Live & Learn Italian Language Holidays – A taste of the 2 Week Programme

Live & Learn Italian Language Holidays – A taste of the 2 Week Programme

Agnone welcomes the first group for a beautiful summer 2019 of Italian Language Holidays.

 

Saturday, June 15-29, 2019

Our drivers Fernando and Donatella brought guests to Agnone in 2 batches - from Canada, Australia, the US and UK.

Sunday, we went out to Marco’s, to hear about his honey and wine production.

Marco showing the group his honey

The pollen is extracted from wild fruits giving the honey strong medicinal properties.

Learning about wine production on Marco’s farm.

Some vines were planted recently, but many have been lovingly restored.

The day also gave the teachers a chance to meet everyone, and assess 1 – 1 before lessons on Monday.

Lunch was in the very cool stone cantina, with simple food from the garden. Different varieties of Marco’s fresh honey was drizzled over ricotta, we had a selection of other piatti tipici, and, of course, home made wine.

Lessons started Monday in Palazzo San Francesco, then for coffee to Letterario to get acquainted with the staff, and work out the many different ways to order coffee in Italy.

On an afternoon walk around the centro storico Walter’s group (surprisingly popular name in this region!) stopped by one of the most beautiful of the 16 churches. Before a chance encounter with a lady called Filomena, and Guido, il fabbro.

This led to hair appointments for Anne and Sally in the salon of Filomena’s daughter… funny how conversations segue, even in another language! 

Cooking dinner with Maria is a good way to relax and unlock the tongue

While Lucrezia and Francesca like to plan lessons together with a spritz, before joining the other small group dinner in famiglia with Rosaria and Leo.

Leo’s knowledge of history is extensive, and as natives of Naples, their love for Agnone comes with an outsider’s eye.

Before lessons a small group went to sample the focaccia, hot out of Mercedes’ forno a legno – 

She told us about her daily work; the lievito madre, preparing the loaves, heating the oven, growing the grain, the stone grinding, old recipes passed down from her nonna.

And then, off we went down the mountain to her brother, Donato, making cheese, with milk from his 20 cows. The bocconcino he gave us to taste was warm.

A walk in the woods kept everyone shaded. Stefania pointed out wild flowers, and herbs and grasses used in local dishes.

Saturday evening we drove out to Sant’Onofrio for a talk about the ‘ndociatta festival; the origins and traditions, making of the torches, and careful processes of this ancient pageant. Dinner, a variety of local dishes, finishing with oven baked lamb and potatoes was prepared by Gino… and delicious vegetarian seasonal platters.

But we expired early; it’d been a full week, and this learning Italian every day is tiring – plus we had to get up early Sunday to get to Campobasso for la festa dei Misteri  – a unique event with tableaus ( – real people) enacting the lives of the saints on Corpus Domini, 40 days after Easter.

A rooftop drink on the terrace at Tonina’s B&B – not 1, not 2, but 3 men in one session! Might be a first…. Welcome to the men!

At the little borgo of Marongoni, Nicola Mastronardi explained that the beautiful room into which we assembled was once animal stalls of the family small-holding.

His talk about the transumanza explored how profoundly this ‘migration’ has influenced the cultural life of the Molisani, before we gathered with all the family for a delicious meal.

PIetrabbondante is a site we never miss – even those who’ve been with us numerous times enjoy seeing it again and again; serene, majestic, and there’s always a mountain breeze which, this June, was most welcome.

Anna Maria had obtained black truffles from a local tartufaio, and the meal she prepared was a selection of local flavours. Describing the recipes of the simple dishes, she wove in stories about the land and harvests.

it was a packed 2 weeks with wonderful weather, if a little on the hot side - and the group left for Rome with a palpable sense of achievement. Tongues had definitely been loosened, and all had enjoyed meeting and engaging with this warm community.

Preparing now for September!

