A taste of Italy - Sample Itinerary

Discover a destination where culture, cuisine and history come alive! Italy offers diverse cities for study programs, blending rich academics with unforgettable cultural experiences. From the art-filled streets to world-renowned cuisine, Italy promises a dynamic environment for immersive learning and exploration. Perfect for groups seeking both educational depth and vibrant local flavor. See what the day-to-day one of these trips could look like below. 

 

* Please note that this is only a sample itinerary for an Undergraduate group. All of our itineraries are tailor-made and can accommodate any academic level and theme. All itineraries are subject to change.

Day 1:  Sat December 9 welcome to Rome!
arrive in Rome
intercity transfers arrive in Rome
flight
afternoon transfer to hotel, check-in
transportation transfer to hotel, check-in

meet ISP representative at the airport

bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure
Day 2:  Sun December 10 introduction to the inspirational country of Italy
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel conference room
meet in hotel conference room
morning by faculty members & ISP Program Manager
orientation talk by faculty members & ISP Program Manager

Get familiar with the upcoming schedule and activities, uncover the secret ingredients for a successful trip, and learn some useful tips from where to find the best exchange rates to what’s happening in the city.

conference room
late morning economic and geopolitical overview of Italy
presentation economic and geopolitical overview of Italy U.S. Commercial Service Italy

Learn all about the Italian Republic in this perfect overview to learn about the specifics of doing business in the country. Discuss what is being done to strengthen the country's image, reputation and competitive position on foreign markets as well as how important foreign investments and tourism are to Italy. What can we expect for the future?

conference room
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
hotel restaurant
meet in hotel lobby, depart for guided tour
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for guided tour
public transport/walk
afternoon guided tour of the great city of Rome
cultural event guided tour of the great city of Rome

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Rome as you explore some of the city's fascinating landmarks that include Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Capitol. And go further back in time to the Roman Empire as you discover the Colosseum and Roman Forum before enjoying a panoramic view of the city from Palatine Hill. Rome is a city with a heritage like no other!

meet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
public transport/walk
evening welcome dinner - make your own pizza!
meals welcome dinner - make your own pizza!

Be ready for a fun dinner activity as your experienced chef will guide you through the Italian tradition of preparing pizza! Choose your own ingredients to top the pizza and experiment with various recipes. After the class you’ll eat what you’ve prepared and discover whether your skill level is now that of a real pizzaiolo.

restaurant
Day 3:  Mon December 11 supporting the Italian economy
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning Italian start-up community: technology of tomorrow
visit Italian start-up community: technology of tomorrow

How is Italy's strategy for a digital future looking? And can a vibrant digital economy solve Europe's major challenges? Learn how Italy's telecommunications sector is working to support the country's competitiveness and how the pandemic has accelerated its digital transformation.

management presentation, discussion
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
restaurant
afternoon beyond the sacred walls: tour of the Vatican
cultural event beyond the sacred walls: tour of the Vatican

Spend a morning in the Vatican, the world’s smallest sovereign state with a mere 0.44 sq km, displaying some of Italy’s most celebrated masterpieces, many housed in the vast Vatican Museums and the Michelangelo-decorated Sistine Chapel in the neighboring Saint Peter's Basilica.

walk
Day 4:  Tue December 12 diving deeper into Italy's business
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning Italian digital market
visit Italian digital market Oracle Italy

International corporations operating in Italy must adapt to the specific nuances of the local market. Explore the offices of Oracle, a prominent IT giant, to delve into discussions about the company's unique culture and the dynamics that govern interactions among its global offices. Uncover what distinguishes the digital landscape in Italy and discover the distinctive elements that make it special in the context of Oracle's operations. Engaging in such conversations will not only provide insights into the company's adaptability but also shed light on the synergies between global strategies and the intricacies of the Italian digital environment.

management presentation, discussion
Oracle Italy, Via Amsterdam 147, 00144, Rome
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
restaurant
afternoon leathership since 1918: continuing with in-house artisan tradition for generations
visit leathership since 1918: continuing with in-house artisan tradition for generations Mancini Leather

Visit the workshop of a longstanding family-owned leather goods business, where seasoned experts with decades of industry experience will guide you in creating your own artisan products. Get a practical glimpse into the traditional craft of leatherworking, allowing you to engage with the expertise and heritage of the family business.

management presentation, discussion
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure
Day 5:  Wed December 13 transfer to the fashion capital of Milan
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
check-out, load luggage onto the bus
check-out, load luggage onto the bus
depart for train station
transportation depart for train station
bus transfer
morning train to Milan (duration approx. 3 hrs 30)
intercity transfers train to Milan (duration approx. 3 hrs 30)
train
arrive in Milan, check-in
transportation arrive in Milan, check-in
bus transfer
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
restaurant
meet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural events
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural events
afternoon guided tour of Milan and the Last Supper
cultural event guided tour of Milan and the Last Supper

