Glorious Gardens of Italy and France
Study Abroad Program
University of Tennessee Knoxville
May 18 – June 4, 2024
As part of another faculty-directed program, the University of Tennessee Knoxville once again partnered with CEPA to organize their “Glorious Gardens” study abroad program but this time in Italy and in France.
This year, 20 students and 2 faculty leaders, accompanied by CEPA’s coordinators, embarked on an 18-day journey through multiple cities in Italy and France, including Rome, Florence, Nice, Monaco, Milan, and Venice. During their stay in Europe, the group explored gardens, botanical museums, and enjoyed guided tours, with some featuring local specialties like wine, cheese, and other delicacies.
Among the 22 cultural activities organized by CEPA for this study abroad program, some of the highlights included the Villa D’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Rome; the nearly 500-year-old Botanical Garden of the Universitá di Pisa; the Exotic Garden of Monaco; a visit to the island of Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore; and the serene royal gardens once enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte.
This 18-day study abroad program gave University of Tennessee Knoxville students a rare chance to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Europe’s finest gardens. From wandering the iconic Villa D’Este to discovering the peaceful charm of Venice’s royal gardens, each stop brought new inspiration , learnings and unforgettable memories.