Italian Adventure: DHS Students' Unforgettable Journey

By Italian Language teacher, Ms Tomassi

This school holiday, our Italian DHS students embarked on an unforgettable journey through Italy, visiting the iconic cities of Milano, Verona, Venezia, Firenze, Pisa, and Roma. From exploring the modern streets of Milan to experiencing the romantic charm of Verona and Venezia and the historic wonders of Florence and Rome, our group immersed themselves in the rich culture and history of this beautiful country. This adventure was not just about seeing new places but about learning, bonding, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Our adventure started in Milan, in the charming Navigli district, known for its canals, vibrant street art, and lively cafes. After a delicious lunch, we headed to the historic Castello Sforzesco and enjoyed a relaxing stroll through the peaceful Parco Sempione. The next day, we were captivated by the Gothic beauty of the Duomo di Milano, exploring its stunning interiors, archaeological area, and rooftops with breathtaking views. Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie was a surreal experience that left a lasting impression. Our Milan adventure wrapped up with a visit to La Scala Theatre and Museum, followed by leisurely shopping and gelato indulgence.

Our day trip to Verona started off a bit rocky when we missed our train, but we quickly got into the spirit of the city. We first explored the impressive Verona Arena, then made our way to Juliet's House, standing on the iconic balcony. Afterward, we climbed up to Castel San Pietro for stunning views of the city and crossed the ancient Ponte Pietra, feeling the history beneath our feet. We admired the Verona Cathedral and enjoyed some delicious gelato, even capturing a funny selfie with a tourist who photobombed our group shot. We finished the day in the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, picking up souvenirs and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Despite the chaotic start, our time in Verona turned into an unforgettable adventure.

Venice was a captivating experience that began with our arrival at a welcoming hotel in the Santa Croce district. We enjoyed delicious Venetian cuisine, setting a perfect tone for our adventure. Our guided walking tour introduced us to the city's enchanting architecture and intricate canals, culminating in a thrilling gondola ride. The following day, we explored the islands of Murano and Burano, watching a mesmerizing glassblowing demonstration in Murano and admiring Burano's vibrant houses and lace-making tradition. After a leisurely lunch back in Venice, we visited Libreria Acqua Alta, a charming bookstore known for its quirky décor and made our way to Venice’s narrowest street. Our adventure concluded with free time to shop and soak in the city's charm, followed by a delightful final dinner and an exciting geocaching hunt.

In Florence, our adventure began with a scenic train ride from Venice. After settling into our hotel, we headed to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David. Our exploration continued with an afternoon bike tour, allowing us to take insights from the magnificent Duomo to the historic Ponte Vecchio, while our guide shared captivating stories about Florence's rich heritage. The following evening, we celebrated San Giovanni, the patron saint of Florence, by watching the fireworks over the Arno River with the locals. The next day, the students began their Italian language classes, an important part of our trip. Despite initial nerves, the welcoming staff quickly put them at ease, helping them gain confidence in speaking Italian. Throughout the week, the students’ Italian classes deepened their connection to the language and culture. After class, we visited Fattoria di Maiano, learning about olive oil production and enjoying breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills. Our exploration also led us to the Medici Chapels and the Florence Duomo. To round off our time in Florence, we participated in a cooking class, preparing a delicious meal including eggplant caprese, homemade potato tortelli, and classic tiramisu. Sharing the meal, we created together was a fitting conclusion to an enriching experience.

During our time in Florence, we also took a train to Pisa. The sight of the Piazza dei Miracoli was breathtaking, home to some of Italy's most iconic landmarks. We immediately started taking photos in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After giving the students some free time, we made our way to the magnificent Cathedral of Pisa, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with its intricate façade and impressive interior. One intriguing aspect of the cathedral is the presence of lizards on its facade, believed to bring good luck to visitors. Another fascinating feature is the Devil's Holes, small cavities near the entrance that, according to legend, were created by the devil attempting to sabotage the construction. After exploring the Piazza dei Miracoli, we walked to the Scuola Normale Superiore, one of Italy's most prestigious higher education institutions. The institution is known for its rigorous academic standards, research excellence, and significant contributions to Italian culture and science. We ended the day of course with a gelato stop, something we did quite often, as the ice-cream in Italy is delicious!

Our journey to Rome started with a warm greeting from the hotel staff, who accommodated us even though we checked in early. Our first stop was the Spanish Steps, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. After lunch, we visited the Pantheon, an architectural marvel originally built in 27 BC and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian. The massive domed roof and central oculus left us in awe. Inside, we admired the marble floors, walls, and the tombs of notable figures such as Raphael and Victor Emmanuel II. That evening, we set off on a Dark Heart of Rome night tour, revealing the city's hidden and eerie history through stories of ghosts, scandals, and mysteries. Our guide, Alethea, was a fantastic storyteller, and the students absolutely loved the tour.

