Benvenuti a Firenze!

Florence is a beautiful city in northern Italy known for its vibrant art scene and its distinction as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It's a place for any student to revel in  delicious food, fascinating history, and the relaxed Italian lifestyle. Embark on a CIS Abroad guided tour, attend one of the dozens of festivals that take place every year, or simply let yourself explore the city for an evening or a weekend. 

A Historic City

The city of Florence dates back to the first century CE, beginning as a small Roman city but quickly growing from its humble origins. It saw the birth of famous Italian poet Dante, lit the spark that would grow into the Renaissance, and is the city where Michelangelo spent much of his life. It survived for over two thousand years through the fall of the Roman empire, the Black Death, and both world wars to greet you with open arms. 

Today, thanks to its vast cultural heritage, Florence is a popular destination for tourists around the globe. Visit the architectural feat of the Duomo, a vast cathedral boasting the largest brick dome in the world, or see Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell'Accademia. Prefer cuisine to churches? No problem! Florence is home to some of the best restaurants serving traditional Italian dishes, fascinating fusions, and of course excellent gelato. Why not find a local hole-in-the-wall to study in? Who knows, maybe you'll make a local friend. Or simply take a passeggiata (or stroll) along the beautiful Arno river, weaving through cobblestone streets and drinking in the historic Florentine architecture. The choice is yours! 

Study Abroad in Florence

Florence is in the center of the famous Tuscany region, home to rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. When you visit Florence with CIS Abroad, you'll experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore this beautiful region with guided tours, take fascinating classes on art history and cuisine with the Florence University of Arts (FUA), and make lifelong memories with new friends. Learn more about FUA here. 

The city's central location makes it an excellent gateway to visit all of Italy, with Rome a 90-minute train ride to the south and Venice just over two hours to the north. Additionally, via the system of regional trains in Italy, you have the opportunity to take day trips to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa or any of the other enticing day trip opportunities. Italy's excellent public transit system makes it easy to get around.