Get acquainted with the most historically significant landmarks of Milan. Witness the beauty of Milan as your guide leads you through the city's history, culture and, traditions during an unforgettable experience. Admire the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the most sought-after masterpieces of all time. The tour will then proceed to the Sforza Castle, a Medieval stronghold rebuilt and embellished by the Sforza family in 1450 that is surrounded by a beautiful park. Stroll through the park and marvel at the castle from the outside, then walk across the beautiful streets of Milan to reach the Scala Opera House, the all Milanese Temple of Music, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an opulent shopping mall topped with vaulted glass and iron arcades, named after the first king of Italy. Admire the beautiful gothic Duomo from the outside, a true architectural wonder and the fifth-largest cathedral in Europe.

bus/public transport/walk
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure

ISPer's recommendation: Discover the newly revamped Isola District, located under the shade of the futuristic Bosco Verticale. The district offers many gourmet destinations to satisfy all appetites, even the most demanding ones!

Day 6:  Thu December 14 insights into Italian marketing
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
walk/public transport
morning digital transformation in Italy's marketing landscape
presentation digital transformation in Italy's marketing landscape FCB Partners

Learn about the methods of getting your customer attention and creating the brightest advertising campaigns from the creative director of an international advertising agency. What are the different approaches in working with local Italian and global markets? And how can you gain an advantage by distinguishing bold and innovative ideas from those that are simply tasteless?

management presentation, case study, discussion
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
free to relax & explore the city
free to relax & explore the city

ISP'er recommendations: consider taking a stroll through the surrounding Lambrate district, known for its artistic vibe and street art. You might stumble upon local galleries, street murals, and small boutiques showcasing the work of emerging artists.

Day 7:  Fri December 15 traditional industries of the northern Italy
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart to Modena (approx. 2 hrs.)
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart to Modena (approx. 2 hrs.)
bus full day
late morning combining respect for tradition with a sense of local corporate responsibility
visit combining respect for tradition with a sense of local corporate responsibility Acetaia Giusti

Modena is the cradle of balsamic vinegar, a sweet and smoky, this dark elixir used in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades, and even drizzled over steaks or fresh fruit. The production of this sublime sauce is governed by strict rules imposed by an industry consortium bestowing a stamp of approval on nothing but perfect products, meeting precise parameters.

presentation, tour of facilities, balsamic vinegar tasting
group lunch
meals group lunch
restaurant
afternoon Maserati Factory Tour
cultural event Maserati Factory Tour

In today’s marketing world, consumer expectations go beyond being sold a product. They want to buy an entire experience. Lifestyle brands are particularly effective at this approach, using their deep understanding of their audience to build a long-lasting relationship with them. But where do you begin with how to start a lifestyle brand? Learn that from Italian famous lifestyle brand!

return to hotel, rest of the day at leisure
return to hotel, rest of the day at leisure
Day 8:  Sat December 16 day trip to Venice, the Floating City on Canals
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for train station
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for train station

dress code: casual

walk
early morning train to Venice (duration approx. 2,5 hrs)
intercity transfers train to Venice (duration approx. 2,5 hrs)
high-speed train
morning transfer to St. Marks Square
transportation transfer to St. Marks Square
vaporetto/water taxi
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon guided tour of Venice, the City of Bridges
cultural event guided tour of Venice, the City of Bridges

Learn about the winged lion, the story of St. Mark being brought to Venice from Egypt, his “golden church”, and then Theodore killing a dragon, and of course when, how and why the Venetians have built a city on hundreds of thousands of wooden poles stuck in the mud of the lagoon; visit St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and end at the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal; see some of the hidden corners in Venice, understanding everyday life in the city, its problems, and what it's like to live in such a historic and beautiful city.

walk
late afternoon transfer to St. Marks Square
transportation transfer to St. Marks Square
vaporetto/water taxi
evening train to Milan
intercity transfers train to Milan
high-speed train
meet in hotel lobby, depart for farewell dinner
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for farewell dinner
public transport/walk
evening farewell dinner with view of Duomo di Milano
meals farewell dinner with view of Duomo di Milano

As the trip comes to an end, let's enjoy a delicious Italian dinner as we reflect on the week and everything we have learned and discovered. There is no better way to spend our last day in Italy than through its famous gastronomy! And spectacular views of the city's most famous landmark, Duomo, will be a cherry on top, we promise!

restaurant
Day 9:  Sun December 17 depart for US
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
check out, transfer to the airport
transportation check out, transfer to the airport
bus full day
depart for US
intercity transfers depart for US
air OR own arrangements