Language, Culture, and the Splendor of Arezzo’s Jousting Festival
Study in Arezzo Italy with Studentessa Matta and Cultura Italiana Arezzo:
where language isn’t just learned, it’s lived.
Small groups, big Language 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 13 – 25, 2026 Matta & Cultura Italiana Language Program
DATES: June 13 – 25, 2027
WHERE: Arezzo, Italy in Tuscany
Maximum 8 participants
Program Housing Included: To Come
Program/Book Your Own Housing: To Come
Deposit to Reserve your Spot: $550
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!
Our popular program in Arezzo this year will also take us to Montepulciano and Cortona!
Embark on an unparalleled journey in Arezzo with Melissa and Paola as your Italian language and culture guides. In this scenic hill town overlooking the Tuscan plains, you’ll be surrounded by a community of enthusiastic learners in a supportive and casual atmosphere. This program goes beyond language learning; it immerses you in the life of an authentic ‘Aretino’ through experiences like the historic jousting festival, La Giostra del Saracino, and the Cena Propiziatoria. You’ll walk in the footsteps of Petrarch, Vasari, Cosimo de Medici, and Guido Monaco. While sipping a spritz in the shadow of the Duomo atop Arezzo’s hill, you’ll soak up Italian vibes and enhance your language skills with like-minded students and travelers. 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.
Students Love Matta Italian language Programs
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Exclusive Offer for Melissa’s Students
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.
2027 Accommodation Options for the Matta
Historic City Center Italian Language Program
Once you submit the 2027 Matta Arezzo Language Program Registration Form, Melissa will schedule a Zoom or phone call to get to know you, discuss your Italian language goals, answer your questions, and help you choose the housing option that best fits your needs in Arezzo.
Housing options include a contemporary hotel, a family-run bed & breakfast, a private apartment with a kitchen, or an Airbnb you book independently. If booking your own Airbnb, it must be located in Arezzo’s historic city center.
Option 1: Contemporary Hotel — Hotel Aretino
Enjoy a comfortable stay at this modern hotel, located just a 2-minute walk from Cultura Italiana in Piazza San Jacopo and 10 minutes from Piazza Grande. Location: At the lower end of Arezzo’s historic center, just a 5-minute walk from the train station.
Amenities include: Bar, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, business center, concierge service, snack bar, and a varied breakfast buffet
4 Rooms Available. If you’d like to reserve a room, we recommend booking with us as soon as possible and we will secure a room for you.
Option 2: Family-Run Bed & Breakfast — B&B La Chimera
Experience authentic Italian hospitality in this charming family-run B&B, located just 10 minutes on foot from Cultura Italiana and 5 minutes from Piazza Grande. Location: Near Piazza della Badia and the Basilica of San Francesco, in the heart of the historic center.
Amenities include: Private room with en suite bathroom, cozy reading room with fireplace, breakfast room, free WiFi, air conditioning, mini refrigerator, and a guest washing machine.
3 Rooms Available. If you’d like to reserve a room, we recommend booking with us as soon as possible and we will secure a room for you.
Option 3: Private Apartment — Residence Gagliarde
Enjoy the comfort and independence of your own apartment, located about a 15-minute walk from Cultura Italiana and 15 minutes from Piazza Grande. Location: Near Piazza San Agostino, within Arezzo’s historic center.
Apartment features: Private bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, and access to a shared garden and green space, perfect for relaxing after class. There are no laundry facilities in the apartments, laundry mat located a short distance away.
3 Rooms Available. If you’d like to reserve a room, we recommend booking with us as soon as possible and we will secure a room for you.
Option 4: Book Your Own Apartment— Airbnb or Other Vacation Rental
Featured here is an Airbnb on Via del Cenci, previously used by a Matta Trip participant who gave the apartment rave reviews. It is conveniently located in Arezzo’s historic city center, just a 5-minute walk from Cultura Italiana in Piazza San Jacopo and 5 minutes from Piazza Grande. Located at the lower end of Arezzo’s historic center.
If you’d like to reserve this apartment, or explore similar accommodations in Arezzo’s historic city center, we recommend booking through Airbnb as soon as possible, since availability can change quickly. Contact Melissa for recommendations or additional details.
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.
2027 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program Details
Dates:
Sunday, June 13 – Friday, June 25, 2027
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 May 12, 2027.
Payment Details:
The remaining balance of the trip fee is due by April 16, 2027, 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 2027 Arezzo 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 Cultura Italiana 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 Paola 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 Arezzo. We’ll use it for introductions, coordinating arrival schedules, and arranging shared transport from the airport. Once in Arezzo, 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:
Please 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 Arezzo).
The Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Guides & Teachers
2027 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program Itinerary
Sunday, June 13 (Day 1): Arrivals Benvenuti ad Arezzo!
- 4:30 pm: Guided Walking Tour Arezzo’s Hidden Secrets
- 6:30 pm: Welcome Aperitivo
- 7:30 pm: Welcome Dinner #1 with Melissa and Paola Testi Director of Cultura Italiana
Monday, June 14 (Day 2):
- 10:00 am – 1:35 pm: Language classes.
- Free Afternoon
- 8:00 pm: Private Group Dinner #2 with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana
Tuesday, June 15 (Day 3):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 2:00 Excursion to Cortona with other students from your classes at Cultura Italiana in autobus
- 8:00 pm: Private Group Dinner #3 with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana
Wednesday, June 16 (Day 4):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 5:00-7:00 Group Activity in Piazza Grande : La Sfida della Cartolina!
- Aperitivo / Apricena: Group Dinner #4 with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana
Thursday, June 17 (Day 5):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- Free Afternoon/Shop/Relax
- Pizza Cooking Class: we will learn how to make pizzas together and dine on our creations!
- Group Dinner #5 with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana
Friday, June 18 (Day 6):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00-4:30 A visit to the Giostra del Saracino Museum in the Comunale with Melissa
- 4:30-5:30 Joust history Seminar with Spritzes! In the Prato near the Duomo guided by Melissa
- 8:00 pm Visit to the Santo Spirito Museo to see the Golden Lances with Roberto Turchi
- 9:30 pm: Cena Propiziatoria Group Dinner #6
Saturday, June 19 (Day 7): Joust Day
- Full day of Jousting Festival activities and traditions. Guided by Melissa
- 9:00 pm: Take seats in Piazza Grande for the main event.
- 10:00 pm: The joust begins.
- Personal Choice Dinner: Piedinas in the piazza!
Sunday, June 20 (Day 8):
- Free Day to Relax, shop, study
- Personal Choice Dinner
Monday, June 21 (Day 9):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 5:00-7:00 Group Activity: Arezzo Centro Storico Sfida! with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #7
Tuesday, June 22 (Day 10):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 2:00 Excursion to Lago Trasimeno with other students from your classes at Cultura Italiana in autobus
- Free Choice Dinner
Wednesday, June 23 (Day 11):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:30 pm Italian Game Day!
- 6:00 pm: PrivateWine Tasting and AperiCena in Piazza San Francesco with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana / Dinner #8
Thursday, June 24 (Day 12):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm: Cooking Class and dinner at Fattoria Le Rocche with Melissa and a teacher from Cultura Italiana
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #9.
Friday, June 25 (Day 13): Departure
- Baci & Abbraci – Departures
- Students check out of apartments after morning classes and depart for home or new adventures in Italy!
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- Ci vediamo l’anno prossimo!
Getting to Arezzo
Arezzo, situated 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: take the train or private transport
Train Travel in Italy. Traveling by train in Italy is generally convenient, but be prepared for occasional delays and potential strikes that can disrupt your plans. I will keep you informed of any known delays or strikes via our WhatsApp group chat, so please check for updates before departure and upon arrival.
Deciphering the train schedule boards can also be challenging, even for experienced travelers and even Italians. When in doubt, ask train officials in uniforms or fellow travelers to ensure you are boarding the correct train.
Traveling from Rome to Arezzo takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. You can catch a train from the Leonardo da Vinci Rome Airport train station to Arezzo. However, you will need to transfer trains either at Tiburtina or Roma Centrale. It’s easy to purchase your train tickets all the way to Arezzo directly at the Rome train station from a ticket agent, who can provide you with the best schedule and guidance on where to transfer.
Traveling from Florence to Arezzo takes about 2 hours in total. From the Florence Airport, you can take a tram, taxi, or bus to the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, which is about a 15-minute drive. From there, the train ride to Arezzo takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the train service you choose.
Coordinated Transportation/Private Transport: Melissa offers the added convenience of organizing shared transportation from Florence. Closer to the departure date, once all flight schedules are collected, she will arrange for shared group vans to transport participants directly to Arezzo. 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.
At the end of the program, Melissa will be happy to similarly coordinate shared transportation back to either Rome or Florence. Again, 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.
Reserve Your Spot
2027 Arezzo Italian Language Program
Secure your place in the 2027 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.
