While Rome is certainly not lacking in charm, history, or culture, most students also want to venture outside the city during their time abroad. One of the greatest aspects of studying in Rome is that many of its most famous cities are little more than a few hours away, and all you have to do is pack your bags and buy your train ticket.
From Venice to Florence and Pompeii to Naples, there are many places you can visit during your time in Italy. Although you may be busy with schoolwork during the week, there’s plenty of time to explore Italy on the long weekends.
If you’re interested in studying abroad in Rome, read on to learn about a few of the places you can visit during your stay.
1. Students Can See History Up Close at the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii
The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, as well as a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you want to see what life was like in ancient Rome, Pompeii is the perfect option. You can walk through the preserved city streets as they existed almost two millennia ago, frozen at the moment Mount Vesuvius erupted. The city was so well-preserved by volcanic ash that excavators even recently found a fast food counter, complete with frescoes that look as fresh as they did 2,000 years ago.
2. Visit Naples for an Experience like No Other While You Study Abroad
If you’re going to Pompeii, then you may as well add Naples to the list, seeing as it’s only 15 miles away.
From good food to art, archaeology, and an incredibly vibrant energy, Naples is a city that offers a different scene than its more famous counterparts like Florence or Venice. Explore the street life of the Spaccanapoli, take a bite of sugar-dusted sfogliatelle for breakfast, and walk through the galleries of the Capodimonte.
3. Hop on the High-Speed Train and See Florence
Home to the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a city renowned for its beauty and culture. You can walk down Via Pellicceria, lined with some of the best shopping options in Italy. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery can take the art in your study abroad classes from the page to real life, including works from masters like Botticeli, Caravaggio, and da Vinci.
Florence is a short train ride away from the JCU campus in Rome
4. Travel Between the Coastal Towns of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is the gem of the Italian Riviera. These five towns are nestled on the cliffs of the Ligurian Sea, and the surrounding nature gives you ample room to explore. From swimming to hiking scenic trails, these tiny seaside towns can offer a much-needed break after a hard week of classes, studying, and exams.
One of the most popular activities in Cinque Terre is the passeggiata, or evening stroll. Almost all the locals in town join in, which gives you the perfect chance to practice your Italian and maybe enjoy a scoop or two of gelato as the sun sets over the beaches.
5. Spend a Weekend Exploring the Beautiful Canals and Streets of Venice
Although it takes some time to get there, there’s no better way to spend a long weekend than by experiencing the unique cityscape of Venice while you study abroad in Rome.
Students at JCU can explore historic Venice during their time studying abroad
You can follow the winding network of canals and bridges that link over 100 small islands, including the famous sestieri of Cannaregio and Santa Croce, as well as visit popular sites like the Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Palazzo Ducale.
Are you comparing American colleges in Italy for your study abroad experience?
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