Field Trips for Torino, Italy

Step back in time to visit Torino’s oldest café for the classic favorite: a hot chocolate-coffee drink! You will understand why Torino's cafes were named Italy's best.

Fall and Yearlong terms only

From November to January each year, Torino streets are transformed into colorful, magical walkways where artists compete with elaborate creations to light up the city!

The Italian Alps are a must see during the winter for sports lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. In the Susa Valley on the border with France, Bardonecchia is a perfect combination of the charm of nature and the comforts of a city. Students can choose to ski, snowshoe, or enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

We'll first stop on the charming coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can enjoy the beautiful palm trees, beaches, and seafood and pesto specialties. Next, a short boat ride will bring us to the luxurious, colorful village of Portofino, where the world's rich and famous relax on impressive yachts.

Spring term only

This charming town, 40 minutes from Torino, transforms for a massive Carnival/Mardi Gras celebration each spring. 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!

Enjoy the northern beauty of mountains and lakes while taking in the cool Alpine air. Lake Maggiore offers spectacular views and places to sit and sip iced espresso or enjoy a gelato, along with shopping and hiking opportunities. We will visit Isolabella, one of the gorgeous islands dotting the lake, for a guided tour of a majestic villa and sculptured gardens where peacocks live. Or you can just take it easy and enjoy cruising around the lake on a tour boat.

Architecture lovers and history buffs will be thrilled with the visit to the over-1,000-year-old Abbey of St. Michael, which is built right on top of a mountain outside of Torino. Touch the rock of the mountain peak itself located inside the abbey! Bring comfortable shoes as we hike up the steep hill to explore this magnificent structure, and enjoy the refreshing air and outstanding views of the valley.

Check out the many magnificent models of cars from through the ages –from the earliest FIATs and Ferraris, up to the most modern, jaw-dropping designs from Italy. Where better than Torino to experience the best of the automotive industry, and trace the steps from hand-drawn designs to actual production?

Learn about the history of film while exploring the Mole tower, symbol of the city. Don’t miss the chance to ride the glass elevator to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city as well as the exciting events during the International Film Festival each fall!

See the spectacular, colorful views of the Langhe wine country in autumn, as we visit the charming town of Alba for the international festival celebrating the local prized mushrooms, hazelnuts, and chocolate!

Your day will be spent visiting the Piedmont hills which are dotted with medieval castles and tiny hilltop villages. The famous local wines, chocolate, and hazelnut specialties—native to the lush countryside outside Torino—make great gifts for your friends and family back home. We will try some of these specialties at our group lunch. The spectacular views of the area rival other famous wine regions in Italy and around the world.

Art, architecture, and history buffs will love the unique environment of this Savoy royal palace-turned-critically acclaimed art museum, considered one of the best in the world!

You will see the grandeur of one of the largest Savoy palaces and gardens in the region. Venaria Reale rivals Versailles in size and beauty, and offers breathtaking views of what life was like for the royal family in the seventeenth century. Designed and built by prolific Torinese architects Castellamonte and Juvarra, the structure and grounds were recently restored to their original glory, including the intricately designed Gallery of Diana made entirely of exquisite white and black marble. You may even be lucky enough to see the legendary ghost who is said to travel the grounds!

Additional visits and excursions are also planned and announced throughout the semester; recent visits have included: the Lingotto Art Gallery and rooftop car test track (atop the former FIAT factory); historic cafes and chocolate shops around Torino; International Chocolate Festival.