Language. Culture.
Arezzo’s Jousting Festival…
and so much more!
Se mi hai seguita lo scorso giugno, saprai che ho appena concluso il programma 2022 di lingua italiana ad Arezzo alla Cultura Italiana. La mia partner, Paola Testi, ed io ho avuto un ottimo gruppo di studenti. Siamo state liete di accogliere di nuovo una studentessa che era con noi tre anni fa sul programma Matta 2019 e una studentessa che era con me sul programma Lucca 2021 lo scorso autunno!
If you have followed me this past June, you will know that I have just finished up the 2022 Italian language program in Arezzo at Cultura Italiana. My partner, Paola Testi, and I had a fantastic group of students. We were pleased to welcome back a studentessa who was with us three years ago on the Matta 2019 program and a studentessa who was with me on the 2021 Lucca Program last fall!
Quali momenti meravigliosi e vivaci abbiamo avuto per conoscerci meglio e parlare la lingua italiana durante e dopo le lezioni! È garantito che nuove amicizie sono fatte, e le competenze linguistiche sono migliorate a scuola e durante le conversazioni improvvisate al di fuori della classe con discussioni informali con i miei amici in giro per la città! Adoro mostrare le persone intorno ad Arezzo e presentarle alla giostra e tutti i miei amici che vivono in questa bella città collinare toscana.
What a wonderful, lively time we had getting to know one another better and speaking Italian during and after class! It is guaranteed that new friendships are made, and language skills are improved at school and during impromptu conversations outside of class with informal discussions with my friends around town! I love showing people around Arezzo and introducing them to the joust and all my friends who live in this charming Tuscan hill town.
I nostri studenti ispirano costantemente Paola ed io; abbiamo un sacco di nuove idee per i programmi del prossimo anno. Ad esempio, l’anno prossimo faremo il gelato con un gelatiere, scopriremo i segreti nascosti di Arezzo, incontreremo più artigiani, e avremo più tempo per parlare con loro delle loro professioni! Per esempio, l’anno prossimo faremo il gelato con un gelataio, scopriremo i segreti nascosti di Arezzo, conosceremo più artigiani, e avremo più tempo per parlare loro delle loro professioni. Siamo entusiaste del programma del prossimo anno e abbiamo deciso di pubblicarlo insieme alle date del prossimo anno nonostante non abbia ancora un prezzo fisso per darti un sacco di tempo per fare i tuoi piani. (Il prezzo del programma salirà leggermente a causa dello stato dell’economia in Italia e in Europa, e dopo confermiamo alcune cose, presto pubblicheremo il nostro 2023 prezzi).
Our students constantly inspire Paola and me, and we always come away with new ideas for future programs. For example, next year, we will make ice cream with an ice cream maker, discover the hidden secrets of Arezzo, meet more artisans, and have more time to talk to them about their professions. We are excited about next year’s program and have decided to publish it along with next year’s dates, although it still doesn’t have a fixed price to give you plenty of time to make your plans. (The program price will go up slightly due to the state of the economy in Italy & Europe, and after we confirm a few things, we will soon publish our 2023 pricing).
In the meantime, if you’d like to get on our waiting list, please email me at: Melissa@StudentessaMatta.com
I return to Italy at the end of the summer in August for three new programs in 2022. There are still spots available this year if you would like to take advantage of learning Italian and traveling with like-minded individuals to Lucca, Arezzo, or Ascoli Piceno in le Marche region. I am happy to set up a zoom call to discuss any of my Italian programs.
Lucca 2022: August 25-Sept 3, 2022
Arezzo 2022: September Weekend Joust: September 3-5
(There is a group of students attending the weekend joust that will remain to study at Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language School from September 5-9. If you’d be interested in joining them to study at the school, contact Melissa for details.)
Ascoli Piceno 2022: September 11-23
Ecco una sbirciatina al programma 2023 di Matta Cultura Italiana Arezzo Italiana!
2023 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Italian Language Program
June 11 – 23, 2023
2023 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Italian Language
(2023 Program Price: COMING SOON!)
To Learn More & Join the Waiting List, Click Here
Join Melissa and Paola Testi in Arezzo next June 2023 for an experience you won’t forget!