The following day, we woke up early to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Despite queuing for two hours, once inside, we navigated through various rooms filled with incredible art and historical artifacts, including the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes. After lunch, we visited St. Peter's Basilica, where the grandeur of Bernini's colonnades and the stunning façade left us in awe. Inside, the immense size, magnificent dome, and beautiful sculptures and mosaics took our breath away. After a long day, we headed to dinner near the Trevi Fountain, which looked stunning. The students tossed coins into the fountain, hoping to return to Rome one day.

The next day, we visited the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome. Its grandeur immediately took our breath away and the students were fascinated by the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals were held. Next, we visited the Roman Forum, exploring the ruins of temples, basilicas, and public spaces that once formed the heart of ancient Rome. We ended our visit to the area at Palatine Hill, where we took photos of the impressive panoramic views. After exploring other sites, passing by Circo Massimo, Teatro Marcello and the grand Vittoriano monument, we headed back to the hotel. Our final dinner at a charming restaurant off Piazza Navona was special, as we celebrated Gabriella’s 18th birthday with her family. We shared highlights of the trip and posed for a final group photo.

We flew back home the next day, taking with us memories of incredible sights, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. The students learned so much and will always cherish their time exploring Italy's beauty and history.

Thank you again to all the staff, students and families who helped us along the way. And thank you to the students and Mr Phillips for making this a wonderful trip.

For more information and photos, you can check out Darwin High School’s Facebook page.

Student Reviews:

Sophie

Our recent school trip to Italy was incredible giving myself and other students the opportunity to further engage in the language and culture of the country we had been studying for the past year and a half. Our first stop was Milan, where we stayed close to the metro system making it easy for us to explore the modern city and sites like Duomo di Milano and Da Vinci's last supper painting. Our next stop was Venice (my personal favourite), where we travelled by foot through the intricate streets, also learning about the lace making and glassblowing histories of nearby islands, Murano and Burano. The next city we visited was Florence where we went to a language school (Instituto il David) for 4 days (9-1pm hours). We had 2 different teachers, to help with speaking and grammar related to our class content. It was difficult but a good opportunity to test our skills and learn from the teachers, who spoke fluent Italian throughout our classes. Finally, we stopped in Rome for our final 3 days, exploring some iconic attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum, to finish our trip on a high :). Overall, the experience was very rewarding, and I feel very lucky to have had the chance to go on such an amazing school trip, and it was all thanks to Ms Tomassi and Mr Phillips!

Melanie

Last month, we toured Italy as a part of our Stage 2 Italian course. After 18 treacherous hours of travel, we arrived in Milan where we visited Il Duomo and received a tour of Da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. After 4 days in Milan, we caught a train to arrive in Venice! After eating a delectable seafood pasta, we toured the islands of Murano and Burano and went on a Gondola ride. We then visited Florence, where we viewed Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and partook in an Italian cooking class. In Rome, we battled a heatwave and visited the Colosseum and the Vatican City. I’m very grateful we got to indulge ourselves in Italy’s rich culture firsthand and would not trade any memories made for the world :)

Amelia

Travelling to Italy was such an amazing experience and privilege. Everywhere we looked seemed like it was out of a painting, especially when we were travelling through Venice. The people in every city were welcoming and kind, heightening our appreciation for a culture and country we already knew was beautiful and rich.

Yaseen

Right before the tenth week, I had an experience with my school that was so amazing. Every minute of it was thrilling, starting from Milan’s historic buildings to Florence and Venice’s beauty. The bicycle tours, art galleries and cooking courses are things I cannot forget. Rome’s historic sites were extraordinarily breathtaking. In the smallest country on earth, Vatican City, I visited and felt a deep silence at its great arts. Small setbacks couldn’t discourage me in any way. Every day was a completely new adventure packed full of excitement and fun moments. It combined recreation, study, and exploration perfectly well into one package. I am dying for another journey!

Haylia

Over the school break, our Italian class had an opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Italy for a study tour. Our trip included stays in Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome, as well as day trips to Verona and Pisa. We had a schedule packed with activities including tours in cathedrals, art galleries and famous buildings, as well as lessons in the Italian language and Italian cooking. My highlight of the trip was all the walking we did around the cities as the scenery and buildings were very beautiful. Overall, this trip was very educational, and I made many memories that I will never forget.

The Italian study tour was an amazing experience and a great opportunity for me. I got to learn more about the language I’m currently studying, as well as the culture, food, and people there. I also experienced what it's like to live in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. We explored Milan, our first destination, then Venice, Florence, and finally Rome. Throughout this journey, we encountered many beautiful, unique, and mind-blowing sights, such as the architecture, glass factories, paintings, and buildings in each city in Italy.

