Italian Courses in Italy:
Come to our Italian language school and study Italian in

Florence

Florence offers Renaissance buildings, exquisite Italian designer boutiques, exclusive shoe shops, charming cafés and romantic restaurants.

Florence

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The school

Italian and Mediterranean cuisine

Basic information

LISA! Mark of Quality

Sightseeing

Accommodation

Courses and prices

Language and Culture Course

Exam Courses

Dates and services

Travel

Online booking

Florence

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and lies within a lush hilly landscape with high cypress groves and green mountainsides. The city itself is home to around 370,000 residents and lies on the bank of the Arno.
The Tuscan capital provides the backdrop for historic buildings, great fashion boutiques and shoestores, bustling pizzerias and many people sitting on the café terraces from morning till evening sipping a glass of 'Chianto Classico'. The numerous museums, statues and palaces are all a reminder of the influence of the Medici family, who allowed artists of all disciplines to flourish during the Renaissance and it is these structures which people come to visit.

The dome, built by Brunelleschi in the 15th century, of Florence's largest building, the 'Santa Maria del Fiore' cathedral, towers above Florence's roofs. From here, the 'Piazza della Signoria', the hallmark of Florence, which boasts a copy of Michaelangelo's 'David', is a short walk away. Just behind, there is the famous Uffizi gallery, which has a world famous collection of paintings. Its huge grounds extend to the bank of the Arno, from which you can see city's oldest bridge, 'Ponte Vecchio'. This bridge has a long history of trade and to this day, there are many family businesses selling beautiful jewellery in its small shops.

If you cross the bridge, it will lead you to the city centre and to some of Florence's most beautiful boutiques, such as the 'Lui Jo' boutique on 'Via Calimala'. Florence is a great place to shop for men and women alike, offering elegant Italian style as well as shoe store upon shoe store.
Above the Arno, there is the 'Palazo Pitti', which used to be home to the Medici family, as well as the large gardens, also known as 'Giardino di Boboli', which gives a great view over the city and is a 'must' in the evening at sunset. In the evening, a trip to the theatre, a romantic dinner or both will round off a perfect day in Florence.

The school

Our language school is situated in one of the most beautiful town houses in Florence. It is in the heart of the city, not far from the great Cathedral of Santa Maria. The building dates from the 18th century and is now a listed building. Mighty columns support the high ceiling of the entrance hall and the ceiling frescos have been restored too. The school, which is located in a quiet area, has 7 classrooms with large Florentine windows. From the roof terrace you have a splendid view of the Cathedral and the whole city. There are excellent restaurants very close to the school.

This high quality language school is run by a lively Florentine lady who, along with the staff, organises wine tastings and fantastic four-course dinners in a typically Florentine restaurant. Our school has a great collection of Italian films and a piano for music lovers.
All tutors specialise in teaching Italian as a foreign language and will teach learners of all levels to speak Italian fluently (depending on course length).

Italian and Mediterranean cuisine

At our language school in Florence, we offer our students the opportunity of combining their language course with a course in mediterranean cuisine. Students can choose one of three different activity options. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions, we are always happy to help.

Italian and Cooking

Italian and Wine

Italian and Olive Oil

Italian and Cooking

On our cookery course, lovers of Italian cuisine will learn the technical skills for producing typical Tuscan meals, as well as the learning the Italian language. In small groups, participants will prepare meals according to traditional 'real Italian' recipes using simple, native ingredients. The cookery course takes place on 2 afternoons a week, after the standard language course. Each class will last around 3 hours. It is possible to book this course for one or two weeks.

Italian and Wine

Our wine course offers an insight into traditional and modern wine production in Italy. The course takes place on three afternoons a week, after the standard course. Each lesson is 2 hours long.

Italian and Olive Oil

This course delivers the basics in the production of olive oil as well as background in the various types of oils, which allow our participants to independently judge the quality of cold-pressed olive oil. The course takes place on three afternoons a week, after the standard course. Each lesson is 2 hours long.

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Basic information

LISA! Mark of Quality

Our language school is a member of the organisations ECL and Eduitalia. All our teachers are native-speakers and specialists in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language.

A new experience: our school recommends the restaurant Enceta Boccadama in Piazza Santa Croce, where every meal is a culinary experience. There is no menu, you order according to the chef's recommendations.

