Announcing 2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Italian Language Program
Language. Culture. Arezzo’s Jousting Festival… and so much more!
Study in Italy with the Studentessa Matta: where language isn’t just learned, it’s lived. Small groups, big adventures!
2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Italian Language Program
June 16 – 28, 2024
$4,500
2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo
Italian Language Program
(2024 Program Price: $4,500)
To Learn More Contact Melissa@StudentessaMatta.com
Join Melissa and Paola Testi in Arezzo next June for an experience you won’t forget!
The 2024 Arezzo Program Includes:
13 Days / 12 Nights / 36 Hour Language Classes / 8 Dinners / Accommodations
Activities & Excursions / Personally Guided by Melissa & Cultura Italiana Teachers /
Unlimited Italian Conversation & Learning
Click Here to View Program
Join Melissa and Paola Testi of Cultura Italiana language school in Arezzo, June 16-28, 2024, to LEARN & IMPROVE YOUR ITALIAN! Immersing in language and culture and traveling with like-minded individuals is a great way to learn the language in a relaxed and friendly environment. My friends and teachers at Cultura Italiana Italian School in Arezzo and I are planning an exciting language and cultural program in the delightful hill town overlooking the Tuscan plains.
Click Here How to Reach Arezzo
2024 Matta Arezzo Italian Language Program
8 Spots Available. Make your reservation now!
(2024 Program Price: $4,500)
Highlights of the 2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Italian Language Program include participation in the June Evening Joust – la Giostra del Saracino and the activities surrounding the festival, including the neighborhood Cena Propiziatoria in the Santo Spirito Quartiere. Arezzo is alive with jubilation, costumes, and parades, AND there will be dancing and singing in the streets! There will be two cooking classes, two wine tastings, and excursions to Florence and Cortona! There will also be walking tours of the city to meet and converse with local artisans and visit the city’s most beautiful churches and piazzas; we will visit the Renaissance artist Vasari’s home and even go on a shopping expedition with a fun game! There will be unlimited Italian conversation practice, opportunities to meet and interact with like-minded Italian language students, and meet and make new Italian friends. So, come along with me and get to know all my friends in Arezzo. It will be an experience you will never forget, and you will use and improve your Italian!
Learn Italian in Italy, where every street and every piazza is a classroom! With Studentessa Matta, dive deep into the language, not just through books but through laughter, espresso, and the rhythm of daily life!
Explore Italy with the Studentessa 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
Italian Language Program Includes:
- 36 hours of Italian Lessons at Cultura Italiana Italian School
(9:00 am – 1:10 pm, with morning break) - Unlimited Italian conversation practice with teachers & Italian friends
- 13 Days/ 12 nights at le Antiche Mura Bed & Breakfast. Beautifully appointed rooms feature air-conditioning, a private bath, wifi, and internet access
- 8 Dinners which include a welcome and a farewell dinner with aperitivo
- All Breakfasts included
- 2 Cooking classes in which we will prepare a 3-course meal including pasta, meat, sauces, vegetable dish, and dessert. We will dine on what we have prepared
- Historical Walking Tours of Arezzo / visiting churches / scenic neighborhoods: Porta Santo Spirito, Porta Crucifera, Porta S’Andrea, Porta del Foro, the Chimera
- Participation in Arezzo’s Evening Joust Festival: Includes Seminars to learn more about Arezzo’s culture and history, A visit to the Santo Spirito Museum to see costumes of the Santo Spirito neighborhood / Evening Spritzs while watching the Jousters practice, Tickets & Reserved seats to see the Main event in Piazza Grande
- Participation in the Neighborhood Street Party — the Cena Propiziatoria – to celebrate with the neighborhood of Santo Spirito
- Half-Day Walking Tour of Florence to visit the Duomo Complex, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Spritz in Santo Spirito Quartiere, witPalazzo Repubblica — with Spritz Aperitivo!