The 2023 Arezzo Program Includes:
13 Days / 12 Nights / 36 Hours Language Classes /
8 Dinners / Language Activities & Excursions / Accommodations
Matta Cultura Italiana Arezzo
2023 Program Enrollment
Click Here to View Program
Join Melissa and Paola Testi of Cultura Italiana language school in Arezzo June 11-23, 2023 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
2023 Matta Andiamo Arezzo!
Italian Language Program
Sign up Now!
Highlights of the 2023 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! We will also spend an afternoon with a local artisan gelataio learning how to make gelato! Come along with me and get to know all my friends in Arezzo. It will be an experience you will never forget!
There will also be wine tastings and guided walking tours of the city to see artisan shops and churches. We will have the unique opportunity of learning how to make gelato with a gelataio expert! We will also have cooking lessons in the home of a local Aretina chef and make pasta by hand as well as learn how to prepare many other local dishes. There will be excursions to CORTONA and ANGHIARI and a trip to Canto alla Moraia to visit the Moraia family villa. During all our activities, you will have the opportunity to meet and converse with Melissa’s friends and the teachers at Italiana the school to work on and improve your Italian conversation skills outside of the classroom.
The 2023 Matta Andiamo Arezzo! Italian Language Program will consist of 13 Days & 12 Nights in Arezzo, 9 Class days (36 Hours of Italian Instruction), Unlimited Italian Conversation Practice, 8 Group Dinners, Welcome Aperativo, Gelato making class, Wine tastings, Cooking class, Accommodation at the charming Antiche Mura Bed & Breakfast run by the delightful Barbara Lancini. Each guestroom is air-conditioned, has fast WIFI, and breakfast is included in the B&B’s cozy dining area. The program includes excursions to Cortona, Anghiari, Canto alla Moraia, Tickets to the Giostra, Tickets to the Cena Propiziatoria, Participate in Arezzo’s unique Cultural Activity the Giostra della Saracino, Unlimited Italian conversation practice, opportunities to meet and interact with like-minded Italian language students, meet and make new Italian friends, expand your Italian language capabilities.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
2023 Matta Andiamo 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 includes welcome dinner with aperitivo
- All Breakfasts included
- 1 Cooking class 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 major 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 / Visit to Lance maker bottega / 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
- Excursion to Canto alla Moraia to visit the Moraia family villa for wine tasting and degustazione of local products
- Gelato Making Class – we will learn how to make Gelato!
- Wine Tasting / Dinner included at Pomaio Winery located in the scenic hills outside of Arezzo
- Excursion to Cortona
- Excursion to Anghiari and the Bottega / Factory of Busatti fabrica where the famous linens are woven.
- Guided Tour by Local Art Expert to learn the Secrets of Arezzo
- Dinner Party in the Piazza with Melissa’s Italian Friends Conversation, Wine & Piazza!!
- Free Afternoons to relax, shop, wander about the town, opportunities to sign up for watercolor classes, or fresco making course!
- Make some life-long friends and have a marvelous time!
Click Here to Make a Reservation
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. All classes at Cultura Italiana feature a mix of grammar instruction as well as Italian Culture, designed to take each student to the next level of speaking and comprehension.
Accommodations
We will be staying at Barbara Lancini’s Antiche Mura, a B&B in Arezzo’s historical district, within 15-minute walking distance of the school. The rooms of the hotel are delightfully decorated and feature updated private baths, TV, Internet, and Air Conditioning. 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.
Book Now! There are only 10 spots!
Click Here to Make a Reservation
2023 Matta Andiamo Arezzo!
Sunday, June 11 – Friday, June 23, 2023
Availability is based on first-come-first-served & a reservation is not guaranteed until the receipt of the deposit or full trip payment. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. Accepting reservations until May 12, 2023. (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 small price variation.)
The balance of the trip fee will be due approximately 60 days before the program start date (4/13/2023). You may also pay the full 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 Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language School/ Matta Refund Policy & Terms of Conditions.
For more information, contact Melissa@StudentessaMatta.com
To make a reservation, please fill out the form
at the bottom of the page.