Sightseeing in Florence

This unique city has more than 50 museums, various churches, palaces, gardens and historically as well as culturally important sites.
We recommend a visit to the Dominican Church with its attractive Renaissance façade. This church is a masterpiece of Florentinian art, and is home to a fabulous collection of paintings, e.g. Boticelli’s Venus.

We also recommend a visit to the Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy the view of the city in one of the various cafes and don’t forget to visit the churches of San Salvatore and San Miniato al Monte.
In the evening, we recommend that you visit one of the pubs or restaurants which have live entertainment.
Florence is a paradise for shoppers – gold jewellery, elegant shoes, bags and belts, colourful ceramics: Florence has everything. The choice of delicatessen, olive oil, pasta, excellent wine and cheese is unique.

Accommodation

Shared flat: Self-catered single (SR) or double room (DR) in a private flat with bathroom/WC,fully equipped kitchen and lounge shared with other students. Average distance from the school: 20 minutes by bus or on foot. Accommodation here is for course participants from the age of 18 or over.

Family: In double (DR) or single room (SR) with breakfast (B&B) or half board (HB) in a friendly host family. Average distance from the school: 25 minutes by bus or on foot.

Courses and prices

Language and Culture Course

Our cultural trips to Florence are particularly aimed at participants over 50. Together with language learners from different countries and your age group, you will learn Italian and expand your knowledge.
In Florence we offer 4 different language and culture trip programmes. Accommodation is with a host family in a single (SR) or double room (DR) with breakfast (B&B), or in a self-catered shared flat in a single (SR) or double room (DR). Please give us a call, we are always happy to help.

Language and Culture: “A little bit of Tuscany”

Language and Culture: Beauty & Well-being

Language and Culture: Active Holiday

Language and Culture: Sailing and the Sea

Language and Culture: “A little bit of Tuscany”

Language, culture, wine, olive oil and good food. This programme offers participants an Italian language course in the morning, and guided excursions through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, away from the mass tourism of Florence, in the afternoons. The programme includes a cookery course, and an excursion to a Tuscan castle, and olive oil and wine tasting.

Language and Culture: Beauty & Well-being

This programme is dedicated not only to learning about the Italian language and culture, but also to the relaxation of both body and soul. In the mornings, participants will take an Italian language course, and in the afternoons, they will enjoy a relaxing wellness and cultural programme.

Language and Culture: Active holiday

Two weeks active holiday for all those wanting to explore Tuscany on foot, by bike or on a horse. As well as sports activities, the programme includes a cookery course and a farewell evening meal in a typical Italian restaurant. So as to keep up the cultural aspect of this programme, we offer a language course in the mornings, and cultural and historical tours in Florence as well.

Language and Culture: Sailing and the Sea

This fantastic programme is ideal for sea-lovers and enthusiastic sailors, who wish to combine their passion with the Italian language and culture. The programme includes a week’s stay in Florence and a week sailing along the Tuscan coast, with excursions to Elba, Capraia, Giglio and Giannutri islands. A professional skipper will accompany participants for the whole trip.

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Exam courses

At our language school in Florence, we offer the following courses: Preparation for the Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera (C.I.L.S.), Certificazione dell' Italiano Commerciale (CIC) and Certificato Linguistico (CELI).

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Please note:

• To enrol onto the course, your Italian must be at level A2. Enrolment on a preparation course is subject to a grading test before the course starts.
• Course registration must be completed by 8 weeks before the course at the latest.
• The exams normally take place in the last week of the course, therefore we can only offer limited teaching in that week.
• You must pay the exam fee while in Florence. Please consult the table regarding how much the exam fee will cost.

Exam Course Prices

Exam Course Dates

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Dates and services

Package includes:

• Language course as booked
• Accommodation as booked
• Loan of course materials
• Organised social/activity programme
• Travel advice and information
• Certificate on course completion

Additional services:

• Extra night without lessons: £ 51
• Half board supplement in Family: £ 101 per week
• Single transfer from the airport to your accommodation: £ 51 (only available for family accommodation between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.)

Travel

We recommend that you book a flight to Florence. There is public transport from Florence airport to your accommodation which is cheap and easily accessible. Please contact our staff for further information and advice.

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