Student Activities & Excursions
Program Inclusive Activities & Excursions (free)
Spring 2012 SAI Program Inclusive Activities & Excursions
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Rating: +0
Welcome Day Excursion: Ostia Antica & Farm Lunch
Dates: Friday, January 13, 2012
SAI welcomes you with a day trip to the Ostia Antica archaeological site. During ancient Roman times, Ostia was a bustling working port town of 60,000 people and offers a look into the daily life of average ancient Romans. The site we will be visiting includes ancient Roman remains of docks, warehouses, apartments, flats, mansions, shopping arcades and public baths. Afterwards we will enjoy a full course lunch at a traditional Italian farm.
Includes: Entrance fee to Ostia Antica, Guided Tour of Ostia Antica, Guided Tour of Traditional Italian farm and a Five-course Lunch.
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Rating: +0
Aperitivo with Survival Italian
Dates: Thursday, January 19 / Monday, January 23 / Thursday, January 26
Join us for Aperitivo and some basic Survival Italian
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Rating: +0
3 Day Weekend Excursion: Hidden Treasures of Lazio and Tuscany
Dates: February 10-12, 2012 or February 17-19, 2012
SAI will take you on an unforgettable journey to experience the hidden treasures of the Italian countryside outside of Rome. On our way to Tuscany from Rome, we will visit the area known as Tuscia and stop in the city of Bolsena, surrounded by quaint hill towns and a lake. In Tuscany we will be staying in the Maremma, where we will spend time relaxing all’italiana: bathing in the thermal baths, horseback riding or bike riding, eating traditional foods and visiting the local towns of Sovana and Pitigliano. The third day we will visit a local farm and meet real Italian cowboys called butteri.
Includes: Transportation, 2-nights Accommodation, Guided Tours, Optional Activities, Entrance fees, and most meals.
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Rating: +0
Opera/Ballet Night
Dates: Madame Butterfly – Tuesday, February 28 or Barber of Seville – Tuesday, April 24
Get dressed up and spend an evening at the world famous opera theatre, Teatro dell’Opera, to see one of the seasonal performances whether it be an opera or a ballet (25 spaces each).
Includes: Entrance to Opera
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Rating: +0
Italian Cooking Lessons
Dates: Thursday, February 2 / Monday, February 20 / Thursday, March 1 / Monday, April 2
SAI offers free Italian cooking lessons throughout the semester taught by local Chef Andrea Consoli. Each lesson covers how to make a four course meal (appetizer, first course, second course, dessert). The menu is thought out to teach you a dish that is easy to make on your own, one that is particularly challenging, and one that is typically Roman. At the end of the lesson you get to feast on your own home-made Italian meal! (14 spaces per lesson).
Includes: Dinner
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Rating: +0
Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
Dates: March 10, 2012 and April 14, 2012
Award winning winemaker Sergio Mottura gives us a tour of his vineyard and a lesson on wine-growing techniques. After a visit to the wine cellars we take part in a tasting of his wines and feast on a buffet lunch of a traditional Italian meal. In addition to the great food and wine you will have the chance to enjoy the Italian countryside with spectacular views from a medieval hill town surrounded by verdant fields and vineyards. (30 spaces per trip)
Includes: Transportation, Guided Tour, Lunch, and Wine Tasting
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Rating: +0
SAI Re-Orientation
Dates: March 7, 2012
The SAI Re-Orientation is a way to join together and reflect on your experience so far, where you are and where you are going, and to remind you about your safety while living abroad.
Includes: Pizza and Beverage
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Rating: +0
Day trip to Orvieto
Dates: March 30, 2012
Visit one of the most dramatic hill towns in Italy – Orvieto. The town is about an hour north of Rome which lies in the southwest corner of Umbria and is accessed by a funicular from the lower city. It is known for its stunning duomo (cathedral), its Etruscan ruins and for Orvieto Classico wine. After a guided walking tour of the town and the duomo, we will break for lunch on your own and have some free time for shopping (50 spaces).
