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Pepperdine International Travel | Florence 2026

Florence Cathedral and panoramic view of city

 

Wednesday, July 8 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Florence, Italy

 

Join fellow alumni, family, and friends for an unforgettable trip to Florence, Italy, in July 2026. Whether or not you took part in the Florence International Program while a student, we invite you to experience Florence with your Pepperdine family.

The Florence International Program has been home to many students over the years and has been a pillar example of success as a study-abroad program. This trip will begin with a celebration at the Villa Di Loreto with former Florence faculty and offer opportunities for you to tour the city, visit museums, take part in a pasta-making class, and end our time together with a banquet at Hotel Baglioni. These events and more are waiting for you as part of Pepperdine International Travel this July. 

All alumni and any friends or family you would like to bring along are welcome to attend!

 

Register Now

 

 

Florence Travel 2026 Details

Registration

See Who's Attending

Itinerary

Accommodations

Travel Tips

FAQs

 

 

Registration

Registration for the Florence Alumni Trip is now open!

The trip registration fee is $350, excluding excursion fees. This fee includes a $100 tax-deductible donation directly benefiting students in the Florence International Program. 

The fee also covers key events:

  • welcome event at the Villa
  • closing event at Hotel Baglioni

We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you!

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Who's Attending?

View the growing list of alumni, faculty, and friends registered for the Pepperdine International Travel trip to Florence.

View the Attendee List

 

Special Guests:

These special guests and friends of Pepperdine, many of whom taught at the Florence International Program (IP) will be joining us; we expect this list to grow!

  • Florence International Program Director, Elizabeth Whatley ('84, MA '87)
  • Senior Vice Chancellor, Alumni Affairs/Parent-Family Engagement, Hung Le ('87, '03)

 

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Itinerary

drawing with Florence bridge in background

Click the link below to see the full itinerary including two key events included in your registration fee as well as excursions and activities offered as optional items during registration. 

 

Daily Itineraries

  • Welcome Reception at Pepperdine's Villa Di Loreto and Residenza Tagliaferri
  • Visit to Galleria dell'Accademia
  • Pasta-Making Experience
  • Closing Banquet at Hotel Baglioni
  • Sunday Morning Worship

 

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Florence Memories

  • Students with hands in the air on a rooftop in Florence overlooking the city

    Together above the rooftops of Florence. Holding onto each other and the memories made under the Tuscan sun.

  • Aerial view of the city of Florence

    Postcard views, real-life memories! Taking in the timeless beauty of Florence from a Pepperdine vantage point.

  • student studying by Ponte Vecchio in Florence

    Lost in the timeless beauty of Florence. Reflecting on history and dreams overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, a symbol of resilience and artistic heritage.

  • students walking in Florence on cobblestone street

    Strolling through history. Every step down Florence's charming streets writes a new chapter in our study abroad story.

  • Students holding ice cream cones toasting to Florence in front of historic building

    Sweet moments abroad! Pepperdine students toasting Florence with gelato in hand and adventure in heart.

  • Florence IP students with the Italy flag

    Back on Alumni Park and full of Florence memories. Students celebrating reunions, reflections, and the journey home.

  • aerial view of Duomo and the city skyline

    Soaking in the Florence skyline and stories of the Duomo during a Pepperdine study abroad journey.

  • stained glass in the villa

    Where light meets legacy. Stained glass reflections in the heart of Pepperdine's Florence Villa.

  • Students sitting at Piazzale Michelangelo Steps

    Students at Piazzale Michelangelo.

  • sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

    Golden hour over the City of Lilies! Sunset magic from Golden hour over the City of Lilies! Sunset magic from Piazzale Michelangelo, where Florence truly shines.

 

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Accommodations | Florence Hotel Blocks

 

Pepperdine Villa di Loreto

Pepperdine Villa di Loreto
Viale Milton 41, 50129
Firenze, Italy

Rooms at the Pepperdine Villa di Loreto can be purchased during registration process.

More about Pepperdine Villa di Loreto

Florence Villa Exterior

Hotel Orto de' Medici

Via S. Gallo, 30, 50129
Firenze, Italy

Take advantage of this special 8 percent discount off the hotel's listed online rates. Use Discount Code pepperdine. The discount is available while rooms are still available. 

More about Hotel Orto de' Medici

Hotel Orto Exterior

Palazzo Castri 1874 Hotel and Spa

Piazza della Indipendenza, 7, 50129
Firenze, Italy

To take advantage of this special 8 percent discount off the hotel's listed online rates, email welcome@palazzocastri.com and reference “Pepperdine University in Malibu.” You will be given a booking link.

More about Palazzo Castri 1874 Hotel and Spa

Palazzo Hotel

Hotel Baglioni

Piazza dell'Unità Italiana, 6, 50123
Firenze, Italy

To take advantage of this special 20 percent discount on the best available flexible rates, use discount code: meet20 and please write in the notes of the reservation “Pepperdine Event” Valid only July 7-14, 2026 

In order to book rooms before or after these dates, please contact the hotel directly: booking@hotelbaglioni.it

More about Hotel Bagiloni

Hotel Bagiloni

 

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Travel Tips

  Travel Documentation
  • Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (and up to six months, depending on your nationality).
  • Proof of Accommodation

Travellers may be asked to show hotel confirmations or a travel itinerary for their stay.

