The trip I took to Sirmione with FSU Florence was an experience I’ll never forget. The city was very open in most areas. It wasn’t as crowded as most tourist-heavy Italian cities. Sirmione had lots of trees and beautiful views of the crystal-clear lake that surrounded it. We got a tour from a local who taught us lots about the history of the island, we got fresh lemonade made from lemons bigger than my hand, and we went on a boating excursion around the island where we learned more about the town’s history. In our free time, we got to explore the island and swim in the lake. Sirmione was by far my favorite Italian city that I traveled to. I just wish it lasted longer! – Summer 2019, Lauren

Only about a 45-minute drive west from Verona center, Sirmione is located in the province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region. From 1st century BC it was a resort for well off families, and still today it is well known for vacationers, not only for the beautiful Lake Garda which surrounds the peninsula, but also for the history and beauty of the historical center, full of hidden gardens and a castle in the main square. Students will have a chance to see the Scaligero Castle, built in the 13th century for the Della Scala ruling family. After visiting the historic center, students will then take a boat around Sirmione and see the famous Grotto Catulle, once a large Roman villa, from a distance.  They’ll circle all of Sirmione and back and see the castle from views few have seen before. After the exhilarating boat ride, they’ll have free time to explore, or to find one of the beaches and relax.