A View from Perugia

Studying abroad in a new place can feel incredibly overwhelming at times. After all, you have to adjust to a new lifestyle, a new city, new classes, and how and where to explore. Traveling has been one of my favorite parts of studying abroad; however, I have learned it does not always have to involve stressful planning. As a study abroad student in Florence, Italy, I want to share my experience with the fabulous SAI Day Trips.

Chocolate Tasting at the Perugina Chocolate Factory

Fabulous Pasta at Ristorante Ferrari in Perugia

What is a SAI Day Trip? A SAI Day Trip is a part of SAI’s Viva Experience programming that allows you to visit a new city without having to plan anything! All you have to do is sign up and SAI will take care of the rest. A few days before your day trip, you will receive an email containing the itinerary for the day. Usually, this includes transportation to and from the city, a guided tour, lunch, free time to explore, and, sometimes, a fun activity!

Touring the Medieval Underground in Perugia

The Streets of San Gimignano

Why should you go? For starters, the SAI Day Trips allow you to explore new places without the hassle of planning or booking your travel. The SAI staff are experts on the region they are in, so they know exactly what to do and how to do it in each city they guide you to. They are a built in resource if you need recommendations or help at any point before or during the trip. Additionally, these trips allow you to see places you may not have gone if not for SAI. They make sure to cultivate a mix of trips that take you to more well-known places (like Venice) as well as lesser-known, smaller towns (like Perugia). In these varied places, you’ll enjoy area-specific activities and food (every study abroad student’s favorite thing: free food!). For me, these day trips helped me make new friends and explore more of Italy than I would have been able to do on my own.

A Hillside View from San Gimignano

Artwork inside the Duomo di San Gimignano

Where have I been with SAI? So far, I have taken a SAI Day Trip to Perugia and San Gimignano. In Perugia, I was able to tour the famous Perugina Chocolate Factory, enjoy a 4-course meal, and explore the city’s medieval streets. I took this trip very early in my semester, and it brought me some of the best memories and closest friends. On the San Gimignano trip, I got to take a tour of the city, experience the best views, eat a sandwich with the freshest local ingredients I have ever had, and partake in the world’s best gelato before being taken to Italian thermal baths. They both sound magical, right?

A Great Picture Spot from the Top of San Gimignano

Although I have only been on two day trips with SAI so far, I have been thoroughly impressed by how well structured and fun they are. I plan to go on the SAI Day Trips to Scandicci, Verona, Venice, Carrara, and Bologna later in the semester. If you take anything from this blog, please let it be this: do not miss the SAI Day Trips while studying abroad! You might just find your favorite “hidden gem” spot in Italy, your new best friends, or your new Instagram profile picture! No matter what happens, you will have the most fascinating stories to tell when you get back home. So, please, go on the SAI Day Trips and have the time of your life studying abroad.

Written by: Anna, SAI Florence student from Belmont University