My Luv Letter to my Study Trip in Italy

Isabella Drenthen
2 days ago
7 min read

Dear Venice and Milan,

This wasn’t just a study trip. This was six days of chaos, espresso-fuelled mornings, unexpected magic, and the kind of memories that feel slightly unreal the moment they happen.

Six days with IUM in Italy. Company visits, group dynamics, a little bit of stress, a lot of laughter… and of course, the necessary drama. But nothing we couldn’t handle (or at least laugh about afterwards).

Because if there’s one thing about travelling with a group of master’s students… It’s that nothing will go exactly as planned.

And somehow, that’s exactly what makes it perfect.

Sunday: the beginning of madness in Italy

Travelling with a group is already an experience in itself. Travelling with a group of independent, slightly chaotic, very opinionated master’s students? That’s a whole different story.

Everyone is used to travelling alone, which somehow brings out personality traits you’ve never seen before. There were people sprinting through the airport, others casually risking missing the flight over a coffee, and someone getting told off for trying to smoke at exactly the wrong moment.

And that was just the beginning.

The moment we landed in Venice, we scattered as if we had never met before. My friends and I found a small square nearby and did the only logical thing: sat down for a well-deserved Aperol Spritz. Because if you’re in Venice, you commit.

That evening, Kristin and I walked towards San Marco Square. And somehow (impossibly) it was empty. No crowds, no chaos, not even pigeons. Just silence, soft light, and the feeling that we had accidentally stepped into a version of Venice that no one else gets to see.

It was strange, a little surreal, and kind of perfect.

A chaotic start to a trip that already felt like it would be full of unexpected moments.

Monday: “working 9–5” (but make it Venetian)

Reality kicked in early. We started the day at Acquera Yachting, diving straight into our project with hours of conversations, questions, and ideas, interrupted only by a quick lunch and a very necessary gelato break.

By late afternoon, we made our way to the Monégasque Consulate. The woman guiding us spoke only Italian, but honestly, it didn’t matter. Her energy said everything. The space felt lived-in and personal, books covering every possible surface as if stories had simply overflowed into the room.

There’s something about not fully understanding a language yet still feeling completely immersed in the moment.

Afterwards, we went our own way again. Some of the girls and I went to see the famous Ponte di Rialto (yes, the one from Spider-Man), so of course, the necessary Spidey photos were taken.

Somewhere between shared pizza slices, a second dinner (because one is never enough), and a glass of wine in the hotel room while playing my Luvly Conversation Deck, the day blurred into that perfect mix of productive and chaotic.

The kind of day where you’re exhausted… but in the best way.

Tuesday: the gift that kept on giving

Some days just keep unfolding, like they have something to prove.

This was one of them.

We started at Teatro La Fenice, quietly walking through its grand halls while rehearsals echoed in the background. No photos allowed, but honestly, some places are better remembered through feeling than through a camera lens.

Then came five hours of freedom. Kristin and I returned to a café we had been eyeing for days (Moro Café), and somehow everything about it was perfect. The kind of lunch where time slows down just enough for you to realise you don’t want to be anywhere else.

And then… Venice decided we weren’t done yet.

A gondola ride with Manolo (sadly not connected to Manolo Blahnik), during which I fully stepped into my role as personal photographer, 500 photos in 40 minutes, a new personal record.

Then came gelato (again), and after Kristin abandoned me for a friend she knew in Venice, I met up with the rest of the group… who were coincidentally about to hop on another gondola. So yes, two gondolas within one hour. A more Venetian experience is simply not possible.

And just when I thought the day had peaked… We arrived at Harry’s Bar.

Later, we had coffee before heading to Harry’s Bar, the iconic bar in Venice (and honestly, the world). Even Mr. Cipriani himself joined us, gave everyone his hospitality book, and delivered some of the best service I’ve ever experienced. We had their famous Bellini, sandwiches, and the Cipriani cake. What a legend.

But Venice still wasn’t done. Because then came Aman Venice.

We weren’t supposed to be there. Our official visit had been cancelled. But curiosity, and maybe a little bit of boldness, got us through the door.

