2027 Florence

Step into the birthplace of the Renaissance for an unforgettable week immersed in world-class art, timeless architecture, and Tuscan culture. Unpack just once at our boutique home base — the stylish Gallery Hotel Art in the heart of Florence — and let our expert guides unlock the secrets of the Medici dynasty, iconic masterworks, and the medieval hill town of Siena.

We’ll stand in awe beneath Brunelleschi’s famous dome at the Duomo, marvel at Michelangelo’s original David inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, and trace centuries of masterworks throughout the grand halls of the Uffizi Gallery. From the gilded splendor of the Medici Chapels and Palazzo Vecchio to the grand courtyards of the Pitti Palace, we’ll unlock the fascinating stories behind the city’s legendary artistic legacy.

Beyond the city walls, we’ll enjoy a full-day excursion to the picturesque medieval jewel of Siena, where winding cobblestone streets and Gothic splendor offer a captivating change of pace. With carefully balanced guided tours each morning and several free hours in an afternoon here and there to explore artisan boutiques, linger at sidewalk cafés, or discover hidden trattorias at your own speed, we invite you to join us for the ultimate, stress-free Tuscan escape.

We’re working on the details … please check back! Or, add your name to the interest list to receive notifications when more information becomes available.

This tour takes place entirely in Florence, with a day excursion to Sienna. You can view – and download or print – the most up-to-date itinerary here.

Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.

You’ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about How to Be an Independent Group Traveler.

Ellen Draeger Cattadoris serves as the Director of Engagement, Alumni and Parent Relations at St. Olaf College, a role she has held since 2021 after returning to the Hill to work in the Development Office in 2014. Ellen graduated from St. Olaf in 2007 with a B.A. in English and a concentration in women’s studies, later building a career in nonprofit fundraising in Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis before returning to her alma mater.

While her academic background is rooted in literature, an interest in the visual arts took hold during her student days, where some of Ellen’s favorite classes included art history, color design, and drawing. That lifelong curiosity—alongside her love for Italian food, culture, art, and naturally, exceptional wine and espresso—makes her thrilled to host the upcoming “Splendor in Florence” trip.

A dedicated traveler and three-year member of the St. Olaf Band, Ellen’s past adventures include performing across Norway as a student in 2005 and returning in 2019 to accompany the St. Olaf Choir and Orchestra. She was also fortunate to participate in a recent Theatre in London trip with Alumni and Family Travel. Ellen believes the best trips begin long before takeoff, often spending her free time diving into fiction and nonfiction set in upcoming destinations. She looks forward to sharing her favorite Florence reading picks so travelers can read along together before embarking on an unforgettable journey.

Expect an Italian adventure!

Movement between cities will be by private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural/historic sites will typically be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain, of climbing stairs that may not have handrails, of climbing in and out of various types of transportation, of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling,of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures, and be a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.

Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.

If you’ve never traveled with a group — or spent this much on a vacation before — it’s completely normal to feel a little hesitant. But you absolutely can make this happen! Here is how we build the perfect safety net for your first big adventure: Your Tour, Your Way.

Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully. We try to strike a balance between nickel-and-diming you once on the tour and allowing you some freedom in your price point: including some meals and activities, for example, while making others optional or on your own. Private motor coaches throughout the tour are pricier than public transportation. Highly rated guides are essential and should command higher wages.

The tour price is $6,535 per person, based on double occupancy. A supplement of $1,590 applies for single occupancy.

Inclusions: St. Olaf host, full-time tour manager for the duration of the tour; expert local guiding; accommodations; meals, entrance fees, activities, and private bus as listed in the itinerary; gratuities for all guides, drivers, meals, and porters; and some limited travel insurance.

Exclusions: Airfare between the U.S. and Italy is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: international airfare, airport transfers, any passport and visa fees, any recommended immunizations or vaccinations, laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature, expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities, and any meals not specifically included on tour itinerary.

This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to the tour operator to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.

Deposit due:             $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel: $475 if you cancel on or before January 30, 2027. If the deposit is made after January 30, 2027 there is no refund.

Interim payment due: $4,000 on January 31, 2027
Refund if you cancel:   $2,000 if you cancel on or before June 29, 2027

Balance due:              June 30, 2027
Refund if you cancel:   None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

Carefully read each tab on the Participant Documents (coming soon).

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the program return date. Should you need to renew, visit the U.S. Department of State for instructions.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, safety overview, and more.

Hold the dates of November 14–21, 2027 on your calendar, and do not book non-refundable air until we can confirm the tour is a go. Meanwhile, you can see some tips on Booking Your Flights.

Terms and Conditions (coming soon)
Release and Waiver (coming soon)