  • Travel Insurance

Travel Insrance is strongly recommended as it can provide valuable protection in case of unexpected situations such as trip delays, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or other unforseen events. While we do not reuire a specific policy or provider, we encourage guests to review their options carefully and choose the plan that best fits your individual needs. Coverage levels and benefits vary, so travelers should consider factors like medical coverage, trip interruption, and cancellation protection.

*Please note that travelers are responsible for securing (or not) their own travel insurance and understanding their policy's terms and conditions. 

  Best Airport to Fly In To

Guests are responsible for their individual travel arrangements to Florence, Italy. 

  • Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) 4 Miles from the Pepperdine Villa (Viale Giovanni Milton 41, 50129 Florence, Italy) 
    • Getting to Pepperdine Villa from FLR
    • Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/FreeNow): about 25 minutes, about €25-€35
    • Bus/Walk: Tram T2 (to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station) + taxi or 25 - 30 min walk to Viale Milton 41.
  • Pisa International Airport (PSA) 53 Miles from the Pepperdine Villa (Viale Giovanni Milton 41, 50129 Florence, Italy) 
    • Getting to Pepperdine Villa from PSA
    • Train:
      • Take the Pisa Cenrale to Firenze SMN train (around 1 hour ride).
      • From Santa Maria Novella, taxi to Viale Milton 41 ( about 15 min).
    • Private Transfer / Shuttle: about 1 hour, convenient for groups
  Booking Flights
  • Use flight comparison sites like Google Flights or Kayak to find the best deals
  • Consider booking direct flights to Florence Airport (FLR), 4 Miles from the Pepperdine Villa or to Pisa International Airport (PSA) 53 Miles from Pepperdine Villa. 
  Ground Travel from Airport(s) 
  • Getting to Pepperdine Villa from FLR

    • Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/FreeNow): about 25 minutes, about €25-€35
    • Bus/Walk: Tram T2 (to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station) + taxi or 25 - 30 min walk to Viale Milton 41.

Getting to Pepperdine Villa from PSA 

  • Train:

    • Take the Pisa Cenrale to Firenze SMN train (around 1 hour ride).
    • From Santa Maria Novella, taxi to Viale Milton 41 ( about 15 min).
  • Private Transfer / Shuttle: about 1 hour, convenient for groups

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  Currency Converter
  What’s the weather like in Florence in July?

In early July, Florence is very hot, with average daytime highs around 90°F and nightime lows around 68°F. Expect very sunny days with little chance of rain, and high humidity. 

  What’s the best way to get around Florence?

The best way to get around Florence's historic center is on foot. The area is largely pedestrian-only and compact, with many major sights just a 15-20 minute walk apart. For longer distances, public transportation and taxis are available. 

  • Buses: Small electric buses (Lines C1, C2, C3) serve the historic center, while larger buses connect to outlying neighborhoods.
  • Trams: The modern tram netowrk, run by GEST, connects the main train station (Santa Maria Novella) to areas outside the city center, including Florence Airport.

Tickets: A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes on both buses and trams. You must purchase a ticket before boarding and validate it immediately upon getting on. Tickets can be bought at tabacchi (tobacco shops), newsstands, vending machines at tram stops, or via the AT Bus app.

  What’s the best way to exchange currency?

Currency exchange booths are available, but ATMs typically offer better rates. Notify your bank before international travel.

For the best rates, use ATMs connected to actual banks and always decline the currency conversion offered at the ATM. 

  What should I pack?
  • Essentials for a July trip to Florence:

    • Comfortable walking shoes, you'll be on bumpy stone paved roads
    • Comfortable and very light clothes (cotton/linen)
    • While it is unlikely to rain in early July, you may want an umbrella or rain jacket
    • Casual yet stylish outfits for dining out or special events
    • While the summer evening in the city remain quite hot, you may want to layer with a light sweater for a chance chilly evening.

    • A universal travel adapter for electronics

    • Backpacks and bags for traveling Florence

      • A backpack is the best solution to carry all your belongings while you stay out all day sightseeing. Unfortunately pickpocketing happens in Florence, you may want to ensure you choose an anti-theft backpack with hidden openings and specially designedso that they cannot be found and opened. Alternatively, some travelers enjoy wearing a money belt under their clothing.
    • Smart and Useful Accessories:

      • Sunscreen
      • Sunhat
      • Mosquito repellent (best to purchase locally)
      • Refillable insulate water bottle. STAY HYDRATED!
      • Wine Bottle Protectors, if you plan to purchase wine to bring home.
  What are some resources for individuals or groups to independently plan excursions, tours, activities?
  • Excursions:

    • Visit Florence website: visitflorence.com/– Offers event listings, attraction guides, and discounts
    • Apps like TheFork and Quandoo have a wide selection of restaurants and can be convenient, often offering discounts 

 

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