- Two Wine Tastings – one in Piazza Grande and one at Pomaio Winery located in the scenic hills outside of Arezzo
- Excursion to Cortona and the Church of Santa Margherita
- Guided Walking Tour to learn about Giorgio Vasari: We will visit Casa Vasari, La Badia, and the Loggia Vasari
- Dinner Party in the Piazza with Melissa’s Italian Friends Conversation, Wine & Piazza!
- Guided Walking Tour to visit and speak with local original artists
- Guided Supermarket Shopping Excursion. Facciamo la Spesa insieme!
- Free Afternoons to relax, shop, and wander about the town, and opportunities to sign up for watercolor classes or fresco-making courses!
- Make some life-long friends and have a marvelous time!
All levels of language learners are welcome, from BEGINNER to ADVANCED. Students will be placed in appropriate classes according to their language levels along with other International students attending Cultura Italiana Arezzo.
— Morning classes at Cultura Italiana feature a mix of grammar instruction, group games & activities, conversation, and listening comprehension practice.
— Afternoon activities with Melissa are designed so that students may continue learning and practicing “fuori aula” outside the classroom. Participants are encouraged to practice their Italian conversation and listening skills in real-life situations by interacting with Italian guides, artists, wine-makers, chefs, and Italian friends.
NEW Accommodations for 2024!
You can choose to stay in three locations for the 2024 Matta and Arezzo Italian Program.
Option 1
B&B La Chimera
Charming, Traditional, Family Run, Unique
La Chimera is a brand B&B located just off Piazza La Badia (Near the church of San Francesco and The Restaurant Tortello Divino ) and parallel to Piazza Grande.
It is located in a historic building, now a hotel. Each room has a private bath. Guests have access to a reading room with a large fireplace and a cozy sala, where an abundant continental breakfast is served every morning. Rooms feature internet access, air-conditioning, hair dryers, mini-bar, and mini fridge. There is also a washing machine available for use by guests.
The B&B la Chimera is an easy 10-minute walk to the school Cultura Italian up a gradual incline. It is located a block from Sunflower Gelateria, an excellent gelateria in Piazza San Francesco.
If you wish to arrive a day early or depart a day later, Melissa can make arrangements with the B&B. Extra days spent at the B&B are considered out-of-pocket expenses and will be paid directly to the B&B.
Option 2
Hotel Aretino
Contemporary, Functional, Sustainable, Comfortable
Located near the train station and within a 7-minute walk of Piazza Grande, Hotel L’Aretino has a bar, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. This 3-star hotel offers a business center and a concierge service. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. The daily breakfast offers continental, Italian, or vegetarian options.
L’albergo Aretino is an easy 3-minute walk to the school Cultura Italian, which is located around the corner from the hotel in Piazza San Jacopo. It is also conveniently located right next door to Cremeria Cecconi, the best artiginal ice-cream shop in Arezzo.
If you wish to arrive a day early or depart a day later, Melissa can make arrangements with the B&B. Extra days spent at the B&B are considered out-of-pocket expenses and will be paid directly to the B&B.
Option 3
Corte del Re
If you want this option, there will be an E 560 one-time cost supplement fee.
Private apartment in Piazza Grande with kitchenette.
Set in Arezzo’s city center near Piazza Grande, La Corte del Re offers a hotel treatment in an ancient building with some of its original Etruscan and Medieval walls. Offering exposed-brick walls and painted or beamed ceilings, rooms have an antique feel with all the modern comforts. All the rooms are uniquely decorated and furnished with kitchenettes, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and satellite TV channels, some with a view of Piazza Grande. The reception is a relaxing common area with a library, fax, and internet corner, in an elegant and refined space. Breakfast is provided in a local Bar in Via del Corso, or you may prepare your own breakfast in your private kitchenette.
Book Now! There are only 8 spots!
2024 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program
Sunday, June 16 – Friday, June 28, 2024
Availability is based on first-come-first-served & a reservation is not guaranteed until the deposit or full trip payment is received. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. Accepting reservations until May 12, 2024. (After this date, you can still sign up for the program, but we can’t guarantee accommodations at the Antiche Mura Bed & Breakfast. We will help find alternative housing options, but there may be a slight price variation.)
