ITALY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE - 2025 

Warrandyte High School Goes to Italy

Recently a group of predominately Year 9 students and two staff members (of which I was one), returned to Australia after spending two weeks in Italy as part of the 2025 Warrandyte High School Italy Experience.

The experience was truly magical. Our students have made life-long memories which they will forever cherish. We landed in Venice which is where our mesmerising adventure commenced. Students experienced, amongst other Venetian sights: a gondola ride, the enchanting canals of Venice, Murano glass blowing on Murano Island, the majesty of the Doge Palace and St Mark’s breathtaking Basilica and Square.

Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet was next. Sadly, Romeo wasn’t in when we visited Juliet’s iconic balcony.

 The students loved the shopping and gothic architecture that adorns this jewel in the Italian region of Veneto. 

Le Cinque Terre, five stunning coast-side villages along the Italian Riveria did not disappoint. 

The days spent in Tuscany were another highlight. Commencing in Pisa, the students experienced the Leaning Tower of Pisa and accompanying medieval awe-inspiring architecture. 

The cultural immersion which took place in both Florence and Siena were also among the students’ favourite experiences. 

What can compare with the art and history in these timeless cities. 

 Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the home of Michaelangelo’s sculpture of David, was a particular highlight.

The Warrandyte High School Italy 2025 Experience also incorporated the sea-side gem of Sorrento, in Southern Italy, along the Amalfi Coast. How the students were enchanted with the endless lemon trees that line the streets, the boat ride to the island of Capri and the boat ride to the Blue Grotto. The celestial blue waters were just spectacular. The gelato making class in Sorrento was another highlight - as was the delicious food in every city! 

Rome, the eternal city, was our final destination. The Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel with its frescoes by Michelangelo, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain were among the favourite iconic historical landmarks which we experienced. 

During our last night in Rome, and indeed Italy, we participated in a pizza making class at a stunning Roman restaurant, steeped in a garden of enchanting olive trees. Dinner comprised the very pizza we made! 

Warrandyte High School offers its Italy Experience every two years. It is just one of the many amazing experiences offered to our students. 

Che ne pensi, fra due anni andiamo anche a Milano? Ci vediamo a Venezia fra due anni, no?