Top Ten Ways to See the Best of Italy in your College Semester Abroad;

 A Brief Overview of Places You Need to Visit 1. RomeRome, the “Eternal City” is Italy’s largest city. If you are going to study abroad in Italy, you are ensured to never run out of things to see and do in Rome. Rome is located at the western side of the boot about halfway down Italy’s coast. The city itself dates back well over 2,000 years and still has ancient remnants to explore during your study abroad trip. For a taste of ancient times, check out the Castel Sant’Angelo, which sits on the bank of the Tiber river. St Peter’s Cathedral also offers a rare chance to see one of the world’s largest and most ornate religious buildings.  From art to architecture and culture, Rome is the location for students who want to study abroad in Italy and get lost in the experience. 2. VeniceVenice, the city on water, is a fun place to travel to when participating in a study abroad program in college in Italy. Many students say, though, that they would not want to actually attend school there full time. The city itself, while enchanting and one of the most unique and celebrated cities in the world, is also smelly, dirty and, during warm-weather months, known to have infestations of flies and other unpleasant critters.  3. Leaning Tower of PisaPisa is a small town on the outskirts of the greater Florence region. The city itself is charming and is home to many small cafes and boutiques. Most students enjoy taking day trips to Pisa while they are studying abroad and few actually have the opportunity to study in the tourist-sponsored town. 4. FlorenceFlorence is home to many college study abroad programs in Italy. The ancient city hosts the world-famous Duomo and some of the finest Da Vinci and Michaelangelo art known to exist. Florence is dissected by a river, across which a bridge, complete with stores and cafes, spans. The town itself if over run with college students, particularly American college students studying abroad for a semester in Italy. Don’t expect to be bored while studying in Florence! 5. MilanMilan is the fashion capital of the world. The city is a mid-sized city and is considerably smaller than it’s Roman counterpart, but the culture is noted as being sophisticated and streamlined. Most students recommend spending a weekend of their study abroad Italy experience in Milan, though many say they would return.  6. Cinque TerraCinque Terra is a series of five fishing villages located in the northwest section of Italy right along the coast. Study abroad students say that a study abroad trip to Italy would not be complete without a week or weekend in Cinque Terra - as the area is unique and special to all of Italy. 7. TuscanyTuscany is the region in the middle of Italy that is known for it’s fine wine, rolling hills, ceramics and friendly people. There are many small hilltop towns to visit during your study abroad trip to Italy, including Montepulciano, Cortona and Deruda. Renting a car is the best way to travel around Tuscany, as many hilltop towns don’t have train access. 8. PompeiThe Italian islands have been favorite weekend destinations for study abroad students for decades. Hop on a ferry to Pompei for a chance to see lava that remains from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.. You can also visit ancient homes and tour the deep baths that used to be used by Pompei residents to clean themselves. Study abroad students report that of all their trips wile studying in Italy, the chance to check out Mount Vesuvius and Pompei is the most unique. 9. CapriThe Island of Capris is a semi-tropical paradise that offers a welcome getaway vacation for students spending a semester, summer or year abroad in italy. The Blue Grotto, which surrounds the isle, is perfect for sailing and for transporting students to the many caves that spot the mountainous coastline.  10. CortonaCortona is one of the most famous hilltop Tuscan towns, made famous by Frances Mayes popular book and movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The town sits atop a hill and is accessibly by car along windy roads. Visit the marketplace on Saturday mornings for a chance purchase fresh produce at the town market. Study abroad students will also have a chance to stay in Italy’s most unique hostel: a converted monastery on a hill below its old church.

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