Language, Culture, and the Splendor of Florence’s Renaissance Heritage
Study in Florence Italy with the Studentessa Matta this September 2026:
where language isn’t just learned, it’s lived.
Small groups, big adventures!
Learn Italian in Italy, where every street and every piazza is a classroom! With Studentessa Matta, immerse yourself in the language, not just through books but through laughter, espresso, and the rhythm of daily life!
10 Days and 9 Nights of Immersion: 15 Hours of Language Classes, 5 Dinners, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, Afternoon Adventures and Private Apartment Accommodations. Enjoy a curated selection of Activities & Excursions, personally guided by Melissa and ItalianMe Teachers. Benefit from Unlimited Italian Conversation & Learning Opportunities. Immerse yourself in the charm, art, and history that Florence has to offer!
September 2026 Matta & ItalianMe Language Program
DATES: Sept 26 – Oct 5, 2026
WHERE: Florence, Italy
Maximum 8 participants
PRICE: $4,875
Couples and Solo Travelers All Welcome!
Secure Your Place with a $550 Deposit
Exclusive Offer for Melissa’s Online Italian Students and Book Club Members:
Enjoy a $100 discount on your program in Italy with Melissa and receive 2 complimentary Italian lessons — a $200 value! Learn Italian, save money, and get ready for your next Matta adventure in Italy!
This discount will be applied to current and new students signing up for lessons up to two months before the program start date. Please note: this offer does not apply to the short weekend Arezzo Giostra Program.
elevate your italian in Dante’s city
Meet Me in Florence In September 2026 for a NEW Cultural and Linguistic Adventure!
II’m excited to offer again the Matta Italian language experience in Florence!
In collaboration with ItalianMe, an innovative school in Piazza Strozzi, this program offers a unique chance to cross the Arno and immerse yourself in the vibrant Oltrarno district.
Embark on an unparalleled journey in Florence with Melissa and the teachers of ItalianMe Language School as your Italian language and culture guides. In this historic, artistic, and poetic Renaissance gem of a city, you’ll be surrounded by a community of enthusiastic learners in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere.
This program goes beyond language learning—it immerses you in authentic Florentine life with historic walking tours following the Medici’s footsteps, visits to Santa Croce and the tombs of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Dante, and a guided tour of the Uffizi. You’ll meet local artisans and, after class, sip a spritz on the rooftop of ItalianMe School while admiring a breathtaking 360-degree view of Florence. Feel at home in the city—just as Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Dante once did—and imagine how your Italian will flourish!
Morning Italian Course: Sharpen your grammar, enhance conversation, and boost listening skills in a vibrant learning environment.
Afternoon Excursions & Activities with Melissa: Extend learning outside the classroom. Engage in real-life Italian through encounters with locals, from artists to chefs, enriching your conversational and listening abilities.
Students Love Matta Italian language Programs
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2026 Accommodations for the Matta and ItalianMe Florence Program
During your stay in Florence, you’ll stay in a private apartment with a kitchenette and laundry facilities located in the Oltrarno a short walk from the school. After submitting the online 2026 Matta Florence Language registration form, Melissa will arrange a Zoom or phone appointment to discuss and finalize your apartment assignment. Options include one-person apartments and two-bedroom, one bathroom apartments that would be ideal for two friends to share. Melissa will do her best to accommodate your housing preferences, but assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
In Florence, you will stay in a private apartment with a kitchenette, located
in the Oltrarno, just a 10-15 minute walk from the ItalianMe school.
Explore Florence with ‘la Matta’ to learn more than just a language – immerse yourself in culture, history, and local charm, all while making lifelong connections.
2026 Matta & ItalianME Language Program Details
Dates:
Saturday, September 26 – Monday, Oct 5, 2026
Reservation Information:
Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a $550 non-refundable deposit or full payment.
Reservations are open until August 25, 2026.
Payment Details:
The remaining balance of the trip fee is due by July 22, 2026, approximately 60 days before the start of the program.