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Our Italian language teachers receive high praise from participants

Our Italian language teachers receive high praise from participants

Learning Italian with vibrant and passionate teachers

We are so lucky to have a wonderful team of teachers and praise from our guests this summer has been so strong, I wanted to dedicate a page to them. Over time we will add more and include their thoughts and comments – for now take a look at their histories and experience…

Alessandro Aucelli

Alessandro was my teacher when I first came to Agnone, and we’ve worked together ever since. From Isernia, he’s an excellent teacher, and our groups have unanimously praised his style and character. Alessandro is fond of saying, “Non ci sono errori, solo ipotesi…”

[View CV]

Filomena Caranci

With an incredibly varied and interesting CV, Filomena is from Isernia, and currently living in Milan. She has a wide experience in publishing, while continuing to teach Italian as a foreign language and working with immigrant community programmes in Europe.

[View CV]

Erminia Forte

Also from Isernia, teaching during the scholastic year in local schools, Erminia has an Arts degree and has completed internships in London at the Tate, and also in Canada. She’s enormous fun and charms everyone with her patience and calm.

[View CV]

Giovanna Di Lullo

Giovanna is from the nearby small town of Poggio Sannita. Currently working in Modena during the scholastic year, we are delighted we can grab her during her summers back in Molise. Giovanna loves working with L&LI – “meeting such interesting people and learning so much from them!”

[View CV]

Lucrezia Oddone

Lucrezia publishes a highly praised and award winning YouTube channel, Learn Italian with Lucrezia. From Rome, she jumped at the chance to join us in a part of Italy that was new to her. A vibrant and focused teacher, we will continue to work with her whenever her schedule allows.

[View CV]

Francesca Ricciardelli

Living and teaching at California State University in the US, Francesca is completing her second masters degree. A highly experienced Italian teacher, she also translates and contributes to publications and conferences. We will continue to entice her to Agnone during her summer breaks.

[View CV]

The highest quality tailored to your level

You can also find out more about our teachers by downloading their CV attached to each section above. All our teachers are of the highest quality, and, no two students are the same when it comes to speaking a second language, so we are very experienced at fitting our teaching to suit your needs.

 

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Not Quite Beginner Holidays

Not Quite Beginner Holidays

Join a group to kick start your Italian

When we first introduced Beginner’s groups, it was obvious that participants with a bit of Italian under their belts had a much better time and got a lot more out of their stay than those who didn’t know a word. So we created Not Quite Beginner Italian language holidays; an opportunity to learn Italian and have the experience of living amongst a traditional community.

After daily class, get out and about to explore - cook and share meals in family kitchens, meet artisans in their studios, and visit family food producers.

           

Even knowing just the basics, you’ll enjoy visits to Italy so much more! Chat at the bar when ordering coffee, move beyond just a buongiorno in the shops, spend a little time with us picking up colloquial expressions - modi di dire.

Agnone is a small friendly town - and they don’t speak English - it’s the perfect place to learn and practise as your confidence grows!

           

20 hours of Italian study prior to the course will acclimatise you, and provide a good launch pad. It also creates a cohesive group, because one person’s idea of ‘beginner’ can be entirely different from the next. We can help you organise these 20 hours – we might know someone local to you, or can set up Skype lessons with one of our teachers.

What’s the programme?

The day starts at breakfast with your Italian B&B hosts. Conversation may be slow and simple, but it’s important to hear the language, and listen actively.

Mornings are in the classroom (10.00 – 13.15), and you will be given a little homework and self-study.

1.30 – 17.00 is free time for you to get some food, rest and study, wander and explore.

Between 17.00 and 19.00 you will be taken for a talk or tour. To get an idea of the kinds of things we get up to, browse the website.

Evenings might be spent in a family home cooking together, visiting a nearby town of interest or agriturismo, enjoying a film screening, or at a local festival.

Events are in Italian, with some English, and our guides are good at speaking really clearly, and creating a conversational experience.

                      

We’ll get you chatting with bar staff, asking directions, getting to know the cooks and food producers – conversation opportunities are all around you.