Includes: Guided Tour, entrance fee and Transportation
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Rating: +0
Ancient Appian Way Bike Tour
Dates: April 22, 2012
Enjoy a bike ride down the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that went all the way down to the eastern tip of Italy. The park is full of ancient ruins where you are free to ‘rome’ around and explore or you can just relax in the many fields that surround you. You can also decide to visit the Catacombs. This is a great opportunity to get out of the city and discover the nearby Roman countryside (25 spaces).
Includes: Guided Tour of Appian Way and Bike Rental
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Rating: +0
Farewell Event
Dates: May 4, 2012
Before returning home, we will meet and say our goodbyes.
Includes: Dinner
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Rating: +0
Welcome Dinner (all sessions)
Dates: May 28 (I + II), June 25 (III + IV), July 23 (V + VI)
Description: SAI welcomes you with a Traditional Roman meal at a local restaurant.
What’s Included: Dinner
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Rating: +0
Day Trip to nearby town (ONE of the following: Tivoli, Bracciano, Castel Gandolfo, Orvieto, Sperlonga) - all sessions
Dates: June 9 (I + II), July 14 (III, IV), July 28 (V, VI)
TIVOLI: Visit the beautiful town of Tivoli, just outside of Rome. We will start at Villa Gregoriana surrounded by thick woodlands with paths that lead to the caves of Neptune and the Sirens, which form a series of gorges and cascades, including the Great Waterfall. After our time with nature we will make our way to the center of town and break for lunch on your own. After lunch we will enter the famous Renaissance villa and UNESCO world heritage site, Villa d’Este, famous for its man-made gardens and fountains.
BRACCIANO: Visit the medieval Castle Odescalchi of Bracciano (where many celebrities have wed, such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes). After a guided tour in English, we will break for lunch and give you time to explore the town on your own. We will then take a walk down to the volcanic lake, Lake Bracciano, where you can cool off, rent a paddleboat, and/or to catch some sun.
CASTEL GANDOLFO: Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, also known as the Pope’s summer residence, overlooking Lake Albano. There are churches by famous artists you can enter and little shops to explore. After exploring the town we will to go down to Lake Albano which is surrounded by restaurants and sunbathers. In the summer you can rent a paddle boat, take a dip in the lake, it’s even possible to go sail boating or canoeing.
ORVIETO: Visit one of the most dramatic hill towns in Italy – Orvieto. The town is about an hour north of Rome, which lies in the southwest corner of Umbria and is accessed by a funicular from the lower city. It is known for its stunning duomo (cathedral), its Etruscan ruins and for Orvieto Classico wine. After a guided walking tour of the town and the ‘underground city’, we will break for lunch on your own and have some free time for shopping.
SPERLONGA: Sperlonga is a beautiful seaside town to the south of Rome. It is known for its whitewashed houses which are grouped together on a steep cliff. The streets are like stairways that bring you to unexpected terraces above the sea. The old town is compact and charming, and a pleasure to explore. There will be plenty of time to sunbathe at the beach located just under the town center.
What’s Included: Transportation and Guided Tour.
What’s not Included: Lunch. -
Rating: +0
Beach Day (all sessions)
June 2 (I, II), July 4 (III + IV), September 2 (VI), TBA (V)
Description: SAI offers you a day trip to the beach closest to Rome. This is a day to enjoy the sun and to get to know other students and the Roman seaside. SAI will offer transportation to the beach using local buses and trains. Pack your suit, towel, lotion and a sack lunch or bring money to buy a bite at a café nearby.
What’s Included: Transportation.
What’s not Included: Lunch. -
Rating: +0
Farewell Aperitivo (all sessions)
Dates: June 22 (I), July 20 (II + III), August 17 (IV + V), September 14 (VI)
Description: Before returning home, we will meet and say our goodbyes.
What’s Included: Snacks and 1 Beverage.
