![”[Billie Eilish] truly was made to be a performer and I hope everyone has a chance to see such an amazing show,” junior Nyelle Sarreal said.](https://nhpchariotonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_1108-e1749239774437-1200x860.jpeg)
From the cliffs of Capri to the narrow streams of Venice, 29 NHP students took an eight-day excursion around Italy, embracing the new culture, music, food and way of life. Throughout the trip, the students were chaperoned by Italian teacher and trip leader Ms. Caliendo, Spanish teacher Ms. Salcedo, World Language department chairperson Mr. Rutigliano, special education teacher Mr. Buith and math department chairperson Ms. Kurian, who joined the students on endeavors in several cities.
The first stop of the trip was Venice, “The Floating City” known for its winding canals and bridges. NHP embarked on gondola rides, enjoyed a glass-blowing demonstration and walked around St. Mark’s square, one of the most popular places in Venice.
“My favorite part of the trip was roaming around Venice with my friends,” senior Jake Gruosso said. “Walking the alleyways was exciting. It was like a never-ending maze.”
Before arriving in the next major city, the tour group took a pit stop in Pisa to see the city’s iconic leaning tower. Later that same day, NHP’s travelers arrived in Florence, which turned out to be a favorite of most students.
“My favorite city was Florence… by far,” senior Michayla Rinaldi said. “I really loved how it had that city-like feel but also was super clean with historical monuments everywhere you turned.”
Sights such as the Duomo di Firenze, the Statue of David by Michelangelo and other fascinating architectural works left NHP’s students amazed. Due to the city’s rich history and many sight-seeing opportunities, Florence’s itinerary included a tour led by a local guide, highlighting some of Michelangelo’s most famous creations and other corners of the city that display its rich culture.
Following Florence, the group made its way to Sorrento, but they first made a stop in Orvieto, a smaller central Italian city that is home to the Duomo di Orvieto. Once they arrived in Sorrento, the group prepared for a day trip to Capri, an island in the Bay of Naples.
“Capri was amazing,” senior Anthony LaSala said. “It was unique from everything else and had a Mediterranean feel, based on our ride around the island.”
The last two days of the trip were spent at the group’s final destination, Rome, the capital of Italy. Notorious for its rich history as the birthplace of the Roman Empire, Rome was the perfect culminating destination, as students had a packed two-day itinerary visiting Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, two of the world’s most famous tourist attractions. The group even spent time at the Vatican, touring the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world.
“Italy was truly an amazing experience organized by both our wonderful teachers, ACIS and our tour guide Marius,” senior Nicco Prada said. “They showed us various parts of Italy, including its rich history and culture. Another important part of the trip for me was bonding and forming friendships with people who I never really got to know in a whole different country.”
“This was my first time leading a trip abroad with high school students,” trip leader Mrs. Caliendo said. “Italy was an amazing experience for both the chaperones and the students. We were all able to experience the Italian language and culture firsthand, visiting seven different cities in ten days. I truly believe that travel changes lives and I encourage anyone who has the chance to travel to explore the world!”
![2025 Student Council President Alexander Tomalski encourages his classmates to "peak [their] time spent involved in something [they] enjoy" as he bids farewell to his time at New Hyde Park Memorial.](https://nhpchariotonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_2263-1200x800.jpeg)