The balance of the trip fee will be due on 4/17/2024, approximately 60 days before the program start date. You may also pay the total trip fee at the time of booking. To book with peace of mind and to safeguard your trip investment, in the case of a personal emergency or a family life event that might prevent you from departing for Italy, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance through agencies such as Travel Guard, AAA, or American Express. Please read the Matta Refund Policy & Terms of Conditions.
For more information, contact Melissa@StudentessaMatta.com
Learn Italian where it’s spoken, sip espresso as you master its prose,
and immerse in la dolce vita with the Studentessa Matta!
2024 Matta Arezzo Italian Language Program
Sunday, June 16 – Friday, June 28, 2024
Maximum participants: 8 people – couples & singles welcome
Number of Days: 13 days / 12 nights
Morning lessons: 36 Hours
Book Now! There are only 8 spots!
Proposed activities by Day (other than daily gelato eating!)
Activities and timing of activities may change slightly. A final schedule of daily events will be posted a month before the beginning of the program.
Sunday, June 16: Participants arrive at the B&B (Day 1)
(Melissa is happy to coordinate shared transportation from Florence or Rome nearer to the trip start date once she has everyone’s flight schedules. She will also coordinate a shared group van back to Florence and Rome at the end of the program. Group or private transport to Arezzo in a hired van will be out of the pocket expense.)
4:30 pm – Walking Tour of Arezzo – Walking Tour of Arezzo with Melissa & a teacher from Cultura Italiana. We will visit Piazza Grande, the Duomo, S. Domenico, Piazza San Francesco and Cultura Italiana.
7:00 pm – Welcome Aperitivo in Centro
7:30 pm – Welcome Group Dinner #1
Monday, June 17: (Day 2)
8:30 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana with a 30-minute morning break. (Only Monday classes start at 10:00 to sort new students)
4:30 pm – Museo del Saracino — We will visit the City’s Jousting Museum
5:30 pm – Guided Supermarket Shopping Excursion. Facciamo la Spesa insieme!
8:00 pm – [Group Dinner #2]
Tuesday, June 18 (Day 3)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
6:00 pm Wine Tasting with a Hearty Assortment of Cheeses, Breads & Tuscan Delicacies [Group ApriCena / Dinner #3]
Wednesday, June 19 (Day 4)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
2:00 pm Excursions to Cortona and visit to the Church of Santa Margherita
8:00 pm – [Personal choice Dinner]
Thursday, June 20 (Day 5)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Cooking Lesson in the home of Lalla: We will enjoy an aperitivo & prepare a 3-course meal. Includes appetizers, pasta making, preparing sauces and vegetables, a meat course & dessert, and dessert wines.
8:00 pm – [Group Dinner #4] – We will dine on what we have prepared
Friday, June 21 (Day 6)
9:00 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
4:00 pm Seminario at the School to learn the history of Arezzo’s Joust
7:30 pm – Spritz in Piazza Grande
8:00 pm – Visit the Santo Spirito Museo, guided by Roberto Turchi, to see the neighborhood’s Golden Lances and medieval costumes
9:30 pm – Cena Propiziatoria [Group Dinner #5] We will join the neighborhood of Santo Spirito for the street festival outside the Bastion—for a 4-course meal with wine—as we, along with the fans of the neighborhood, cheer on the jousters with chants, songs, and dancing in the streets.
Saturday, June 22 – Giorno della Giostra del Saracino (Day 7)
EVENTS OF THE DAY (Highlighted in Bold are Group activities)
7:00 am Primo Colpo di Mortai
10:30 am Ritiro della lancia d’Oro dal Duomo
11:00 am Secondo Colpo Mortaio – We will meet near the duomo to witness the Herald welcome us to Arezzo to witness the Joust / Parades begin
12:00 pm La Lancia d’Oro è in custodia nella sede del Signa Arrettii
FREE CHOICE LUNCH
Free afternoon to relax, wander and take in the sights.