What’s not Included: Dinner. -
Rating: +0
Cultural Event/Activity (8 week sessions only)
Dates: TBA (II, IV, VI)
Description: SAI gives students the opportunity to choose between several different cultural activities taking place during the summer. Students will choose between an outdoor performance, play, concert or even a comedy club. These activities only take place in the summer and students will have the unique opportunity to attend.
What’s Included: Entrance fee.
What’s not Included: Transportation.
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Rating: +0
Welcome Day Excursion
Dates: TBA
Ostia Antica & Farm Lunch: SAI welcomes you with a day trip to the Ostia Antica archaeological site. During ancient Roman times, Ostia was a bustling working port town of 60,000 people and offers a look into the daily life of average ancient Romans. The site we will be visiting includes ancient Roman remains of docks, warehouses, apartments, flats, mansions, shopping arcades and public baths. Afterwards we will enjoy a full course lunch at a traditional Italian farm.
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Rating: +0
Inclusive Weekend Excursion: Umbria
Dates: September 7-9 and September 14-16
The Green Heart of Italy – Umbria: Umbria is an agricultural region of unspoiled hill towns and is bordered by Tuscany, Lazio and the Marche. You will lodge at a historic local farm dating back to at least the 1700s. On the first day you will participate in demonstrations and workshops on local food, honey and artisan crafts at the farm and nearby towns. On the second day you will explore the local mountains with a geography professor from the University of Perugia to explore local landscape as an example of history and culture. The mountain excursion includes some short hiking, visit to the mountain town of Visso and lunch with local sheep farmers. On the last day of our weekend you will visit the towns of Assisi and Perugia, famous for its Saints…and chocolate. Visit includes entrance to the Basilica of St. Francis and a guided tour
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Rating: +0
Beach Day
Date: TBA
SAI offers you a day trip to the beach closest to Rome. This is a day to enjoy the sun and to get to know other students and the Roman seaside. SAI will offer transportation to the beach using local buses and trains. Pack your suit, towel, lotion and a sack lunch or bring money to by a bite at a café nearby.
-
Rating: +0
Italian Cooking Lessons
Dates: TBA
SAI offers free Italian cooking lessons throughout the semester taught by local Chef Andrea Consoli. Each lesson covers how to make a four course meal (appetizer, first course, second course, dessert). The menu is thought out to teach you a dish that is easy to make on your own, one that is particularly challenging, and one that is typically Roman. At the end of the lesson you get to feast on your own home-made Italian meal! (14 spaces per lesson)
-
Rating: +0
Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
Dates: TBA
Award winning winemaker Sergio Mottura gives us a tour of his vineyard and a lesson on wine-growing techniques. After a visit to the wine cellars we take part in a tasting of his wines and feast on a buffet lunch of a traditional Italian meal. In addition to the great food and wine you will have the chance to enjoy the Italian countryside with spectacular views from a medieval hill town surrounded by verdant fields and vineyards. (35 spaces per trip)
-
Rating: +0
Re-Orientation
Date: TBA
The SAI Re-Orientation is a way to join together and reflect on your experience so far, where you are and where you are going, and to remind you about your safety while living abroad. Free food included!
-
Rating: +0
Day Trip to a Town Near Rome (one of the following)
Dates: TBA
Tivoli: Visit the beautiful town of Tivoli, just outside of Rome. We will start at Villa Gregoriana surrounded by thick woodlands with paths that lead to the caves of Neptune and the Sirens, which form a series of gorges and cascades, including the Great Waterfall. After our time with nature we will make our way to the center of town and break for lunch on your own. After lunch we will enter the famous Renaissance villa and UNESCO world heritage site, Villa d’Este, famous for its man-made gardens and fountains (50 spaces).
Bracciano: Visit the medieval Castle Odescalchi of Bracciano (where many celebrities have wed, such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes). After a guided tour in English, we will break for lunch and give you time to explore the town on your own. We will then take a walk down to the volcanic lake, Lake Bracciano, where you can cool off, rent a paddle boat, and/or to catch some sun (50 spaces).
