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From exploring the treasures of Florence to the coastal villages of Cinque Terre to the canals of Venice, and roaming the historical streets of Rome, eight honors students from Pacific Union College spent four weeks in Italy as part of their course, Renaissance: Truth and Beauty. This course explored art and science from the Italian Renaissance with the places and works that shaped Western culture.

PUC’s Honors Program began taking international tours in the early 2000s, with England being the first country visited. Throughout the years, students have had the opportunity to learn in France, Spain, and Italy.

Alongside PUC Honors Director and Dean for the School of Arts, Humanities, and Professions, Milbert Mariano, and Chemistry Chair Kent Davis, Music Chair Rachelle Davis also joined the honors study tour from June 29-July 24, starting in their home base in Florence at PUC’s sister school, Villa Aurora College.

Beginning their immersive experience into the Italian Renaissance era in Florence, students had the opportunity to see breathtaking figures by Michelangelo at the Galleria dell'Accademia, rich paintings by Botticelli and da Vinci at Uffizi Galleries, and gain insight into Galileo's scientific mind at the Museo Galileo. They also visited the Bargello Museum, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Santa Maria Novella.

Four weeks in Italy allowed the students to explore other parts of the country. For instance, they took a day trip to Venice to see the beautiful Renaissance-style architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. From Florence, they traveled south to Rome for two days, stepping into history at the famous Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and marveled at the detailed masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel.

Many of the honors students enjoyed Rome and the Vatican the most as they walked on ancient ruins and saw the Sistine Chapel. Florence was also well-loved since it was their home base, and the students had time for themselves to live the Italian lifestyle like locals, discovering different neighborhoods and their shops, caf茅s, pizzerias, and gelaterias. “These unstructured moments balanced our formal studies with personal discovery,” said Mariano.

With this tour academically constructed, PUC’s honors program spent a day taking a break along the colorful Riviera coastline of Cinque Terre. Comprising five charming towns, the students took a break to hike the trails, relax by the Mediterranean Sea, and breathe in la dolce vita — the sweet life.

Through this educational experience, students demonstrated their appreciation for Renaissance history, broadening their perspectives on the expression of the human condition through art and science, not only in the Italian Renaissance but also in the contemporary world.

When organizing this tour, Mariano wanted the students to truly absorb the Italian Renaissance world by seeing how art and science shape culture together. “Renaissance: Truth and Beauty was designed to move beyond textbooks, to let students stand where Galileo studied the stars or where Michelangelo carved marble into living form,” he expressed. “My hope was that they would see the Italian Renaissance as more than history—as an ongoing dialogue that still inspires inquiry, creativity, and faith today.”

From the positive feedback he received from his honors students, Mariano’s work in planning an educational tour, which also allowed for leisure time, provided the students with a balanced summer trip in Italy that they will never forget.

Given how these successful and incredible tours truly connect the students and resonate with them, Mariano and the honors faculty intend to make these trips a biannual tradition, with the next one planned for 2027. Their goal is to ensure that every honors student has the opportunity to take this life-changing experience during their time at PUC.