Naiomi

My favourite highlights in each city include the Teatro alla Scala and the Duomo di Milano in Milan. In Venice, I loved the gondola ride on the Grand Canal; it was enjoyable and relaxing with beautiful views. Exploring the islands of Murano and Burano was also a delight. In Florence, my favourite highlights were the Ponte Vecchio, Il Duomo, the view of the whole city from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Italian concert. Our last stop was Rome, where I was fascinated by both the ancient and modern historical sites. I especially loved the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and the Colosseum. The ancient artifacts and architectural designs on the walls and ceilings were unique and beautiful. And of course, I must mention the food, gelato, and desserts in Italy; they were outstanding. Lastly, I want to say that our study tour teachers were amazing. We love them so much. They were always responsible and worked hard to make this trip worthwhile and ensure everyone was happy. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you.

Micaela

At the start of week ten, the Italian class met at the airport excited to start our adventure. After around 19 hours of flying, we finally reached Milan. We also went to Venice, Florence, and Rome. Venice was for sure my favourite place because it was so beautiful, and I loved going on the gondola. In Florence we went to a school called Instituto Il David where we got the opportunity to learn Italian in Italy for 4 days which was a really cool experience. We also got to see fireworks for a public holiday called San Giovanni on the 24th of June. Overall, it was a great experience and I wish I could go back and do it all over again.

Rasika

At the start of Week 10, my classmates and I went to Italy for a study tour. Throughout the trip, we saw many interesting and beautiful sights. In Milan, we visited Il Duomo and Teatro Alla Scala, and we also saw Michelangelo's Last Supper. After Milan, we took a train to Venice, which was breathtaking. After an amazing lunch, we took a walking tour of Venice to learn some of the city's history. We then headed to our next tour, a gondola ride, where we learned about the history of gondoliers. Florence was an amazing city where we spent a whole week. Throughout the week, we did many tours, including visits to galleries to see famous paintings and sculptures, bike tours to explore the city, and a tour of an oil mill to learn how olive oil is made. We even participated in a cooking class. In the mornings, we attended a school, Istituto il David. Our last stop on the trip was Rome, where we spent three very busy days sightseeing at the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. On Sunday, we visited the Vatican Museums. At night, we went to dinners and enjoyed traditional Roman foods. I had an amazing trip, and I am grateful to have had amazing teachers who helped so much during this trip.

Feifan

The Italian study tour was an eye opening and rewarding experience for me. It was exciting to finally visit a country which I’ve been studying and learning the language of for two years. We journeyed through Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Milan provided a fascinating start to the tour. The key highlight of Milan was the Duomo di Milano and The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Our next stop was at Venice, which with its labyrinth of canals, was a stark contrast to Milan’s modernity. Walking around the city and a gondola ride on the grand canal was particularly enjoyable and offered a unique perspective on Venetian architecture. In Florence, highlights included the Uffizi Gallery, il Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. My personal favourite was singing to Italian songs at the concert. Rome was the grand finale of the tour. The city offered a comprehensive overview of ancient, medieval, and modern history. I really enjoyed the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. I also made sure to take lots of photos for my mum, who has always wanted to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Notable mentions include the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The Italian study tour was an enriching experience and provided a comprehensive understanding of the country’s diverse cultural and historical landscape. The memories of the tour will resonate with me for a lifetime.

Gabriella

I especially enjoyed all the food and admiring the architecture and atmosphere of the busy Italian cities. I also appreciated learning more about Italian history and culture by visiting historical sites, museums, and cathedrals. We had the opportunity to develop our language skills by attending language classes in Florence, and also attended a cooking class one evening which was very fun. I am super grateful for this amazing experience!

Kara

In Milan I really loved learning about the history of Il Duomo and The Last Supper, they didn't disappoint. In Verona we got to practice our Italian language skills when ordering and additionally when paying for our gelati. Venice was exactly like stereotypical Italy, probably my favourite tour of the entire trip was held here, being 'The Walking Tour' and they make some of the best tiramisu here. There was nothing disappointing about our stay here and I wish we could have stayed longer and taken a few more boat taxis. Florence was by far my favourite place. The experience was like almost being a local and going to school was delightful, surreal and the highlight for me. It was quite a personal language development, with just a small class and the encouraging environment helped us grow in confidence and supported us to just try our best. The fact that it was only a small portion of our day in the morning allowed for a morning of learning followed by an afternoon of exploring. Florence was brimming with so much beautiful art and architecture and the best truffle pasta. My favourite historical site we visited was St. Peter’s Basilica, in Rome, both beautiful and amazing, a landmark which I would suggest anyone visiting Italy to never miss. I think the most helpful thing that we did, to strengthen our language skills, when visiting was just the simple things, like shopping and going out to eat because that is when we engaged in the most conversations and whilst in those moments, we weren't learning much about the history or the culture, we were learning the most about the language.