Our Fall 2024 Co-curricular Excursions and Activities

Long, sunny days and warm temperatures make summer the perfect time to get out and explore everything Italy has to offer! Whether you’re soaking up the sun or looking for a bit of shade and something new, our events are a great way to experience Italian culture, history and everyday life. You’ll have the chance to spend a weekend in Umbria, Italy’s green heart, enjoy a peaceful day in the countryside and of course, visit Rome. Because, really, what’s a trip to Italy without walking through the Eternal city? Below you’ll find more details about each event. 

A Day trip to Rome

Join us for an unforgettable day in Rome led by Chiara, a knowledgeable Roman native and local guide who knows the city inside and out. You’ll be met at Rome's central train station and taken on a tour through some of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks.

You’ll wander through iconic spots like Colosseum, the Ghetto, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, while Chiara shares fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. 

After lunch you’ll visit Palazzo Valentini, an incredible historical site that brings ancient Rome to Life. If you’ve ever wondered what daily life was like during Roman Empire times, this is the perfect place to experience it! 

In the afternoon, you'll also have some free time to explore further and immerse yourself in the wonders of Rome at your own pace before taking the train back to your city. Chiara will leave you in the historical center around 4 p.m. and give you instructions on returning to the Rome Central Station. 

The event includes transportation by train, breakfast, gelato, lunch, ticket entrance to the Domus and four hours guided tour.

Accessibility : The tour moves at a relaxed walking pace. However it concludes walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. The visit to the Domus involves descending into an underground archeological site which may present challenges for those with limited mobility.

Two days Excursion in Passignano sul Trasimeno

On early Saturday, the participants will embark on a journey to Trasimeno Lake, nestled in the Umbria region, the heart of Italy. Upon arrival at the hotel, the participants will have some time to rest before meeting with the Arcadia staff to take part in a variety of activities. We will explore the area's rich historical and religious roots.  During the afternoon, we will take a ferry to visit one of the islands, Isola Maggiore. Our tour guide will take us on a slow walking tour around the island and up to its hill, where Saint Francis of Assisi lived for a few days as a hermit in 1211. Students will have free time for the rest of the afternoon and evening. On the following day, we will take all the students to our favourite family farm, the Orsini's for the Day in the Countryside event!

The two-days excursion in Passignano include transportation by train, ferry tickets, gelato, a guided tour on the island, a night in a hotel, breakfast, lunch and activities in the farm.

Accessibility : Most of the paths are paved, there are cafeterias and restaurants in this little village over the lake. Optional walking on uneven paths and a gradual uphill trail. It's not an intense or strenuous hike but still might be a bit challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

A Day in the Countryside

The staff will meet the Arcadia Italy Students in Perugia or Florence in the early morning to take them to our very special, much loved Italian venue: the Orsini Family Farm, on the Trasimeno Lake, just about 30 minutes from Perugia and 2 hours from Florence. Upon arrival, we will savor a traditional homemade country breakfast before we split into groups. Each group will have the opportunity to partake in typical peasant activities such as planting, planting seeds, harvesting, and feeding animals.  It is a day where we’ll learn more about the local context – what does it mean to live in the center of Italy? What regional traditions – and more specifically, culinary traditions – make this area unique from other regions? We will also learn about sustainable farming. Following a multi-course lunch prepared by our hosts, a private bus will take you to the train station where you'll take a train scheduled at around 4pm. Detailed information will be provided to students a few days prior to the event. 

Accessibility : a walk is required to reach the entrance of the farm which is located on a hill overlooking Lake Trasimeno. The path includes a gentle incline.