During Spring Break, eight students from The Storm King School enjoyed an enriching journey through Italy, exploring Florence and Rome while taking day trips to Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. Throughout the journey, students stayed active, averaging around 17,000 steps per day along historic streets and pathways, while gaining confidence navigating unfamiliar cities.

A highlight of the trip was experiencing Italy from above. The group climbed landmarks including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Rocca di Montestaffoli fortress in San Gimignano, and Brunelleschi’s famous dome in Florence. They also took in views from the Spanish Steps in Rome, Piazzale Michelangelo, and San Miniato al Monte. Some even added an extra challenge by climbing Giotto’s bell tower after descending from the Duomo’s dome.

Throughout the trip, students engaged with Italy’s rich history, art, and architecture. They explored medieval tower houses, studied the rise of Renaissance thought, and admired Roman engineering feats such as the Colosseum, built in just eight years. They also saw how ancient materials were reused in later buildings, including churches constructed with Roman columns and obelisks brought from Egypt. A particularly memorable moment came when the group had the unexpected opportunity to see the Pope delivering his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

Cultural experiences were equally rewarding. In Siena, students toured the Owl Contrada museum, while in Florence, they visited Mercato Centrale and participated in a hands-on cooking class, preparing fresh pasta and tiramisu. Along the way, they sampled regional specialties like potato-topped pizza, focaccia sandwiches, tonnarelli alla gricia, and, of course, gelato—learning firsthand about authentic Italian flavors.

International travel is an important part of The Storm King School experience, complementing classroom learning and encouraging students to explore new cultures and gain a global perspective. Upon their return, trip leaders Mrs. Brown and Ms. Sandstrom, and the students all shared the same sentiment: “We are tired but very happy. It was a wonderful trip! We all wish we were still there!” The group returned home energized and inspired, carrying with them memories that will last a lifetime.