Language, Culture, and the Splendor of Arezzo’s Jousting Festival
Study in Arezzo Italy with the Studentessa Matta: 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!
13 Days/12 Nights of Immersion: 36 Hours of Language Classes, 8 Dinners, and Accommodations. Enjoy a curated selection of Activities & Excursions, personally guided by Melissa and Cultura Italiana Teachers. Benefit from Unlimited Italian Conversation & Learning Opportunities. Plus, Experience the Enchanting Giostra del Saracino Festival!
June 2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Language Program
DATES: June 16 – 28, 2024
WHERE: Arezzo, Italy in Tuscany
Maximum 8 participants
PRICE: $4,500
Couples and Solo Travelers All Welcome!
Secure Your Place with a $500 Deposit
Elevate Your Italian in the Heart of Tuscany
Meet Us in Arezzo for a Cultural and Linguistic Adventure!
Join Melissa and Paola Testi at Cultura Italiana Arezzo!
Embark on an unparalleled program where language and culture are interwoven, surrounded by a community of enthusiastic learners in a supportive and casual atmosphere. Melissa and Paola are crafting a rich program aimed at both enhancing your language skills and immersing you in the culture. Positioned in a scenic hill town with views of the Tuscan plains, this program offers more than just language learning; it invites you to experience the life of an authentic ‘Aretino.’ Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to perfect your Italian in the heart of Tuscany’s enchanting landscape!”
Morning Italian Course: Sharpen your grammar, engage in interactive games, 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.
2024 Accommodation Options for the Matta and Arezzo Italian Program:
Option 1:
B&B La Chimera
Style: Charming, Traditional, Family-Run
Location: Just off Piazza La Badia, near San Francesco and Tortello Divino, parallel to Piazza Grande.
Features: Historic building, private baths, reading room with fireplace, breakfast sala, internet, air-conditioning, hair dryers, mini-bar, fridge, guest washing machine.
Proximity: 10-minute walk to Cultura Italiana, near Sunflower Gelateria.
Additional Info: Arrangements for extra days can be made, paid directly to the B&B.
Option 2:
Hotel Aretino
Style: Contemporary, Functional, Sustainable
Location: Near the train station, 7-minute walk to Piazza Grande.
Features: Bar, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, business center, concierge, snack bar, varied breakfast options.
Proximity: 3-minute walk to Cultura Italiana, next to Cremeria Cecconi.
Additional Info: Arrangements for extra days can be made, paid directly to the B&B.
Option 3:
Corte del Re
Cost: E 560 supplement for a private apartment in Piazza Grande.
Features: Ancient building with Etruscan and Medieval walls, unique decoration, kitchenette, air conditioning, satellite TV, common area with library and internet, breakfast in local bar or private kitchenette.
Each option offers a distinct experience to suit different tastes and needs, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay during your language learning adventure in Arezzo.
Explore Arezzo with ‘la Matta’ to learn more than just a language – immerse yourself in culture, history, and local charm, all while making lifelong connections.
2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program Details
Dates:
Sunday, June 16 – Friday, June 28, 2024
Reservation Information:
Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a $500 non-refundable deposit or full payment.
Reservations are open until May 12, 2024. Post this date, accommodation at the Antiche Mura Bed & Breakfast cannot be guaranteed, although we will assist in finding alternative housing (note: prices may vary).
Payment Details:
The remaining balance of the trip fee is due by April 17, 2024, approximately 60 days before the start of the program.
The option to pay the total trip fee at the time of booking is available.
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.
2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program Itinerary
Sunday, June 16 (Day 1): Arrival
Coordinated transportation options available.
- 4:30 pm: Guided Walking Tour of Arezzo’s landmarks.
- 7:00 pm: Welcome Aperitivo in Centro.
- 7:30 pm: Group Dinner #1.
Monday, June 17 (Day 2):
- 8:30 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes (10:00 start for new students).
- 4:30 pm: Museo del Saracino visit.
- 5:30 pm: Guided Supermarket Shopping Excursion.
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #2.
Tuesday, June 18 (Day 3):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 6:00 pm: Wine Tasting and ApriCena / Dinner #3 with Tuscan delicacies.
Wednesday, June 19 (Day 4):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 2:00 pm: Excursions to Cortona and the Church of Santa Margherita.
- 8:00 pm: Dinner (personal choice).
Thursday, June 20 (Day 5):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Cooking lesson with aperitivo and dinner preparation.
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #4 (our prepared meal).
Friday, June 21 (Day 6):
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 6:00 pm: Seminar on Arezzo’s Joust history.
- 7:30 pm: Spritz in Piazza Grande.
- 8:00 pm: Visit to the Santo Spirito Museo.
- 9:30 pm: Cena Propiziatoria / Dinner #5.
Saturday, June 22 (Day 7): Joust Day
- Full day of Jousting Festival activities and traditions.
- 9:00 pm: Take seats in Piazza Grande for the main event.
- 10:00 pm: The joust begins.
Sunday, June 23 (Day 8):
- Free Day for relaxation and impromptu activities.
Monday, June 24 (Day 9):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Walking Conversation Tour with local artisans.
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #6.
Tuesday, June 25 (Day 10):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 1:45 pm: Florence Excursion and Walking Tour.
- Dinner (free choice).
Wednesday, June 26 (Day 11):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm: Vasari Day with visits to significant Vasari sites.
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #7.
Thursday, June 27 (Day 12):
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm: Cooking Class and Wine Tasting at Pomaio Winery.
- 8:00 pm: Group Farewell Dinner #8.
Friday, June 28 (Day 13): Departure
- Final morning of language classes.
- Baci & Abbracci / Departures.
Activities and schedule may adjust slightly; final details provided a month prior.
Getting to Arezzo
Arezzo, nestled between Rome and Florence, is easily accessible from both cities, making it a prime location for visitors coming from different parts of the world. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful Tuscan city:
Airports: Both Rome and Florence airports serve as convenient starting points for your journey to Arezzo. Upon landing, you have a variety of options to continue your journey.
Train Travel: Trains run hourly between Rome and Florence, with frequent connections to Arezzo. This reliable and scenic route offers a glimpse into the beautiful Italian countryside, making your travel experience enjoyable from the start.
Coordinated Transportation: Melissa offers the added convenience of organizing shared transportation from both Florence and Rome. Closer to the departure date, once all flight schedules are collected, she will arrange for shared group vans to transport participants directly to Arezzo. This not only eases the stress of travel arrangements but also provides an opportunity to meet fellow participants en route.
Return Journey: At the end of the program, Melissa will similarly coordinate shared transportation back to Florence and Rome. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free return, allowing you to reflect on your experiences in comfort.
Cost Consideration: Please note that whether opting for group or private transport to Arezzo in a hired van, this will be an additional, out-of-pocket expense. It’s advised to budget accordingly for this portion of your trip.
Planning your journey to Arezzo with these options in mind ensures a stress-free start to an unforgettable experience. With the details handled, you’re free to look forward to exploring the rich culture and history of this Tuscan gem.
Reserve Your Spot
2024 Arezzo Italian Language Program
Secure your place in the 2024 Arezzo Italian Language Program by completing the deposit/reservation form. Upon submitting this form, you will be directed to a new page to continue the enrollment process.
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 Arezzo. Thank you for choosing to embark on this language and cultural adventure with us!
Blog Posts about Arezzo
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.
The Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy is more than just a way to travel; it’s a way to live fully immersed in the beauty of Italy, its language, and its culture, turning every trip into a rewarding, unforgettable experience. If this resonates with you, then
Andiamo in Italia! Let’s go to Italy!
