SYA Italy's 25th Anniversary Schedule of Events
Capacity has been reached and we are operating on a waitlist status!
Join us as we celebrate 25 years of SYA Italy with a two-city experience in the heart of Italy: Rome, honoring its 2,779th birthday, and Viterbo, our beloved home since 2001.
Rome
April 21
Arrive in Rome by the morning of April 21 to begin your Italian adventure. Whether you prefer to sightsee at your own pace or join an SYA-inspired activity, your time in the Eternal City promises a perfect blend of history, flavor and la dolce vita. From rolling through Rome’s cobblestone streets to rolling out fresh pasta to, these experiences capture the essence of Italian life — heartfelt and unforgettable.
Viterbo
April 22 - April 25
The heart of SYA and where the magic happens. Step back onto campus and experience Viterbo as an SYA student. Immerse yourself in fieldwork led by students, participate in master classes taught by faculty, join hands-on lessons and choose from optional experiential activities.
The grand celebration of 25 years will be a highlight of the weekend: an evening of laughter, memories and connection, where we will also honor Patrick Scanlon, our retiring Resident Director, for 23 years of extraordinary service.
Your journey in Viterbo concludes with locally inspired excursions, exploring the rich heritage, stunning landscapes and hidden corners of this enchanting city — all in true SYA style, where learning, adventure and camaraderie come together to create unforgettable moments.
Registration includes most events in Viterbo. Additional opportunities in both Rome and Viterbo have an additional registration fee.
Registration
Early Boarding opens December 4, inviting you to claim your place at next year’s unforgettable celebration. Enjoy exclusive pricing through January 5.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Ape Calessino Tour SOLD OUT
11 AM-2 PM
Meeting location TBD
Experience the Eternal City like never before—aboard a classic Ape Calessino, Italy’s iconic three-wheeled vehicle that’s equal parts charm and adventure. With an English-speaking guide leading the way, you’ll wind through Rome’s most beautiful landmarks. From the grandeur of the Quirinal and the elegance of Piazza della Repubblica to the timeless majesty of the Colosseum. Pause to take in breathtaking views from the Aventine’s Orange Garden, admire the sweeping panorama from the Fontanone and Janiculum Hill and end your journey amid the lively streets of Trastevere. Along the way, raise a glass during an aperitivo in a panoramic spot — because no Roman day is complete without a toast.
This three-hour guided experience includes your own Ape Calessino with driver and unforgettable stories at each stop. Get ready to see, sip and celebrate Rome in true Italian style.
Tour is limited to 20 people.
Cooking with Riccardo SOLD OUT
5-8 PM
Meeting location TBD
Roll up your sleeves and step into the heart of Roman cuisine during an authentic pasta-making class led by Chef Riccardo and his team. Hosted in an intimate setting — either at Riccardo’s nonna’s home or The Cooking Lab — this three-hour, hands-on experience invites you to discover the art of Italian cooking from scratch.
You’ll learn how to make and shape fresh pasta, craft delicious fillings, and prepare signature sauces like Amatriciana, Carbonara, or vegetarian classics such as Cacio e Pepe and Arrabbiata. You’ll enjoy personalized instruction, top-quality local ingredients and selected organic wines.
Between laughter, stories and the aroma of simmering sauces, you’ll master techniques that will bring a taste of Rome to your own kitchen. And of course, you’ll sit down to savor the meal you’ve created — because in Italy, every great lesson ends around the table.
Limited capacity of 18.
Please note: If you have been extended a special invitation for Tuesday evening (see below) and plan to attend, you are kindly requested not to register for this activity.
By Special Invitation Only:
Leadership Appreciation Dinner
6-9 PM
Address will be shared with registered guests
On behalf of her family, Natalia Bulgari ES’86 invites you to a private dinner honoring your generosity toward SYA and celebrating your meaningful impact. This special evening also honors President Tom Hassan, a car aficionado, and Resident Director Patrick Scanlon, as both retire from SYA this academic year. Guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to explore Nicola Bulgari’s private collection of early 20th-century American automobiles, including the famed Vatican limousines and one of the world’s largest assemblages of classic Buicks, creating an unforgettable backdrop for gratitude and celebration.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Spend the Day Your Way
Whether you wake up early to wander Rome’s storied streets, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, sip a morning cappuccino and let the city set the pace. Just be sure to head to Viterbo by late afternoon.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
By Special Invitation Only:
Leadership Reception & Tour
Reception: 6:30-8:30 PM
SYA Italy, Via Cavour 77
Tour of San Pellegrino: 8:30-10 PM
SYA's leadership cordially invites past and present school leadership, volunteers and donors to a reception to honor your commitment to SYA's mission throughout the years. Following, faculty member Santo Sammartino will guide you through the historic San Pellegrino neighborhood.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Open House
8-9 AM
SYA Italy, Via Cavour 77
Stop by to say hello, pickup your registration packet and get ready to start your day! Grab a morning snack and espresso on your way to campus.
Fieldwork
9 AM- 12 PM
SYA Italy, Via Cavour 77
The tables are turned when students become teachers for fieldwork, the heart of SYA’s curriculum. Reconnect with the spirit of discovery as student-led groups take you out of the classroom and onto the streets of Viterbo to complete assignments crafted just for you.
Back to School Classes
Session 1 3-3:45 PM
Session 2 4-4:45 PM
SYA Italy
Via Cavour 77
Please note that classes are taught in Italian. Limited capacity of 15 per class.
