“Matta Andiamo in Italia! Programs”
Study in Italy, learn, practice, and
delve deeper into Italian culture & language
The Matta Italian Language Programs in Italia are small group immersion programs, which are 12 – 14 days, and accommodate up to ten individuals. Programs are open to couples and singles, and all language levels are welcome. This is a great chance for individuals who want to travel to Italy solo and want some company. The program focuses on improving conversation skills. Students study in the mornings at Melissa’s Italian partner schools with other international language learners at their level. In the afternoon, Melissa’s group reunites. We go on special excursions and participate in activities, art projects, local festivals, wine tastings, and cooking classes to continue practicing Italian skills with Melissa, local guides, teachers, and Italian friends.
Travel to Italy with like-minded language learners. Accommodations, cost of school and activities and excursions, breakfasts, and most meals are provided. There will be evening spritzes with the group, delightful conversations with Italian friends who will drop in and participate in our group dinners, and the time to explore on your own during free afternoons. The best part… you can put what you learn into the classroom as soon as you step out of class! Italian friends are also invited to dinner so you can meet and converse in Italian with others outside our group. Programs have taken place in Lucca, Rome, Montepulciano, Venice, Florence, Lecce, Ascoli Piceno, and Arezzo
Matta Italian Language Programs in Italy include:
- Accommodations
- Breakfasts & Most Dinners
- Italian Course
- Andiamo in Italia! Programs include:
- Program events can include: concerts, shows, movies, festivals, art lessons, museum visits
- Transportation fees to and from events
- Unlimited conversation with Italian friends and locals
- Fully guided by Melissa & teachers of partner school
The Matta Andiamo in Italia!
2023 Immersion Programs
Arezzo Spring: June 11 – 23, 2023
Lucca Fall: Aug 24 – Sept 2, 2023
Fall 2-Day Arezzo Joust
Weekend Package: Sept 2 – 4, 2023
Montepulciano Fall: Sept 10 – 22, 2022
Sign up now! Spots are limited.
Arezzo
June 11-22, 2023
Price: $4,500
In addition to studying Italian at Cultura Italiana Arezzo, highlights of the 2023 Matta Arezzo 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 quarter. Arezzo is alive with jubilation, costumes, and parades, AND there will be dancing and singing in the streets! Come along with me and get to know all my friends in Arezzo. It will be an experience you will never forget!
The 2023 Arezzo Program will consist of 13 Days & 12 Nights in Arezzo, 10 Class days (36 Hours Italian Instruction), Unlimited Italian Conversation Practice, 9 Group Dinners, Welcome Aperativo, 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 day excursions to nearby towns, and free afternoons to wander and shop. We will participate in the jousting festivities & tickets to the joust and the Cena Propiziatoria are included.
Lucca
Aug 24-Sept 2, 2023
Price: $4,300
In addition to studying at Lucca Italian School, highlights of the 2023 Matta Lucca program include participation in a cooking class with Eva and a wine-tasting excursion into the hills surrounding Lucca. We will discover all the town offers and visit neighboring attractions such as Cerreto Guidi & Vinci and Certosa di Calci. We will attend a Puccini Concert, participate in a relaxing art project, visit a local artisan, and bike the walls of Lucca. Best of all, we will immerse in the Italian language through lively dinner conversations with teachers, friends, and your hostess and crazy language guide — Melissa!
The 2023 Lucca Program will consist of 10 Days & 9 Nights in Lucca, 5 Class days (20 Hours of Italian Instruction), Unlimited Italian Conversation Practice with Melissa and the teachers at Lucca Italian School, 6 Group Dinners, Welcome Dinner, Art Class, Wine tasting, Visit an artisan shop, Cooking class, Accommodation at the charming San Martino Hotel, located around the corner from the Duomo in the heart of town and a 15-minute walk to the school. Each room is air-conditioned, has fast WIFI, and breakfast is included in the hotel’s cozy dining area or on their patio. The program includes excursions to Cerreto Guidi & Vinci, and Certosa di Calci, and free afternoons to wander and shop.
BUT WAIT! THERE IS MORE!
2-Day Matta
Andiamo Arezzo!
September Giostra
Weekend Package
2-Day Add-On
Sept 2 – 5, 2023
$675
If you choose to add the 2-Day Arezzo Jousting Package to the “Matta” Lucca Program, you will travel on Saturday, September 2nd (the last day of the Lucca Program) with Melissa to Arezzo. The 2-Day Weekend Arezzo Jousting Package includes: Accommodations in a charming B&B in the historic center, a city tour, a view of the costumed parades, flag thrower & musician exhibitions, and tickets to the joust, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Cena Propiziatoria the evening before the joust
This cost IS NOT included in the “Matta” Lucca Program Price. Please inquire about the cost of the extra 2-day package.
You also have the option to remain Sept. 4th – 10th to Study at Cultura Italiana. Contact Melissa to learn more:
Montepulciano
Sept 10-22, 2023
Price: $4,500
In addition to studying at Il Sasso Italian School, highlights of the 2023 Matta & il Sasso Montepulciano Italian Language Program include two weeks of classes at il Sasso Italian school afternoon activities, 10 dinners PLUS unlimited conversation practice! There will be day trips to San Quirico and Vitaleta, a salumi tasting at Fattoria Madonna della Querce and trips to Montalcino and Sant’Antimo. We will also visit Cantina Ciacci Piccolomini for winetasting, and we will spend the entire afternoon in Pienza with lunch included. We will have “walking and talking” excursions to meet local artisans and artists and an “art history tour” of the museums and churches, including San Biagio. We will have a cooking lesson with Claudia and a pizza-making lesson with Linda. Our “soggiorno” will culminate in an excursion to la Foce gardens with a farewell dinner at “Dopo Lavoro.”
The 2023 Montepulciano Program will consist of 13 Days & 12 Nights in Montepulciano, 10 Class days (36 Hours of Italian Instruction), Unlimited Italian Conversation Practice, 10 Group Dinners, Welcome Aperativo, Wine tastings, Cooking classes and excursions to San Quirico, Pienza, Montalcino. You will have the choice of three lodgings locations; at the Politian Apartments (a 10-minute walk to school), the Hotel Rondó (a 15-minute walk to school), or a townhouse Townhouse located next door to the school.
We become friends and share a special language bond.
It is an experience that will enrich your life.
To learn Italian well, you need to dive deep into the culture.
But to fully appreciate the culture, you need to learn the language!
The two go hand in hand!
Immersing in language and culture and traveling with like-minded individuals is a fantastic way to learn the language, improve your conversation skills and become fluent. The Matta Italian Language Programs in Italy incorporate structured study time with well-known Italian language schools and teachers. We participate in Italian classes suitable to our language levels in the mornings. In the afternoons, we go on group excursions and participate in activities that allow each participant to immerse in the culture of the city or region where we are staying. Each Matta program is custom designed and guided by my Italian Partners and me. We put together fun and original local activities that include: organized dinners, wine-tasting events, cooking classes, excursions, and art activities. I invite my Italian friends to join my groups, so those who travel with me have a continued chance to immerse in the language, make Italian friends, and practice language skills in a meaningful and fun way! My language partners and I encourage conversation throughout the entire program. We create a warm and friendly environment where it is easy to practice and keep using the language all day long!
