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.
The group visits the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Alumni captured photos of the Cinque Terre cliff, located in Italy's Liguria region.
The group dines at Fattoria Betti, a Tuscan winery dating back to 1903.
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.
Discover more highlights from the journey—such as touring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore—on the Stonehill Alumni Travel Program Blog.
Alumni pose in front of the Vitruvian Man sculpture in Vinci, Italy.
The group learn how to hunt for truffles from licensed truffle hunters, Massimo (left) and Marco (right), and their truffle hunting dogs.
Alumni learn how to make pasta in Chianti.