t o experience the vibe of local street life. The trip is organized with Arcadia's Granada center in Spain so you’ll get to meet the students studying there too!

Excursion to Rome - November 21-23

This trip falls during a special occasion, celebrated every 25 years, the Jubilee year, when the Vatican City opens its doors to pilgrims and visitors from around the world to experience the spiritual and cultural heart of the Catholic world. For the students who signed up for the Toledo/Madrid trip on the weekend before, this would be a further exploration of the diverse cultural and heritage of the two cities.

On Friday we’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the iconic Sistine Chapel, we’ll have a group lunch in Prati district, followed by free time to explore the city on your own. 

On Saturday, we’ll step back into the glory of ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the city’s baroque charm, passing by Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, and the Spanish steps. 

On Sunday morning, we’ll visit Basilica di San Clemente, a unique three-level journey through history. After a final group lunch, you’ll each head to Rome’s central station and get back “home.”