The community is your teacher –

Included:

7 or 14 nights B&B accommodation with en-suite bathroom

7 or 14 main meals with wine and coffee

Lessons, 3 hours per day Monday to Friday

Transit from and to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Transit for events and meals outside of Agnone

Daily sessions with an Italian host or teacher including entrance fees

Film screenings, festivals

Fill in our enquiry form or send us an email to find out more: jenifer@liveandlearnitalian.com

Visit our homepage for more on our trips

 

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Live and Learn Italian selected by Tutorful as ‘best Italian resource’

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BEST PLACES TO LEARN ITALIAN IN ITALY

We are thrilled to have been selected by Tutorful as one of the best places to learn Italian in Italy.

This carefully researched article - How to become fluent in Italian - Top tools to learn Italian fast - highlights helpful tools such as Best Tutors, Best Websites and………

Live and Learn Italian is featured in

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Find us 2nd on their list of  (Scroll to the bottom of the page).

And obviously, the article is full of great suggestions of tutors, apps you can use, and websites you can engage with to further your Italian study. When you are in Italy - practise, practise, practise is the way to go! That is what we focus on. Do take a look and leave a comment.

 

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What to expect on our 5 night Italian cultural and culinary programme

What to expect on our 5 night Italian cultural and culinary programme

5 nights of Italian food and culture AWAY from the tourist trail. A unique opportunity to become immersed in an authentic community.

Live the slow life, discover ancient traditions.

  • All-inclusive MOLISE and Agnone
  • For groups of 7 – 10 guests
  • Our programme can be adapted according to preferences and the seasons
  • Private or family groups can be organised with a minimum of 5 people

Day 1

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport (pm), greeted by a private driver in a minibus for transport directly to accommodation in Agnone.

Welcome aperitivo and orientation followed by dinner.

Day 2

Tour of the centro storico and stories of town history. A medieval town crafted by Venetian stonemasons, with 46 separate artisan guilds - expert gold and silversmiths, watchmakers, tailors, musicians and scholars, bell makers….. there’s a story around every corner.

Light lunch in Agnone.

Visit to the Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli and Museum, the world’s oldest bell foundry. It takes 3 months to make a bell, no two are the same - the methods used today have not changed for centuries and through umpteen generations of Marinellis.

Carlo’s cantina to taste home-made wine and salami - The ‘Carlo cantina experience’ with wine and stories - life traditions of yesterday and today.

Dinner in Agnone

Day 3

Explore the town shops, meet family food producers: cheese, salamis, pastries, sweets, honey, olive oil and ice cream. See how they create with such careful attention, and generations of experience.

Lunch with local specialities.

Hike from Capracotta to Agnone. 1421 meters above sea level. The views are stunning, the landscape as it has been for centuries.

Dinner outside of Agnone - My favourite restaurant is unassuming, charming, and you’d never find it on your own!

Day 4

Visit countryside caseificio for cheese making - many to choose from, all making exceptional daily produce of which they’re rightly proud.

Tour of the copper foundry and museum - step back in time, film and artefacts tell part of the story - today’s work continues the tradition.

Lunch outside Agnone, il Rifugio.

Guided tour of Pietrabbondante Samnite ruins. A stunning site, hear the fascinating history of the origins of the Molisani.

Aperitivo and walk around Carovilli, famous for truffles.

Dinner at Monte Pizzi - More exceptional cooking and attention to detail in this charming hillside home.

 Day 5

Azienda Agricola to explore the land, vines, animals, and vegetable garden. See how it’s done and get involved. Making sausages, harvesting grapes, producing honey - every season has its flavour.

Tasting lunch – produce and local dishes.

Back to Agnone for free time for visiting the shops and the town.

Cooking and eating dinner together in private home with Molise wines and homemade digestivi. Sharing food around a family table brings visitors right into the heart of the community - see how the pasta is made, and have a go yourself! 

Departure day 6

Departures in the minibus to Rome.

  • In a shared room with en-suite bathroom €1,000
  • In a private room with en-suite bathroom €1,150

Our accommodation is in beautifully restored family run B&Bs within walking distance of events and visits.

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Immerse yourself in Italy

Let's discuss what works best for you...
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Learn all about our trips:

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For more details about how the trips can suit your needs, please email me at:

jenifer@liveandlearnitalian.com

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