Field trips for Torino, Italy
We highly recommend students participate in the following organized field trips, which are included in your program fees. Some trips may be mandatory for specific classes and will be led by the Resident Director, instructors, or International Office staff.
Please note that destinations may only be available during certain terms and are subject to change at the discretion of the Resident Director or on-site staff.
The following are possible field trip destinations, with further details provided upon arrival.
Avigliana Lake & Castle Ruins
Avigliana is a busy, lively town with an ancient heart. Explore the historic part of the town all the way up to the ruins of the castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lakes, town, and surrounding Alps. You’ll also walk to the largest lake, where you can spend the rest of the day.
Bicerin Café
Step back in time to Torino’s oldest café, and sample the classic favorite: a hot chocolate-coffee drink. You will understand why Torino's cafes were named Italy's best.
Italian Alps (Bardonecchia)
The Italian Alps are a must-see in the winter for sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Bardonecchia, located in the Susa Valley on the border with France, offers the perfect blend of city comforts and charming nature. Students can choose to ski, snowshoe, or enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Italian Riviera
Visit the charming coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can enjoy the beautiful palm tree-lined beaches and sample seafood and pesto specialties. You’ll also take a short boat ride to the luxurious, colorful village of Portofino, where the world's rich and famous relax on impressive yachts.
Ivrea Carnival Festival
Spring term only
Experience the annual springtime Mardi Gras carnival, only 40 minutes from Torino in the charming town of Ivrea. Choose to watch or participate in the spirited orange-throwing battle, dating back to medieval times, along with thousands of spectators and participants. Tradition says wearing red will keep you from being hit by the flying oranges!
Lake Maggiore
Enjoy the northern beauty of mountains and lakes while taking in the cool Alpine air. Lake Maggiore offers spectacular views, great shopping and hiking opportunities, and excellent places to enjoy some iced espresso or gelato. You’ll also visit the island of Isolabella for a guided tour of a villa and sculptured gardens where peacocks live, and have the opportunity to enjoy a lake cruise on a tour boat.
Mountaintop St. Michael's Abbey
Architecture lovers and history buffs will be thrilled to visit the Abbey of St. Michael, built over 1,000 years ago on the top of a mountain. Enjoy the refreshing air and stunning views of the valley, and you can even touch the rock of the mountain peak itself from inside the abbey. Students should wear comfortable shoes to hike up the steep hill.
National Automobile Museum
Learn about the many magnificent models of cars through the ages, beginning with the earliest FIATs and Ferraris and moving to the most modern, jaw-dropping designs from Italy. There is no better place than Torino to experience the best of the automotive industry, and trace the steps from hand-drawn designs to actual production.
National Cinema Museum
Learn about the history of film while exploring the national cinema museum, located inside the Mole Antonelliana tower, symbol of the city. Ride the glass elevator to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city. Fall-term students will also get to experience the exciting events happening during the International Film Festival.
Piedmont Countryside/ Alba Wine and Truffle Fair
Enjoy spectacular fall colors as you visit the charming town of Alba, located in Langhe wine country. Stroll through the international festival which celebrates the local prized mushrooms, hazelnuts, and chocolate.
Piedmont Countryside/ Medieval Castle
Visit the beautiful Piedmont hills, dotted with medieval castles and tiny hilltop villages. Try culinary specialties at the group lunch, enjoy the spectacular views, and check out the famous local wines, chocolate, and hazelnut specialties – native to the lush countryside outside Torino, and perfect as gifts for your friends and family back home.