Florence - Italian Language School trip

Day 1 - Fly to Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Florence First Look

Begin your journey in Pisa with a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower. A selfie favourite, it’s a great place to try out your creative photography skills.

Transfer to Florence and check into your accommodation before heading out to explore the city. Stroll over to Piazza della Signoria, a major square in Florence surrounded by important buildings like Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. As a hub for tourists and locals alike, students will hear a wide variety of dialects and accents. Try some world-famous gelato before crossing to The Loggia dei Lanzi. This open-air sculpture gallery provides a unique outdoor museum experience in the heart of the city.

Finish this evening with a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo. This large square on a hilltop overlooking Florence offers panoramic views of the city. Students will get their first glimpse of the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. A bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David is prominently displayed in the square. Especially at sunset, it provides an excellent vantage point for photography.

Day 2 - Italian Language School, Il Duomo, Guided Walking Tour of Florence

This morning, you’ll head for the first of your two Italian classes in Florence at a carefully selected school. Classes can be tailored to suit the abilities and focus of your students.

When school’s out, cross to Mercato Centrale (Central Market) to put your learning into action. This bustling indoor market is filled with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. The upper floor features food stalls and small restaurants. Students can interact with vendors, ordering food, and engaging in everyday transactions, providing practical opportunities to use Italian in real-life situations.

Suitably refreshed, it’s time to visit Florence’s most popular destination, Il Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). The Duomo is a symbol of Florence and offers breathtaking views of the city from the top of the dome. Its architectural beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit.

This afternoon, it’s time for a guided walking tour of Florence. Your outstanding local guide will tell you the stories behind the sights to help you gain a deeper understanding of Florence's development, bringing the city to life: admire the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge, one of Florence’s most photographed landmarks; visit the leather market and have your school group rub the nose of Il Porcellino for good luck. We will also take a look at the gold doors of the Baptistery, the Uffizi Courtyard, and the sculptures at Piazza Signoria.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a visit to Cinema Odeon Firenze, a historic cinema that shows films in Italian, often with English subtitles.

Day 3 - Italian Language School, Uffizi Gallery, Cooking Workshop

Return to the language school for the second of your intensive Italian courses. Students can build their confidence in the language, ready for another day in the city. Practice food and drink vocabulary or conversation, then head to Sant’Ambrogio Market. Less touristy than Mercato Centrale, you can converse with locals while exploring its fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local delicacies. It will help develop both students' language skills and their understanding of Italian culinary culture.

In the afternoon, visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. Notable masterpieces include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera.
Round off the day with an Italian cooking class, where students can learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes. Your cooking class will offer a fun, interactive way to learn Italian vocabulary related to food, cooking, and dining, while also immersing students in Italian culinary traditions. Enjoy your Tuscan cooking this evening—buon appetito!

Day 4 - Museum of your choice, Fly Home

After check-out, spend your final morning exploring Florence at your own pace. You could explore the Bargello Museum, dedicated to sculpture, or the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. For a more relaxed choice, explore the Oltrarno district. It’s a neighbourhood known for its artisan workshops, galleries, and traditional eateries. It's less touristy and provides a more authentic Florentine experience. It will give students that last opportunity to engage with artisans and shopkeepers in their native language and to learn about Florentine crafts and traditions.

Transfer to the airport for your departure after an incredible Italian language immersion.