Drawing in the Capital of Arts FLORENCE, ITALY
Florence, Italy

Drawing in the Capital of the Arts

Summer '25 Applications Open

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Find your muse in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. 

Delve into the art of drawing, a foundational skill for any young artist, in the open-air museum of Florence. Tap into your imagination as you pick up cross-hatching, blending, scribbling, and more from professional artists and experts. Try  your hand at ancient mediums like paper marbling.

Make sketches during interactive workshops at world-famous museums and cathedrals, like Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo di Firenze. Immerse yourself in the world of artists who sparked the Italian Renaissance, like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. In the end, you’ll have your own portfolio of artwork showing off your talent and progress!

Roam the cobblestone streets and draw inspiration from the masterpieces sprinkled across the city. Meet local teens who share your passion for art. During excursions, visit other parts of the stunning Tuscany region, with its beautiful landscapes and ancient towns. Your time in Florence will not only give you a fresh outlook on art but also let you soak in the culture of central Italy.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Create artworks using ancient and contemporary drawing techniques, discover your unique style, and come home with a creative portfolio showing off your new skills.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a portfolio to document your increasing artistic literacy.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

3

`Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-changing Experience

Destination
  • Drawing in the Capital of Arts FLORENCE, ITALY
  • Drawing in the Capital of Arts FLORENCE, ITALY
  • Drawing in the Capital of Arts FLORENCE, ITALY

The Destination

Welcome to Florence, where artists from all corners of the world gather to witness breathtaking art. 

Italy is home to an impressive 60% of the world’s most important works of art, and half of them are in Florence! Tuscany’s capital is not just any destination—it's a dreamland for an artist. As “the cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence ushered European civilization through the Middle Ages and into its rebirth. The transition is still visible today in its incredible architecture, landmarks, and piazzas and throughout Florence’s hundreds of museums, galleries, and churches. 

With something for every artist, it's no surprise that Florence is one of the world’s most enchanting cities. The streets pulse with the sights and sounds of street performers, bustling markets, and lively cafés. Contemporary exhibitions at museums and galleries showcase a diverse range of artistic styles while masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus await at the Galleria dell'Accademia and Galleria degli Uffizi.  In Florence, you’ll be inspired to create as you trace the evolution of art from medieval times to how we see it today. 

Itinerary

Daily Life

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

  • Breakfast at the dorms
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and artists
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators out in the community or at the dorms
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop
  • Dinner with your fellow Global Navigators out in the community or at the dorms

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites
  • Quality time with friends

Housing 

Dorms, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Activities

Sample Activities

Drawing in the Capital of Arts FLORENCE, ITALY

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Explore the creations of Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and Boticelli at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s first modern museums, dating back to 1560.
  • With a local artist, grasp the ancient technique of paper marbling.
  • Discover Florentine street art splashed across lesser known quarters and hidden corners of the city. 
  • Step into a time machine of creativity at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Admire an unmatched collection of medieval and early Renaissance art. 
  • Discover machines and mechanisms designed by Leonardo da Vinci and try them out yourself at the interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum!

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Testimonials
From CIEE

Where Has The Time Gone?

By Star Williams at CIEE

It’s hard to believe 2 weeks have already passed, and we’re spending our last week in Florence. This last week included activities such as a theatre and improv workshops, a... keep reading

From CIEE

Second week of drawings, gelatos, friendship, smiles and many moments to keep in the heart.

By Thais Bolton at CIEE

Second week in Florence! We have already experienced so many good times and there is still a lot to come. To begin with, it must be said that we are... keep reading

From CIEE

Our Adventure Begins…An Introduction to Gavinana, Florence and Italian Culture

By Star Williams at CIEE

I can't even begin to describe the incredible journey that 20 brave high school students have embarked on this summer. Leaving the comfort of their homes, they've traveled all the... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.   
  • For Scholarship Eligibility Requirements, Please check our scholarship page.  

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee 

$25 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Tina Marisa Rocchio

Center Director

Tina grew up between the mountains of Vermont and the coastline of Rhode Island and has spent her adult life between Tuscany and Rome. Mastering Italian in high school, she...

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