Click Here to Make a Reservation
….and we will have day Excursions to Cortona, visits to local artisan shops, and wine tastings at Pomaio Vineyards
2023 Matta Andiamo Arezzo! Italian Language Program
Sunday, June 11 – Friday, June 23, 2023
Maximum participants: 10 people – couples & singles welcome
Number of Days: 13 days / 12 nights
Morning lessons: 36 Hours
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 prior to the beginning of the program.
Sunday, June 11: 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.)
4:00 pm – Walking Tour of Arezzo – Overview of Churches & neighborhood with Melissa & a teacher from Cultura Italiana visiting Arezzo’s three main churches. We will meet in Front of B&B by the Statue of the Medici
7:30 pm – Welcome Group Dinner #1 (Trattoria in Centro)
Monday, June 12: (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)
2:00 pm – Excursion to Canto alla Moraia to visit the Moraia family villa, learn the history of the family, walk the grounds and vineyard, and taste the wines and products produced at the Villa, and have a picnic on the grounds or the family estate. Group Dinner #2
Tuesday, June 13 (Day 3)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Gelato Making Class! We will learn to make gelato with a local artisan in the heart of Arezzo. 2-hour class.
8:00 pm – Personal choice Dinner or experience dinner in Quartiere Porta Crucifera with Melissa “La Cena dei Maccheroni” (E20)
Wednesday, June 14 (Day 4)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Excursion to Anghiari By bus, we will take a scenic trip through the fields of Tuscany to the quaint town of Anghiari, where we will be transported back in time as we walk through this ancient little “borgo.” We will also have a tour of the Busatti fabrica where the famous linens are woven.
8:00 pm – Group Dinner #3 Trattoria in Centro di Arezzo
Thursday, June 15 (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 appetizer, 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 16 – Cena Propiziatoria (Day 6)
9:00 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
Lunch break
3:00-4:00 pm Seminario at the School to learn the history of Arezzo’s Joust
Return to B&B to relax
4:30 pm – Visit Sign. Conti’s Bottega to meet the artist and learn how he creates the Golden Lances
7:00 pm – Spritz in Piazza Grande
8:30 pm – Visit the Santo Spirito Museo guided by Roberto Turchi to see the neighborhood’s Golden Lances and medieval costumes
9:00 pm – Midnight – 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 17 – 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 CIAND 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 – After la sfilata del Corteo Storico passes by us, will move up the street to grab a light dinner near our B&B before entering Piazza Grande for the “Main Event.”
8:30 pm Personal choice Dinner. We will meet at Il Bar del Duomoper panini and have a light dinner picnic prior to entering Piazza Grande to watch the Joust.
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 18 (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 19 (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 20 (Day 10)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
1:30 pm – Excursion to Cortona
Free Choice Dinner
Wednesday, June 21 (Day 11)
9:15 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
4:00 pm – Discover Arezzo’s Hidden Secrets with Rachele! (Guido Monaco, Petrach, Giorgio Vasari Walking Tour)
8:00 pm – Group Dinner #7 Dinner in a pizzeria with Melissa’s Italian friends from Arezzo and many teachers from Cultura Italiana in a piazza in the Quartiere of San’Andrea in the heart of Arezzo. This will be a wonderful opportunity to mingle and practice your Italian conversation skills in a relaxed and comfortable setting!!!
Thursday, June 22 (Day 12)
9:00 am – 12:50 pm – Language classes at Cultura Italiana
6:30 – Wine Tasting at Pomaio Vineyard & Cantina
8:00 – Farewell Dinner Group Dinner #8 Celebration at Pomaio
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 on an hourly basis. 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 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 fill out the Deposit / Reservation form to reserve your spot in the 2023 Arezzo Italian Language Program. When you hit the submit button, you will be taken to a new form page. Please continue to fill out ALL the Trip Forms and sign the waivers and hit submit to fully enroll in the program. Thank you!
2023 Matta Andiamo Arezzo! Italian Language Program Enrollment
Pricing and Form To Enroll Coming
To Learn More & Join the Waiting List, Click Here
All Melissa’s Immersion Programs (Past & Present)
and Homestay Language opportunities
available through the Matta Website.
To Learn More & Join the Waiting List, Click Here
For more information about Arezzo and previous Matta Andiamo Italia! Programs Check out these posts and videos
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
