Tours for Reggio Emilia, Italy
USAC encourages every student to participate in the tours; however, they are optional and have an additional fee. Destinations may change at the discretion of the Resident Director.
The following are possible destinations, view term calendars for specifics.
Ravenna, Rimini, and San Marino
Ravenna is home to at least eight UNESCO world heritage monuments and astounding examples of mosaic, painting, sculpture, and architecture. During the tour you'll see mosaics in Mausoleo di Galla Placidia and Basilica di San Vitale and then walk to the tomb of Dante Alighieri, father of the Italian language and poem of the Divine Comedy.
Next, you'll explore Rimini, a lively city on the Adriatic Sea also famous for its Roman tradition, beaches, film director Fellini's cinematic locations, sports, spas, amusement parks, and the delicious Piadina Romagnola, a sort of flat bread, usually filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat.
We will have a guided walking tour in Rimini where we will see both the roman and the renaissance influences: Augustus Arch, the Surgeon's House, the Tiberius Bridge, the Malatesta Temple, Castel Sismondo (from outside) and Galli theater.
The tour will end in the Republic of San Marino, an independent microstate that lies in the heart of Italy between Marche and Emilia Romagna regions. It claims to be the most ancient European Republic, a symbol of good diplomacy, hospitality, peace and freedom, all qualities that allowed the small enclave to maintain its liberty and independence across the centuries. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Romagna coast from the tower.
Sirmione/Lake Garda and Verona
The first stop of the tour will be in Sirmione, located in a beautiful peninsula on the southern coast of the Garda Lake. Sirmione, also called the pearl of the lake, is an ancient and charming center whose magic atmosphere was immortalized in the famous verses of the Latin poet Catullo in the first century BC. Visit the impressive historical remains and the biggest Roman villa in Northern Italy, take a picture of the beautiful landscape and don’t forget to lay in the sun on the shore of the beautiful lake! The tour will then take you to Verona in the Veneto region, a fascinating northeastern region bordering on the Adriatic Sea, and Verona is one of Italy’s most picturesque cities. It is the legendary home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and site of some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country, including an amazing Roman arena where operas are still performed. You will spend one nights in Verona where you will be able to enjoy a guided walking tour, enter the Arena, and immerse in the amazing atmosphere of a unique Italian city.