A deep dive into Spanish history, politics, art and even gastronomy, this three-day experience explores Madrid’s vibrant culture and the relationships between Spain, Italy, and the US. Open to students studying in Spain and Italy. We'll have a guided visits in Madrid’s Royal Palace, where we'll learn about the current royal family and the importance of their role in Spanish society, politics, and culture. We'll also visit the Prado Museum, Spain’s main art museum and single best art collection and much more! See the portal for more details.
Arcadia Italy
Italy Spring 2025 Events and Excursions
We’re thrilled to offer an exciting lineup of free events and unique excursions for our students this semester! Whether you’re interested in cultural immersion, exploring Italy and beyond, or simply gathering with friends for an aperitivo, we have something for everyone! These events and trips are designed to deepen your cultural understanding and provide meaningful experiences with local traditions, food, art, and history.
FREE EVENTS
A Typical Colazione in Perugia
Start the semester with a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino e cornetto and meet the local staff and fellow students. The event is held on the first Monday of the program.
Welcome Aperitivo-dinner
Join us for a traditional aperitivo, the beloved Italian social ritual, complete with light drinks and finger food. This is a wonderful way to connect with classmates and experience the Italian lifestyle. If you are studying through Arcadia in Florence or Sorrento, check your portal for details and sign up!
A Day in the countryside
We'll take the whole community of students studying with Arcadia in Florence, Perugia and Sorrento to a part of Umbria that is typically unseen by tourists, to experience sustainable farming practices, hands-on cooking, providing you with an authentic taste of Umbria! This is the favourite destination for many students over the years. Many activities here are part of an ongoing cycle built by the contribution of each group. For example, in winter, one group plants seeds, the next group prunes the grape vines and another harvests them in the following season. The final product, whether oil, wine, fruit or vegetables is a result of a collaborative work. Everything we'll eat is planted, grown and harvested right on the farm.
Paid Events
A Weekend Excursion in the Umbria Region, The Green Heart of Italy
This is an immersive experience to introduce you to Umbria's culture through its art, craftsmanship, history and food.
Upon arrival to the hotel on Saturday, our first stop will be the historic Moretti-Caselli glassworks where you'll discover the unique art and stained glass. Following this, we'll visit the Brozzetti atelier for a guided tour and workshop on traditional Umbrian weaving where you'll witness demonstrations on fabric-making techniques. For those seeking a more active experience, you may choose to climb the medieval control tower called "La Torre degli Sciri", once owned by a powerful local family in Perugia. There are quiet a few stairs to the top but the view is worth the effort!
On Sunday, we'll experience the Umbrian countryside with an immersive day of farming, traditional cooking, and animal care.
Rome: Ancient Glories, Modern Stories
This three-day trip takes you on a journey from ancient to modern Rome, exploring the city’s Roman Empire roots, its Fascist history, and modern cultural dynamics. We'll have a guided tour led by a young archeologist who specialises in Roman history inside the Colosseum. Having worked on digs and collaborated with historians, she'll reveal hidden insights into ancient Roman life and society. We'll Wander through the iconic EUR district, built to reflect Mussolini's ideals, and enjoy some of Rome's best gelato or supplì along the way. We'll visit Monti district on our third day and we will wrap up with an aperitivo in central Rome, discussing tourism's impact on the city and how modern life coexists with its ancient sites.
Madrid - A Journey Through Power and Culture in the Heart of Spain
Explore Morocco with Arcadia
During this four-day trip, we will experience the magic of Morocco through the lens of the local communities (homestays, tour guides, college students, women's centers, immigrants, and Peace Corps). After landing in the South of Spain, we will cross the frontiers between Europe and Africa and explore some Northern Moroccan historical and cultural sites, learning about Islamic culture, lifestyle, and politics. This is one of the most popular excursions among the students, who often describe it as an eye-opening, mind-blowing experience.
Sailing and Hiking : Vulcano, Pompei and the Amalfi Coast
We will spend the nights in the cool and touristy city of Sorrento. The first day will be dedicated to the exploration of Pompei followed by a sailing tour by boat in the Gulf of Naples, while on the second day, we will hike the vulcano (The Vesuvius). Apart from visiting one of the most beautiful attractions of the Italian coastline, we will immerse ourselves in a profound reflection on the topics of Freedom and responsibility dealing with two natural forces, the sea, and the Vulcan Vesuvio. The group will be accompanied by a professor of Philosophy, a sailor, and a hiking guide.
Here's an extract of a reflection piece from one of our former students about this trip: "I thought a lot over this Sorrento trip about how I am so grateful for the freedom I have to study abroad and make so many choices on what I want to do each day. I think this prompt was interesting to think about while I was doing two tasks, sailing and hiking, which made me feel the freest. I feel so in touch with nature and the earth that makes me feel like I can do whatever I want at the moment, and realistically, it won’t impact much on this big earth. I think we all had a level of responsibility to our group and to nature during this trip, but we also had individual freedom which was pleasing. :)". M.A, Spring 2024.