Castel Gandolfo: Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, also known as the Pope’s summer residence, overlooking Lake Albano. There are churches by famous artists you can enter and little shops to explore. After exploring the town we will to go down to Lake Albano which is surrounded by restaurants and sunbathers. In the summer you can rent a paddle boat, take a dip in the lake, it’s even possible to go sail boating or canoeing (50 spaces).
Orvieto: Visit one of the most dramatic hill towns in Italy – Orvieto. The town is about an hour north of Rome which lies in the southwest corner of Umbria and is accessed by a funicular from the lower city. It is known for its stunning duomo (cathedral), its Etruscan ruins and for Orvieto Classico wine. After a guided walking tour of the town and the duomo, we will break for lunch on your own and have some free time for shopping (50 spaces).
-
Rating: +0
Ancient Appian Way Bike Tour
Date: TBA
Enjoy a bike ride down the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that went all the way down to the eastern tip of Italy. The park is full of ancient ruins where you are free to ‘rome’ around and explore or you can just relax in the many fields that surround you. You can also decide to visit the Catacombs. This is a great opportunity to get out of the city and discover the nearby Roman countryside (50 spaces).
-
Rating: +0
Farewell Event
Date: TBA
Before returning home, we will meet and say our goodbyes.
-
Rating: +0
Welcome Day Excursion
Dates: TBA
Ostia Antica & Farm Lunch: SAI welcomes you with a day trip to the Ostia Antica archaeological site. During ancient Roman times, Ostia was a bustling working port town of 60,000 people and offers a look into the daily life of average ancient Romans. The site we will be visiting includes ancient Roman remains of docks, warehouses, apartments, flats, mansions, shopping arcades and public baths. Afterwards we will enjoy a full course lunch at a traditional Italian farm.
-
Rating: +0
Inclusive Weekend Excursion (one of the following)
Dates: TBA
Hidden Treasures of Italy - Lazio and Tuscany: SAI will take you on an unforgettable journey to experience the hidden treasures of the Italian countryside outside of Rome. On our way to Tuscany from Rome, we will visit the area known as Tuscia and stop in the city and explore local towns. In Tuscany we will be staying in Maremma, where we will spend time relaxing all’italiana: bathing in the thermal baths, horseback riding or bike riding, eating traditional foods and visiting the local towns of Sovana and Pitigliano. The third day we will visit a local farm and meet real Italian cowboys called butteri.
The Green Heart of Italy – Umbria: Umbria is an agricultural region of unspoiled hill towns and is bordered by Tuscany, Lazio and the Marche. You will lodge at a historic local farm dating back to at least the 1700s. On the first day you will participate in demonstrations and workshops on local food, honey and artisan crafts at the farm and nearby towns. On the second day you will explore the local mountains with a geography professor from the University of Perugia to explore local landscape as an example of history and culture. The mountain excursion includes some short hiking, visit to the mountain town of Visso and lunch with local sheep farmers. On the last day of our weekend you will visit the towns of Assisi and Perugia, famous for its Saints…and chocolate. Visit includes entrance to the Basilica of St. Francis and a guided tour.
-
Rating: +0
Opera/Ballet Night
Date: TBA
Get dressed up and spend an evening at the world famous opera theatre, Teatro dell’Opera, to see one of the seasonal performances whether it be an opera or a ballet (45 spaces).
-
Rating: +0
Italian Cooking Lesson
Dates: TBA
SAI offers free Italian cooking lessons throughout the semester taught by local Chef Andrea Consoli. Each lesson covers how to make a four course meal (appetizer, first course, second course, dessert). The menu is thought out to teach you a dish that is easy to make on your own, one that is particularly challenging, and one that is typically Roman. At the end of the lesson you get to feast on your own home-made Italian meal! (14 spaces per lesson)
-
Rating: +0
Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
Dates: TBA
Award winning winemaker Sergio Mottura gives us a tour of his vineyard and a lesson on wine-growing techniques. After a visit to the wine cellars we take part in a tasting of his wines and feast on a buffet lunch of a traditional Italian meal. In addition to the great food and wine you will have the chance to enjoy the Italian countryside with spectacular views from a medieval hill town surrounded by verdant fields and vineyards. (35 spaces per trip)
-
Rating: +0
Re-Orientation
Date: TBA
The SAI Re-Orientation is a way to join together and reflect on your experience so far, where you are and where you are going, and to remind you about your safety while living abroad. Free food included!
