Explore the art, architecture and cultural heritage of Italy over 11 days while earning course credit for ART 114: Art History Survey I.

Students experience some of Italy's most iconic artistic and historical landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the ruins of Pompeii. They also visit Florence's renowned museums and churches, including the Accademia Gallery and Santa Maria del Fiore, explore the artistic treasures of the Renaissance, and enjoy excursions to the Tuscan cities of Lucca and Pisa, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower.

Dates: March 11-21, 2027

Faculty: The course will be led and taught by Wake Tech faculty members Dr. Rebecca Smith and Dr. Brianna Guthrie.

Accommodations: Students will stay at hotels in Rome and Florence, with two to six per room.

Meals: Hotels provide a continental breakfast each morning. Other meal options are available in area markets and restaurants.

Cost: $4,550

The cost includes the following:

• Round-trip flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Rome. Travel is booked through Wake Tech's travel agency liaison and arrangements made by the course leaders.
• A nine-night stay at comfortable hotels, with ensuite bathrooms and breakfast daily
• International health insurance
• Ground transportation for site visits and sightseeing tours
• Tips and gratuities

The following items are not included in the cost:

• Wake Tech course fees and tuition
• Any airline baggage fees
• Cost of a passport
• Cost of visas (if necessary)
• Lunches and/or dinners
• Incidental expenses

For more information, email Dr. Rebecca Smith at [email protected] or Dr. Brianna Guthrie at [email protected].

Daily itinerary

• March 11 (Day 1) – Depart RDU on an overnight flight to Rome
   
• March 12 (Day 2) – Introduction to Rome
  After arriving and checking into the hotel, students take an orientation walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood, including public transportation, local markets, pharmacies and ATMs. A safety briefing provides important information about emergency procedures and navigating the city. The day continues with a historical walking tour featuring Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, followed by a welcome dinner.
   
• March 13 (Day 3) – Ancient Rome
  Students explore some of Rome's most iconic archaeological sites, including the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, once the center of political, religious and social life in the Roman Empire. The afternoon includes a visit to the underground Basilica of San Clemente, where layers of Roman, early Christian and medieval history are preserved beneath the city.
   
• March 14 (Day 4) – Pompeii and Naples
  Students travel to Pompeii to tour the remarkably preserved city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Afterward, they enjoy free time in Naples, experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere, cuisine and culture before retuning to Rome in the evening.
   
• March 15 (Day 5) – Vatican City
  Students visit the Vatican museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and learn about the artistic and historical significance of the collection. The tour continues to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's most important religious and architectural landmarks. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Rome.
   
• March 16 (Day 6) – Florence and the Duomo
  Students travel by train to Florence and participate in an orientation walking tour of their new neighborhood. The afternoon is devoted to Florence's most recognizable landmark, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, including the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower, all masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and design.
   
• March 17 (Day 7) – Fiesole and Etruscan history
  Students travel to the hilltop town of Fiesole to explore ancient Etruscan and Roman ruins that predate the founding of Florence. They also visit the Museo Bandini, home to a collection of paintings, ceramics and artifacts assembled by scholar and collector Angelo Maria Bandini.
   
• March 18 (Day 8) – Renaissance Florence
  Students visit the Bargello Museum, renowned for its collection of medieval and Renaissance sculpture, including works by Donatello and Michelangelo. In the afternoon, they tour Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's historic center of government and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
   
• March 19 (Day 9) – Lucca and Pisa
  Students take a day trip to the Tuscan cities of Lucca and Pisa. In Lucca, they explore the medieval streets, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the Cathedral of San Martino. The visit to Pisa includes free time to experience the famous Leaning Tower and the monuments of Piazza dei Miracoli before returning to Florence.
   
• March 20 (Day 10) – Florence art and culture
  Students visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's renowned statue of David. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, including the opportunities to visit museums such as the Uffizi Gallery. The program concludes with a farewell dinner.
   
• March 21 (Day 11) – Students return to the airport in Rome for a flight back to RDU.