Alumni Explore Italy

The Stonehill Alumni Travel Program explored the heart of Italy this September, with alumni and family members spending eight days immersed in the Tuscany region’s history, culture and cuisine.

Their journey began in Montecatini-Terme, a town renowned for its legendary baths, where they enjoyed a walking orientation and a private welcome dinner. The group then traveled to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and the Campo dei Miracoli, followed by a tour of Lucca’s cobblestone streets and ancient city walls. They also visited a working agriturismo farm that gave them a taste of local wine and olive oil production, topped off with a traditional home-cooked Italian meal.

The group explored the medieval streets and panoramic views of Montecatini Alto via funicular. They spent a full day in Florence touring the city’s landmarks, including the Accademia Museum and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with time for group dining as the sun set over Piazzale Michelangelo.

Culinary and cultural experiences continued with a truffle hunt in San Miniato, a stop in Vinci, pasta and biscotti-making in Chianti and trips to Siena, Pistoia and Cinque Terre. Travelers saw stunning coastlines, charming towns and local markets through guided tours and independent exploration, hands-on cooking, wine tastings and relaxation.

Their adventure concluded with sightseeing, shopping and sampling award-winning gelato in San Gimignano, one of Italy’s best-preserved centuries-old villages.

From Tuscan hills to seaside villages, the trip offered a rich mix of art, history, gastronomy and breathtaking scenery, creating lasting memories for all participants.