Excursions

There's More to Your Roman Semester Than Just Rome!

One of the most exciting parts of the study abroad experience is the opportunity to travel beyond the borders of your host city. With that in mind, we've added several opportunities for our students to explore the cultural diversity of both the nation of Italy and the Mediterranean region!

First, you'll expand your Italian experience through our weekend excursion program. Twice during your semester in Rome, you'll travel with St. John's faculty and staff for sightseeing and educational exploration around Italy. One of our experienced faculty members will guide you on a tour through the historical and cultural landmarks of Florence, Siena and Pompeii, three of Italy's "must see" cities. You'll gain a greater understanding of the breadth of the Italian cultural landscape as you take in all that these beautiful cities have to offer.

Then, at the end of the semester, you'll embark on a five-day trip to either Turkey or Greece! There you'll be guided by St. John's faculty and staff as you explore today's most significant cities of the ancient world.

Best of all, these trips are fully included in the program fee for all St. John's University students!

Weekend Excursion: Florence and Siena

Long considered one of Italy’s most scenic and historically relevant cities, Florence embodies the spirit and culture of Tuscany. Though smaller than Rome, the city is every bit as rich in its historical import, and its architectural and artistic treasures are comparable to any of Europe’s great cities. Often referred to as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has been home to some of Italy’s greatest writers, artists and political figures, including Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci. You'll also see Siena, a city rich in gothic architecture. Exploring these two cities together will allow you to experience the full breadth of Tuscany’s great history. You’ll be guided by a member of our Rome campus faculty, who will explain the long and fascinating history of the city’s people, politics, art and structures from an expert’s point of view, drawing connections and showing contrasts between the cultures of Florence, Siena, Rome and other major Italian and European cities.

End of Semester Excursion: Turkey or Greece