What followed didn’t feel real. We met Lisa, who guided us through the story of the building as if she were letting us in on a secret. The Grand Canal stretched out in front of us, the interiors felt like a palace frozen in time, and every detail seemed intentional.

Even the cocktail menu told stories. Mine came with a diamond-shaped ice cube and Kristin’s was served on a mirror reflecting the fresco ceiling above her.

And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we were given a private tour. Salons. A hidden library. A rooftop view. Gardens that felt completely removed from the rest of Venice.

Time did something strange in that place. It stretched, slowed, disappeared. We stayed for three hours. It felt like three minutes. Walking out felt like leaving Narnia, like stepping back into reality after briefly being part of something else entirely.

I always understood Aman as a brand. Now I understand it as a feeling, and I think that might be more dangerous.

Wednesday: from canals to couture

The morning started with suitcases, bridges, and a group of girls slowly turning into Popeye from carrying everything across Venice. But we made it.

Two and a half hours later, we arrived in Milan, and the energy shifted instantly. Less dreamy, more structured. Less floating, more moving.

We headed straight to the Duomo di Milano, where, naturally, a full photoshoot took place. I was the photographer, obviously (Vogue… call me).

We had lunch at the square before splitting up for different visits. Kristin and I went to Fendi for a store visit, and I became obsessed with a pair of sandals I absolutely cannot justify… so if anyone doesn’t know what to get me for my birthday… please chip in.

The visit was lovely, and the sales assistant even opened the balcony for us to get a unique view of the Galleria.

In the afternoon, we visited Technogym, which was surprisingly insightful. Honestly… a strong plan B if South Africa doesn’t work out (and they’ll get me fit in no time).

After such a long day, we checked into the hotel and ended up at Wagamama, because yes, we were slightly done with Italian food… whoops.

Thursday: almost modelling at Fendi

Another early start, this time at Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá. A full immersion into hospitality: rooms, F&B, and conversations with management. The kind of place where you can see both the guest experience and the operational reality behind it.

Then straight into fashion again at Fendi HQ. And for a brief moment, I genuinely felt like I was there for a fitting during fashion week.

(Emphasis on brief.)

The afternoon blurred into gelato, rooftop Spritz views over the Duomo, and yet another photoshoot, this time testing my flash as I had suddenly become a nightlife photographer.

That night ended quietly. Room service, soft conversations, and the kind of tiredness that only comes from a very full day.

Friday: ending on a food high

Our final day started slower, softer. A small moment of calm before diving into a full gastronomic tour.

Three restaurants (Langosteria, Pepe Barra, and Ally's Bar) all in one building. Completely different concepts, yet somehow perfectly connected. It felt like walking through different worlds within the same space.

Then Cracco, refined, precise, and with yet another view that made you stop for a second.

And finally, lunch at Ma.Re by the chefs of Verso Capitaneo, not even officially open yet, which made it feel like we had somehow slipped into something exclusive, something just about to begin.

We ended the trip with a rooftop drink in the sun. A quiet moment to take it all in.

And then, of course, one last rush to the train. Because it wouldn’t be our trip without a little chaos and an embarrassing fall in the train station...

And just like that, it was over.

A trip that started with madness somehow turned into something meaningful. I met so many interesting people, got to know my class better, and saw incredible architecture. I laughed a lot, made endless jokes, and luckily, none of us took life too seriously (so naturally, the best TikToks were made).

I got to practice my architecture photography, portraiture, and even flash photography.

All in all, it was a success, filled with stories we’ll remember forever.

Spread the Luv,

Isabella

P.S. As if the week hadn’t already given us enough, it decided to give just a little bit more.

The very next morning, we somehow found ourselves part of a historic moment for Monaco. After nearly 500 years, the Pope returned for a visit, and as part of the “youth” of Monaco (still not over that title), we got to see him up close; we were VIPs for the Pope.

It did require an early morning, two hours of waiting in the sun, and a questionable amount of patience… but it was all worth it. Because not only did I get what might be the coolest selfie of my life, I also got to shake his hand.

So yes, if you need anything, I’m officially blessed for life now…