Program field trips to museums, archives, galleries and architecturally-significant sites are integrated with the Art History course, allowing students to explore the artistic and architectural beauty of Italy with in a cultural context.
Students who are waived from taking the Art History course can join the group during the excursions.
Most excursions are scheduled during the week, although some may be scheduled for the weekend.
Below are places that students visited in previous programs.
KEI reserves the right to change planned excursions for destinations of equal value and interest.
Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals and interest.
Academic year and multiple term students participate on planned excursions during one of their terms.Venice & Venetto
There is much to see and do in Venice and the surrounding region (Venetto).
Some of the more notable destinations include the following: St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Rialto, Bridge of Sighs, Church S. Nicolò dei Mendicoli, Church of S. Pietro di Castello, Scovegni Chapel, Biblioteca Fava (private manuscript collections), San Zaccaria, Church of St. Maria dei Miracoli, Frari, Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Palace of San Marco, the Old Arsenal, Scuola of San Giorgio, Island of Trocello, Church of Santa Maria e Donato in Murano, Basilica of St. Antonio in Padua and Island of St. Lazzaro delgi Armeni.
Rome
All roads lead to Rome, and the 21st century still proves this to be true.
There is much to wonder about in Rome.
Some notable landmarks include Saint Peter's, Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Castel S. Angelo, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza Navona, Catacombs, Piazza Venezia, San Paolo, Nero's Golden House, Borghese Gallery, Vatican Necropolis, Statue of Moses in San Pietro in Vincoli and Tre Scalini's Tartufo con Panna
The official city tourist website can be found at www.romaturismo.com.
Florence
From an army camp established by Julius Caesar, Florence rose to international grandeur largely through the influence of the Medici family in the 14th century.
This family of bankers had the money, prestige and desire to commission major works of art and architecture, mostly sacred.
Florence’s primary landmark, the Duomo (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore) was completed in this time, and featured works by Giotto, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi.
Other treasure troves of art include the Uffizi Gallery, Accdemia dell’Arte del Disegno, Michelangelo's David, Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce Church, S. Lorenzo Church, Palazzo Pitti (Palatina Gallery), Boboli Garden, Medici's Chapels, Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato Church, Villa La Petraia, Fiesole, Villa Gamberaia Garden, Carmine Church, Brancacci Chapel, Cestello, S. Spirito Churches and Cenacolo di Ognissanti
Milan
Milan’s artistic past as a center of opera and sacred arts is now overshadowed by its industrial appearance.
Yet one can still find several exquisite churches, cathedrals and theaters.
Leonardo daVinci’s most famous painting The Last Supper is on display in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie.
Other points of interest include the Railway Station, Republic Square, International Exhibition Comples, Arch of Peace, Sempione Park, Sforzesco Castle, Basilica of St. Ambrogio, Archaelogical Museum, St. Lorenzo, St. Eustorgio, Naviglio Quarter, St. Maria Church, St. Celso Churches, Duomo Square, Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, Vittorio Emanuela Arcade, Palazzo Brera, Casa di Manzoni, Via Montenapoleone, Planetarium and Porta Venezia.
A railway and transportation hub for Italy, Milan’s trade and commerce, especially in the silk and textile industry, has led to an emphasis on fashion and design.
The automotive company Alfa Romeo is headquartered there, as well as countless fashion houses.
Independent Travel
Students are expected to attend classes during the week, and participate in organized field trips and activities that may be scheduled for the weekend. Independent travel to other parts of Italy and Europe should be scheduled for semester breaks and at the end of the program -- making sure it does not conflict with academic obligations.
Upon request, KEI can provide pertinent information to assist students in making safe travel arrangements. Students are required to leave a copy of their travel itinerary with a KEI staff member in case of an emergency.