Spring Break in Italy: Top Destinations, Tips, and Budget Ideas

This post recaps a lively, educational spring break journey. Thirty-six Los Alamitos High School students, led by three dedicated teachers, spent ten days exploring Italy’s art, history, cuisine, and hands-on traditions.

As an experienced Italy travel writer, I’ll translate the school’s itinerary and experiences into a travel-minded narrative. I will highlight the cultural learning moments and suggest how a similar itinerary can be complemented by a relaxing stretch along the Italian Riviera.

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What the trip covered: cities, culture and classroom moments in the field

The students visited Venice, Florence, the rolling hills of Tuscany, Verona, and Rome. They encountered Roman amphitheaters, ancient ruins, and Renaissance art landmarks along the way.

The tour combined classic sightseeing with immersive activities designed to bring history and practice to life for young travelers. Led by Mrs. Franzen, Ms. Kibtya, and Ms. Whitefield, the 10-day itinerary mixed lectures-in-motion (like studying Romeo and Juliet in Verona) with sensory experiences that deepen cultural understanding: food, craft, and performance.

Highlights: history, art and hands-on learning

The tangible moments are what students remember most. Touring the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Vatican offers a direct line to centuries of art, politics, and religion.

The Renaissance masterpieces in Florence reveal why Italy remains a classroom without walls. Beyond museums and ruins, the trip included a lively roster of hands-on activities that turned passive observation into active participation.

Gondola ride through Venice’s canals — an iconic, sensory introduction to the city

Glassblowing demonstration and workshop — especially memorable in Venetian contexts

Candle making — a tactile craft connecting past domestic life with modern artisanal practice

Pesto-making class during an Aperitivo dinner — a delicious way to learn regional cuisine

Guided food tour — sampling local specialties while learning culinary history

Voices from the trip: students and teachers

Sophomore Kaylyn Kekacs expressed how seeing Italy’s beauty fulfilled a lifelong dream. Another student, Naomi Dixon, shared enthusiasm for exploring a culture different from her own, emphasizing the empathy and perspective gained from extended immersion.

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Mrs. Franzen reflected on why she enjoys leading student travel: “I love experiencing destinations anew through students’ eyes,” she said. She highlighted how group travel rejuvenates the leader’s perspective while mentoring young explorers.

Practical tips for similar student trips

Plan for variety: alternate museums with hands-on workshops and street-level experiences. Book key sites (the Colosseum, the Vatican, Uffizi) in advance.

Balance guided tours with free time so students can reflect. Add at least one culinary class — food is one of the best ways to connect with place.

Extend your itinerary to the Italian Riviera

For teachers or families wanting to extend a classic Italy circuit, a few extra days on the Italian Riviera provide a restorative contrast to city crowds.

The Ligurian coastline invites slow mornings and spectacular coastal walks.

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Consider visiting Genoa, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Each town offers a distinct flavor of sea, seafood and maritime history.

A post-tour stop on the Riviera gives students a chance to practice Italian and sample coastal cuisine.

They can also reflect on the art and history they’ve seen inland.

Here is the source article for this story: Spring break, Italian style

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