6:30 pm Terzo colpo di mortaio Blessing of the Jousters we will meet in San Jacopo under the School to watch in the Santo Spirito Quartiere
7:00 pm – Assembling of Jousters and costumed players Piazza S. Domenico
We will make our way up to the Duomo to watch the Sfilata assemble in front of the Duomo
7:30 pm – Quarto Colpo di Mortai Corteo/Parade goes to the Duomo
7:45 pm – We will move into position just a few steps away in front of Biblioteca to watch the parade pass by (best place to get great pictures!).
8:00 pm – [Light & Quick Personal Choice Dinner ] before entering Piazza Grande for the “Main Event.”
9:00 pm We will enter Piazza Grande and take our seats in the Tribuna
9:30 pm The show begins – The Sfilata/Parade enters Piazza Grands
10:00 pm The joust (the main event) begins!
Sunday, June 23 (Day 8)
Free Day! Relax Totale! Rest up for the week ahead!
Stay tuned… there may be impromptu excursions, concerts, art exhibits, or get-togethers with Italian friends at the last minute, and you are invited to participate in these fun adventures with Melissa!
[Personal choice Dinner]
Monday, June 24 (Day 9)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
4:00 pm – 6 pm Walking Conversation Tour of local Aretini Artisans: We will visit local artists, jewelers, and artisans in their shops and chat with them about what they do, how they work, and their backgrounds.
8:00 pm – [Group Dinner #6]
Tuesday, June 25 (Day 10)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
1:45 pm – Excursion Florence – Walking Tour to visit the Duomo Complex, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Spritz in Santo Spirito Quartiere, witPalazzo Repubblica — with Spritz Aperitivo!
[Free Choice Dinner]
Wednesday, June 26 (Day 11)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
4:00 pm – Vasari Day – Visiting Casa Vasari, The Badia and the Vasari Loggia
8:00 pm – [Group Dinner #7] We will dine on what we have prepared
Thursday, June 22 (Day 12)
9:00 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
4:00 pm – Cooking Class and Wine Tasting at the Pomaio Winery
8:00 pm – [Group Farewell Dinner #8] We will dine on what we have prepared
Friday, June 24 (Day 13)
9:00 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
Baci & Abbracci / Departure from the B&B and Arezzo
How to Reach Arezzo
Transport to Arezzo: Arezzo is situated between Rome and Florence. Either airport is convenient, and trains frequently run between the two cities hourly. Melissa is also happy to coordinate shared transportation from Florence or Rome nearer to the trip start date once she has everyone’s flight schedules. She will also coordinate a shared group van back to Florence and Rome at the end of the program. Group or private transport to Arezzo in a hired van will be out of the pocket expense.
Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy… if you agree…andiamo!
Please complete the Deposit / Reservation form to reserve your 2024 Arezzo Italian Language Program spot. You will be taken to a new form page when you hit the submit button. Please continue to complete the Trip Forms, sign the waivers, and hit submit to enroll in the program fully. Thank you!
Matta Italian Small Group Language Programs
All Melissa’s Immersion Programs (Past & Present)
and Homestay Language opportunities
available through the Matta Website.
To learn more email Melissa at Melissa@StudentessaMatta.come
Italian Lessons / Conversation Practice
Check out these posts and videos for more information about Arezzo and previous Matta Italian Language Programs.
Cartoline da Arezzo – recap of the 2019 Program
Meet Paola Testi Director of Cultura Italiana Italian School – She Talks about Arezzo
Paola Testi invites you to join us in Arezzo to study at Cultura Italiana
Bella Arezzo Pictures to get you ready to travel to Arezzo
Arezzo’s Giostra – Jousting Festival
Con Antico Ardore – the 2017 Joust
Things the Arentini like most about Arezzo
Santa Margherita di Cortona: A Saint encased in glass
