BRESCIA
10 nights of Living and Learning Italian
20 – 30 April 2027
Simona and I went on a recce to Brescia and although it poured with rain the entire time, we regaled at its loveliness – if we enjoyed it so much in the rain, imagine in sunshine…
Elisabetta Ricci is from Agnone but lives and works in Brescia. I like to think she started her teaching career with Live and Learn Italian when she stepped in, weeks after graduation, as an urgent replacement for a much more experienced teacher. Her lack of it proved not to be a problem – she’s a natural, and passionate about the Italian language. After establishing herself in Brescia, Elisabetta suggested I come find her there, sensing it a good outpost as we expanded. She was correct!
A willing group came for a little trial, Roberto Musoni proved to be a wonderful guide, and we’re now putting together a programme with Elisabetta and Roberto.
The programme starts at 16.00 on the 20th and ends after breakfast on the 30th.
What’s included: 7 mornings concentrated on study; 7 visits; all entrance tickets; transport costs; 7 main meals, and 2 aperitivi with local Italian hosts.
There will be a free afternoon, and a free day for you to explore the city on your own, or indeed further afield. This could include a day in Milan or Verona, or a day on Lake Garda.
Brescia is an active and vibrant historic town not yet discovered by tourism; the centro storico is small, compact and flat; boasts a university and musical academy; is full of cultural institutions; is very well connected to other places of interest and has good travel connections.
Participants are required to take responsibility for their own luggage and get about unaided. For our accommodation list please email emily@liveandlearnitalian.com
€1800 + accommodation (not included)
GENOA
10 nights of Living and Learning Italian
4 – 14 May 2027
Simona is Genovese but after university lived for a long time in France. Returning a few years ago, she discovered her city transformed; the largest centro storico in Europe had been pedestrianized and the derelict port area of her student days reimagined by the Genovese architect, Renzo Piano. The restoration of its splendid palazzi has brought new life to this fascinating city.
Simona’s programme gets you beneath the surface. You’ll discover places not found in a guidebook and be introduced to people you would not otherwise meet. With a plethora of museums, palazzi, and different neighbourhoods, there’s much to explore.
The programme starts at 16.00 on the 4th and ends after breakfast on the 14th
What’s included: 7 mornings concentrated on study and preparing for visits with Simona and another teacher; 3 afternoons with carefully selected guides; a plethora of other daily visits with Simona and local residents; all entrance tickets, transport costs, 2 aperitivi, and 8 main meals.
There will be a free afternoon, and a free day for you to explore the city on your own, or indeed further afield. A quick train gets you down the coast to Camogli, Portofino, Rapallo, and Chiavari.
Genoa, for over seven centuries was capital of one of the most powerful maritime republics. Built on a steep hillside, it lies between coast and mountain, so the programme is very active – suitable only for those with a good level of fitness and agility.
Participants must be able to get about unaided and carry their own luggage.
We recommend Hotel Doria in the heart of the centro storico https://www.hoteldoriagenova.com/ which is close to lesson venues and most events, and it’s a big advantage to have everyone in one place. For more information please email emily@liveandlearnitalian.com
€1800 + accommodation (not included)
SAMBUCA DI SICILIA
10 nights of Living and Learning Italian
12 – 22 October 2027
Sambuca di Sicilia is a small hill town in the region of Agrigento. Simona has had a house here for some time and with her many contacts, it felt natural to segue to a Sicilian immersive experience exploring the history and culture of this part of the island.
The programme starts at 16.00 on the 12th and ends after breakfast on the 22nd.
What’s included: 7 mornings concentrated on study and preparing for visits; daily conversation and excursions with 2 teachers and other locals; guided visits to important sites of history; olive oil and wine tasting evening with the producers; all entrance tickets; transport costs; 2 aperitivi, and 8 main meals.
Sambuca is very hilly and full of slippery cobblestones, and there are no lifts in the B&Bs, so a good level of fitness, balance and stamina is required.
Participants must be able to get about unaided and carry their own luggage.
As there are limited places within the town, we have reserved rooms in 2 specific B&Bs. For more information and prices please email emily@liveandlearnitalian.com
€1800 + accommodation (not included)
PISTOIA
10 nights of living and learning Italian
12 – 22 October 2027
Alina is Pistoese. Having worked in many restaurants and as a student tour guide in the summer, Alina seemingly knows everyone. She now lives in Bologna where she went to university but loves to come back and is greeted warmly when she does. She has a keen sense of Pistoia’s hidden gems.
Well placed between Florence and Lucca, Pistoia has nothing of the tourism of those cities. Train connections are easy, the centro storico is small, compact and flat and stuffed full of history, places to visit, and a lively population.
The programme starts at 16.00 on the 12th and ends after breakfast on the 22nd.
What’s included: morning lessons with Alina and another teacher, working in 2 groups. Out of the classroom they will accompany you on visits with guides in Pistoia and in Prato; on a day out with friends in an agriturismo, and to local venues and events. All entrance tickets and transport costs, 2 aperitivi, and 8 main meals are included.
There will be a free afternoon, and a free day for you to explore the city on your own, or indeed further afield. Florence and Lucca are about 45 mins, Pisa about 90.
Pistoia is relatively flat, compact, and easy to navigate. Participants are required to take responsibility for their own luggage and get about unaided. For our accommodation list please email emily@liveandlearnitalian.com
€1800 + accommodation (not included)