Trips to Florence for Fashion & Textiles Students

Europe’s first artistic academy and home to Michelangelo’s famous masterpieces. The academy features the famous marble David sculpture, created between 1501 and 1504. The Muscular Four Slaves can also be seen, and range from virtually finished to the barely blocked out. Also on offer is a superb range of Gothic and Renaissance paintings.

Italy’s greatest collection of Renaissance sculpture. Major collections within Florence’s first palace encompass Renaissance to Mannerist sculpture, including an array of majolica, tapestries, paintings and silverware. 

A beautiful collection of Tuscan paintings from 1784-1945. The gallery includes a superlative collection by the Macchiaioli group, often referred to as the Italian Impressionists.

One of the world’s finest art galleries which features all the great names of the Florentine Renaissance. Includes paintings by Piero della Francesca, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio. There is a whole room dedicated to Michelangelo and the 16th century.

Ranking second only to Santa Croce in the list of great Florentine churches, and housing some important frescoes such as Masaccio’s Trinita (1428), this church stands proud in motifs and scrolls made out of green and white marble.

The Medici’s private chapels and mausoleum feature several of Michelangelo’s most outstanding pieces of Florentine funerary sculpture.

The original location of Michelangelo’s David. Sights include the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and an outdoor gallery sheltering several outstanding pieces of sculpture.

For spectacular panoramic views of Florence and the Arno Valley, a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is a must. Designed in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, Piazzale Michelangelo is a popular spot with locals and tourists.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge spanning the river Arno in Florence. It is one of the few remaining bridges with houses built upon. The Vasari corridor that runs over the houses connects the Uffizi with the Pitti Palace on the other side of the river. The unique Vecchio is one of the most photographed bridges in Europe.

The Boboli gardens are one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence.  With centuries-old oak trees, sculptures and fountains, the Boboli gardens are a must visit.

The freestanding bell tower of the cathedral in Pisa is world-famous for its unintended tilt. Construction of the tower started in 1173 and took over 200 years to complete - it began to lean almost from the outset! A must-see for any group and a great photo opportunity for your students.

Elegant architecture, exemplifying the roots of the Renaissance. The Baptistry building represents a direct link between the Golden Age and Rome. The bell tower, built by Giotto, is decorated with statues and reliefs. Other architects have picked up this theme from the campaniles, and doorways are magnificently Gothic-clad in green, red and white marble.

Just 30 minutes north of Florence in the Mugello Valley right outside Barberino di Mugello, you'll find the Barberino Designer Outlet - big shopping area with over 100 shops, restaurants and cafes. You will find major brands of Italian and international fashion designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors or Adidas at much reduced prices.

Situated in the heart of Florence, an homage to the city where Gucci’s story began. It was here in 1921 that Guccio Gucci founded the company which bore his name and which would go on to become a global powerhouse whose indisputable appeal transcends all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence is a fashion museum dedicated to the life and work of Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo. The museum contains 10,000 models of shoes created and owned by Ferragamo from the 1920s until his death in 1960. Following Ferragamo's death the collection was expanded by his widow and children. The museum also includes films, press cuttings, advertising materials, clothes and accessories from the 1950s to the present day.