Italian Language Classes
Language Course with Art & History (Tuscany - Siena)
Our language programs offer not only time in the classroom, but also make use of several practical applications such as Italian history and art appreciation. These secessions, in part, are also conducted in Italian to increase your language skills. You learn the Italian language in an enjoyable way as you study and tour the local history, art and architecture of Tuscany.
Overview| Program Details | Prices & Availability| Reservations | Terms & Conditions
The Art and History (Tuscany) Language program in Siena offers 15 hours of language classes with 6 nights of accommodation.
Day 1: Arrival - Orientation
Arrive to Siena to check in to your hotel accommodations. Time will be given to acquaint yourself to your accommodations and the medieval city. An afternoon orientation and meet & greet will be conducted at the hotel. Later in the evening a welcome dinner with one or more of your instructors. (D)
Day 2: Language Class - “Facciatone” - Guided City Tour
Morning breakfast and then your cultural week begins with the first of your morning language classes. This class will last for 3 hours and it will be a first approach to the Italian language. In the afternoon a guided walking tour in the historical center. During the tour you will visit Siena's Duomo, offering its own art and architecture, plus climb to the top of he “Facciatone”, the unfinished nave of the cathedral. From this position you can admire the amazing view of the city and its preserved medieval architecture. The new nave for the Duomo was planned to be the facade for a new, larger Cathedral. Construction began in 1339 with the aim of achieving greater acclaim than the great Duomo of Florence. Unfortunately works were soon suspended due to the “black plague”, lack of funds and serious mistakes in structural design. After your time at the Duomo, the afternoon is yours; later you can return to your accommodations and the evening is available for your dinner and free time. (B)
Day 3: Language Class – Duomo - S.Maria della Scala Museum
Morning breakfast and then start the day with the morning language class (3 hours). In the afternoon more time to practice and memorize the new words as you will visit the Cathedral Crypt. Discovered in 1999 during a renovation, the Crypt was a stunning discovery. It is composed of a room with 180 square meters of XIII century frescoes. Hidden and forgotten for seven centuries, today we can admire its ancient splendor. The brilliant colors are intact and original subjects of the crypt are an important testimony to the artistic medieval art life of Siena. After this you will visit the Santa Maria della Scala Museum. During the medieval ages it was the hospital of Siena, offering aid to the many religous pilgrims who visited the city during this time and to the poor or orphaned children. Now it is considered one of the most important Museums in Siena. Later return to your accommodations and take the evening at your leisure. (B)
Day 4: Florence Excursion – Language Instruction
Morning breakfast and then your day will be spent in Florence where your excursion will be matched with 3 hours Italian instruction during the visit. In Florence you will visit the home for Renaissance art, the Uffizzi Gallery Museum, plus the Galleria Accademia, to view the original statue of David. A group lunch will be taken in between the museum visits; then after a full day in Florence you will return to Siena for the evening to relax and enjoy the satisfaction of completing your day in Tuscany’s most culturally rich cities. (B, L)
Day 5: Language Class - Cultural Application
Morning breakfast and then start the day with a guided tour to a Contrada Museum. Siena is composed of 17 Contrada (or neighborhoods), whose territorial boundaries and economic structure have been in existence since the middle ages. The Contrada are proudly represented each July 2 and August 16 as they participate in the famous horse race, il Palio. The history of the Palio dates back to the 13th century and each Contrada has its own museum to display its own history of the event through the winning artistic banners, paintings and historical artifacts. Later after lunch in the afternoon, a 3 hour language class. The evening is yours to relax and dinner at your leisure. (B)
Day 6: Language Class – Palazzo Pubblico
Morning breakfast and then your final morning language class (3 hours). Then in the afternoon, you will visit the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena next to the Mangia Tower to admire some of the most famous works of the artists of the Siena School, such as Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Featured are the Maesta’, Guidoriccio, and Buono e Cattivo Governo. In the evening a relaxing walk in the city followed by an aperitivo beautiful Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena. Afterwards, a final dinner at a favorite restaurant completing your cultural and language experience in Tuscany. (B, W D)
Day 7: Departure
Morning breakfast and transfer departure to Florence (included in your package or at an additional cost transfers can be arranged to other Italian cities). (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, W=Wine
Base price includes accommodations for 6 nights, transfer from Florence to the hotel in Siena (transfer from other cities can also be accommodated with additional cost), transportation needed for itinerary activities, plus meals and cultural activities as indicated.
