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Italy

Under the Tuscan Sun: Italian Adventures With Your Family

Program No. 23580RJ
Under the Tuscan sun, you and your family will create memories that will last a lifetime as you discover amazing art, learn some Italian, and explore ancient ruins together.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

What comes to mind when you think of Italy? Spectacular cuisine? Rolling hills? Amazing artwork? If that’s the case, then chances are you’re thinking of Tuscany. Unlike the long lines of Rome and the crazy crowds of Venice, it’s way easier to feel like a true Italian in the small cities of Tuscany. Alongside your family, journey along the peaceful valleys to learn what makes Italy one of the best countries in the world. Discover priceless art, whip up some delicious Italian food, and learn what makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean as you explore la bella vita with your family.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to five miles a day; elective biking opportunity. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths, escalators. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Anticipate temperatures to reach 85-95°F consistently. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus, regional train, and funicular. Pedestrian tunnels at train stations.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover the famous scientific explorations of Leonardo da Vinci at the place he was born.
  • Become a pasta- and pizza-making pro during a fun cooking class and bring your recipes home to your parents.
  • Ride your bike on top of the medieval walls of Lucca to get a totally different perspective of Tuscany.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Suzanne Myers
Suzanne Myers originally hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and has been living in Florence since 2011. She has a BA in art history from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MA in art history from Syracuse University. She works as a lecturer for several study away programs in Florence and as a licensed group leader. Suzanne specializes in Italian Renaissance art, but also loves to lecture on a wide range of subjects from the Medici family to the Black Death to Florentine fashion.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Erika Morri
Erika Morri View biography
Erika Morri has a degree in political science from the Università di Bologna and has worked in marketing, public relations and event planning. An elite athlete, Erika played on the Italian National Women's Rugby team for 12 years. Currently, she is a board member of the Italian Rugby Federation which governs professional, semi-professional and amateur play. She lives in Bologna and has an eye for photography and design.
Profile Image of Cristina Davanzo
Cristina Davanzo View biography
Cristina Davanzo is a native of Treviso (a city just north of Venice) and has an advanced degree in foreign languages and literature from the Università Ca' Foscari in Venice. She has taught at the primary school level and has studied and worked in Spain, England and Italy as an interpreter, group leader and administrative assistant. When she returned to Italy, she began managing educational travel programs as well as leading Road Scholar groups since 2005. She is fluent in Italian, Spanish, English and Portuguese.
Profile Image of Suzanne Myers
Suzanne Myers View biography
Suzanne Myers originally hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and has been living in Florence since 2011. She has a BA in art history from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MA in art history from Syracuse University. She works as a lecturer for several study away programs in Florence and as a licensed group leader. Suzanne specializes in Italian Renaissance art, but also loves to lecture on a wide range of subjects from the Medici family to the Black Death to Florentine fashion.
Profile Image of Sabrina Lanzoni
Sabrina Lanzoni View biography
Sabrina Lanzoni was born in Pisa and moved to the German-speaking area of Switzerland where she attended school. She also attended a school for foreign language secretary. Sabrina returned to Italy for university, earning a degree in foreign languages and German literature at the Università di Pisa. While still a student, she worked as a group leader traveling throughout Italy and Europe. She has been leading groups in Pisa since 1988. Sabrina speaks Italian, German, English, and French.
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