ISI Activities & Events

September 4

Neighborhood Aperitivo

An opportunity to learn about the Aperitivo and to get to know your fellow ISI classmates while exploring your neighborhood’s cafes, restaurants, shops, and more.

There will be three different meeting locations according to your apartment.

Euros 8,00 – Min. 5, max 15 participants per date

SIGN UP at Student Services by September 3

September 6

ISI Sponsored: A Day in Chianti

All students are invited to take part in the Chianti day trip: students will visit a Tuscan winery, take a tour of the property, learn about wine, feast on a typical Italian lunch, and take a walk on countryside paths. Check your emails: we will send a reminder!

No Sign Up Required

September 7

Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca

The trip includes a guided tour by an ISI art history professor, entrance tickets, and private bus. Discover that Pisa has more to it that its Leaning Tower and treat yourself to a bike ride around Lucca’s old walls.

SIGN UP for the following day trips during ORIENTATION on THURSDAY, AUGUST 29

September 11

A River with a View

Board on one of the recently restored historical boats, used in old times by men collecting sand from the riverbed, and be prepared to explore the city from a very different point of view. The navigation will allow you to get your eyes on beautiful architectural details and enjoy the sun and a warm breeze.

Euros 15,00 – Min. 6, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by September 6

September 14

Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano

The trip includes a guided tour by an ISI art history professor, entrance tickets, and private bus. Enjoy Siena, a surprisingly well-kept medieval town, and get ready to be struck by the beauty of San Gimignano, a small gem surrounded by the soft Tuscan hills.

SIGN UP for the following day trips during ORIENTATION on THURSDAY, AUGUST 29

September 17

I scream, You scream, We all scream for GELATO

So many “gelato” shops to choose from, but which is the best?! The only way to know is by trying! Join us for an evening stroll to visit three different “gelaterie” away from the tourist traps in the center.

Euros 6,00 – Min. 5, max 10 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by September 16

September 29

Fight BREAST CANCER – Corri La Vita

A special Florentine charity event supporting public health facilities that specialize in the fight against breast cancer. It has raised 5.700.000 Euros and involved 335.100 participants in its 16 editions. The route capitalizes on the sights and sounds of Florence, ending in Piazza della Signoria.  Enjoy the 6 km walk or the more challenging 11km run. With a minimum donation of Euros 10,00 participants receive the official Corri la Vita t-shirt sponsored by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Euros 10,00 (minimum donation) – Min. 6, max 25 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by September 18

October 8

Cooking Class: Chef for a Day

Want to learn how to create traditional Italian dishes so you can impress your friends and family back home? Come take a cooking class: you’ll learn how to make traditional Tuscan pappa al pomodoro, hand-made tortelli pasta, and tiramisù. At the end, sit down and enjoy your masterpieces! (Two dates available)

Euros 30,00 – Min. 10, max 30 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by October 3

October 9

Cooking Class: Chef for a Day

Want to learn how to create traditional Italian dishes so you can impress your friends and family back home? Come take a cooking class: you’ll learn how to make traditional Tuscan pappa al pomodoro, hand-made tortelli pasta, and tiramisù. At the end, sit down and enjoy your masterpieces! (Two dates available)

Euros 30,00 – Min. 10, max 30 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by October 3

October 28

Il Papiro: Make Your Own Florentine Paper

The century-old paper marbling technique is a method of aqueous surface design, which produces patterns similar to smooth marble or peacock feathers, depending on the project design. The patterns are the result of color floated on a viscous solution and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper. Listen to the history of paper marbling from its origin to now, followed by a live demonstration of the technique itself. You will then be guided in making your own marble-paper by hand.

Euros 20,00 – Min./max 10 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by October 17

November 6

The All-American Comfort Evening

Who needs a break from all the “Italian stuff”? How about an all-American comfort evening: early dinner at The Diner (each student is responsible for paying for their own meal) and then off to watch “Downton Abbey” at the Odeon Cinema (original sound).

Euros 7,00 + Dinner at own expense – Min. 5, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by November 5

November 12

Quirky City Tour

Join us for an unusual city tour: an evening walk where you’ll discover truths, legends, and customs of Renaissance Florence.

FREE – Min. 5, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by November 11

November 19

Pizza & Gelato Making

Ever wanted to make pizza from scratch? What about gelato? This class will teach you how. You will learn how to make pizza dough, roll it out, add toppings, cook it, and finally, eat it! To close out your meal, you’ll learn how to make gelato to then enjoy as dessert!

EUROS 30,00 – Min. 10, max. 15 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by November 13

November 26

New Olive Oil Tasting

All-day tasting of newly harvested extra virgin olive oil on fresh bread. In Tuscany it is called Fettunta, the local term for “la fetta unta”, which translates to “the oily slice of bread”. It’s bread and olive oil, but please don’t underestimate its simple appearance and frugality of ingredients; here we are talking about the “mother” of all bruschettas. This simple snack epitomizes centuries of tradition of producing excellent olive oil (the Mediterranean’s gold); the celebration of the hard work people put into producing olive oil.

FREE – All Day at Palazzo Bargagli

No SIGN UP required

November 28

Thanksgiving with ISI FLorence

Come watch the live streaming of the 93^rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with ISI Florence and a table full of snacks to enjoy Thanksgiving Day together. Feel free to invite your family if they’re in town visiting you.

FREE – All Day at Palazzo Bargagli

No SIGN UP Required

December 5

Preparing To Go Home: Reverse Culture Shock

FREE – Min. 8, max 25 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by December 3