ASA: Academic Study Associates 2008 Programs

ASA in Florence Activities

Afternoons and evenings are designed to give you the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities, entertainment and Florentine cultural life. You will have plenty of time for guided discovery of this vibrant city as well as getting to know it independently. You will soon have a favorite piazza or cafe and know where to go for the best gelato (ice cream). Wander beyond the Centro Storico and discover traditional neighborhoods such as San Frediano, Santa Maria Novella and Borgo San Lorenzo and see how they contrast with the modern boutiques and shops on the Piazza della Repubblica and Via Tornabuoni. There will be opportunities to play basketball or soccer, visit fascinating old churches and monasteries explore the famous craft and antiques markets and to shop for Italian styles during the summer sales. The city's piazzas are wonderful places bustling with people gathering around the world famous buildings, sculptures and fountains. The city offers a fantastic variety of concerts, film, and, of course, excellent food.

ASA in Florence Trips

Part of experiencing Florence is not just enjoying what Florence has to offer but exploring some of the magnificent countryside and sites in Tuscany and beyond. From Fiesole to the Cinque Terre the idea is to get you off the beaten track and take advantage of the local attractions. Saturday and Sunday are reserved for day trips.

You will explore the medieval city of Siena, cross the magnificent Tuscan countryside and visit Pisa and its famous leaning tower, see San Gimignano and its thirteen towers, enjoy historic Cortona, the city of Lucca and even spend a day enjoying the Tuscan coast and the picturesque beach towns of Cinque Terre.

In addition there is a spectacular weekend trip to Rome. Marvel at the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, visit the Roman forum and enjoy the restaurants, cafes and energy of one of Europe's most dynamic cities.