The option to pay the total trip fee at the time of booking is available.
language assessment
After submitting the online Matta registration forms for the 2026 Florence Language Program, Melissa will arrange a Zoom or phone appointment to discuss trip details, your language level, and your goals. Once you send in your deposit, you will receive a form from ItalianMe for their school records, along with a language test to determine your proficiency. On the first day of school, arrive 15 minutes early to meet the teachers and be placed in a class suited to your level. If you feel the class isn’t right for you at any point, please let Nadia or Melissa know, and adjustments will be made.
Cell Phone Data Plans:
Please ensure you have an International Data Plan for your cell phones.
WhatsAp App:
Please download the WhatsApp app on your phone. Our group will stay connected via the WhatsApp group chat before departure and during our stay in Florence. We’ll use it for introductions, coordinating arrival schedules, and arranging shared transport from the airport. Once in Florence, Melissa will send daily reminders about group activities. The chat will also be useful if someone gets delayed or needs directions. Please check the WhatsApp chat before departure and activate it once you’ve landed for any updates. In case of unexpected events like train strikes (“scioperi”), important information will be shared in the chat.
Travel Insurance:
For peace of mind and to protect your investment in the event of a personal emergency or significant life event preventing travel, we recommend considering travel insurance from providers like Travel Guard, AAA, or American Express.
Bank cards:
Pleases ensure you have access to cash while traveling abroad and have a functioning bank card you can use to with drawl funds from cash machines (which are secure and plentiful in Florence).
The Matta & ItalianMe Florence Guides & Teachers
2026 Matta & ItalianMe Language Program Itinerary
saturday, September 26 — Monday, october 5 2026
10 Days / 9 Nights
Saturday, Sept. 26 (Day 1):
Arrivals! Benvenuti a Firenze!
- Students arrive in Florence and check into apartments
- 6:30 Welcome Aperitivo with rooftop view of Firenze
- 8:00 Welcome dinner (#1)
Sunday, Sept. 27 (Day 2):
- 10:00am – 1:00pm Guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery
- Free afternoon to relax and settle into Florentine apartments
- Free Choice Dinner
Wednesday, Sept 28 (Day 3):
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes at Italian Me with 15 minute break
- Group Dinner in Centro Storico with panorama of the city (#2)
Tuesday, Sept 29 (Day 4):
- 9:30 am – 12:45 pm: Language classes at Italian Me with 15 minute break
- 3:30-5:00pm Medici Walking Tour
- Group Dinner (#3)
Wednesday, Sept 30 (Day 5):
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes at Italian Me with 15 minute break
- 4:00-6:00 pm Wine Tasting
- Free Choice Dinner
Thursday, Oct 1 (Day 6):
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes at Italian Me with 15 minute break
- 4:00-5:30 pm Visita Guidata Palazzo Vecchio
- 8:00 pm Group Dinner (#4)
Friday, Oct 2 (Day 7):
- 9:30 am – 12:45 pm: Language classes at Italian Me with 15 minute break
- 4:00-6:00pm Guided artisan walking tour
– Lastrucci (Art of Florentine Mosaics)
– Bottega di carat marmorizzato with chance to make florentine marbled papers ourselves - Free Choice Dinner
Saturday, Oct 3 (Day 8):
- Free Morning & Afternoon
- 4:00-8:00pm 4-Course Cooking Lesson with professional Florentine Chef: Seasonal appetizers, Fresh Pasta, Main Meat or Vegetarian course, Traditional Dessert (E-recipes sent to your inboxes)
- 8:00pm Farewell Dinner (#5) — we will dine on what we have prepared paired with wine, Prosecco/Appetizer, White Wine/First Course, Red Wine/Second Course
Sunday, Oct 4 (Day 9):
- Free Day to Relax, shop, wander city
- Optional: Visit Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato Church with Melissa
- Free Choice Dinner
Monday, Oct 5 (Day 10):
- Baci e Abbracci! Students check out of apartments by 10am and depart for home or new adventures in Italy!
- Ci vediamo l’anno prossimo!
Where the school ItalianMe is located in Florence
ItalianMe is conveniently located in Florence near the Arno River and the Santa Trinita Bridge, which crosses over to the Oltrarno. The school is situated in Piazza Strozzi 2 a prestigious area of the city known for its high-end fashion boutiques and historic buildings.
