Agronomy Studies in Italy

10 days Milan, Bologna and Florence

Agronomy

Agronomy in Italy offers students a unique opportunity to engage with academic and industry practitioners, explore Italian agro-ecological frameworks, and gain cross-cultural perspectives on the relationship between modern agricultural science and historic food heritage.

Over 10 days, participants will visit leading cultural institutions, meet with agronomy and food industry experts, and explore historical, industrial, and ecological traditions in Milan, Bologna, and Florence. The program combines academic learning, site visits, technical field networking, and cultural exploration, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the interdisciplinary agri-food sector in an international context.

Through interactive site visits, expert guest lectures, and hands-on experiences, students will gain insight into food industry sustainability, plant pathology, automated greenhouse production, and soil profile analysis. Visits to organizations such as the SAME Museum, the University of Milan, and the Atlantic Man facility will provide a deeper understanding of agricultural mechanization history, crop grafting technologies, and the science behind regional terroir optimization. The program also includes opportunities for students to engage with field practitioners, discuss the intersection of industrial innovation and food heritage, and explore how modern ecological practices shape traditional farming methods.

In addition to the academic and professional experiences, students will enjoy cultural immersion through guided tours, regional site visits, and local excursions, including walking tours of historic city centres, traditional regional dinners, and day trips to explore the sustainable urban design of Bologna on a bike tour and the historic vineyards of Brolio Castle.

Itinerary
Learning Outcomes

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart USA

Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Milan.

Overnight: In flight.
Day 2 – Arrival in Milan
- Arrive in Milan and make your own way to the hotel. Meet your TLAC group leader in the lobby of the hotel for check in.
- Free day to rest after arrival.
Overnight: Milan
Day 3 – Milan: Guided Walking tour and University of Milan
- Make the most of the city and learn about its greatest artistic achievements. See the Duomo's stunning exterior, skip the lines to visit Leonardo's Last Supper, and explore the Sforzesco Castle gardens.
- Lunch break.
- Visit to the University of Milan – Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, where students will have a lecture about sustainability in the food industry.
- Welcome dinner at Gloria Osteria Milan.
Overnight: Milan
Day 4 – Milan: SAME Museum
- Visit to the SAME Museum.
Extra Info
The SAME Museum houses the history of Italian agricultural mechanization through prototypes and production tractors in perfect condition, as well as textual and iconographic documentation. The Museum, together with the adjacent Historical Archive, represents an example of the redevelopment of an industrial area within the company with the aim of preserving, promoting, and disseminating the history of a company that, thanks to its technological innovations, is recognized as one of the most important leaders in agricultural mechanization, both nationally and internationally.
- Lunch break.
- Free time.
Overnight: Milan
Day 5 – Milan to Bologna
- Check out previous accommodations.
- Depart by train from Milan to Bologna.
- Lunch break.
- Check in at the new accommodation.
- Visit at University of Bologna at the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where students will have a lecture about plant pathology and soil analysis.
Overnight: Bologna
Day 6 – Bologna: Atlantic Man
- Depart by private coach from Bologna to Atlantic Man production Facility.
- Visit at the Atlantic Man Production Facility where students can analyze optical grading machinery, industrial automated greenhouse seeding lines, and crop grafting equipment used for the Po Valley tomato sector.
- Lunch break.
- Depart by private coach from Atlantic Man to Bologna.
- Bologna Bike tour to explore the city in a slow, sustainable way.
Overnight: Bologna
Day 7 – Bologna to Florence
- Check out previous accommodation.
- Depart by train from Bologna to Florence.
- Lunch break.
- Check into new accommodation.
- Free time to explore the city.
Overnight: Florence
Day 8 – Florence: Florence Cathedral and Galleria degli Uffizi.
- Visit at the Florence Cathedral. Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world.
- Lunch break.
- Visit at Galleria degli Uffizi, a prominent art museum adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence.
Extra Info
It is one of the most important Italian museums and the most visited, it is also one of the largest and best-known in the world and holds a collection of priceless works, particularly from the period of the Italian Renaissance.
Overnight: Florence
Day 9 – Day trip to Brolio Castle
- Depart by private coach from Florence to Brolio Castle.
- Guided tour of the Castle and the Gardens.
- Lunch break.
- Field immersive session led by the estate’s head agronomist.
Extra Info
The group will examine open soil pits dug between the vine rows to visually and textually compare two contrasting terroirs: highly fractured, well-draining limestone and dense, water-retaining clay. Students will analyze how these distinct soil profiles directly impact root architecture, nutrient uptake, and the vine's natural resilience during periods of extreme heat.
- Depart by private coach from Brolio Castle to Florence.
- Farewell dinner at Osteria Vecchio Cancello to discover the traditional dishes of Tuscany.
Overnight: Florence
Day 10 – Departure day

Students depart individually from Florence.

Learning Outcomes

Explain the principles of food industry sustainability and plant pathology.
Identify the mechanical and automated technologies used in modern agriculture.
Network with global agricultural industry.

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Italy. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Julia Lynes
[email protected]
+1 (561)-528-0852

What’s Included

Housing
- Students and faculty will be housed in 3-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast included.
- Students will share rooms: 2 students per room, each with a separate bed. Each room has its own bathroom.
- The faculty will be provided with private bedrooms with bathrooms.
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotels is included daily.
- Two group meals are included as part of the program: a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
Transport
- Students will primarily explore destinations on foot. Local transit cards are provided where necessary. Included excursions also include transit.
On-Site Support
- A TLAC team member in Italy will be assigned to your group for the duration of the program.
- A 24-hour emergency contact number will be provided for support throughout the stay.

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Spain. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not hesitate to contact us.