It’s time to step back into the classroom and rediscover the magic of learning at SYA.
Choose from one of three classes in both Session 1 and 2. You will have the opportunity to connect with SYA’s expert teachers and experience the dynamic, immersive learning that makes SYA unforgettable.
Option 1:
e-Italiano
Alessandra Tuzi
Italian Language Faculty
We will consider Italian language that is neither written or spoken, but typed in "text." We will note how the use of social media influences the Italian language: the shift from a limited, elitist form of consumption to "the internet in everyone's pocket." We will examine the linguistic experiments typical of youth language and the varieties of neo-Italian.
Option 2:
Gli strati della città: Myths, Legends and History of Viterbo from the Etruscans to the Renaissance
Santo Sammartino
Ancient History, AP Latin and Greek Faculty
Throughout the centuries, Viterbo hosted different civilizations. The Etruscans, the Ancient Romans, Medieval institutions, the Renaissance and the Baroque have left historical, architectural, social and even emotional layers (gli strati della città). We will discover the perception of the Etruscan world in Viterbo during the Renaissance.
Option 3:
My Hands Can Talk!
Erika Nuccio
Experiential Italian Language Faculty
Let's delve into the most universally associated communication trait of Italians: hand gestures. We will discover how they are the true common language in a country with significant dialectal and cultural differences that distinguish between the various regions.
Evening on Your Own
Settle into Viterbo for the night with an aperitivo, a fine meal and an unhurried wander through its medieval streets.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Experiential Activities (Optional)
Attend a cooking or ceramics class designed for SYA, or enjoy some down time on your own. Please select one:
Cucinare a Viterbo SOLD OUT
9 AM-12PM
Casantini Garden
Via Campo Scolastico, 5, Viterbo
(Meeting location TBD; SYA will provide taxis.)
Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with our authentic cooking class! Under the guidance of a passionate local chef, you will learn to prepare traditional pasta dishes and dessert. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, this class is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Viterbo's rich culinary heritage. Come hungry and leave inspired!
Optional. Limited capacity of 15.
Lezione di Ceramica
10 AM-12 PM
Ceramiche Lab 33
Largo Cesare Battisti, 3, Viterbo
Within walking distance from school, attend this hands-on workshop where you will create beautifully handcrafted pieces that blend the art of pottery with personal expression.
Optional. Limited capacity of 20.
Back to School: SYA in a Bottle FULL
Session 1: 1:30-2:30 PM
Session 2: 2:30-3:30 PM
Meeting location TBD
Discover how SYA students designed and produced their own wine in the Applied Agroecology class with Pat and Linda Scanlon. You’ll have the chance to cork a bottle yourself and learn about the grape’s annual life cycle in the school garden.
Limited capacity of 20 per session.
Anniversary Celebration NEAR CAPACITY
7 PM
Tenuta Paliano
Strada Paliano 01100 Viterbo
Celebrate the grand finale of SYA Italy’s 25th anniversary in style. This elegant evening will feature inspiring guest speakers and a delightful selection of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Join us for a memorable culmination of 25 years of impact and community and the remarkable tenure of retiring Resident Director Pat Scanlon.
Suggested attire: business professional to cocktail. Transportation provided.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
The optional Saturday excursions invite you to become a student once more as you explore parts of Italy beyond Viterbo. Dive deeper into agritourism with your choice of a visit to a winery or an olive farm, where you’ll experience the landscape, learn about each site’s unique history and connect with the stories of earlier civilizations that shaped the region.
For travel planning, each group anticipates being back in Viterbo by 3 p.m.
Option 1:
Civita di Bagnoregio and Trebotti Winery
Departs at 8:30 AM; Porta Romana Station
Civita di Bagnoregio, a one-of-a-kind hilltop jewel, rises dramatically above the valley and can only be reached by crossing a long pedestrian bridge from neighboring Bagnoregio. Its isolation has preserved an otherworldly charm — narrow lanes, ivy-draped courtyards, and Renaissance portals that appear and disappear as you explore. A visit here feels like a cultural treasure hunt, with breathtaking vistas in every direction and hidden architectural details around each turn.
After your guided walk, continue to Trebotti, an innovative organic winery dedicated to sustainability and biodynamic practices. Set among rolling vineyards, Trebotti is known for its expressive wines crafted with minimal intervention and deep respect for the land. You’ll enjoy a light lunch paired with a tasting of their signature varietals, gaining insight into their eco-focused philosophy and the unique terroir of Northern Lazio. This combination of ancient heritage and contemporary winemaking creates a perfect balance of culture, landscape and flavor.
OPTIONAL. Limited capacity of 50. Please note that the final section of the bridge is steep, so it may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Option 2:
Tuscania and Casa Caponetti
Departs at 9:15; Porta Romana Station
Experience the timeless beauty of Tuscania with a guided walk through ancient Etruscan tombs and sweeping countryside views. Your visit continues at the enchanting Casa Caponetti estate, where Lorenzo Caponetti leads an intimate presentation and tasting of his acclaimed organic olive oil, charcuterie and wine. Produced in Lazio using centuries-old methods, Casa Caponetti olive oil is cold-pressed to preserve the living enzymes that give it its vibrant character.
Casa Caponetti olive oil has earned quiet prestige among Michelin-starred chefs and culinary experts worldwide. More than a premium ingredient, it represents heritage, sustainability and soul. This visit offers a deep immersion into local history, flavor and the artistry of one of Italy’s most celebrated small producers.
OPTIONAL. Limited capacity of 50.