-
Rating: +0
Day Trip to a Town Near Rome (one of the following)
Dates: TBA
Tivoli: Visit the beautiful town of Tivoli, just outside of Rome. We will start at Villa Gregoriana surrounded by thick woodlands with paths that lead to the caves of Neptune and the Sirens, which form a series of gorges and cascades, including the Great Waterfall. After our time with nature we will make our way to the center of town and break for lunch on your own. After lunch we will enter the famous Renaissance villa and UNESCO world heritage site, Villa d’Este, famous for its man-made gardens and fountains (50 spaces).
Bracciano: Visit the medieval Castle Odescalchi of Bracciano (where many celebrities have wed, such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes). After a guided tour in English, we will break for lunch and give you time to explore the town on your own. We will then take a walk down to the volcanic lake, Lake Bracciano, where you can cool off, rent a paddle boat, and/or to catch some sun (50 spaces).
Castel Gandolfo: Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, also known as the Pope’s summer residence, overlooking Lake Albano. There are churches by famous artists you can enter and little shops to explore. After exploring the town we will to go down to Lake Albano which is surrounded by restaurants and sunbathers. In the summer you can rent a paddle boat, take a dip in the lake, it’s even possible to go sail boating or canoeing (50 spaces).
Orvieto: Visit one of the most dramatic hill towns in Italy – Orvieto. The town is about an hour north of Rome which lies in the southwest corner of Umbria and is accessed by a funicular from the lower city. It is known for its stunning duomo (cathedral), its Etruscan ruins and for Orvieto Classico wine. After a guided walking tour of the town and the duomo, we will break for lunch on your own and have some free time for shopping (50 spaces).
-
Rating: +0
Ancient Appian Way Bike Tour
Dates: TBA
Enjoy a bike ride down the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that went all the way down to the eastern tip of Italy. The park is full of ancient ruins where you are free to ‘rome’ around and explore or you can just relax in the many fields that surround you. You can also decide to visit the Catacombs. This is a great opportunity to get out of the city and discover the nearby Roman countryside (50 spaces).
-
Rating: +0
Farewell Event
Date: TBA
Before returning home, we will meet and say our goodbyes.
-
Rating: +0
Welcome Dinner (all sessions)
Dates: TBA
SAI welcomes you with a Traditional Roman meal at a local restaurant.
Includes: Dinner
-
Rating: +0
Day Trip to Nearby Town: ONE of the following - Tivoli, Bracciano, Castel Gandolfo, Orvieto (all sessions)
Dates: TBA
• TIVOLI: Visit the beautiful town of Tivoli, just outside of Rome. We will start at Villa Gregoriana surrounded by thick woodlands with paths that lead to the caves of Neptune and the Sirens, which form a series of gorges and cascades, including the Great Waterfall. After our time with nature we will make our way to the center of town and break for lunch on your own. After lunch we will enter the famous Renaissance villa and UNESCO world heritage site, Villa d’Este, famous for its man-made gardens and fountains.
• BRACCIANO: Visit the medieval Castle Odescalchi of Bracciano (where many celebrities have wed, such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes). After a guided tour in English, we will break for lunch and give you time to explore the town on your own. We will then take a walk down to the volcanic lake, Lake Bracciano, where you can cool off, rent a paddleboat, and/or to catch some sun.
• CASTEL GANDOLFO: Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, also known as the Pope’s summer residence, overlooking Lake Albano. There are churches by famous artists you can enter and little shops to explore. After exploring the town we will to go down to Lake Albano which is surrounded by restaurants and sunbathers. In the summer you can rent a paddle boat, take a dip in the lake, it’s even possible to go sail boating or canoeing.
