- FALL CLASSES 2026
We went to the beautiful Le Marche region in October 2025!
Celebrating the remarkable legacies of three influential women in history and culture, participants explored the Ravenna of Galla Placidia, the Ferrara of Lucrezia Borgia, and the Mantua of Isabella d’Este, uncovering the stories of these powerful figures who shaped their cities and left an indelible mark on the Renaissance world.
LA RAVENNA DI GALLA PLACIDIA (338/392-450): DONNE E POTERE: Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Palazzo di Teodorico, Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Battistero Neoniano, Cappella di Sant’Andrea, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Basilica di San Vitale
LA FERRARA DI LUCREZIA BORGIA (1480-1519): DONNE E SEDUZIONE: Palazzo Schifanoia, Palazzo Costabili, Chiesa di Santa Maria in Vado, Monastero di Sant’Antonio in Polesine, Basilica di San Giorgio fuori le mura, Castello Estense, Monastero del Corpus Domini
LA MANTOVA DI ISABELLA D’ESTE (1474-1539): DONNE E CULTURA: Palazzo Ducale, Chiesa di Sant’Andrea, Palazzo Te, Rotonda di San Lorenzo
“In Ravenna, travelers marveled at the dazzling mosaics and architectural masterpieces commissioned by Galla Placidia, a Roman empress of unshakable faith and vision. Ferrara revealed the complex story of Lucrezia Borgia, whose grace and intellect won the hearts of the Este court despite her controversial reputation. Finally, Mantua shone as a testament to Isabella d’Este’s extraordinary influence as a Renaissance patron, with participants gaining insight into her world through visits to the iconic Gonzaga landmarks. The trip’s highlights included exclusive access to artisanal workshops, unique culinary experiences, and expert-guided tours that brought these vibrant cities to life.”
*Photographs are credited to Eveline Baseggio. For usage, please contact Collina Italiana.
From art to culture, history, politics, and everywhere in between, our Art Historian Eveline will take you to the most important and fascinating places in Venice. Throughout your journey, she’ll weave a story about the ancient city and provide you with historical facts and anecdotes about one of the most intriguing and interesting locations in the world. Along the way, we’ll stop for impeccable meals and delicious cocktails, to make you immediately feel like a local.
Day 1 – Venice’s Origins and Crafts: Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, Private tour of the Museo del Merletto, Cathedral of Santa Maria e Donato
Day 2 – Venetian Confraternities and Welfare System: Visit of the church of San Rocco, Private tour of Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Day 3 – The Myth of Venice: The church of San Zaccaria, Scuola Dalmata dei SS. Giorgio e Trifone, Carpaccio exhibition at Palazzo Ducale
*Photographs are credited to Eveline Baseggio. For usage, please contact Collina Italiana.