About ItalianMe: ItalianMe perfectly aligns with the Studentessa Matta language learning philosophy, which is why I chose to collaborate with Nadia Bruno and her team of highly qualified, passionate teachers. They use modern, communicative methods to ensure students confidently speak and understand Italian, creating an immersive and supportive learning environment.
Students at ItalianMe will be placed in small classes with other international students based on their language level. In the afternoons, Melissa’s group will come together and be guided by her and a teacher from the school on cultural immersion experiences, including cooking classes, guided tours of the Uffizi, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, the Medici Palazzo, artisan galleries and a wine tastings.
The school features modern classrooms and a welcoming student lounge within an historic building in Palazzo Strozzi 2, just steps from the Arno River and the Santa Trinita Bridge.
Getting to Florence
Florence, situated in Tuscany is easily accessible by train and airplane, making it a prime location for visitors coming from different parts of the world. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful Tuscan city:
Airport: Florence Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is conveniently located just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center. To reach your apartment in the Oltrarno from the airport, you have two main options:
Taxi: A taxi ride from Florence Airport to your apartment in the Oltrarno is the quickest option, taking around 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal.
TramVia: The T2 tram line runs directly from the airport to the city center. You can take the tram to the “Unità” stop and then transfer to the T1 line towards “Villa Costanza,” getting off at “Porta al Prato-Leopolda.” From there, it’s a short walk or taxi ride to your apartment in the Oltrarno. The entire journey by tram takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Traveling to Florence by train: Train travel is a convenient and popular option, especially if you’re coming from other major cities in Italy or Europe. The main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN), is centrally located and well-connected. It Includes luggage storage, cafes, shops, restrooms, and tourist information.
From Santa Maria Novella Train Station it is easy access to taxis, buses, and trams. A taxi ride to the Oltrarno takes around 10-15 minutes, or use local buses.
Booking Tickets: 1) Purchase tickets online in advance on Trenitalia or Italo websites, or via travel apps, especially for high-speed trains. 2) Buy tickets at counters or self-service machines. Validate regional train tickets at yellow machines before boarding.
Reserve Your Spot
2026 Matta & Italian Me
Florence Program
Please ensure you:
Complete all required fields in the subsequent Trip Forms.
Sign all necessary waivers to participate fully in the program.
Submit your forms to finalize your enrollment in the program.
We’re excited to welcome you to this unique learning experience in Florence. Thank you for choosing to embark on this language and cultural adventure with us!
Matta Blog Posts about Florence
- Brunelleschi’s Cupola – Climbing to top of Duomo: Youtube Video
- Invisible Women: Forgotten Artists of Florence
- Ox-heads and betrayed husbands… what have they got to do with Florence’s Duomo?? Youtube Video
- Dreaming Sophia novel about Italy and Florence by Melissa Muldoon
- Palazzo Medici: Walking in the footsteps of Medici Princes
Please Read the Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy
The Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy embodies a love for the Italian language and culture, focusing on immersive learning experiences that connect the heart, mind, and soul. This philosophy champions:
Passionate Exploration: A deep love for Italy drives every journey, encouraging travelers to dive into the country’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Social Connectivity: Emphasizing the importance of making new friends, the philosophy values social interactions, whether through casual encounters or shared experiences, enriching the travel experience.
Sharing the Journey: Documenting travels through photos and videos and sharing these moments on various social media platforms like the Matta blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds, invites others to join in the adventure virtually.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognizing that travel comes with its set of unpredictable challenges, this philosophy champions flexibility and a positive outlook, transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for unique experiences.
The Joy of the Unexpected: The belief that the unpredictable elements of travel contribute to its charm, encouraging travelers to embrace spontaneity, whether it’s dealing with delays or weather changes, with the perspective that every moment is part of the Italian adventure.
Packing a Sense of Humor: A reminder that a good attitude and a sense of humor are as essential as practical walking shoes, ensuring that every situation, no matter how challenging, can be navigated with grace and positivity.
Direct Communication: Urges travelers to communicate any issues or concerns directly during their stay, allowing for real-time solutions and ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.
Invitation to Adventure: This philosophy extends an open invitation to those ready to embark on an Italian adventure, promising not just a journey across a country but a journey of personal growth, language acquisition, and lasting friendships.