• ORVIETO: Visit one of the most dramatic hill towns in Italy – Orvieto. The town is about an hour north of Rome, which lies in the southwest corner of Umbria and is accessed by a funicular from the lower city. It is known for its stunning duomo (cathedral), its Etruscan ruins and for Orvieto Classico wine. After a guided walking tour of the town and the ‘underground city’, we will break for lunch on your own and have some free time for shopping.Includes: Transportation and Guided Tour of Town.
-
Rating: +0
Beach Day (all sessions)
Dates: TBA
SAI offers you a day trip to the beach closest to Rome. This is a day to enjoy the sun and to get to know other students and the Roman seaside. SAI will offer transportation to the beach using local buses and trains. Pack your suit, towel, lotion and a sack lunch or bring money to buy a bite at a café nearby.
Includes: Transportation.
-
Rating: +0
Cultural Event/Activity (8 week sessions only)
Dates: TBA
SAI gives students the opportunity to choose between several different cultural activities taking place during the summer. Students will choose between an outdoor performance, play, concert or even a comedy club. These activities only take place in the summer and students will have the unique opportunity to attend.
Includes: Entrance fee.
-
Rating: +0
Farewell Aperitivo (all sessions)
Dates: TBA
Before returning home, we will meet and say our goodbyes.
Includes: Snacks and 1 Beverage.
Optional Activities & Excursions (additional fee)
SAI Optional Activities & Excursions
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Rating: +0
Abruzzo: The Unspoiled Wilderness of Italy (Fall 2012)
Fall 2012 Dates: October 5-7, 2012
Price: $375
Max: 52 SpotsAbruzzo is the lost-in-time Italy you have been searching for: awe-inspiring mountains, medieval castles, spectacular lakes, charming hill towns, and a sprawling, varied wilderness. Bordered by the regions of Lazio to the west, le Marche to the north, Molise to the south and the Adriatic Sea to the east, this fascinating area continues to be untouched by mass tourism. Abruzzo offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience an authentic culture. Millennia-old shepherd’s paths weave through the rugged countryside, and quiet rural villages maintain a sleepy lifestyle largely similar to that of their ancestors. Abruzzo’s cuisine is perhaps Italy’s most diverse and imaginative. Each day you will discover the variety and excellence of this fascinating cuisine, enjoying traditional dishes in excellent restaurants or at country farms specialized in recipes with homegrown ingredients and genuine products. SAI will take you on a unique cultural experience where you will get to taste “confetti” in the town where these delicious sugar-coated almonds were invented, observe family-owned manufacturers create their savory products, learn how to make delectable cheeses from shepherds in the national park, and hike the mountains of central Italy.
Visit: L’Aquila, Sulmona, Scanno, Abruzzo National Park: Civitella Alfedena, Opi, Pescasseroli, Villetta Barrea, Lago di Barrea
Activity description: Tour of towns, Hiking in national parks, Visit animal refuge, Abruzzese Product Tasting, Cheese Making Tour and Tasting, Local cuisine
This unique SAI excursion includes:
- Two nights lodging in hotel
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- Transportation
- Local food demonstrations
- Entrance to national park, churches, etc.
- Local expert guides
- SAI staffAll activities and excursions are subject to change.
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Rating: +0
Emilia Romagna: Hot-Springs, Parma & it's Beautiful Castles (Spring 2013)
Spring 2013 Dates: TBA
Price: $375
Max 52 SpotsDuring this optional excursion you will visit the wonderful Region of Emilia Romagna. Parma, home of Parmesan cheese, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, is famous for its rich food, art, castles and palaces.
You will have the chance to visit places off the beaten path including the Torrechiara Castle, which is almost unchanged from the 15th century, and you will take a dip in the Monticelli Hot-Springs for a relaxing experience all’italiana.
This will be an unforgettable trip for those interesting in being immersed in art, relaxation, culture and high standard gastronomy that will surely satisfy every expectation!